bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating Sediment and Nutrient Loads in Four Western Lake Superior Streams
Authors: Ruzycki Elaine M. , Axler Richard P. , Host George E. , Henneck Jerald R. , Will Norman R.
Published: April 2014

Total suspended solids (TSS) and total phosphorus (TP) have been shown to be strongly correlated with turbidity in watersheds. High‐frequency in situ turbidity can provide estimates of these potential pollutants over a wide range of hydrologic conditions. Concentrations and loads were estimated in four western Lake Superior trout streams from 2005 to 2010 using regression models relating continuous turbidity data to grab sample measures of TSS and TP during differing flow regimes. TSS loads estimated using the turbidity surrogate were compared with those made using FLUX software, a standard assessment technique based on discharge and grab sampling for TSS. More traditional rating curve methodology was not suitable because of the high variability in the particulates vs. discharge relationship. Stream‐specific turbidity and TSS data were strongly correlated (r2 = 0.5 to 0.8; p < 0.05) and less so for TP (r2 = 0.3 to 0.7; p < 0.05). Near‐continuous turbidity monitoring (every 15 min) provided a good method for estimating both TSS and TP concentration, providing information when manual sample collection was unlikely, and allowing for detailed analyses of short‐term responses of flashy Lake Superior tributaries to highly variable weather and hydrologic conditions while the FLUX model typically resulted in load estimates greater than those determined using the turbidity surrogate, with 17/23 stream years having greater FLUX estimates for TSS and 18/23 for TP.
Effects of Land Use and Climate Change on Stream Temperature II: Threshold Exceedance Duration Projections for Freshwater Mussels
Authors: Daraio Joseph A. , Bales Jerad D. , Pandolfo Tamara J.
Published: April 2014

We developed a stochastic hourly stream temperature model (SHSTM) to estimate probability of exceeding given threshold temperature (T) for specified durations (24 and 96 h) to assess potential impacts on freshwater mussels in the upper Tar River, North Carolina. Simulated daily mean stream T from climate change (CC) and land‐use (LU) change simulations for 2021‐2030 and 2051‐2060 were used as input to the SHSTM. Stream T observations in 2010 revealed only two sites with T above 30°C for >24 h and Ts were never >31°C for more than 24 h at any site. The SHSTM suggests that the probability, P, that T will exceed 32°C for at least 96 h in a given year increased from P = 0, in the 20th Century, to P = 0.05 in 2021‐2030 and to P = 0.14 in 2051‐2060. The SHSTM indicated that CC had greater effects on P for 24 and 96 h durations than LU change. Increased P occurred primarily in higher order stream segments in the downstream reaches of the basin. The SHSTM indicated that hourly stream T responded to LU change on the daily scale and did not affect stream T for durations >24 h. The SHSTM indicated that known thermal thresholds for freshwater mussels could be exceeded within the next 50 years in many parts of the upper Tar River basin in North Carolina, which could have negative consequences on the recruitment of freshwater mussels.
Channel Roughness in North Carolina Mountain Streams
Authors: Zink Jason M. , Jennings Gregory D.
Published: April 2014

Channel roughness, often described by Manning's n, is used to represent the amount of resistance that flow encounters, and has direct implications on velocity and discharge. Ideally, n is calculated from a long‐term record of channel discharge and hydraulic geometry. In the absence of these data, a combination of photo references and a validated qualitative method is preferable to simply choosing n arbitrarily or from a table. The purpose of this study was to use United States Geological Survey (USGS) streamflow data to calculate roughness coefficients for streams in the mountains of North Carolina. Five USGS gage stations were selected for this study, representing drainage areas between 71.5 and 337 km2. Photo references of the study sites are presented. Measured discharges were combined with hydraulic geometry at a cross‐section to calculate roughness coefficients for flows of interest. At bankfull flow, n ranged between 0.039 and 0.064 for the five study sites. Roughness coefficients were not constant for all flows in a channel, and fluctuated over a large range. At all sites, roughness was highest during low‐flow conditions, then quickly decreased as flow increased, up to the bankfull elevation.
Is Mini‐Mental Score Examination Scoring a New Predictor of Uncontrolled Hypertension?
Authors: Sayed Khaled , Taha Tamer T.I. , Saad Mohamad , Mohsen Laila A. , Ibrahiem Mohamed A. , Fadeel Nashaat A.A. , Sotouhy Amr
Published: April 2014

Essential hypertension is an important risk factor for target organ damage. The brain is among the target organs infrequently visited. The authors evaluated whether an abnormal Mini‐Mental Score Examination (MMSE) score predicts uncontrolled hypertension even if office blood pressure is normal. Seventy‐seven hypertensive patients were included. The cognitive function of each patient was assessed using MMSE and a customized brain magnetic resonance imaging study. Patients were classified into normal cognitive function group and mild, moderate, and severe cognitive impairment groups. A significance level of P=.05 was used. There was a higher percentage of uncontrolled BP in every cognitive impairment class. In patients older than 65 years, MMSE score had a sensitivity and specificity of 94% and 83%, respectively, in the prediction of uncontrolled hypertension. MMSE is a simple test to run in the clinic to predict whether patients have well‐controlled blood pressure.
Developmental association of prosocial behaviour with aggression, anxiety and depression from infancy to preadolescence
Authors: Nantel‐Vivier Amélie , Pihl Robert O. , Côté Sylvana , Tremblay Richard E.
Published: April 2014

Background

Research on associations between children's prosocial behaviour and mental health has provided mixed evidence. The present study sought to describe and predict the joint development of prosocial behaviour with externalizing and internalizing problems (physical aggression, anxiety and depression) from 2 to 11 years of age.

