bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The understudied and underappreciated role of predation in the mortality of fish released from fishing gears
Authors: Raby Graham D , Packer Jessica R , Danylchuk Andy J , Cooke Steven J
Published: March 2013

The assumption that animals released from fishing gears survive has frequently been scrutinized by researchers in recent years. Mortality estimates from these research efforts can be incorporated into management models to ensure the sustainability of fisheries and the conservation of threatened species. Post‐release mortality estimates are typically made by holding the catch in a tank, pen or cage for short‐term monitoring (e.g. 48 h). These estimates may be inaccurate in some cases because they fail to integrate the challenges of the wild environment. Most obvious among these challenges is predator evasion. Stress and injury from a capture experience can temporarily impair physiological capacity and alter behaviour in released animals, a period during which predation risk is likely elevated. In large‐scale commercial fisheries, predators have adapted their behaviour to capitalize on impaired fishes being discarded, while in recreational catch‐and‐release fisheries, exercise and air exposure can similarly impede the capacity for released fish to evade opportunistic predators. Owing to the indirect and often cryptic nature of this source of mortality, very few studies have attempted to document it. A survey of the literature demonstrated that <2% of the papers in the combined realms of bycatch and catch‐and‐release have directly addressed or considered post‐release predation. Future research should combine field telemetry and laboratory studies using both natural and simulated predation encounters and incorporate physiological and behavioural endpoints. Quite simply, predation is an understudied and underappreciated contributor to the mortality of animals released from fishing gears.
Regime shifts and recruitment dynamics of snow crab, Chionoecetes opilio, in the eastern Bering Sea
Authors: Szuwalski Cody , Punt André E.
Published: March 2013

Shifts in climate regime are prominent features of the physical environment of the eastern Bering Sea and in recent years have been documented in approximately 1977 and 1989. Average snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) recruitment decreased sharply after the 1989 fertilization year. Models in which control of snow crab recruitment shifts between drivers dependent on climate ‘regime’ are presented. These models are evaluated using cross‐validation and retrospective analysis, both of which indicate that the relationships are relatively robust to varying levels of information. Larval survival as influenced by food availability in the pelagic phase and advection to suitable nursery grounds are the hypothesized mechanisms driving recruitment dynamics.
Dopamine receptor D2 deficiency reduces mouse pup ultrasonic vocalizations and maternal responsiveness
Authors: Curry T. , Egeto P. , Wang H. , Podnos A. , Wasserman D. , Yeomans J.
Published: March 2013

Dopamine signalling facilitates motivated behaviours, and the D2 dopamine receptor (D2R) is important in mother–infant interactions. D2R antagonists disrupt maternal behaviour and, in isolated rat pups, reduce ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) that promote maternal interaction. Here, we examined the effects of genetic D2R signalling deficiency on pup‐dam interaction with Drd2 knockout (D2R KO) mice. Using heterozygous (HET) cross littermates, the effect of pup genotype on isolation‐induced USVs was quantified. Independent of parental genotype, D2R‐deficient pups emitted fewer USVs than wild type (WT) littermates in a gene dose‐dependent manner. Using reciprocal D2R KO‐WT crosses, we examined how parental genotype affects pup USVs. Heterozygous pups from D2R KO dams produced fewer USVs than HET pups from WT dams. Also, exposure to USV‐emitting pups increased plasma prolactin levels in WT dams but not in D2R KO dams, and KO dams showed delayed pup retrieval and nest building. These findings indicate the importance of the interaction between pup and dam genotypes on behaviour and further support the role of D2R signalling in maternal care.
Sensorimotor gating and spatial learning in α7‐nicotinic receptor knockout mice
Authors: Azzopardi E. , Typlt M. , Jenkins B. , Schmid S.
Published: March 2013

The role of acetylcholine and specific nicotinic receptors in sensorimotor gating and higher cognitive function has been controversial. Here, we used a commercially available mouse with a null mutation in the Chrna7tm1Bay gene [α7‐nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) knockout (KO) mouse] in order to assess the role of the α7‐nAChR in sensorimotor gating and spatial learning. We examined prepulse inhibition (PPI) of startle and nicotine‐induced enhancement of PPI. We also tested short‐ and long‐term habituation of the startle response as well as of locomotor behaviour in order to differentiate the role of this receptor in the habituation of evoked behaviour (startle) vs. motivated behaviour (locomotion). To address higher cognition, mice were also tested in a spatial learning task. Our results showed a mild but consistent PPI deficit in α7‐nAChR KO mice. Furthermore, they did not show nicotine‐induced enhancement of startle or PPI. Short‐ and long‐term habituation was normal in KO mice for both types of behaviours, evoked or motivated, and they also showed normal learning and memory in the Barnes maze. Thorough analysis of the behavioural data indicated a slightly higher degree of anxiety in α7‐nAChR KO mice; however, this could only be partially confirmed in an elevated plus maze test. In summary, our data suggest that α7‐nAChRs play a minor role in PPI, but seem to mediate nicotine‐induced PPI enhancement. We found no evidence to suggest that they are important for habituation or spatial learning.
Gender Equality as Institutional Work: The Case of the Church of Sweden
Authors: Styhre Alexander
Published: March 2013

