bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transforming cross‐cultural water research through trust, participation and place
Authors: Woodward Emma , Marrfurra McTaggart Patricia
Published: August 2015

Indigenous voices in government‐led natural resource management planning processes are often marginalised, misinterpreted, or excluded. Third parties, including government‐employed geographers, can act as knowledge brokers in defining Indigenous values and interests so they might be included in government planning processes. This paper reviews and assesses a research partnership that evolved to document the complex and diverse ecological and hydrological values held by Ngan'gi speakers about the Daly River and connected water places in the Northern Territory, Australia. The development of trust through the slow building of a relationship based on place‐based dialogue, a key aspect of participatory action research (PAR), created the foundation from which a mutually beneficial and respectful research partnership was able to, and continues to, evolve. Both research partners' perspectives are revealed here to articulate why the research partnership was deemed a success. Key lessons learned from the research partnership include the importance of trust, respect for place‐based learning, researcher and institutional flexibility, and awareness of the intricacies of relationship building and the benefits that research engagement can bring to Indigenous people and communities. We aim to further dialogue among geographers and interested disciplines as to the potential for PAR methods to foster mutually beneficial Indigenous–non‐Indigenous research partnerships.
Estimating the success of enzyme bioprospecting through metagenomics: current status and future trends
Authors: Ferrer Manuel , Martínez‐Martínez Mónica , Bargiela Rafael , Streit Wolfgang R. , Golyshina Olga V. , Golyshin Peter N.
Published: August 2015

Recent reports have suggested that the establishment of industrially relevant enzyme collections from environmental genomes has become a routine procedure. Across the studies assessed, a mean number of approximately 44 active clones were obtained in an average size of approximately 53 000 clones tested using naïve screening protocols. This number could be significantly increased in shorter times when novel metagenome enzyme sequences obtained by direct sequencing are selected and subjected to high‐throughput expression for subsequent production and characterization. The pre‐screening of clone libraries by naïve screens followed by the pyrosequencing of the inserts allowed for a 106‐fold increase in the success rate of identifying genes encoding enzymes of interest. However, a much longer time, usually on the order of years, is needed from the time of enzyme identification to the establishment of an industrial process. If the hit frequency for the identification of enzymes performing at high turnover rates under real application conditions could be increased while still covering a high natural diversity, the very expensive and time‐consuming enzyme optimization phase would likely be significantly shortened. At this point, it is important to review the current knowledge about the success of fine‐tuned naïve‐ and sequence‐based screening protocols for enzyme selection and to describe the environments worldwide that have already been subjected to enzyme screen programmes through metagenomic tools. Here, we provide such estimations and suggest the current challenges and future actions needed before environmental enzymes can be successfully introduced into the market.
Using Fly Ash as a Marker to Quantify Culturally‐Accelerated Sediment Accumulation in Playa Wetlands
Authors: Tang Zhenghong , Gu Yue , Drahota Jeff , LaGrange Ted , Bishop Andy , Kuzila Mark S.
Published: August 2015

Wetlands in the Rainwater Basin in Nebraska are vulnerable to sediment accumulation from the surrounding watershed. Sediment accumulation has a negative impact on wetland quality by decreasing the depth and volume of water stored, and the plant community species composition and density growing in the wetland. The objective of this study was to determine the amount of sediment that has accumulated in five selected wetlands in the Rainwater Basin in Nebraska. Soil cores were taken at five or six locations along transects across each wetland. This study used the fly ash, which is generated by coal‐burning locomotives that were present generally in the late 1800s and early 1900s, as a marker to quantify the sediment deposition rates. The cores were divided into 5 cm sections and the soils were analyzed using a fly ash extraction and identification technique. Results indicate that the average depth of sediment ranged from 23.00 to 38.00 cm. The annual average depth of sediment accumulation ranged from 0.18 cm/yr to 0.29 cm/yr. The annual sediment accumulation rate from both wind erosion and water erosion in these five sampling wetlands was between 1.946 and 3.225 kg/m2/yr. The results of this research can be used to develop restoration plans for wetlands. The fly ash testing technology can also be applied to other areas with the railroads across the United States.
Exploring the relationship between anaesthesiologists’ non‐technical and technical skills
Authors: Gjeraa K. , Jepsen R. M. H. G. , Rewers M. , Østergaard D. , Dieckmann P.
Published: August 2015

Background

A combination of non‐technical skills (NTS) and technical skills (TS) is crucial for anaesthetic patient management. However, a deeper understanding of the relationship between these two skills remains to be explored. We investigated the characteristics of trainee anaesthesiologists’ NTS and TS in a simulated unexpected difficult airway management scenario.

Methods

A mixed‐method approach was used to explore the relationship between NTS and TS in 25 videos of 2nd year trainee anaesthesiologists managing a simulated difficult airway scenario. The videos were assessed using the customised version of the Anaesthetists’ Non‐Technical Skills System, ANTSdk, and an adapted TS checklist for calculating the correlation between NTS and TS. Written descriptions of the observed NTS were analysed using directed content analysis.

