bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Breaking Up Sedentary Behavior
Authors: Paxton Raheem J. , Anderson Alexandra , Sarkar Sonali , Taylor Wendell C.
Published: December 2015

Background:

Limited data exist on the benefits of, barriers to, and potential strategies to break up time spent sitting in cancer survivors. Such data will be meaningful given the consequences of prolonged sitting.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to conduct a mixed-method research study consisting of semistructured telephone interviews to identify recurrent themes associated with prolonged sitting in cancer survivors.

Methods:

African American breast cancer survivors (N = 31) were recruited from a local tumor registry. Telephone interviews were conducted and group consensus processes were used to identify recurrent themes. The a priori categories were benefits, barriers, and potential strategies to breaking up prolonged periods of sitting.

Results:

Recurrent themes contributing most to prolonged sitting were leisure time interest (45%: eg, watching television and reading) and health challenges (27%: eg, pain and fatigue). Most (66%) women perceived improved health as benefits to breaking up time spent sitting. Nonetheless, many (41%) survivors reported health (eg, pain and fatigue) as the biggest challenge to interrupt time spent sitting. Engaging in light intensity activities (eg, staying active, keep moving) was the most commonly reported strategy for breaking up prolonged sitting.

Conclusions:

African American breast cancer survivors identified the benefits and barriers to breaking up time spent sitting as well as potential strategies to interrupt time-spent sitting.

Implications for Practice:

Clinicians are integral in promoting breaks from prolonged sitting throughout the initial phases of the cancer continuum. Successful studies will begin with early intervention in the clinical setting, with increasing intensity as survivors transition to the recovery phase.
A computational assessment of the permeability and salt rejection of carbon nanotube membranes and their application to water desalination
Authors: Thomas Michael , Corry Ben
Published: December 2015

Membranes made from nanomaterials such as nanotubes and graphene have been suggested to have a range of applications in water filtration and desalination, but determining their suitability for these purposes requires an accurate assessment of the properties of these novel materials. In this study, we use molecular dynamics simulations to determine the permeability and salt rejection capabilities for membranes incorporating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) at a range of pore sizes, pressures and concentrations. We include the influence of osmotic gradients and concentration build up and simulate at realistic pressures to improve the reliability of estimated membrane transport properties. We find that salt rejection is highly dependent on the applied hydrostatic pressure, meaning high rejection can be achieved with wider tubes than previously thought; while membrane permeability depends on salt concentration. The ideal size of the CNTs for desalination applications yielding high permeability and high salt rejection is found to be around 1.1 nm diameter. While there are limited energy gains to be achieved in using ultra-permeable CNT membranes in desalination by reverse osmosis, such membranes may allow for smaller plants to be built as is required when size or weight must be minimized. There are diminishing returns in further increasing membrane permeability, so efforts should focus on the fabrication of membranes containing narrow or functionalized CNTs that yield the desired rejection or selection properties rather than trying to optimize pore densities.
Electric fields can control the transport of water in carbon nanotubes
Authors: Ritos Konstantinos , Borg Matthew K. , Mottram Nigel J. , Reese Jason M.
Published: December 2015

The properties of water confined inside nanotubes are of considerable scientific and technological interest. We use molecular dynamics to investigate the structure and average orientation of water flowing within a carbon nanotube. We find that water exhibits biaxial paranematic liquid crystal ordering both within the nanotube and close to its ends. This preferred molecular ordering is enhanced when an axial electric field is applied, affecting the water flow rate through the nanotube. A spatially patterned electric field can minimize nanotube entrance effects and significantly increase the flow rate.
A hierarchical Bayesian framework for force field selection in molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Wu S. , Angelikopoulos P. , Papadimitriou C. , Moser R. , Koumoutsakos P.
Published: December 2015

We present a hierarchical Bayesian framework for the selection of force fields in molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The framework associates the variability of the optimal parameters of the MD potentials under different environmental conditions with the corresponding variability in experimental data. The high computational cost associated with the hierarchical Bayesian framework is reduced by orders of magnitude through a parallelized Transitional Markov Chain Monte Carlo method combined with the Laplace Asymptotic Approximation. The suitability of the hierarchical approach is demonstrated by performing MD simulations with prescribed parameters to obtain data for transport coefficients under different conditions, which are then used to infer and evaluate the parameters of the MD model. We demonstrate the selection of MD models based on experimental data and verify that the hierarchical model can accurately quantify the uncertainty across experiments; improve the posterior probability density function estimation of the parameters, thus, improve predictions on future experiments; identify the most plausible force field to describe the underlying structure of a given dataset. The framework and associated software are applicable to a wide range of nanoscale simulations associated with experimental data with a hierarchical structure.
Electro-osmotic flow enhancement in carbon nanotube membranes
Authors: Mattia Davide , Leese Hannah , Calabrò Francesco
Published: December 2015

