bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproductive isolation between sympatric sister species, Mussaenda kwangtungensis and M. pubescens var. alba
Authors: Luo Zhonglai , Duan Tingting , Yuan Shuai , Chen Shi , Bai Xiufeng , Zhang Dianxiang
Published: December 2014

Reproductive isolation defines the biological species concept and plays a key role in the formation and maintenance of species. The relative contributions of different isolating stages has been suggested to be closely associated with phylogenetic relatedness. Few studies have focused on the relative contributions of pre‐ versus post‐zygotic mechanisms, and even fewer have been conducted under strict phylogenetic frameworks. Pre‐ and post‐zygotic reproductive isolation stages have been investigated in the sister species Mussaenda kwangtungensis and M. pubescens var. alba. The two species have partly overlapping distribution ranges and flowering times, while the principal pollinators differed strikingly for them, demonstrating strong pre‐zygotic isolations. Natural hybrids were detected by simple sequence repeat markers and their maternal parents were identified based on chloroplast gene sequences. Five out of 81 individuals were suggested to be hybrids that fall into the categories F2, BC1, and BC2 by the NewHybrids analysis. Interspecific crossings resulted in significantly reduced fruit set and seed germination rates. Phylogenetic analysis revealed short Kimura‐2‐parameter distance between M. kwangtungensis and M. pubescens var. alba. These findings strongly supported the hypothesis that for species with a closer phylogenetic relationship, pre‐zygotic isolation plays an important part in limiting gene exchange in sympatric areas.
The total number of Leydig and Sertoli cells in the testes of men across various age groups – a stereological study
Authors: Petersen Peter M. , Seierøe Karina , Pakkenberg Bente
Published: December 2014

The aim of this study was to estimate the total number of Sertoli and Leydig cells in testes from male subjects across the human lifespan, using an optimized stereological method for cell‐counting. In comparison with many other organs, estimation of the total cell numbers in the testes is particularly sensitive to methodological problems. Therefore, using the optical fractionator technique and a sampling design specifically optimized for human testes, we estimated the total number of Sertoli and Leydig cells in the testes from 26 post mortem male subjects ranging in age from 16 to 80 years. The mean unilateral total number of Sertoli cells was 407 × 106 [range: 86 × 106 to 665 × 106, coefficient of variation (CV) = 0.33], and the mean unilateral total number of Leydig cells was 99 × 106 (range: 47 × 106 to 245 × 106, CV = 0.48). There was a significant decline in the number of Sertoli cells with age; no such decline was found for Leydig cells. Quantitative stereological analysis of post mortem tissue may help understand the influence of age or disease on the number of human testicular cells.
A novel automated detection system for swallowing sounds during eating and speech under everyday conditions
Authors: Fukuike C. , Kodama N. , Manda Y. , Hashimoto Y. , Sugimoto K. , Hirata A. , Pan Q. , Maeda N. , Minagi S.
Published: December 2014

The wave analysis of swallowing sounds has been receiving attention because the recording process is easy and non‐invasive. However, up until now, an expert has been needed to visually examine the entire recorded wave to distinguish swallowing from other sounds. The purpose of this study was to establish a methodology to automatically distinguish the sound of swallowing from sound data recorded during a meal in the presence of everyday ambient sound. Seven healthy participants (mean age: 26·7 ± 1·3 years) participated in this study. A laryngeal microphone and a condenser microphone attached to the nostril were used for simultaneous recording. Recoding took place while participants were taking a meal and talking with a conversational partner. Participants were instructed to step on a foot pedal trigger switch when they swallowed, representing self‐enumeration of swallowing, and also to achieve six additional noise‐making tasks during the meal in a randomised manner. The automated analysis system correctly detected 342 out of the 352 self‐enumerated swallowing events (sensitivity: 97·2%) and 479 out of the 503 semblable wave periods of swallowing (specificity: 95·2%). In this study, the automated detection system for swallowing sounds using a nostril microphone was able to detect the swallowing event with high sensitivity and specificity even under the conditions of daily life, thus showing potential utility in the diagnosis or screening of dysphagic patients in future studies.
Is prosthodontic treatment age‐dependent in patients 60 years and older in Public Dental Services?
Authors: Hiltunen K. , Vehkalahti M. M. , Mäntylä P.
Published: December 2014

Prosthodontic treatment is a common procedure for the elderly as tooth loss is a reality in old age. Dentists take care of increasingly older patients with physiological age manifesting as cognitive impairment, frailty or multiple chronic diseases or who have side effects of medicines. We evaluated how patients’ age affects prosthodontic treatment choice and whether we could identify the age when a change in practice occurs. In addition, we determined how common the treatment method of fixed prostheses is among patients aged 60 years or over in Public Dental Services (PDS) and how common rehabilitation of dentition with new dentures is compared with repair of existing dentures. Our data cover all patients aged 60 years and older (n = 130 060) treated in Helsinki PDS in 2007–2012. Data were aggregated into seven groups: 60–64, 65–69, 70–74, 75–79, 80–84, 85–89, and 90 years and over. During the 6‐year period, the mean annual number of the population was about 114 000 and the mean annual number of patients treated with prosthodontics 1700. Prosthodontic treatment choices (repair, removable prosthodontics, fixed prostheses, fibre‐reinforced composite fixed prostheses) vary by age; the older the patient, the rarer fixed or fibre‐reinforced composite fixed prostheses and removable prostheses and the more frequent repairs (P < 0·001). Denture repair was virtually the only treatment that patients over 90 years received. Based on our results, the age at which prosthodontic treatment practices in PDS change is around 70 years. Beyond this age, fixed prosthodontic treatment modalities are very rare and repairs are more common.
Occurrence of Fusarium langsethiae Strains Isolated from Durum Wheat in Italy
Authors: Infantino Alessandro , Santori Alberto , Aureli Gabriella , Belocchi Andreina , De Felice Simona , Tizzani Lorenza , Lattanzio Veronica M. T. , Haidukowski Miriam , Pascale Michelangelo
Published: December 2014

