bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remarkably reduced efficiency droop by using staircase thin InGaN quantum barriers in InGaN based blue light emitting diodes
Authors: Zhou Kun , Ikeda Masao , Liu Jianping , Zhang Shuming , Li Deyao , Zhang Liqun , Cai Jin , Wang Hui , Wang H. B. , Yang Hui
Published: November 2014

The efficiency droop of InGaN/GaN(InGaN) multiple quantum well (MQW) light emitting diodes (LEDs) with thin quantum barriers (QB) is studied. With thin GaN QB (3 nm–6 nm thickness), the efficiency droop is not improved, which indicates that hole transport cannot be significantly enhanced by the thin GaN QBs. On the contrary, the efficiency droop was remarkably reduced by using a InGaN staircase QB (InGaN SC-QB) MQWs structure where InGaN SC-QBs lower the transport energy barrier of holes. The efficiency droop ratio was as low as 3.3% up to 200 A/cm2 for the InGaN SC-QB LED. By using monitoring QW with longer wavelength we observe a much uniform carrier distribution in the InGaN SC-QB LEDs, which reveals the mechanism of improvement in the efficiency droop.
Quantized vortices in a nanodroplet
Authors: Smart Ashley G.
Published: November 2014

Diffraction experiments reveal hidden order inside a spinning superfluid.
Imaging Earth daily to help humanity
Authors: Feder Toni
Published: November 2014

Commercial uses of tiny satellites may realize the 1990s NASA mantra “faster, better, cheaper.”
When the ‘native cat’ would ‘plague’: historical hyperabundance in the quoll (Marsupialia : Dasyuridae) and an assessment of the role of disease, cats and foxes in its curtailment
Authors: Peacock David , Abbott Ian
Published: November 2014

Since the European settlement of Australia in 1788, 25 mainland terrestrial mammal species have become extinct, more than on any other continent during this period. To determine if the causal factors are still active, it is necessary to better understand the species and their status preceding these regional extirpations or extinctions, and examine the historical record for clues to the cause(s) of these declines. From an extensive review of historical material, primarily newspaper accounts, we collated >2700 accounts of quolls. We discovered 36 accounts that demonstrate the propensity for quolls to become hyperabundant. The geographical distribution of accounts implies that most refer to Dasyurus viverrinus, but an account from Normanton district (Queensland) likely applies to D. hallucatus. More than 110 accounts demonstrate that disease/parasite epizootics occurred in south-eastern Australia, commencing on mainland Australia possibly in the goldfields region of Victoria in the 1850s, or in south-eastern South Australia and south-western Victoria in the mid to late 1860s, and implicate these as the initial primary factor in the regional extirpation of Australia’s quolls. The loss of D. viverrinus populations in south-eastern Australia was reportedly from population abundances and densities that were sporadically extraordinarily high, hence their loss appears more pronounced than previously suspected. Accounts describing the widespread, rapid and major loss of quolls suggest the possible involvement of several pathogens. Ectoparasites such as Uropsylla tasmanica and ticks appear to be described in detail in some accounts. A few others state comortality of Felis catus and Canis lupus familiaris, suggestive of a disease of either or both of these species, such as Canine Distemper Virus, a morbillivirus with a propensity to be non-host specific, that may have caused the decline of the quolls, perhaps vectored by the reported ectoparasites. We also collated 23 presumed independent accounts of cats negatively impacting quolls, two of which describe significant mortality, and three presumed independent accounts of fox predation. These highlight the capacity of both of these introduced predators to have reduced quoll distribution and abundance.
Modularity and predictability in cell signaling and decision making
Authors: Atay Oguzhan , Skotheim Jan M.
Published: November 2014

Cells make decisions to differentiate, divide, or apoptose based on multiple signals of internal and external origin. These decisions are discrete outputs from dynamic networks comprised of signaling pathways. Yet the validity of this decomposition of regulatory proteins into distinct pathways is unclear because many regulatory proteins are pleiotropic and interact through cross-talk with components of other pathways. In addition to the deterministic complexity of interconnected networks, there is stochastic complexity arising from the fluctuations in concentrations of regulatory molecules. Even within a genetically identical population of cells grown in the same environment, cell-to-cell variations in mRNA and protein concentrations can be as high as 50% in yeast and even higher in mammalian cells. Thus, if everything is connected and stochastic, what hope could we have for a quantitative understanding of cellular decisions? Here we discuss the implications of recent advances in genomics, single-cell, and single-cell genomics technology for network modularity and cellular decisions. On the basis of these recent advances, we argue that most gene expression stochasticity and pathway interconnectivity is nonfunctional and that cellular decisions are likely much more predictable than previously expected.
Target RNA capture and cleavage by the Cmr type III-B CRISPR–Cas effector complex
Authors: Hale Caryn R. , Cocozaki Alexis , Li Hong , Terns Rebecca M. , Terns Michael P.
Published: November 2014

