bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seismic Hazard Assessment of District Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtoonkhawa, Pakistan
Authors: MONA Lisa
Published: August 2014

The site of Mansehra is located seismically in an active regime, known as the Crystalline Nappe Zone and Hazara‐Kashmir Syntaxis in NW Himalayas, Pakistan. Seismic Hazard Assessment (SHA) for the site has been carried out by considering the earthquake source zones, selection of appropriate attenuation equations, near fault effects and maximum potential magnitude estimation. The Mansehra Thrust, Oghi Fault, Banna Thrust, Balakot Shear Zone, Main Boundary Thrust, Panjal Thrust, Jhelum Fault and Muzaffarabad Fault and, further to the south, the Sanghargali, Nathiagali, and Thandiani Thrusts are the most critical tectonic features within the 50 km radius of Mansehra. Using the available instrumental seismological data from 1904 to 2007, SHA has been carried out. Other reactivated critical tectonic features in the area have been investigated. Among them the Balakot‐Bagh fault, with the fault length of 120 km from Balakot to Poonch, has been considered as the most critical tectonic feature on the basis of geological/structural/seismological data. The potential earthquake of maximum magnitude 7.8 has been assigned to the Balakot‐Bagh fault using four regression relations. The peak ground acceleration value of 0.25 g (10% probability of exceedance for 50 years) and 0.5 g has been calculated with the help of the attenuation equation using probabilistic and deterministic approaches.
A New Method for Determining Fluid Compositions in the H2O‐NaCl‐CaCl2 System with Cryogenic Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: CHI Guoxiang , CHU Haixia , SCOTT Ryan , CHOU I‐Ming
Published: August 2014

Raman peaks of various hydrates in the H2O‐NaCl‐CaCl2 system have been previously identified, but a quantitative relationship between the Raman peaks and XNaCl (i.e., NaCl/(NaCl+CaCl2)) has not been established, mainly due to the difficulty to freeze the solutions. This problem was solved by adding alumina powder to the solutions to facilitate nucleation of crystals. Cryogenic (−185°C) Raman spectroscopic studies of alumina‐spiced solutions indicate that XNaCl is linearly correlated with the total peak area fraction of hydrohalite. Capsules of solutions made from silica capillary were prepared to simulate fluid inclusions. Most of these artificial fluid inclusions could not be totally frozen even at temperatures as low as −185°C, and the total peak area fraction of hydrohalite is not correlated linearly with XNaCl. However, the degree of deviation (ΔXNacl) from the linear correlation established earlier is related to the amount of residual solution, which is reflected by the ratio (r) of the baseline “bump” area, resulting from the interstitial unfrozen brine near 3435 cm−1, and the total hydrate peak area between 3350 and 3600 cm−1. A linear correlation between ΔXNaCl and r is established to estimate XNaCl from cryogenic Raman spectroscopic analysis for fluid inclusions.
A Review on the Taxonomic, Evolutionary and Phytogeographic Studies of the Lotus Plant (Nelumbonaceae: Nelumbo)
Authors: LI Ya , SVETLANA Popova , YAO Jianxin , LI Chengsen
Published: August 2014

Nelumbo Adans. (Nelumbonaceae) is an important member of the early‐diverging eudicots. It contains two extant species: N. nucifera Gaertn. (the Sacred lotus), distributed in Asia and Australia and N. lutea Willd. (the American lotus), occurring in North America. This paper reviews the taxonomic, evolutionary and phytogeographic studies of the genus Nelumbo, and also raises scientific questions about it in further paleobotanic research. There are about 30 fossil species of Nelumbo established since the Early Cretaceous. Based on fossil studies, the ancestors of the extant N. nucifera and N. lutea are respectively considered to be N. protospeciosa from the Eocene to Miocene of Eurasia, and N. protolutea from the Eocene of North American. However, molecular systematic studies indicate that N. nucifera and N. lutea are probably split from a common ancestor during the Late Miocene to Early Pliocene, or even the Pleistocene, rather than separate relicts from extinct species on different continents. The characters of lotus stomatal development, seedling morphology as well as its flowering, pollination and fertilization in air reveal that it evolves from the land plants. Fossil data of Nelumbo indicates that the genus first occurs in mid‐latitude area of Laurasia in the Early Cretaceous, then becomes widespread in North America and Eurasia and expands into Africa and South America during the Late Cretaceous; the genus probably colonizes the Indian Subcontinent from Asia during the Early Eocene after the collision of India and the Asian plates; the genus becomes extinct in Europe, but survives in Asia and North America during the Quaternary Ice Age, and later forms the present East Asia and North Australia‐North America disjunctive distribution.
On theYangtzeconus Priscus‐Archaeospira OrnataAssemblage (Mollusca) of the Earliest Cambrian of China
Authors: YU Wen
Published: August 2014

