bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Habitat Suitability Under Changing Climatic Conditions for the Exotic Ambrosia Beetle, Cnestus mutilatus (Curculionidae: Scolytinae: Xyleborini) in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Olatinwo Rabiu , Streett Douglas , Carlton Christopher
Published: May 2014

The camphor shot borer, Cnestus mutilatus (Blandford) is a nonnative ambrosia beetle first reported in the United States in 1999 at Oktibbeha County in Mississippi. Although, C. mutilatus is a major pest of several trees in its native habitat in Asia, it is not yet a major pest in the United States. However, the range expansion in recent years across the southeastern region indicates that C. mutilatus could be adapting quickly to the new environment, perhaps because of the availability of numerous host trees and suitable environmental conditions that support the population. As the population increases, future outbreaks of C. mutilatus may result in mortality of valuable hosts. Our objective was to identify potential suitable habitats for C. mutilatus in the southeastern United States under changing climate by 2020 and 2060 by examining C. mutilatus preferred conditions, host environmental requirements, precipitation, and temperature projections from an ensemble of general circulation model, and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change future climate scenarios. Our results indicated that suitable habitat for C. mutilatus in the southeastern United States will expand slightly under the A1B emission scenarios (i.e., moderate population growth and high-energy use balanced across all sources), and significantly under B1 emission scenarios (i.e., representing moderate population growth and an emphasis on global approaches to economic and environmental stability) by 2060. Whereas the opposite may occur under the A2 scenario (i.e., representing continuously increasing population, regionally focused economic growth, and slower introduction of alternative fuels technology). Nearly half of the parishes in Louisiana and counties in Mississippi will be suitable for C. mutilatus by 2020, under the A2 emission scenarios. However, suitable habitat range could decrease and become fragmented by 2060. These results could be useful in forest management efforts in places where C. mutilatus may become established in the future.
Phase II Study of Afatinib as Third-Line Treatment for Patients in Korea With Stage IIIB/IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Harboring Wild-Type EGFR
Authors: Ahn Myung-Ju , Kim Sang-We , Cho Byoung-Chul , Ahn Jin Seok , Lee Dae Ho , Sun Jong-Mu , Massey Dan , Kim Miyoung , Shi Yang , Park Keunchil
Published: May 2014

Author Summary

Background.

This phase II single-arm trial evaluated afatinib, an irreversible inhibitor of the ErbB receptor family as third-line treatment of Korean patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and tumors with wild-type EGFR. Currently, no standard therapy exists for these patients.

Methods.

Eligible patients had stage IIIB/IV wild-type EGFR lung adenocarcinoma and had failed to benefit from two previous lines of chemotherapy but had not received anti-EGFR treatment. Patients received oral afatinib at 40 mg per day until disease progression or occurrence of intolerable adverse events (AEs). The primary endpoint was confirmed objective tumor response (OR) rate (confirmed complete response [CR] or partial response [PR]). Secondary endpoints included disease control rate (DCR; OR or stable disease for ≥6 weeks), progression-free survival (PFS), and safety.

Results.

Forty-two patients received afatinib treatment, and 38 of those were included in efficacy analyses. No confirmed CRs or PRs were reported. DCR was 24% (9 of 38 patients), with a median disease control duration of 19.3 weeks. Median PFS was 4.1 weeks (95% confidence interval: 3.9–8.0). Frequently reported AEs (mainly grades 1 and 2) were rash/acne (88%), diarrhea (62%), and stomatitis (57%).

Conclusion.

Heavily pretreated patients with wild-type EGFR NSCLC treated with afatinib monotherapy did not experience an objective response and only 24% had disease stabilization lasting more than 6 weeks. AEs were manageable and consistent with the expected safety profile.
Hydration and mechanical properties of cement/sludge/anhydrite gypsum system
Authors: El-Didamony Hamdy , Amer Ahmed A. , Mohammed Mona S.
Published: May 2014

Setting and hardening of fresh blends of ordinary Portland cement (OPC), fired drinking water treatment sludge (DWTS) and calcined anhydrite gypsum were investigated. Sludge or Portland cement was substituted with 5 wt%, 10 wt% or 15 wt% of anhydrite gypsum. These systems lead to the preparation of supersulfated cement. These blends were shown to possess both the advantages of gypsum (early hardening, high early strength and enhanced workability) and Portland cement (improved durability in moist conditions). The initial and final setting time, bulk density and compressive strength of cement pastes were measured. Differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy techniques were used to investigate the hydration products. Substitution of DWTS with 15% anhydrite accelerates the final setting time and increases the bulk density as well as the compressive strength. Substitution of OPC with 5% anhydrite gives the same results but extends the final setting time. It can be concluded that supersulfated cement can be prepared from samples with 10–15 wt% anhydrite substituted DWTS or from the sample with 5 wt% anhydrite substituted OPC.
Synthesis of MgB2 nanowires and doped orthorhombic boron nanorods
Authors: Patel Rajen B. , Chou Tsengming , Iqbal Zafar
Published: May 2014

