bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seahorse (Hippocampinae) population fluctuations in the Ria Formosa Lagoon, south Portugal
Authors: Correia M. , Caldwell I. R. , Koldewey H. J. , Andrade J. P. , Palma J.
Published: August 2015

Comparisons of three sets of surveys in the Ria Formosa Lagoon, Portugal, over a 13 year period (2001–2002, 2008–2009 and 2010–2013) revealed significant population fluctuations in at least one of the two seahorse (Hippocampinae) species living there, and that those fluctuations were potentially associated with habitat changes in the lagoon. After a significant decline between the first two survey periods (2001–2002 v. 2008–2009), long‐snouted seahorse Hippocampus guttulatus populations increased significantly between 2008–2009 surveys and new 2010–2013 surveys. There were no significant differences in H. guttulatus populations between the 2001–2002 and 2010–2013 surveys. In contrast, there were no significant differences in short‐snouted seahorse Hippocampus hippocampus densities among the 16 sites surveyed throughout the three sampling periods, although the ability to detect any change was hampered by the low densities of this species in all time periods. Fluctuations in H. guttulatus densities were positively correlated with the percentage of holdfast coverage, but with none of the other environmental variables tested. These results highlight the importance of holdfast availability in maintaining stable seahorse populations. While population fluctuations are certainly more promising than a consistent downward decline, such extreme fluctuations observed for seahorses in the Ria Formosa Lagoon could still leave these two species vulnerable to any additional stressors, particularly during low density periods.
A novel multitarget tracking algorithm for Myosin VI protein molecules on actin filaments in TIRFM sequences
Authors: LI G. , SANCHEZ V. , NAGARAJ P.C.S.B. , KHAN S. , RAJPOOT N.
Published: August 2015

We propose a novel multitarget tracking framework for Myosin VI protein molecules in total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy sequences which integrates an extended Hungarian algorithm with an interacting multiple model filter. The extended Hungarian algorithm, which is a linear assignment problem based method, helps to solve measurement assignment and spot association problems commonly encountered when dealing with multiple targets, although a two‐motion model interacting multiple model filter increases the tracking accuracy by modelling the nonlinear dynamics of Myosin VI protein molecules on actin filaments. The evaluation of our tracking framework is conducted on both real and synthetic total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy sequences. The results show that the framework achieves higher tracking accuracies compared to the state‐of‐the‐art tracking methods, especially for sequences with high spot density.
Neuronal Gonadotrophin‐Releasing Hormone (GnRH) and Astrocytic Gonadotrophin Inhibitory Hormone (GnIH) Immunoreactivity in the Adult Rat Hippocampus
Authors: Ferris J. K. , Tse M. T. , Hamson D. K. , Taves M. D. , Ma C. , McGuire N. , Arckens L. , Bentley G. E. , Galea L. A. M. , Floresco S. B. , Soma K. K.
Published: August 2015

Gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophin inhibitory hormone (GnIH) are neuropeptides secreted by the hypothalamus that regulate reproduction. GnRH receptors are not only present in the anterior pituitary, but also are abundantly expressed in the hippocampus of rats, suggesting that GnRH regulates hippocampal function. GnIH inhibits pituitary gonadotrophin secretion and is also expressed in the hippocampus of a songbird; its role outside of the reproductive axis is not well established. In the present study, we employed immunohistochemistry to examine three forms of GnRH [mammalian GnRH‐I (mGnRH‐I), chicken GnRH‐II (cGnRH‐II) and lamprey GnRH‐III (lGnRH‐III)] and GnIH in the adult rat hippocampus. No mGnRH‐I and cGnRH‐II+ cell bodies were present in the hippocampus. Sparse mGnRH‐I and cGnRH‐II+ fibres were present within the CA1 and CA3 fields of the hippocampus, along the hippocampal fissure, and within the hilus of the dentate gyrus. No lGnRH‐III was present in the rodent hippocampus. GnIH‐immunoreactivity was present in the hippocampus in cell bodies that resembled astrocytes. Males had more GnIH+ cells in the hilus of the dentate gyrus than females. To confirm the GnIH+ cell body phenotype, we performed double‐label immunofluorescence against GnIH, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and NeuN. Immunofluorescence revealed that all GnIH+ cell bodies in the hippocampus also contained GFAP, a marker of astrocytes. Taken together, these data suggest that GnRH does not reach GnRH receptors in the rat hippocampus primarily via synaptic release. By contrast, GnIH might be synthesised locally in the rat hippocampus by astrocytes. These data shed light on the sites of action and possible functions of GnRH and GnIH outside of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal axis.
Enabling resources in people with dementia: a qualitative study about nurses’ strategies that may support a sense of coherence in people with dementia
Authors: Lillekroken Daniela , Hauge Solveig , Slettebø Åshild
Published: August 2015

Aims and objectives

To explore nurses’ strategies that may support the sense of coherence in people with dementia.

Background

People with dementia are often described as people with no resources, people who need support from family or from healthcare personnel to function in everyday life. Despite the disease, some people still have the resources needed to cope well with parts of their lives and experience coherence. To date, no research has explored any nurses’ strategies that may support the sense of coherence in people with dementia.