The effector complex of the Cmr/type III-B CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat)–Cas (CRISPR-associated) system cleaves RNAs recognized by the CRISPR RNA (crRNA) of the complex and includes six protein subunits of unknown functions. Using reconstituted Pyrococcus furiosus Cmr complexes, we found that each of the six Cmr proteins plays a critical role in either crRNA interaction or target RNA capture. Cmr2, Cmr3, Cmr4, and Cmr5 are all required for formation of a crRNA-containing complex detected by native gel electrophoresis, and the conserved 5′ repeat sequence tag and 5′-OH group of the crRNA are essential for the interaction. Interestingly, capture of the complementary target RNA additionally requires both Cmr1 and Cmr6. In detailed functional studies, we determined that P. furiosus Cmr complexes cleave target RNAs at 6-nucleotide (nt) intervals in the region of complementarity, beginning 5 nt downstream from the crRNA tag and continuing to within ∼14 nt of the 3′ end of the crRNA. Our findings indicate that Cmr3 recognizes the signature crRNA tag sequence (and depends on protein–protein interactions with Cmr2, Cmr4, and Cmr5), each Cmr4 subunit mediates a target RNA cleavage, and Cmr1 and Cmr6 mediate an essential interaction between the 3′ region of the crRNA and the target RNA.
Two-Photon Photolysis Combined with a Kilobeam Array Scanner to Probe Calcium Signaling in Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Sauer Benjamin , Oberhofer Martin , Lipp Peter , Kaestner Lars
Published: November 2014

Photorelease of caged compounds allows a fast and defined intracellular increase in calcium (Ca2+) or other biologically relevant substances or molecules without impinging on other cellular functions. In particular, two-photon photolysis (2PP) allows a spatially restricted uncaging in sub-femtoliter volumes. Here, we describe how to combine 2PP with a confocal kilobeam array scanner and provide an example where Ca2+ is released in an isolated cardiac myocyte.
Detection of Apoptotic Cells Using Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Newbold Andrea , Martin Ben P. , Cullinane Carleen , Bots Michael
Published: November 2014

Immunohistochemistry is commonly used to show the presence of apoptotic cells in situ. In this protocol, B-cell lymphoma cells are injected into recipient mice and, on tumor formation, the mice are treated with the apoptosis inducer vorinostat (a histone deacetylase inhibitor). Tumor samples are fixed and sectioned, and fragmented DNA (a feature of apoptotic cells) is end-labeled by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL). Immunohistochemical methods are then used to detect the labeled DNA and identify B-cell lymphoma cells in the last stage of apoptosis. Because the assay can lead to false-positive results, it is advisable to carry out an additional assay (e.g., immunohistochemistry for active caspase-3) to confirm the presence of apoptotic cells.
Adaptive nonlinear path following method for fix‐wing micro aerial vehicle
Authors: Fang Jiancheng , Miao Cunxiao , Du Yuhu
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an adaptive controller of nonlinear path following for a fix‐wing micro‐aerial‐vehicle (MAV) in flight. The adaptive controller discussed in this work was able to successfully complete the flight tasks in complicated terrain, with improved trajectory tracking precision and flight quality.

Design/methodology/approach

The nonlinear desired trajectory was fitted by the method of fifth‐order B‐splines with a sequence of waypoints which are created and sent by the ground station. According to the relationship between the nonlinear desired trajectory and aircraft's flight path, the authors have built the relevant error equations of position and course under wind disturbances, based on the Serret‐Frenet frame. The Lyapunov function can be constructed in virtue of the error equations and desired course function applying the vector field theory. On the basis of Lyapunov stability arguments, the authors have also constituted the course adaptive control law, which is converged asymptotically and stably.

Findings

According to the nonlinear desired trajectory fitted by the proposed adaptive control methods, the authors have carried out the flight tests experiments with various positions, courses and airspeeds of aircraft. The experimental results show a good path following, as well as under wind disturbances.

Practical implications

A new methodology for the nonlinear path following has been proposed, which is also proven to be promising for other special applications such as the path following in straight‐line segment and orbit, etc.

Originality/value

The paper provides a novel realization method for accurate path following for MAVs. This method can also be carried out in many applications by a simple hardware.
Intégration régionale et croissance: Le cas de l'Afrique Centrale
Authors: Baricako Joseph , Ndongo Gaston Xavier Dagba
Published: November 2014

L'Acte Constitutif de l'Union Africaine considère l'intégration régionale comme une des clés de l'unité du continent et de son développement. Subséquemment, plusieurs initiatives ont été prises conformément aux dispositions du traité d'Abuja afin d'atteindre une intégration totale en 2034. Toutefois, de nombreuses Communautés Économiques Régionales et notamment la Communauté Économique des États d'Afrique Centrale, sont confrontées à des difficultés diverses dans leur processus d'intégration. La présente étude se donne pour objectif de démontrer la contribution quantitative de l'intégration régionale en termes de croissance, pour les pays d'Afrique Centrale. Pour ce faire, la modélisation économétrique utilise un modèle VAR spécifié sur données de panel. Il en ressort que la contribution globale d'un pays d'Afrique Centrale à l'intégration explique à long terme 16,96% de la variation de sa croissance économique. Spécifiquement, l'union économique et l'union économique totale sont les phases du processus qui contribuent le plus à la croissance, à hauteur respective de 3,34% et 7,79%. Les impacts de la libéralisation commerciale et de l'union douanière sur la croissance, bien qu'étant de moins forte amplitude, sont positifs et persistants sur 10 ans.
Effects of Different Blood Purification Methods on Serum Cytokine Levels and Prognosis in Patients With Acute Severe Organophosphorus Pesticide Poisoning
Authors: Liu Lunzhi , Ding Guohua
Published: November 2014