Chemical vapor deposition processes to create magnesium diboride (MgB2) nanowires, a well-known superconductor, and orthorhombic boron nanorods are reported. These boron nanorods are doped with magnesium and sulfur, and the doping induces a number of defects in the material. The synthesis technique used to create these materials is based on a method used originally to create a variety of pure boron nanomaterials. The addition of sulfur and ammonia dramatically alters the process, resulting in new products. The morphology of these materials was characterized with scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Electron energy loss spectroscopy, electron diffraction and Fourier transform analysis were performed to determine crystal spacings and chemical composition of both materials. MgB2 nanowires especially, because of their superconducting nature and small dimensions, have a number of interesting uses. This article contains supporting information that available online.
Three-dimensional analysis of hydraulic effect on unsaturated slope stability
Authors: Arairo Wahib , Prunier Florent , Djeran-Maigre Irini , Millard Alain
Published: May 2014

A novel approach developed by the authors to predict the behaviour of unsaturated soils is discussed in this paper to investigate the effect of rainfall event on the stability of soil slopes. Heavy rainfall is one of the main factors that induce shallow landslides. This type of landslide usually takes place in partial saturated slopes. Numerical models taking into account the key physical processes that unsaturated soils undergo during different phases of rainfall events could help in the understanding of the main sliding mechanisms. The contribution of partially saturated soils and matric suction, as well as the change in hydraulic conductivity due to rainfall, should be taken into account to well represent the complete effect of seepage. In this paper, an elastoplastic constitutive model that captures the main features of the behaviour of unsaturated soils is used in a fully coupled hydromechanical, three-dimensional, finite-element analysis, catching the destabilising processes in a steep slope during rain infiltration.
Do plant defenses predict damage by an invasive herbivore? A comparative study of the viburnum leaf beetle
Authors: Desurmont Gaylord A. , Agrawal Anurag A.
Published: May 2014

The impact of plant defenses on insect herbivores is widely accepted, but their relative effects on oviposition choice, survival, and larval growth in preventing pest damage, especially for invasive insects, is not fully understood. Here, we examined the potential for plant defenses to reduce the economic and environmental impacts of an invasive herbivore, the viburnum leaf beetle, VLB (Pyrrhalta viburni), on Viburnum species in North America. We used a common garden with 15 host Viburnum species of North American, European, and Asian origin and evaluated oviposition preferences, twig defense against oviposition (a reaction that crushes VLB eggs), larval performance in the lab and field, and foliar damage to mature shrubs in two consecutive years. VLB oviposition preference was the strongest predictor of plant damage, with twig defense and larval performance explaining little of the defoliation patterns. In particular, we showed that VLB females evade key defenses by choosing poorly defended twigs for oviposition; assays on the 15 Viburnum species revealed that adults laid over four times more eggs on dead (undefended) twigs than on living twigs. We additionally tested the hypothesis that shrubs with a higher proportion of dead twigs are preferentially chosen for oviposition, leading to more defoliation by larvae and increased dieback in the following year. We term this the infestation feedback hypothesis. Indeed, we report consistent positive correlations between percentage dieback, oviposition, and percentage defoliation across Viburnum species, and among individuals within two species tested separately (V. dentatum and V. opulus).

Our results demonstrate that oviposition preference plays a major role in the susceptibility of Viburnum shrubs to the invasive VLB through adults choosing high‐quality species for their larvae (a strong preference–performance correlation) and avoiding well‐defended twigs among preferred species. More generally, where invasive insects can avoid plant defenses and when preference and performance are positively correlated, an infestation feedback loop can lead to persistent pest problems. Because dieback weakens Viburnum defenses by providing optimal oviposition sites, we recommend that Viburnum growers mechanically remove dead twigs from susceptible shrubs at the end of the growing season, especially in the early stages of VLB colonization.
Continental‐scale, seasonal movements of a heterothermic migratory tree bat
Authors: Cryan Paul M. , Stricker Craig A. , Wunder Michael B.
Published: May 2014

Long‐distance migration evolved independently in bats and unique migration behaviors are likely, but because of their cryptic lifestyles, many details remain unknown. North American hoary bats (Lasiurus cinereus cinereus) roost in trees year‐round and probably migrate farther than any other bats, yet we still lack basic information about their migration patterns and wintering locations or strategies. This information is needed to better understand unprecedented fatality of hoary bats at wind turbines during autumn migration and to determine whether the species could be susceptible to an emerging disease affecting hibernating bats. Our aim was to infer probable seasonal movements of individual hoary bats to better understand their migration and seasonal distribution in North America. We analyzed the stable isotope values of non‐exchangeable hydrogen in the keratin of bat hair and combined isotopic results with prior distributional information to derive relative probability density surfaces for the geographic origins of individuals. We then mapped probable directions and distances of seasonal movement. Results indicate that hoary bats summer across broad areas. In addition to assumed latitudinal migration, we uncovered evidence of longitudinal movement by hoary bats from inland summering grounds to coastal regions during autumn and winter. Coastal regions with nonfreezing temperatures may be important wintering areas for hoary bats. Hoary bats migrating through any particular area, such as a wind turbine facility in autumn, are likely to have originated from a broad expanse of summering grounds from which they have traveled in no recognizable order. Better characterizing migration patterns and wintering behaviors of hoary bats sheds light on the evolution of migration and provides context for conserving these migrants.
Native tree species regulate nitrous oxide fluxes in tropical plantations
Authors: Weintraub Samantha R. , Russell Ann E. , Townsend Alan R.
Published: May 2014