Design

The design of the study is qualitative and exploratory.

Methods

Data were collected by participant observation and focus group interviews. Sixteen registered nurses from two different Norwegian nursing homes were recruited and participated in the study. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the data.

Results

The empirical material consisted of field notes from participant observation and transcripts from focus group interviews. Three generic categories were identified as strategies that may support sense of coherence in people with dementia: ‘Finding and nurturing the individual's resources’, ‘Customising meaningful activities’ and ‘Finding creative solutions’. These categories were identified as strategies that may support and possibly enhance the sense of coherence in people with dementia.

Conclusions

The findings provide an empirical base for assuming that with support and help from nurses, people with dementia may experience and strengthen their sense of coherence, therefore, the nurses need to be aware of the activities that may support and possibly enhance the sense of coherence in people with dementia.

Relevance to clinical practice

Despite the contextual limitations, this study highlights the need to identify and nurture resources in people with dementia, thus supporting their sense of coherence. The findings may contribute in enhancing the quality of care for people with dementia.
Canonical Variate Analysis of Sensory Profiling Data
Authors: Peltier C. , Visalli M. , Schlich P.
Published: August 2015

Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of product mean scores is generally used to obtain a product map from sensory profiling data. However, this approach does not take into account the variance of the product mean scores due to the individual panelist variability.

Therefore, Canonical Variate Analysis (CVA) of the product effect in the two‐way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) should be considered as a natural alternative analysis to PCA. Indeed, it is the extension of the classical univariate approach used for the analysis of each descriptor separately. This analysis generates successive components maximizing product discrimination as measured by the usual Fisher statistics in analysis of variance. The outcome of CVA is a product map maximizing product separation, while gathering individual evaluations of the same product as close as possible.

This article is an introduction to the rationale of CVA applied to sensory profiling data. In addition, it offers an R package (CVApack) and instructions for running it.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This article introduces a mapping method which allows visualizing graphically the results of a two‐way MANOVA. This method can be used in sensory analysis to describe product discrimination. Theoretically more adapted to sensory data than PCA, CVA can also be used in other fields of application with a few adaptations.
Periodontal healing with a preameloblast‐conditioned medium in dogs
Authors: Yu S.‐J. , Lee D.‐S. , Kim B.‐O. , Choi S.‐H. , Park J.‐C.
Published: August 2015

Background and Objective

The predictability of conventional periodontal treatments for damaged periodontal tissue is limited, particularly on the regeneration of new cementum. As signaling molecules, a range of growth factors has been used to promote periodontal regeneration on periodontal ligament (PDL) and cementum defects. A preameloblast‐conditioned medium (PA‐CM) was prepared from cultured murine apical bud cells, which can differentiate into ameloblasts. We examined the effect of PA‐CM on PDL cells and cementoblasts in vitro and evaluated histologically the effects of PA‐CM on the regeneration of experimentally induced periodontal defects in vivo.

Material and Methods

In vitro, the effects of PA‐CM on the migration of human PDL cells were examined using a scratch wound healing assay and a transwell assay. The differentiation and mineralization potential of PA‐CM‐treated human PDL cells and murine cementoblastic OCCM‐30 cells was examined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Alizarin red‐S staining. In vivo, six mongrel dogs (12–16 kg; 6–8 mo old) were used. Twenty‐four roots were replanted with either, (i) only periodontal defects (n = 12; control group), or (ii) periodontal defects and PA‐CM treatment (n = 12; experimental group). In the experimental group, the PDL and cementum between notches was removed using a Gracey curette and soaked in 0.08 mL water containing 80 μg of a PA‐CM for 2 min. The dogs were killed at 4 and 8 wk post‐surgery.

Results

The in vitro results showed that PA‐CM stimulated the migration of PDL cells and promoted the differentiation and mineralization of PDL cells and cementoblasts. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed stronger expression of Runx2, Osx, OC, Bsp and Cap mRNAs in the PA‐CM‐treated PDL cells and cementoblasts than those in the control cells. In vivo, newly formed PDL‐like tissue and cementum‐like tissue were observed partially between the root surfaces and newly formed bone in the experimental group. The regenerated PDL‐like tissue in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group at 8 wk (p < 0.05). The replacement resorption on the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group at 8 wk (p < 0.05). In addition, the amount of newly formed cementum‐like tissue in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group at 4 and 8 wk (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

These results suggest that PA‐CM has the potential to regenerate periodontal tissues in PDL and cementum defects.
Tip‐to‐nucleus migration dynamics of the asexual development regulator FlbB in vegetative cells
Authors: Herrero‐Garcia Erika , Perez‐de‐Nanclares‐Arregi Elixabet , Cortese Marc S. , Markina‐Iñarrairaegui Ane , Oiartzabal‐Arano Elixabet , Etxebeste Oier , Ugalde Unai , Espeso Eduardo A.
Published: August 2015