Method

Data were drawn from the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (NLSCY). Biennial prosocial behaviour, physical aggression, anxiety and depression maternal ratings were sought for 10,700 children aged 0 to 9 years at the first assessment point.

Results

While a negative association was observed between prosociality and physical aggression, more complex associations emerged with internalizing problems. Being a boy decreased the likelihood of membership in the high prosocial trajectory. Maternal depression increased the likelihood of moderate aggression, but also of joint high prosociality/low aggression. Low family income predicted the joint development of high prosociality with high physical aggression and high depression.

Conclusions

Individual differences exist in the association of prosocial behaviour with mental health. While high prosociality tends to co‐occur with low levels of mental health problems, high prosociality and internalizing/externalizing problems can co‐occur in subgroups of children. Child, mother and family characteristics are predictive of individual differences in prosocial behaviour and mental health development. Mechanisms underlying these associations warrant future investigations.
Drug administration via enteral feeding tubes in residential care facilities for individuals with intellectual disability: an observational study
Authors: Joos E. , Mehuys E. , Van Bocxlaer J. , Remon J. P. , Van Winckel M. , Boussery K.
Published: April 2014

Background

The administration of oral medication to patients with an enteral feeding tube (EFT) is challenging. Compliance to guidelines concerning medication administration via EFT has been investigated extensively in the hospital setting. However, studies in residential care facilities (RCFs) for individuals with intellectual disability (ID) are very limited. Therefore, the present study aimed to collect direct observational data on drug administration practices to residents with EFT in multiple RCFs.

Method

This cross‐sectional, observational study was conducted in six Belgian RCFs for individuals with ID. Observations of medication preparation and administration through EFT were carried out in two randomly selected units per participating RCF, on 2 days per unit during all daytime drug rounds, using a direct observation method. Afterwards, the recorded observations were compared with international guidelines on drug preparation and administration through EFT.

Results

In total, 862 drug preparations and 268 administrations in 48 residents with EFT were witnessed. Mixing together multiple drugs, not diluting liquid formulations with at least an equal amount of water, not shaking suspensions/emulsions before use, and not selecting the most appropriate dosage form were the most common deviations from medication preparation guideline recommendations. For medication administration, not flushing the EFT with at least 15 mL water was the most common deviation. We also observed high variability in working methods regarding medication preparation and administration via EFT, even between staff members of the same unit.

Conclusion

This study found that current guidelines concerning medication preparation and administration through EFT are often not followed in Belgian RCFs for individuals with ID. Further research aimed at understanding why current guidelines are not followed seems warranted.
Neuroactive steroid levels in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid of male multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Caruso Donatella , Melis Marta , Fenu Giuseppe , Giatti Silvia , Romano Simone , Grimoldi Maria , Crippa Donatella , Marrosu Maria Giovanna , Cavaletti Guido , Melcangi Roberto Cosimo
Published: April 2014

Neuroactive steroid family includes molecules synthesized in peripheral glands (i.e., hormonal steroids) and directly in the nervous system (i.e., neurosteroids) which are key regulators of the nervous function. As already reported in clinical and experimental studies, neurodegenerative diseases affect the levels of neuroactive steroids. However, a careful analysis comparing the levels of these molecules in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and in plasma of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients is still missing. To this aim, the levels of neuroactive steroids were evaluated by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry in CSF and plasma of male adults affected by Relapsing‐Remitting MS and compared with those collected in control patients. An increase in pregnenolone and isopregnanolone levels associated with a decrease in progesterone metabolites, dihydroprogesterone, and tetrahydroprogesterone was observed in CSF of MS patients. Moreover, an increase of 5α‐androstane‐3α,17β‐diol and of 17β‐estradiol levels associated with a decrease of dihydrotestosterone also occurred. In plasma, an increase in pregnenolone, progesterone, and dihydrotestosterone and a decrease in dihydroprogesterone and tetrahydroprogesterone levels were reported. This study shows for the first time that the levels of several neuroactive steroids, and particularly those of progesterone and testosterone metabolites, are deeply affected in CSF of relapsing‐remitting MS male patients.