Results

The correlation between the NTS and the TS ratings was 0.106 (two‐tailed significance of 0.613). Inter‐rater reliability was substantial. Themes characterising good NTS included a systematic approach, planning and communicating decisions as well as responding to the evolving situation. A list of desirable, concrete NTS for the specific airway management situation was generated.

Conclusion

This study illustrates that anaesthesiologist trainees’ NTS and TS were not correlated in this setting, but rather intertwined and how the interplay of NTS and TS can impact patient management. Themes describing the characteristics of NTS and a list of desirable, concrete NTS were developed to aid the understanding, training and use of NTS.
Securing social difference: Militarization and sexual violence in an Afro‐Nicaraguan community
Authors: GOETT JENNIFER
Published: August 2015

Renewed violence in Nicaragua in the aftermath of the 1980s Contra War is tied to the drug trade, drug war militarization, and the rise of the postwar security state. State sexual violence in an Afro‐Nicaraguan community under counternarcotics military occupation vividly demonstrates this linkage. I argue that state sexual violence in this case has served as a mechanism for asserting mestizo state sovereignty in a minoritized security zone. The forms of racial and patriarchal power that enabled the violence permeate the social body and structure political life in Nicaragua, and their diffuse nature has made it difficult for local people to find political redress for the abuses of state power that occurred in their community. Politically engaged feminist ethnography can illuminate the relationship between state security projects, preexisting social hierarchies, and endemic forms of insecurity and violence that remain difficult to politicize in postwar Central America.
Spectacular infrastructure and its breakdown in socialist Vietnam
Authors: SCHWENKEL CHRISTINA
Published: August 2015

No material resource and public good is more critical to sustaining urban life than water. During postwar reconstruction in Vietnam, planners showcased urban infrastructure as a spectacular socialist achievement. Water‐related facilities, in particular, held the potential for emancipation and modernity. Despite East German–engineered systems, however, taps remained dry in socialist housing. Lack of water exposed existing hierarchies that undermined the goal of democratic infrastructure yet enabled new forms of solidarity and gendered social practice to take shape in response to the state's failure to meet basic needs. Infrastructural breakdown and neglect thus catalyzed a collective ethos of maintenance and repair as the state shifted responsibility for upkeep to disenchanted tenants. I track these processes in a housing complex in Vinh City, where water signified both the promises of state care and a condition of its systemic neglect. [materiality, infrastructure, socialist modernity, urbanization, decay, maintenance and repair, water, Vietnam]
Association of a single nucleotide polymorphism in the 5' upstream region of the porcine myosin heavy chain 4 gene with meat quality traits in pigs
Authors: Cho Eun‐Seok , Lee Kyung‐Tai , Kim Jun‐Mo , Lee Si‐Woo , Jeon Hyeon‐Jeong , Lee Seung‐Hwan , Hong Ki‐Chang , Kim Tae‐Hun
Published: August 2015

We identified a potential molecular marker associated with meat quality traits in the myosin heavy chain 4, MYH4 gene of Landrace pigs. Sequencing revealed a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP; g.‐1398G>T) in the 5' upstream region of MYH4. It was significantly associated with the number of type IIa muscle fibers and water‐holding capacity based on filter‐paper fluid uptake. The GG genotype groups had a greater number of type IIa fibers and a larger area composed of type IIa fibers than the other genotype group (P = 0.004 and P = 0.061, respectively). Expression level of MYH4 gene in the genotype TT or GT was higher than in genotype of GG (P < 0.0001). The T allele may enhance expression level of MYH4 gene and then the portion of IIb type fiber in the muscle be increased by the T allelle. Therefore, we suggest that the g.‐1398G>T in the 5' upstream region of the porcine MYH4 may be used as a molecular marker for meat quality traits, although its functional effect is not defined yet.
Systematic review on the prevalence, frequency and comparative value of adverse events data in social media
Authors: Golder Su , Norman Gill , Loke Yoon K
Published: August 2015

Aim

The aim of this review was to summarize the prevalence, frequency and comparative value of information on the adverse events of healthcare interventions from user comments and videos in social media.

Methods

A systematic review of assessments of the prevalence or type of information on adverse events in social media was undertaken. Sixteen databases and two internet search engines were searched in addition to handsearching, reference checking and contacting experts. The results were sifted independently by two researchers. Data extraction and quality assessment were carried out by one researcher and checked by a second. The quality assessment tool was devised in‐house and a narrative synthesis of the results followed.

Results

From 3064 records, 51 studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies assessed over 174 social media sites with discussion forums (71%) being the most popular. The overall prevalence of adverse events reports in social media varied from 0.2% to 8% of posts.

Twenty‐nine studies compared the results from searching social media with using other data sources to identify adverse events. There was general agreement that a higher frequency of adverse events was found in social media and that this was particularly true for ‘symptom’ related and ‘mild’ adverse events.