In Aspergillus nidulans, asexual differentiation requires the presence of the transcription factor FlbB at the cell tip and apical nuclei. Understanding the relationship between these two pools is crucial for elucidating the biochemical processes mediating conidia production. Tip‐to‐nucleus communication was demonstrated by photo‐convertible FlbB::Dendra2 visualization. Tip localization of FlbB depends on Cys382 in the C‐terminus and the bZIP DNA‐binding domain in the N‐terminus. FlbE, a critical FlbB interactor, binds the bZIP domain. Furthermore, the absence of FlbE results in loss of tip localization but not nuclear accumulation. flbE deletion also abrogates transcriptional activity indicating that FlbB gains transcriptional competence from interactions with FlbE at the tip. Finally, a bipartite nuclear localization signal is required for nuclear localization of FlbB. Those motifs of FlbB may play various roles in the sequence of events necessary for the distribution and activation of this transcriptionally active developmental factor. The tip accumulation, FlbE‐dependent activation, transport and nuclear import sketch out a process of relaying an environmentally triggered signal from the tip to the nuclei. As the first known instance of transcription factor‐mediated tip‐to‐nucleus communication in filamentous fungi, this provides a general framework for analyses focused on elucidating the set of molecular mechanisms coupling apical signals to transcriptional events.
A Simple Panel Unit‐Root Test with Smooth Breaks in the Presence of a Multifactor Error Structure
Authors: Lee Chingnun , Wu Jyh‐Lin , Yang Lixiong
Published: August 2015

This paper extends the cross‐sectionally augmented panel unit‐root test (CIPS) developed by Pesaran et al. (2013, Journal of Econometrics, Vol. 175, pp. 94–115) to allow for smoothing structural changes in deterministic terms modelled by a Fourier function. The proposed statistic is called the break augmented CIPS (BCIPS) statistic. We show that the non‐standard limiting distribution of the (truncated) BCIPS statistic exists and tabulate its critical values. Monte‐Carlo experiments point out that the sizes and powers of the BCIPS statistic are generally satisfactory as long as the number of time periods, T, is not less than fifty. The BCIPS test is then applied to examine the validity of long‐run purchasing power parity.
The role of weeds in the epidemiology of pospiviroids
Authors: Van Bogaert N , Smagghe G , De Jonghe K
Published: August 2015

Many weeds that are closely associated with horticultural activities are known as natural reservoirs of plant viruses. However, whether these weeds can also serve as hosts of pospiviroids is not well known. Pospiviroids are naked, non‐coding RNA pathogens that cause severe economic damage in many solanaceous crops. In this study, we examined the overall risk of pospiviroid spreading from weeds to economically important crops, by combining the results from previous inoculation studies with new results coming from a survey, a contact experiment and an inoculation experiment. A survey of commercial ornamental glasshouses revealed that ornamental plants mainly belonging to the Solanaceae harbour pospiviroids, in contrast to weed species sampled in the same places. No new weed hosts could be identified after testing weeds that grew in contact with Tomato apical stunt viroid (TASVd)‐infected plants of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and jasmine nightshade (Solanum jasminoides) in an experimental glasshouse. Finally, in mechanical inoculation experiments with TASVd, none of the six tested weed species were determined to be a host at 6 weeks after inoculation. Commonly occurring weed species therefore do not appear to play a significant role as reservoir hosts for pospiviroids. This does not rule out other potential weed hosts that have not yet been tested. Inoculation studies should include rigorous experimental protocols with a sufficient number of replicated as well as adequate positive controls. The information gained through this study may prove useful in future risk assessments for the pospiviroid group.
Numerical Simulation of Vortex-Induced Vibration of Two Rigidly Connected Cylinders in Side-by-Side and Tandem Arrangements Using RANS Model
Authors: Zhao Ming , Murphy Joshua M. , Kwok Kenny
Published: August 2015

Vortex-induced vibration (VIV) of two rigidly connected circular cylinders in side-by-side and tandem arrangements in the cross-flow direction was investigated using two-dimensional (2D) numerical simulations. The 2D Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations were solved for the flow, and the equation of the motion was solved for the response of the cylinders. Simulations were conducted for a constant mass ratio of 2.5, gap ratios G (ratio of the gap between the cylinders to the cylinder diameter) in the range of 0.5 to 3, and reduced velocities in the range of 1 to 30. The effects of the gap ratio on the response of the cylinders were analyzed extensively. The maximum response amplitude in the lock-in regime was found to occur at G = 0.5 in the side-by-side arrangement, which is about twice that of a single cylinder. In the side-by-side arrangement, the response regime of the cylinders for gap ratios of 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 is much narrower than that of a single cylinder, because the vortex shedding from the two cylinders is in an out-of-phase pattern at large reduced velocities. In the tandem arrangement, the maximum response amplitude of the cylinders is greater than that of a single cylinder for all the calculated gap ratios. For the gap ratio of 0.5 in the tandem arrangement, the vortex shedding frequency from the upstream cylinder was not observed in the vibration at large reduced velocities, and the response is galloping.
Frictional Pressure Drop Correlations for Single-Phase Flow, Condensation, and Evaporation in Microfin Tubes
Authors: Wu Zan , Sundén Bengt
Published: August 2015