Yangtzeconus priscus‐Archaeospira ornata, an important earliest Cambrian benthonic Assemblage of the Yangtze micromolluscan fauna, occurs mainly in the Lower Cambrian Zhongyicun and Dahai Members of the Yuhucun Formation in E Yunnan, the Tianzhushan Member (=Huangshandong Member) of the Dengying Formation in W Hubei and the Maidiping Member of the Hungchunping Formation in C Sichuan, China. About 90% of the genera of this Assemblage are unknown from the Nemakit‐Daldynian and Tommotian molluscan Assemblages of the Siberian Platform, Russia. About 90% of the Siberian molluscan genera do not occur in the Zhongyicun and Dahai Members in the Meishucun section and in the corresponding beds of the Yangtze Platform, because the Tommotian molluscan Assemblage is characterizedly abundant archaeocyathids. It is clearly indicated that the Yangtze and Siberian molluscan Assemblages represent different bio‐ and lithofacies and ages. The age of the pre‐trilobiticYangtzeconus priscus‐Archaeospira ornataAssemblage is older than that of the Nemakit‐Daldynian and Tommotian molluscan Assemblages and referable to the Earliest Cambrian. Two new generaMcnamaraconus and Zhangwentangoconusare herein proposed.
A quantitative approach to static sensor network design
Authors: Pedersen Martin W. , Burgess Greg , Weng Kevin C.
Published: August 2014

Static sensor networks to observe animals are widely used in ecological, management and conservation research, but quantitative methods for designing these networks are underdeveloped.

In the context of aquatic systems, we present a method for quasi‐optimal network design, which accounts for blocking of detections by obstacles, horizontal and vertical movement behaviour of the target animals, and type of research question (is the network intended for estimation of detailed movement or home range?). Optimal design is defined as the sensor configuration that maximizes the expected number of unique animal detections. As finding the global optimum is generally time consuming, we use a greedy algorithm instead, which places sensors optimally relative to already placed sensors. The design method requires access to topographic data of the study site and knowledge of the sensor detection range.

We illustrate the method with real topographic data from a rugose coral reef where network performance is highly influenced by detection shadowing. Network performance is visualized by a coverage map indicating the probability of detection at any location in the study area. The reported unique recovery rate summarizes the expected ability of the network to collect data given the design constraints. Because sensors are placed sequentially, the information gain per sensor can be evaluated and used as a proxy for sensor value.

The presented method formalizes important considerations, when designing sensor networks, that were previously often based on heuristics and intuition. The method provides a guide to maximizing the information potential of future monitoring studies as well as a means to improve existing networks. The method is available as an R package and can be tested via an online web tool.
Ability of Nursing Students to Recognize Signs of Violence Against Women
Authors: Tambağ Hatice , Turan Zekiye
Published: August 2014

Purpose

This study was conducted to evaluate the ability of nursing students in a Turkish school of health science to recognize signs of violence against women.

Methods

This was a descriptive study. Data were collected via a personal information questionnaire and the Scale for Recognizing the Signs of Violence against Women by Nurses and Midwives. Two hundred fifty‐nine students were included.

Results

The students’ total mean score on the Scale for Recognizing the Signs of Violence against Women by Nurses and Midwives was 17.79 ± 3.54.

Conclusion

In general, nursing students are unable to recognize signs of violence against women.