The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of three different blood purification methods, hemoperfusion (HP), continuous blood purification (CBP), and on‐line high‐volume hemodiafiltration (OL‐HDF), on the survival rate of patients with acute severe organophosphorus pesticide poisoning (ASOPP), as well as on major pro‐inflammatory (interleukin [IL]‐1, IL‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐α [TNF‐α]) and anti‐inflammatory (IL‐10) cytokines in the serum. Eighty‐one ASOPP patients were randomly divided into three groups: HP (N = 23), HP + CBP (N = 26), HP + OL‐HD (N = 32). Serum IL‐1, IL‐6, TNF‐α, and IL‐10 levels were assessed by ELISA before treatment and at 24 and 48 h post‐treatment and survival rates were determined. Patient survival rate was significantly higher in OL‐HDF and CBP treated patients compared with HP group (P < 0.05). A significantly greater clearance effect in serum IL‐1, IL‐6, and TNF‐α levels at 24 and 48 h post‐treatment was observed in CBP and OL‐HDF groups compared with the HP group (P < 0.05). The levels of serum anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10 increased significantly in CBP and OL‐HDF groups compared with the HP group (P < 0.05 at 48 h post‐treatment). In addition, OL‐HDF treatment achieved similar changes in serum TNF‐α, IL‐1, IL‐6 and IL‐10 levels as CBP (P > 0.05). Compared with the HP method, CBP or OL‐HDF combined with HP can rapidly clear inflammatory cytokines, reduce systemic inflammatory response syndrome, and improve the survival of ASOPP patients. Compared with CBP, OL‐HDF is an economical and effective method to treat ASOPP with less technical difficulty and more suitability for rural areas and primary hospitals.
Current Clinical Applications of Extracorporeal Photochemotherapy
Authors: Capuano Maria , Sommese Linda , Pignalosa Orlando , Parente Delia , Fabbricini Rossella , Nicoletti Giovanni Francesco , De Pascale Maria Rosaria , Schiano Concetta , Napoli Claudio
Published: November 2014

From the 1980s, extracorporeal photochemotherapy (ECP) has been shown to be effective in a variety of pathological conditions such as erythrodermic cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma, autoimmune diseases, solid organ allograft rejection and graft versus host disease. To date, ECP represents a non‐aggressive immune modulatory therapy with a low spectrum of toxicity. ECP reduces the alloreactivity promoting the immune tolerance to self. At the same time, it allows the maintenance of immune response integrity of both naive and memory T‐cells. However, the molecular mechanisms of action by which ECP exerts its therapeutic activity are still under investigation. Here, we review molecular mechanisms and clinical applications involved in ECP. The outcome of ECP is difficult due to the lack of reliable predictor factors for the selection of patients and their adequate follow‐up. Since the study of such predictors is important, we also describe some biological markers that enable us to investigate the clinical management of the patients considered for the use of ECP.
Predictive value of NGAL for use of renal replacement therapy in patients with severe sepsis
Authors: HJORTRUP P. B. , HAASE N. , TRESCHOW F. , MØLLER M. H. , PERNER A.
Published: November 2014

Background

The predictive value of plasma and urine neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) for use of renal replacement therapy (RRT) and acute kidney injury (AKI) is not established in patients with severe sepsis.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study in three general intensive care units (ICUs) in adult ICU patients with severe sepsis needing fluid resuscitation and a sub‐study of the 6S trial. Plasma and urine were sampled at baseline and NGAL was measured using particle‐enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay (The NGAL Test). Outcome measures were use of RRT in ICU, development of AKI according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes plasma creatinine criteria within 48 h and 90‐day mortality.

Results

Two‐hundred‐ twenty‐two patients had samples taken (211 had plasma and 162 urine sampled); simplified acute physiology score II was 54 (39–66). Forty patients (18%) had RRT in the ICU, 91 patients had AKI at enrolment; of the remaining 131 patients 24% developed AKI during the first 48 h, and 55% had died at 90 days. Areas under receiver‐operating characteristics curve (AuROC) for predicting use of RRT in ICU were 0.70 (95% confidence interval 0.61–0.78) and 0.62 (0.51–0.73) for plasma and urine NGAL, respectively. AuROC of plasma and urine NGAL for AKI were 0.66 (0.54–0.77) and 0.71 (0.59–0.82), respectively, and for 90‐day mortality 0.55 (0.47–0.63) and 0.61 (0.53–0.70), respectively. Combining NGAL values with plasma creatinine did not improve AuROCs.

Conclusion

In ICU patients with severe sepsis, plasma and urine NGAL had low predictive power for use of RRT, AKI and 90‐day mortality. These results were supported by sensitivity and exploratory analyses.
Development of knowledge tests for multi‐disciplinary emergency training: a review and an example
Authors: SØRENSEN J. L. , THELLESEN L. , STRANDBYGAARD J. , SVENDSEN K. D. , CHRISTENSEN K. B. , JOHANSEN M. , LANGHOFF‐ROOS P. , EKELUND K. , OTTESEN B. , VAN DER VLEUTEN C.
Published: November 2014

Background

The literature is sparse on written test development in a post‐graduate multi‐disciplinary setting. Developing and evaluating knowledge tests for use in multi‐disciplinary post‐graduate training is challenging. The objective of this study was to describe the process of developing and evaluating a multiple‐choice question (MCQ) test for use in a multi‐disciplinary training program in obstetric‐anesthesia emergencies.