Experimental single-phase, condensation, and evaporation (flow boiling) pressure drop data from the literature and our previous studies were collected to evaluate previous frictional pressure drop correlations for horizontal microfin tubes of different geometries. The modified Ravigururajan and Bergles correlation, by adopting the Churchill model to calculate the smooth-tube friction factor and by using the hydraulic diameter in the Reynolds number, can predict single-phase turbulent frictional pressure drop data relatively well. Eleven pressure drop correlations were evaluated by the collected database for condensation and evaporation. Correlations originally developed for condensation and evaporation in smooth tubes can be suitable for microfin tubes if the friction factors in the correlations were calculated by the Churchill model to include microfin effects. The three most accurate correlations were recommended for condensation and evaporation in microfin tubes. The Cavallini et al. correlation and the modified Friedel correlation can give good predictions for both condensation and evaporation. However, some inconsistencies were found, even for the recommended correlations.
Left ventricular free wall perforation and left atrial dissection: unusual complication of radiofrequency catheter ablation for Wolf-Parkinson-White syndrome
Authors: Hirata Kazuhito , Takahashi Takanori , Yasumoto Hiroshi , Shinzato Tatsushi
Published: August 2015

A 70-year-old woman with Wolf-Parkinson-White syndrome developed cardiac tamponade while undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation for left posterolateral accessory pathway from the ventricular side below the mitral valve, requiring emergency surgery. During surgery, the patient was found to have perforation of the left posterior free wall as well as left atrial dissection. The patient died despite emergency measures. This case was remarkable because radiofrequency catheter ablation resulted in two very rare complications occurring at the same time in a patient.
Using opportunistic records from a recreational fishing magazine to assess population trends of sharks
Authors: Barbini Santiago A. , Lucifora Luis O. , Figueroa Daniel E.
Published: August 2015

Detecting and determining changes in the occurrence and abundance of species is a priority for effective management of resources and for conservation of biodiversity. In the absence of long-term monitoring data, potential population declines may be very difficult to establish. Therefore, alternative information on occurrence of species to infer population trends is highly valued. Records of sharks (i.e., Notorynchus cepedianus, Carcharias taurus, Galeorhinus galeus, and Carcharhinus brachyurus) off northern Argentina from a recreational fishing magazine (Weekend), between 1973 and 2008, were reviewed with the aim of evaluating population trends with opportunistic data sources. For each shark species, the number of occurrences per year in the magazine was registered. Our analyses were based on a nonprobabilistic method (McPherson and Myers’ approach) designed to determine population trends with opportunistic sighting records. In this approach we included the number of classified ads offering fishing guide services published per year in the magazine as a measure of observation effort. For each species, we fitted generalized linear models with a Poisson error structure and a log link, where the response variable was the number of occurrences per year, the explanatory variable was the year, and the logarithm of the number of fishing guide ads was specified as an offset in each model. For both approaches, the models estimated that populations of the four shark species have suffered declines. Estimates produced by these models will help to determine the magnitude of population changes where a paucity of data prevents more precise analysis.
Behavioral evidence for a role of chemoreception during reproduction in lake trout
Authors: Buchinger Tyler J. , Li Weiming , Johnson Nicholas S.
Published: August 2015

Chemoreception is hypothesized to influence spawning site selection, mate search, and synchronization of gamete release in chars (Salvelinus spp.), but behavioral evidence is generally lacking. Here, we provide a survey of the behavioral responses of reproductive male and female lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) to natural conspecific chemosensory stimuli. A flow-through laboratory assay with side-by-side artificial spawning reefs was used to evaluate behavioral preferences of spawning-phase males and females for chemosensory stimuli from juveniles and from spawning-phase males and females. Males and females preferred male and juvenile stimuli over no stimuli, but only had weak preferences for female stimuli. Only females had a preference for male over juvenile stimuli when given a direct choice between the two. The unexpected observation of male attraction to male stimuli, even when offered female stimuli, indicates a fundamental difference from the existing models of chemical communication in fishes. We discuss our results from the perspectives of prespawning aggregation, mate evaluation, and spawning synchronization. Identification of specific components of the stimuli will allow confirmation of the function and may have management implications for native and invasive populations of lake trout that are ecologically and economically important.
Giant Arteriovenous Malformation of the Neck
Authors: Dieng P. A. , Ba P. S. , Gaye M. , Diatta S. , Diop M. S. , Sene E. , Ciss A. G. , Ndiaye A. , Ndiaye M.
Published: August 2015

Arteriovenous malformations (AVM) have a wide range of clinical presentations. Operative bleeding is one of the most hazardous complications in the surgical management of high-flow vascular malformations. In the cervical region, the presence of vital vascular structures, such as the carotid artery and jugular vein, may increase this risk. This is a case of massive arteriovenous malformation deforming the neck and the face aspect of this aged lady and growing for several years. A giant mass of the left neck occupied the carotid region and the subclavian region. The AVM was developed between the carotid arteries, jugular veins, and vertebral and subclavian vessels, with arterial and venous flux. The patient underwent surgery twice for the cure of that AVM. The first step was the ligation of the external carotid. Seven days later, the excision of the mass was done. In postoperative period the patient presented a peripheral facial paralysis which completely decreased within 10 days. The first ligation of the external carotid reduces significantly the blood flow into the AVM. It permitted secondarily the complete ablation of the AVM without major bleeding even though multiple ligations were done.
High Performance Enhancement-Mode AlGaN/GaN MIS-HEMT with Selective Fluorine Treatment
Authors: Yang Chao , Xiong Jiayun , Wei Jie , Wu Junfeng , Zhang Bo , Luo Xiaorong
Published: August 2015

