bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stress intensity coefficients determination of dynamical mixed boundary problems for cracks in elastic space
Authors: Bagdoev Alexander G. , Vardanyan Anna V. , Vardanyan Sedrak V. , Martirosyan Ashot N.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the problem of fracture of construction by solution of several mixed unsteady boundary value problems of elasticity, determination of stress intensity factors and concentration of stresses near edges of cracks and by numerical calculations of them obtained by explicit formulae.

Design/methodology/approach

The main methods of solution are integral transformations of Laplace and Fourier, method of Winner‐Hopf system solution by avoiding the singularities of coefficients of their matrices and factorization of them using numerical solution of the same order system of Fredholm integral equations. The solution for stresses is obtained in originals by effective Smirnov‐Sobolev form. The obtained integrals for stress intensity coefficients are calculated for considered cases of plane and anti‐plane problems of cracks, and for more complex space problem of crack are carried out all mentioned analytical investigations, including derivation of stresses distributions formulae near crack edge.

Findings

These analytic and numerical methods based on dynamic elasticity approximation on account of singularities near cracks edge allow precise calculation of the possibility and character of fracture of media under any loading of rather complex type.

Originality/value

Results can be useful for investigation of constructions responsibility. The developed mathematical methods are original and modern, using all actual effective methods of investigation of solutions of linear system of equations with three and four independent variables for complex initial, boundary value problems.
On the solution of transient heat conduction of multi‐layer slab and filtering temperature measurements
Authors: Hojjati M.H. , Tari H.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how a system of differential equations of one‐dimensional transient cooling heat conduction of different multi‐layer slabs has been solved numerically. A simple deterministic filtering matrix has been developed to remove errors involved in the experimental temperature measurements.

Design/methodology/approach

The system of differential equations is solved through Crank‐Nicolson method using a developed computer code. The developed matrix is based on the available information about the system and is strong enough to detect and remove errors from the measured temperatures.

Findings

The filtering algorithm is very straightforward and easy to implement and needs to be developed once for a given system.

Originality/value

This paper shows how the governing equations of transient heat conduction of multi‐layer slabs have been solved through Crank‐Nicolson method using a developed computer code. The code is user friendly and solves a large system of simultaneous differential equations for any given composite slab configurations. Furthermore, a matrix filter has been suggested to remove experimental errors. The filter is based on the available information about the considered system. The developed matrix filter is shown to be a powerful technique to detect the noisy data and correct them while intelligent enough not to harm good data. The filtering algorithm is very straightforward and easy to implement and needs to be developed once for a given system.
Ultrasonic wave propagation in cadmium chalcogenides (CdS, CdSe and CdTe) compounds
Authors: Yadawa Pramod Kumar
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the second‐ and third‐order elastic constants (SOEC and TOEC) and then velocities and attenuation of ultrasonic waves along unique direction in hexagonal II‐VI group semiconductors, cadmium chalcogenides (CdS, CdSe and CdTe) compounds at room temperature and obtained the ultrasonic behaviour and mechanical properties of these compounds.

Design/methodology/approach

Lennard‐Jones potential approach is applied to evaluate the SOEC and TOEC.

Findings

The value of ultrasonic attenuation of CdSe is smallest in comparison to other chosen materials. So, CdSe is more ductile and more pure than others. Thus, the mechanical properties of CdSe are better than those of CdS and CdTe, because CdSe has high‐elastic constants and low‐ultrasonic attenuation.

Originality/value

Obtained results, together with other well‐known physical properties, may expand future prospects for the industrial applications and study of these semiconductor materials.
Transient disturbance in a half‐space under generalized magneto‐thermoelasticity with a stable internal heat source under three theories
Authors: Lotfy Kh.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the transient waves caused by a line heat source with a stable internal heat source inside isotropic homogenous thermoelastic perfectly conducting half‐space permeate into a uniform magnetic field. The formulation is applied under three theories of generalized thermoelasticity Lord‐Shulman (L‐S) theory with one relaxation time, Green‐Lindsay (G‐L) theory with two relaxation times, as well as the classical dynamical coupled theory. The problem is reduced to the solution of three differential equations by introducing the elastic and thermoelastic potentials.

Design/methodology/approach

The normal mode analysis is used to obtain the expressions. Numerical results are given and illustrated graphically. Comparisons are made with the results predicted by the three theories in the presence and absence of magnetic field and the internal heat source.

Findings

The results are graphically described for the medium of copper. We can conclude that the magnetic field has a great effect on the displacement components and this effect produces the same trend under the three theories. The results show that the relaxation times have salient effect to the distribution of displacement at small values of time.

