bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Argon plasma coagulation is effective for prevention of recurrent esophageal varices after endoscopic injection sclerotherapy: Single‐center case–control study
Authors: Deguchi Hisanobu , Kato Jun , Maeda Yoshimasa , Moribata Kosaku , Shingaki Naoki , Niwa Toru , Inoue Izumi , Maekita Takao , Iguchi Mikitaka , Tamai Hideyuki , Ichinose Masao
Published: August 2015

Background and Aim

Esophageal varices are usually treated with endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) or endoscopic band ligation (EBL). However, frequent recurrences of varices after those procedures have been problematic. Argon plasma coagulation (APC) after EIS may be effective for preventing varix recurrence and, in recent years, we have routinely carried out APC after EIS. The aim of the present study was to verify the effectiveness of APC for preventing recurrence of varices after EIS.

Methods

A case–control study was carried out using a historical control cohort in a single center. The varix recurrence rate in 62 patients (34 men and 28 women, median age; 69 years) who underwent APC after EIS for hemorrhagic or risky esophageal varices (APC group) was compared with that of control patients who did not undergo APC after EIS (control group). Age‐, sex‐, and liver function‐matched two control subjects were selected for one case subject (control group). Recurrence of varices was defined as rupture of varices or reappearance of risky varices.

Results

The 1‐year and 2‐year recurrence rates of the APC group were 9.7% and 11.3%, respectively. In contrast, the rates of the control group were 29.0% and 34.7%, respectively. Kaplan–Meier curves showed a significantly lower recurrence rate in the APC group (P = 0.013, log–rank test). No APC‐related severe adverse events were observed.

Conclusion

APC after EIS was safe and could significantly prevent recurrence of esophageal varices. Therefore, the addition of APC should be routinely carried out after EIS.
Recruitment of sympatric vendace (Coregonus albula) and whitefish (C. lavaretus) is affected by different environmental factors
Authors: Linløkken Arne N. , Sandlund Odd T.
Published: August 2015

Vendace and whitefish in Lake Osensjøen (boreal south‐east Norway) were studied by means of gillnet test fishing (1976–2013) and hydro acoustic acquisition (1986–2011). Vendace increased in number between 1998 and 2009 while growth and size at maturity decreased. The relative density of whitefish decreased in the pelagic habitat, whereas growth and size remained the same. Both species exhibited varying year‐class strength. Whereas strong year‐classes of both species became less frequent after 1980 than before this, this seemed to change after 2000, especially for vendace. Generalised additive models suggested a strong positive relationship between July/August mean air temperature and year‐class strength of both vendace and whitefish. Whitefish recruitment was also negatively affected by the new regulation regime implemented since 1981, and positively correlated with water level after hatching and by late ice off. The reason for the diverging impacts of environmental factors on the two species may be that vendace spawn in deeper waters that whitefish do. The results indicate that increasing summer temperatures benefit recruitment of both species, whereas low water level and early ice off will harm whitefish recruitment. Both trends are caused by climate warming. It may be speculated that increased density of the specialised plankton feeding vendace may affect the algal community through increased predation on herbivorous zooplankton and potentially affect the trophic state of the lake.
Epileptic encephalopathies: Optimizing seizure control and developmental outcome
Authors: Jehi Lara , Wyllie Elaine , Devinsky Orrin
Published: August 2015

Cognitive and developmental outcomes in patients with epileptic encephalopathy are hypothesized to result from an interplay between the underlying epileptic pathologic substrate and the acquired consequences of frequent and repetitive seizures and epileptiform discharges that often straddle the interictal and ictal boundaries. This article briefly reviews the evidence related to this assumption, presents critical questions that need to be answered to clarify this relationship, and advances a set of concrete steps that may help improve developmental patient outcomes.
N‐acetylglucosaminyltransferase V modulates radiosensitivity and migration of small cell lung cancer through epithelial–mesenchymal transition
Authors: Huang Chunyue , Huang Miaojuan , Chen Wenxia , Zhu Weiliang , Meng Hui , Guo Linlang , Wei Ting , Zhang Jian
Published: August 2015