Methods

A multi‐disciplinary working committee with 12 members representing six professional healthcare groups and another 28 participants were involved. Recurrent revisions of the MCQ items were undertaken followed by a statistical analysis. The MCQ items were developed stepwise, including decisions on aims and content, followed by testing for face and content validity, construct validity, item–total correlation, and reliability.

Results

To obtain acceptable content validity, 40 out of originally 50 items were included in the final MCQ test. The MCQ test was able to distinguish between levels of competence, and good construct validity was indicated by a significant difference in the mean score between consultants and first‐year trainees, as well as between first‐year trainees and medical and midwifery students. Evaluation of the item–total correlation analysis in the 40 items set revealed that 11 items needed re‐evaluation, four of which addressed content issues in local clinical guidelines. A Cronbach's alpha of 0.83 for reliability was found, which is acceptable.

Conclusion

Content and construct validity and reliability were acceptable. The presented template for the development of this MCQ test could be useful to others when developing knowledge tests and may enhance the overall quality of test development.
Cocaine can generate a stronger conditioned reinforcer than food despite being a weaker primary reinforcer
Authors: Tunstall Brendan J. , Kearns David N.
Published: November 2014

The present study aimed to test the hypothesis that cues associated with drug‐taking behavior become extra strong motivators of behavior compared with cues paired with non‐drug reinforcers. In experiment 1, rats were trained to lever press for intravenous cocaine infusions and grain pellets. Each reinforcer was paired with a distinct audiovisual cue. When allowed to choose between these alternatives, rats chose grain on ∼70–80 percent of trials. However, after extinguishing lever pressing, reintroduction of press‐contingent cues during a test for cue‐induced reinstatement generated more cocaine seeking than grain seeking (also observed on 3‐ and 8‐week follow‐up tests). To examine whether the same pattern of results would occur with two non‐drug reinforcers, experiment 2 replicated experiment 1 using grain and sucrose as reinforcement alternatives. Rats chose sucrose over grain on ∼70–80 percent of choice trials and also responded more for the sucrose cue than for the grain cue on the reinstatement test. The disconnect between primary and conditioned reinforcements in experiment 1 but not in experiment 2 suggests that drug cues may become exceptionally strong motivators of drug seeking. These results are consistent with cue‐focused theories of addiction and may offer insight into the persistent cue‐driven drug‐seeking behavior observed in addiction.
Tooth loss, periodontal disease, and cognitive decline in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study
Authors: Naorungroj Supawadee , Schoenbach Victor J. , Wruck Lisa , Mosley Thomas H. , Gottesman Rebecca F. , Alonso Alvaro , Heiss Gerardo , Beck James , Slade Gary D.
Published: November 2014

Objective

The purpose of this prospective study was to investigate whether poor oral health predicted 8‐year cognitive function change in predominantly late middle adults in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study.

Methods

Participants included a subset of ARIC participants aged 52–75 years at 1996–1998 from two study sites: Forsyth County NC and Jackson MS. All subjects completed cognitive function assessments both in 1996–1998 and 2004–2006, and the same subjects received a dental examination at the initial visit. Cognitive assessment consisted of delayed word recall (DWR), digit symbol substitution (DSS), and word fluency (WF) tests. In the analysis, cognitive function for 911 dentally screened participants was evaluated, and 558 of 785 dentate participants received comprehensive oral examinations, including periodontal probing. Measures of oral health included dental status, number of teeth, and periodontal disease classified by the biofilm–gingival interface (BGI) index. The generalized estimating equations (GEE) method was used to analyze repeated measures of cognitive scores with adjustment for socio‐demographic characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors.

Results

Of 911 study participants, 13.8% were edentulous. About 13% of dentally examined participants had periodontal pockets (≥4 mm) with severe bleeding. At the follow‐up visit, DWR and WF scores were lower in edentulous compared to dentate people, whereas other oral health measures were not associated with cognitive function. Mean values declined over time for all three cognitive measures, although poor oral health conditions were not associated with greater degree of decline in cognitive function.

Conclusions

In these late middle‐aged adults, complete tooth loss was significantly associated with lower cognitive performance. However, neither edentulism, number of teeth, nor periodontal disease predicted greater subsequent cognitive decline.
Clinical model assisting with the collaborative care of glaucoma patients and suspects
Authors: Jamous Khalid F , Kalloniatis Michael , Hennessy Michael P , Agar Ashish , Hayen Andrew , Zangerl Barbara
Published: November 2014

Background

Optimizing patient management will reduce unnecessary vision loss in glaucoma through early detection. One method is the introduction of collaborative care schemes between optometrists and ophthalmologists.

Design

We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the impact of the Centre for Eye Health (CFEH) on glaucoma patient outcomes and management in primary optometric care.

Participants

Patients referred to CFEH by optometrists for a glaucoma assessment were eligible for this study if written consent was provided (500 participants were randomly chosen).

Methods

Clinical data were classified according to disease risk and implemented patient care and analysed against the original diagnosis and patient parameters, followed by statistical analysis.

Main Outcome Measures

Two main parameters were evaluated; suitable referral of patients for glaucoma condition assessment and appropriate implementation of follow‐up care.

Results

The majority of patients referred for glaucoma assessment (86.2%) were classified as glaucoma suspects or likely to have glaucoma, indicating suitable referral of patients for a CFEH evaluation. Further, the involvement of CFEH resulted in a false positive rate of 7.8% for those patients who proceeded to ophthalmological care. However, long‐term optometric patient care was not maintained for up to a third of primarily lower risk patients.