Originality/value

The present theoretical results may provide interesting information for experimental scientists /researchers/seismologist working on this subject.
Computational investigation of structured shocks in Al/SiC‐particulate metal‐matrix composites
Authors: Grujicic M. , Bell W.C. , Pandurangan B. , Yen C.‐F. , Cheeseman B.A.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

Propagation of planar (i.e. one directional), longitudinal (i.e. uniaxial strain), steady (i.e. time‐invariant) structured shock waves within metal matrix composites (MMCs) is studied computationally. Waves of this type are typically generated during blast‐wave loading or ballistic impact and play a major role in the way blast/ballistic impact loads are introduced in, and applied to, a target structure. Hence, the knowledge of the basic physics of propagation of these waves is critical for designing structures with superior blast and impact protection capabilities. The purpose of this paper is to help advance the use of computational engineering analyses and simulations in the areas of design and application of the MMC protective structures.

Design/methodology/approach

To derive the overall response of the composite material to shock type loading, a dynamic‐mixture model is employed. Within this model, the known constitutive responses of the constituent materials are combined using the appropriate mixture rules. These mixture rules are of a dynamic character since they depend on the current state of the composite material and cannot be applied prior to the beginning of the analysis.

Findings

The approach is applied to a prototypical MMC consisting of an aluminum matrix and SiC particulates. Both the intermediate‐to‐strong shock regime (in which the contribution of stress deviators to the stress field can be ignored) and the weak shock regime (in which stress deviators provide a significant contribution to the stress field) are investigated. Finally, the computational results are compared with their experimental counterparts available in the open literature in order to validate the computational procedure employed.

Originality/value

Prediction of the spallation‐type failure in a metal‐matrix composite material (modeled using the dynamic‐mixture model) has not been done previously.
Effects of aerodynamic excitations on the dynamic behavior of helical gear system
Authors: Abboudi Kamel , Walha Lassaad , Driss Yassine , Maatar Mohamed , Haddar Mohamed
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of aerodynamic excitations on the dynamic behavior of a helical two‐stage gear system.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology consists of developing a wind turbine model including a helical two‐stage gear train having 21 DOFs.

Findings

The results of this paper show that the dynamic behavior of the speed‐up gearbox inside the wind turbine is affected by various degrees of flexibility at different frequencies.

Originality/value

The aerodynamic forces are calculated by two main methods, the first is the actuator disc theory and the second is the Blade‐Element Method. Some correction functions are applied, such as the tip‐root loss functions and the Glauert correction factor. The convergence of the induction factors permits to increase the precision of predictions. Finally, the generator side is modeled by a simplified electric schematic based on steady state model.
Mediators and moderators of change in dysfunctional parenting in a school‐based universal application of the Triple‐P Positive Parenting Programme
Authors: McTaggart Philippa , Sanders Matthew
Published: November 2014

The present study examined the role of socio‐demographic and family risk factors as mediators or moderators of the success of parents undertaking a universal group parent training programme for young children. The results showed that parents' capacity to change dysfunctional parenting practices was not moderated by the child's gender, family income, family type, or pre‐intervention level of parental stress, but was partially mediated by changes in parental satisfaction and efficacy. Irrespective of their socio‐demographic background, parents who completed the Triple‐P Positive Parenting Programme were equally likely to succeed in changing their parenting practices. These findings suggest the robustness of intervention effects across a diverse range of parents.
Transition to old age — what can we do to aid the process?
Authors: Dodd Karen
Published: November 2014

This article looks at how people with learning disabilities, including people with learning disabilities who develop dementia, make the transition to old age. It identifies key issues in understanding the transition to old age for people with learning disabilities, including how the ageing process may be different for this group, lack of agreement as to what constitutes old age for people with learning disabilities, the heterogeneity of this population and the inadequacy of service responses to their changing needs. It advocates a number of clinical and service responses that might help make the transition easier for people.
‘Sunrise, sunset’ — the transitions faced by the parents of adults with learning disabilities
Authors: Lindsay Peter
Published: November 2014

This article is based on statements freely written by the parents of three adults with learning disabilities describing the transitions in the lives of these adults, and structured interviews with their general practitioner (GP). It highlights the emotional, psychological and personal problems of this group of carers and the need for more research into their support.
Medication: the last resort. A parent carer's account
Authors: Woodcock Linda
Published: November 2014

Three years ago I became part of the guideline development group for the new national guide for prescribing medication for problem behaviours in people with learning disabilities (Deb et al, 2006). I was asked to join this group as a parent, and also in my role of family services manager with a regional autism charity. The following personal account was presented in the series of conferences that were held in the UK in 2006 to launch the national guide.
Transition and social networks of young people with learning disabilities
Authors: Raghavan Raghu , Pawson Nicole
Published: November 2014

School leavers with learning disabilities are often lost within service structures as part of the transition process. Many young people lose their social networks at the point of transition to adulthood. This paper provides an insight into the views and aspirations of young people, and highlights the importance of social networks in promoting the psychological well‐being of young people with learning disabilities.
The Emotiv EPOC neuroheadset: an inexpensive method of controlling assistive technologies using facial expressions and thoughts?
Authors: Lievesley Robert , Wozencroft Martin , Ewins David
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The EPOC neuroheadset is a commercially available device that allows game players to control a computer using their facial expressions or their thoughts. This paper aims to examine whether it has the potential to be used as an input for assistive technology (AT) devices.