Institutional theory predicts that organizations respond to external changes in their environment to be able to safeguard their long‐term viability. One of the most significant institutional changes in the last century has been the entry of women into both labour markets and professions; however, an extensive literature reports that gender inequality and various forms of sexism still structure and influence the everyday work of organizations. Drawing on the recent literature on institutional work, the article reports on a study of how the Church of Sweden has managed to relatively successfully institutionalize female ministers as legitimate and widely respected members of the professional category of ministers ordained by the Church. Female ministers believe they are, by and large, respected in the Church, but suggest that gender remains an issue as women are at times expected to embody certain interests and have to answer some questions that their male colleagues may have been spared. The findings describe institutional work as an ongoing process with no fixed end‐point, stressing agency as the distributed and collective capacity to question established beliefs and norms.
Seroconversion Rates of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Korean Adults
Authors: Jung Ji Hoon , Choi Kee Don , Han Seungbong , Jung Hwoon‐Yong , Do Mi Young , Chang Hye‐Sook , Choe Jae‐Won , Lee Gin Hyug , Song Ho June , Kim Do Hoon , Choi Kwi‐Sook , Lee Jeong Hoon , Ahn Ji Yong , Kim Mi‐Young , Bae Suh Eun , Kim Jin‐Ho
Published: March 2013

Background

Studies on seroconversion and its reversion rate in Korean adults with Helicobacter pylori infection are very rare. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the overall seroprevalence, seroconversion rate, and seroreversion rate of H. pylori infection in an adult population.

Materials and Methods

We performed this retrospective cohort study on healthy adults who had visited our health screening center at Asan Medical Center more than twice between January 2000 and December 2010. We reviewed the anti‐ H. pylori Ab IgG profiles of the enrolled people and their family members and the results of esophagogastroduodenoscopies and a self‐reported questionnaire.

Results

A total of 67,212 people were enrolled in this study. The mean follow‐up duration was 4.6 years, and each participant visited the center for a mean of 3.8 visits. The overall proportions of participants demonstrating persistent seropositivity, persistent seronegativity, seroconversion, and seroreversion were 53.1%, 32.5%, 4.3%, and 10.1%, respectively. The annual seroconversion rate was 2.79%. The annual crude and spontaneous seroreversion rates of the entire study population were 3.64% and 2.42%, respectively. According to multivariate logistic regression, old age (HR = 1.015), smoking (HR = 1.216), alcohol consumption more than four times per week (HR = 1.263), marriage (HR = 2.735), and living with H. pylori‐infected family members (HR = 1.525) were identified as statistically significant risk factors associated with seroconversion.

Conclusion

The annual seroconversion rate was 2.79% in our study population. Marriage and living with H. pylori‐infected family members were important risk factors affecting seroconversion in our adult population.
Identification of prostate cancer risk categories according to surgical margins status, pathological stage and Gleason score
Authors: Schiavina Riccardo , Borghesi Marco , Fiorentino Michelangelo , Brunocilla Eugenio , Manferrari Fabio , Vagnoni Valerio , Martorana Giuseppe
Published: March 2013

Objectives

One‐third of patients with positive surgical margins after radical prostatectomy develop recurrent disease. The distinction between pT2 with positive margins and pT3a can be difficult. Aim of the present study was to assess the impact of positive surgical margins on biochemical relapse after radical prostatectomy, adjusted for pathological stage and Gleason score.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 837 consecutive patients who underwent radical prostatectomy for organ‐confined or locally‐advanced prostate cancer. Exclusion criteria were: presence of node or distant metastases, neo‐adjuvant or adjuvant therapy, and unavailability of full data regarding pathological stage and margin status. A single dedicated genitourinary pathologist evaluated all the specimens. The Kaplan–Meier method and univariable and multivariable Cox regressions were applied for survival analyses.

Results

The median follow up was 54.0 ± 35.0 months. Margin status, prostate‐specific antigen and Gleason score significantly predicted biochemical relapse in the pT2 group at multivariable analysis, whereas only pathological stage and pathological Gleason score were significant predictors of recurrence in pT3a patients. There were no significant differences in biochemical disease‐free survival among pT2 with positive margins patients and pT3a patients (with or without positive surgical margins). Pathological Gleason score was the only significant predictor of biochemical relapse in patients with negative and positive margins, regardless of the pathological stage.