Secondary and managed plantation forests comprise a rapidly increasing portion of the humid tropical forest biome, a region that, in turn, is a major source of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions to the atmosphere. Previous work has demonstrated reduced N2O emissions in regenerating secondary stands compared to mature forests, yet the importance of species composition in regulating N2O production in young forests remains unclear. We measured N2O fluxes beneath four native tree species planted in replicated, 21‐yr‐old monodominant stands in the Caribbean lowlands of Costa Rica in comparison with nearby mature forest and abandoned pasture sites at two time points (wetter and drier seasons). We found that species differed eight‐fold in their production of N2O, with slower growing, late‐successional species (including one legume) promoting high N2O fluxes similar to mature forest, and faster growing, early successional species maintaining low N2O fluxes similar to abandoned pasture. Across all species, N2O flux was positively correlated with soil nitrate concentration in the wetter season and with soil water‐filled pore space (WFPS) in the drier season. However, the strongest predictor of N2O fluxes was fine‐root growth rate, which was negatively correlated with N2O emissions at both time points. We suggest that tree‐specific variation in growth habits creates differences in both N demand and soil water conditions that may exert significant control on N2O fluxes from tropical forests. With the advent of REDD+ and related strategies for fostering climate mitigation via tropical forest regrowth and plantations, we note that species‐specific traits as they relate to N2O fluxes may be an important consideration in estimating overall climate benefits.
Psychological Intimate Partner Violence During Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes: Threat of Violence Versus Other Verbal and Emotional Abuse
Authors: Gentry Jacqueline , Bailey Beth A.
Published: May 2014

Although physical abuse during pregnancy has been linked to poor birth outcomes, the role of psychological abuse is less well understood. Associations between birth outcomes and types of psychological abuse during pregnancy (being threatened, screamed at, or insulted) were examined in 489 women with no history of physical abuse. Being threatened was significantly associated with adverse birth outcomes, with women reporting any instance during pregnancy twice as likely to deliver a low birth weight baby. These results remained after controlling for background factors. Finally, most of the variance between threats and birth weight was accounted for by mediating health behaviors (specifically prenatal care utilization and pregnancy weight gain), suggesting pathways for the negative effects of being threatened by an intimate partner during pregnancy.
My Brother’s Reaper: Examining Officially Reported Siblicide Incidents in the United States, 2000–2007
Authors: Walsh Jeffrey A. , Krienert Jessie L.
Published: May 2014

With higher rates than any other form of intrafamilial violence, Hoffman and Edwards (2004) note, sibling violence “constitutes a pandemic form of victimization of children, with the symptoms often going unrecognized and the effect ignored” (p. 187). Approximately 80% of children reside with at least one sibling (Kreider, 2008), and in its most extreme form sibling violence manifests as siblicide. Siblicide is poorly understood with fewer than 20 empirical studies identified in the extant literature since 1980 (see Eriksen & Jensen, 2006). The present work employs 8 years of Supplemental Homicide Report (SHR) data, 2000–2007, with siblicide victims and offenders age 21 years and younger, to construct contemporary victim and offender profiles examining incident characteristics. Findings highlight the sex-based nature of the offense with unique victimization patterns across victims and offenders. Older brothers using a firearm are the most frequent offenders against both male and female siblings. Strain as a theoretical foundation of siblicide is offered as an avenue for future inquiry.
Mechanistic study of Cd adsorption through esterification and acetylation of novel biosorbent Gallus Domesticus chemically modified biomaterial for heavy metal
Authors: Fazal Aliya , Rafique Uzaira
Published: May 2014

The inevitable expansion of industries for development is at the cost of release of industrial pollutants into the natural reservoirs of the environment. Biosorption is becoming an important component in the integrated approach to the treatment of aqueous effluents. The adsorption properties of Gallus Domesticus are determined as a function of batch operating conditions including contact time, solution initial concentration and temperature. Metal ion fixed Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectrum depicted amine, alcohol, carboxyl, and carbonate ion as active sites for metal sorption. Augmentation of removal capacity to 5 and 17% is tailored by esterification and acetylation of different surface functional groups of the base matrix. Kinetics is dissected through diffusion-based kinetic models, and best fit was figured out for Elovich equation. The thermodynamic relationship draws that enthalpy (ΔH° 45.48 KJ/mol) and entropy (ΔS° 153.32 J/mol K) are positive and entropy of the system is much larger than enthalpy. Results propose alteration of domestic waste into economical adsorbent for commercialization with no processing in the efficient removal of cadmium from wastewater.
Feasibility assessment of pervaporation for desalinating high-salinity brines
Authors: Huth Emily , Muthu Satish , Ruff Luke , Brant Jonathan A.
Published: May 2014