Conclusions

The investigated collaborative eye health‐care model led to a substantial improvement in appropriate referrals of glaucoma patients to ophthalmologists and could be suitable for optimizing patient care and utilization of resources. Improvement in follow‐up of patients by optometrists is required to minimize inappropriately discontinued patient care.
Bioresorbable zinc hydroxyapatite guided bone regeneration membrane for bone regeneration
Authors: Chou Joshua , Komuro Maki , Hao Jia , Kuroda Shinji , Hattori Yusuke , Ben‐Nissan Besim , Milthorpe Bruce , Otsuka Makoto
Published: November 2014

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the bone regenerative properties of a heat treated cross‐linkedGBRmembrane with zinc hydroxyapatite powders in the rat calvarial defect model over a 6‐week period.

Material and Methods

In vitrophysio‐chemical characterization involved X‐ray diffraction analysis, surface topology by scanning electron microscopy, and zinc release studies in physiological buffers. Bilateral rat calvarial defects were used to compare the Zn‐HAp membranes against the commercially available collagen membranes and the unfilled defect group through radiological and histological evaluation.

Results

The synthesized Zn‐MEM(100 μm thick) showed no zinc ions released in the phosphate buffer solution (PBS) buffer, but zinc was observed under acidic conditions. At 6 weeks, both the micro‐CTand histological analyses revealed that the Zn‐MEMgroup yielded significantly greater bone formation with 80 ± 2% of bone filled, as compared with 60 ± 5% in the collagen membrane and 40 ± 2% in the unfilled control group.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the use of heat treatment as an alternative method to cross‐linking the Zn‐MEMto be applied as aGBRmembrane. Its synthesis and production are relatively simple to fabricate, and the membrane had rough surface features on one side, which might be beneficial for cellular activities. In a rat calvarial defect model, it was shown that new bone formation was accelerated in comparison with the collagen membrane and the unfilled defect groups. These results would suggest that Zn‐MEMhas the potential for further development in dental applications.
Detection of immunoglobulin light‐chain restriction in cutaneous B‐cell lymphomas by ultrasensitive bright‐field mRNAin situ hybridization
Authors: Minca Eugen C , Wang Hongwei , Wang Zhen , Lanigan Christopher , Billings Steven D , Luo Yuling , Tubbs Raymond R , Ma Xiao‐Jun
Published: November 2014

Background

Detection of immunoglobulin light‐chain restriction is important in the diagnosis of B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (B‐NHL). Flow‐cytometry, commonly used to evaluate light‐chain restriction, is impractical to be used in cutaneous specimens. Immunohistochemical and conventional chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) methods on formalin‐fixed‐paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissue lack sufficient sensitivity to detect low‐level light‐chain expression in B‐NHL without plasmacytic differentiation. Ultrasensitive bright‐field mRNA‐ISH (BRISH) for in situ light‐chain detection in cutaneous B‐NHL has been assessed.

Design

Kappa/lambda mRNA was detected using two‐color BRISH (RNAscope 2xPlex, Advanced Cell Diagnostics) on 27 FFPE skin biopsies and excisions from patients with available B‐cell PCR clonality studies: 16 clonal B‐cell lesions (6 follicle center lymphoma, 5 marginal zone lymphoma, 3 large B‐cell lymphoma, and 2 other) and 11 non‐clonal B‐cell proliferations.

Results

BRISH was successful in 15/16 clonal B‐cell lesions and 11/11 non‐clonal proliferations. Light‐chain restriction was detected in 15/15 clonal lesions and in 1/11 non‐clonal proliferations (96.1% overall concordance with clonality PCR). In 4/5 marginal zone lymphomas, light‐chain restriction was detected as strong monotypic mRNA expression in a B‐cell subset, consistent with plasmacytic differentiation.

Conclusion

Ultrasensitive BRISH can successfully detect light‐chain restriction in B‐NHL from FFPE skin specimens and may be a useful adjunct ancillary tool in cases not resolved by CISH or immunohistochemical methods.
Optimal Analysis of Left Atrial Strain by Speckle Tracking Echocardiography: P‐wave versus R‐wave Trigger
Authors: Hayashi Shuji , Yamada Hirotsugu , Bando Mika , Saijo Yoshihito , Nishio Susumu , Hirata Yukina , Klein Allan L. , Sata Masataka
Published: November 2014

Background

Left atrial (LA) strain analysis using speckle tracking echocardiography is useful for assessing LA function. However, there is no established procedure for this method. Most investigators have determined the electrocardiographic R‐wave peak as the starting point for LA strain analysis. To test our hypothesis that P‐wave onset should be used as the starting point, we measured LA strain using 2 different starting points and compared the strain values with the corresponding LA volume indices obtained by three‐dimensional (3D) echocardiography.

Methods

We enrolled 78 subjects (61 ± 17 years, 25 males) with and without various cardiac diseases in this study and assessed global longitudinal LA strain by two‐dimensional speckle tracking strain echocardiography using EchoPac software. We used either R‐wave peak or P‐wave onset as the starting point for determining LA strains during the reservoir (Rres, Pres), conduit (Rcon, Pcon), and booster pump (Rpump, Ppump) phases. We determined the maximum, minimum, and preatrial contraction LA volumes, and calculated the LA total, passive, and active emptying fractions using 3D echocardiography.