Conclusions

pT2 patients with positive surgical margins and pT3a (with or without positive margins) seem to have similar biochemical disease‐free survival. Positive margins and pathological stage might be insufficient clinical predictors. Gleason score remains the most reliable prognostic factor.
Epigenetic regulation of inducible gene expression in the immune system
Authors: Lim Pek Siew , Li Jasmine , Holloway Adele F , Rao Sudha
Published: March 2013

T cells are exquisitely poised to respond rapidly to pathogens and have proved an instructive model for exploring the regulation of inducible genes. Individual genes respond to antigenic stimulation in different ways, and it has become clear that the interplay between transcription factors and the chromatin platform of individual genes governs these responses. Our understanding of the complexity of the chromatin platform and the epigenetic mechanisms that contribute to transcriptional control has expanded dramatically in recent years. These mechanisms include the presence/absence of histone modification marks, which form an epigenetic signature to mark active or inactive genes. These signatures are dynamically added or removed by epigenetic enzymes, comprising an array of histone‐modifying enzymes, including the more recently recognized chromatin‐associated signalling kinases. In addition, chromatin‐remodelling complexes physically alter the chromatin structure to regulate chromatin accessibility to transcriptional regulatory factors. The advent of genome‐wide technologies has enabled characterization of the chromatin landscape of T cells in terms of histone occupancy, histone modification patterns and transcription factor association with specific genomic regulatory regions, generating a picture of the T‐cell epigenome. Here, we discuss the multi‐layered regulation of inducible gene expression in the immune system, focusing on the interplay between transcription factors, and the T‐cell epigenome, including the role played by chromatin remodellers and epigenetic enzymes. We will also use IL2, a key inducible cytokine gene in T cells, as an example of how the different layers of epigenetic mechanisms regulate immune responsive genes during T‐cell activation.
Fixed point for local contractions: Applications to recursive utility
Authors: Martins‐da‐Rocha V. Filipe , Vailakis Yiannis
Published: March 2013

The paper shows how fixed‐point results for local contractions apply to the study of the existence and uniqueness of recursive utility functions defined on subsets of and being continuous for a specific topology. Two particular applications are presented that give rise to local contractions associated with an uncountable family of semi‐distances.
Frequency of trade and the determinacy of equilibrium in economies of overlapping generations
Authors: d'Albis Hippolyte , Augeraud‐Véron Emmanuelle
Published: March 2013

Demichelis and Polemarchalis highlighted the role played by the frequency of trade in the degree of indeterminacy of equilibrium in economies of overlapping generations. Assuming that time has a finite starting point and extends into the infinite future, they prove that the degree of indeterminacy increases with the number of periods in the life‐span of individuals, which is assumed to be deterministic. We show that this result does not hold when individual longevity is represented by an exponential survival function: the degree of indeterminacy depends on individual preferences and monetary policy but is independent of the frequency of trade.
Flooding in Texas: Examination of Temporal Changes and Impacts of Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Villarini Gabriele , Smith James A.
Published: March 2013

Annual maximum peak discharge measurements from 62 stations with a record of at least 70 years are used to assess extreme flooding inTexas at the regional scale. This work focuses on examination of the validity of the stationarity assumption and on the impact of tropical cyclones (TCs) on the upper tail of the flood peak distribution. We assess the validity of the stationarity assumption by testing the records for abrupt and gradual changes. The presence of abrupt changes in the first two moments of the flood peak distribution is assessed using theLombard test. We use theMann‐Kendall test to examine the presence of monotonic trends. Results indicate that violations of the stationarity assumption are most commonly caused by abrupt changes, which are often associated with river regulation. We fit the time series of stationary flood records with the generalized extreme value distribution to investigate whetherTCs control the upper tail of the flood peak distribution. Our results indicate thatTCs play a diminished role in shaping the upper tail of the flood peak distribution compared with areas of the eastern United States subject to frequentTCs.
Neotethys closure history of Anatolia: insights from40Ar–39Ar geochronology andP–Testimation in high‐pressure metasedimentary rocks
Authors: Pourteau A. , Sudo M. , Candan O. , Lanari P. , Vidal O. , Oberhänsli R.
Published: March 2013

The multiple high‐pressure (HP), low‐temperature (LT) metamorphic units of Western and Central Anatolia offer a great opportunity to investigate the subduction‐ and continental accretion‐related evolution of the eastern limb of the long‐lived Aegean subduction system. Recent reports of theHP–LTindex mineral Fe‐Mg‐carpholite in three metasedimentary units of the Gondwana‐derived Anatolide–Tauride continental block (namely the Afyon Zone, the Ören Unit and the southern Menderes Massif) suggest a more complicated scenario than the single‐continental accretion model generally put forward in previous studies. This study presents the first isotopic dates (white mica40Ar–39Ar geochronology), and where possible are combined withP–Testimates (chlorite thermometry, phengite barometry, multi‐equilibrium thermobarometry), on carpholite‐bearing rocks from these threeHP–LTmetasedimentary units. It is shown that, in the Afyon Zone, carpholite‐bearing assemblages were retrogressed through greenschist‐facies conditions atc. 67–62 Ma. Early retrograde stages in the Ören Unit are dated to 63–59 Ma. In the Kurudere–Nebiler Unit (HPMesozoic cover of the southern Menderes Massif),HPretrograde stages are dated toc. 45 Ma, and post‐collisional cooling toc. 26 Ma. These new results support that the Ören Unit represents the westernmost continuation of the Afyon Zone, whereas the Kurudere–Nebiler Unit correlates with the Cycladic Blueschist Unit of the Aegean Domain. In Western Anatolia, three successiveHP–LTmetamorphic belts thus formed: the northernmost Tavşanlı Zone (c. 88–82 Ma), the Ören–Afyon Zone (between 70 and 65 Ma), and the Kurudere–Nebiler Unit (c. 52–45 Ma). The southward younging trend of theHP–LTmetamorphism from the upper and internal to the deeper and more external structural units, as in the Aegean Domain, points to the persistence of subduction in Western Anatolia between 93–90 andc. 35 Ma. After the accretion of the Menderes–Tauride terrane, in Eocene times, subduction stopped, leading to continental collision and associated Barrovian‐type metamorphism. Because, by contrast, the Aegean subduction did remain active due to slab roll‐back and trench migration, the eastern limb (below Southwestern Anatolia) of the Hellenic slab was dramatically curved and consequently teared. It therefore is suggested that the possibility for subduction to continue after the accretion of buoyant (e.g. continental) terranes probably depends much on palaeogeography.
Temperature threshold testing: a systematic review
Authors: Bakkers Mayienne , Faber Catharina G. , Peters Martine J. H. , Reulen Jos P. H. , Franssen Hessel , Fischer Tanya Z. , Merkies Ingemar S. J.
Published: March 2013