Design/methodology/approach

Two experiments were conducted. In the first, 12 non‐impaired subjects used the neuroheadset to control a computer with their facial expressions. They also used a simple system of two head switches for comparison. In the second experiment, three non‐impaired subjects were trained to use the neuroheadset to control a computer with their thoughts.

Findings

In the first experiment, the neuroheadset was slower and less accurate than the head switches (p<0.05), and was also harder to use. It is unlikely to be preferred to existing methods of accessing AT for those that retain a small amount of head movement. In the second experiment, by the end of the week, all three subjects achieved accuracy rates greater than chance.

Research limitations/implications

All subjects were non‐impaired, and the sample size in the second experiment was small. Further research should concentrate on the second experiment, using larger sample sizes and impaired subjects.

Practical implications

The EPOC neuroheadset is substantially cheaper than similar specialist devices, and has the potential to allow those with no voluntary muscle control to access AT with their thoughts.

Originality/value

The results of these two experiments show that the Emotiv EPOC neuroheadset can be used as an interface for non‐impaired users to transfer information to a computer, which could in turn be used to control AT.
Digital technologies: who benefits?
Authors: Seale Jane
Published: November 2014

Purpose

This paper, reproduced with permission from the Economic and Social Research Council's Society Now magazine, aims to give the author's viewpoint on the benefits of digital technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

This viewpoint is prepared by an expert researcher, drawing on two recent experiences: reading the Manifesto for a Networked Nation; and attending a technology‐related conference.

Findings

The paper provides a viewpoint on the benefits and complexities of digital technologies.

Originality/value

The author considers how few opportunities are afforded to people without internet access compared to those who are digitally included and considers how valuable the people, the communities and the social structures are that enable the benefits of technologies to be enjoyed by everyone.
Bullying perpetration and victimization as predictors of delinquency and depression in the Pittsburgh Youth Study
Authors: Farrington David P. , Loeber Rolf , Stallings Rebecca , Ttofi Maria M.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

School bullying is an important social problem with serious consequences. Many studies suggest that involvement in bullying (as a perpetrator or a victim) is associated with undesirable short‐term effects on the physical and psychological health of children and with undesirable long‐term effects on their future psychosocial adjustment as adults. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether bullying perpetration predicts later criminal offending and whether bullying victimization predicts later depression.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyses data from the Pittsburgh Youth Study in which 503 boys who were originally assessed at age 6‐7 years have been followed up to age 19, with yearly or half‐yearly assessments.

Findings

Bullying perpetration in one age range, according to boys and mothers, predicted delinquency (reported by boys) in a later age range, and this relationship held up after controlling for ten major risk factors measured in an earlier age range. Bullying perpetration, according to boys, was the stronger predictor of delinquency. Bullying victimization (being bullied) in one age range predicted depression (reported by boys, mothers and teachers) in a later age range, and this relationship also held up after controlling for ten earlier risk factors. Bullying victimization according to mothers was the stronger predictor of depression.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful evidence which leads to the conclusion that bullying perpetration is followed by an increased risk of delinquency, and that bullying victimization is followed by an increased risk of depression.
Bullying victimization and later anxiety and depression among pre‐adolescents in Switzerland
Authors: Averdijk Margit , Müller Barbara , Eisner Manuel , Ribeaud Denis
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between bullying victimization at age 8 and anxiety and depression at age 11 in a large and ethnically heterogeneous sample from Zurich, Switzerland.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors present new analyses from the Zurich Project on the Social Development of Children and Youth (z‐proso) on the relationship between bullying victimization at age 8 and anxiety and depression at age 11.

Findings

Different measures of bullying victimization significantly predicted later anxiety and depression. Differences existed between measures of anxiety and depression from different informants.

Originality/value

First, the paper provides readers with an overview of the victimization data collected in z‐proso among an ethnically heterogeneous population sample of children in Zurich, Switzerland. Second, it provides results of bivariate and multivariate analyses on the relationship between bullying victimization and internalizing behavior. Third, the authors investigate if their results are robust across different measures of bullying victimization and across measures of anxiety and depression from different informants.
Elucidating the treatment needs of gang‐affiliated youth offenders
Authors: Meng Chu Chi , Daffern Michael , Thomas Stuart D.M. , Ying Lim Jia
Published: November 2014

Purpose

Gang affiliation is strongly associated with youth crime. Although gang prevention, intervention and suppression programmes have been used to reduce affiliation and manage youth gang‐related activities, the effectiveness of these approaches is questionable. Further, comprehensive programmes supporting disengagement from gangs that also address the actual criminal behaviours of gang‐affiliated youth are rare. Arguably, these are necessary if the goal of intervention is to reduce criminal behaviour and support disengagement from gangs. This paper aims to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This study sought to elucidate the criminogenic needs of gang‐ and nongang‐affiliated youth offenders (n=165) using two commonly used risk/need assessment instruments, the structured assessment of violence risk in youth (SAVRY) and the youth level of service/case management inventory (YLS/CMI).