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We here demonstrated that, the cerebrospinal fluid and plasma levels of several neuroactive steroids are modified in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis male patients. Interestingly, we reported for the first time that, the levels of progesterone and testosterone metabolites are deeply affected in cerebrospinal fluid. These findings may have an important relevance in therapeutic and/or diagnostic field of multiple sclerosis.
Assessing the effectiveness of 30% sodium chloride aqueous solution for the preservation of fixed anatomical specimens: a 5‐year follow‐up study
Authors: de Oliveira Fabrício Singaretti
Published: April 2014

Anatomical specimens used in human or veterinary anatomy laboratories are usually prepared with formaldehyde (a cancerous and teratogenic substance), glycerin (an expensive and viscous fluid), or ethanol (which is flammable). This research aimed to verify the viability of an aqueous 30% sodium chloride solution for preservation of anatomical specimens previously fixed with formaldehyde. Anatomical specimens of ruminant, carnivorous, equine, swine and birds were used. All were previously fixed with an aqueous 20% formaldehyde solution and held for 7 days in a 10% aqueous solution of the same active ingredient. During the first phase of the experiment, small specimens of animal tissue previously fixed in formaldehyde were distributed in vials with different concentrations of formaldehyde, with or without 30% sodium chloride solution, a group containing only 30% sodium chloride, and a control group containing only water. During this phase, no contamination was observed in any specimen containing 30% sodium chloride solution, whether alone or in combination with different concentrations of formaldehyde. In the second phase of the experiment, the 30% sodium chloride solution, found to be optimal in the first phase of the experiment, was tested for its long‐term preservation properties. For a period of 5 years, the preserved specimens were evaluated three times a week for visual contamination, odors, and changes in color and texture. There was no visual contamination or decay found in any specimen. Furthermore, no strange odors, or changes in color or softness were noted. The 30% sodium chloride solution was determined to be effective in the preservation of anatomic specimens previously fixed in formaldehyde.
Statin use reduces the risk of dementia in elderly patients: a nationwide data survey and propensity analysis
Authors: Wu C.‐K. , Yang Y.‐H. , Lin T.‐T. , Tsai C.‐T. , Hwang J.‐J. , Lin J.‐L. , Chen P.‐C. , Chiang F.‐T. , Lin L.‐Y.
Published: April 2014

Objectives

The objective of this study was to examine the association between the use of statins and the risk of newly diagnosed dementia in an elderly population.

Design, setting and participants

Random samples of 1000 000 individuals covered by the National Health Insurance in Taiwan were included in the analysis. All participants were 65 years or older without dementia and either did or did not start treatment with statins from 1 August 1997 to 31 December 2010. Patients with established dementia before the start of treatment were excluded. Baseline characteristics were matched (by propensity score) in those who did and did not receive statins.

Results

A total of 57 669 subjects were included in the analysis with approximately 12 years of follow‐up. Propensity score matching identified 2003 patients who received statins and another 2003 patients who did not with comparable baseline characteristics. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for dementia were significantly inversely associated with total or daily equivalent statin dosage (total accumulated dose: HRs 0.829, 0.720 and 0.385 from T1 to T3 vs. control, P < 0.001 for trend; mean daily dose: HRs 0.667, 0.798 and 0.503 from T1 to T3 vs. control, P < 0.001). The results remained robust after propensity adjustment.

Conclusion

Independent of traditional risk factors, there was a decrease in newly diagnosed cases of dementia in elderly patients who had received a high total or daily dose of statins. The more potent statins (e.g. atorvastatin and rosuvastatin) seemed to be particularly effective in the prevention of dementia.
Prognostic value of vascular endothelial growth factors A and C in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yanase Mizuki , Kato Koroku , Yoshizawa Kunio , Noguchi Natsuyo , Kitahara Hiroko , Nakamura Hiroyuki
Published: April 2014

Background

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family members play a major role in angiogenesis and vascularization. VEGF‐A promotes tumor angiogenesis by stimulating the growth of tumor vascular endothelial cells. In addition, VEGF‐C has been identified as a potent inducer of lymphangiogenesis in tumor and lymph node metastasis. Previous studies have investigated the association between clinicopathological factors and the expression of VEGF‐A and VEGF‐C in oral squamous cell carcinoma cancer (OSCC), but the results are contradictory. In this study, we investigated the relationship between VEGF‐A and VEGF‐C expression and OSCC clinicopathological factors and prognosis.

Methods

Expression of VEGF‐A and VEGF‐C was evaluated in surgical specimens from 61 patients with OSCC and three human oral cancer cell lines (OSC‐19, OSC‐20 and HOC313) by immunohistochemical staining and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. We also determined the relationship between the 5‐year survival rate and clinicopathological factors, such as TNM classification (Union for International Cancer Control, UICC), lymph node metastasis, recurrence, histological differentiation, location, and mode of invasion.

Results

VEGF‐A expression correlated significantly with lymph node metastasis. VEGF‐C expression was associated with lymph node metastasis, recurrence, and a poorer 5‐year survival rate. A multivariate analysis demonstrated that VEGF‐C is an independent prognostic factor for patients with OSCC. VEGF‐C expression was significantly up‐regulated in HOC313 cells compared to OSC‐19 and OSC‐20 cells.

Conclusions

These results indicate that VEGF‐C may be a predictive factor for OSCC outcome, lymph node metastasis, and recurrence. Moreover, VEGF‐C may be an important factor in the development of new therapies for OSCC patients.
No evidence for Helicobacter pylori in oral lichen planus
Authors: Hulimavu Shwetha R. , Mohanty Leeky , V. Tondikulam Narayan , Shenoy Sadhana , Jamadar Saleha , Bhadranna Abhishek
Published: April 2014

Objectives

Oral lichen planus is a T‐cell‐mediated mucosal disease of unknown etiology. Numerous predisposing factors have been put forward in the etiology of this disease. This includes stress, drugs, genetic susceptibility, certain viruses, and bacterial infections. Recently, there have been studies published on possible role of Helicobacter pylori infection in pathogenesis of mucocutaneous diseases including oral lichen planus (OLP). The aim of this study was to detect immunohistochemically the presence of Helicobacter pylori in oral lichen planus.