The diagnosis of small fiber neuropathy (SFN) has been recently defined as typical symptoms due to small nerve fiber dysfunction accompanied by reduced intra‐epidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) or abnormal temperature threshold testing (TTT). Guidelines have been published for the assessment of IENFD. However, international guidelines for TTT are lacking. This paper presents a systematic literature review on reported TTT methods and provides recommendations for its future use in studies evaluating patients. A total of 164 papers fulfilled pre‐defined requirements and were selected for review. Over 15 types of instruments are currently being used with a variety of methodological approaches for location, stimulus application, and sensation qualities examined. Consensus is needed to standardize the use of TTT as a diagnostic and follow‐up tool in patients.
Limb motor nerve dysfunction in Miller Fisher syndrome
Authors: Drenthen Judith , Maathuis Ellen M. , Visser Gerhard H. , van Doorn Pieter A. , Blok Joleen H. , Jacobs Bart C.
Published: March 2013

Typical Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) lacks limb muscle weakness, but some patients may unpredictably progress to severe Guillain‐Barré syndrome. The compound muscle action potential (CMAP) scan is a recently developed non‐invasive, painless, and reproducible method for detecting early changes in motor nerve excitability. This technique was used to monitor subclinical limb motor nerve dysfunction during disease course in typical MFS. Three Miller Fisher patients with preserved limb muscle strength and normal routine nerve conduction studies were included. Frequent serial CMAP scanning of the median nerve was performed during acute phase and follow‐up and was related to clinical course and outcome. All patients showed an abnormal increase in the range of stimulus intensities at the day of hospital admission, indicating reduced motor nerve excitability already at the earliest stage of disease. Median nerve dysfunction progressed in parallel or even before clinical deterioration, and improved with clinical recovery. Our study shows that typical MFS is a more general neuropathy, affecting peripheral motor nerves even in patients with preserved limb strength and conduction velocity. CMAP scanning is a sensitive technique for early detection of subclinical motor nerve dysfunction and for monitoring disease activity in immune‐mediated neuropathies.
Professions and Institutional Change: Towards an Institutionalist Sociology of the Professions
Authors: Muzio Daniel , Brock David M. , Suddaby Roy
Published: March 2013

abstract

Beginning with this article, our special issue advances the understanding of the role of professions in processes of institutional change and through this it proposes a retheorization of contemporary professionalism. Using institutionalist lenses in professional settings, we highlight the relationship between professionalization and broader institutionalization projects. We start by critically reviewing existing approaches in the sociology of the professions, identifying a functionalist and a conflict‐based approach. Then, we build on and further elaborate an institutionalist perspective on professional work. Such a perspective affirms the importance of studying professions as institutions and connecting professionalization to broader patterns of institutionalization; it highlights the role of professions and professionals as agents in the creation, maintenance, and disruption of institutions, and recognizes the importance of accommodating contemporary patterns of professionalization within the organizational context. We also illustrate how, empirically, the eight papers in this issue advance our understanding of professional agency in contemporary change and, theoretically, contribute to the reconceptualization of the study of professionalism. Finally, we briefly summarize our contribution and identify a series of directions for further research.
Influence of intramuscular granisetron on experimentally induced muscle pain by acidic saline
Authors: Louca S. , Ernberg M. , Christidis N.
Published: March 2013