Findings

The results revealed that gang‐ and nongang‐affiliated youth offenders had similar criminogenic need profiles except for one difference on an item measuring peer delinquency.

Practical implications

Gang‐affiliated youth offenders have comparable criminogenic needs to other youth offenders. These needs require intervention if a reduction in crime is desired, and since gang‐affiliated youth offenders are more likely to re‐offend than those that are nongang‐affiliated, these results also suggest that there may be additional needs, beyond those assessed by the SAVRY and YLS/CMI, which should be investigated and considered in rehabilitation programmes.

Originality/value

Few studies have directly compared the risk and needs profiles between gang‐ and nongang‐affiliated youth offenders using standardised risk assessment measures; this study may be relevant to professionals working in the juvenile justice and offender rehabilitation arenas.
Suzhi expectations for double-shouldered academics in Chinese public universities
Authors: M. Wang Maggie , J.H. Zhu Cherrie , Zheng Connie , Mayson Susan
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to exploresuzhirequirements and expectations to double-shouldered academics as middle-level cadres (双肩挑处级干部) in a Chinese higher education institute (HEI) as an initial step to examine the interplays betweensuzhirequirement and expectations and organizational operational mechanism in the Chinese context.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study adopted an exploratory single-case approach for the study. In this study, 22 participants composed of middle-level cadres, other stakeholders at the university, college/department and business unit levels were interviewed.

Findings

–Suzhirequirements for the cadres followed the Communist Party of China’s (CPC) guideline, the requiredde, neng, qin, jiandlian(德, 能, 勤, 绩, 廉) was abstract and vague. With the parallel systems, the CPC and administrative lines, there were discrepancies between the CPC requiredsuzhiand those expected by the stakeholders. A social phenomenon, “official rank-oriented standard” (ORS, guan ben wei, 官本位), was found significantly intertwining with the selfsuzhiexpectation of the cadres, unveiling a more complex dynamics than most research reported for the Chinese public sector organizations (PSOs).

Researchimplications

– With the initial qualitative findings unveilingsuzhias an organizational construct, this study informs future empirical research in the indigenoussuzhiphenomenon in organizational setting. The conceptualized results of our study offer new insight for future indigenous Chinese management research in all PSOs including state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

Originality/value

– As an initial step, this study endeavored to exploresuzhias an organizational construct in a Chinese HEI. The paper contributes to the literature by unveiling the complexity of PSOs in the interplays of dual management systems and ORS coupled with dual-rolesuzhirequirements for the cadres.
The adaptation research about ICS and Chinese management scenario
Authors: Lei Lei , Kohl Holger , Xu Yanmei
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to manifest how intellectual capital statement (ICS) adapts the Chinese management scenario. ICS has become a key management instrument for securing competitiveness and sustainable growth in European small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, if the approach rooted in Europe can have a good effect in China is still unknown.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper analyzes the reasons why ICS appears in Europe on a macro-level including innovation culture, innovation policy and innovation paths. These aspects are also characterized for China to describe the Chinese management scenario and innovation environment. Further, the paper divides ICS into three parts: model layer, indicators layer and operating layer on a micro-level. For the management scenario of China, it explains the adaptation of the three layers for application in a Chinese context.

Findings

– The innovation culture, innovation policy and innovation paths are different in Europe and China. Therefore, the applications of model, indicator and operating layers of ICS are also different in China. The paper indicates that it needs some adjustments when applying ICS in Chinese enterprises.

Research limitations/implications

– There are no application practices of ICS in China until now, so the analysis of this paper is based on the theoretical level. Moreover, in the part of innovation culture, the paper is limited to comparing the cultures of Germany and China.

Originality/value

– This is the first paper which investigates the application of ICS in China.
Episodic bamboo die‐off, neighbourhood interactions and tree seedling performance in a Patagonian mixed forest
Authors: Caccia Fernando D. , Kitzberger Thomas , Chaneton Enrique J.
Published: November 2014

Episodic mass flowering and subsequent die‐off of bamboo understories may generate rare opportunities for tree regeneration by altering consumer–seedling interactions as much as by increasing light availability to seedlings. We hypothesized that bamboo dieback interacts with canopy neighbourhood composition in creating recruitment microsites for tree seedling species with varied shade tolerance and susceptibility to herbivory.

We conducted a 2‐year experiment in a Patagonian mixed forest altered by extensive, but patchy dieback of the bamboo Chusquea culeou. Newly emerged seedlings of Nothofagus alpina (more shade‐tolerant) and Nothofagus dombeyi (less shade‐tolerant) were planted in conspecific and heterospecific canopy neighbourhoods, with either a flowered (dead) or non‐flowered (live) bamboo understorey. Seedlings were placed inside and outside mesh cages to assess mortality from vertebrate or invertebrate consumers.