Surveys on the occurrence of type A trichothecenes in wheat, and particularly for the T‐2 and HT‐2 toxins, and information on the biology and epidemiology of the causative Fusarium species (i.e. F. langsethiae, F. sporotrichioides) are scarce in Italy, as compared to the more common type B trichothecene, deoxynivalenol and its producers. This 4‐year monitoring of phytopathogenic Fusarium species on 183 seed lots of durum wheat shows wide distribution of F. langsethiae in Italy and the potential of several isolates of this fungus to produce high amounts of T‐2 and HT‐2 in wheat. Fusarium langsethiae was observed for approximately 48% of the analysed samples, with a maximum incidence for a single lot of 10.5%. Fusarium sporotrichioides was observed only in 2011, with an average incidence of 2% (range, 0–3%). A collection of F. langsethiae isolates representative of the main cultivation areas in Italy was established. These isolates showed great variability for their toxin production in vitro. Of 28 strains, all except one isolate can produce the T‐2 and HT‐2 toxins. HT‐2 was generally in greater amounts than T‐2, with an average concentration ratio for HT‐2 to T‐2 of 2.1 (range, 0.7–5.4). The artificial inoculation of wheat with three isolates of F. langsethiae produced no Fusarium head blight symptoms under field conditions. However, significantly higher incidence of F. langsethiae was seen on the kernels of inoculated plants, compared to the uninoculated controls.
Cerebral white matter lesions in patients with cirrhosis – causative for hepatic encephalopathy or bystanders?
Authors: Pflugrad Henning , Bronzlik Paul , Raab Peter , Tryc Anita B. , Goldbecker Annemarie , Barg‐Hock Hannelore , Strassburg Christian P. , Ding Xiao‐Qi , Lanfermann Heinrich , Weissenborn Karin
Published: December 2014

Background & Aims

Focal white matter lesions mimicking microvascular lesions were connected to the development of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in patients with cirrhosis. This study aims to assess the relationship between cerebrovascular risk factors and the prevalence and extent of these lesions in patients with cirrhosis, as well as their impact upon cognitive function.

Methods

55 cirrhotic patients underwent neurological examination, psychometric testing and magnetic resonance imaging. T2‐weighted images were reviewed for white matter lesions by a neuroradiologist and a neurologist, independently. Patients were allocated into three groups: (i) no or <5, (ii) 6–15 and (iii) more than 15 lesions. Allocation was confirmed by a senior neuroradiologist blinded for the clinical data. The patient groups were compared concerning age, underlying liver disease, mortality, MELD Score, history of HE, treatment for HE, cerebrovascular risk factors and psychometric test results. Regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for the presence and extent of white matter lesions.

Results

Patient groups 2 and 3 were older and showed worse results in the psychometric tests than group 1 (P < 0.05). Correlation analyses showed a significant relationship between the number of white matter lesions and the grade of HE (P < 0.001) and cognitive function (P < 0.05), but no interrelationship between the lesions and cerebrovascular risk factors or other factors tested.

Conclusions

Focal white matter lesions in patients with cirrhosis do not represent cerebrovascular small‐vessel disease but are related to the pathology of HE. Further studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms behind in detail.
Cratering on Mars with almost no atmosphere or volatiles: Pangboche crater
Authors: Mouginis‐Mark Peter J.
Published: December 2014

Pangboche crater (17.2°N, 226.7°E; 10.4 km dia.) lies close to the summit of Olympus Mons volcano, Mars, at an elevation of ~20.9 km above the datum. Given a scale height of 11.1 km for the atmosphere, this relatively large fresh crater most likely formed at an atmospheric pressure <1 mbar in essentially volatile‐free young lava flows. Detailed analysis of Pangboche crater from High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) and Context Camera (CTX) images reveals that volatile‐related features (e.g., fluidized ejecta layers and pitted floor material) are absent. In contrast, abundant impact melt occurs on the floor, inner walls, and rim of the crater, and there is an extensive field of secondary craters that extend up to approximately 45 km from the rim crest. All of these attributes argue that it was the absence of volatiles in the target rocks at the time of crater formation, rather than the thin atmosphere, which had a controlling influence on crater morphology. Digital elevation data derived from the CTX images reveal that Pangboche crater has a depth of about 954 m (depth/diameter = approximately 0.092) and that uplifted target rocks comprise about 58% of the relief of the 180 m‐high north rim. As the target material comprised a sequence of layered lava flows, Pangboche crater may well represent the best crater on Mars for direct comparison with craters formed on the Moon (permitting variations in gravitational effects to be investigated) or on Mercury (allowing the role of the atmosphere to be studied).
Secondary successional trajectories of structural and catabolic bacterial communities in oil‐polluted soil planted with hybrid poplar
Authors: Mukherjee Shinjini , Sipilä Timo , Pulkkinen Pertti , Yrjälä Kim
Published: December 2014