Pervaporation, which is a non-pressure driven membrane process, was evaluated to determine its viability for desalinating high-salinity source waters like those originating from oil and natural gas development (produced water). Two types of membrane material chemistries were studied in order to identify the optimal properties for maximizing the permeate flux under a given set of operating conditions. Permeate flux was determined to be a significant function of membrane thickness and the diffusion coefficient of water through the membrane. The diffusion coefficient is in turn a function of the membrane's affinity for water (hydrophilicity) and its fractional free volume space. A cellulose triacetate membrane (Membrane B) achieved fluxes of 0.06 m3m–2day–1 when treating solutions having salt concentrations of 100 g L–1, comparable to fluxes achieved by other types of non-pressure driven membrane processes. The flux increased in a linear fashion with decreasing ionic strength and improved through increases in the vapor pressure gradient and/or inclusion of a feed channel spacer into the test cell. Salt rejection efficiencies by all membranes were >99%; however, co-ions were able to penetrate into the membrane material matrix over time.
Tubeless Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: Can be a Choice, Why Not?
Authors: Karadag Mert Ali , Cecen Kursat , Demir Aslan , Kocaaslan Ramazan , Taken Kerem , Altunrende Fatih
Published: May 2014

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has been widely accepted and is commonly used to treat renal calculi.
The optimal drainage of kidney after PCNL has not been clearly determined yet. Placement of an 18F to 24F nephrostomy
tube at the end of the procedure is accepted as standard of care to date. The main advantages are adequate renal drainage,
hemostatic tamponade and providing renal access for second look PCNL. However, based on the concept that the purpose
of the tube is only to maintain adequate drainage of the kidney, a “tubeless” approach has been developed by placing a
ureteral stent or catheter to provide drainage after PCNL instead of a nephrostomy tube. Tubeless PCNL is an effective
and safe procedure for treatment of renal stones in selected cases. This procedure can even be chosen for patients with
previous renal surgery, and hemorrhagic tendency. By using this method, less postoperative pain and a shorter hospital
stay can be achieved, when compared with conventional PCNL. There is a controversy over ideal drainage system after
PCNL in recent years. Herein, we made a systematic review for efficacy and safety of tubeless PCNL, totally tubeless
PCNL, discussed different variations and compared the outcomes of this technique with standart PCNL.
Teachers and Parent—School Engagement: International Perspectives on Teachers' Preparation for and Views about Working with Parents
Authors: Mandarakas Monique
Published: May 2014

Parent–school engagement has become a goal of education policy reforms around the world and is seen as a critical factor in children's educational success. While the factors that impact on parent–school engagement are complex and varied, there is widespread acknowledgement that teachers play a significant role in the relationships between home and school. Teachers' views, attitudes and beliefs about working with parents and the extent to which they enter the profession well prepared for working with parents ultimately contribute to their experiences of working with them. This article considers international research perspectives on the ways that teachers are prepared in initial teacher education for working with parents, as well as teacher views and experiences. The article argues that the success of parent engagement in policy and practice requires better understandings of how the education profession currently manages and potentially could manage relationships between home and school. Findings suggest the need for international comparative research that maps educational policies promoting parent–school engagement, that identifies the preparation of teachers for working with parents and their professional development needs regarding this, and that takes teacher perspectives on working with parents more fully into account.
Languages and New Technologies on Urban Children's and Adolescents' Representations
Authors: Fourcade Helga
Published: May 2014

This article aims to describe the different ways that children in public schools connote values and represent two new educational tools received in the framework of two educational policies, concerning access to foreign languages since first grade, and laptops and digital literacy. How do children and adolescents represent the use of computers and the dominance of a foreign language? How do they imagine that both tools modify people's course of life? What values are associated with the use of them? Also, given that the aim of such policies is mainly to reduce social gaps, the article explores the notion that social inequalities may be evident in the representations that children build around these tools. In order to answer these questions, it analyses data gathered from in-depth interviews conducted in 2012 with a group of students from primary and secondary public schools in Buenos Aires City, in which a ‘creativity method’ was used as a means to determine students' perceptions about the new educational tools they had acquired. The cases were selected with maximum variation sampling, using the following criterion for differentiating residential status: informal (slum or urban settlement) or formal (upper-middle socio-economic neighbourhood).
Complementing geotechnical slope stability and land movement analysis using satellite DInSAR
Authors: Tripolitsiotis Achilleas , Steiakakis Chrysanthos , Papadaki Eirini , Agioutantis Zacharias , Mertikas Stelios , Partsinevelos Panagiotis
Published: May 2014

