bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and localization of two sensory neuron membrane proteins from Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Zhang Jin , Liu Yang , Walker William B. , Dong Shuang‐Lin , Wang Gui‐Rong
Published: April 2014

Sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs), which are located on the dendritic membrane of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs), are proposed to be associated with odor reception in insects. Recent studies have demonstrated that SNMP1 is essential for electrophysiological responses of OSNs to the sex pheromone, cis‐vaccenyl acetate (cVA) in Drosophila melanogaster. To investigate the function of Lepidoptera SNMPs, we cloned two SNMP genes, SlituSNMP1 and SltiuSNMP2, from Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis showed that both genes bear the general characteristics of SNMPs, including six conserved cysteine residues and two transmembrane domains. Further expression profile experiments showed that SlituSNMP1 is mainly expressed in the antenna, while SlituSNMP2 is broadly expressed in various tissues. By in situ hybridization experiments, it was found that SlituSNMP1 expressing cells are surrounded by the SlituSNMP2 expressing cells in the pheromone sensitive sensilla, suggesting different functions of the two SNMPs in insect olfaction.
Antimicrobial N‐halamine Modified Polyethylene: Characterization, Biocidal Efficacy, Regeneration, and Stability
Authors: Bastarrachea Luis J. , McLandsborough Lynne A. , Peleg Micha , Goddard Julie M.
Published: April 2014

Development of antimicrobial materials that regenerate antimicrobial activity represents a novel technology in preventing microbial cross‐contamination. We report a method for the application of regenerably antimicrobial N‐halamines onto the surface of polyethylene (PE) materials through layer‐by‐layer (LbL) assembly of polyethyleneimine and poly(acrylic acid). A total of 5, 10, 15, and 20 bilayers were applied. Modified PE had from 49.3 to 293.5 nmol cm−2 antimicrobial N‐halamines from 5 to 20 bilayers after 10 min of chlorination. Each variant of N‐halamine modified PE was able to reduce by >5 logarithmic cycles Listeria monocytogenes. The stability of N‐halamine modified PE was characterized after extended exposure to chlorine, acidic solutions, and an alkaline cleaner. After an initial conditioning period, materials generated more than double the quantity of N‐halamines present on as prepared materials, retaining regenerability for up to 100 chlorination cycles. After the equivalent of 300 washing cycles by buffers (pH values 3, 5, and 7) or a commercial alkaline detergent, there was no change in the number of antimicrobial N‐halamines on the modified materials. These results indicate that the reported LbL deposition technique results in antimicrobial N‐halamine materials capable of long‐term reuse and exposure to harsh chemicals as expected in a food‐processing environment. Such robust, regenerably antimicrobial materials could be an effective technology in the food industry to prevent cross‐contamination of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms.

Practical Application

The food contact surface of polyethylene was modified by layer‐by‐layer deposition of 2 polymers, resulting in a rechargeably antimicrobial surface. Repeated exposure to chlorine regenerated its antimicrobial activity, resulting in greater than 99.999% reduction in Listeria monocytogenes. Materials were stable against repeated washing and exposure to acidic environments. These food contact materials could support current cleaning and sanitization protocols in improving food safety in the processing environment.
Consuming Mathematics: John Ward's Young Mathematician's Guide (1707) and Its Owners
Authors: Wardhaugh Benjamin
Published: April 2014

John Ward's Young Mathematician's Guide appeared in fifteen impressions between 1707 and 1771; it was one of the most popular mathematical textbooks in Georgian Britain. This study examines the patterns of ownership and use that can be traced from surviving copies of the Guide and other evidence, to discover the kinds of reading and intellectual engagement the book received.
BAMMtools: an R package for the analysis of evolutionary dynamics on phylogenetic trees
Authors: Rabosky Daniel L. , Grundler Michael , Anderson Carlos , Title Pascal , Shi Jeff J. , Brown Joseph W. , Huang Huateng , Larson Joanna G.
Published: April 2014

Understanding the dynamics of speciation, extinction and phenotypic evolution is a central challenge in evolutionary biology. Here, we presentBAMMtools, anrpackage for the analysis and visualization of macroevolutionary dynamics on phylogenetic trees.BAMMtools is a companion package toBAMM, an open‐source program for reversible‐jumpMCMCanalyses of diversification and trait evolution.

Functions inBAMMtools operate directly on output from theBAMMprogram. The package is oriented towards reconstructing and visualizing changes in evolutionary rates through time and across clades in a Bayesian statistical framework.

BAMMtools enables users to extract credible sets of diversification shifts and to identify diversification histories with the maximuma posterioriprobability. Users can compare the fit of alternative diversification models using Bayes factors and by directly comparing model posterior probabilities.

By providing a robust framework for quantifying uncertainty in macroevolutionary dynamics,BAMMtools will facilitate inference on the complex mixture of processes that have shaped the distribution of species and phenotypes across the tree of life.
Using cognitive modelling to investigate the psychological processes of the Go/NoGo discrimination task in male abstinent heroin misusers
Authors: Liang Chi‐Wen , Zhong Roy Yi‐Xiu , Chung Yun‐Chen , Pan Chun‐Hung , Yen Muh‐Yong , Cheng Chung‐Ping , Hsu Wen‐Yau
Published: April 2014

Aims

To use cognitive modelling to investigate psychological processes underlying decision‐making in male abstinent heroin misusers (AHMs).