Poplars have widely been used for rhizoremediation of a broad range of organic contaminants for the past two decades. Still, there is a knowledge gap regarding the rhizosphere‐associated bacterial communities of poplars and their dynamics during the remediation process. It is envisaged that a detailed understanding of rhizosphere‐associated microbial populations will greatly contribute to a better design and implementation of rhizoremediation. To investigate the long‐term succession of structural and catabolic bacterial communities in oil‐polluted soil planted with hybrid poplar, we carried out a 2‐year field study. Hybrid aspen (Populus tremula × Populus tremuloides) seedlings were planted in polluted soil excavated from an accidental oil‐spill site. Vegetated and un‐vegetated soil samples were collected for microbial community analyses at seven different time points during the course of 2 years and sampling time points were chosen to cover the seasonal variation in the boreal climate zone. Bacterial community structure was accessed by means of 16S rRNA gene amplicon pyrosequencing, whereas catabolic diversity was monitored by pyrosequencing of alkane hydroxylase and extradiol dioxygenase genes. We observed a clear succession of bacterial communities on both structural and functional levels from early to late‐phase communities. Sphingomonas type extradiol dioxygenases and alkane hydroxylase homologs of Rhodococcus clearly dominated the early‐phase communities. The high‐dominance/low‐diversity functional gene communities underwent a transition to low‐dominance/high‐diversity communities in the late phase. These results pointed towards increased catabolic capacities and a change from specialist to generalist strategy of bacterial communities during the course of secondary succession.
A copper‐induced quinone degradation pathway provides protection against combined copper/quinone stress in Lactococcus lactis IL1403
Authors: Mancini Stefano , Abicht Helge K. , Gonskikh Yulia , Solioz Marc
Published: December 2014

Quinones are ubiquitous in the environment. They occur naturally but are also in widespread use in human and industrial activities. Quinones alone are relatively benign to bacteria, but in combination with copper, they become toxic by a mechanism that leads to intracellular thiol depletion. Here, it was shown that the yahCD‐yaiAB operon of Lactococcus lactis IL1403 provides resistance to combined copper/quinone stress. The operon is under the control of CopR, which also regulates expression of the copRZA copper resistance operon as well as other L. lactis genes. Expression of the yahCD‐yaiAB operon is induced by copper but not by quinones. Two of the proteins encoded by the operon appear to play key roles in alleviating quinone/copper stress: YaiB is a flavoprotein that converts p‐benzoquinones to less toxic hydroquinones, using reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) as reductant; YaiA is a hydroquinone dioxygenase that converts hydroquinone putatively to 4‐hydroxymuconic semialdehyde in an oxygen‐consuming reaction. Hydroquinone and methylhydroquinone are both substrates of YaiA. Deletion of yaiB causes increased sensitivity of L. lactis to quinones and complete growth arrest under combined quinone and copper stress. Copper induction of the yahCD‐yaiAB operon offers protection to copper/quinone toxicity and could provide a growth advantage to L. lactis in some environments.
Song sharing and diversity in the Bering‐Chukchi‐Beaufort population of bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus), spring 2011
Authors: Johnson Hansen D. , Stafford Kathleen M. , George J. Craig , Ambrose William G. , Clark Christopher W.
Published: December 2014

Bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) of the Bering‐Chukchi‐Beaufort population migrate in nearshore leads through the Chukchi Sea each spring to summering grounds in the Beaufort Sea. As part of a population abundance study, hydrophones were deployed in the Chukchi Sea off Point Barrow, (12 April to 27 May 2011) and in the Beaufort Sea (12 April to 30 June 2011). Data from these sites were analyzed for the presence of bowhead whale song. We identified 12 unique song types sung by at least 32 individuals during ~95 h of recordings off Point Barrow. Six of these songs were detected at the Beaufort MARU site as well as six additional song types that were not analyzed. These results suggest a shared song repertoire among some individuals. This report represents the greatest number of songs to date during the spring migration for this population. We attribute this greater variety to population growth over the 30 yr since acoustic monitoring began in the early 1980s. Singing during early to mid‐spring is consistent with the hypothesis that song is a reproductive display, but further research is necessary to understand the exact function of this complex vocal behavior.
Review: Modulating the unfolded protein response to prevent neurodegeneration and enhance memory
Authors: Halliday Mark , Mallucci Giovanna R.
Published: December 2014

Recent evidence has placed the unfolded protein response (UPR) at the centre of pathological processes leading to neurodegenerative disease. The translational repression caused by UPR activation starves neurons of the essential proteins they need to function and survive. Restoration of protein synthesis, via genetic or pharmacological means, is neuroprotective in animal models, prolonging survival. This is of great interest due to the observation of UPR activation in the post mortem brains of patients with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, tauopathies and prion diseases. Protein synthesis is also an essential step in the formation of new memories. Restoring translation in disease or increasing protein synthesis from basal levels has been shown to improve memory in numerous models. As neurodegenerative diseases often present with memory impairments, targeting the UPR to both provide neuroprotection and enhance memory provides an extremely exciting novel therapeutic target.
A Zero‐Inflated Regression Model for Grouped Data
Authors: Brown Sarah , Duncan Alan , Harris Mark N. , Roberts Jennifer , Taylor Karl
Published: December 2014