Vertebrate exclusion increased seedling survival regardless of bamboo condition. Seedling loss to invertebrates decreased with bamboo die‐off, resulting in higher survival of N. alpina in dead than in live patches. In contrast, bamboo die‐off increased N. dombeyi mortality by wilting, which counteracted the benefits of seedling release from consumers. Bamboo die‐off increased light availability and enhanced seedling growth for both species.

Nothofagus alpina seedlings were less damaged or killed by invertebrates under heterospecific canopies than under conspecifics (associational resistance), whereas N. dombeyi performance was unaffected by neighbourhood composition. Bamboo die‐off did not change seedling performance patterns observed across canopy neighbourhoods with live bamboo understories.

Synthesis. Gaps created by bamboo die‐off can exert both positive and negative, species‐specific effects on the likelihood of tree seedling establishment. We conclude that infrequent understorey disturbances coupled with canopy neighbourhood effects mediated by seedling herbivores may drive gap‐phase succession within old‐growth forests.
Physiological characterization of anaerobic ammonium oxidizing bacterium ‘Candidatus Jettenia caeni’
Authors: Ali Muhammad , Oshiki Mamoru , Awata Takanori , Isobe Kazuo , Kimura Zenichiro , Yoshikawa Hiroaki , Hira Daisuke , Kindaichi Tomonori , Satoh Hisashi , Fujii Takao , Okabe Satoshi
Published: November 2014

To date, six candidate genera of anaerobic ammonium‐oxidizing (anammox) bacteria have been identified, and numerous studies have been conducted to understand their ecophysiology. In this study, we examined the physiological characteristics of an anammox bacterium in the genus ‘Candidatus Jettenia’. Planctomycete KSU‐1 was found to be a mesophilic (20–42.5°C) and neutrophilic (pH 6.5–8.5) bacterium with a maximum growth rate of 0.0020 h−1. Planctomycete KSU‐1 cells showed typical physiological and structural features of anammox bacteria; i.e. 29N2 gas production by coupling of 15NH4+ and 14NO2−, accumulation of hydrazine with the consumption of hydroxylamine and the presence of anammoxosome. In addition, the cells were capable of respiratory ammonification with oxidation of acetate. Notably, the cells contained menaquinone‐7 as a dominant respiratory quinone. Proteomic analysis was performed to examine underlying core metabolisms, and high expressions of hydrazine synthase, hydrazine dehydrogenase, hydroxylamine dehydrogenase, nitrite/nitrate oxidoreductase and carbon monoxide dehydrogenase/acetyl‐CoA synthase were detected. These proteins require iron or copper as a metal cofactor, and both were dominant in planctomycete KSU‐1 cells. On the basis of these experimental results, we proposed the name ‘Ca. Jettenia caeni’ sp. nov. for the bacterial clade of the planctomycete KSU‐1.
Physiological and cell morphology adaptation of Bacillus subtilis at near‐zero specific growth rates: a transcriptome analysis
Authors: Overkamp Wout , Ercan Onur , Herber Martijn , van Maris Antonius J. A. , Kleerebezem Michiel , Kuipers Oscar P.
Published: November 2014

Nutrient scarcity is a common condition in nature, but the resulting extremely low growth rates (below 0.025 h−1) are an unexplored research area in Bacillus subtilis. To understand microbial life in natural environments, studying the adaptation of B. subtilis to near‐zero growth conditions is relevant. To this end, a chemostat modified for culturing an asporogenous B. subtilis sigF mutant strain at extremely low growth rates (also named a retentostat) was set up, and biomass accumulation, culture viability, metabolite production and cell morphology were analysed. During retentostat culturing, the specific growth rate decreased to a minimum of 0.00006 h−1, corresponding to a doubling time of 470 days. The energy distribution between growth and maintenance‐related processes showed that a state of near‐zero growth was reached. Remarkably, a filamentous cell morphology emerged, suggesting that cell separation is impaired under near‐zero growth conditions. To evaluate the corresponding molecular adaptations to extremely low specific growth, transcriptome changes were analysed. These revealed that cellular responses to near‐zero growth conditions share several similarities with those of cells during the stationary phase of batch growth. However, fundamental differences between these two non‐growing states are apparent by their high viability and absence of stationary phase mutagenesis under near‐zero growth conditions.
The FlxABCD‐HdrABC proteins correspond to a novel NADH dehydrogenase/heterodisulfide reductase widespread in anaerobic bacteria and involved in ethanol metabolism in Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough
Authors: Ramos Ana Raquel , Grein Fabian , Oliveira Gonçalo P. , Venceslau Sofia S. , Keller Kimberly L. , Wall Judy D. , Pereira Inês A. C.
Published: November 2014