The aim of this study was to investigate whether intramuscular administration of the 5‐HT3 receptor antagonist granisetron reduces experimental muscle pain induced by repeated intramuscular injections of acidic saline into the masseter muscles. Twenty‐eight healthy and pain‐free volunteers, fourteen women and fourteen men participated in this randomized, double‐blind and placebo‐controlled study. After a screening examination and registration of the baseline pressure–pain threshold (PPT), the first simultaneous bilateral injections of 0·5 mL acidic saline (9 mg mL−1, pH 3·3) into the masseter muscles were performed. Two days later, PPT and pain (VAS) were re‐assessed. The masseter muscle was then pre‐treated with 0·5 mL granisetron (Kytril® 1 mg mL−1 pH 5·3) on one side and control substance (isotonic saline, 9 mg mL−1 pH 6) on the contralateral side. Two minutes thereafter a bilateral simultaneous injection of 0·5 mL acidic saline followed. The evoked pain intensity, pain duration, pain area and PPT were assessed. The volunteers returned 1 week later to re‐assess VAS and PPT. On the side pre‐treated with granisetron, the induced pain had significantly lower intensity and shorter duration (P < 0·05) compared with the side pre‐treated with control. A subgroup analysis showed that the effect of granisetron on pain duration was significant only in women (P < 0·001), while the effect on peak pain and pain area were significant in both sexes. The results showed no significant change in PPT. In conclusion, these results indicate that granisetron has a pain‐reducing effect on experimentally induced muscle pain by repeated acidic saline injection.
1‐Phenyl‐3‐pentanone, a Volatile Compound from the Edible Mushroom Mycoleptodonoides aitchisonii Active Against Some Phytopathogenic Fungi
Authors: Nishino Shigeki , Parada Roxana Y. , Ichiyanagi Tsuyoshi , Maekawa Nitaro , Shimomura Norihiro , Otani Hiroshi
Published: March 2013

Volatiles produced by mycelia of mushrooms with aromatic odour were investigated for their antifungal activity against plant‐pathogenic fungi. The results of the screening of 23 species of basidiomycetes revealed that volatile substances from mycelia of Mycoleptodonoides aitchisonii (TUFC10099), an edible mushroom, strongly inhibited the mycelial growth, spore germination and lesion formation on host leaves of some plant‐pathogenic fungi including Alternaria alternata, A. brassicicola, A. brassicae, Colletotrichum orbiculare and Corynespora cassiicola. The volatile compounds were isolated from the culture filtrate of M. aitchisonii, and 1‐phenyl‐3‐pentanone was identified as a major antifungal volatile. The compound had significantly inhibitory activity against plant‐pathogenic fungi at 35 ppm. This is the first report that the volatile compound produced by mycelia of M. aitchisonii has antifungal activity against plant‐pathogenic fungi.
Evidence for regulation of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A1 protein expression and activity via DNA methylation in healthy human livers
Authors: Yasar Umit , Greenblatt David J , Guillemette Chantal , Court Michael H
Published: March 2013

Objectives

Interindividual variability in glucuronidation of bilirubin and drugs by UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) is considerable and only partially explained by genetic polymorphisms and enzyme inducers. Here we determined whether a well-known epigenetic modification, cytosine methylation, explains a proportion of this variability in human liver.

Methods

UGT1A1 phenotypes, including UGT1A1 protein and bilirubin glucuronidation, and UGT1A1*28 genotype were determined using a human liver bank (n = 46). Methylation levels were quantified at 5 CpG sites associated with known transcription factor response elements in the UGT1A1 promoter and distal enhancer, as well as a CpG-rich island 1.5 kb further upstream.

Key findings

Individual CpG sites showed considerable methylation variability between livers, ranging from 10- to 29-fold variation with average methylation levels from 25 to 41%. Multivariate regression analysis identified *28/*28 genotype, −4 CpG site methylation and alcohol history as significant predictors of UGT1A1 protein content. Exclusion of livers with *28/*28 genotype or alcohol history revealed positive correlations of −4 CpG methylation with bilirubin glucuronidation (R = 0.73, P < 0.00001) and UGT1A1 protein content (R = 0.54, P = 0.008).

Conclusion

These results suggest that differential methylation of the −4 CpG site located within a known USF response element may explain a proportion of interindividual variability in hepatic glucuronidation by UGT1A1.
Eliciting intelligence from sources: The first scientific test of the Scharff technique
Authors: Granhag Pär A. , Montecinos Sebastian C. , Oleszkiewicz Simon
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The gathering of human intelligence (HUMINT) is of utmost importance, yet the scientific literature is silent with respect to the effectiveness of different information elicitation techniques. Our aim was to remedy this by conducting the first scientific test of the so‐called Scharff technique (named after the successful German WWII interrogator).

Method

We developed a new experimental paradigm, mirroring some main features of a typical HUMINT situation. The participants (N = 93) were given information on a planned terrorist attack, and were instructed to strike a balance between not revealing too much or too little information in an upcoming interview. One third was interviewed with the Scharff technique (conceptualized to include four different tactics), one‐third was asked open questions only, and the final third was asked specific questions only. The effectiveness of the three techniques was assessed by a novel set of objective and subjective measures.

Results

Our main findings show that (1) the three techniques did not differ with respect to the objective amount of new information gathered; (2) the participants in the Scharff condition perceived (as predicted) that it was more difficult to read the interviewer's information objectives; and (3) the participants in the Scharff‐ and the Open‐question condition (incorrectly) perceived to have revealed significantly less information than the participants in the Specific question condition.