Implications for Nursing Practice

The development and integration of courses on violence against women into the nursing curriculum are recommended. It is also recommended that the courses are offered every year of nursing education.
Systemic Inflammation in the Extremely Low Gestational Age Newborn Following Maternal Genitourinary Infections
Authors: Fichorova Raina N. , Beatty Noah , Sassi Rita R. S. , Yamamoto Hidemi S. , Allred Elizabeth N. , Leviton Alan
Published: August 2014

Problem

Gestational genitourinary infections are associated with lifelong disabilities, but it is unknown if neonatal inflammation is involved.

Method

Mothers of 914 infants born before 28th gestation week reported cervical/vaginal infection (CVI), and/or urine/bladder/kidney infection (UTI), or neither. Inflammation proteins measured in baby's blood on postnatal days 1, 7, and 14 were considered elevated if in the top quartile for gestational age. Logistic regression models adjusting for potential confounders assessed odds ratios.

Results

Compared to mothers with neither UTI/CVI, those with CVI were more likely to have infants with elevated CRP, SAA, MPO, IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐6R, TNF‐α, RANTES, ICAM‐3, E‐selectin, and VEGF‐R2 on day 1; those with UTI were more likely to have infants with elevated MPO, IL‐6R, TNF‐R1, TNF‐R2, and RANTES on day 7. Placental anaerobes and genital mycoplasma were more common in pregnancies with CVI.

Conclusion

Gestational UTI/CVI should be targeted for preventing systemic inflammation in the very preterm newborn.
Pacifier use does not alter sleep and spontaneous arousal patterns in healthy term‐born infants
Authors: Odoi Alexsandria , Andrew Shanelle , Wong Flora Y , Yiallourou Stephanie R , Horne Rosemary S C
Published: August 2014

Aim

Impaired arousal from sleep has been implicated in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Sleeping in the prone position is a major risk factor for SIDS. Epidemiological studies have shown that pacifier use decreases the risk of SIDS, even when infants sleep prone. We examined spontaneous arousability in infants slept prone and supine over the first 6 months of life and hypothesised that spontaneous arousals would be increased in pacifier users, particularly in the prone position.

Methods

Healthy term infants (n = 30) were studied on three occasions over the first 6 months after birth. Spontaneous cortical arousals and subcortical activations were scored and converted into frequency per hour of sleep.

Results

There was no effect of pacifier use on total time spent sleeping or awake or the number of spontaneous awakenings at any age. There was also no effect of pacifier use on the frequency or duration of the total number of spontaneous arousals or on cortical arousals and subcortical activations.

Conclusion

Pacifier use did not alter infant spontaneous arousability at any of the three ages studied, in either the prone or supine sleeping position. Any preventative effect of pacifiers for SIDS may be through physiological mechanisms other than increased arousability.
Systematic review: identifying patients with chronic hepatitis C in need of early treatment and intensive monitoring – predictors and predictive models of disease progression
Authors: Konerman M. A. , Yapali S. , Lok A. S.
Published: August 2014

Background

Advances in hepatitis C therapies have led to increasing numbers of patients seeking treatment. As a result, logistical and financial concerns regarding how treatment can be provided to all patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) have emerged.

Aim

To evaluate predictors and predictive models of histological progression and clinical outcomes for patients with CHC.

Methods

MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Scopus were searched for studies published between January 2003 and June 2014. Two authors independently reviewed articles to select eligible studies and performed data abstraction.

Results

Twenty‐nine studies representing 5817 patients from 20 unique cohorts were included. The outcome incidence rates were widely variable: 16–61% during median follow‐up of 2.5–10 years for fibrosis progression; 13–40% over 2.3–14.4 years for hepatic decompensation and 8–47% over 3.9–14.4 years for overall mortality. Multivariate analyses showed that baseline steatosis and baseline fibrosis score were the most consistent predictors of fibrosis progression (significant in 6/21 and 5/21, studies, respectively) while baseline platelet count (significant in 6/13 studies), aspartate and alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT) ratio, albumin, bilirubin and age (each significant in 4/13 studies) were the most consistent predictors of clinical outcomes. Five studies developed predictive models but none were externally validated.