In this work, experimental evidence of the presence of electro-osmotic flow (EOF) in carbon nanotube membranes with diameters close to or in the region of electrical double layer overlap is presented for two different electrolytes for the first time. No EOF in this region should be present according to the simplified theoretical framework commonly used for EOF in micrometre-sized channels. The simplifying assumptions concern primarily the electrolyte charge density structure, based on the Poisson–Boltzmann (P-B) equation. Here, a numerical analysis of the solutions for the simplified case and for the nonlinear and the linearized P-B equations is compared with experimental data. Results show that the simplified solution produces a significant deviation from experimental data, whereas the linearized solution of the P-B equation can be adopted with little error compared with the full P-B case. This work opens the way to using electro-osmotic pumping in a wide range of applications, from membrane-based ultrafiltration and nanofiltration (as a more efficient alternative to mechanical pumping at the nanoscale) to further miniaturization of lab-on-a-chip devices at the nanoscale for
in vivo
implantation.
Incorporating animal spatial memory in step selection functions
Authors: Oliveira‐Santos Luiz Gustavo R. , Forester James D. , Piovezan Ubiratan , Tomas Walfrido M. , Fernandez Fernando A. S.
Published: December 2015

Memory is among the most important and neglected forces that shapes animal movement patterns. Research on the movement–memory interface is crucial to understand how animals use spatial learning to navigate across space because memory‐based navigation is directly linked to animals' space use and home range behaviour; however, because memory cannot be measured directly, it is difficult to account for.

Here, we incorporated spatial memory into step selection functions (SSF) to understand how resource selection and spatial memory affect space use of feral hogs (Sus scrofa). We used Biased Random Bridge kernel estimates linked to residence time as a surrogate for memory and tested four conceptually different dynamic maps of spatial memory. We applied this memory‐based SSF to a data set of hog relocations to evaluate the importance of land cover type, time of day and spatial memory on the animals' space use.

Our approach has shown how the incorporation of spatial memory into animal movement models can improve estimates of habitat selection. Memory‐based SSF provided a feasible way to gain insight into how animals use spatial learning to guide their movement decisions.

We found that while hogs selected forested areas and water bodies and avoided grasslands during the day (primarily at noon), they had a strong tendency to select previously visited areas, mainly those held in recent memory. Beyond actively updating their memory with recent experiences, hogs were able to discriminate among spatial memories encoded at different circadian phases of their activity. Even though hogs are thought to have long memory retention, they likely relied on recent experiences because the local food resources are quickly depleted and slowly renewed, yielding an uncertain spatial distribution of resources.
Optimizing disturbance management for wildlife protection: the enforcement allocation problem
Authors: Dhanjal‐Adams Kiran L. , Mustin Karen , Possingham Hugh P. , Fuller Richard A.
Published: December 2015

To ensure public compliance with regulations designed to protect wildlife, many protected areas need to be patrolled. However, there have been few attempts to determine how to deploy enforcement effort to get the best return on investment. This is particularly complex where repeated enforcement visits may result in diminishing returns on investment. Straightforward quantitative methods to solve such problems are not available to conservation practitioners.

We use structured decision‐making to find the most cost‐effective allocation of patrol effort among sites with a limited budget. We use the case study of declining migratory shorebirds in Moreton Bay, Australia, to determine where and when Marine Park personnel could reduce disturbance using two different scenarios: (i) where a fixed subset of sites is chosen for management each year and (ii) where different sites are visited during each patrol. The goal is to maximize the number of undisturbed birds for a given budget.

We discover that by prioritizing enforcement based on cost‐effectiveness, it is possible to avoid inefficient allocation of resources. Indeed, 90% of the maximum possible benefit can be achieved with only 25% of the total available budget.

Visiting a range of enforcement sites at varying rates yields a greater return on investment than visiting only a fixed number of sites. Assuming an exponential reduction in disturbance from enforcement, the greatest benefit can be achieved by patrolling many sites a small number of times. Assuming a linear reduction in disturbance from enforcement, repeatedly patrolling a small number of sites where return on investment is high is best. If we only prioritize sites where wildlife is disturbed most often, or where abundance is greatest, we will not achieve an optimal solution. The choice of patrol location and frequency is not a trivial problem, and prudent investment can substantially improve conservation outcomes.

Synthesis and applications. Our research demonstrates a straightforward objective method for allocating enforcement effort while accounting for diminishing returns on investment over multiple visits to the same sites. Our method is transferable to many other enforcement problems, and provides solutions that are cost‐effective and easily communicable to managers.
Exploring the meaning of community for older Australians
Authors: Hoyle Melanie , Ryan Carly , Gustafsson Louise
Published: December 2015

Background/aim

As the population ages, older adults are being encouraged through policy to remain living in their home and community. Occupational therapists are in a position to support individuals to engage in meaningful occupations, acknowledging the influence of personal and environmental factors on community participation. The purpose of this study was to understand the meaning and experience of community for older Australian adults.