Conclusions

We presented a new experimental paradigm, and new dependent measures, for studying the effectiveness of different information elicitation techniques. We consider the outcome for the Scharff technique as rather promising, but future refinements are needed.
Thermal neutron capture effects in radioactive and stable nuclide systems
Authors: Leya Ingo , Masarik Jozef
Published: March 2013

Neutron capture effects in meteorites and lunar surface samples have been successfully used in the past to study exposure histories and shielding conditions. In recent years, however, it turned out that neutron capture effects produce a nuisance for some of the short‐lived radionuclide systems. The most prominent example is the 182Hf‐182W system in iron meteorites, for which neutron capture effects lower the 182W/184W ratio, thereby producing too old apparent ages. Here, we present a thorough study of neutron capture effects in iron meteorites, ordinary chondrites, and carbonaceous chondrites, whereas the focus is on iron meteorites. We study in detail the effects responsible for neutron production, neutron transport, and neutron slowing down and find that neutron capture in all studied meteorite types is not, as usually expected, exclusively via thermal neutrons. In contrast, most of the neutron capture in iron meteorites is in the epithermal energy range and there is a significant contribution from epithermal neutron capture even in stony meteorites. Using sophisticated particle spectra and evaluated cross section data files for neutron capture reactions we calculate the neutron capture effects for Sm, Gd, Cd, Pd, Pt, and Os isotopes, which all can serve as neutron‐dose proxies, either in stony or in iron meteorites. In addition, we model neutron capture effects in W and Ag isotopes. For W isotopes, the GCR‐induced shifts perfectly correlate with Os and Pt isotope shifts, which therefore can be used as neutron‐dose proxies and permit a reliable correction. We also found that GCR‐induced effects for the 107Pd‐107Ag system can be significant and need to be corrected, a result that is in contrast to earlier studies.
Plethysmographic Variability Index (PVI) accuracy in predicting fluid responsiveness in anesthetized children
Authors: Julien Florence , Hilly Julie , Sallah Tarik B. , Skhiri Alia , Michelet Daphné , Brasher Christopher , Varin Laurent , Nivoche Yves , Dahmani Souhayl
Published: March 2013

Introduction

Plethysmographic Variability Index (PVI) has been shown to accurately predict responsiveness to fluid loads in adults. The goal of this study was to evaluate PVI accuracy when predicting fluid responsiveness during noncardiac surgery in children.

Material and Methods

Children aged 2–10 years scheduled for noncardiac surgery under general anesthesia were included. PVI was assessed concomitantly with stroke volume index (SVI). A response to fluid load was defined by an SVI increase of more than 15%. A 10 ml·kg−1 normal saline intravenous fluid challenge was administered before surgical incision and after anesthetic induction. After incision, fluid challenges were administered when SVI values decreased by more than 15% or where judged necessary by the anesthesiologist. Statistical analyses include receiving operator characteristics (ROC) analysis and the determination of gray zone method with an error tolerance of 10%.

Results

Fifty‐four patients were included, 97 fluid challenges administered and 45 responses recorded. Area under the curve of ROC curves was 0.85 [0.77–0.93] and 0.8 [0.7–0.89] for baseline PVI and SVI values, respectively. Corresponding gray zone limits were [10–17%] and [22–31 ml·m−2], respectively. PVI values exhibited different gray zone limits for pre‐incision and postincision fluid challenges, whereas SVI values were comparable. PVI value percentages in the gray zone were 34% overall and 44% for challenges performed after surgical incision.

Discussion

This study found both PVI and prechallenge SVI to be accurate when used to predict fluid load response during anesthetized noncardiac surgery in children. However, a third of recorded PVI values were inconclusive.
What the heart forgets: Cardiac timing influences memory for words and is modulated by metacognition and interoceptive sensitivity
Authors: Garfinkel Sarah N. , Barrett Adam B. , Minati Ludovico , Dolan Raymond J. , Seth Anil K. , Critchley Hugo D.
Published: March 2013

Mental functions are influenced by states of physiological arousal. Afferent neural activity from arterial baroreceptors at systole conveys the strength and timing of individual heartbeats to the brain. We presented words under limited attentional resources time‐locked to different phases of the cardiac cycle, to test a hypothesis that natural baroreceptor stimulation influences detection and subsequent memory of words. We show memory for words presented around systole was decreased relative to words at diastole. The deleterious memory effect of systole was greater for words detected with low confidence and amplified in individuals with low interoceptive sensitivity, as indexed using a heartbeat counting task. Our observations highlight an important cardiovascular channel through which autonomic arousal impacts a cognitive function, an effect mitigated by metacognition (perceptual confidence) and interoceptive sensitivity.
Is Dorothy Correct? The Role of Patient Education in Promoting Home Dialysis
Authors: Golper Thomas A. , Mehrotra Rajnish , Schreiber Martin S.
Published: March 2013

The major payer of dialysis services in the United States, Medicare, has established incentives to encourage the use of home dialysis. However, this modality remains underutilized. We think that a major cause of this situation is ineffective education of the prospective dialysis population regarding the choices of kidney replacement modalities. We discuss the value of patient education and the consequences of failing to educate prospective dialysis patients. We then explore approaches to achieve patient education goals and the physician's and education team's roles in the development of an individual patient's life plan.
Undisclosed human immunodeficiency virus risk factors identified through a computer‐based questionnaire program among blood donors in Brazil
Authors: Blatyta Paula Fraiman , Custer Brian , Gonçalez Thelma Terezinha , Birch Rebecca , Lopes Maria Esther , Lopes Ferreira Maria Ines , Carneiro Proietti Anna Barbara , Sabino Ester Cerdeira , Page Kimberly , de Almeida‐Neto Cesar ,   NHLBI Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study‐II (REDS‐II), International Component
Published: March 2013

Background

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk factor screening among blood donors remains a cornerstone for the safety of blood supply and is dependent on prospective donor self‐disclosure and an attentive predonation interview. Audio computer‐assisted structured interview (ACASI) has been shown to increase self‐reporting of risk behaviors.