Materials and methods

Paraffin‐embedded tissue blocks of 50 cases of OLP and 10 cases of normal buccal mucosal biopsies and 6 endoscopic biopsies of patients with peptic ulcer (control group) were sectioned and stained by hematoxylin and eosin. Serial sections of same were stained immunohistochemically using Anti‐Helicobacter pylori antibody and observed under microscope for presence or absence of Helicobacter pylori.

Results

Except for the control group, none of the cases of OLP and normal buccal mucosal biopsies showed positivity for Helicobacter pylori.

Conclusion

As we did not detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori in any of the OLP cases, we question the role of these organisms in the pathogenesis of OLP planus if any.
Additional benefit of combined therapy with melatonin and apoptotic adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cell against sepsis‐induced kidney injury
Authors: Chen Hong‐Hwa , Lin Kun‐Chen , Wallace Christopher G. , Chen Yen‐Ta , Yang Chih‐Chao , Leu Steve , Chen Yi‐Ching , Sun Cheuk‐Kwan , Tsai Tzu‐Hsien , Chen Yung‐Lung , Chung Sheng‐Ying , Chang Chia‐Lo , Yip Hon‐Kan
Published: April 2014

This study tested whether combined therapy with melatonin and apoptotic adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (A‐ADMSCs) offered additional benefit in ameliorating sepsis‐induced acute kidney injury. Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 65) were randomized equally into five groups: Sham controls (SC), sepsis induced by cecal‐ligation and puncture (CLP), CLP‐melatonin, CLP‐A‐ADMSC, and CLP‐melatonin‐A‐ADMSC. Circulating TNF‐α level at post‐CLP 6 hr was highest in CLP and lowest in SC groups, higher in CLP‐melatonin than in CLP‐A‐ADMSC and CLP‐melatonin‐A‐ADMSC groups (all P < 0.001). Immune reactivity as reflected in the number of splenic helper‐, cytoxic‐, and regulatory‐T cells at post‐CLP 72 hr exhibited the same pattern as that of circulating TNF‐α among all groups (P < 0.001). The histological scoring of kidney injury and the number of F4/80+ and CD14+ cells in kidney were highest in CLP and lowest in SC groups, higher in CLP‐melatonin than in CLP‐A‐ADMSC and CLP‐melatonin‐A‐ADMSC groups, and higher in CLP‐A‐ADMSC than in CLP‐melatonin‐A‐ADMSC groups (all P < 0.001). Changes in protein expressions of inflammatory (RANTES, TNF‐1α, NF‐κB, MMP‐9, MIP‐1, IL‐1β), apoptotic (cleaved caspase 3 and PARP, mitochondrial Bax), fibrotic (Smad3, TGF‐β) markers, reactive‐oxygen‐species (NOX‐1, NOX‐2), and oxidative stress displayed a pattern identical to that of kidney injury score among the five groups (all P < 0.001). Expressions of antioxidants (GR+, GPx+, HO‐1, NQO‐1+) were lowest in SC group and highest in CLP‐melatonin‐A‐ADMSC group, lower in CLP than in CLP‐melatonin and CLP‐A‐ADMSC groups, and lower in CLP‐melatonin‐ than in CLP‐A‐ADMSC‐tretaed animals (all P < 0.001). In conclusion, combined treatment with melatonin and A‐ADMSC was superior to A‐ADMSC alone in protecting the kidneys from sepsis‐induced injury.
Distinct male reproductive strategies in two closely related oak species
Authors: Lagache Lélia , Klein Etienne K. , Ducousso Alexis , Petit Rémy J.
Published: April 2014

Reproductive strategies of closely related species distributed along successional gradients should differ as a consequence of the trade‐off between competition and colonization abilities. We compared male reproductive strategies of Quercus robur and Q. petraea, two partly interfertile European oak species with different successional status. In the studied even‐aged stand, trees of the late‐successional species (Q. petraea) grew faster and suffered less from intertree competition than trees of the early‐successional species (Q. robur). A large‐scale paternity study and a spatially explicit individual‐based mating model were used to estimate parameters of pollen production and dispersal as well as sexual barriers between species. Male fecundity was found to be dependent both on a tree's circumference and on its environment, particularly so for Q. petraea. Pollen dispersal was greater and more isotropic in Q. robur than in Q. petraea. Premating barriers to hybridization were strong in both species, but more so in Q. petraea than in Q. robur. Hence, predictions based on the competition–colonization trade‐off are well supported, whereas the sexual barriers themselves seem to be shaped by colonization dynamics.
Molecular footprints of the Holocene retreat of dwarf birch in Britain
Authors: Wang Nian , Borrell James S. , Bodles William J. A. , Kuttapitiya Anasuya , Nichols Richard A. , Buggs Richard J. A.
Published: April 2014