N‐acetylglucosaminyltransferase V (Gnt‐V) has been linked to the migration of various human cancers. Recently we have found that inhibition of Gnt‐V increases the radiosensitivity of cancer cells. However, the mechanisms by which Gnt‐V mediates radiosensitivity and migration, especially in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) remain unknown. In our study, two SCLC cell lines (H1688 and H146) were used to investigate whether Gnt‐V modulated the radiosensitivity and migration of SCLC cells through the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). The results showed that the expression of Gnt‐V correlated with the N stage in patients with SCLC. Overexpression of Gnt‐V led to a further increase in the relative viable cell number and survival fraction with a decrease in apoptosis rate and Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio, when the cells were treated with irradiation. By contrast, knockdown of Gnt‐V with irradiation resulted in a further decrease in the relative viable cell number and survival fraction but an increase in apoptosis rate and Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio. Cells expressing high levels of Gnt‐V increased migration whereas low levels of Gnt‐V suppressed cell migration. Besides, the transient knockdown of ZEB2 led to an increase in radiosensitivity and an inhibition in the migration of SCLC cells. Furthermore, Gnt‐V was negatively correlated with E‐cadherin expression but positively correlated with N‐cadherin, vimentin and ZEB2 expression. Finally, an in vivo study revealed that upregulation of Gnt‐V caused tumour growth more quickly, as well as the expression of EMT‐related markers (N‐cadherin, vimentin and ZEB2). Taken together, the study suggested that an elevation of Gnt‐V could lead to the radiosensitivity and migration of SCLC cells by inducing EMT, thereby highlighting Gnt‐V as a potential therapeutic target for the prevention of EMT‐associated tumour radioresistance and migration.
Attacking cancer's Achilles heel: antagonism of anti‐apoptotic BCL‐2 family members
Authors: Opferman Joseph T.
Published: August 2015

Malignant cells routinely violate cellular checkpoints that should initiate cell death in normal cells by triggering pro‐apoptotic members of the BCL‐2 family of proteins. To escape such death inducing signals, cancer cells often select for upregulation of anti‐apoptotic BCL‐2 family members including BCL‐2, BCL‐XL, BFL‐1, BCL‐W and MCL‐1. These family members prevent death by sequestering pro‐apoptotic molecules. To counter this resistance mechanism, small molecule inhibitors of anti‐apoptotic BCL‐2 family members have been under development. These molecules have shown promise in pre‐clinical and clinical testing to overcome apoptotic resistance, prompting cancer cells to undergo apoptosis. Alternatively, other strategies have taken advantage of the normal regulatory machinery controlling anti‐apoptotic molecules and have used inhibitors of signaling pathways to down‐modulate the expression of anti‐apoptotic molecules, thus tilting the balance in cancer cells to cell death. This review explores recent developments and strategies aimed at antagonizing anti‐apoptotic BCL‐2 family member action to promote the induction of cell death in cancer therapy.
Empowering or impeding return migration? ICT, mobile phones, and older migrants’ communications with home
Authors: HUNTER ALISTAIR
Published: August 2015

In the last two decades, transnational social fields have been transformed by advances in information and communication technologies (ICT). Many scholars have noted the empowering effects of these technological advances for migrants. Drawing on the concept of return preparedness, it follows that ICT use should also empower prospective returnees, enabling them to be better informed and prepared for return. However, multi‐sited ethnographic research with older North and West African men living in migrant worker hostels in France finds that ICT use – particularly mobile telephony –impedes return. In some instances, mobile phones serve to amplify the pressures on the men to provide financially for their stay‐at‐home relatives. In others, mobile phones reinforce attachments to France by facilitating networks of solidarity among hostel residents. Instead of returning definitively at retirement, many hostel residents choose a bi‐residence strategy, dividing their time between France and countries of origin.
Moralizing emotional remittances: transnational familyhood and translocal moral economy in the Philippines' ‘Little Italy’
Authors: KATIGBAK EVANGELINE O.
Published: August 2015

In this article, I explain the intersections of morality and emotions in the (re)constitution of transnational familyhood and translocal moral economy. I use the case of the Philippines’ ‘Little Italy’ to explore the translocal emotional geographies of sustaining transnational families through what I call ‘emotional remittances', which indicate how emotions move across translocal social fields through remittances. I first probe the understandings of transnational familyhood in the Philippines and then move on to interrogate the translocal moral economy that influences the meanings of, and attitudes towards, emotional remittances. I first argue that the continuation of transnational familyhood implies the subscription to the translocal moral economy embedded in sending societies. Second, this translocal moral economy is underpinned by emotional constructs such as love, ingratitude and guilt, that (re)shape and are (re)shaped by transnational familyhood. The findings and analysis in this article contribute to further theorizations of the interrelations of emotion, remittances and transnational family formation.
Collaborative learning framework for online stakeholder engagement
Authors: Khodyakov Dmitry , Savitsky Terrance D. , Dalal Siddhartha
Published: August 2015

Background

Public and stakeholder engagement can improve the quality of both research and policy decision making. However, such engagement poses significant methodological challenges in terms of collecting and analysing input from large, diverse groups.

Objective

To explain how online approaches can facilitate iterative stakeholder engagement, to describe how input from large and diverse stakeholder groups can be analysed and to propose a collaborative learning framework (CLF) to interpret stakeholder engagement results.

Methods

We use ‘A National Conversation on Reducing the Burden of Suicide in the United States’ as a case study of online stakeholder engagement and employ a Bayesian data modelling approach to develop a CLF.

Results

Our data modelling results identified six distinct stakeholder clusters that varied in the degree of individual articulation and group agreement and exhibited one of the three learning styles: learning towards consensus, learning by contrast and groupthink. Learning by contrast was the most common, or dominant, learning style in this study.