Study Design and Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted between January 2009 and March 2011 at four Brazilian blood centers to identify the population of HIV‐negative eligible blood donors that answered face‐to‐face interviews without disclosing risks, but subsequently disclosed deferrable risk factors by ACASI. Compared to the donor interview, the ACASI contained expanded content on demographics, sexual behavior, and other HIV risk factors questions.

Results

A total of 901 HIV‐negative blood donors were interviewed. On the ACASI, 13% of donors (n = 120) declared a risk factor that would have resulted in deferral that was not disclosed during the face‐to‐face assessment. The main risk factors identified were recent unprotected sex with an unknown or irregular partner (49 donors), sex with a person with exposure to blood or fluids (26 donors), multiple sexual partners (19 donors), and male–male sexual behavior (10 donors). Independent factors associated with the disclosure of any risk factor for HIV were age (≥40 years vs. 18‐25 years; adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.23‐0.88) and blood center (Hemope vs. Hemominas; AOR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.42‐4.44).

Conclusion

ACASI elicited increased disclosure of HIV risk factors among blood donors. ACASI may be a valuable modality of interview to be introduced in Brazilian blood banks.
New Criterion for the Definition of Plastic Limit Load in Nozzle Connections of Pressure Vessels
Authors: Skopinsky V. N. , Berkov N. A.
Published: March 2013

In this research, a new criterion for determining the plastic limit load in shell intersections using elastic-plastic finite element analysis is presented. Using the proposed maximum criterion of the rate of the change of the relative plastic work (PW), a numerical procedure is described to define the plastic pressure. Also, a specific plastic work criterion is presented using a local deformation parameter. Results of comparisons with different criteria were considered for experimental models of cylindrical vessels with radial and nonradial (lateral) nozzles. A parametric study of the radial intersections of cylindrical shells under the internal pressure loading was performed to examine the influence of the diameter ratio on the plastic limit pressure on the basis of the proposed criteria.
Residual Stress Analysis of the Autofrettaged Thick-Walled Tube Using Nonlinear Kinematic Hardening
Authors: Farrahi G. H. , Voyiadjis George Z. , Hoseini S. H. , Hosseinian E.
Published: March 2013

Recent research indicates that accurate material behavior modeling plays an important role in the estimation of residual stresses in the bore of autofrettaged tubes. In this paper, the material behavior under plastic deformation is considered to be a function of the first stress invariant in addition to the second and the third invariants of the deviatoric stress tensor. The yield surface is assumed to depend on the first stress invariant and the Lode angle parameter which is defined as a function of the second and the third invariants of the deviatoric stress tensor. Furthermore for estimating the unloading behavior, the Chaboche's hardening evolution equation is modified. These modifications are implemented by adding new terms that include the effect of the first stress invariant and pervious plastic deformation history. For evaluation of this unloading behavior model a series of loading-unloading tests are conducted on four types of test specimens which are made of the high-strength steel, DIN 1.6959. In addition finite element simulations are implemented and the residual stresses in the bore of a simulated thick-walled tube are estimated under the autofrettage process. In estimating the residual stresses the effect of the tube end condition is also considered.
Performance Analysis of OTEC Plants With Multilevel Organic Rankine Cycle and Solar Hybridization
Authors: Bombarda Paola , Invernizzi Costante , Gaia Mario
Published: March 2013

Among the renewable energy sources, ocean energy is encountering an increasing interest. Several technologies can be applied in order to convert the ocean energy into electric power: among these, ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) is an interesting technology in the equatorial and tropical belt, where the temperature difference between surface warm water and deep cold water allows one to implement a power cycle. Although the idea is very old (it was first proposed in the late nineteenth century), no commercial plant has ever been built. Nevertheless, a large number of studies are being conducted at the present time, and several prototypes are under construction. A few studies concern hybrid solar-ocean energy plants: in this case, the ocean thermal gradient, which is usually comprised in the range 20–25 °C in the favorable belt, can be increased during daytime, thanks to the solar contribution. This paper addresses topics that are crucial in order to make OTEC viable, and some technical solutions are suggested and evaluated. The closed cycle option is selected and implemented by means of an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) power plant, featuring multiple ORC modules in series on the warm water flow; with a three-level cycle, the performance is approximately 30% better if compared to the single-level cycle. In addition, the hybrid solar-OTEC plant is considered in order to investigate the obtainable performance during both day and night operation; this option could provide efficiency benefit, allowing one to almost triplicate the energy produced during daytime for the same prescribed water flow.
Coupled Field Analysis of a Gas Tungsten Arc Welded Butt Joint—Part I: Improved Modeling
Authors: Sen D. , Pierson M. A. , Ball K. S.
Published: March 2013