A novel enhancement-mode (E-mode) Metal-Insulator-Semiconductor- (MIS-) HEMT with selective fluorine ion (F−) treatment is proposed and its mechanism is investigated. The HEMT features the Selective F−treatment both in the AlGaN channel region and in the thick passivation layer between the gate and drain (SFCP-MIS-HEMT). First, the F−in the passivation layer not only extends the depletion region and thus enhances the average electric field (E-field) between the gate and drain by the assisted depletion effect but also reduces theE-field peak at the gate end, leading to a higher breakdown voltage (BV). Second, in the AlGaN channel region, the F−region realizes the E-mode and the region without F−maintains a high drain current (ID). Third, MIS structure suppresses the gate leakage current, increasing the gate swing voltage and the BV. Compared with a MIS-HEMT with F−treatment in whole channel (FC-MIS-HEMT), SFCP-MIS-HEMT increases the BV by 46% and the saturation drain current (ID,sat) by 28%.
Disseminated Histoplasmosis and Secondary Hemophagocytic Syndrome in a Non-HIV Patient
Authors: Kashif Muhammad , Tariq Hassan , Ijaz Mohsin , Gomez-Marquez Jose
Published: August 2015

Histoplasma duboisii, a variant ofHistoplasma capsulatumthat causes “African histoplasmosis,” can be resistant to itraconazole, requiring intravenous amphotericin B treatment. Rarely, these patients do not respond to intravenous antifungal therapy, and in such cases, patients may progress to develop secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). We present a case of a 34-year-old male patient with sickle cell disease who presented with a 5-month history of an enlarging painless axillary mass, persistent low grade fevers, night sweats, weight loss, and anorexia. An excisional biopsy of the right axillary lymph node revealed yeast and granulomas consistent with histoplasma infection. He was started on oral itraconazole. After 4 weeks of therapy, laboratory evaluation revealed worsening anemia, thrombocytopenia, and transaminitis. Due to failure of oral therapy, he was admitted for intravenous amphotericin B treatment. During his hospital course anemia, thrombocytopenia, and transaminitis all worsened. A bone marrow biopsy was done that was consistent with HLH. His clinical status continued to deteriorate, developing multiorgan failure and disseminated intravascular coagulation. He unfortunately had a cardiorespiratory arrest after eight days of admission and passed away.
Pareto-Ranking Based Quantum-Behaved Particle Swarm Optimization for Multiobjective Optimization
Authors: Tian Na , Ji Zhicheng
Published: August 2015

A study on pareto-ranking based quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization (QPSO) for multiobjective optimization problems is presented in this paper. During the iteration, an external repository is maintained to remember the nondominated solutions, from which the global best position is chosen. The comparison between different elitist selection strategies (preference order, sigma value, and random selection) is performed on four benchmark functions and two metrics. The results demonstrate that QPSO with preference order has comparative performance with sigma value according to different number of objectives. Finally, QPSO with sigma value is applied to solve multiobjective flexible job-shop scheduling problems.
Analysis of the Characteristics and Mechanisms of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation in a Suite of Coupled Models from the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory
Authors: Zhang Liping , Delworth Thomas L.
Published: August 2015

North Pacific decadal oceanic and atmospheric variability is examined in a suite of coupled climate models developed at the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL). The models have ocean horizontal resolutions ranging from 1° to 0.1° and atmospheric horizontal resolutions ranging from 200 to 50 km. In all simulations the dominant pattern of decadal-scale sea surface temperature (SST) variability over the North Pacific is similar to the observed Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO). Simulated SST anomalies in the Kuroshio–Oyashio Extension (KOE) region exhibit a significant spectral peak at approximately 20 yr.

Sensitivity experiments are used to show that (i) the simulated PDO mechanism involves extratropical air–sea interaction and oceanic Rossby wave propagation; (ii) the oscillation can exist independent of interactions with the tropics, but such interactions can enhance the PDO; and (iii) ocean–atmosphere feedback in the extratropics is critical for establishing the approximately 20-yr time scale of the PDO. The spatial pattern of the PDO can be generated from atmospheric variability that occurs independently of ocean–atmosphere feedback, but the existence of a spectral peak depends on active air–sea coupling. The specific interdecadal time scale is strongly influenced by the propagation speed of oceanic Rossby waves in the subtropical and subpolar gyres, as they provide a delayed feedback to the atmosphere. The simulated PDO has a realistic association with precipitation variations over North America, with a warm phase of the PDO generally associated with positive precipitation anomalies over regions of the western United States. The seasonal dependence of this relationship is also reproduced by the model.
Gender Stereotyping in Newspaper Advertisements
Authors: Tartaglia Stefano , Rollero Chiara
Published: August 2015