Conclusion

Study results were used to develop a CLF, which helps explore multitude of stakeholder perspectives; identifies clusters of participants with similar shifts in beliefs; offers an empirically derived indicator of engagement quality; and helps determine the dominant learning style. The ability to detect learning by contrast helps illustrate differences in stakeholder perspectives, which may help policymakers, including Patient‐Centered Outcomes Research Institute, make better decisions by soliciting and incorporating input from patients, caregivers, health‐care providers and researchers. Study results have important implications for soliciting and incorporating input from stakeholders with different interests and perspectives.
Health e‐mavens: identifying active online health information users
Authors: Sun Ye , Liu Miao , Krakow Melinda
Published: August 2015

Background

Given the rapid increase of Internet use for effective health communication, it is important for health practitioners to be able to identify and mobilize active users of online health information across various web‐based health intervention programmes. We propose the concept ‘health e‐mavens’ to characterize individuals actively engaged in online health information seeking and sharing activities.

Objectives

This study aimed to address three goals: (i) to test the factor structure of health e‐mavenism, (ii) to assess the reliability and validity of this construct and (iii) to determine what predictors are associated with health e‐mavenism.

Methods

This study was a secondary analysis of nationally representative data from the 2010 Health Tracking Survey. We assessed the factor structure of health e‐mavenism using confirmatory factor analysis and examined socio‐demographic variables, health‐related factors and use of technology as potential predictors of health e‐mavenism through ordered regression analysis.

Results

Confirmatory factor analyses showed that a second‐order two‐factor structure best captured the health e‐maven construct. Health e‐mavenism comprised two second‐order factors, each encompassing two first‐order dimensions: information acquisition (consisting of information tracking and consulting) and information transmission (consisting of information posting and sharing). Both first‐order and second‐order factors exhibited good reliabilities. Several factors were found to be significant predictors of health e‐mavenism.

Discussion and conclusion

This study offers a starting point for further inquiries about health e‐mavens. It is a fruitful construct for health promotion research in the age of new media technologies. We conclude with specific recommendations to further develop the health e‐maven concept through continued empirical research.
The use of mobile technology in health libraries: a summary of a UK‐based survey
Authors: Chamberlain David , Elcock Martin , Puligari Preeti
Published: August 2015

Background

Health libraries have changed over the past fifteen years in the format of the information they provide. This is driven by developments in technology.

Objectives

To conduct a survey of NHS health libraries in the United Kingdom in order to summarise how mobile technologies are being used, how they are promoted and how they are delivered, highlighting good practice and solutions to issues.

Methods

An online survey was carried out in 2013 and sent to academic and NHS web‐based discussion lists. There were 199 responses.

Results

Main replies were from large Acute Hospital Trusts. Only 18% of respondents had conducted research into use of mobile technology (MT) within their Trust. Forty per cent of Trusts offered clinical point of care tools, 29% mobile catalogues, and 30% had mobile enabled web sites. Libraries utilised third‐party partnerships rather than develop their own applications or tools. Seventy per cent of Trusts promoted new MT services via e‐mail. Network restrictions were the main barrier to development as well as finance and expertise.

Conclusions

Uptake and development of MT is sporadic and driven by individuals. There is an opportunity for collaboration and sharing resources and expertise. There are benefits to adopting user‐friendly resources.
Early Cretaceous I‐type granites in the southwest Fujian Province: new constraints on the late Mesozoic tectonic evolution of southeast China
Authors: Zhao Xilin , Liu Kai , Yu Minggang , Jiang Yang , Mao Jianren , Zhou Xiaohua , Yu Shengyao
Published: August 2015

Zircons from two samples of the Sukeng pluton in the southwest Fujian Province, China, were analyzed by LA–ICP–MS with the aim of determining the timing of formation. The zircons from the two samples yield similar U–Pb ages of 100.47 ± 0.42 and 102.46 ± 0.69 Ma, indicating that the Sufeng pluton is contemporaneous with the Sifang and Luoboling plutons, all of which are also related to Cu–Au–Pb–Zn–Mo mineralization within the study area. All three plutons have geochemical features of I‐type granites, are high‐ to mid‐K calc‐alkaline metaluminous rocks, and have average molar Al2O3/ (CaO+Na2O+K2O) values of 0.95, initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.70465–0.70841, εNd(t) values at 101 Ma from –1.72 to –7.26, and two‐stage Nd model ages (T2DM) from 1.16 to 1.60 Ga. Zircons within these plutons have εHf(t) values at 101 Ma from –3.5 to 6.25 and T2DM ages from 0.74 to 1.46 Ga, suggesting these I‐type granites formed from magmas generated by partial melting of Mesoproterozoic to Neoproterozoic continental crust that mixed with mantle‐derived magmas. The magmatism was associated with thickening of the lower crust caused by collisions between microcontinents in the Cathaysian Block, which were driven by Early Cretaceous subduction of the Pacific Plate.
Precipitation Synthesis and Color‐Tailorable Luminescence of α‐Zr(HPO4)2: RE3+(RE = Eu, Tb) Nanosheet Phosphors
Authors: Shi Shikao , Zhang Xiaojun , Wang Shuping , Geng Lina , Zhang Jianjun , Chen Wei
Published: August 2015