Those adverse events that were under‐represented in social media were laboratory‐based and serious adverse events.

Conclusions

Reports of adverse events are identifiable within social media. However, there is considerable heterogeneity in the frequency and type of events reported, and the reliability or validity of the data has not been thoroughly evaluated.
Personalizing initial calcineurin inhibitor dosing by adjusting to donor CYP3A‐status in liver transplant patients
Authors: Monostory Katalin , Tóth Katalin , Kiss Ádám , Háfra Edit , Csikány Nóra , Paulik József , Sárváry Enikő , Kóbori László
Published: August 2015

Aims

Inter‐individual variability in dose requirements of calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) has been linked to genetic polymorphisms of CYP3A enzymes. CYP3A5*3, CYP3A4*1B and CYP3A4*22 alleles of liver grafts may explain about one third of the inter‐individual differences in pharmacokinetics of ciclosporin and tacrolimus in recipients. However, non‐genetic factors, influencing CYP3A expression, can contribute to the variability of CYP3A function due to phenoconversion. The present study evaluated the association between CYP3A4 expression combined with CYP3A5 genotype of donor livers and recipients' CNI therapy after transplantation.

Methods

The contribution of donors' CYP3A5 genotype and CYP3A4 expression to the blood concentrations and dose requirements of CNIs was evaluated in 131 liver transplant recipients.

Results

The recipients with grafts from normal CYP3A4 expresser donors carrying CYP3A5*3/*3 required CNI maintenance doses more or less similar to the bodyweight‐controlled starting doses (9.1 mg kg−1 of ciclosporin and 0.1 mg kg−1 of tacrolimus). The patients transplanted with grafts from low CYP3A4 expressers required substantial reduction (by about 50%, 4.2 mg kg−1 of ciclosporin, 0.047 mg kg−1 of tacrolimus, P < 0.001), while the recipients with grafts from high expressers or with grafts carrying at least one copy of the functional CYP3A5*1 allele required an increase (by about 50% [12.8–13.8 mg kg−1] for ciclosporin and 100% [0.21 mg kg−1] for tacrolimus, P < 0.001) of the initial CNI dose for achieving target blood concentrations.

Conclusions

Donor livers' CYP3A‐status, taking both CYP3A5 allelic variations and CYP3A4 expression into account, can better identify the risk of CNI over‐ or underexposure, and may contribute to the avoidance of misdosing‐induced graft injury in the early post‐operative period.
EU Kids Online II Dataset: A cross‐national study of children's use of the Internet and its associated opportunities and risks
Authors: Livingstone Sonia , Cagiltay Kursat , Ólafsson Kjartan
Published: August 2015

In the EU Kids Online II project, data were collected from children and parents via in‐home face‐to‐face interviews in 25 European countries to examine children's Internet use, activities and skills, the risk of harm they encountered, parental awareness, and safety strategies regarding children's Internet use and risks. The project provides comparable cross‐national survey data to inform social policies for children's Internet use and protection. Nationally representative survey samples were drawn in each country, with data obtained in a face‐to‐face interview with 25 142 Internet‐using children aged 9–16 years together with one of their parents (c. 1000 child/parent pairs per country). Questions were primarily closed‐ended, with an open‐ended (qualitative) element and with sensitive questions asked of the child in private.
Introducing engineering in elementary education: A 5‐year study of teachers and students
Authors: Diefes‐Dux Heidi A.
Published: August 2015

Engineering, when integrated into K‐12 education, may offer a number of potential student learning and future success benefits. In a 5‐year study, four cohorts of elementary teachers of grades 2 to 4 in a single US school district were provided with teacher professional development with engineering education. Teachers were prepared to teach lessons to introduce and reinforce the terms engineering and technology, the work of an engineer, and the engineering design process and to engage students in an engineering design unit tied to grade‐level specific science content. Teacher data (interviews) and student data (knowledge and identity development assessments, drawings, and interviews) were used to investigate the relationship between the teacher professional development and teachers' integration of engineering and students' learning and understanding of and interest in engineering. Access to data is restricted to researchers with legitimate research interests, though the research instruments are publicly available.
Longitudinal data on the effectiveness of mathematics mini‐games in primary education
Authors: Bakker Marjoke , Van den Heuvel‐Panhuizen Marja , Robitzsch Alexander
Published: August 2015

This paper describes a dataset consisting of longitudinal data gathered in the BRXXX project. The aim of the project was to investigate the effectiveness of online mathematics mini‐games in enhancing primary school students' multiplicative reasoning ability (multiplication and division). The dataset includes data of 719 students from 35 primary schools in the Netherlands, who were followed from end Grade 1 to end Grade 3. Participating schools were randomly divided over three experimental conditions (playing at school, at home or at home with debriefing at school) and a control group. Tests of multiplicative reasoning ability were administered at the end of Grade 1 (pretest) and the end of Grade 2 and Grade 3 (posttests). In addition to the scores on these tests, the dataset includes measures of gameplay behavior, ie, the time and effort students put in the games, and some student background variables.
The open dataset on students’ perceptions of virtual learning environments in Ireland: Collaborating to listen to the student voice
Authors: Risquez Angelica , Raftery Damien , Costello Eamon
Published: August 2015