Design

A case–control study design.

Setting

A drug misuse treatment centre in Taiwan.

Participants

Eighty‐eight male AHMs and 48 male controls.

Measurements

Four parameters representing the attention to wins, learning rate, response sensitivity and incentive of heroin‐related stimuli from the modified Go/NoGo discrimination task.

Findings

A modified cue‐dependent learning (CD) model with four parameters representing attention to wins, learning rate, response sensitivity and incentive of heroin‐related stimuli had a lower value of the sum of Bayesian information criterion (showing a better fit) than the original CD model (9555.50 versus 11 192.22, P < 0.001). The AHM group had a higher value of the heroin‐incentive parameter than the control group (0.26 versus −1.66, P < 0.05). The attention to wins and heroin‐incentive parameters were associated positively with total commission rate and negatively with total omission rate in the AHM group (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Male abstinent heroin misusers appear to be more influenced by heroin‐related stimuli during decision‐making than males with no history of heroin misuse.
Effect of Impeller Design and Spacing on Gas Exchange in a Percutaneous Respiratory Assist Catheter
Authors: Jeffries R. Garrett , Frankowski Brian J. , Burgreen Greg W. , Federspiel William J.
Published: April 2014

Providing partial respiratory assistance by removing carbon dioxide (CO2) can improve clinical outcomes in patients suffering from acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and acute respiratory distress syndrome. An intravenous respiratory assist device with a small (25 Fr) insertion diameter eliminates the complexity and potential complications associated with external blood circuitry and can be inserted by nonspecialized surgeons. The impeller percutaneous respiratory assist catheter (IPRAC) is a highly efficient CO2 removal device for percutaneous insertion to the vena cava via the right jugular or right femoral vein that utilizes an array of impellers rotating within a hollow‐fiber membrane bundle to enhance gas exchange. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of new impeller designs and impeller spacing on gas exchange in the IPRAC using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and in vitro deionized water gas exchange testing. A CFD gas exchange and flow model was developed to guide a progressive impeller design process. Six impeller blade geometries were designed and tested in vitro in an IPRAC device with 2‐ or 10‐mm axial spacing and varying numbers of blades (2–5). The maximum CO2 removal efficiency (exchange per unit surface area) achieved was 573 ± 8 mL/min/m2 (40.1 mL/min absolute). The gas exchange rate was found to be largely independent of blade design and number of blades for the impellers tested but increased significantly (5–10%) with reduced axial spacing allowing for additional shaft impellers (23 vs. 14). CFD gas exchange predictions were within 2–13% of experimental values and accurately predicted the relative improvement with impellers at 2‐ versus 10‐mm axial spacing. The ability of CFD simulation to accurately forecast the effects of influential design parameters suggests it can be used to identify impeller traits that profoundly affect facilitated gas exchange.
A critical review of which children with acute myeloid leukaemia need stem cell procedures
Authors: Hasle Henrik
Published: April 2014

The last decades have seen parallel improvements in chemotherapy‐based and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) regimens for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in children. There has been no consensus on indication for HSCT. Reserving HSCT for high‐risk and relapsed patients spare many patients from the long‐term toxicity of this treatment. The results of matched unrelated donor HSCT equal family donor transplantation and the presence of a matched sibling should no longer be a transplant indication. Minimal residual disease measured by flow cytometry may identify poor responders benefitting from HSCT in first complete remission (CR1) and those with a favourable response to induction therapy who do not need HSCT even with adverse cytogenetic aberrations. FLT3‐internal tandem duplication without NPM1 mutation has a very high relapse rate despite favourable response and HSCT is indicated in CR1 in these cases. Finding the optimal indications for HSCT is a delicate balance between risk of relapse and late effects.
Repeat treatment of acute hereditary angioedema attacks with open-label icatibant in the FAST-1 trial
Authors: Malbrán A , Riedl M , Ritchie B , Smith W B , Yang W , Banerji A , Hébert J , Gleich G J , Hurewitz D , Jacobson K W , Bernstein J A , Khan D A , Kirkpatrick C H , Resnick D , Li H , Fernández Romero D S , Lumry W
Published: April 2014