The rare earth (RE = Eu and Tb) ions‐doped α‐Zr(HPO4)2 (ZrP) nanosheet phosphors were synthesized by direct precipitation method, and their structures and photoluminescence properties were investigated. The results of X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy indicated that the systems of ZrP:RE3+ had similar nanosheet structure except with relatively larger interlayer spacing as compared with pure α‐ZrP. Under the excitation of UV light, the ZrP:RE3+ nanosheet phosphors showed red and green emission peaks corresponding to the 5D0→7F2 transition of Eu3+ and the 5D4→7F5 transition of Tb3+, respectively. After Eu3+ and Tb3+ were co‐doped in ZrP host, not only the red and green emission peaks were simultaneously observed, but also the luminescent intensity and fluorescence lifetimes of Tb3+ were gradually decreased with the increase in Eu3+‐doping concentration, which implied the energy transfer from Tb3+ to Eu3+ happened. It was deduced that the energy transfer from Tb3+ to Eu3+ occurred via exchange interaction. Through optimization to the samples, a nearly white‐light emission with the color coordinate (0.322, 0.263) was achieved under 377 nm excitation. The ZrP:RE3+ nanosheet phosphors may be a potential color‐tailorable candidate for fabricating optoelectronic devices such as electroluminescence panels.
Reducing Gaseous Emissions and Resource Consumption Embodied in French Final Demand: How Much Can Waste Policies Contribute?
Authors: Beylot Antoine , Vaxelaire Stéphane , Villeneuve Jacques
Published: August 2015

This study investigates the benefits of waste management policies on gaseous emissions and resource consumption caused by the final demand, in the specific case of France and in a context of economic growth. Waste input‐output analysis is implemented to compare three scenarios, depicting and combining the upward trend of final demand from 2008 to 2020, the increase in recycling rates by 2020 (encompassing the achievement of recycling objectives set by European Union Directives), and the simultaneous larger implementation of best available techniques (BAT) for waste incineration. Hybrid monetary physical input‐output tables are initially derived from balanced physical supply and use tables and further complemented with process inventory data on waste treatment technologies. A dramatic reduction in the demand for primary metals (by a factor of 2.0) and for primary mining and quarrying products for construction (by a factor of 1.9) is observed in 2020, as compared to 2008, in the case of the scenario “recycling,” despite the competition induced by the evolution of the final demand. On the contrary, considering energy requirements and fossil carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide emissions caused by the French final demand, the combined improvements in recycling and incineration performances by 2020 would only limit the rise induced by the evolution of the final demand. On the basis of these results, the potential contribution of waste management policies to the decoupling of resource consumption and gaseous emissions from final demand's growth is finally discussed.
Theodor Weyl: A Pioneer of Urban Metabolism Studies
Authors: Lederer Jakob , Kral Ulrich
Published: August 2015

A discussion between researchers in the field of industrial ecology led to the question of whether Wolman's work on the urban metabolism (UM) of cities in 1965 was the first to quantify material flows of urban societies. This forum communication retrieves an apparently lost, but remarkable, work in the development of material flow analysis (MFA). That work is known as the “Essay on the metabolism of Berlin,” published in 1894 by the renowned German chemist and medical doctor, Theodor Weyl. To investigate the nutrition situation among the population in the city of Berlin, Weyl investigated the nutrient flows discharged from the city and compared these values to the nutrient consumption through food intake. The title, approach, and wording make his work a forerunner of UM studies today. This forum contribution aims to introduce Weyl's work to an interdisciplinary international readership. Therefore, we (1) give a brief overview of Weyl's professional life, (2) summarize his study based on the German article, and (3) conclude with a discussion of the relevance of his study for the tool, MFA, and the concept of UM today. A major difference between his work and contemporary studies on UM is the motivation of the author. Weyl's aim was not to highlight the problems associated with excessive human consumption of resources and pollution of the environment, but to investigate the nutrition situation of a society with a significant degree of malnutrition. The existence of the latter, particularly in developing countries, makes Weyl's study still relevant.
The Greenhouse Gas Footprint of China's Food System: An Analysis of Recent Trends and Future Scenarios
Authors: Li Huimin , Wu Tong , Wang Xiao , Qi Ye
Published: August 2015