Flavin‐based electron bifurcation (FBEB) is an important mechanism for the energy metabolism of anaerobes. A new family of NADH dehydrogenases, the flavin oxidoreductase (FlxABCD, previously called FloxABCD), was proposed to perform FBEB in sulphate‐reducing organisms coupled with heterodisulfide reductase (HdrABC). We found that the hdrABC‐flxABCD gene cluster is widespread among anaerobic bacteria, pointing to a general and important role in their bioenergetics. In this work, we studied FlxABCD of Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough. The hdr‐flx genes are part of the same transcriptional unit and are increased in transcription during growth in ethanol‐sulfate, and to a less extent during pyruvate fermentation. Two mutant strains were generated: one where expression of the hdr‐flx genes was interrupted and another lacking the flxA gene. Both strains were unable to grow with ethanol‐sulfate, whereas growth was restored in a flxA‐complemented strain. The mutant strains also produced very reduced amounts of ethanol compared with the wild type during pyruvate fermentation. Our results show that in D. vulgaris, the FlxABCD‐HdrABC proteins are essential for NADH oxidation during growth on ethanol, probably involving a FBEB mechanism that leads to reduction of ferredoxin and the small protein DsrC, while in fermentation they operate in reverse, reducing NAD+ for ethanol production.
Spatial structuring of bacterial communities within individual Ginkgo biloba trees
Authors: Leff Jonathan W. , Del Tredici Peter , Friedman William E. , Fierer Noah
Published: November 2014

Plant‐associated microorganisms affect the health of their hosts in diverse ways, yet the distribution of these organisms within individual plants remains poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, we assessed the spatial variability in bacterial community diversity and composition found on and in aboveground tissues of individual Ginkgo biloba trees. We sampled bacterial communities from > 100 locations per tree, including leaf, branch and trunk samples and used high‐throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene to determine the diversity and composition of these communities. Bacterial community structure differed strongly between bark and leaf samples, with bark samples harbouring much greater bacterial diversity and a community composition distinct from leaves. Within sample types, we observed clear spatial patterns in bacterial diversity and community composition that corresponded to the samples' proximity to the exterior of the tree. The composition of the bacterial communities found on trees is highly variable, but this variability is predictable and dependent on sampling location. Moreover, this work highlights the importance of carefully considering plant spatial structure when characterizing the microbial communities associated with plants and their impacts on plant hosts.
Characterization of the cultivable bacterial populations associated with field grown Brassica napus L.: an evaluation of sampling and isolation protocols
Authors: Croes Sarah , Weyens Nele , Colpaert Jan , Vangronsveld Jaco
Published: November 2014

Plant‐associated bacteria are intensively investigated concerning their characteristics for plant growth promotion, biocontrol mechanisms and enhanced phytoremediation efficiency. To obtain endophytes, different sampling and isolation protocols are used although their representativeness is not always clearly demonstrated. The objective of this study was to acquire representative pictures of the cultivable bacterial root, stem and leaf communities for all Brassica napus L. individuals growing on the same field.

For each plant organ, genotypic identifications of the endophytic communities were performed using three replicates. Root replicates were composed of three total root systems, whereas stem and leaf replicates needed to consist of six independent plant parts in order to be representative. Greater variations between replicates were found when considering phenotypic characteristics. Correspondence analysis revealed reliable phenotypic results for roots and even shoots, but less reliable ones for leaves. Additionally, realistic Shannon–Wiener biodiversity indices were calculated for all three organs and showed similar Evenness factors.

Furthermore, it was striking that all replicates and thus the whole plant contained Pseudomonas and Bacillus strains although aboveground and belowground plant tissues differed in most dominant bacterial genera and characteristics.
Towards a better understanding of Apis mellifera and Varroa destructor microbiomes: introducing ‘phyloh’ as a novel phylogenetic diversity analysis tool
Authors: Sandionigi A. , Vicario S. , Prosdocimi E. M. , Galimberti A. , Ferri E. , Bruno A. , Balech B. , Mezzasalma V. , Casiraghi M.
Published: November 2014

The study of diversity in biological communities is an intriguing field. Huge amount of data are nowadays available (provided by the innovative DNA sequencing techniques), and management, analysis and display of results are not trivial. Here, we propose for the first time the use of phylogenetic entropy as a measure of bacterial diversity in studies of microbial community structure. We then compared our new method (i.e. the web tool phyloh) for partitioning phylogenetic diversity with the traditional approach in diversity analyses of bacteria communities. We tested phyloh to characterize microbiome in the honeybee (Apis mellifera, Insecta: Hymenoptera) and its parasitic mite varroa (Varroa destructor, Arachnida: Parasitiformes). The rationale is that the comparative analysis of honeybee and varroa microbiomes could open new perspectives concerning the role of the parasites on honeybee colonies health. Our results showed a dramatic change of the honeybee microbiome when varroa occurs, suggesting that this parasite is able to influence host microbiome. Among the different approaches used, only the entropy method, in conjunction with phylogenetic constraint as implemented in phyloh, was able to discriminate varroa microbiome from that of parasitized honeybees. In conclusion, we foresee that the use of phylogenetic entropy could become a new standard in the analyses of community structure, in particular to prove the contribution of each biological entity to the overall diversity.
Occupational allergic contact dermatitis to chromium from cement: Estimating the size of the problem in Australia
Authors: Wong Celestine C , Gamboni Sarah E , Palmer Amanda M , Nixon Rosemary L
Published: November 2014