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is characterized by potentially life-threatening recurrent episodes of oedema. The open-label extension (OLE) phase of the For Angioedema Subcutaneous Treatment (FAST)-1 trial (NCT00097695) evaluated the efficacy and safety of repeated icatibant exposure in adults with multiple HAE attacks. Following completion of the randomized, controlled phase, patients could receive open-label icatibant (30 mg subcutaneously) for subsequent attacks. The primary end-point was time to onset of primary symptom relief, as assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS). Descriptive statistics were reported for cutaneous/abdominal attacks 1–10 treated in the OLE phase and individual laryngeal attacks. Post-hoc analyses were conducted in patients with ≥ 5 attacks across the controlled and OLE phases. Safety was evaluated throughout. During the OLE phase, 72 patients received icatibant for 340 attacks. For cutaneous/abdominal attacks 1–10, the median time to onset of primary symptom relief was 1·0–2·0 h. For laryngeal attacks 1–12, patient-assessed median time to initial symptom improvement was 0·3–1·2 h. Post-hoc analyses showed the time to onset of symptom relief based on composite VAS was consistent across repeated treatments with icatibant. One injection of icatibant was sufficient to treat 88·2% of attacks; rescue medication was required in 5·3% of attacks. No icatibant-related serious adverse events were reported. Icatibant provided consistent efficacy and was well tolerated for repeated treatment of HAE attacks.
Fencing a Field: Imagined Others in the Unfolding of a Neighborhood Park Conflict
Authors: Trouille David
Published: April 2014

This article offers a detailed analysis of a neighborhood dispute over fencing a public park. Unlike the archetypal turf battles between longstanding and new neighborhood residents described in previous research, here the daily visits of Latino “outsiders” coming into a local public space produce conflict over park usage and control. The usually cited conditions for conflict, such as reactionary residents resisting ethnic transition and protecting their backyards, do not apply in this case, as the park sits amidst a relatively stable, affluent, white “liberal” neighborhood. This case study shows how sources of tension and trouble extend beyond the property interests and actions of the park users to include the more symbolic and indirect concerns about identity as reflected in park use. Together with longstanding concerns over neighborhood reputation and property values, changing demographics and greater sensitivity to the perception of racism distinctively shaped the unfolding of conflict in this case. The bumpy course of conflict and shifting opinions about the fence shed light on the new complexities and contradictions of contemporary social diversity and exclusion in city parks and other public spaces.
Calculating structural complexity in phylogenies using ancestral ontologies
Authors: Ramírez Martín J. , Michalik Peter
Published: April 2014

Complexity is an important aspect of evolutionary biology, but there are many reasonable concepts of complexity, and its objective measurement is an elusive matter. Here we develop a simple measure of complexity based on counts of elements, incorporating the hierarchical information as represented in anatomical ontologies. Neomorphic and transformational characters are used to identify novelties and individuated morphological regions, respectively. By linking the characters to terms in an anatomical ontology a node‐driven approach is implemented, where a node ontology and a complexity score are inferred from the optimization of individual characters on each ancestral or terminal node. From the atomized vector of character scorings, the anatomical ontology is used to integrate the hierarchical structure of morphology in terminals and ancestors. These node ontologies are used to calculate a measure of complexity that can be traced on phylogenetic trees and is harmonious with usual phylogenetic operations. This strategy is compared with a terminal‐driven approach, in which the complexity scores are calculated only for terminals, and optimized as a continuous character on the internal nodes. These ideas are applied to a real dataset of 166 araneomorph spider species scored for 393 characters, using Spider Ontology (SPD, https://bioportal.bioontology.org/ontologies/SPD); complexity scores and transitions are calculated for each node and branch, respectively. This result in a distribution of transitions skewed towards simplification; the transitions in complexity have no apparent correlation with character branch lengths. The node‐driven and terminal‐driven estimations are generally correlated in the complexity scores, but have higher divergence in the transition values. The structure of the ontology is used to provide complexity scores for organ systems and body parts of the focal groups.
Generic tacrolimus in solid organ transplantation
Authors: Taube D. , Jones G. , O'Beirne J. , Wennberg L. , Connor A. , Rasmussen A. , Backman L.
Published: April 2014

The availability of a wide range of immunosuppressive therapies has revolutionized the management of patients who have undergone solid organ transplantation (SOT). However, the cost of immunosuppressive drugs remains high. This situation has led to the development of generic equivalents, which are similar in quality, safety, and efficacy to their approved innovator drugs. There are data available for three generic brands, tacrolimus (Intas), tacrolimus (PharOS), and tacrolimus (Sandoz). Bioequivalence has been demonstrated for generic tacrolimus (Sandoz) within a narrow therapeutic range to its innovator tacrolimus drug (Prograf) in both healthy volunteers and kidney transplant patients. Clinical experience with this generic tacrolimus formulation has also been established in both de novo and conversion patients who have undergone kidney and liver transplantation, as well as in conversion of other SOT patients, including lung and heart recipients.
CXCL10 levels identify individuals with rapid fibrosis at 12 months post‐transplant for hepatitis C virus and predict treatment response
Authors: Joshi Deepak , Carey Ivana , Foxton Matthew , Al‐Freah Mohammed , Bruce Matthew , Heaton Nigel , Quaglia Alberto , O'Grady John , Aluvihare Varuna , Agarwal Kosh
Published: April 2014

Backgrounds

Recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is universal post‐transplantation. Fibrosis (F) stage ≥2 at 12 months identifies patients with rapid fibrosis progression. Antiviral therapy (AVT) remains the only option to attenuate fibrosis progression. We hypothesized that CXCL10 levels can distinguish between slow and fast fibrosis progression at 12 months, development of F ≥ 4 post‐transplantation, and help predict treatment response in patients undergoing AVT.