Conclusions

Our review identified the variables that most consistently predict outcomes of patients with chronic hepatitis C allowing the application of risk based approaches to identify patients in need of early treatment and intensive monitoring. This approach maximises effective use of resources and costly new direct‐acting anti‐viral agents.
Browsing preference and ecological carrying capacity of sambar deer (Cervus unicolor brookei) on secondary vegetation in forest plantation
Authors: Ismail Dahlan , Jiwan Dawend
Published: August 2014

The browsing preference and ecological carrying capacity (ECC) of sambar deer (Cervus unicolor brookei) in acacia plantations for management and conservation of the ecosystem were investigated at Sabal Forest Reserve in Sarawak, Malaysia. The identification of the species browsed by the sambar deer was based on an observation of the plant parts consumed. ECC estimation was based on body weight (BW) and the physiological stages of animals browsed in six fenced 4‐ha paddocks. Sambar deer were found foraging on only 29 out of 42 species of secondary vegetation in the acacia plantation. The remaining species are too high for the deer to reach. Planted species, Shorea macrophylla are not palatable to the deer. This augurs well for the integration of sambar deer into shorea plantations. The most frequently exploited plants were Ficus spp. Sambar deer preferred woody species more than non‐woody species and they are browser animals. By producing metabolizable energy of 19 000 to 27 000 MJ/ha, the ECC was five head/ha to 5.25 head/ha. Given its contribution to the conservation of wildlife and its capacity to sustain the ecosystem, the sambar deer integrated farming system offers a promising strategy for the future of tropical forestry management.
Compliance with Recommendations on Outpatient Antibiotic Prescribing for Respiratory Tract Infections: The Case of Spain
Authors: Malo Sara , Bjerrum Lars , Feja Cristina , Lallana María‐Jesús , Moliner Javier , Rabanaque María‐José
Published: August 2014

Inappropriate antibiotic use in primary care, such as in respiratory tract infections (RTIs), is an important cause of bacterial resistance. This study aimed at describing the current pattern of outpatient antibiotic use in acute RTIs in Spain and evaluating adherence to national recommendations. A retrospective observational study was performed including all the episodes of RTIs registered during a 1‐year period in a north‐eastern Spanish region. Data related to patient demography, diagnoses and antibiotic prescriptions were collected from the electronic medical history database in the region, and adherence to recommendations for antibiotic prescribing was assessed. One third of patients with a RTI were prescribed an antibiotic, with young adults (aged 15–64 years) being the most treated. High prescribing rates were observed in patients with acute otitis, sinusitis and acute tonsillitis (about 70%), whereas low rates were found in acute bronchitis (50%) and non‐specific upper RTIs (24%) episodes. A high prescription of broad‐spectrum agents and antibiotics not recommended as first choice was observed. In accordance with Spanish guidelines, there exists a potential over‐prescribing of antibiotics for all the diagnoses studied, especially in the adult population. Moreover, the choice of antibiotics is frequently based on agents with a high risk of increasing antimicrobial resistance. Multifaceted strategies should be implemented to improve the quality of antibiotic prescribing in primary care.
Pathological factors associated with survival benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT): a population‐based study of bladder cancer
Authors: Booth Christopher M. , Siemens D. Robert , Wei Xuejiao , Peng Yingwei , Berman David M. , Mackillop William J.
Published: August 2014

Objective

To evaluate whether pathological factors are associated with differential effect of adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT).

Patients and Methods

In this population‐based retrospective cohort study, we linked electronic records of treatment and surgical pathology to the Ontario Cancer Registry. The study population included all patients with muscle‐invasive bladder cancer undergoing cystectomy in Ontario 1994–2008. Factors associated with overall (OS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards. We tested for interaction between the following variables and ACT effect‐size: N‐stage, margin status, T‐stage, and lymphovascular invasion (LVI).

Results

The study population included 2802 patients; 19% were treated with ACT. Interaction terms with ACT for OS/CSS are: N‐stage (both P < 0.001); margin status (P = 0.054/P = 0.048); T‐stage (P = 0.509/P = 0.286); and LVI (P = 0.361/P = 0.405). Magnitude of effect for ACT was greater for patients with node‐positive disease [OS: hazard ratio (HR) 0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.47–0.67; CSS: HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.49–0.72] than for patients with node‐negative disease (OS: HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.61–1.03; CSS: HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.59–1.07). ACT was also associated with greater effect among patients with involved margins (OS: HR 0.45, 95% CI 0.33–0.62; CSS: HR 0.40, 95% CI 0.28–0.57) compared with patients with negative margins (OS: HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.65–0.87; CSS: HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.67–0.93).