The Irish inter‐institutional virtual learning environments (VLEs) open dataset stems from ongoing work with a rolling longitudinal survey of students’ usage of VLEs which has been ongoing in 12 higher education institutions since 2008. The project has collected over 21 000 student responses to date through the growth of an extended network of educational technologists collaborating from multiple institutions. The survey instrument uses a common set of questions, and on condition of anonymity, the participating institutions pool their data to compare and contrast the results. The large representation of the data collected at national level opens the possibility of international participation to add a cross‐national dimension to the data analysis.
Datasets reflecting students' and teachers' views on the use of learning technology in a UK university
Authors: Limniou Maria , Downes John J. , Maskell Simon
Published: August 2015

Nowadays, the use of datasets is of crucial importance for the advancement of educational research. Specifically in the field of Higher Education, many researchers might share through online data repositories their research outputs in order for data to be reusable, accessible and accountable to educational community. The aim of this paper is to describe how web surveys along with the resultant datasets were created and how the datasets might be of some use to other researchers. The questionnaires are focused on examining teachers' and students' views about technology‐enhanced teaching and learning when using virtual learning environments (VLEs). The investigation was conducted across three Schools in the same University during the same time period. The datasets may assist other researchers in the development of further educational research concerning the use of technology resulting in more generalisable conclusions.
The synthesis approach to analysing educational design dataset: Application of three scaffolds to a learning by design task for postgraduate education students
Authors: Thompson Kate , Carvalho Lucila , Aditomo Anindito , Dimitriadis Yannis , Dyke Gregory , Evans Michael A. , Khosronejad Maryam , Martinez‐Maldonado Roberto , Reimann Peter , Wardak Dewa
Published: August 2015

The aims of the Synthesis and Scaffolding Project were to understand: the role of specific scaffolds in relation to the activity of learners, and the activity of learners during a collaborative design task from multiple perspectives, through the collection and analysis of multiple streams of data and the adoption of a synthesis approach to the research. The Synthesis Approach to Analysing Educational Design (SAAED) dataset is comprised of video, audio and image files, transcripts of the discourse, as well as copies of physical artefacts generated by three groups of three postgraduate education students during a 90‐minute design session. The data were collected in January 2013. Each group was given a different scaffold related to the design process, the social interactions or the use of the tools available to the participants. Researchers interested in analysing the SAAED are required to sign a collaborator agreement to become part of the project team.
A SMOOTH AMBIGUITY MODEL OF THE COMPETITIVE FIRM
Authors: Wong Kit Pong
Published: August 2015

This paper examines the optimal production decision of the competitive firm under price uncertainty when the firm's preferences exhibit smooth ambiguity aversion. Ambiguity is modeled by a second‐order probability distribution that captures the firm's uncertainty about which of the subjective beliefs govern the price risk. Ambiguity preferences are modeled by the (second‐order) expectation of a concave transformation of the (first‐order) expected utility of profit conditional on each plausible subjective distribution of the price risk. Within this framework, we derive necessary and sufficient conditions under which the ambiguity‐averse firm optimally produces less in response either to the introduction of ambiguity or to greater ambiguity aversion when ambiguity prevails. In the case that the price risk is binary, we show that ambiguity and greater ambiguity aversion always adversely affect the firm's production decision.
Comparison of a predictive algorithm with receptionist triage for priority public dental care
Authors: Jones Kelly
Published: August 2015

Objective

To determine the clinical validity and accuracy of an empirically derived triage model when compared with traditional priority assessment by receptionists.

Background

The use of predictive models to support evidence‐based delivery of health care is increasing. Predictive models assist in predicting priority of need or treatment planning for patients and facilitate transparent and consistent decision‐making. A predictive model for determining priority of need for dental care was evaluated against a reference standard dentist assessment and traditional receptionist assessment.

Methods

We sampled 310 patients seeking dental care. Participants were selected from people requesting care at two community dental clinics and who agreed to answer eight questions. Receptionists recorded their judgements of participant priority into three categories: care needed <48 h, 2–7 days or 8+ days. The ‘reference standard’ priority was determined by dental officers using the same categories. Model coefficients generated a predicted probability of requiring care. Sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), and predictive (PPVandNPV) and area under the curve (AUC) values were computed for two thresholds, <48 h versus 2+ days and <2–7 days versus 8+ days.

Results

At <48‐h threshold, the modelPPVwas higher andNPVlower than receptionists in predicting patients not needing care. At the 2‐ to 7‐day threshold, the model also performed better than receptionists in predicting those needing care for 2–7 days.AUCstatistics show the model performed better than the traditional receptionist method.