Methods

All patients that had undergone primary liver transplantation at King's College Hospital, London, between 2000 and 2011 were identified. Quantification of CXCL10 was performed using an ELISA‐based assay on stored plasma at six months post‐transplant and pre‐treatment. Comparison was made with liver biopsies performed at 12 months and in the post‐transplant period where available.

Results

One hundred and thirty‐three patients were included. CXCL10 levels were lower in the slow fibrosis group compared to the rapid fibrosis group (p < 0.0001). CXCL10 correlated with F stage, necro‐inflammatory score, and serum transaminases (<0.0001). CXCL10 was an independent predictor of F ≥ 2 at 12 months and F ≥ 4 (p < 0.05). Pre‐treatment CXCL10 levels were an independent predictor of sustained virologic response (p = 0.04).

Conclusions

CXCL10 levels help identify patients with rapid fibrosis progression in patients with recurrent HCV and those that are likely to respond to AVT.
C3 and C4 are strongly related to adipose tissue variables and cardiovascular risk factors
Authors: Nilsson Bo , Hamad Osama A. , Ahlström Håkan , Kullberg Joel , Johansson Lars , Lindhagen Lars , Haenni Arvo , Ekdahl Kristina N. , Lind Lars
Published: April 2014

Background

In several reports, C3 and C4 have been linked to diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Here, we investigate this link and the degree of C3 activation in elderly individuals.

Methods

In this study, C3 and C4 and the activation fragment C3a‐desArg were analysed in 1016 subjects aged 70, in which blood pressure, lipid variables and fasting blood glucose were assessed.

Results

C3 levels were related to all the investigated classical cardiovascular risk factors and the metabolic syndrome (BMI, waist circumference, fat distribution, blood pressure, blood glucose levels, TG) except total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in a highly significant fashion (Spearman up to 0,5; P < 0·0001). C4 and C3a‐desArg were associated in the same fashion but less significantly, while the ratios C4/C3 or C3a‐desArg/C3 were not, indicating that the association was not directly related to complement activation. The levels C3 and to a lesser degree C4 and C3a‐desArg were associated particularly with CRP, but also with E‐selectin and ICAM‐1. In addition, C3 and C4 levels were shown to decline significantly in 15 female subjects enrolled in a weight‐reduction programme over 4 months.

Conclusion

A strong relation between C3, C4 and C3a‐desArg levels, adipose tissue and risk factors of CVD was established. The data support that the adipose tissue produces complement components and generates initiators of inflammation, such as C3a and C5a, able to trigger a cyto/chemokine response, in proportion to the amount of adipose tissue. This corroborates the concept that complement contributes to the low‐grade inflammation associated with obesity.
Using functional diversity patterns to explore metacommunity dynamics: a framework for understanding local and regional influences on community structure
Authors: Spasojevic Marko J. , Copeland Stella , Suding Katharine N.
Published: April 2014

The metacommunity concept, describing how local and regional scale processes interact to structure communities, has been successfully applied to patterns of taxonomic diversity. Functional diversity has proved useful for understanding local scale processes, but has less often been applied to understanding regional scale processes. Here, we explore functional diversity patterns within a metacommunity context to help elucidate how local and regional scale processes influence community assembly. We detail how each of the four metacommunity perspectives (species sorting, mass effects, patch dynamics, neutral) predict different patterns of functional beta‐ and alpha‐diversity and spatial structure along two key gradients: dispersal limitation and environmental conditions. We then apply this conceptual model to a case study from alpine tundra plant communities. We sampled species composition in 17 ‘sky islands’ of alpine tundra in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, USA that differed in geographic isolation and area (key factors related to dispersal limitation) and temperature and elevation (key environmental factors). We quantified functional diversity in each site based on specific leaf area, leaf area, stomatal conductance, plant height and chlorophyll content. We found that colder high elevation sites were functionally more similar to each other (decreased functional beta‐diversity) and had lower functional alpha‐diversity. Geographic isolation and area did not influence functional beta‐ or alpha‐diversity. These results suggest a strong role for environmental conditions structuring alpine plant communities, patterns consistent with the species sorting metacommunity perspective. Incorporating functional diversity into metacommunity theory can help elucidate how local and regional factors structure communities and provide a framework for observationally examining the role of metacommunity dynamics in systems where experimental approaches are less tractable.
Congener diversity, topographic heterogeneity and human‐assisted dispersal predict spread rates of alien herpetofauna at a global scale
Authors: Liu Xuan , Li Xianping , Liu Zetian , Tingley Reid , Kraus Fred , Guo Zhongwei , Li Yiming
Published: April 2014