Methods

A cross‐sectional phenomenological research study design was utilised. Convenience and snowball sampling were used to recruit 32 participants with ages ranging from 65 to 94 years living in the south east region of Queensland, Australia. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted and thematic analysis was used to explore the participants’ responses.

Results

Four final themes were revealed: organised things in the community, community is people, community is what you make of it and the meaning of community is life.

Conclusion

The results support that community extends beyond physicality, with personal motivation, the social environment and community involvement identified as important constructs within each of the themes. The findings provide a foundation for future research and occupational therapy practices to support older adults to age in place.
Transformation from student to occupational therapist: Using the Delphi technique to identify the threshold concepts of occupational therapy
Authors: Nicola‐Richmond Kelli M. , Pépin Geneviève , Larkin Helen
Published: December 2015

Background/aim

Understanding and facilitating the transformation from occupational therapy student to practitioner is central to the development of competent and work‐ready graduates. However, the pivotal concepts and capabilities that need to be taught and learnt in occupational therapy are not necessarily explicit. The threshold concepts theory of teaching and learning proposes that every discipline has a set of transformational concepts that students must acquire in order to progress. As students acquire the threshold concepts, they develop a transformed way of understanding content related to their course of study which contributes to their developing expertise. The aim of this study was to identify the threshold concepts of occupational therapy.

Method

The Delphi technique, a data collection method that aims to demonstrate consensus in relation to important questions, was used with three groups comprising final year occupational therapy students (n = 11), occupational therapy clinicians (n = 21) and academics teaching occupational therapy (n = 10) in Victoria, Australia.

Results

Participants reached consensus regarding 10 threshold concepts for the occupational therapy discipline. These are: understanding and applying the models and theories of occupational therapy; occupation; evidence‐based practice; clinical reasoning; discipline specific skills and knowledge; practising in context; a client‐centred approach; the occupational therapist role; reflective practice and; a holistic approach.

Conclusion

The threshold concepts identified provide valuable information for the discipline. They can potentially inform the development of competencies for occupational therapy and provide guidance for teaching and learning activities to facilitate the transformation to competent practitioner.
Farnesoid X receptor regulates vasoreactivity via Angiotensin II type 2 receptor and the kallikrein‐kinin system in vascular endothelial cells
Authors: Zhang Ran , Ran Haihong , Peng Liang , Zhang Ying , Shen Wenbin , Sun Ting , Cao Feng , Chen Yundai
Published: December 2015

Vascular farnesoid X receptor (FXR) ligands have been shown previously to regulate vascular tension. This study investigated whether FXR activation regulates vasoreactivity via the angiotensin II (Ang II) type 2 receptor (AT2R) and the kallikrein‐kinin system in rat aortic vascular endothelial cells (RAECs). Protein abundances of Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R), AT2R, bradykinin type 1/2 receptor (B1R, B2R), small heterodimer partner‐1 (SHP‐1) and the endothelial and inducible NO synthases (eNOS/iNOS) were analysed by Western blotting. Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to analyse expression of eNOS and iNOS mRNA. Kallikrein activity and bradykinin content were assayed using spectrophotometry and a bradykinin assay kit, respectively. Aortic vasoconstriction and vasodilation were also investigated following FXR activation in the presence or absence of AT2R and B2R blockade. It was found that the FXR agonists GW4064 and INT‐747, in a dose‐dependent manner, increased the protein abundance of AT2R, B2R and SHP‐1 and decreased that of AT1R. AT2R blockade with PD123319 reversed effects of FXR agonists on kallikrein activity and levels of SHP‐1, B2R and bradykinin. Moreover, it was found that GW4064 and INT‐747 upregulated expression of eNOS and enhanced NOS activity, which attenuated vasoconstriction and induced vasodilation, respectively. These effects were partially reversed by PD123319 and by B2R blockade with HOE140. The current work suggests that FXR regulates vascular tension by controlling the eNOS‐NO system via activation of a pathway mediated by AT2R‐B2R pathway in RAECs.
The Australian Experience of Municipal Amalgamation: Asking the Citizenry and Exploring the Implications
Authors: Ryan Roberta , Hastings Catherine , Grant Bligh , Lawrie Alex , Ní Shé Éidín , Wortley Liana
Published: December 2015

Debate over municipal amalgamations in Australian continues to dominate local government reform agendas, with the putative need to achieve economies of scale and scope consistently set against anti‐amalgamation arguments designed to preserve extant communities. Following from an examination of recent episodes of consolidation in Australia, this paper reports on citizens' attitudes to amalgamation garnered from a national survey of 2,006 individuals. We found that generally, citizens are ambivalent toward amalgamation, although attitudes were influenced by particular demographic characteristics and attitudes to representation, belonging, service delivery requirements and the costs thereof. The results suggest that, away from the local government sector itself, structural reform may not be the vexatious issue it is often portrayed as. The implications of this are explored here.
‘Demo version of a city’: buildings, affects, and the state in Astana
Authors: Laszczkowski Mateusz
Published: December 2015