Conclusions

The predictive model outperformed traditional receptionist screening in predicting priority of care.
Vision, Identity, and Career in the Clinical and Translational Sciences: Building upon the Formative Years
Authors: Manson Spero M. , Martinez Dominic F. , Buchwald Dedra S. , Rubio Doris M. , Moss Marc
Published: August 2015

This paper is the second in a five‐part series on the clinical and translational science educational pipeline. It focuses on the role that Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) programs can play in supporting science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education in primary and secondary schools, as well as in facilitating these interests during transition to undergraduate training. Special emphasis should be placed on helping to form and sustain an identity as a scientist, and on instilling the persistence necessary to overcome numerous barriers to its actualization. CTSAs can contribute to cementing this sense of self by facilitating peer support, mentorship, and family involvement that will reinforce early educational decisions leading to clinical and translational science research careers. Meanwhile, the interests, skills, and motivation induced by participation in STEM programs must be sustained in transition to the next level in the educational pipeline, typically undergraduate study. Examples of CTSA collaborations with local schools, businesses, interest groups, and communities at large illustrate the emerging possibilities and promising directions with respect to each of these challenges.
Arterial Catheterization and Infection: Toll‐like Receptors in Defense against Microorganisms and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Hambsch Zakary J. , Kerfeld Mitchell J. , Kirkpatrick Daniel R. , McEntire Dan M. , Reisbig Mark D. , Youngblood Charles F. , Agrawal Devendra K.
Published: August 2015

Radial artery catheterization has become a preferred route over femoral artery catheterization, in order to monitor the blood pressure of hemodynamically unstable patients or for repeated sampling of arterial blood gases. While the incidence of catheter‐related infection is lower in the radial artery than the femoral artery, infection remains a major issue that requires attention. In this review of the literature, we discuss infectious complications of radial artery catheterization, with a focus on various risk factors and establishing the most common causative agents. We also critically review the role of the innate immune system involving Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) in host‐defense, with the goal of establishing a common pathway used by the innate immune system via TLRs to combat the pathogens that most commonly cause infection in radial artery catheterization. If this pathway can be therapeutically manipulated to preemptively attack pathogenic agents, immunomodulation may be an option in reducing the incidence of infection in this procedure.
New variant lymphomatoid papulosis type E preceding and coexisting with mycosis fungoides – a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Kiavash Katrin , Abner Sabra M. , Malone Janine C.
Published: August 2015

Angioinvasive (type E) lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) is a recently described subtype of LyP presenting with eschar‐like lesions that can be mistaken for aggressive forms of angiocentric cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma. None of the cases of angioinvasive LyP described thus far have been associated with mycosis fungoides (MF). Herein, we describe a case of angioinvasive LyP type E coexisting with MF. The patient presented with an eschar on his chest and over time developed new nodules and large plaques with eschar formation, all of which resolved spontaneously over a period of a few weeks without intentional therapy. Biopsy revealed a CD30+ atypical inflammatory cell infiltrate with marked angiocentricity. Later, he developed erythematous annular scaly patches histologically consistent with MF. Our patient's clinical course confirms the indolent behavior characteristic of LyP despite the aggressive clinical and histologic appearance of lesions. The co‐occurrence of angioinvasive LyP and MF in our patient highlights the propensity for LyP type E to coexist with MF, as is characteristic of other LyP subtypes, and supports the theory that LyP and MF are related T‐cell lymphoproliferative disorders. Patients with LyP can present with large lesions exhibiting eschar formation and an atypical angiocentric/angiodestructive lymphoid infiltrate and should be spared overtreatment.
A case of indeterminate dendritic cell tumor presenting with leonine facies
Authors: Oh Chee Won , Ivan Doina , Curry Jonathan L. , Ellis Rachel , Gerber Howard , Duvic Madeleine , Torres‐Cabala Carlos
Published: August 2015

Background

Indeterminate dendritic cell tumor is an extremely rare neoplastic proliferation of dendritic cells that share immunophenotypic features of Langerhans cells and macrophages but lack Birbeck granules and Langerin expression.

Methods

We report a 55‐year‐old female presenting with a leonine facies and generalized multiple confluent papules, nodules and plaques on neck, upper trunk, arms and thighs. Laboratory evaluations were performed including skin biopsies, peripheral blood flow cytometry and positron emission tomography–computed tomography.

Results

The lesional skin biopsy showed a dense dermal and perifollicular infiltrate composed of histiocytoid cells with nuclear grooves lacking dendritic processes in a background of lymphocytes. Eosinophils were absent. The histiocytoid cells were CD68+CD1a+Langerin− and only focally S100+. Special stains including GMS, Gram and Fite were all negative for infectious organisms. Although an initial diagnosis suggesting Langerhans cell histiocytosis was proposed due to CD1a positivity, a diagnosis of indeterminate dendritic cell tumor was finally rendered based on the histopathological findings and the lack of expression of Langerin.