We introduce the (panel) zero‐inflated interval regression (ZIIR) model, which is ideally suited when data are in the form of groups, and there is an ‘excess’ of zero observations. We apply our new modelling framework to the analysis of visits to the general practitioner (GP) using individual‐level data from the British Household Panel Survey. The ZIIR model simultaneously estimates the probability of visiting the GP and the frequency of visits (defined by given numerical intervals in the data). The results show that different socio‐economic factors influence the probability of visiting the GP and the frequency of visits.
Meta‐Analysis of Continuous Oral Anticoagulants Versus Heparin Bridging in Patients Undergoing CIED Surgery: Reappraisal after the BRUISE Study
Authors: SANT'ANNA ROBERTO T. , LEIRIA TIAGO L. , NASCIMENTO THAIS , SANT'ANNA JOÃO RICARDO M. , KALIL RENATO A. K. , LIMA GUSTAVO G. , VERMA ATUL , HEALEY JEFF S. , BIRNIE DAVID H. , ESSEBAG VIDAL
Published: December 2014

Background

Management of patients treated with oral anticoagulation (OAC) requiring a cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) surgery is a challenge that requires balancing the risk of bleeding complications with the risk of thromboembolic events. Recently the approach of performing these procedures while the patient remains with a therapeutic international normalized ratio has gained interest due to several publications showing its relative safety.

Objectives

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of continuous use of OAC compared with heparin bridging in the perioperative setting of CIED surgery using a meta‐analysis.

Methods

A systematic review of PubMed/MEDLINE, Ovid, and Elsevier databases was performed. Eligible randomized controlled trials and cohort studies were included. The outcomes studied were risk of clinically significant bleeding and of thromboembolic events. Our analysis was restricted to OAC with vitamin K antagonists.

Results

Of 560 manuscripts initially considered relevant, seven were included in the meta‐analysis, totaling 2,191 patients. Data are reported as odds ratios (ORs) with confidence interval (CI) of 95%. Maintenance of OAC was associated with a significantly lower risk of postoperative bleeding compared with heparin bridge (OR = 0.25, 95% CI 0.17–0.36, P < 0.00001). There was no difference noted in the risk of thromboembolic events between the two strategies (OR = 1.86, 95% CI 0.29–12.17, P = 0.57).

Conclusions

Uninterrupted use of OAC in the perioperative of CIED surgery was associated with a reduced risk of bleeding. This strategy should be considered the preferred one in patients at moderate‐to‐high risk of thromboembolic events.
FOSTERING AFFECTIVE ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT IN PUBLIC SECTOR AGENCIES: THE SIGNIFICANCE OF MULTIFACETED LEADERSHIP ROLES
Authors: MOLDOGAZIEV TIMA T. , SILVIA CHRIS
Published: December 2014

This study examines whether the various leadership roles undertaken by public sector managers have an important association with subordinates' levels of affective commitment to the organization. Our empirical findings suggest that not all leadership practices matter. It appears that only relations‐oriented and change‐oriented leadership, and to a far lesser extent integrity‐oriented leadership, have a substantive association with affective organizational commitment. Task‐oriented leadership and, to a large degree, integrity‐oriented leadership, are found not to matter much for employees with lower levels of affective commitment, but they look to strengthen fondness of the organization among those with already high levels of affective commitment. Results also suggest that the diversity‐oriented leadership role has no association with affective commitment to the organization.
Long‐Term Follow‐Up of Pediatric Trachyonychia
Authors: Kumar Monique G. , Ciliberto Heather , Bayliss Susan J.
Published: December 2014

Pediatric trachyonychia is an acquired nail disease that can cause distress to families. It is a poorly understood disease, and long‐term follow‐up data are lacking. We present an institutional review of 11 children with isolated pediatric trachyonychia followed over time. Children with the diagnosis of pediatric trachyonychia were identified and invited to participate. Pictures were taken on follow‐up and a questionnaire was answered. Exclusion criteria include having another diagnosis at the initial visit that causes nail dystrophy. Eleven patients with the diagnosis of pediatric trachyonychia were available for follow‐up. The mean age of appearance was 2.7 years (range 2–7 yrs) and the average follow‐up was 66 months (range 10–126 mos). Nine patients were treated with potent topical corticosteroids, one used only petrolatum, and one took vitamin supplements. One patient was found to have an additional skin and hair diagnosis of alopecia areata on follow‐up. On follow‐up, 82% noted improvement of the nails, whereas 18% noted no change. A majority of cases of pediatric trachyonychia are isolated and improve with time, regardless of treatment.
In vivo T‐cell depletion using alemtuzumab in family and unrelated donor transplantation for pediatric non‐malignant disease achieves engraftment with low incidence of graft vs. host disease
Authors: Saif M. A. , Borrill R. , Bigger B. W. , Lee H. , Logan A. , Poulton K. , Hughes S. , Turner A. J. , Bonney D. K. , Wynn R. F.
Published: December 2014