Past reproductive interactions among incompletely isolated species may leave behind a trail of introgressed alleles, shedding light on historical range movements. Betula pubescens is a widespread native tetraploid tree species in Britain, occupying habitats intermediate to those of its native diploid relatives, B. pendula and B. nana. Genotyping 1134 trees from the three species at 12 microsatellite loci, we found evidence of introgression from both diploid species into B. pubescens, despite the ploidy difference. Surprisingly, introgression from B. nana, a dwarf species whose present range is highly restricted in northern, high‐altitude peat bogs, was greater than introgression from B. pendula, which is morphologically similar to B. pubescens and has a substantially overlapping range. A cline of introgression from B. nana was found extending into B. pubescens populations far to the south of the current B. nana range. We suggest that this genetic pattern is a footprint of a historical decline and/or northwards shift in the range of B. nana populations due to climate warming in the Holocene. This is consistent with pollen records that show a broader, more southerly distribution of B. nana in the past. Ecological niche modelling predicts that B. nana is adapted to a larger range than it currently occupies, suggesting additional factors such as grazing and hybridization may have exacerbated its decline. We found very little introgression between B. nana and B. pendula, despite both being diploid, perhaps because their distributions in the past have rarely overlapped. Future conservation of B. nana may partly depend on minimization of hybridization with B. pubescens, and avoidance of planting B. pendula near B. nana populations.
Review: Hippocampal sclerosis in epilepsy: a neuropathology review
Authors: Thom Maria
Published: April 2014

Hippocampal sclerosis (HS) is a common pathology encountered in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) as well as other epilepsy syndromes and in both surgical andpost‐mortempractice. The 2013InternationalLeagueAgainstEpilepsy (ILAE) classification segregatesHSinto typical (type 1) and atypical (type 2 and 3) groups, based on the histological patterns of subfield neuronal loss and gliosis. In addition, granule cell reorganization and alterations of interneuronal populations, neuropeptide fibre networks and mossy fibre sprouting are distinctive features ofHSassociated with epilepsies; they can be useful diagnostic aids to discriminate from other causes ofHS, as well as highlighting potential mechanisms of hippocampal epileptogenesis. The cause ofHSremains elusive and may be multifactorial; the contribution of febrile seizures, genetic susceptibility, inflammatory and neurodevelopmental factors are discussed.Post‐mortembased research inHS, as an addition to studies on surgical samples, has the added advantage of enabling the study of the wider network changes associated withHS, the long‐term effects of epilepsy on the pathology and associated comorbidities. It is likely thatHSis heterogeneous in aspects of its cause, epileptogenetic mechanisms, network alterations and response to medical and surgical treatments. Future neuropathological studies will contribute to better recognition and understanding of these clinical and patho‐aetiological subtypes ofHS.
Individual Perceptions of Task Conflict and Relationship Conflict
Authors: Solansky Stephanie T. , Singh Barjinder , Huang Shengsheng
Published: April 2014

We rely on the existing conflict literature and self‐verification theory to examine perceived task and relationship conflict. We set out to contribute to the discussion of whether relationship conflict is dysfunctional and task conflict is functional in terms of the individual evaluations of group efficacy and group mind. Our sample is a field setting of 127 individuals within a Fortune 500 company. Individual perceptions of group efficacy and group mind scores were significantly higher when neither type of conflict was perceived to occur often as compared with when both types of conflict were perceived to occur often. After decoupling types of conflict, we found when only task conflict occurred often, the perceived efficacy and mind scores were significantly higher than when both types of conflict occurred often. This is a contradictory finding based on the existing literature that suggests task conflict negatively impacts emergent states.
Vitamin D effects on B cell function in autoimmunity
Authors: Rolf Linda , Muris Anne‐Hilde , Hupperts Raymond , Damoiseaux Jan
Published: April 2014

Vitamin D seems to be implicated in the pathophysiology of autoimmune disorders as a natural immune modulator. Beneficial effects of vitamin D have been associated with different cells of the immune system; however, thus far, B cells seem to be somewhat neglected. In this paper, we describe the possible direct effects of vitamin D on B cells, with a focus on antibody production and the more recently identified regulatory B (Breg) cells. B cells upregulate the vitamin D receptor (VDR) upon activation. Furthermore, due to regulated expression of the metabolizing enzymes CYP27B1 and CYP24A1, B cells have the potential to control the local availability of active vitamin D. B cells, therefore, may participate in vitamin D–mediated immune homeostasis, including plasma cell generation. Whether or not other B cell subsets, such as Breg cells, are equally responsive to vitamin D remains to be established.
Reversible Effects of Photodamage Directed Toward Mitochondria
Authors: Kessel David
Published: April 2014

When the initial effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves mitochondrial photodamage, an early effect is loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Using murine hepatoma 1c1c7 cells and a photosensitizing agent known to target mitochondria, we examined loss of ΔΨm, initiation of apoptosis and loss of viability as a function of time and light dose. There was a correlation between loss of viability and the rapid disappearance of ΔΨm, as detected by the potential‐sensitive probe Mitotracker Orange (MTO). Loss of ΔΨm was, however, reversible even with a substantial loss of viability. Unless there was a supralethal level of photodamage, 1c1c7 cells recovered their mitochondrial membrane potential, even if the cell population was on the pathway to apoptosis and cell death. These results indicate that when mitochondria are the initial PDT target, a qualitative estimate of photokilling can be provided by assessing the initial loss of ΔΨm.
The Impact of Public Officials’ Corruption on the Size and Allocation of U.S. State Spending
Authors: Liu Cheol , Mikesell John L.
Published: April 2014