This article brings the concept of affect to the analysis of the relationship between buildings and political ideology, as a way of contributing to recent anthropological work on the state. It focuses ethnographically on the contradictory affects of the new built environment in Kazakhstan's capital, Astana, where extensive renovation and construction have been under way since the early 2000s. On the one hand, spectacular new structures induced feelings of hope, pride, and enthusiasm for the state in some citizens. Simultaneously, the unfamiliar designs and material defects of the new built environment emanated affects of estrangement, lifelessness, disingenuousness, and instability. The article examines how these different affects were qualified and mediated discursively. Official ‘propaganda of emotion’ is juxtaposed with unofficial discursive forms: puns, rumours, and satirical literary fiction. It is argued that largely uncontrolled affects, rather than ideology, rendered ‘the state’ a plausible, if contradictory, ‘fictional reality’.
Friendship, bitching, and the making of ethical selves: what it means to be a good friend among girls in a London school
Authors: Winkler‐Reid Sarah
Published: December 2015

This article explores the relationship between friendship, personhood, and ethics among girls in a London school. While a Western ideal of friendship is posited as a personal, private, and spontaneous relationship between autonomous individuals, I argue that girls’ friendships are a complex entanglement and interaction between forensic and mimetic dimensions of the self. Girls’ ideals of friendship, and practices of making friends, suggest forensic pre‐constituted selves acting with volition in order to become closer to other selves. However, bitching, exclusion, and breaking friendships foreground mimetic dimensions as girls shape each other and themselves according to gendered ethical criteria. Examining these analytical strands offers insight into how individuality is produced through sociality in everyday life.
Routine weighing to reduce excessive antenatal weight gain: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Brownfoot FC , Davey M‐A , Kornman L
Published: December 2015

Objective

To assess whether routinely weighing women at each antenatal visit leads to a difference in gestational weight gain and weight gain within the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendation.

Design

A randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Antenatal clinics in a tertiary obstetric hospital in Melbourne, Australia.

Population

Healthy women were enrolled during their antenatal booking visit if they were between 18 and 45 years of age, were <21 weeks’ gestation with a singleton pregnancy.

Methods

The intervention was weighing at each antenatal clinic appointment followed by counselling by their treating clinician according to IOM gestational weight gain guidelines. The control group had standard antenatal care comprising recording weight at booking and then at 36 weeks. Primary analysis was by intention‐to‐treat.

Outcome

The primary outcome was difference in mean weight gain between groups. An important secondary outcome was gestational weight gain within IOM recommendations. Secondary outcomes also included maternal or neonatal morbidity.

Results

Seven hundred and eighty two women consented to take part and 386 were randomised to the intervention group and 396 to the control group. There was no significant difference in weight gain between the intervention group (0.54 kg/week) compared with the control group (0.53 kg/week) (P = 0.63). A similar proportion of women gained more weight than the IOM recommended range: 75% in the intervention group and 71% in the control group (P = 0.21). There were no significant differences in secondary outcomes between the two groups.

Conclusion

We found no evidence that regular weighing in antenatal clinics changed weight gain or was effective at reducing excessive gestational weight gain.

Tweetable abstract

Weighing at antenatal visits compared with routine care did not reduce excessive weight gain in pregnancy.
Development of composite outcomes for individual patient data (IPD) meta‐analysis on the effects of diet and lifestyle in pregnancy: a Delphi survey
Authors: Rogozinska E , D'Amico MI , Khan KS , Cecatti JG , Teede H , Yeo S , Vinter CA , Rayanagoudar G , Barakat R , Perales M , Dodd JM , Devlieger R , Bogaerts A , van Poppel MNM , Haakstad L , Shen GX , Shub A , Luoto R , Kinnunen TI , Phelan S , Poston L , Scudeller TT , El Beltagy N , Stafne SN , Tonstad S , Geiker NRW , Ruifrok AE , Mol BW , Coomarasamy A , Thangaratinam S ,   the International Weight Management in Pregnancy (iWIP) Collaborative Group
Published: December 2015

Objective

To develop maternal, fetal, and neonatal composite outcomes relevant to the evaluation of diet and lifestyle interventions in pregnancy by individual patient data (IPD) meta‐analysis.

Design

Delphi survey.

Setting

The International Weight Management in Pregnancy (i–WIP) collaborative network. Sample Twenty‐six researchers from the i–WIP collaborative network from 11 countries.

Methods

A two‐generational Delphi survey involving members of the i–WIP collaborative network (26 members in 11 countries) was undertaken to prioritise the individual outcomes for their importance in clinical care. The final components of the composite outcomes were identified using pre‐specified criteria.

Main outcome measures

Composite outcomes considered to be important for the evaluation of the effect of diet and lifestyle in pregnancy.

Results

Of the 36 maternal outcomes, nine were prioritised and the following were included in the final composite: pre‐eclampsia or pregnancy‐induced hypertension, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), elective or emergency caesarean section, and preterm delivery. Of the 27 fetal and neonatal outcomes, nine were further evaluated, with the final composite consisting of intrauterine death, small for gestational age, large for gestational age, and admission to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Conclusions

Our work has identified the components of maternal, fetal, and neonatal composite outcomes required for the assessment of diet and lifestyle interventions in pregnancy by IPD meta‐analysis.