Background

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) caused by chromium in cement is a significant occupational hazard. However, legislation in Europe over the past two decades to reduce the concentration of chromium in cement to <2 ppm through the addition of ferrous sulphate to cement, has seen a significant decrease in the incidence of chromium allergy. No such legislation exists in Australia.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of results from the Patchcams database of patients attending the Occupational Dermatology Clinic at the Skin & Cancer Foundation, Melbourne, who were patch tested for chromium between 1 January 1993 to 31 December 2013, was conducted.

Results

Our review revealed that there has not been any significant change in the number of cases of ACD to chromium attributed to sensitisation through cement. Based on our data, we estimate that a minimum of 24 cases of chromium occupational ACD (OACD) from cement is found in Australia yearly, causing considerable morbidity, often associated with an inability to work, costly workers' compensation claims and sometimes the development of the disabling condition, persistent post‐occupational dermatitis.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the need for high‐level discussions about adopting European legislation in Australia in order to reduce the likelihood of developing chromium OACD from cement.
Radiotherapy alone in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma: The Westmead Hospital experience of 41 patients
Authors: Veness Michael , Howle Julie
Published: November 2014

Objectives

To review the role of radiotherapy as treatment (RTx) alone in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).

Methods

Data on 41 patients with MCC treated with RTx alone between 1993 and 2013 at Westmead Hospital, Sydney, were reviewed and analysed.

Results

The patients' median age was 80 (range 45–96 years) among 18 (44%) women and 23 (56%) men. All but one patient were white and six (15%) were immunosuppressed. Most (59%) were irradiated at initial diagnosis with the remainder treated in the relapse setting. The median duration of follow up was 39 months. Head and neck was the most frequently treated site (63%). The median lesion size was 30 mm (range 5–130 mm). The in‐field control rate was 85%. Most out‐of‐field relapses were to visceral organs. Overall survival at 5 years was 40%.

Conclusions

Patients with MCC treated with RTx alone experience a high likelihood of obtaining in‐field disease control. Doses of 50–55 Gy in 20–25 fractions are recommended but lower doses (25 Gy in five fractions) are still effective. A minority will be cured with many patients subsequently dying of systemic relapse.
Early urinary diversion with ileal conduit and vesicovaginostomy in the treatment of radiation cystitis due to carcinoma cervix: a study from a tertiary care hospital in South India
Authors: Banerji John Samuel , Devasia Antony , Kekre Nitin Sudhakar , Chacko Ninan
Published: November 2014

Background

To study the magnitude of radiation cystitis following radiation therapy for carcinoma cervix, and propose an algorithm to decide on early diversion, with or without vesicovaginostomy.

Methods

Women who developed radiation cystitis following radiotherapy for carcinoma cervix from January 1998 to December 2011 were included in this retrospective study. Electronic hospital records were analysed to document the presence of radiation cystitis. All women who developed evidence of radiation‐induced cystitis, according to the common toxicity and Radiation Therapy Oncology Group criteria, were included in the study. We looked at transfusion requirements, number of hospital admissions, quality of life and cost involved. Chi‐square tests were done where applicable. SPSS version 16 was used for analysis.

Results

Of the 902 patients who received radiation for carcinoma cervix in the 13‐year period, 62 (6.87%) developed grade 3/4 cystitis. Twenty‐eight of them underwent ileal conduit diversion, with 18 undergoing concomitant vesicovaginostomy. When compared with the patients who did not have diversion, the transfusion requirements, number of hospital admissions and quality of life had a statistically significant difference. Cost analysis of early diversion too showed a marginal benefit with early diversion. The limitation of the study was that it was retrospective in nature.

Conclusion

In radiation cystitis, multiple hospital admissions and consequential increase in cost is the norm. In severe disease, early diversion is a prudent, cost‐effective approach with good quality of life and early return to normal activity.
Randomized controlled trial of accelerated rehabilitation versus standard protocol following surgical repair of ruptured Achilles tendon
Authors: Porter Mark D. , Shadbolt Bruce
Published: November 2014

Background

There is no consensus regarding the optimal management of the acutely ruptured Achilles tendon (TA). Functional bracing alone achieves outcomes similar to those of surgical repair. Surgical repair combined with immediate mobilization may improve the clinical outcome further. The purpose of our study was to determine if an accelerated rehabilitation programme following surgical repair of the ruptured TA could improve clinical outcome, relative to the standard protocol.