This article demonstrates the impact of public officials’ corruption on the size and allocation of U.S. state spending. Extending two theories of “excessive” government expansion, the authors argue that public officials’ corruption should cause state spending to be artificially elevated. Corruption increased state spending over the period 1997–2008. During that time, the 10 most corrupt states could have reduced their total annual expenditure by an average of $1,308 per capita—5.2 percent of the mean per capita state expenditure—if corruption had been at the average level of the states. Moreover, at the expense of social sectors, corruption is likely to distort states’ public resource allocations in favor of higher‐potential “bribe‐generating” spending and items directly beneficial to public officials, such as capital, construction, highways, borrowing, and total salaries and wages. The authors use an objective, concrete, and consistent measurement of corruption, the number of convictions.
Does Ethical Leadership Matter in Government? Effects on Organizational Commitment, Absenteeism, and Willingness to Report Ethical Problems
Authors: Hassan Shahidul , Wright Bradley E. , Yukl Gary
Published: April 2014

Recent ethical scandals involving managers in government organizations have highlighted the need for more research on ethical leadership in public sector organizations. To assess the consequences of ethical leadership, 161 managers in a large state government agency and 415 of their direct reports were surveyed, and personnel records were obtained to measure absenteeism. Results indicate that after controlling for the effects of employee characteristics, perceptions of procedural fairness, and supportive leader behavior, ethical leadership reduced absenteeism and had a positive influence on organizational commitment and willingness to report ethical problems. Implications of the findings and suggestions for future research are presented.
Waterproofing Topsoil Stockpiles Minimizes Viability Decline in the Soil Seed Bank in an Arid Environment
Authors: Golos Peter J. , Dixon Kingsley W.
Published: April 2014

Topsoil is a valuable resource for revegetation of mine sites as it contains seeds of plant species indigenous to the local environment. As mine site restoration is undertaken after the completion of mining, it is a common practice to stockpile topsoil in preparation for restoration activities. While many studies have found a decrease in seedling emergence with increasing stockpile age in temperate regions around the world, a few examine the effect of stockpile age on topsoil seed bank and seedling recruitment in arid environments. Seed longevity is promoted under dry conditions whereas viability loss is increased under warm and moist conditions. Here in a study in Australia's Great Sandy Desert, the effect of topsoil storage age and method of storing topsoil (under‐cover and exposed) on seedling recruitment was examined for a major gold mining site. There was a trend for lower seedling emergence (68% lower) and species richness (30% lower) from topsoil stored for 2 years than from topsoil direct returned and topsoil stored for 1 year. Seedling emergence from topsoil stockpiled for 2 years was more than 3.5‐fold higher from covered topsoil stockpiles than uncovered topsoil stockpiles. For two ecologically dominant species, after 2 years of storage, seedling emergence of the grass Triodia basedowii was 13% of direct returned topsoil and seedling emergence of the shrub Acacia stellaticeps was 68% of direct returned topsoil. The implication of the decline in seedling emergence from topsoil stockpiling on mine site revegetation in a biodiverse arid region is discussed.
Canopy Size Dependent Facilitations from the Native Shrub Rhodomyrtus tomentosa to the Early Establishment of Native Trees Castanopsis fissa and Syzygium hancei in Tropical China
Authors: Liu Nan , Zhu Weixing , Sun Zhongyu , Yang Long , Yuan Sufen , Ren Hai
Published: April 2014

The quantitative role of the canopy size of nurse shrubs on microenvironment and native tree establishment in degraded tropical lands has been seldom studied. In a 21‐month field experiment, we aimed to test the effect of a native shrub with different canopy sizes on the early establishment of native trees as part of the effort of forest restoration in tropical China. We examined the microenvironment, and the seedling establishment and growth of two native trees: Castanopsis fissa and Syzygium hancei in both open space (OS) microsite and microsite under the canopy of the native pioneer shrub Rhodomyrtus tomentosa. Shrub microsite was further divided into large canopy (LC), and medium canopy (MC) microsite, based on the shrub leaf area indices. Results showed that relative to OS, LC had higher soil nutrient concentration and water content, and lower photosynthetic active radiation (PAR), while MC had lower PAR and higher soil exchangeable Mg, K, and Ca. Survival and growth were mostly enhanced, while water stress and photoinhibition reduced for C. fissa seedlings in MC and S. hancei seedlings in LC. It is found that the beneficial effects of the native shrub on seedling establishment and growth result mostly from the improvement in nutrient and water availabilities, the reduction in plant stress caused by harsh summer light, and the specific ecological requirements of different tree species. We suggest that different canopy sizes of native shrub R. tomentosa may be explored to target different native trees and hence promote forest restoration in degraded tropical ecosystems.
Variation in allelic expression associated with a recombination hotspot in Zea mays
Authors: Hawkins Jennifer S. , Delgado Vivian , Feng Liang , Carlise Michael , Dooner Hugo K. , Bennetzen Jeffrey L.
Published: April 2014