Tweetable abstract

Composite outcomes in IPD meta‐analysis on diet and lifestyle in pregnancy.
The effect of antenatal lifestyle advice for women who are overweight or obese on secondary measures of neonatal body composition: the LIMIT randomised trial
Authors: Dodd JM , Deussen AR , Mohamad I , Rifas‐Shiman SL , Yelland LN , Louise J , McPhee AJ , Grivell RM , Owens JA , Gillman MW , Robinson JS
Published: December 2015

Objective

To evaluate the effect of providing antenatal dietary and lifestyle advice on neonatal anthropometry, and to determine the inter‐observer variability in obtaining anthropometric measurements.

Design

Randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Public maternity hospitals across metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia.

Population

Pregnant women with a singleton gestation between 10+0 and 20+0 weeks, and body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2.

Methods

Women were randomised to either Lifestyle Advice (comprehensive dietary and lifestyle intervention over the course of pregnancy including dietary, exercise and behavioural strategies, delivered by a research dietician and research assistants) or continued Standard Care. Analyses were conducted using intention‐to‐treat principles.

Main outcome measures

Secondary outcome measures for the trial included assessment of infant body composition using body circumference and skinfold thickness measurements (SFTM), percentage body fat, and bio‐impedance analysis of fat‐free mass.

Results

Anthropometric measurements were obtained from 970 neonates (488 Lifestyle Advice Group, and 482 Standard Care Group). In 394 of these neonates (215 Lifestyle Advice Group, and 179 Standard Care Group) bio‐impedance analysis was also obtained. There were no statistically significant differences identified between those neonates born to women receiving Lifestyle Advice and those receiving Standard Care, in terms of body circumference measures, SFTM, percentage body fat, fat mass, or fat‐free mass. The intra‐class correlation coefficient for SFTM was moderate to excellent (0.55–0.88).

Conclusions

Among neonates born to women who are overweight or obese, anthropometric measures of body composition were not modified by an antenatal dietary and lifestyle intervention.

Tweetable abstract

Lifestyle advice in pregnancy does not modify body composition of infants of overweight and obese women.
Term elective induction of labour and perinatal outcomes in obese women: retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lee VR , Darney BG , Snowden JM , Main EK , Gilbert W , Chung J , Caughey AB
Published: December 2015

Objective

To compare perinatal outcomes between elective induction of labour (eIOL) and expectant management in obese women.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Deliveries in California in 2007.

Population

Term, singleton, vertex, nonanomalous deliveries among obese women (n = 74 725).

Methods

Women who underwent eIOL at 37 weeks were compared with women who were expectantly managed at that gestational age. Similar comparisons were made at 38, 39, and 40 weeks. Results were stratified by parity. Chi‐square tests and multivariable logistic regression were used for statistical comparison.

Main outcome measures

Method of delivery, severe perineal lacerations, postpartum haemorrhage, chorioamnionitis, macrosomia, shoulder dystocia, brachial plexus injury, respiratory distress syndrome.

Results

The odds of caesarean delivery were lower among nulliparous women with eIOL at 37 weeks [odds ratio (OR) 0.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34–0.90] and 39 weeks (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.63–0.95) compared to expectant management. Among multiparous women with a prior vaginal delivery, eIOL at 37 (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.24–0.64), 38 (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.51–0.82), and 39 weeks (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.56–0.81) was associated with lower odds of caesarean. Additionally, eIOL at 38, 39, and 40 weeks was associated with lower odds of macrosomia. There were no differences in the odds of operative vaginal delivery, lacerations, brachial plexus injury or respiratory distress syndrome.

Conclusions

In obese women, term eIOL may decrease the risk of caesarean delivery, particularly in multiparas, without increasing the risks of other adverse outcomes when compared with expectant management.

Tweetable abstract

Elective induction of labour in obese women does not increase risk of caesarean or other perinatal morbidities.
Editors' Choice
Authors: Crosbie E , Berggren E , Martin‐Hirsch P
Published: December 2015

An abridged version of the Editors' Choice is available as an audio podcast at: https://soundcloud.com/bjog/obesity-and-womens-health-editors-choice-2016
High occurrence of Pacearchaeota and Woesearchaeota (Archaea superphylum DPANN) in the surface waters of oligotrophic high‐altitude lakes
Authors: Ortiz‐Alvarez Rudiger , Casamayor Emilio O.
Published: December 2015