In vivo T‐cell depletion, using alemtuzumab therapy prior to SCT, can reduce the incidence of GVHD. This treatment has a potential to delay immune reconstitution resulting in increased morbidity due to viral illnesses. We retrospectively analyzed data on all pediatric patients with non‐malignant disorders who received alemtuzumab‐based conditioning regimens in our center over the last 10 yr (n = 91). Our data show an OS of 91.2%. The incidence of acute (grade 2–4) GVHD was 18.7% and that of chronic GVHD 5.5%. Viremia due to adenovirus, EBV and CMV was seen in 19.8%, 64.8% and 39.6% patients, respectively, with only two deaths attributed to viral infection (adenovirus). Chimerism level at three month was predictive of graft outcome. Nine patients, who had graft failure after first SCT, were salvaged with a second SCT using RIC and same donor (if available). Based on these results, we conclude that the use of in vivo T‐cell depletion is safe, achieves good chimerism and does not lead to increased morbidity and mortality due to viral infections. It is associated with a reduced incidence of chronic GVHD.
Offshore Aggregates Resources on the Northern Continental Shelf of the East China Sea
Authors: Qin Ya‐Chao , Yang Jinyu , Lan Xianhong , Zhang Zhixun
Published: December 2014

A large‐scale survey for offshore aggregates is carried out on the northern shelf of the East China Sea. Results show that most of them are directly exposed in the Yangtze Shoal and the linear sand ridges system at water depths 25–55 m and 60–120 m, respectively. The components of these deposits belong to fine aggregates in terms of the fineness modulus. The potential resources are as high as 147.8 × 1012 kg for the Yangtze Shoal yet only 36.68 × 1012 kg for the sand ridges area, respectively. A preliminary feasibility analysis suggests that the Yangtze Shoal is suitable for dredging under the present conditions of technology and economy.
Oxygen Isotopic Compositions of the Cape Ashizuri Granitoids in Southwest Japan
Authors: Ishihara Shunso , Qin Kezhang
Published: December 2014

Oxygen isotopic composition was determined on representative samples of the Cape Ashizuri plutonic rocks, in order to estimate the genetic background of the biotite granite and alkaline granitoids. The biotite granite (70.1–76.1% SiO2) ranged from 8.61 to 9.30‰ δ18O and averaged as 8.9‰ δ18O (n = 3), which is much smaller than the same Miocene granitoids of the Okueyama (avg. 10.1‰) and Takakumayama (11.6‰) granitic bodies, which are associated with tin mineralization. Among the alkaline granitoids, quartz syenites also have values as low as 7.14–8.70‰, with an average of 8.0‰ (n = 3), and monzonite and gabbro vary from 6.14 to 7.86‰, with an average of 7.0‰ (n = 3). These alkaline granitoids may be lower crustal in origin. The gabbroids containing 12.5% MgO at the maximum with low Sr initial ratio, are considered to be derived from the upper mantle through the fore‐arc tectonic break‐up on the subducting slab.
Data Envelope Fitting with Constrained Polynomial Splines
Authors: Daouia Abdelaati , Noh Hohsuk , Park Byeong U.
Published: December 2014

Estimation of support frontiers and boundaries often involves monotone and/or concave edge data smoothing. This estimation problem arises in various unrelated contexts, such as optimal cost and production assessments in econometrics and master curve prediction in the reliability programmes of nuclear reactors. Very few constrained estimators of the support boundary of a bivariate distribution have been introduced in the literature. They are based on simple envelopment techniques which often suffer from lack of precision and smoothness. Combining the edge estimation idea of Hall, Park and Stern with the quadratic spline smoothing method of He and Shi, we develop a novel constrained fit of the boundary curve which benefits from the smoothness of spline approximation and the computational efficiency of linear programmes. Using cubic splines is also feasible and more attractive under multiple shape constraints; computing the optimal spline smoother is then formulated as a second-order cone programming problem. Both constrained quadratic and cubic spline frontiers have a similar level of computational complexity to those of the unconstrained fits and inherit their asymptotic properties. The utility of this method is illustrated through applications to some real data sets and simulation evidence is also presented to show its superiority over the best-known methods.
Nutritional supplement and doping use in sport: Possible underlying social cognitive processes
Authors: Barkoukis V. , Lazuras L. , Lucidi F. , Tsorbatzoudis H.
Published: December 2014

There is growing evidence suggesting that nutritional supplement (NS) use is strongly associated to doping use in elite and amateur sports. However, there is a paucity of research on the psychological processes that underlie this association. The present study investigated the cognitive and behavioral components of the association between NS use and doping among adolescent sub‐elite athletes. Six hundred and fifty adolescent athletes completed a questionnaire including measures of doping intentions, attitudes, norms, and beliefs about NS use. The results showed that NS users who did not report doping use had significantly stronger doping intentions and more positive attitudes and favorable beliefs toward doping use, as compared with athletes who did not use NS. In support of the “shared mental representations” hypothesis, the present findings show that NS use is associated with biased reasoning patterns in favor of doping use. This mechanism may explain why some NS users decide to engage in doping.
Practices of Participation and Voluntarism among Older People in Rural Wales: Choice, Obligation and Constraints to Active Ageing
Authors: Jones Laura , Heley Jesse
Published: December 2014

Rural ageing is a significant issue for policy makers and academics, with the increasing proportion of older residents in rural areas placing heightened demands on service provision at a time of economic austerity. In this context, participation and volunteering in older age has been drawn into policy focus. Alongside broader discourses of social capital and active citizenship, the prospect of active ageing has emerged as a key component in the delivery of community‐based services under neoliberal welfare agendas. However, moves to formalise participation among the elderly are at risk of undermining everyday practices of voluntarism. Furthermore, the diversity of the older population means that the willingness and capacity of rural communities and individuals to undertake forms of voluntarism will vary considerably. These issues arise in rural Wales, where notions of participation have become intertwined with Welsh Government initiatives for community regeneration. Through empirical research, this article considers the different motivations of older people for engaging in forms of community participation, as well as constraints to these activities. In concluding, we reflect on the implications for local civil society in Wales.
Atg27 Tyrosine Sorting Motif is Important for Its Trafficking and Atg9 Localization
Authors: Segarra Verónica A. , Boettner Douglas R. , Lemmon Sandra K.
Published: December 2014