Understanding the factors that determine rates of range expansion is not only crucial for developing risk assessment schemes and management strategies for invasive species, but also provides important insight into the ability of species to disperse in response to climate change. However, there is little knowledge on why some invasions spread faster than others at large spatiotemporal scales. Here, we examine the effects of human activities, species traits and characteristics of the invaded range on spread rates using a global sample of alien reptile and amphibian introductions. We show that spread rates vary remarkably among invaded locations within a species, and differ across biogeographical realms. Spread rates are positively related to the richness of native congeneric species and human‐assisted dispersal in the invaded range but are negatively correlated with topographic heterogeneity. Our findings highlight the importance of environmental characteristics and human‐assisted dispersal in developing robust frameworks for predicting species' range shifts.
The future for managing recreational fisheries in theMurray‐DarlingBasin
Authors: Barwick Matt J. , Koehn John D. , Crook David , Todd Charles R. , Westaway Cameron , Trueman William
Published: April 2014

Sustainable management of natural resources requires robust and timely information inputs, particularly in multispecies or cross‐jurisdictional fisheries such as theMurray‐DarlingBasin's (MDB) recreational fishery. Innovative data collection and monitoring approaches, management tools and cooperative efforts enable the requirements of fisheries managers to be met efficiently and cost‐effectively. This paper considers a number of pioneering initiatives operationalised under the Native Fish Strategy that have helped inform sustainable management outcomes for the recreational fishery in theMDB.
Crowdfunding in a Prosocial Microlending Environment: Examining the Role of Intrinsic versus Extrinsic Cues
Authors: Allison Thomas H. , Davis Blakley C. , Short Jeremy C. , Webb Justin W.
Published: April 2014

Microloans garnered from crowdfunding provide an important source of financial capital for nascent entrepreneurs. Drawing on cognitive evaluation theory, we assess how linguistic cues known to affect underlying motivation can frame entrepreneurial narratives either as a business opportunity or as an opportunity to help others. We examine how this framing affects fundraising outcomes in the context of prosocial lending and conduct our analysis on a sample of microloans made to over 36,000 entrepreneurs in 51 countries via an online crowdfunding platform. We find that lenders respond positively to narratives highlighting the venture as an opportunity to help others, and less positively when the narrative is framed as a business opportunity.
Effects of graphene nanoplatelets and graphene nanosheets on fracture toughness of epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Shokrieh M. M. , Ghoreishi S. M. , Esmkhani M. , Zhao Z.
Published: April 2014

The effects of graphene nanoplatelets (GPLs) and graphene nanosheets (GNSs) on fracture toughness and tensile properties of epoxy resin have been studied. A new technique for synthesis of GPLs based on changing magnetic field is developed. The transmission‐electron microscopy and the Raman spectroscopy were employed to characterize the size and chemical structure of the synthesized graphene platelets. The critical stress intensity factor and tensile properties of epoxy matrix filled with GPL and GNS particles were measured. Influence of filler content, filler size and dispersion state was examined. It was found that the GPLs have greater impact on both fracture toughness and tensile strength of nanocomposites compared with the GNSs. For instance, fracture toughness increased by 39% using 0.5 wt% GPLs and 16% for 0.5 wt% GNSs.
New approach to evaluate non‐proportionality in multiaxial loading conditions
Authors: Anes Vitor , Reis Luis , Li Bin , de Freitas M.
Published: April 2014

The shear stress amplitude is one of the most important parameters in the formulation of many multiaxial fatigue models proposed in literature. The shear stress amplitude is usually evaluated by the longest projection or the minimum circumscribed circle approach in a shear stress space. Further, the von Mises and Tresca stress spaces are the most used ones under multiaxial loading conditions, where the damage ratio between axial and shear damages is a constant value: 0.577 for von Mises and 0.5 for Tresca. However, the damage scale in each stress space's axes may vary significantly depending on materials' type.

Therefore, evaluating proportional and non‐proportional damages using conventional stress spaces (von Mises or Tresca) may lead to erroneous interpretations. In this work, systematic fatigue experiments under proportional and non‐proportional loading conditions are presented for three structural steels: Ck45, AISI303 and the 42CrMo4. To quantify the relative damage between proportional and non‐proportional loading paths, a material's non‐proportional sensitivity parameter (Y parameter), determined based on materials experimental tests, is proposed. From this research, it can be drawn that the appropriate axial/shear damage relation should be used to estimate multiaxial fatigue life.
Rapid plant species loss at high rates and at low frequency of N addition in temperate steppe
Authors: Zhang Yunhai , Lü Xiaotao , Isbell Forest , Stevens Carly , Han Xu , He Nianpeng , Zhang Guangming , Yu Qiang , Huang Jianhui , Han Xingguo
Published: April 2014

Humans are both intentionally (fertilization) and unintentionally (atmospheric nutrient deposition) adding nutrients worldwide. Increasing availability of biologically reactive nitrogen (N) is one of the major drivers of plant species loss. It remains unclear, however, whether plant diversity will be equally reduced by inputs of reactive N coming from either small and frequent N deposition events or large and infrequent N fertilization events. By independently manipulating the rate and frequency of reactive N inputs, our study teases apart these potentially contrasting effects. Plant species richness decreased more quickly at high rates and at low frequency of N addition, which suggests that previous fertilization studies have likely over‐estimated the effects of N deposition on plant species loss. N‐induced species loss resulted from both acidification and ammonium toxicity. Further study of small and frequent N additions will be necessary to project future rates of plant species loss under increasing aerial N deposition.
Ebullitive methane emissions from oxygenated wetland streams
Authors: Crawford John T. , Stanley Emily H. , Spawn Seth A. , Finlay Jacques C. , Loken Luke C. , Striegl Robert G.
Published: April 2014