We carried out a regional survey on the archaea composition from surface waters of > 300 high‐altitude Pyrenean lakes (average altitude 2300 m, pH range 4.4–10.1) by 16S rRNA gene tag sequencing. Relative Archaea abundances ranged between 0% and 6.3% of total prokaryotes amplicons in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) mixture, and we detected 769 operational taxonomic units (OTUs; grouped at 97% identity) that split into 13 different lineages, with altitude and pH having a significant effect on the community composition. Woesearchaeota and Pacearchaeota (formerly Euryarchaeota DHVEG‐6 cluster) dominated the data set (83% of total OTUS), showed a high occurrence (presence in c. 75% of the lakes) and had relative abundances significantly and positively correlated with the phylogenetic diversity of bacterial communities. Micrarchaeota–Diapherotrites (formerly Euryarchaeota MEG cluster), Methanomicrobia, Thermoplasmata and ammonia‐oxidizing thaumarchaeota (AOA) showed relative abundances between 1% and 3% and occurrences between 14% and 26%. Minor lineages were SM1K20, Aenigmarchaeota (formerly Euryarchaeota DSEG cluster), Methanobacteria, Bathyarchaeota and SCG. Environmental preferences substantially differed among lineages, with Aenigmarchaeota and Methanomicrobia having the largest habitat breadth, and Thermoplasmata, AOA and Micrarchaeota having the smallest. Pacearchaeota and Woesearchaeota had been mostly reported from saline habitats and sediments, but surface waters of oligotrophic alpine lakes are suitable environments for such ecologically spread and genetically diverse archaeal lineages.
PHYLOMETRICS: an R package for detecting macroevolutionary patterns, using phylogenetic metrics and backward tree simulation
Authors: Hua Xia , Bromham Lindell
Published: December 2015

Patterns of trait distribution on phylogenies bear the imprint of the macroevolutionary mechanisms that have shaped them. Phylogenetic metrics can be used to summarize these patterns and potentially could be used to uncover the macroevolutionary mechanisms. However, their utility has been limited by the difficulty in constructing proper null distributions of phylogenetic metrics.

Here, we present an efficient algorithm to construct the null distributions by generating phylogenies under a trait state‐dependent speciation and extinction model, with a fixed number of extant taxa with a given trait state and a fixed sampling fraction of taxa with each trait state.

We also provide a pipeline for estimating the false‐positive rate and the statistical power of tests on phylogenetic metrics. These are implemented into an r package called phylometrics.

phylometrics also provides a tractable means of assessing model inadequacy in model‐fitting approaches that have been widely used to test hypotheses about trait state‐dependent diversification processes.
Organic mulches in highbush blueberries alter beetle (Coleoptera) community composition and improve functional group abundance and diversity
Authors: Renkema Justin M. , Cutler G. Christopher , Lynch Derek H. , MacKenzie Kenna , Walde Sandra J.
Published: December 2015

Horticultural practices may impact invertebrates in agroecosystems, particularly natural enemies. Impacts can be better understood by grouping organisms functionally or using morphological traits in addition to taxonomic determinations.

We compared the effects of mulch type (compost, pine needles, unmulched) and weeding strategy (weeded, unweeded) on beetle (Coleoptera) communities in highbush blueberries, focusing on early‐season captures that reflected overwintering habitat.

Beetle diversity was similar between plot types, although functional grouping revealed differences as a result of mulching but not weeding. Predatory and granivorous Carabidae were most abundant in unmulched plots, mycetophages were most abundant in pine needles, and saprophages were most abundant in compost. Predatory Staphylinidae were most diverse in compost plots, and the diversity of granivores was greatest in unmulched plots.

Carabid biomass was greater in unmulched than compost mulched plots partly as a result of larger beetle size.

Beetle communities in unmulched and pine needles mulched plots were more similar than those in compost mulched plots.

A combination of compost mulched and unmulched areas should benefit all predatory taxa, although mulch use for pest control will need to be evaluated within the context of other production goals.
Experimental Study of Micro‐Scale Taylor Vortices Within a Co‐Axial Mixed‐Flow Blood Pump
Authors: Shu Fangjun , Tian Ruijun , Vandenberghe Stijn , Antaki James F.
Published: December 2015

Taylor vortices in a miniature mixed‐flow rotodynamic blood pump were investigated using micro‐scale particle image velocimetry (μ‐PIV) and a tracer particle visualization technique. The pump featured a cylindrical rotor (14.9 mm diameter) within a cylindrical bore, having a radial clearance of 500 μm and operated at rotational speeds varying from 1000 to 12 000 rpm. Corresponding Taylor numbers were 700–101 800, respectively. The critical Taylor number was observed to be highly dependent on the ratio of axial to circumferential velocity, increasing from 1200 to 18 000 corresponding to Rossby numbers from 0 to 0.175. This demonstrated a dramatic stabilizing effect of the axial flow. The size of Taylor vortices was also found to be inversely related to Rossby number. It is concluded that Taylor vortices can enhance the mixing in the annular gap and decrease the dwell time of blood cells in the high‐shear‐rate region, which has the potential to decrease hemolysis and platelet activation within the blood pump.
In Vitro Assessment of Electric Currents Increasing the Effectiveness of Vancomycin Against Staphylococcus epidermidis Biofilms
Authors: Haddad Peter A. , Mah Thien‐Fah , Mussivand Tofy
Published: December 2015