This paper explores the potential of using satellite radar inteferometry to monitor time-varying land movement prior to any visible tension crack signs. The idea was developed during dedicated geotechnical studies at a large open-pit lignite mine, where large slope movements (10–20 mm/day) were monitored and large fissures were observed in the immediate area outside the current pit limits. In this work, differential interferometry (DInSAR), using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) ALOS images, was applied to monitor the progression of land movement that could potentially thwart mine operations. Early signs of land movements were captured by this technique well before their visual observation. Moreover, a qualitative comparison of DInSAR and ground geodetic measurements indicates that the technique can be used for the identification of high risk areas and, subsequently, for the optimization of the spatial distribution of the available ground monitoring equipment. Finally, quantitative land movement results from DInSAR are shown to be in accordance with simultaneous measurements obtained by ground means.
Free Radical-mediated Hydroxymethylation Using CO and HCHO
Authors: Kawamoto Takuji , Ryu Ilhyong
Published: May 2014

Tin-free radical hydroxymethylations of haloalkanes using CO and HCHO as a C1 unit proceed efficiently in the presence of borohydrides as radical mediators. In the approach using CO, the formation of aldehydes by radical carbonylation and their subsequent reduction by hydrides lead
to alcohols. On the other hand, the use of formaldehyde is more straightforward, in which the key reaction is alkyl radical addition to formaldehyde to give alkoxy radical, which abstracts hydrogen from borohydride reagents. The cascade sequences were observed in the reaction of cholesteryl
bromide with HCHO, which displays the diverse applications of HCHO in radical chemistry.
Radical-mediated Dimerization and Oxidation Reactions for the Synthesis of Complex Alkaloids
Authors: Lathrop Stephen P. , Kim Justin , Movassaghi Mohammad
Published: May 2014

Concise and general strategies for radical-based dimerization of cyclotryptamine and cyclotryptophan derivatives in addition to radical-based oxidation of structurally complex diketopiperazines are discussed. The impact of these radical-based chemistries on the rapid generation of molecular
complexity is highlighted using representative examples from recent complex homodimeric alkaloid total syntheses. Additionally, a new and general strategy for radical-based directed heterodimerization of cyclotryptamine substructures via solvent-caged unsymmetrical diazene fragmentation
is discussed.
Radical Carbon–Carbon Bond Formations Enabled by Visible Light Active Photocatalysts
Authors: Wallentin Carl-Johan , Nguyen John D. , Stephenson Corey R. J.
Published: May 2014

This mini-review highlights the Stephenson group's contribution to the field of photoredox catalysis with emphasis on carbon–carbon bond formation. The realization of photoredox mediated reductive dehalogenation initiated investigations toward both intra- and intermolecular coupling
reactions. These reactions commenced via visible light-mediated reduction of activated halogens to give carbon-centered radicals that were subsequently involved in carbon–carbon bond forming transformations. The developed protocols using Ru and Ir based polypyridyl complexes as
photoredox catalysts were further tuned to efficiently catalyze overall redox neutral atom transfer radical addition reactions. Most recently, a simplistic flow reactor technique has been utilized to affect a broad scope of photocatalytic transformations with significant enhancement in reaction
efficiency.
Reductive Cleavage of 2,2,2-Trichloroethyl Esters by Titanocene Catalysis
Authors: Gansäuer Andreas , Dahmen Tobias
Published: May 2014

Esters are of widespread use for protecting carboxylic acids in organic synthesis. However, methods to cleave esters often employ harsh conditions. Herein, we report a new and mild method for the reductive cleavage of 2,2,2-trichloroethylesters (TCE esters). Our radical method employs
Cp2TiCl as an electron transfer catalyst and Zn dust as stoichiometric reducing agent. It avoids the use of strong Brønstedt-acids as well as aqueous conditions and can be carried out at room temperature.
Photoredox Catalysis for Polymerization Reactions
Authors: Lalevée Jacques , Tehfe Mohamad-Ali , Morlet-Savary Fabrice , Graff Bernadette , Dumur Frédéric , Gigmes Didier , Blanchard Nicolas , Fouassier Jean-Pierre
Published: May 2014

Photoredox catalysis is now well-known in organic synthesis for the formation of free radicals under very soft irradiations conditions (e.g. sunlight, household fluorescence or LED bulbs, Xe lamp). This method has been introduced here to the polymer chemistry area to initiate
ring opening polymerizations (ROP) or free radical polymerizations (FRP). The present paper will give an up-to date situation of the photocatalyst achievements in FRP and ROP.
Developing a Physiotherapy-Specific Preliminary Clinical Decision-Making Tool for Oxygen Titration: A Modified Delphi Study
Authors: Duong Michelle , Bertin Kendra , Henry Renee , Singh Deepti , Timmins Nolla , Brooks Dina , Mathur Sunita , Ellerton Cindy
Published: May 2014