Stream and river carbon dioxide emissions are an important component of the global carbon cycle. Methane emissions from streams could also contribute to regional or global greenhouse gas cycling, but there are relatively few data regarding stream and river methane emissions. Furthermore, the available data do not typically include the ebullitive (bubble‐mediated) pathway, instead focusing on emission of dissolved methane by diffusion or convection. Here, we show the importance of ebullitive methane emissions from small streams in the regional greenhouse gas balance of a lake and wetland‐dominated landscape in temperate North America and identify the origin of the methane emitted from these well‐oxygenated streams. Stream methane flux densities from this landscape tended to exceed those of nearby wetland diffusive fluxes as well as average global wetland ebullitive fluxes. Total stream ebullitive methane flux at the regional scale (103 Mg C yr−1; over 6400 km2) was of the same magnitude as diffusive methane flux previously documented at the same scale. Organic‐rich stream sediments had the highest rates of bubble release and higher enrichment of methane in bubbles, but glacial sand sediments also exhibited high bubble emissions relative to other studied environments. Our results from a database of groundwater chemistry support the hypothesis that methane in bubbles is produced in anoxic near‐stream sediment porewaters, and not in deeper, oxygenated groundwaters. Methane interacts with other key elemental cycles such as nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur, which has implications for ecosystem changes such as drought and increased nutrient loading. Our results support the contention that streams, particularly those draining wetland landscapes of the northern hemisphere, are an important component of the global methane cycle.
Linking interdecadal changes in British river ecosystems to water quality and climate dynamics
Authors: Vaughan Ian P. , Ormerod Steve J.
Published: April 2014

Macroinvertebrate communities in Western European rivers have changed substantially in recent decades. Understanding the causes is challenging because improvements in water quality have coincided with climatic variations over this period. Using data covering >2300 rivers and 21 years (1991–2011) across England and Wales, we analysed family‐level distributions and nationwide trends in prevalence (proportion of sampling locations where an organism was present) to diagnose the causes of ecological change. Our aims were to: (i) reveal the taxa driving assemblage‐level trends; (ii) identify the main changes in family‐level prevalence and distribution patterns; and (iii) test whether changes were accounted for by improving water quality, increasing temperatures or variations in discharge. While previous analyses revealed increasing richness among British river invertebrates, a partial turnover of taxa is now evident. Two distinct components of temporal trend have comprised: (i) overall increases or decreases in taxon prevalence over 21 years, which correlated with pollution sensitivity and discharge; and (ii) short‐term variations in prevalence that correlated primarily with temperature and nutrient concentrations. The longer‐term changes in prevalence were reflected in expansions or contractions in families' distributions linked to water quality, with little evidence of shifts consistent with increasing temperatures. Although these monitoring data had limitations (e.g., family‐level data, few headwaters), they provide no clear evidence of long‐term climate effects on invertebrates; the one feature consistent with climate warming – a small northward expansion of the range of many taxa – was accounted for by large improvements in water quality in northern England. Nevertheless, changes linked to discharge and temperature over the shorter‐term (<2 years) point to the climatic sensitivity of invertebrate communities. It is therefore likely that any long‐term climatic changes since 1990 have been outweighed by the strength and geographical extent of the recovery from poor water quality.
Pathological evaluation of the staging axillary lymph nodes for breast cancer: a national survey in the United Kingdom
Authors: Verma Rashmi , Sundara Rajan Sreekumar , Verghese Eldo T , Horgan Kieran , Hanby Andrew M , Lane Sally
Published: April 2014

Aims

The handling and examination of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) to detect metastasis is critical in the assessment of early breast cancer patients. This survey investigates the variation in practise followed by pathology units across the United Kingdom in the staging evaluation of axillary lymph nodes (ALNs).

Methods and results

A structured questionnaire, approved by the National Health Service Breast Screening Programme pathology Big 18 committee, was circulated among all pathologists. There were 160 respondents; 92% performed SLN biopsy for staging, 97% had a protocol for processing SLNs and most laboratories examined the ALNs using formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) samples (85.6%). A few used PCR (7.5%), frozen section (3.8%) or touch imprint cytology (3.1%), with or without subsequent FFPE section examination. Currently, 33% perform serial sectioning, with the majority of the rest (75%) staining three levels using H&E. Most units (85%) undertook immunohistochemistry evaluation only when suspicious cells were detected on H&E‐stained sections.