Biofilms are communities of bacteria that can cause infections which are resistant to the immune system and antimicrobial treatments, posing a significant threat for patients with implantable and indwelling medical devices. The purpose of our research was to determine if utilizing specific parameters for electric currents in conjunction with antibiotics could effectively treat a highly resistant biofilm. Our study evaluated the impact of 16 μg/mL of vancomycin with or without 22 or 333 μA of direct electric current (DC) generated by stainless steel electrodes against 24‐, 48‐, and 72‐h‐old Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms formed on titanium coupons. An increase in effectiveness of vancomycin was observed with the combination of 333 μA of electric current against 48‐h‐old biofilms (P value = 0.01) as well as in combination with 22 μA of electric current against 72‐h‐old biofilms (P value = 0.04); 333 μA of electric current showed the most significant impact on the effectiveness of vancomycin against S. epidermidis biofilms demonstrating a bioelectric effect previously not observed against this strain of bacteria.
Age, Action Orientation, and Self‐Regulation during the Pursuit of a Dieting Goal
Authors: Hennecke Marie , Freund Alexandra M.
Published: December 2015

Two studies tested the hypotheses that (1) action orientation (vs. state orientation) is positively correlated with age across adulthood and (2) action orientation aids the self‐regulation of one's feelings, thoughts, and behavior during the pursuit of a dieting goal. Hypotheses were partly confirmed. In Study 1,N = 126 overweight women (age: 19–77 years) intended to lose weight by means of a low‐calorie diet. In Study 2,N = 322 adults (age: 18–82 years) reported on their action orientation to replicate the association of age and action orientation found in Study 1. Study 2 corroborated only the expected positive association of age and decision‐related action orientation. In Study 1, decision‐related action orientation predicted higher affective well‐being during the diet as well as less self‐reported deviations from the diet; failure‐related action orientation predicted lower levels of rumination in response to dieting failures. Action orientation partially mediated the negative effects of age on deviations and rumination (see Hennecke & Freund,). Weight loss was not predicted by action orientation. We discuss action orientation as one factor of increased motivational competence in older adulthood.
Effects of water‐misting sprays with forced ventilation on post mortem glycolysis, AMP‐activated protein kinase and meat quality of broilers after transport during summer
Authors: Jiang Nannan , Xing Tong , Han Minyi , Deng Shaolin , Xu Xinglian
Published: December 2015

Effects of water‐misting sprays with forced ventilation on post mortem glycolysis, adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and meat quality of broilers after transport during summer were investigated in the present paper. A total of 105 mixed‐sex Arbor Acres broilers were divided into three treatment groups: (i) 45 min transport without rest (T); (ii) 45 min transport with 1 h rest (TR); and (iii) 45 min transport with 15 min water‐misting sprays with forced ventilation and 45 min rest (TWFR). Each treatment consisted of five replicates with seven birds each. The results indicated that the water‐misting sprays with forced ventilation could mitigate the stress caused by transport under high temperature conditions during summer, which reduced the energy depletion in post mortem Pectoralis major (PM) muscle. This resulted in a higher energy status compared to the T group, which would decrease the expression of phosphorylation of AMPK (p‐AMPK). Furthermore, decreased the expression of p‐AMPK then slowed down the rate of glycolysis in post mortem PM muscle during the early post mortem period, which in turn lessened the negative effects caused by transport on meat quality. In conclusion, water‐misting sprays with forced ventilation may be a better method to control the incidence of the pale, soft and exudative meat in broilers.
Review of commonly used age‐based weight estimates for paediatric drug dosing in relation to the pharmacokinetic properties of resuscitation drugs
Authors: Carasco Clare Francesca , Fletcher Penny , Maconochie Ian
Published: December 2015

AIM:

To study which weight estimate calculation used in paediatric resuscitation results in optimal drug dosing; Advanced Paediatric and Life Support (APLS) or theUKResuscitation Council age‐based formula.

Method

Commonly used drugs used in paediatric resuscitation were selected and a literature search conducted for each drug's pharmacokinetic properties, concentrating on the volume of distribution (Vd).

Hydrophobic drugs have a higher Vd than hydrophilic drugs as they distribute preferentially to fat mass (FM). The larger the Vd, the higher the initial dose required to achieve therapeutic plasma concentrations.

Actual body weight (ABW) estimates are a good indicator of Vd for hydrophobic drugs as they correlate well with FM. Ideal body weight (IBW) estimates may be a better indicator of Vd for hydrophilic drugs, as they correlate better with lean body mass. This highlights potential variation between ABW and IBW, which may result in toxic or sub‐therapeutic dosing.

Results

The new APLS formulae give higher estimates of expected weight for a wider age range. This may be a more accurate reflection of ABW due to increasing prevalence of obesity in children. TheUKResuscitation Council's formula appears to result in a lower estimate of weight, which may relate more closely to IBW.