Conclusion

This case illustrates the variegated clinical presentation of indeterminate cell tumor and the necessity of appropriate immunohistochemical workup for its diagnosis.
Loss of primary cilia correlates with cytologic severity in dysplastic melanocytic nevi
Authors: Lang Ursula E. , Cheung Christine , Vladar Eszter K. , Swetter Susan M. , Kim Jinah
Published: August 2015

Background

Primary cilia are ubiquitously present in cell surface organelles with essential functions in cellular proliferation, differentiation and development. We have previously shown that cilia in melanoma in situ, invasive melanoma and metastatic melanoma are nearly completely lost, whereas benign nevi are ciliated. Dysplastic nevi (DN) have a wide range of histopathologic features from mild (low‐grade) to severe (high‐grade) cytologic atypia and represent a key clinical and histopathologic marker for melanomagenesis. We sought to identify whether cilia are retained in these melanocytic lesions and whether increasing degree of dysplasia correlates with loss of ciliation.

Methods

We measured the percentage of ciliated melanocytes (ciliation index) in DN with mild (n = 9) and severe dysplasia (n = 10). We identified the primary cilium and basal bodies by immunofluorescence staining of sections with acetylated alpha‐tubulin and gamma‐tubulin, respectively.

Results

Our results showed a significant decrease in the ciliation index from mild dysplastic (55%) to severe DN (14%) (p = 0.005).

Conclusions

These data support the hypothesis that primary cilium loss may play a role in the underlying biology of severe DN. The ciliation index is a novel quantitative tool that may increase the reproducibility in grading severity of dysplasia for diagnostic and clinical management of melanocytic neoplasms.
Integrated disaster relief logistics: a stepping stone towards viable civil–military networks?
Authors: Tatham Peter , Rietjens Sebastiaan (Bas)
Published: August 2015

The twenty‐first century has seen a significant rise in all forms of disasters and this has resulted in military and humanitarian organisations becoming more frequently engaged in the provision of support to those affected. Achieving an efficient and effective logistic preparation and response is one of the key elements in mitigating the impact of such events, but the establishment of mechanisms to deliver an appropriately integrated civil–military approach remains elusive. Not least because of the high percentage of assistance budgets spent on logistics, this area is considered to represent fertile ground for developing improved processes and understanding. In practice, the demands placed on civilian and military logisticians are broadly similar, as is the solution space. Speaking a common language and using common concepts, it is argued, therefore, that the logistic profession should be in the vanguard of the development of an improved civil–military interface.
Immediate behavioural responses to earthquakes in Christchurch, New Zealand, and Hitachi, Japan
Authors: Lindell Michael K. , Prater Carla S. , Wu Hao Che , Huang Shih‐Kai , Johnston David M. , Becker Julia S. , Shiroshita Hideyuki
Published: August 2015

This study examines people's immediate responses to earthquakes in Christchurch, New Zealand, and Hitachi, Japan. Data collected from 257 respondents in Christchurch and 332 respondents in Hitachi revealed notable similarities between the two cities in people's emotional reactions, risk perceptions, and immediate protective actions during the events. Respondents' physical, household, and social contexts were quite similar, but Hitachi residents reported somewhat higher levels of emotional reaction and risk perception than did Christchurch residents. Contrary to the recommendations of emergency officials, the most frequent response of residents in both cities was to freeze. Christchurch residents were more likely than Hitachi residents to drop to the ground and take cover, whereas Hitachi residents were more likely than Christchurch residents to evacuate immediately the building in which they were situated. There were relatively small correlations between immediate behavioural responses and demographic characteristics, earthquake experience, and physical, social, or household context.
Chronic institutional failure and enhanced vulnerability to flash‐floods in the Cuenca Altadel Río Lerma, Mexico
Authors: Güiza Frida , Simmons Peter , Burgess Jacquie , McCall Michael K.
Published: August 2015

The dominant paradigm in disaster risk reduction (DRR) policies has been seriously contested because of its reliance on interventions based on technocratic expertise. In the Mexican context, the influence of informal practices such as clientelism and cartelisation of the political system produces environmental degradation and vulnerability to disasters within the communities in the study site. This paper contributes to understanding of failed institutional processes and parallel practices that intensify vulnerability to disasters by contrasting the discourses of agents within a peri‐urban community in central Mexico. Employing the Situational Analysis Approach as a methodological framework, the study identifies divergent views and practices within the community, leading to different responses to disasters and to different perceptions regarding institutional performance. In addition, it finds that institutional decision‐making, based only on scientific and technical expertise, has resulted in unintended consequences that influence ongoing vulnerability to floods in the site under review.
The Incident Command System: a literature review
Authors: Jensen Jessica , Thompson Steven
Published: August 2015

Given the foundational and the fundamental role that the Incident Command System (ICS) is intended to play in on‐scene response efforts across the United States, it is important to determine what is known about the system and how this is known. Accordingly, this study addresses the following research question: ‘How has research explored the ICS?’. To probe this question, a methodological review of the scant, but widening, pool of research literature directly related to the ICS was conducted. This paper reports on the findings of the analysis related to the focus, theoretical frameworks, population and sampling, methods, results, and conclusions of the existing research literature. While undertaken using different methodological approaches, the ICS research suggests that the system may be limited in its usefulness. In addition, the paper discusses the implications of the research for the state of knowledge of the system and for the direction of future research.
Judgement days: moral attitudes in the wake of local disasters
Authors: Urbatsch R.
Published: August 2015