Food chain systems (FCSs), which begin in agricultural production and end in consumption and waste disposal, play a significant role in China's rising greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This article uses scenario analysis to show China's potential trajectories to a low‐carbon FCS. Between 1996 and 2010, the GHG footprint of China's FCSs increased from 1,308 to 1,618 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt CO2‐eq), although the emissions intensity of all food categories, except for aquatic food, recorded steep declines. We project three scenarios to 2050 based on historical trends and plausible shifts in policies and environmental conditions: reference scenario; technology improvement scenario; and low GHG emissions scenario. The reference scenario is based on existing trends and exhibits a large growth in GHG emissions, increasing from 1,585 Mt CO2‐eq in 2010 to 2,505 Mt CO2‐eq in 2050. In the technology improvement scenario, emissions growth is driven by rising food demand, but that growth will be counterbalanced by gains in agricultural technology, causing GHG emissions to fall to 1,413 Mt CO2‐eq by 2050. Combining technology improvement with the shift to healthier dietary patterns, GHG emissions in the low GHG emissions scenario will decline to 946 Mt CO2‐eq in 2050, a drop of 41.5% compared with the level in 2010. We argue that these are realistic projections and are indeed indicative of China's overall strategy for low‐carbon development. Improving agricultural technology and shifting to a more balanced diet could significantly reduce the GHG footprint of China's FCSs. Furthermore, the transition to a low‐carbon FCS has potential cobenefits for land sustainability and public health.
Test–retest reliability and agreement of physical fall risk assessment tools in adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Salb Johannes , Finlayson Janet , Almutaseb Sanaa , Scharfenberg Bertram , Becker Clemens , Sieber Cornel , Freiberger Ellen
Published: August 2015

Background

Physical decline and high rates of inactivity lead to an increased risk of falling in the intellectual disability (ID) population. It is important therefore to develop interventions to prevent falls and to develop valid and reliable assessment tools, which are suitable for use with people with ID. Targeting the most important fall risk factors such as strength, balance and gait measurement is important, yet there is a paucity of previous research on testing the feasibility and reliability of strength, balance and gait assessments with people with ID.

Aims

The aims of this study are (i) to describe the test–retest reliability and agreement [standard error of measurement (SEM)] of slightly adapted fall risk assessments and (ii) to describe the test–retest reliability and SEM of these tests in younger and older age groups and mild/moderate and severe/profound ID‐level groups.

Methods

Residents of a German residential facility for people with ID were asked to take part. The study has a test–retest design, whereby all participants were tested twice, with 7 days in‐between the first (T1) and second (T2) testing days. The ‘timed up and go’, ‘30‐second chair stand’, ‘handgrip’ and ‘Romberg balance test’ were all performed. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) (2,1) values and SEM were calculated for the full sample, two age groups (split at the age of 60 years) and mild/moderate and severe/profound ID‐level groups.

Results

A total of 37 residents with a mean age of 59.3 years (standard deviation = 17.7) performed the tests on both testing days. Mainly moderate to excellent ICC values were found for all tests for the full sample and in all groups (0.59–0.97). Different SEM values were found for full sample and sub‐groups.

Conclusion

Strength, balance and gait assessment tools, which are easy to use and understand, were found to be reliable in adults with ID. The SEM is most important for interpreting the real effects of an intervention. Further analyses will be required to gain more information about the SEM in different age groups or ID‐level groups.
Innovative Approach for Interim Facial Prosthesis Using Digital Technology
Authors: Yoshioka Fumi , Ozawa Shogo , Hyodo Ikuo , Tanaka Yoshinobu
Published: August 2015

Despite the important role of facial prosthetic treatment in the rehabilitation of head and neck cancer patients, delay in its implementation can be unavoidable, preventing patients from receiving a prompt facial prosthesis and resuming a normal social life. Here, we introduce an innovative method for the fabrication of an interim facial prosthesis. Using a 3D modeling system, we simplified the fabrication method and used a titanium reconstruction plate for facial prosthesis retention. The patient received the facial prosthesis immediately after surgery and resumed a normal social life earlier than is typically observed with conventional facial prosthetic treatment.
Testing a model of biological soil crust succession
Authors: Read Cassia F. , Elith Jane , Vesk Peter A.
Published: August 2015

Question

Biocrust composition is important for the diversity, structure and function of dryland ecosystems globally, but there is no universally applicable model of biocrust succession, and the models that do exist may not apply everywhere. We ask: (1) how do biocrust species vary in their response to time since livestock exclusion (Time) across environmental gradients; (2) is there evidence for ruderal, mid‐ and late successional responses to Time in biocrust species; (3) can exploration of species attributes within response groups reveal potential mechanisms for biocrust succession; and (4) do our data support an existing standard conceptual model of biocrust succession described in the literature.

Location

Semi‐arid woodlands of northwest Victoria, Australia.

Methods

We use data from a space‐for‐time study of biocrust composition following livestock exclusion and develop a hierarchical regression model of succession amongst a moss‐dominated biocrust community.