Purpose: To develop and evaluate a preliminary clinical decision-making tool (CDMT) to assist physiotherapists in titrating oxygen for acutely ill adults in Ontario. Methods: A panel of 14 experienced cardiorespiratory physiotherapists was recruited. Factors relating to oxygen titration were identified using a modified Delphi technique. Four rounds of questionnaires were conducted, during which the goals were to (1) generate factors, (2) reduce factors and debate contentious factors, (3) finalize factors and develop the preliminary CDMT, and (4) evaluate the usability of the tool in a clinical context. Results: The panel reached consensus on a total of 89 factors, which were compiled to create the preliminary CDMT. The global tool reached consensus for sensibility, receiving a mean score of 6/7 on a 7-point Likert-type scale (1=unacceptable; 7=excellent). Five of the nine individual components of evaluation of the tool achieved scores ≥6.0; the remaining four had mean scores between 5.4 and 5.9. Conclusion: This study produced a preliminary CDMT for oxygen titration, which the panel agreed was highly comprehensible and globally sensible. Further research is necessary to evaluate the sensibility and applicability of the tool in a clinical setting.
Influence of ice crystal anisotropy on seismic velocity analysis
Authors: Diez Anja , Eisen Olaf , Weikusat Ilka , Eichler Jan , Hofstede Coen , Bohleber Pascal , Bohlen Thomas , Polom Ulrich
Published: May 2014

In 2010 a reflection seismic survey was carried out on the Alpine glacier Colle Gnifetti. The processed and depth-converted data could be compared to a nearby ice core, drilled almost to the bed. Comparisons showed that the depth of the P-wave bed reflection was too shallow, while the depth of the SH-wave bed reflection fitted the ice-core length well. We are now able to explain the major part of these differences using the existing crystal orientations of the ice at Colle Gnifetti. We calculate anisotropic velocities for P- and SH-waves that are usually picked for stacking and compare them with zero-offset velocities needed for the depth conversion. Here we take the firn pack at Colle Gnifetti into account for P- and S-wave analysis. To incorporate the S-wave analysis we first derive a new equation for the relationship between density and S-wave velocity from diving waves. We show that anisotropic fabrics observed at Colle Gnifetti introduce a difference of only 1% between stacking and depth-conversion velocities for the SH-wave, but 7% for the P-wave. We suggest that this difference in stacking and depth-conversion velocity for the P-wave can be used to derive information about the existing anisotropy by combining our seismic data with, for example, radar data.
Clinico - epidemiological study of corrosive poisoning by different agents in Dhaka Medical College Hospital
Authors: Chowdhury MSJH , Baque M , Islam MTI , Ahmed H , Faiz MA , Islam ASMN
Published: May 2014

Acute poisoning is a serious threat to society and one of the commonest causes of mortality and morbidity. The purpose of this study was to have an idea about the pattern of corrosive poisoning and their socio-demographic background. This study was conducted in Dhaka Medical College Hospital over a period of six months from January to June, 2008. The total respondents were 126 in number. All patients, aged 13 years and above with acute corrosive poisoning were included. The results revealed that 23% were male and 77% female. Male, female ratio was 1: 3.34. Age between (13-30) years (88.09%) was the most vulnerable. Most of the patients (45.25%) had a background of secondary education. Students (43.7%) were the dominant group followed by housewives (30.2%). Most of the patients (80.2%) came from urban area. 88.9% attempted to commit suicide. Familial disharmony (75.4%) was the leading motive of poisoning. Twenty five types of corrosive agents were identified; out of which 83.34% cases took either Savlon (51.59%) or Harpic (31.75%). Female is the most vulnerable target who attempted to commit suicide. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v42i3.19000 Bangladesh Med J. 2013 Sept; 42 (3): 78-81
Role of computed tomography in the evaluation of schwannoma in the posterior cranial fossa
Authors: Akhter S , Rahman M , Nobi S , Khondker L , Ahmed N , Dey SK , Elahi MF
Published: May 2014

Schwannoma is one of the most common posterior cranial fossa tumours. Normal skull radiograph may not give any clue to diagnosis and further investigation with computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging is necessary. This cross sectional study was carried out in the department of neurosurgery and the department of radiology and Imaging, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period from July 2009 to June 2011 to evaluate the role of computed tomography in the diagnosis of schwannoma in the posterior cranial fossa. Total eighty nine patients with clinical features of posterior cranial fossa tumour were enrolled in this study. Mean age of the patients was 29.15±19.64 years. Computed tomography scan revealed that 38.2% had schwannoma, 24.7% had meningioma, 21.3% had astrocytoma, 15.7% medulloblastoma, 10.1% had brain stem glioma, 5.6% had ependymoma and for the rest 4.4%, 1.1% of each had epidermoid, metastatic, hemangioblastoma and others. After histopathological diagnosis 36.0% patients had schwannoma, 19.1% had astrocytoma, 15.7% had medulloblastoma, 11.2% had meningioma, 7.9% had brain stem glioma, 5.6% had ependymoma and rest 4.4% had epidermoid, metastatic, hemangioblastoma and others. Sensitivity of computed tomography to diagnose schwannoma was 100.0%, specificity 96.5%, positive predictive value 94.1%, negative predictive value 100.0% and accuracy 97.8%. It can therefore be concluded that computed tomography is a useful modality in the evaluation of schwannoma in the posterior cranial fossa. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v42i3.19002 Bangladesh Med J. 2013 Sept; 42 (3): 85-88
The Role of Exercise Testing in the Modern Management of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Johnson Martin , Thomson Stephen
Published: May 2014