The deaths and destruction stemming from a disaster are traumatic enough to implicate victims' beliefs not only about disasters themselves but also about other social and political concerns. In particular, disasters are associated with the scapegoating of out‐groups, suggesting that even deep‐rooted moral concerns may shift, at least temporarily, after disasters. This study uses exposure to local natural disaster fatalities to examine moral judgements regarding gays1 in United States surveys from 1984–98. Survey respondents whose county has suffered a disaster feel appreciably more negatively towards gays, even though most of the disasters in this data set are relatively small and local. The increased antipathy towards gays dissipates within months, and is most marked among those who had, before the disaster, considered themselves more religious. These results raise the possibility that some groups, especially those already marginalised by society, may suffer in a backlash in the wake of a natural disaster.
Relationships between Oak powdery mildew incidence and severity and commensal fungi
Authors: Topalidou E. T. , Shaw M. W.
Published: August 2015

Oak (Quercus robur) powdery mildew is a common and damaging fungal disease. In a local survey at Reading, UK, oak powdery mildew was common on trees of all height classes but was most common on trees of 3–9 m. A variety of other fungal species were commonly found growing in association with oak powdery mildew colonies. The abundance of such fungi was estimated through stratified sample surveys for 2.5 years. The taxa most commonly associated with oak powdery mildew were Acremonium sp., Trichoderma sp., Ampelomyces/Phoma sp. and Leptosphaerulina australis. Nearly 90% of mildew colonies were associated with L. australis, which is not generally considered as a mycoparasite or antagonist, in contrast with the other three fungi. Abundance varied between June and October surveys. Acremonium sp. abundance was greater in summer samplings, whereas L. australis and Trichoderma sp. abundances were greater in autumn samplings. Ampelomyces/Phoma sp. was never observed in the absence of powdery mildew. Relationships between the mildew‐associated fungi and oak powdery mildew appeared curved and differed significantly between sampling years. L. australis was positively correlated with the other three associated fungi studied when powdery mildew was also present. The variety and high population densities of the mildew‐associated fungi suggest that they may be important in determining the final density of oak mildew and the damage caused by it.
Growth rates of Heterobasidion annosum s.s. and H. parviporum in functional sapwood of Pinus sylvestris and Picea abies
Authors: Zaluma A. , Gaitnieks T. , Arhipova N. , Vasaitis R.
Published: August 2015

Growth rates of H. annosum s.s. and H. parviporum were investigated in the functional sapwood of young Pinus sylvestris and Picea abies plants as an indicator of the relative susceptibilities of the hosts to these pathogens. The stems of 520 five‐year‐old P. abies and 321 four‐year‐old P. sylvestris plants were inoculated and the extent of infection determined 16 weeks later. H. annosum s.s. grew further than H. parviporum in P. sylvestris sapwood, while in P. abies, no differences between the two Heterobasidion spp. were found. Both H. annosum s.s. and H. parviporum spread faster in the sapwood of P. abies than in P. sylvestris. There was high within‐host species variation in growth rates for both P. sylvestris and P. abies suggesting it may be possible to identify tree genotypes with lower susceptibility.
Can performance on summative evaluation of wax‐added dental anatomy projects be better predicted from the combination of supervised and unsupervised practice than from supervised practice alone?
Authors: Radjaeipour G. , Chambers D. W. , Geissberger M.
Published: August 2015

Purpose

The study explored the effects of adding student‐directed projects in pre‐clinical dental anatomy laboratory on improving the predictability of students’ eventual performance on summative evaluation exercises, given the presence of intervening faculty‐controlled, in‐class practice.

Method

All students from four consecutive classes (n = 555) completed wax‐added home projects (HP), spending as much or as little time as desired and receiving no faculty feedback; followed by similar laboratory projects (LP) with time limits and feedback; and then summative practical projects (PP) in a timed format but without faculty feedback. Path analysis was used to assess if the student‐directedHPhad any effect over and above the laboratory projects.

Results

Average scores wereHP = 0.785 (SD = 0.089);LP = 0.736 (SD = 0.092); andPP = 0.743 (SD = 0.108). Path analysis was applied to show the effects of including a student‐controlled home practice exercise on summative exercise performance.HPcontributed 57% direct effect and 37% mediated effect through theLPcondition.