Results

Time since livestock exclusion (Time) was the most important driver of biocrust community dynamics in our study region; species varied widely in their response to Time. Succession within this moss‐dominated biocrust community did not follow the general sequence predicted by the standard model of biocrust succession presented in the literature. We classified species by their successional response from model coefficients. All late successional species were short‐statured and closely attached to the soil, whereas nearly all tall‐statured and loosely attached species were classified as mid‐successional.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the utility of hierarchical models for investigating successional processes at the species and community level, for testing a standard conceptual model of succession and for suggesting hypotheses about underlying trait‐based mechanisms. We propose an alternative model of biocrust succession that distinguishes between succession in favourable and unfavourable environments. We propose species response to Time is mediated by species structural density, which in turn relates to a suite of correlated traits including growth rate and longevity. This alternative conceptual model is useful for its generality.
The species pool concept as a framework for studying patterns of plant diversity
Authors: Zobel Martin
Published: August 2015

Co‐existence theories fail to adequately explain observed community patterns (diversity and composition) because they mainly address local extinctions. For a more complete understanding, the regional processes responsible for species formation and geographic dispersal should also be considered. The species pool concept holds that local variation in community patterns is dependent primarily on the availability of species, which is driven by historical diversification and dispersal at continental and landscape scales. However, empirical evidence of historical effects is limited. This slow progress can be attributed to methodological difficulties in determining the characteristics of historical species pools and how they contributed to diversity patterns in contemporary landscapes. A role of landscape‐scale dispersal limitation in determining local community patterns has been demonstrated by numerous seed addition experiments. However, disentangling general patterns of dispersal limitation in communities still requires attention. Distinguishing habitat‐specific species pools can help to meet both applied and theoretical challenges. In conservation biology, the use of absolute richness may be uninformative because the size of species pools varies between habitats. For characterizing the dynamic state of individual communities, biodiversity relative to species pools provides a balanced way of assessing communities in different habitats. Information about species pools may also be useful when studying community assembly rules, because it enables a possible mechanism of trait convergence (habitat filtering) to be explicitly assessed. Empirical study of the role of historic effects and dispersal on local community patterns has often been restricted due to methodological difficulties in determining habitat‐specific species pools. However, accumulating distributional, ecological and phylogenetic information, as well as use of appropriate model systems (e.g. archipelagos with known biogeographic histories) will allow the species pool concept to be applied effectively in future research.
First case of mesh infection due to Coccidioides spp. and literature review of fungal mesh infections after hernia repair
Authors: Forrester Joseph D. , Gomez Carlos A. , Forrester Jared A. , Nguyen Mike , Gregg David , Deresinski Stan , Banaei Niaz , Weiser Thomas G.
Published: August 2015

Fungal mesh infections are a rare complication of hernia repairs with mesh. The first case of Coccidioides spp. mesh infection is described, and a systematic literature review of all known fungal mesh infections was performed. Nine cases of fungal mesh infection are reviewed. Female and male patients are equally represented, median age is 49.5 years, and critical illness and preinfection antibiotic use were common. Fungal mesh infections are rare, but potentially fatal, complications of hernias repaired with mesh.
Is the extraction by Whatman FTA filter matrix technology and sequencing of large ribosomal subunit D1–D2 region sufficient for identification of clinical fungi?
Authors: Kiraz Nuri , Oz Yasemin , Aslan Huseyin , Erturan Zayre , Ener Beyza , Arikan Akdagli Sevtap , Muslumanoglu Hamza , Cetinkaya Zafer
Published: August 2015

Although conventional identification of pathogenic fungi is based on the combination of tests evaluating their morphological and biochemical characteristics, they can fail to identify the less common species or the differentiation of closely related species. In addition these tests are time consuming, labour‐intensive and require experienced personnel. We evaluated the feasibility and sufficiency of DNA extraction by Whatman FTA filter matrix technology and DNA sequencing of D1–D2 region of the large ribosomal subunit gene for identification of clinical isolates of 21 yeast and 160 moulds in our clinical mycology laboratory. While the yeast isolates were identified at species level with 100% homology, 102 (63.75%) clinically important mould isolates were identified at species level, 56 (35%) isolates at genus level against fungal sequences existing in DNA databases and two (1.25%) isolates could not be identified. Consequently, Whatman FTA filter matrix technology was a useful method for extraction of fungal DNA; extremely rapid, practical and successful. Sequence analysis strategy of D1–D2 region of the large ribosomal subunit gene was found considerably sufficient in identification to genus level for the most clinical fungi. However, the identification to species level and especially discrimination of closely related species may require additional analysis.
And the nasty ones lose in the end: foliar pathogenicity trades off with asexual transmission in the Irish famine pathogen Phytophthora infestans
Authors: Pasco Claudine , Montarry Josselin , Marquer Bruno , Andrivon Didier
Published: August 2015

A trade‐off between pathogenicity and transmission is often postulated to explain the persistence of pathogens over time. If demonstrated, it would help to predict the evolution of pathogenicity across cropping seasons, and to develop sustainable control strategies from this prediction. Unfortunately, experimental demonstration of such trade‐offs in agricultural plant pathogens remains elusive.

We measured asexual transmission of Phytophthora infestans isolates differing in pathogenicity in two sets of artificial infection experiments under controlled, semi‐outdoor conditions.