Methods

Patients with an acutely ruptured TA were randomly allocated to undergo an accelerated programme (AP) or standard programme (SP), following surgery. Outcome was assessed at 12 months post‐surgery using the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), the heel‐raise height and the time taken to return to running.

Results

Fifty‐one patients completed the study, 25 in the AP group and 26 in the SP group. At 12 months post‐surgery, the ATRS results were similar in the two treatment groups (87.46 in AP with standard error (SE) of 0.735 versus 87.12 in SP with SE of 0.75) while the AP group had less lengthening of the TA (0.385 cm, SE 0.166 versus 1.00 cm, SE 0.169) and a more rapid return to running (17.231 weeks, SE 0.401 versus 21.08 weeks, SE 0.409), than the SP group.

Conclusion

The accelerated rehabilitation programme resulted in less tendon lengthening, more rapid return to running, but similar ATRS relative to the standard rehabilitation. Immobilization following TA repair may prolong recovery.
Electric elephants and the lively/lethal energies of wildlife documentary film
Authors: Collard Rosemary‐Claire
Published: November 2014

Amid growing enthusiasm for documentary filmmaking as a more‐than‐human research methodology, particularly in geography, I interject a cautionary reflection on the possibilities and limitations of this medium, emphasising documentary film production's effects on nonhuman life. From one of the first films ever made, in which Thomas Edison electrocutes Topsy the elephant, to contemporary wildlife documentaries that observe the lives and deaths of animals, film's affective potential to electrify, animate or enliven has existed in tension with its reliance on an encounterable, killable and invade‐able animal life. Accordingly, this paper first briefly reviews the emerging context of filmmaking as a research tool for more‐than‐human or animal geographies, focused on the relationship between animal documentary film and affect. I then complicate this lively energy through an examination of the conditions of production for animal film, particularly wildlife documentary, underscoring the speciesism that positions animals as disposable objects. Drawing on historical and contemporary examples as well as my own ambivalent experience making a short research film on wild animals circulating within global live wildlife trade, I show that a reliance on an encounterable animal, and a persistent taking of or impinging on animal life, underpins wildlife documentary film's ability to bring animals to life on film screens. At a time when documentary filmmaking is poised to become a dominant method in more‐than‐human geography and animal studies more broadly, this long history of violence, or film's lethal energies, must be considered more centrally.
“All of Me”: PsychologizingTurkish‐Dutch Police Officers in theNetherlands
Authors: Mutsaers Paul
Published: November 2014

This article offers a critical take on the excessive use of psychological applications in the work sphere, that is, management techniques that open up the psyche of the individual employee to interceptions, evaluations, and manipulations by superiors. It builds upon existing work on the psychologization of labor under the aegis of human resource apparatuses and contributes to it by centralizing the role that confessions have in this process. The article details the careers ofFehim andHalil, bothTurkish‐Dutch officers working for aDutch police agency. The field data, which have been obtained through an ethnographic fieldwork between 2008 and 2013, offer an insight into how psychological applications (such as personal development plans, “fireplace sessions,” empowerment courses, personality surveys, etc.) affect labor relations. The analysis opens up pathways for a better understanding of ethnic inequality in the workplace.
Evolution of proline biosynthesis: enzymology, bioinformatics, genetics, and transcriptional regulation
Authors: Fichman Yosef , Gerdes Svetlana Y. , Kovács Hajnalka , Szabados László , Zilberstein Aviah , Csonka Laszlo N.
Published: November 2014

Proline is not only an essential component of proteins but it also has important roles in adaptation to osmotic and dehydration stresses, redox control, and apoptosis. Here, we review pathways of proline biosynthesis in the three domains of life. Pathway reconstruction from genome data for hundreds of eubacterial and dozens of archaeal and eukaryotic organisms revealed evolutionary conservation and variations of this pathway across different taxa. In the most prevalent pathway of proline synthesis, glutamate is phosphorylated to γ‐glutamyl phosphate by γ‐glutamyl kinase, reduced to γ‐glutamyl semialdehyde by γ‐glutamyl phosphate reductase, cyclized spontaneously to Δ1‐pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate and reduced to proline by Δ1‐pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate reductase. In higher plants and animals the first two steps are catalysed by a bi‐functional Δ1‐pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate synthase. Alternative pathways of proline formation use the initial steps of the arginine biosynthetic pathway to ornithine, which can be converted to Δ1‐pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate by ornithine aminotransferase and then reduced to proline or converted directly to proline by ornithine cyclodeaminase. In some organisms, the latter pathways contribute to or could be fully responsible for the synthesis of proline. The conservation of proline biosynthetic enzymes and significance of specific residues for catalytic activity and allosteric regulation are analysed on the basis of protein structural data, multiple sequence alignments, and mutant studies, providing novel insights into proline biosynthesis in organisms. We also discuss the transcriptional control of the proline biosynthetic genes in bacteria and plants.