During autophagy, the transmembrane protein Atg27 facilitates transport of the major autophagy membrane protein Atg9 to the preautophagosomal structure (PAS). To better understand the function of Atg27 and its relationship with Atg9, Atg27 trafficking and localization were examined. Atg27 localized to endosomes and the vacuolar membrane, in addition to previously described PAS, Golgi and Atg9‐positive structures. Atg27 vacuolar membrane localization was dependent on the adaptor AP‐3, which mediates direct transport from the trans‐Golgi to the vacuole. The four C‐terminal amino acids (YSAV) of Atg27 comprise a tyrosine sorting motif. Mutation of the YSAV abrogated Atg27 transport to the vacuolar membrane and affected its distribution in TGN/endosomal compartments, while PAS localization was normal. Also, in atg27(ΔYSAV) or AP‐3 mutants, accumulation of Atg9 in the vacuolar lumen was observed upon autophagy induction. Nevertheless, PAS localization of Atg9 was normal in atg27(ΔYSAV) cells. The vacuole lumen localization of Atg9 was dependent on transport through the multivesicular body, as Atg9 accumulated in the class E compartment and vacuole membrane in atg27(ΔYSAV) vps4Δ but not in ATG27 vps4Δ cells. We suggest that Atg27 has an additional role to retain Atg9 in endosomal reservoirs that can be mobilized during autophagy.
Alkaline phosphatase is a useful cytochemical marker for the diagnosis of acute myelomonocytic and monocytic leukemia in the dog
Authors: Stokol Tracy , Schaefer Deanna M. , Shuman Martha , Belcher Nicole , Dong Lynn
Published: December 2014

Background

Immunophenotyping has replaced cytochemical staining as the preferred technique for classifying acute leukemia. However, some acute myeloid leukemias (AML) lack lineage‐associated markers. In our experience, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is expressed in immature canine monocytes. We hypothesized that ALP is a useful marker for monocytic AML.

Objectives

The objective was to compare ALP expression in neoplastic cells from dogs with lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL), and AML.

Methods

Alkaline phosphatase results were retrieved from medical records of dogs with acute leukemia. Smears from dogs with lymphoma or leukemia were also prospectively stained for ALP activity. CLL was based on persistent lymphocytosis (10 × 109/L) and acute leukemia on ≥ 20% blasts in blood or bone marrow. ALL was classified based on positive phenotyping for T‐ or B‐lymphocyte antigens, and AML on positive phenotyping for CD11b, CD11c or CD14, or cytochemical staining for chloroacetate esterase, Sudan Black B, or myeloperoxidase.

Results

There was no ALP activity in all 49 lymphomas and 7 CLLs. Weak ALP activity was seen in 31% of 14 ALL (all T‐ALL). ALP activity was seen in all 20 AML (P < .001 vs ALL) with strong activity in 64% (vs 25% ALL) in most neoplastic cells (median 75% vs 9% ALL, P = .020). Of AML, 80% were CD34+ (vs 39% ALL, P = .027) and 100% were MHCII− (vs 43% ALL, P = .002).

Conclusions

ALP activity may be useful for AML confirmation in dogs, particularly if neoplastic cells only express CD34+ on immunophenotyping.
Impact of appropriate empirical antimicrobial therapy on outcome of dogs with septic peritonitis
Authors: Dickinson Amy E. , Summers Jennifer F. , Wignal Jamie , Boag Amanda K. , Keir Iain
Published: December 2014

Objective

To determine whether appropriate empirical antimicrobial therapy influenced survival in dogs with septic peritonitis.

Design

Retrospective case series (2003–2011).

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Animals

Eighty‐six dogs with cytological confirmation or positive bacterial culture of abdominal sepsis and subsequent surgical intervention.

Interventions

None.

Measurement and Main Results

Forty‐nine of 86 dogs (57%) survived to hospital discharge. Thirty‐seven of 86 dogs were classified as having ‘‘abdominal infection,’’ 31/86 as ‘‘severe sepsis,’’ and the remaining 18/86 as in ‘‘septic shock.’’ Mortality was greatest in the ‘‘septic shock’’ category (94%). Empirical antimicrobial treatments were appropriate in 41/78 dogs (52.6%). Appropriateness was not associated with treatment outcome overall or when compared between sepsis severity groups. Antimicrobials had been given in the 30 days before admission in 63/86 (73.3%) dogs. Prior therapy with antimicrobials showed no association with outcome (P= 0.512) but was associated with subsequent inappropriate empirical antimicrobial selection (P= 0.031). Recent abdominal surgery was associated with subsequent inappropriate empirical antimicrobial selection (P= 0.021).