A culture of exercise testing is firmly embedded in the management of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) but its clinical relevance and utility have recently been under some debate. The six minute walk test (6MWT) has been used as a primary outcome measure to enable the licensing of many of the medications used for this condition. Recent reviews have questioned the validity of this test as a surrogate of clinical outcomes. At the same time, other questions are emerging where exercise testing may be the solution. With the rise in understanding of genetic markers of idiopathic PAH (IPAH), the screening of an otherwise healthy population for incipient pulmonary hypertension (PH) will be required. The proliferation in treatment choices and identification of populations with PH where PAH treatment is not indicated, such as left heart and lung disease, requires more definitive differentiation from patients with PAH. There is a continuing question about the existence and clinical relevance of exercise induced PAH as a cause of unexplained dyspnoea and fatigue and as a latent phase of resting PH. This review presents a summary and critical analysis of the current role of exercise testing in PAH and speculates on future trends.
Asymptotically Constant-Risk Predictive Densities When the Distributions of Data and Target Variables Are Different
Authors: Yano Keisuke , Komaki Fumiyasu
Published: May 2014

We investigate the asymptotic construction of constant-risk Bayesian predictive densities under the Kullback–Leibler risk when the distributions of data and target variables are different and have a common unknown parameter. It is known that the Kullback–Leibler risk is asymptotically equal to a trace of the product of two matrices: the inverse of the Fisher information matrix for the data and the Fisher information matrix for the target variables. We assume that the trace has a unique maximum point with respect to the parameter. We construct asymptotically constant-risk Bayesian predictive densities using a prior depending on the sample size. Further, we apply the theory to the subminimax estimator problem and the prediction based on the binary regression model.
Governing Forest Landscape Restoration: Cases from Indonesia
Authors: Van Oosten Cora , Gunarso Petrus , Koesoetjahjo Irene , Wiersum Freerk
Published: May 2014

Forest landscape restoration includes both the planning and implementation of measures to restore degraded forests within the perspective of the wider landscape. Governing forest landscape restoration requires fundamental considerations about the conceptualisation of forested landscapes and the types of restoration measures to be taken, and about who should be engaged in the governance process. A variety of governance approaches to forest landscape restoration exist, differing in both the nature of the object to be governed and the mode of governance. This paper analyses the nature and governance of restoration in three cases of forest landscape restoration in Indonesia. In each of these cases, both the original aim for restoration and the initiators of the process differ. The cases also differ in how deeply embedded they are in formal spatial planning mechanisms at the various political scales. Nonetheless, the cases show similar trends. All cases show a dynamic process of mobilising the landscape’s stakeholders, plus a flexible process of crafting institutional space for conflict management, negotiation and decision making at the landscape level. As a result, the landscape focus changed over time from reserved forests to forested mosaic lands. The cases illustrate that the governance of forest landscape restoration should not be based on strict design criteria, but rather on a flexible governance approach that stimulates the creation of novel public-private institutional arrangements at the landscape level.
Growth Response of Northern White-Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) to Natural Disturbances and Partial Cuts in Mixedwood Stands of Quebec, Canada
Authors: Ruel Jean-Claude , Lussier Jean-Martin , Morissette Sabrina , Ricodeau Nicolas
Published: May 2014

Northern white-cedar (Thuja occidentalis) is a species of high commercial and ecological value, the abundance of which has been declining since the middle of the 19th century. Very little information regarding its silviculture in mixedwood stands is currently available, even though a significant portion of wood resources comes from these stands. The present study is a retrospective analysis of white-cedar growth in partially harvested mixedwood stands of western Quebec, Canada. Eight stands distributed across two regions were analyzed. Dendrochronological approaches examined long-term diameter growth for sample white-cedar trees and stems of associated species. These approaches were used to reconstruct stand characteristics at the time of harvesting, together with local harvesting intensity. The study demonstrated white-cedar’s capacity to maintain good growth for long periods of time and at large tree sizes. Accession to the upper canopy positions occurs through repeated episodes of suppression/release, most of which seem to be associated with spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) outbreaks. White-cedar response to partial harvesting varies with tree size, residual basal area and species composition. Growth response was generally stronger for small trees, even though large trees still maintained the best diameter growth. Growth of white-cedar was negatively affected by an increase in softwood proportion in basal area. Growth responses to harvesting could be sustained for a period of 20 years.
Net Snowpack Accumulation and Ablation Characteristics in the Inland Temperate Rainforest of the Upper Fraser River Basin, Canada
Authors: Déry Stephen , Knudsvig Heidi , Hernández-Henríquez Marco , Coxson Darwyn
Published: May 2014