The objective of the present study was to investigate the presence of gender stereotypes concerning occupational roles and sexualization in newspaper advertisements of two European countries very different for cultural values and gender equality, that is, Italy and the Netherlands. The top three newspapers by circulation in each country were selected. We included all the issues of these newspapers published in 1 month. We selected all the advertisings of a quarter a page in size or larger containing at least one adult human. Using content analysis, 1,666 characters depicted in the selected advertisings were coded by independent judges. Results demonstrated that men were primarily featured in playing professional roles, whereas women were more frequently presented as decorative. Compared with males, female characters were also more frequently sexualized, and this phenomenon was stronger in the more gender-unequal country, that is, Italy. Because of the role of advertising in shaping the cultural values, policy makers and cultural promoters should try to further with some kind of incentive a more equalitarian representation of genders in advertisings.
Zapatismo: other geographies circa “the end of the world”
Authors: Reyes Alvaro
Published: August 2015

A chorus of activists and intellectuals claim that the Zapatista Army of National Liberation has either ceased to exist or become politically irrelevant for Mexico and the world. In this paper I put forward the rather different thesis that despite the enormity of their task, the Zapatista project continues apace and merits careful consideration. To this end, I first argue that much of the confusion regarding the ‘death’ of the Zapatistas arises from a change in Zapatista strategy in response to the decomposition of Mexican society resulting from the contemporary global crisis of capitalism. Next, I detail how, having foreseen this decomposition, the Zapatistas set out to both theorize the nature of contemporary capitalism and reconceptualize anticapitalist politics accordingly. Since the early 2000s this reconceptualization has led to a shift in Zapatista strategy that, although not easily intelligible to contemporary media or much academic discourse, centers on the construction of ‘other geographies’. Finally, I argue that judging from the events of the past few years, this strategy has allowed the Zapatistas not only to persevere but also to pose a concrete alternative to the dominant strains of left political and spatial strategy.
Terminal experimentation: The transformation of experiences, events and escapes at global airports
Authors: Elliott Anthony , Radford David
Published: August 2015

Recent debates in aeromobilities research have focused on global shifts in airport socialities generated by the redesign of airport terminals (Cwerner et al., 2009). This article examines transformations to identity and social relations arising from the reinvention of airport infrastructures and facilities, especially the experience of airport services. We suggest here that the arrival of ‘smart airports’, or how we use the term ‘Airport 3.0’, involves an experimentalist orientation deriving from contemporary economic and cultural life. The general argument is that the reinvention of global airport spaces is producing three key transformations: (1) experimentalist orientations arising from the deployment of new information technologies; (2) an experimental business engineering of consumer worlds, or ‘worlding’; and (3) travel-time use geared to a world of infinite innovation. Finally, the article reviews transformations in passenger experience in the light of these conceptual claims.
Developing Renal Allograft Surveillance Strategies – Urinary Biomarkers of Cellular Rejection
Authors: Hirt-Minkowski Patricia , De Serres Sacha A , Ho Julie
Published: August 2015

Purpose of review:

Developing tailored immunosuppression regimens requires sensitive, non-invasive tools for serial post-transplant surveillance as the current clinical standards with serum creatinine and proteinuria are ineffective at detecting subclinical rejection. The purpose of this review is: (i) to illustrate the rationale for allograft immune monitoring, (ii) to discuss key steps to bring a biomarker from bench-to-bedside, and (iii) to present an overview of promising biomarkers for cellular rejection.

Sources of information:

PubMed.

Findings:

Recent multicentre prospective observational cohort studies have significantly advanced biomarker development by allowing for the adequately powered evaluation of multiple biomarkers capable of detecting allograft rejection. These studies demonstrate that urinary CXCR3 chemokines (i.e. CXCL9 and CXCL10) are amongst the most promising for detecting subclinical inflammation; increasing up to 30 days prior to biopsy-proven acute rejection; decreasing in response to anti-rejection therapy; and having prognostic significance for the subsequent development of allograft dysfunction. Urinary CXCR3 chemokines are measured by simple and cost-effective ELISA methodology, which can readily be implemented in clinical labs.

Limitations:

Many biomarker studies are performed in highly selected patient groups and lack surveillance biopsies to accurately classify healthy transplants. Few validation studies have been done in unselected, consecutive patient populations to characterize population-based diagnostic performance.

Implications:

Based on these data, prospective interventional trials should be undertaken to determine if chemokine-based post-transplant monitoring strategies can improve long-term renal allograft outcomes. This last step will be necessary to move novel biomarkers from the bench-to-bedside.
Chronic Kidney Disease in Congenital Heart Disease Patients: A Narrative Review of Evidence
Authors: Morgan Catherine , Al-Aklabi Mohammed , Guerra Gonzalo Garcia
Published: August 2015

Purpose of review:

Patients with congenital heart disease have a number of risk factors for the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is well known that CKD has a large negative impact on health outcomes. It is important therefore to consider that patients with congenital heart disease represent a population in whom long-term primary and secondary prevention strategies to reduce CKD occurrence and progression could be instituted and significantly change outcomes. There are currently no clear guidelines for clinicians in terms of renal assessment in the long-term follow up of patients with congenital heart disease. Consolidation of knowledge is critical for generating such guidelines, and hence is the purpose of this view. This review will summarize current knowledge related to CKD in patients with congenital heart disease, to highlight important work that has been done to date and set the stage for further investigation, development of prevention strategies, and re-evaluation of appropriate renal follow-up in patients with congenital heart disease.