Conclusion

The main drugs used in paediatric resuscitation are hydrophilic, thus the APLS formulae may result in too much being given. Therefore theUKResuscitation Council's single formula may be preferred. In addition, a single formula may minimize error in the context of a child of unknown weight requiring administration of emergency resuscitation drugs.
VILLAGE—Virtual Immersive Language Learning and Gaming Environment: Immersion and presence
Authors: Wang Yi Fei , Petrina Stephen , Feng Francis
Published: December 2015

3D virtual worlds are promising for immersive learning in English as a Foreign Language (EFL). Unlike English as a Second Language (ESL), EFL typically takes place in the learners’ home countries, and the potential of the language is limited by geography. Although learning contexts where English is spoken is important, in most EFL courses at the college level, EFL is taught by acquiring vocabularies, grammar and pragmatic features without contextual immersion. In this study, an immersive English learning environment in a 3D virtual world, OpenSimulator, was developed with two key learning artifacts, chatbot and time machine. A single‐factor, independent measures design was used to examines learners’ presence under four learning conditions: virtual learning environment without digital learning artifacts (VE), virtual learning environment with chatbot (VEC), virtual learning environment with time machine (VETM) and virtual learning environment with chatbot and time machine (VECTM). Three research questions emerging from the four learning conditions form the backbone of this study: (1) Does chatbot increase language learners’ presence in the immersive virtual English learning environment? (2) Does time machine increase language learners’ presence in the immersive virtual English learning environment? (3) Does the combined use of chatbot and time machine increase presence more than either learning artifact alone? The experimental results indicate that the chatbot and time machine increase the learners’ sense of immersion and presence. Best design practices should address how immersion and presence can be integrated into affordances of virtual worlds.
Modulatory roles of microRNAs in the regulation of different signalling pathways in large bowel cancer stem cells
Authors: Mamoori Afraa , Gopalan Vinod , Smith Robert Anthony , Lam Alfred King‐Yin
Published: December 2015

There are emerging data to suggest that microRNAs (miRNAs) have significant roles in regulating the function of normal cells and cancer stem cells (CSCs). This review aims to analyse the roles of miRNAs in the regulation of colon CSCs through their interaction with various signalling pathways. Studies showed a large number of miRNAs that are reported to be deregulated in colon CSCs. However, few of the studies available were able to outline the function of miRNAs in colon CSCs and uncover their signalling pathways. From those miRNAs, which are better described, miR‐21 followed by miR‐34, miR‐200 and miR‐215 are the most reported miRNAs to have roles in colon CSC regulation. In particular, miRNAs have been reported to regulate the stemness features of colon CSCs mainly via Wnt/B‐catenin and Notch signalling pathways. Additionally, miRNAs have been reported to act on processes involving CSCs through cell cycle regulation genes and epithelial–mesenchymal transition. The relative paucity of data available on the significance of miRNAs in CSCs means that new studies will be of great importance to determine their roles and to identify the signalling pathways through which they operate. Such studies may in future guide further research to target these genes for more effective cancer treatment. miRNAs were shown to regulate the function of cancer stem cells in large bowel cancer by targeting a few key signalling pathways in cells.
Interkinetic nuclear migration in the mouse embryonic ureteric epithelium: Possible implication for congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract
Authors: Motoya Tomoyuki , Ogawa Noriko , Nitta Tetsuya , Rafiq Ashiq Mahmood , Jahan Esrat , Furuya Motohide , Matsumoto Akihiro , Udagawa Jun , Otani Hiroki
Published: December 2015

Interkinetic nuclear migration (INM) is a phenomenon in which progenitor cell nuclei migrate along the apico‐basal axis of the pseudostratified epithelium, which is characterized by the presence of apical primary cilia, in synchrony with the cell cycle in a manner of apical mitosis. INM is suggested to regulate not only stem/progenitor cell proliferation/differentiation but also organ size and shape. INM has been reported in epithelia of both ectoderm and endoderm origin. We examined whether INM exists in the mesoderm‐derived ureteric epithelium. At embryonic day (E) 11.5, E12.5 and E13.5, C57BL/6J mouse dams were injected with 5‐bromo‐2’‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) and embryos were killed 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 h later. We immunostained transverse sections of the ureter for BrdU, and measured the position of BrdU (+) nuclei in the ureteric epithelia along the apico‐basal axis at each time point. We analyzed the distribution patterns of BrdU (+) nuclei in histograms using the multidimensional scaling. Changes in the nucleus distribution patterns suggested nucleus movement characteristic of INM in the ureteric epithelia, and the mode of INM varied throughout the ureter development. While apical primary cilia are related with INM by providing a centrosome for the apical mitosis, congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) include syndromes linked to primary ciliary dysfunction affecting epithelial tubular organs such as kidney, ureter, and brain. The present study showed that INM exists in the ureteric epithelium and suggests that INM may be related with the CAKUT etiology via primary ciliary protein function.