Gene expression is a complex process, requiring precise spatial and temporal regulation of transcription factor activity; however, modifications of individual cis‐ and trans‐acting modules can be molded by natural selection to create a sizeable number of novel phenotypes. Results from decades of research indicate that developmental and phenotypic divergence among eukaryotic organisms is driven primarily by variation in levels of gene expression that are dictated by mutations, either in structural or regulatory regions, of genes. The relative contributions and interplay of cis‐ and trans‐acting regulatory factors to this evolutionary process, however, remain poorly understood. Analysis of eight genes in the Bz1–Sh1 interval of Zea mays (maize) indicates significant allele‐specific expression biases in at least one tissue for all genes, ranging from 1.3‐fold to 36‐fold. All detected effects were cis‐regulatory in nature, although genetic background may also influence the level of expression bias and tissue specificity for some allelic combinations. Most allelic pairs exhibited the same direction and approximate intensity of bias across all four tissues; however, a subset of allelic pairs show alternating dominance across different tissue types or variation in the degree of bias in different tissues. In addition, the genes showing the most striking levels of allelic bias co‐localize with a previously described recombination hotspot in this region, suggesting a naturally occurring genetic mechanism for creating regulatory variability for a subset of plant genes that may ultimately lead to evolutionary diversification.
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF COLLATERAL VENOUS PATHWAYS IN DOGS WITH CAUDAL VENA CAVA OBSTRUCTION
Authors: Specchi Swan , d’Anjou Marc‐André , Carmel Eric Norman , Bertolini Giovanna
Published: April 2014

Collateral venous pathways develop in dogs with obstruction or increased blood flow resistance at any level of the caudal vena cava in order to maintain venous drainage to the right atrium. The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe the sites, causes of obstruction, and configurations of venous collateral pathways for a group of dogs with caudal vena cava obstruction. Computed tomography databases from two veterinary hospitals were searched for dogs with a diagnosis of caudal vena cava obstruction and multidetector row computed tomographic angiographic (CTA) scans that included the entire caudal vena cava. Images for each included dog were retrieved and collateral venous pathways were characterized using image postprocessing and a classification system previously reported for humans. A total of nine dogs met inclusion criteria and four major collateral venous pathways were identified: deep (n= 2), portal (n= 2), intermediate (n= 7), and superficial (n= 5). More than one collateral venous pathway was present in 5 dogs. An alternative pathway consisting of renal subcapsular collateral veins, arising mainly from the caudal pole of both kidneys, was found in three dogs. In conclusion, findings indicated that collateral venous pathway patterns similar to those described in humans are also present in dogs with caudal vena cava obstruction. These collateral pathways need to be distinguished from other vascular anomalies in dogs. Postprocessing of multidetector‐row CTA images allowed delineation of the course of these complicated venous pathways and may be a helpful adjunct for treatment planning in future cases.
Site‐related set‐back by weeds on the establishment of 12 biomass willow clones
Authors: Albertsson J , Hansson D , Bertholdsson N‐O , Åhman I
Published: April 2014

Ten commercial clones of willow and two breeding clones were studied for their ability to compete with weeds during the establishment year at three different sites in southern Sweden. Cuttings were planted according to commercial practice in April, and the two treatments, ‘Weeded’ and ‘Unweeded’, were laid out in a strip‐plot design. Weeds in the ‘Weeded’ treatment were removed mechanically and by hand hoeing. Willow plant shoot weight and plant mortality were measured after the first growing season to evaluate the initial effect of weeds. In addition, weed flora, weed aboveground biomass, soil properties, shoot damage and soil moisture were assessed during the growing season. Plant mortality was <1% in the ‘Weeded’ treatment at the three study sites, while in ‘Unweeded’ it was significantly higher, 2.7%, 24.6% and 37.4%. Weeds reduced willow plant shoot weight by 93.4%, 94.0% and 96.1% at the three sites. Only one site showed clonal differences in shoot growth reduction, as well as in plant mortality. These results show the importance of weed control in willow plantations, as growth of all clones tested were dramatically hampered by weeds during the first growing season, regardless of trial site conditions. Moreover, conditions at certain sites, such as soil properties in combination with weed cover, may cause high plant mortality during the establishment year in this perennial biomass crop.
Strong orthogonality between the Möbius function, additive characters and Fourier coefficients of cusp forms
Authors: Fouvry Étienne , Ganguly Satadal
Published: April 2014

Let$\nu _{f}(n)$be the$n\mathrm{th}$normalized Fourier coefficient of a Hecke–Maass cusp form$f$for${\rm SL }(2,\mathbb{Z})$and let$\alpha $be a real number. We prove strong oscillations of the argument of$\nu _{f}(n)\mu (n) \exp (2\pi i n \alpha )$as$n$takes consecutive integral values.
Calculating conjugacy classes in Sylow -subgroups of finite Chevalley groups of rank six and seven
Authors: Goodwin Simon M. , Mosch Peter , Röhrle Gerhard
Published: April 2014