Conclusions

In this population‐based cohort study we observe evidence of interaction between ACT effect and nodal stage and surgical margin status. Our results suggest that patients at highest risk of disease recurrence may derive greatest benefit from ACT.
Retracted:Bone neo‐formation and mineral degradation of 4Bone.®PartII: histological and histomorphometric analysis in critical size defects in rabbits
Authors: Calvo‐Guirado José Luis , Maté‐Sánchez Jose E. , Delgado‐Ruiz Rafael A. , Romanos Georgios E. , De Aza‐Moya Piedad , Velázquez Pablo
Published: August 2014

Objective

To carry out the histological and histomorphometric plus radiological analysis of biphasic ceramic.

Materials and method

In this study, porousHA/βTCP(4Bone®) ceramic material was tested for the bone repairing capacity and osteoinductive potential in a New Zealand rabbit model. The ratio of the ceramic′s componentsHA/βTCPwas 60/40 (in wt%).

Results

The 4Bone®showed significantly more bone formation in the pores and in the periphery of the graft than the control group. Histomorphometric analysis revealed that the ceramic material (66.43% ± 0.29) produced higher values of bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) percentages (higher quality, closer contact); moreover, defect closure was significative higher in relation with control group (64.15% ± 3.52).

Conclusions

4Bone®is a biocompatible, partially resorbable and osteoconductive grafting material. Biphasic graft material ofHA/βTCPwith a porosity of 95% without loading favors new bone formation.
Measures of cardiorespiratory fitness in relation to measures of body size and composition among children
Authors: Tompuri Tuomo , Lintu Niina , Savonen Kai , Laitinen Tomi , Laaksonen David , Jääskeläinen Jarmo , Lakka Timo A.
Published: August 2014

Background

In the exercise testing measures of cardiorespiratory fitness need to be scaled by body size or composition to enable comparison between individuals. Traditionally used weight‐proportional measures are potentially confounded by body adiposity that hampers their interpretation and applicability in the clinical assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness.

Objective

We aimed to find the most appropriate measure of body size or composition for scaling of measures of cardiorespiratory fitness among children.

Methods

We assessed body weight and height, maximal workload (WMAX) and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2MAX) using cycle ergometer exercise test with respiratory gas analysis and body lean mass (LM) and fat mass (FM) by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry and by bioimpedance analysis among 38 children. The data were analysed using Pearson's coefficients for correlation and stepwise linear regression models.

Results

Lean mass (r > 0·54) and height (r > 0·51) had stronger positive correlations with absolute WMAX and VO2MAX than weight (r > 0·30) in girls and boys. None of the measures of body size or composition correlated with LM‐proportional WMAX or VO2MAX in girls or boys. Only LM correlated positively with height‐proportional WMAX (r = 0·65) and VO2MAX (r = 0·71) in boys. FM correlated negatively with weight‐proportional WMAX (r < −0·58) and VO2MAX (r < −0·64) in girls and boys. FM was even stronger determinant of weight‐proportional WMAX (β = −0·68) and VO2MAX (β = −0·61) than exercise performance in multivariate linear regression models.

Conclusions

While assessing cardiorespiratory fitness, LM is the most appropriate measure of body size or composition for scaling of WMAX and VO2MAX, because scaling by body weight introduces confounding by body adiposity.
‘Development’ as ifWe Have Never Been Modern: Fragments of a Latourian Development Studies
Authors: Donovan Kevin P.
Published: August 2014

The work of the French anthropologist‐cum‐philosopher Bruno Latour has influenced a wide variety of disciplines in the past three decades. Yet, Latour has had little noticeable effect within development studies, including those sub‐fields where it might be reasonable to expect affinity, such as the anthropology of development. The first half of this article outlines some core aspects of Latour's oeuvre as they relate to development and anthropology, particularly focusing on the post‐development critique. Latour's approach to constructivism and translation, his analytical commitment to ‘keeping the social flat’ and his distribution of agency offer novel ways of maintaining some of the strengths of post‐development without falling prey to some of its weaknesses. The second half of the article explores the potential for a Latour‐inspired theory of development that may provide fruitful avenues for scholarship and practice beyond post‐development, emphasizing materialism, relationality and hybridity.
Understanding the Precariat through Labour and Work
Authors: Standing Guy
Published: August 2014