Conclusion

Student‐directed home practice provided a measureable improvement in ability to predict eventual performance in summative test cases over and above the predictive contribution of intervening faculty‐controlled practice conditions.
Rule encoding in dorsal striatum impacts action selection
Authors: Bissonette Gregory B. , Roesch Matthew R.
Published: August 2015

Cognitive flexibility is a hallmark of prefrontal cortical (PFC) function yet little is known about downstream area involvement. The medial dorsal striatum (mDS) receives major projections from the PFC and is uniquely situated to perform the integration of responses with rule information. In this study, we use a novel rule shifting task in rats that mirrors non‐human primate and human studies in its temporal precision and counterbalanced responses. We record activity from single neurons in the mDS while rats switch between different rules for reward. Additionally, we pharmacologically inactivate mDS by infusion of a baclofen/muscimol cocktail. Inactivation of mDS impaired the ability to shift to a new rule and increased the number of regressive errors. While recording in mDS, we identified neurons modulated by direction whose activity reflected the conflict between competing rule information. We show that a subset of these neurons was also rule selective, and that the conflict between competing rule cues was resolved as behavioural performance improved. Other neurons were modulated by rule, but not direction. These neurons became selective before behavioural performance accurately reflected the current rule. These data provide an additional locus for investigating the mechanisms underlying behavioural flexibility. Converging lines of evidence from multiple human psychiatric disorders have implicated dorsal striatum as an important and understudied neural substrate of flexible cognition. Our data confirm the importance of mDS, and suggest a mechanism by which mDS mediates abstract cognition functions.
Differential effects of cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation of prefrontal, motor and somatosensory cortices on cortical excitability and pain perception – a double‐blind randomised sham‐controlled study
Authors: Vaseghi B. , Zoghi M. , Jaberzadeh S.
Published: August 2015

The primary aim of this study was to assess the effects of cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (c‐tDCS) over cortical regions of the pain neuromatrix, including the primary motor (M1), sensory (S1) and dorsolateral prefrontal (DLPFC) cortices on M1/S1 excitability, sensory (STh), and pain thresholds (PTh) in healthy adults. The secondary aim was to evaluate the placebo effects of c‐tDCS on induced cortical and behavioural changes. Before, immediately after and 30 min after c‐tDCS the amplitude of N20–P25 components of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) and peak‐to‐peak amplitudes of motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were measured under four different experimental conditions. STh and PTh for peripheral electrical and mechanical stimulation were also evaluated. c‐tDCS of 0.3 mA was applied for 20 min. A blinded assessor evaluated all outcome measures. c‐tDCS of M1, S1 and DLPFC significantly decreased the corticospinal excitability of M1 (P < 0.05) for at least 30 min. Following the application of c‐tDCS over S1, M1 and DLPFC, the amplitude of the N20–P25 component of SEPs decreased for at least 30 min (P < 0.05). Compared with baseline values, significant STh and PTh increases were observed after c‐tDCS of these three sites. Decreasing the level of S1 and M1 excitability, following S1, M1 and DLPFC stimulation, confirmed the functional connectivities between these cortical sites involved in pain processing. Furthermore, increasing the level of STh/PTh after c‐tDCS of these sites indicated that stimulation of not only M1 but also S1 and DLPFC could be considered a technique to decrease the level of pain in patients.
Not all non‐natives are equally unequal: reductions in herbivore β‐diversity depend on phylogenetic similarity to native plant community
Authors: Burghardt Karin T. , Tallamy Douglas W.
Published: August 2015

Effects of host plant α‐ and β‐diversity often confound studies of herbivore β‐diversity, hindering our ability to predict the full impact of non‐native plants on herbivores. Here, while controlling host plant diversity, we examined variation in herbivore communities between native and non‐native plants, focusing on how plant relatedness and spatial scale alter the result. We found lower absolute magnitudes of β‐diversity among tree species and among sites on non‐natives in all comparisons. However, lower relative β‐diversity only occurred for immature herbivores on phylogenetically distinct non‐natives vs. natives. Locally in that comparison, non‐native gardens had lower host specificity; while among sites, the herbivores supported were a redundant subset of species on natives. Therefore, when phylogenetically distinct non‐natives replace native plants, the community of immature herbivores is likely to be homogenised across landscapes. Differences in communities on closely related non‐natives were subtler, but displayed community shifts and increased generalisation on non‐natives within certain feeding guilds.
Prediction of fatigue crack nucleation life in polycrystalline AA7075‐T651 using energy approach
Authors: Naderi M. , Amiri M. , Iyyer N. , Kang P. , Phan N.
Published: August 2015

A crystal plasticity (CP) simulation and an energy‐based model is presented to predict the fatigue nucleation onset for polycrystalline AA 7075‐T651. Different microstructure morphology and grain sizes are employed in the simulations. Using a simple method, statistically stored dislocation (SSD) and geometrically necessary dislocation (GND) as decoupled with crystal plasticity model are estimated using a double round‐notch specimen test data, and CP simulation. The dislocation density parameter approximated from plastic energy density, stored energy density, elastic energy and accumulated slip validated with double hole experimental data. Sensitivity analysis is performed with respect to different microstructures and dislocation density parameters. Roughly, maximum 30% difference between experimental nucleation life and the simulated one is observed. The simulated predictions are in fair agreement with test data. The proposed strategy is suitable to study the scatter of fatigue nucleation life.