Sources of information:

The literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar.

Findings:

Current epidemiological evidence suggests that CKD occurs in patients with congenital heart disease at a higher frequency than the general population and is detectable early in follow-up (i.e. during childhood). Best evidence suggests that approximately 30 to 50 % of adult patients with congenital heart disease have significantly impaired renal function. The risk of CKD is higher with cyanotic congenital heart disease but it is also present with non-cyanotic congenital heart disease. Although significant knowledge gaps exist, the sum of the data suggests that patients with congenital heart disease should be followed from an early age for the development of CKD.

Implications:

There is an opportunity to mitigate CKD progression and negative renal outcomes by instituting interventions such as stringent blood pressure control and reduction of proteinuria. There is a need to invest time, thought and money to fill existing knowledge gaps to improve health outcomes in this population. This review should serve as an impetus for generation of follow-up guidelines of kidney health evaluation in patients with congenital heart disease.
Coronary Artery Calcification, Cardiovascular Events, and Death: A Prospective Cohort Study of Incident Patients on Hemodialysis
Authors: Wilkieson Trevor J. , Rahman M. Omair , Gangji Azim S. , Voss Maurice , Ingram Alistair J. , Ranganath Nischal , Goldsmith Charlie H. , Kotsamanes Cathy Z. , Crowther Mark A. , Rabbat Christian G. , Clase Catherine M.
Published: August 2015

Background:

Coronary calcification in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular outcomes and death from all causes. Previous evidence has been limited by short follow-up periods and inclusion of a heterogeneous cluster of events in the primary analyses.

Objective:

To describe coronary calcification in patients incident to ESRD, and to identify whether calcification predicts vascular events or death.

Design:

Prospective substudy of an inception cohort.

Setting:

Tertiary care haemodialysis centre in Ontario (St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton).

Participants:

Patients starting haemodialysis who were new to ESRD.

Measurements:

At baseline, clinical characterization and spiral computed tomography (CT) to score coronary calcification by the Agatston-Janowitz 130 scoring method. A primary outcome composite of adjudicated stroke, myocardial infarction, or death.

Methods:

We followed patients prospectively to identify the relationship between cardiac calcification and subsequent stroke, myocardial infarction, or death, using Cox regression.

Results:

We recruited 248 patients in 3 centres to our main study, which required only biochemical markers. Of these 164 were at St Joseph's healthcare, and eligible to participate in the substudy; of these, 51 completed CT scanning (31 %). Median follow up was 26 months (Q1, Q3: 14, 34). The primary outcome occurred in 16 patients; 11 in the group above the median and 5 in the group below ( p = 0.086). There were 26 primary outcomes in 16 patients; 20 (77 %) events in the group above the coronary calcification median and 6 (23 %) in the group below ( p = 0.006). There were 10 deaths; 8 in the group above the median compared with 2 in the group below ( p = 0.04). The hazard ratios for coronary calcification above, compared with below the median, for the primary outcome composite were 2.5 (95 % CI 0.87, 7.3; p = 0.09) and 1.7 (95 % CI 0.55, 5.4; p = 0.4), unadjusted and adjusted for age, respectively. For death, the hazard ratios were 4.6 (95 % CI 0.98, 21.96; p = 0.054) and 2.4 (95 % CI 0.45, 12.97; p = 0.3) respectively.

Limitations:

We were limited by a small sample size and a small number of events.

Conclusions:

Respondent burden is high for additional testing around the initiation of dialysis. High coronary calcification in patients new to ESRD has a tendency to predict cardiovascular outcomes and death, though effects are attenuated when adjusted for age.
Immunoblotting validation of research antibodies generated against HS1-associated protein X-1 in the human neutrophil model cell line PLB-985.
Authors: Cavnar Peter , Inman Kristina
Published: August 2015

HS1-associated protein X-1 (Hax1) is a 35 kDa protein that is ubiquitously expressed. Hax1 is an anti-apoptotic protein with additional roles in cell motility, and autosomal recessive loss of Hax1 results in Kostmann syndrome, a form of severe congenital neutropenia. Because of the important role of Hax1 in neutrophils we demonstrate here validation of two commercially available research antibodies directed against human Hax1 in the human myeloid leukemia cell line PLB-985 cells. We show that both the mouse anti-Hax1 monoclonal IgG directed against amino acids 10-148 of Hax1 and a rabbit anti-Hax1 polyclonal IgG antibody directed against full-length Hax1 reliably and consistently detect Hax1 during immunoblotting of three different PLB-985 cell densities. Using shRNA mediated Hax1 knockdown, we demonstrate the specificity of both Hax1 antibodies. In addition, our results suggest that the rabbit anti-Hax1 polyclonal antibody provides a stronger intensity in detecting Hax1 protein, with detection in as few as 0.1 x 106cells in 6 total replicates we have performed.
Optimal Vascular Access Choice for Patients on Hemodialysis
Authors: Skandari M. Reza , Shechter Steven M. , Zalunardo Nadia
Published: August 2015