Let$G(q)$be a finite Chevalley group, where$q$is a power of a good prime$p$, and let$U(q)$be a Sylow$p$-subgroup of$G(q)$. Then a generalized version of a conjecture of Higman asserts that the number$k(U(q))$of conjugacy classes in$U(q)$is given by a polynomial in$q$with integer coefficients. In [S. M. Goodwin and G. Röhrle,J. Algebra321 (2009) 3321–3334], the first and the third authors of the present paper developed an algorithm to calculate the values of$k(U(q))$. By implementing it into a computer program using$\mathsf{GAP}$, they were able to calculate$k(U(q))$for$G$of rank at most five, thereby proving that for these cases$k(U(q))$is given by a polynomial in$q$. In this paper we present some refinements and improvements of the algorithm that allow us to calculate the values of$k(U(q))$for finite Chevalley groups of rank six and seven, except$E_7$. We observe that$k(U(q))$is a polynomial, so that the generalized Higman conjecture holds for these groups. Moreover, if we write$k(U(q))$as a polynomial in$q-1$, then the coefficients are non-negative.

Under the assumption that$k(U(q))$is a polynomial in$q-1$, we also give an explicit formula for the coefficients of$k(U(q))$of degrees zero, one and two.
Cyclic Breathing Simulations in Large-Scale Models of the Lung Airway From the Oronasal Opening to the Terminal Bronchioles
Authors: Keith Walters D. , Burgreen Greg W. , Hester Robert L. , Thompson David S. , Lavallee David M. , Pruett William A. , Wang Xiao
Published: April 2014

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed using large-scale models of the human lung airway and unsteady periodic breathing conditions. The computational domain included fully coupled representations of the orotracheal region and large conducting zone up to generation four (G4) obtained from patient-specific CT data, and the small conducting zone (to the 16th generation) obtained from a stochastically generated airway tree with statistically realistic morphological characteristics. A reduced-geometry airway model was used, in which several airway branches in each generation were truncated, and only select flow paths were retained to the 16th generation. The inlet and outlet flow boundaries corresponded to the oral opening, the physical inlet/outlet boundaries at the terminal bronchioles, and the unresolved airway boundaries created from the truncation procedure. The total flow rate was specified according to the expected ventilation pattern for a healthy adult male, which was supplied by the whole-body modeling software HumMod. The unsteady mass flow distribution at the distal boundaries was prescribed based on a preliminary steady-state simulation with an applied flow rate equal to the average flow rate during the inhalation phase of the breathing cycle. In contrast to existing studies, this approach allows fully coupled simulation of the entire conducting zone, with no need to specify distal mass flow or pressure boundary conditions a priori, and without the use of impedance or one-dimensional (1D) flow models downstream of the truncated boundaries. The results show that: (1) physiologically realistic flow is obtained in the model, in terms of cyclic mass conservation and approximately uniform pressure distribution in the distal airways; (2) the predicted alveolar pressure is in good agreement with correlated experimental data; and (3) the use of reduced-order geometry modeling allows accurate and efficient simulation of large-scale breathing lung flow, provided care is taken to use a physiologically realistic geometry and to properly address the unsteady boundary conditions.
Modeling of an Indirect Solar Assisted Heat Pump System for a High Performance Residential House
Authors: Chu Jenny , Choi Wilkie , Cruickshank Cynthia A. , Harrison Stephen J.
Published: April 2014

The combination of solar thermal and heat pump systems as a single solar assisted heat pump (SAHP) system can significantly reduce residential energy consumption in Canada. As a part of Team Ontario's efforts to develop a high performance house for the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon 2013 Competition, an integrated mechanical system (IMS) consisting of a SAHP was investigated. The system was designed to provide domestic hot water (DHW), space-heating, space-cooling, and dehumidification. The system included a cold and a hot thermal storage tanks and a heat pump to move energy from the low temperature reservoir to the hot reservoir. Solar thermal collectors supplied heat to the cold storage and operated at a higher efficiency due to the heat pump reducing the temperature of the collector working fluid. The combination of the heat pump and solar thermal collectors allows more heat to be harvested at a lower temperature, and then boosted to a suitable temperature for domestic use via the heat pump. The IMS and the building's energy loads were modeled using the TRNSYS simulation software. A parametric study was conducted to optimize the control, sizing, and configuration of the system. The simulation results suggested that the investigated system can achieve a free energy ratio (FER) of about 0.583 for the high performance house designed for the Ottawa climate.
Elastic Wave Band Structures and Defect States in a Periodically Corrugated Piezoelectric Plate
Authors: Huang Y. , Zhang C. L. , Chen W. Q.
Published: April 2014

The band structures of shear horizontal (SH) waves in a periodically corrugated piezoelectric plate (PCPP) are studied by using the supercell plane wave expansion (SC-PWE) method. The effect of plate symmetry on the defect state caused by a defect in the plate is investigated in detail. The PCPPs with different types of symmetry give rise to different kinds of band gaps and the associated defect states. The increase of defect size lowers the frequency of defect bands, and it can be used to tune the narrow-passband frequencies in acoustic band gaps. Symmetry breaking is also introduced by reducing the lower corrugation depth of the PCPP. Results show that symmetry breaking leads to both the appearance and disappearance of new kinds of gaps and the corresponding defect bands in these gaps.