Results

The correlation between Pres and LA total emptying fraction was better than the correlation between Rres and LA total emptying fraction (r = 0.458 vs. 0.308, P = 0.026). Pcon and Ppump exhibited better correlation with the corresponding 3D echocardiographic parameters than Rcon (r = 0.560 vs. 0.479, P = 0.133) and Rpump (r = 0.577 vs. 0.345, P = 0.003), respectively.

Conclusions

LA strain in any phase should be analyzed using P‐wave onset as the starting point rather than R‐wave peak.
Effects of experimental warming on soil respiration and its components in an alpine meadow in the permafrost region of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau
Authors: Peng F. , You Q. G. , Xu M. H. , Zhou X. H. , Wang T. , Guo J. , Xue X.
Published: November 2014

The response of soil respiration (Rs) and its components (autotrophic [Ra] and heterotrophic respiration [Rh]) to climate warming is one of the uncertainties in ecosystem carbon (C) models. Here we conducted a warming experiment in an alpine meadow dominated by Koresbia in the permafrost region of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (QTP) to examine effects of warming on Rs and its components. Infrared heaters were used to simulate a 2°C warming of the surface soil temperature. Deep collars (50 cm to exclude root growth) were inserted into soil to measure Rh: Ra, which was calculated by subtracting Rh from Rs. Average Rs and its components (Ra and Rh) were significantly stimulated by 21.5, 27 and 15.6%, respectively, in warmed plots from January 2011 to October 2013. The contribution of Rh to Rs decreased in the warmed plots because of the smaller relative increase in Rh than in Ra. Annual soil C release increased by 263 and 247 g C m−2 in 2011 and 2012, respectively. Stimulation in Ra and Rh was related to the significant increase in root biomass (0–50 cm) and in labile soil C in the deeper layer (40–50 cm). The temperature sensitivities (Q10) of Rs and its components all increased with larger values in Ra, followed by Rs and Rh. Our results suggest a positive feedback between soil C release and climatic warming in the permafrost region of the QTP.
Learning and Behavior in Reef Fish: Fuel for Microevolutionary Change?
Authors: Drew Joshua A. , Gumm Jennifer M.
Published: November 2014

Small‐scale population differentiation among coral reef fishes may be more common than previously thought. New molecular technologies have informed patterns of differentiation, while experimental approaches focusing on larval abilities to limit distribution have explored processes leading to diversification. Building upon a recently published paper by Wismer et al. that examined population level differences in learning and cooperative behaviors in cleaner wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus), we use a phylogenetic framework to explore how social behaviors are distributed among wrasses in the Labrichthyines clade. Establishing links between social behavior and speciation across the phylogeny allows us explore how social behaviors such as learning and cooperation may also act as possible mechanisms driving diversification at the microevolutionary scale.
Self‐perception of the hearing‐impaired elderly before and after hearing‐aid fittings
Authors: Barbosa Mirna Rossi , de Sousa Medeiros Daniel , Rossi‐Barbosa Luiza Augusta Rosa , Silveira Marise Fagundes , de Barros Lima Martins Andrea Maria Eleutério , Caldeira Antônio Prates
Published: November 2014

Aim

To evaluate the impact of hearing aid (HA) fittings among elderly patients through the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE).

Methods

The present study was carried out with 125 hearing‐impaired individuals over aged 65 years in the northern region of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The instrument used was the HHIE self‐assessment questionnaire. HHIE were completed before and after HA fittings. Data were analyzed using the non‐parametric Wilcoxon test and the McNemar χ2‐test.

Results

There were significant decreases in general, social and emotional handicap after HA use (P < 0.001). The percentage of patients with severe hearing handicap decreased from 45.6% to 8.8% with HA use. The greatest difficulty reported by respondents, both before and after HA use, was “hearing when someone whispers”.

Conclusions

Although HA use significantly improves the hearing handicap, some older adults still maintain social and emotional limitations. The HHIE instrument can be a great ally in helping professionals understand and rehabilitate the difficulties that remain after amplification. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 977–982.
Predictors of incubation costs in seabirds: an evolutionary perspective
Authors: Shoji Akiko , Elliott Kyle H. , Aris‐Brosou Stéphane , Wilson Rory P. , Gaston Anthony J.
Published: November 2014

Energy costs during breeding play an important role in the evolution of life history traits. Seabirds show substantial variation in both incubation shift length (ISL) and metabolic rates. However, it is still unclear how variation in life history traits relates to incubation metabolic rates (IMR). Here, we examine the relationship between IMR and life history traits, including ISL, fledging strategy (precocial to altricial), incubation period, nest location (surface vs. underground) and clutch mass relative to adult body mass for 30 species of seabirds collated from the literature. Using both conventional non‐phylogenetic and phylogenetic generalized least‐squares approaches, we show that IMR is negatively associated with ISL, relative clutch mass and with underground nesting, while fledging strategy and incubation period have no impact on IMR once phylogeny is accounted for. Maximum likelihood reconstructions further suggest than ancestral seabirds had average ISL and relative clutch mass, and were surface nesters. We conclude that lower metabolic rates during incubation are associated with both an increased incubation shift length that allows animals to travel farther, as well as the evolutionary emergence of underground nesting that requires less social interaction.
Degradation of Spark Plasma Sintered Yttria Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) and CeO2‐YSZ Ceramics in Supercritical Water
Authors: Siebert‐Timmer A. , Bichler L. , Mondal K.
Published: November 2014