Thermally induced residual stresses due to welding can significantly impair the performance and reliability of welded structures. From a structural integrity perspective of welded structures, it is necessary to have an accurate spatial and temporal thermal distribution in the welded structure before stress analysis is performed. Existing research has ignored the effect of fluid flow in the weld pool on the temperature field of the welded joint. Previous research has established that the weld pool depth/width (D/W) ratio and heat affected zone (HAZ) are significantly altered by the weld pool dynamics. Hence, for a more accurate estimation of the thermally induced stresses it is desired to incorporate the weld pool dynamics into the analysis. Moreover, the effects of microstructure evolution in the HAZ on the mechanical behavior of the structure need to be included in the analysis for better mechanical response prediction. In this study, a three-dimensional numerical model for the thermomechanical analysis of gas tungsten arc (GTA) welding of thin stainless steel butt-joint plates has been developed. The model incorporates the effects of thermal energy redistribution through weld pool dynamics into the structural behavior calculations. Through material modeling the effects of microstructure change/phase transformation are indirectly included in the model. The developed weld pool dynamics model includes the effects of current, arc length, and electrode angle on the heat flux and current density distributions. All the major weld pool driving forces are included, namely surface tension gradient induced convection, plasma induced drag force, electromagnetic force, and buoyancy. The weld D/W predictions are validated with experimental results. They agree well. The workpiece deformation and stress distributions are also highlighted. The mathematical framework developed here serves as a robust tool for better quantification of thermally induced stress evolution and distribution in a welded structure by coupling the different fields in a welding process.
A Nondestructive Evaluation Method: Measuring the Fixed Strength of Spot-Welded Joint Points by Surface Electrical Resistivity
Authors: Shimamoto Akira , Yamashita Keitaro , Inoue Hirofumi , Yang Sung-mo , Iwata Masahiro , Ike Natsuko
Published: March 2013

Destructive tests are generally applied to evaluate the fixed strength of spot-welding nuggets of zinc-plated steel (which is a widely used primary structural material for automobiles). These destructive tests, however, are expensive and time-consuming. This paper proposes a nondestructive method for evaluating the fixed strength of the welded joints using surface electrical resistance. A direct current nugget-tester and probes have been developed by the authors for this purpose. The proposed nondestructive method uses the relative decrease in surface electrical resistance, α. The proposed method also considers the effect of the corona bond. The nugget diameter is estimated by two factors: RQuota, which is calculated from variation of resistance, and a constant that represents the area of the corona bond. Since the maximum tensile strength is correlated with the nugget diameter, it can be inferred from the estimated nugget diameter. When appropriate measuring conditions for the surface electrical resistance are chosen, the proposed method can effectively evaluate the fixed strength of the spot-welded joints even if the steel sheet is zinc-plated.
A Novel, Noniterative Inverse Boundary Design Regularized Solution Technique Using the Backward Monte Carlo Method
Authors: Mosavati M. , Kowsary F. , Mosavati B.
Published: March 2013

In this paper, the inverse radiation boundary problem is solved using a simplified backward Monte Carlo method (MCM) for cases in which radiation is the dominant mode of heat transfer (i.e., radiative equilibrium). For an N-surface enclosure, N2 radiative transfer factors are required to carry out the radiant exchange calculations. In this paper, it is shown that when the enclosure is comprised of some adiabatic surfaces (as is nearly always the case in radiative furnaces), this number can be reduced considerably. This reduction in the required number of distribution factors causes a clear simplification in the formulation of the inverse problem and a substantial reduction in the computational time. After presenting the formulation for the inverse problem, standard test cases are solved to demonstrate the efficiency and the accuracy of the proposed method.
The Effect of Fill Volume on Heat Transfer From Air-Cooled Thermosyphons
Authors: Pappas Christina A. , De Cecchis Paul M. , Jordan Donald A. , Norris Pamela M.
Published: March 2013

The effect of fill volume on the heat transfer performance of a cylindrical thermosyphon with an aspect ratio (ratio of the length of the evaporator section to the inner diameter) of 2.33 immersed in a cooling air flow is investigated. The fill volume was systematically varied from 0% to 70.3% of the volume of the evaporator section in a copper-water thermosyphon having an inner diameter of 19 mm. The condenser section was immersed in a uniform air flow in the test section of an open return wind tunnel. The heat transfer rate was measured as a function of evaporator temperature and fill volume, and these results were characterized by three distinct regions. From 0% to roughly 16% fill volume (Region I), the low rate of heat transfer, which is insensitive to fill volume, suggests that dry out may be occurring. In Region II (extending to approximately 58% fill volume), the heat transfer rate increases approximately linearly with fill volume, and increasing evaporator temperature results in decreased rate of heat transfer. Finally, in Region III (from roughly 58–70.3%), the rate of heat transfer increases more rapidly, though still linearly, with fill volume, and increasing evaporator temperature results in increased rate of heat transfer. The thermosyphon rate of heat transfer is greatest at 70.3% fill volume for every evaporator temperature.