Conclusions

In this population, appropriateness of empirical antimicrobial choice was not associated with survival to discharge. Previous antimicrobial administration or abdominal surgery was associated with subsequent inappropriate empirical antimicrobial selection.
Detection of granulocyte‐reactive antibodies: a comparison of different methods
Authors: Heinzl M. W. , Schönbacher M. , Dauber E.‐M. , Panzer S. , Mayr W. R. , Körmöczi G. F.
Published: December 2014

Background and Objectives

Granulocyte‐reactive antibodies can cause autoimmune and neonatal immune neutropenias as well as transfusion‐related acute lung injury. The classical antibody‐detection methods granulocyte aggregation test (GAT), granulocyte immunofluorescence test (GIFT) and monoclonal antibody‐specific immobilization of granulocyte antigens (MAIGA) are time‐consuming and technically challenging. In recent years, flow cytometric white blood cell immunofluorescence test (Flow‐WIFT) and the microbeads assay LabScreen® Multi have emerged and are still subject of evaluation. These serological tests were compared on a screening and specification level.

Materials and Methods

For screening, the combination of GAT/GIFT was compared to Flow‐WIFT testing 333 samples. Positive samples were further analysed with MAIGA and LabScreen® Multi.

Results

Granulocyte aggregation test/GIFT detected 77 positive samples, Flow‐WIFT found 108 granulocyte‐reactive samples. Six Samples were only positive in GAT/GIFT, and 37 samples were only positive in Flow‐WIFT (κ = 0·682). Antibody specification with MAIGA and the microbeads assay confirmed granulocyte‐reactivity in 83 cases with 70 matching results (κ = 0·742). However, out of six detected human neutrophil antigen (HNA) reactivities only two specificities matched in both assays.

Conclusion

Flow‐WIFT may be a valuable addition to GIFT for granulocyte‐reactive antibody screening. MAIGA remains the most reliable laboratory method for antibody specification.
Pathogen inactivation of double‐dose buffy‐coat platelet concentrates photochemically treated with amotosalen and UVA light: preservation of in vitro function
Authors: Sandgren P. , Diedrich B.
Published: December 2014

Background

The INTERCEPT Blood System for Platelets (PLT) utilizes amotosalen (S‐59) in combination with ultraviolet A (UVA) light to inactivate viruses, bacteria, protozoa and leucocytes that may contaminate PLT concentrates. However, limited data are available on the quality of INTERCEPT‐treated double‐dose (DD) buffy‐coat (BC) PLT units allowing a single treatment procedure to produce two pathogen‐inactivated PLT units for transfusion.

Study Design and Methods

The objective of this study was to evaluate potential in vitro effects of the INTERCEPT treatment on pools of 7 BCs as compared to untreated units. Functional, phenotypic and mitochondrial properties of DD BC PLTs during storage over 7 days were studied.

Results

For some parameters measured, small yet significant differences were observed including PLT count (P < 0·05), pH, pCO2 and glucose concentration. Throughout storage, no significant differences were observed in ATP levels, ESC, HSR reactivity and CD62P expression. Similarly, no differences were observed in the expression of PAC‐1, CD42b and PECAM‐1 at any time‐points. The mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) determined by JC‐1‐labelling was well maintained until day 7 in all treated and untreated units (>90%). The release of sCD40L increased over time (P < 0·01) in all units but without any significant differences between treated and untreated PLTs.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate that photochemical pathogen inactivation of DD‐BC PLT concentrates with the INTERCEPT Blood System had no influence on the PLT in vitro quality over the 7 day of storage. However, whether in vivo efficacy of INTERCEPT‐treated PLTs is affected may require clinical evaluation.
Cooperative Tool Path Planning for Wire Embedding on Additively Manufactured Curved Surfaces Using Robot Kinematics
Authors: Kim Chiyen , Espalin David , Cuaron Alejandro , Perez Mireya A. , Lee Mincheol , MacDonald Eric , Wicker Ryan B.
Published: December 2014

To build multimaterial objects using additive manufacturing (AM), modifications to the majority of current conventional AM processes are required. Typically, deposition can only occur on flat surfaces and motion requires three degrees of freedom (DOFs) in a Cartesian coordinate system. In this work, metal wire and mesh were successfully embedded using ultrasonic energy on curved thermoplastic structures fabricated via the material extrusion AM technology named fused deposition modeling (FDM). The direct wire embedding process was executed by installing an ultrasonic horn on a three-axis prismatic machine and fixing an FDM-built curved part on a rotary stage. Since the part was nonplanar, a need existed to accurately place metal wire along the curved surface with positions defined by Cartesian and angular coordinates. Two additional DOFs were generated by moving both the build platform and tool head, and trajectory planning allowed for synchronized motion between the two motion systems.
Determination of Heat Transfer Coefficients Over Ribbed Surfaces With Infrared Thermography
Authors: Brójo Francisco P. , Gonçalves Luís C. , Silva Pedro D.
Published: December 2014

The scope of the present work is to characterize the heat transfer between a ribbed surface and an air flow. The convective heat transfer coefficients, the Stanton number and the Nusselt number were calculated in the Reynolds number range, 5.13 × 105 to 1.02 × 106.

The tests were performed inside a turbulent wind tunnel with one roughness height (e/Dh = 0.07). The ribs had triangular section with an attack angle of 60°.

The surface temperatures were measured using an infrared (IR) thermographic equipment, which allows the measurement of the temperature with a good spatial definition (10.24 × 10−6 m2) and a resolution of 0.1°C.