Conclusions

The range of practise in UK histopathology departments is described with regard to the dissection and evaluation of ALNs/SLN biopsy. The variation in practise was not very marked and most departments adhered to national guidelines. Any UK study seeking to relate ALN status and outcome would need to be mindful of the variability in nodal processing and examination.
Optimization of Alumina and Aluminosilicate Aerogel Structure for High‐Temperature Performance
Authors: Hurwitz Frances I. , Gallagher Meghan , Olin Tracy C. , Shave Molly K. , Ittes Marlyssa Α. , Olafson Katy N. , Fields Meredith G. , Guo Haiquan , Rogers Richard B.
Published: April 2014

Alumina and aluminosilicate aerogels offer potential for use at temperatures above 700°C, where silica aerogels begin to sinter. Stability of alumina and aluminosilicate pore structures at high temperatures is governed by the starting aerogel structure, which, in turn is controlled by the synthesis route. Structure, morphology, and crystallization behavior are compared for aerogels synthesized from AlCl3 and propylene oxide with those synthesized from a variety of boehmite precursors. The aerogels possessing a crystalline boehmite structure in the as‐synthesized condition retained mesoporous structures to temperatures of 1200°C, while the AlCl3‐derived aerogels, although exhibiting higher as‐synthesized surface areas, crystallized and densified at 980–1005°C.
The study of perceived stress, coping strategy and self‐efficacy of Chinese undergraduate nursing students in clinical practice
Authors: Zhao Fang‐Fang , Lei Xiao‐Ling , He Wei , Gu Yan‐Hong , Li Dong‐Wen
Published: April 2014

The aim of the study was to explore the coping strategy and the effects of self‐efficacy of Chinese undergraduate nursing students when they face the stress in clinical practice. Convenience sampling was used to recruit undergraduate nursing students in Mainland China who have practiced 3 months in hospitals in their final college year. Self‐report questionnaires including demographics, Perceived Stress Scale, coping behaviour inventory and Generalized Self‐Efficacy Scale were collected. The results showed that during clinical practice, assignments and workload were the most common stress to students; transference was the most frequently used coping strategy by students. Self‐efficacy not only had a positive main effect in predicting the frequency of use of staying optimistic and problem solving strategies but also moderated the effects of stress from taking care of patients on transference strategy, as well as stress from assignments and workload on problem solving strategy. It is essential to bolster the students' self‐efficacy to reduce stress and adopt positively the coping strategies during clinical practice.
Resilience in families of children with Down syndrome in Korea
Authors: Choi Eun Kyoung , Yoo Il Young
Published: April 2014

This study aims to identify the factors related to resilience of the families of children with Down syndrome (DS). Data were collected from 126 parents of children with DS in Korea, using a self‐administered questionnaire. The age of the child, developmental level of the child, parental depression, and stress and strain were negatively related with family adaptation, whereas health of parents, family cohesiveness, flexibility, communication skills, supportive family/relatives, and quality of community service were positively related. Parental depression, family cohesiveness and communication skills were the factors that were strongly related to family resilience and adaptation. It is suggested that nursing interventions to decrease parental depression and increase family cohesiveness and communication skills should be included to increase resilience of the families of children with DS.
HIFU for prostate cancer – a nursing perspective
Authors: Couling Rowena
Published: April 2014

High‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for prostate cancer treatment is a minimally invasive treatment option that is becoming more widely available within the UK and worldwide. The published data available include outcomes over a 15‐year period, although these are mainly based on the efficacy of the treatment. The nursing care for men choosing to undergo HIFU for their prostate cancer has developed as the technology of the treatment has evolved. This paper seeks to outline the current nursing care within one practice in the UK, with the focus being very much on preparation of the patient undergoing HIFU and follow‐up support and advice. It explores areas requiring formal audit and the need for guidelines which would involve evidence‐based practice and research.
Outcomes of allogeneic haemopoietic stem cell transplants at a small New Zealand centre: does size matter?
Authors: Ganly P. , Cole S. , Trengrove A. , Butler A.
Published: April 2014

Background

Reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) protocols for allogeneic haemopoietic cell transplants (HCT) have become commonplace treatments for patients with haematological disease, extending allogeneic HCT to older and less fit patients. There is a perception that centres treating larger numbers of patients have improved outcomes.

Aims

We wanted to examine whether outcomes for adult allogeneic HCT patients from our smaller centre were equivalent to those expected at larger centres internationally.

Methods

Clinical and laboratory data were collected on all patients who received allogeneic HCT during 2000–2012. Outcomes, including overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival, were compared between patients receiving myeloablative conditioning (MAC) and RIC protocols.

Results

One hundred and eighteen adult patients underwent allogeneic HCT with MAC (n = 51) or RIC (n = 67). The mean age of patients receiving MAC (35.8 years, range 18–56) was lower than those receiving RIC (48.4 years, range 19–64). Two‐year OS was similar for MAC and RIC patients (66% vs 62%, P = 0.17), whereas 2‐year progression‐free survival was superior in MAC patients (63% vs 50%, P = 0.01) due to fewer relapses. OS was reduced in older patients irrespective of conditioning. Patients with chronic graft‐versus‐host disease had improved survival due to fewer relapses. OS was unaffected by HCT comorbidity index, donor, cell source or patient/donor cytomegalovirus status.