This study examines the net snow accumulation and ablation characteristics and trends in the Inland Temperate Rainforest (ITR) of the Upper Fraser River Basin, British Columbia (BC), Canada. It intends to establish whether elevation and/or air temperature play(s) a dominant role in hydrological year peak snow water equivalent (SWE) and whether regional patterns emerge in the interannual variability in peak accumulation. To that end, SWE and air temperature data from seven snow pillow sites in the Upper Fraser River Basin at elevations ranging from 1118 to 1847 m above sea level are analyzed to infer snowpack characteristics and trends for hydrological years 1969–2012, with 2005–2012 being the actual period of data overlap. Average peak SWE ranges from 391.3 mm at Barkerville, BC on 16 April to 924.4 mm at Hedrick Lake, BC on 27 April. Snow cover duration lasts 206–258 days, with snow onset dates from mid-October to early November and snow off dates from late May to early July. Statistically-significant (p ≤ 0.05) cross correlations exist between peak SWE at nearly all sites, indicating regional coherence in seasonal synoptic activity across the study area. However, the lack of relationships between peak SWE and elevation as well as air temperature parameters indicate that mesoscale to local processes lead to distinct snow accumulation and ablation patterns at each site. Four sites with the longest records exhibit no trend in peak SWE values between 1990 and 2012. Changes to snowpack regimes may pose a threat to the productivity and immense biodiversity supported by the ancient western red cedar and hemlock stands growing in the wet toe slopes of the ITR. Thus, it is imperative that continued monitoring of snowpack conditions remains a top priority in the Upper Fraser River Basin, allowing for a better understanding of ecosystem changes in a warming climate.
Is Hunting Still Healthy? Understanding the Interrelationships between Indigenous Participation in Land-Based Practices and Human-Environmental Health
Authors: King Ursula , Furgal Christopher
Published: May 2014

Indigenous participation in land-based practices such as hunting, fishing, ceremony, and land care has a long history. In recent years, researchers and policy makers have advocated the benefits of these practices for both Indigenous people and the places they live. However, there have also been documented risks associated with participation in these activities. Environmental change brought about by shifts in land use, climate changes, and the accumulation of contaminants in the food chain sit alongside equally rapid shifts in social, economic and cultural circumstances, preferences and practices. To date, the literature has not offered a wide-ranging review of the available cross-disciplinary or cross-ecozone evidence for these intersecting benefits and risks, for both human and environmental health and wellbeing. By utilising hunting as a case study, this paper seeks to fill part of that gap through a transdisciplinary meta-analysis of the international literature exploring the ways in which Indigenous participation in land-based practices and human-environmental health have been studied, where the current gaps are, and how these findings could be used to inform research and policy. The result is an intriguing summary of disparate research that highlights the patchwork of contradictory understandings, and uneven regional emphasis, that have been documented. A new model was subsequently developed that facilitates a more in-depth consideration of these complex issues within local-global scale considerations. These findings challenge the bounded disciplinary and geographic spaces in which much of this work has occurred to date, and opens a dialogue to consider the importance of approaching these issues holistically.
A Novel VHH Antibody Targeting the B Cell-Activating Factor for B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Wu Wen , Li Shenghua , Zhang Weijing , Sun Jian , Ren Guangda , Dong Quanchao
Published: May 2014

Objective: To construct an immune alpaca phage display library, in order to obtain a single domain anti-BAFF (B cell-activating factor) antibody. Methods: Using phage display technology, we constructed an immune alpaca phage display library, selected anti-BAFF single domain antibodies (sdAbs), cloned three anti-BAFF single-domain antibody genes into expression vector pSJF2, and expressed them efficiently in Escherichia coli. The affinity of different anti-BAFF sdAbs were measured by Bio layer interferometry. The in vitro biological function of three sdAbs was investigated by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: We obtained three anti-BAFF single domain antibodies (anti-BAFF64, anti-BAFF52 and anti-BAFFG3), which were produced in high yield in Escherichia coli and inhibited tumor cell proliferation in vitro. Conclusion: The selected anti-BAFF antibodies could be candidates for B-cell lymphoma therapies.
From Stable ZnO and GaN Clusters to Novel Double Bubbles and Frameworks
Authors: Farrow Matthew , Buckeridge John , Catlow C. , Logsdail Andrew , Scanlon David , Sokol Alexey , Woodley Scott
Published: May 2014

A bottom up approach is employed in the design of novel materials: first, gas-phase “double bubble” clusters are constructed from high symmetry, Th, 24 and 96 atom, single bubbles of ZnO and GaN. These are used to construct bulk frameworks. Upon geometry optimization—minimisation of energies and forces computed using density functional theory—the symmetry of the double bubble clusters is reduced to either C1 or C2, and the average bond lengths for the outer bubbles are 1.9 Å, whereas the average bonds for the inner bubble are larger for ZnO than for GaN; 2.0 Å and 1.9 Å, respectively. A careful analysis of the bond distributions reveals that the inter-bubble bonds are bi-modal, and that there is a greater distortion for ZnO. Similar bond distributions are found for the corresponding frameworks. The distortion of the ZnO double bubble is found to be related to the increased flexibility of the outer bubble when composed of ZnO rather than GaN, which is reflected in their bulk moduli. The energetics suggest that (ZnO)12@(GaN)48 is more stable both in gas phase and bulk frameworks than (ZnO)12@(ZnO)48 and (GaN)12@(GaN)48. Formation enthalpies are similar to those found for carbon fullerenes.