Which vascular access to use is considered one of the most important questions in the care of patients on hemodialysis (HD). An arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is often considered the gold standard for delivering HD due to better patient survival, higher quality of life, and fewer complications. However, AVFs have some limitations: they require surgery, it takes approximately three months to know whether the surgery was successful, and a majority of these surgeries end in failure. Conversely, another common vascular access, the central venous catheter, can be inserted via a simple procedure and used immediately after placement. In this research, we address the question of whether and when to perform AVF surgery on incident and established HD patients, with the aim of finding individualized policies that maximize a patient’s probability of survival and remaining quality-adjusted life expectancy. Using a continuous-time dynamic programming model and under certain data-driven assumptions, we establish structural properties of the optimal policy for each objective. We provide further insights for policy makers through our numerical experiments.
Simulação de fluxo e transporte de íons de vinhaça através de vertente da formação Rio Claro
Authors: Alfaro Soto Miguel Angel , Basso Juliana Broggio , Kiang Chang Hung , Van Genuchten Martinus Th.
Published: August 2015

A vinhaça é cada vez mais usada nas operações agrícolas como uma possível fonte de nutrientes e matéria orgânica. Neste artigo, são apresentados os resultados de uma simulação de fluxo subterrâneo da água e de transporte de íons, a partir da hipotética infiltração de vinhaça decorrente da fertirrigação na cultura de cana de açúcar. O estudo é aplicado a um corte bidimensional de solo de Ajapí (Rio Claro – SP). As simulações tiveram com a finalidade de avaliar a potencial contaminação das águas subterrâneas e de um córrego localizado próximo às fontes de infiltração. Foi realizada uma modelagem numérica empregando o software HYDRUS 2D/3D, usando dados representativos das propriedades físicas e hidrogeológicas do meio no local. Os cálculos consideram os fluxos da água e da vinhaça em regime permanente, em um meio poroso homogêneo e isotrópico representando os sedimentos da Formação Rio Claro. Os resultados obtidos apontaram que para os cenários hipotéticos, aqui apresentados, íons provenientes da vinhaça, em determinadas concentrações, podem apresentar alto potencial de contaminação tanto de águas subterrâneas como superficiais. Os resultados servem como alerta para a vulnerabilidade de áreas com cenários similares, quais sejam, de intensa fertirrigação com vinhaça. 
Barriers to Success? The Role of Statewide Education Governance Structures in P-20 Council Collaboration
Authors: Rippner Jennifer
Published: August 2015

Collaboration between K-12 and higher education sectors has not been as productive as participants and policy leaders would like – especially in an era of emphasis on college readiness and completion, which requires such collaboration. Various mechanisms have been used to foster collaboration including state P-20 (early learning through higher education) councils, however these have not always produced the results participants desire and research on why this is so is limited. This study utilizes state education governance and inter-organizational relations literatures to hypothesize that structural barriers to collaboration prevent P-20 councils from reaching their potential. This comparative case study of three state P-20 councils finds that state education governance structures may erect barriers to collaboration. However, this research also shows that P-20 councils, if thoughtfully structured, can help ameliorate these barriers.
Cognitive Tools for Design Engineers: A Framework for the Development of Intelligent CAD Systems
Authors: Wood Stephen L. , Bahr Gisela Susanne , Ritter Marc
Published: August 2015

Great design engineers are highly creative and unorthodox individuals who invent novel solutions that satisfy a set of constraints that are often ill-defined and customer driven. Designers use many tools to develop their designs, such as computer aided design (CAD) systems, that do not support the cognition that drives the design process. This paper develops the cognitive psychological background, a state of the practice based rationale for CAD enhancement and the research framework for cognitive CAD tools that support the design engineer during the creative problem solving process through reasoning and meaningful design alternatives. The research framework presented here was initially created for the development of cognitive tools for mechanical design but is transferable to other design disciplines. At the core of the research plan are the development and implementation of an artificial memory that is interpreted with real-time data analyses supported by machine learning, and made accessible to the design engineer through interaction design for intelligent CAD (iCAD).
A new taxonomic toolkit for identification of two sympatric species of Bandicota (Rodentia: Muridae) from mainland Southeast Asia
Authors: Chaval Yannick , Waengsothorn Surachit , Morand Serge , Cosson Jean François , Claude Julien
Published: August 2015

Bandicoot rats are a widespread species in Asia. Throughout their distribution, bandicoot rats are of high sanitary importance as reservoirs of at least 10 human diseases. In mainland Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, where two species coexist, taxonomic distinction based on external characters is difficult and may lead to a certain proportion of misidentification. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the efficiency of classical methods for distinguishing these bandicoot species, and provide new, simple, and cheap tools for discriminating species based on molecular characteristics, morphological ratio, and morphometric variation. Two PCR tests were developed: a first (PCR1) for distinguishing