Conclusion

RIC protocols have resulted in long‐term survival in many patients ineligible for MAC protocols. In our smaller centre, patient age but not conditioning intensity influenced survival, which was equivalent to reports from larger centres.
Culture's Consequences for Leadership: The Role of Context in Affecting Leadership Perceptions and Performance
Authors: Kramer William S. , Shuffler Marissa L.
Published: April 2014

As acknowledged by Lord and Dinh (2014) in their focal article, across a plethora of organizational literatures and topics of interest, there often seems to be a common theme: context matters. Although this is not a very surprising statement and may seem obvious, the surprising reality is that within a number of topics in our field, context is either superficially taken into consideration or not examined at all. This oversight has the potential to skew our understanding of important concepts. Indeed, Joshi and Roh (2009) revealed in their meta-analysis exploring team diversity that context served as a significant moderator of performance, illustrating the criticality of understanding how contextual factors may predict outcomes above and beyond individual inputs.
Fluctuations in vital signs and behavioural responses of brain surgery patients in the Intensive Care Unit: are they valid indicators of pain?
Authors: Kapoustina Oxana , Echegaray‐Benites Christine , Gélinas Céline
Published: April 2014

Aim

To examine the validity of behaviours and fluctuations in vital signs for pain assessment of postbrain surgery adults in the neurosurgical intensive care unit.

Background

Many patients in an intensive care unit may be unable to self‐report their pain. In such cases, the use of observable indicators is recommended. Very little research has explored the validity of the use of behaviours and vital signs for pain assessment of neurocritically ill patients.

Design

Prospective repeated‐measure within‐subject observational design.

Methods

A total of 43 postbrain surgery patients were video recorded before, during and 15 minutes after a non‐nociceptive (non‐invasive blood pressure cuff inflation) and a nociceptive (turning) procedures. Their behaviours and vital signs were collected with a pre‐tested behavioural checklist and a data collection computer connected to the bedside monitor. The patients' self‐report of pain was obtained whenever possible. Data were collected between June–December in 2011.

Results

A larger number of pain‐related behaviours were exhibited by participants during the nociceptive procedure compared with the non‐nociceptive procedure supporting discriminant validation. Among vital signs, only respiratory rate differed significantly between the two procedures. Regarding criterion validation, only behaviours were positively correlated with self‐reports of pain.

Conclusion

Behaviours were found valid indicators of pain in neurocritically ill patients after elective brain surgery. Fluctuations in vital signs may suggest the presence of pain, but their validity for such use is not supported. They should only be used in combination with other validated pain assessment methods.
Dermatological conditions presenting at the Emergency Department in Siena University Hospital from 2006 to 2011
Authors: Rubegni P. , Cevenini G. , Lamberti A. , Bruni F. , Tiezzi R. , Verzuri A. , Barbini P. , Manzi P. , Fimiani M.
Published: April 2014

Background

Published studies on emergency dermatology consultations are few because there are few dermatology emergency units in the world. No study has yet described the Italian situation.

Objectives

To quantify and characterize patients evaluated in our dermatology emergency unit from 2006 to 2011.

Methods

We studied personal details, diagnosis, annual trend of cases, emergency level and hospitalization of dermatology cases over the 6‐year period.

Results

A total of 12 226 patients were evaluated. The most numerous diagnostic group was infections (27.1%), followed by non‐specific and descriptive diagnosis (22.5%), skin conditions caused by mechanical or physical agents (13.1%), eczematous diseases (10.5%), insect bites (9.5%) and urticaria/angio‐oedema (8.8%). The most common indications for admission to hospital were skin conditions caused by mechanical or physical agents (33.3%), infections (27.5%), drug eruption (15.9%) and autoimmune or inflammatory disorders (7.4%). Emergency dermatology cases followed a variable annual trend, with more consultations in the summer months.

Conclusion

This is the first long‐term retrospective analysis of a large series of dermatology emergency patients. It provides useful quantitative and qualitative information on cases for physicians and the national health system for the purposes of improving patient care and cost‐effectiveness.
Biology and natural enemies of Cydalima perspectalis in Asia: Is there biological control potential in Europe?
Authors: Wan H. , Haye T. , Kenis M. , Nacambo S. , Xu H. , Zhang F. , Li H.
Published: April 2014

The box tree moth, Cydalima perspectalis (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), a native pest of box trees (Buxus spp.) in Asia, was first detected in Germany and the Netherlands in 2007 and has since rapidly spread throughout Europe causing severe damage to ornamental and native box trees. To date, sustainable control strategies for C. perspectalis in Europe are lacking, primarily owing to the inadequate information regarding the biology and the ecology of this recent invader. Several studies conducted in Asia, however, may provide important information for the development of management strategies against C. perspectalis, which are urgently needed to preserve the natural box tree forests in Europe. The current literatures on the biological characteristics, host plants, phenology, distribution and control options of the box tree moth in Asia are reviewed, preliminary data on the parasitism of C. perspectalis in Europe are provided, and options for sustainable long‐term solutions for the management of the invasive pest in Europe are discussed.