The experimental measures allowed the calculation of the convective heat transfer coefficient, the Stanton number and the Nusselt number. The results obtained suggested a flow pattern that includes both reattachment and recirculation. Low values of the dimensionless Stanton number, i.e. Stx*, are obtained at the recirculation zones and very high values of Stx* at the zones of reattachment. The reattachment is located at a dimensionless distance of 0.38 from the top of the rib. That distance seems to be independent of the Reynolds number. The local dimensionless Stanton number remains constant as the Reynolds number varies.

The convective heat transfer coefficient presents an uncertainty in the range of 3 to 6%.
Preventing Corrosion in Gas Turbine Fuel Systems
Authors: Purcell John E.
Published: December 2014

Most failures of fuel system components, such as flow dividers and fuel pumps, are caused by the effects of corrosion. Rusting of iron and steel can jam rotating components, while surface pitting of many materials from traces of acids in the fuel can weaken parts. It can be shown that preventing fuel system corrosion can substantially increase the reliability and availability of the gas turbine.

Part of the reason that corrosion is such a problem in gas turbine liquid fuel systems is that most land based turbines operate most of the time on natural gas. This means that the liquid fuel system sits idle for most of the time. The liquid fuel almost always contains some water from sources such as condensation in the tank. Water also enters the fuel system from moisture rich combustion gases that can leak past check valves while the turbine is operating on natural gas. When the liquid fuel system is idle, this water separates from the fuel, collecting into a layer inside components. This forms an area of rust in the bottom of any unprotected component. This rust can prevent components from operating or can plug orifices and fuel nozzles downstream when the liquid fuel system is operated.

Corrosion in the fuel system can also come from traces of acid in the fuel. This usually comes about when operating on crude or residual oils with a high sulfur content. Water washing and heating of the fuel as part of the fuel treatment process may cause a chemical reaction that produces small amounts of sulfuric acid in the fuel. Over time, this acid may cause surface pitting in fuel system components. These pits can encourage and speed the formation of fatigue cracks in highly stressed parts such as shafts or bearings. These fatigue cracks will eventually cause the failure of these parts.

Two methods have been used to protect fuel system components against these corrosion problems. The first is to substitute inherently corrosion resistant materials, such as stainless steels, in place of existing materials. This is effective, but it is relatively expensive and creates lubrication and wear problems. These problems come from the poor wear characteristics of stainless steels and many other corrosion resistant materials when rubbing against other metals. Cathodic protection is the other method of protecting components against corrosion. This consists of introducing sacrificial anodes of a material, such as magnesium or zinc, that is more electrochemically active than frequently used materials such as cast iron or steel. The presence of these anodes reverses the corrosion process and makes the iron and steel parts the cathodic or protected end of the corrosion reaction. These anodes must be changed periodically since they are gradually consumed during use.
Numerical Investigation of Blade Packet Vibrations
Authors: Vorobev Iouri S. , Kanilo Serge P. , Nikulina Elena I.
Published: December 2014

Vibrations are the great hazard for state-of-the-art gas and steam turbomachine blading. To improve the vibration behavior of the turbomachine blading, the blades are connected into packets. The influence of such connection on blading dynamics is complex, and additional investigations are required for every single structure.

In this paper, numerical vibration analyses of the blade packets are carried out using detailed three-dimensional finite element models. As such problems are complex and expensive to solve, a method, considerably reducing the cost of eigenproblem solution, is proposed. The efficiency of the technique described is achieved due to the assumption that the packeted blades are identical.

The results of the vibration analyses of the single blade and the blade packets using the technique discussed are presented. The complexity of the vibration mode shapes is shown. The numerical efficiency of the approach is analyzed.
Prediction of 3-D Viscous Flow of Centrifugal Impeller With Tip-Clearance: Part 1 — High Speed Compressor
Authors: Ng E. Y. K.
Published: December 2014

This paper described a 3-D, finite-volume procedure for simulating the entire viscous flow field within the impellers of a high subsonic radial compressor with uniform tip-clearance. The aim of the calculation is to verify the compressible Navier-Stokes solvers by comparing the computation against the experimental data of Krain backswept compressor at choke condition. The time-marching implicit technique used is a modified form of the basic Beam-Warming algorithm with a mixing length turbulence model in the blade-relative frame using rotating cylindrical coordinate system and appropriate source terms. An outline of the scheme is addressed and the present capabilities of the solver are assessed. The numerical calculations of the well-known jet/wake-type flow patterns agree well with measurement for the compressor rotor, and detailed comparisons indicate that the tip-clearance effect must be accurately modeled to compute the impeller flow patterns properly. In the case of larger separation region near suction surface of Krain compressor, it is due to the larger tip gap used in the model which causes the thickening of the casing boundary layer followed by the deterioration of the entire flow field.
A Compact and Fast Temperature-Response Heat Pump Water Heater
Authors: Huang B. J. , Lin F. H.
Published: December 2014

A compact and fast temperature-response heat pump water heater was designed using multiple tanks and a sequential control device. The supply tank was heated as a priority by a freon-line switching device to increase the temperature recovery speed. A dual-tank prototype with 100-liter capacity was built and tested. The experimental results show that the time for temperature recovery of the supply tank from 42°C to 54°C reaches 10–20 minutes and COP reaches 2.0–3.0 during various seasons. The prototype tests show that an energy saving around 50%–70% as compared to the electrical water heater can be obtained. The hot water discharge efficiency of the heat pump is 0.912.