Higher foliar pathogenicity decreased mean daughter tuber weight, increased infection severity in daughter tubers, and increased stem mortality before emergence. The most pathogenic isolates thus suffer a double penalty for asexual transmission: a lower survival probability within small and severely infected tubers; and a lower infection probability of neighbouring healthy plants due to fewer infected stems produced by surviving tubers. Moderate tuber resistance favoured transmission of the least pathogenic isolates, while high levels of resistance almost abolished transmission of all isolates.

These data demonstrate a trade‐off between foliar pathogenicity and asexual transmission over seasons in P. infestans, which should stabilise pathogenicity over time in the potato late blight pathosystem and possibly favour clone replacement by less pathogenic lineages after demographic bottlenecks.
Exploring the influence of Internet‐based caregiver support on experiences of isolation for older spouse caregivers in rural areas: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Blusi Madeleine , Kristiansen Lisbeth , Jong Mats
Published: August 2015

Background

Many older spouse caregivers are tied to the home by their caring duties and feel isolated. The values of supporting older caregivers are well known. In rural areas with long distances and decline in essential services, attending caregiver support groups can be difficult. Using Internet‐based services can provide an opportunity for rural caregivers to participate in caregiver support, regardless of geographical distances and without the need for physical presence.

Aims and objectives

This study aimed to explore how Internet‐based caregiver support may influence the experience of isolation among older spouse caregivers in rural areas.

Design

An intervention study where 63 older rural caregivers received an Internet‐based caregiver support service.

Method

A qualitative interview study based on 31 interviews with open‐ended questions, analysed using latent content analysis.

Findings

Two themes represent the findings from the study:Expanding the concept of placeandDeveloping networks. Even though participants still spent their days in the house, they experienced that daily life was being spent in a variety of places, both physically, virtually and emotionally. The Internet‐based support service provided them with a tool to reconnect with family and develop new friends.

Conclusions

Internet‐based caregiver support may reduce the experience of isolation for spouse caregivers in rural areas. Nurses played a crucial part in the development, by encouraging, educating and inspiring caregivers and supporting their independence.

Implications for practice

Internet‐based services ought to be an option for caregiver support in rural areas as it may reduce feelings of isolation for older spouse caregivers.
Signalling Events and Associated Pathways Related to the Mammalian Sperm Capacitation
Authors: Gangwar DK , Atreja SK
Published: August 2015

Contents

Capacitation is a biological phenomenon occurring prior to fertilization and is a multiple event process. Many physiological and biochemical changes takes place during the process; these changes are related to lipid composition of membrane, intracellular modulation of ion concentration, protein phosphorylation, sperm movement and membrane permeability. These events occur when the sperm is exposed to the new environment of ion concentration in the female reproductive tract. Ions such as bicarbonate and calcium facilitate capacitation by activating adenylyl cyclase, thus initiating protein kinase A (PKA) signalling cascade. Extracellular‐regulated kinase pathway is activated by ligand binding to the membrane receptors and intracellular activation by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Activation of these pathways leads to the phosphorylation of different proteins, which is associated with events such as capacitation, hyperactivation and acrosome reaction that are essential for successful fertilization. Extensive studies were carried out on protein phosphorylation in relation to capacitation, but its role still remains ambiguous.
Exchange Rate Movements and the Distribution of Productivity
Authors: Tomlin Ben , Fung Loretta
Published: August 2015

This paper examines how movements in the real exchange rate affect the distribution of labor productivity within industries. Appreciations of the local currency expose domestic plants to more competition as export opportunities shrink and import competition intensifies. As a result, smaller less productive plants are forced from the market, which truncates the lower end of the productivity distribution, and surviving plants face a reduction in physical sales (unless they adjust their mark‐up), which, in the presence of scale economies, can lower productivity. Using quantile regression, we find that movements in the exchange rate do, indeed, have distributional effects on productivity.
A possible new paradigm? A survey‐based assessment of the use of thawed group A plasma for trauma resuscitation in the United States
Authors: Dunbar Nancy M. , Yazer Mark H. ,   on behalf of the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) Collaborative
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND

Although evidence supporting this practice is limited, some centers use thawed group A plasma for the initial resuscitation of trauma patients.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

To better understand the current use of plasma in trauma resuscitation, a survey was developed, validated, and distributed via e‐mail to 121 American trauma centers.

RESULTS

A total of 61 responses were received. Most were from Level 1 trauma centers (56/61, 92%) in urban settings (47/61, 77%). Virtually all centers reported maintaining A thawed plasma inventory (59/61, 97%). Among the 56 Level 1 trauma center respondents, most keep thawed A immediately available (49/56, 88%) and many use group A plasma for trauma recipients of unknown ABO group (34/49, 69%). Half of the surveyed centers implemented this practice within the past year. The majority do not limit the amount of A plasma that can be administered to a patients of unknown ABO group (21/34, 62%), and most do not titer for anti‐B (27/34, 79%).