Zirconia ceramics are often considered in the nuclear industry for high temperature applications due to their radiation resistance, chemical inertness, high thermal stability and low thermal conductivity. However, wide application of zirconia ceramics is hindered by their degradation behavior in aqueous media. In this research, moderately dense 8 mol% Yttria Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) as well as YSZ based ceramics containing 5, 10 and 15 mol% CeO2 were fabricated via Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS). Sintered ceramics were subjected to static degradation testing in supercritical water at 400°C and 31 MPa. The weight loss and microstructural changes of the ceramics associated with supercritical water exposure were studied, and the results suggest that the addition of CeO2 significantly reduced the degradation rate and improved the bulk structural stability of the ceramic composite. This behavior was attributed to the enhanced stabilization of the zirconia lattice, preventing the evolution of the undesirable monoclinic‐ZrO2 phase.
Influence of Joining Interlayer on Impact Damage to Laminated Boron Carbide Ceramics
Authors: Sekine Kiyoto , Kumazawa Takeshi , Tanabe Yasuhiro
Published: November 2014

Impact damage of laminated B4C ceramic samples was investigated using four types of aluminum sheets — without holes and with 25 4‐, 8‐, and 25‐mm‐diameter holes — at joining ratios of 100, 94, 76, and 45%. Four 1‐mm‐thick B4C ceramics plates were laminated using three aluminum sheets of the same type and joined at 700°C in vacuum. In impact damage tests using spherical SUJ‐2 projectile with a diameter of 4 mm with a velocity of approximately 300 ms−1, bulk B4C showed a large conical crack and significant fractures; the conical crack in the laminated samples was smaller than that of the bulk B4C. However, the conical cracks of the laminated B4C with the joining ratio 45 to 96% were of the same size, irrespective of the joining ratios. The total load and induced pressure area on the rear side of laminated samples were smaller than that observed for bulk B4C, and total load and induced pressure area were similar for laminated samples with high and low joining ratios. The maximum pressure on the rear face of laminated B4C samples was higher than that observed for bulk B4C and increased with decreasing joining ratio of laminate interlayer.
Community health nurses' HIV health promotion and education programmes: a qualitative study
Authors: Abe M. , Turale S. , Klunklin A. , Supamanee T.
Published: November 2014

Background

Globally, nurses practice in many settings with people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), taking an increasing share of the professional burden of care and helping to reduce morbidity and mortality. International literature is sparse about Thai community nurses providing primary healthcare programmes for people with HIV.

Aim

This study aimed to describe background, experiences and strategies of community nurses regarding their design and delivery of programmes for people living with HIV and AIDS in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.

Design

This study used a qualitative mixed‐methods study employing a qualitative survey and in‐depth interviews.

Methods

Twenty community health nurses from 18 small community hospitals completed a survey comprising demographic data and 13 open‐ended questions. Four of them later engaged in in‐depth interviews using the same questions. Survey, interview data and field notes were analysed using interpretive content analysis.

Findings

Four themes and six sub‐themes portrayed participants' rich experiences and knowledge of HIV health promotion and education; challenges of daily work, discrimination and ethical issues; success through programme diversity comprising promotion of community volunteerism, networking and relationships; and holistic connections with Thai cultural traditions and Buddhism.

Conclusions and implications for practice

Findings help to recognize the diversity, uniqueness and contributions of Thai community nurses regarding culturally appropriate health promotion and education programmes for people living with HIV and AIDS. Findings inform nurses and health officials in and outside of the country to complement innovation in future HIV health promotion and education programmes.

Limitations

Our sample came from one province of Thailand. Findings might not be reflective of nurses elsewhere.

Implications for health and nursing policy

Three decades of collective experience in providing holistic and multifaceted HIV and AIDS nursing care, education and health promotion by community health nurses have the potential to effect new and existing policies and protocols on HIV community care in Thailand, but more research is required for this.
Ultra‐low Sintering Temperature Microwave Dielectric Ceramics Based on Na2O‐MoO3 Binary System
Authors: Zhang Gao‐qun , Wang Hong , Guo Jing , He Li , Wei Dan‐dan , Yuan Qi‐bin
Published: November 2014

The compounds in Na2O‐MoO3 system were prepared by the solid‐state reaction route. The phase composition, crystal structures, microstructures, and microwave dielectric properties of the compounds have been investigated. This series of compounds can be sintered well at ultra‐low temperatures of 505°C–660°C. The sintered samples exhibit good microwave dielectric properties, with the relative permittivities (εr) of 4.1–12.9, the Q × f values of 19900–62400 GHz, and the τf values of −115 ppm/°C to −57 ppm/°C. Among the eight compounds in this binary system, three kinds of single‐phase ceramics, namely Na2MoO4, Na2Mo2O7 and Na6Mo11O36 were formed. Furthermore, the relationship between the structure and the microwave dielectric properties in this system has been discussed. The average NaI‐O and MoVI‐O bond valences have an influence on the sintering temperatures in Na2O‐MoO3 system. The large valence deviations of Na and Mo lead to a large temperature coefficient of resonant frequency. The X‐ray diffraction and backscattered electron image results show that Na2MoO4 doesn't react with Ag and Al at 660°C. Also, Na2Mo2O7 has a chemical compatibility with Al at 575°C.
Historical biogeography of the widespread spider wasp tribe Aporini (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae)
Authors: Rodriguez Juanita , Pitts James P. , von Dohlen Carol D.
Published: November 2014

Aim

Our aim was to determine the age and area of origin of the genera of the Aporini tribe of spider wasps by studying its historical biogeography. We also tested the fit of several hypotheses concerning the processes underlying the widespread distribution of this group.