CONCLUSION

The majority of Level 1 trauma centers maintain thawed plasma inventories and use group A plasma for trauma recipients of unknown ABO group. Most centers do not limit the amount of group A plasma used in this situation or titer the anti‐B.
Short Helical Combustor: Concept Study of an Innovative Gas Turbine Combustor With Angular Air Supply
Authors: Ariatabar B. , Koch R. , Bauer H.-J. , Negulescu D.-A.
Published: August 2015

An innovative design of a gas turbine annular combustor is investigated analytically and numerically. Its principal feature is the helical arrangement of the burners around the turbine shaft. Hence, a shorter combustor with lower aerodynamic losses and cooling air demand might be realized. A generic model of the combustor is developed and analyzed by means of a parametric study. Scaling laws for the geometry of the flame tube and the burners are derived. Thereby, the relevant similarity parameters for fluid flow, combustion, and heat transfer are maintained constant. Subsequently, nonreacting and reacting flow regimes of selected design variants are numerically investigated. It is shown that a double annular (DA) configuration with a tilting angle of β = 45 deg, where circumferentially adjacent swirls are corotating and radially are counter-rotating, is the superior design in terms of (1) maintaining the relevant similarity rules, (2) size and location of the recirculation zones and swirl flames, and (3) flow pattern at the combustor exit. The deflection angle of the nozzle guide vanes (NGV) as well as the axial length of such a short helical combustor (SHC) could be reduced by approximately 30%.
Leibniz Rule and Fractional Derivatives of Power Functions
Authors: Tarasov Vasily E.
Published: August 2015

In this paper, we prove that unviolated simple Leibniz rule and equation for fractional-order derivative of power function cannot hold together for derivatives of orders α≠1. To prove this statement, we use an algebraic approach, where special form of fractional-order derivatives is not applied.
Selective Laser Melting of Iron Powder: Observation of Melting Mechanism and Densification Behavior Via Point-Track-Surface-Part Research
Authors: Zhang Baicheng , Coddet Christian
Published: August 2015

This paper presents the following procedure of additive manufacturing technology: point → track → surface → part, each part including different research aspects of selective laser melting (SLM) process. First, the transmissivity of laser through powder layer is measured with various powder layer thicknesses and particle sizes. The evolution of track cross section dimension is studied with different laser parameters and powders in track research. A surface quality including morphology and roughness research is shown in surface section. In this part, a single melted layer with smooth surface Ra 12.5 μm can be obtained with high laser density. After the part was established, the density and microstructure of SLM Fe part are present. The microstructural features of SLM Fe experienced an interesting change as follows: secondary sorbite → martensite → pearlite with decrease in laser energy density. At last, a simple SLM-process model was described.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Investigation of Brush Seal Leakage Performance Depending on Geometric Dimensions and Operating Conditions
Authors: Dogu Yahya , Bahar Ahmet S. , Sertçakan Mustafa C. , Pişkin Altuğ , Arıcan Ercan , Kocagül Mustafa
Published: August 2015

Brush seals require custom design and tailoring due to their behavior driven by flow dynamic, which has many interacting design parameters, as well as their location in challenging regions of turbomachinery. Therefore, brush seal technology has not reached a conventional level across the board standard. However, brush seal geometry generally has a somewhat consistent form. Since this consistent form does exist, knowledge of the leakage performance of brush seals depending on specific geometric dimensions and operating conditions is critical and predictable information in the design phase. However, even though there are common facts for some geometric dimensions available to designers, open literature has inadequate quantified information about the effect of brush seal geometric dimensions on leakage. This paper presents a detailed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) investigation quantifying the leakage values for some geometric variables of common brush seal forms functioning in some operating conditions. Analyzed parameters are grouped as follows: axial dimensions, radial dimensions, and operating conditions. The axial dimensions and their ranges are front plate thickness (z1 = 0.040–0.150 in.), distance between front plate and bristle pack (z2 = 0.010–0.050 in.), bristle pack thickness (z3 = 0.020–0.100 in.), and backing plate thickness (z4 = 0.040–0.150 in.). The radial dimensions are backing plate fence height (r1 = 0.020–0.100 in.), front plate fence height (r2 = 0.060–0.400 in.), and bristle free height (r3 = 0.300–0.500 in.). The operating conditions are chosen as clearance (r0 = 0.000–0.020 in.), pressure ratio (Rp = 1.5–3.5), and rotor speed (n = 0–40 krpm). CFD analysis was carried out by employing compressible turbulent flow in 2D axisymmetric coordinate system. The bristle pack was treated as a porous medium for which flow resistance coefficients were calibrated by using literature based test data. Selected dimensional and operational parameters for a common brush seal form were investigated, and their effects on leakage performance were quantified. CFD results show that, in terms of leakage, the dominant geometric dimensions were found to be the bristle pack thickness and the backing plate fence height. It is also clear that physical clearance dominates leakage performance, when compared to the effects of other geometric dimensions. The effects of other parameters on brush seal leakage were also analyzed in a comparative manner.