Location

The Holarctic and Neotropics.

Methods

A phylogeny of 44 Aporini taxa was produced through Bayesian inference using four nuclear molecular markers (elongation factor‐1 α F2 copy, long‐wavelength rhodopsin, wingless and the D2–D3 regions of the 28S ribosomal RNA). A lognormal relaxed molecular clock, calibrated with ages from three fossils, was used to estimate lineage divergence times. Biogeographical processes were studied using three methods: statistical dispersal–vicariance analysis (S‐DIVA), dispersal–extinction cladogenesis (DEC) analysis and Bayesian binary Markov chain Monte Carlo (BBM) analysis.

Results

Our data suggest an origin for the most recent common ancestor of extant Aporini in the Nearctic region in the early Miocene, 22.6 Ma, with a confidence interval (CI) of 17.40–28.83 Ma. All genera originated in the Miocene, four in the Nearctic region. A constrained DEC analysis, where only dispersal to adjacent regions was allowed, produced the highest likelihood and was mostly congruent with the BBM results.

Main conclusions

Dispersal from the Nearctic region to the Palaearctic region probably occurred across the Bering land bridge in the early Miocene, 15–18 Ma (CI = 11.14, 23.52), while three dispersal events to South America from Mesoamerica took place independently. These dispersals to South America occurred after 18 Ma through the Isthmus of Panama or across the Panama seaway. Three independent over‐water dispersal events to the Antilles occurred from Mesoamerica and the Nearctic for two Aporini genera. The patterns inferred within the biogeographical history of Aporini agree with several scenarios proposed for other unrelated taxa.
Neural reactivity to monetary rewards and losses differentiates social from generalized anxiety in children
Authors: Kessel Ellen M. , Kujawa Autumn , Hajcak Proudfit Greg , Klein Daniel N.
Published: November 2014

Background

The relationship between reward sensitivity and pediatric anxiety is poorly understood. Evidence suggests that alterations in reward processing are more characteristic of depressive than anxiety disorders. However, some studies have reported that anxiety disorders are also associated with perturbations in reward processing. Heterogeneity in the forms of anxiety studied may account for the differences between studies. We used the feedback‐negativity, an event‐related potential sensitive to monetary gains versus losses (ΔFN), to examine whether different forms of youth anxiety symptoms were uniquely associated with reward sensitivity as indexed by neural reactivity to the receipt of positive and negative monetary outcomes.

Method

Participants were 390, eight‐ to ten‐year‐old children (175 females) from a large community sample. The ΔFN was measured during a monetary reward task. Self‐reports of child anxiety and depression symptoms and temperamental positive emotionality (PE) were obtained.

Results

Multiple regression analysis revealed that social anxiety and generalized anxiety symptoms were unique predictors of reward sensitivity after accounting for concurrent depressive symptoms and PE. While social anxiety was associated with a greater ΔFN, generalized anxiety was associated with a reduced ΔFN.

Conclusions

Different symptom dimensions of child anxiety are differentially related to alterations in reward sensitivity. This may, in part, explain inconsistent findings in the literature regarding reward processing in anxiety.
Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) Impact on Actinidia kolomikta Drying Efficiency
Authors: Lamanauskas Nerijus , Šatkauskas Saulius , Bobinaitė Ramunė , Viškelis Pranas
Published: November 2014

Actinidia kolomikta (Maxim. and Rupr.) Maxim fruits are very beneficial for the health, but their wide use is limited by short shelf life. One way of fruit preservation is drying, but Actinidia fruits have quite firm skin, which results in a long drying time. Pulsed electric field (PEF) is a promising nonthermal food stuff processing method, based on a very short time (μs to ms range), but high‐voltage (1–10 kV/cm) treatment, allowing increased mass transfer from plant tissues. In this study PEF‐pretreated A. kolomikta fruits were dried in a fluid bed hot air dryer. The weight difference after PEF pretreatment of the fruits was 13%, after 3 h of drying, with a 5‐kV/cm strong electric field strength, pulse width of 20 μs, pulse repetition rate of 20 Hz and a total treatment time of 120 s. PEF pretreatment did not influence the color parameters or ascorbic acid content of A. kolomikta fruits.

Practical Applications

Actinidia kolomikta (Maxim. and Rupr.) Maxim show high frost resistance (up to −30C during the dormant period), and exhibit short growth and maturation time; therefore, they could be cultivated in colder climate countries. A. kolomikta fruits are healthy and valuable, but their wide use is limited by its short shelf life. One way of fruit preservation is drying, but Actinidia fruits have quite firm skin, which results in a long drying time. In this study, we presented pulsed electric field (PEF) pretreatment in order to increase the drying efficiency of A. kolomikta fruits. Using PEF pretreatment, the same dryness could be reached almost two times faster. This allowed for the saving of time and energy, while fruit quality parameters (color parameters and ascorbic acid content) remained unchanged. Thus, PEF pretreatment prior to drying is a promising technology for increased quality of A. kolomikta fruit preservation.