This article sets out a framework for analysing the globalizing labour process, arguing that the old dualisms of ‘capital’ versus ‘labour’ and ‘formal sector’ versus ‘informal sector’ are inadequate and unhelpful. It begins by making conceptual distinctions between work and labour and between labour and labour power, and goes on to identify a globalizing class structure in which a ‘precariat’ is emerging as a potentially transformative new mass class. Denied so‐called ‘labour rights’ and social entitlements that went with twentieth century industrial citizenship, the growing precariat needs new systems of regulation, social protection and redistribution. These should be based on work and occupation rather than subordinated labour, will require new forms of collective action and representation, and should seek to redistribute the key assets of twenty‐first century tertiary societies, including income security, control of time, financial capital and the commons.
Is Labour Still a Relevant Category for Praxis? Critical Reflections on Some Contemporary Discourses on Work and Labour in Capitalism
Authors: Bhattacharya Saumyajit
Published: August 2014

There has been an erosion in the use of ‘labour’ as a key concept of critical reflection in contemporary capitalism. Parallel to this development, there has been a significant debasement of labour rights and the concomitant rise of a discourse that delegitimizes the criticality of labour and labour rights. This essay attempts to identify and critique some of these discourses in the sphere of work, labour and labour rights. In particular, it critically examines three varied perspectives — one neoliberal and two radically opposed to that — and argues that in spite of their contrasting ideologies, they resonate with each other and, overtly or covertly, carry out the task of delegimization of a labour‐centred discourse and the paradigm of labour rights. These ‘radical’ discourses, the essay argues, obfuscate the essence of capitalist exploitation and alienation either by an emphasis on fragmentary peculiarities immanent in the capitalist accumulation process or by the architecture of grand false constructs, which gets enmeshed within and subsumed by certain essential tendencies of contemporary capitalism. The essay argues in favour of a return to a discourse centred on labour and labour rights, albeit in a more comprehensive manner — not merely as an approach to assessing the diverse forms of working conditions and institutionalized practices, but more crucially as constituting what Marx conceptualized as the ‘real abstract’ in the vicissitudes of the capitalist accumulation process.
Dynamic connectivity among cortical layers in local and large‐scale sensory processing
Authors: Plomp Gijs , Quairiaux Charles , Kiss Jozsef Z. , Astolfi Laura , Michel Christoph M.
Published: August 2014

Cortical processing of sensory stimuli typically recruits multiple areas, but how each area dynamically incorporates activity from other areas is not well understood. We investigated interactions between cortical columns of bilateral primary sensory regions (S1s) in rats by recording local field potentials and multi‐unit activity simultaneously in both S1s with electrodes positioned at each cortical layer. Using dynamic connectivity analysis based on Granger‐causal modeling, we found that, shortly after whisker stimulation (< 10 ms), contralateral S1 (cS1) already relays activity to granular and infragranular layers of S1 in the other hemisphere, after which cS1 shows a pattern of within‐column interactions that directs activity upwards toward superficial layers. This pattern of predominant upward driving was also observed in S1 ipsilateral to stimulation, but at longer latencies. In addition, we found that interactions between the two S1s most strongly target granular and infragranular layers. Taken together, the results suggest a possible mechanism for how cortical columns integrate local and large‐scale neocortical computation by relaying information from deeper layers to local processing in superficial layers.
Latitudinal gradients in climatic‐niche evolution accelerate trait evolution at high latitudes
Authors: Lawson Adam M. , Weir Jason T.
Published: August 2014

Despite the importance of divergent selection to the speed of evolution, it remains poorly understood if divergent selection is more prevalent in the tropics (where species richness is highest), or at high latitudes (where paleoclimate change has been most intense). We tested whether the rate of climatic‐niche evolution – one proxy for divergent selection – varies with latitude for 111 pairs of bird species. Using Brownian motion and Ornsetin–Ulhenbeck models, we show that evolutionary rates along two important axes of the climatic‐niche – temperature and seasonality – have been faster at higher latitudes. We then tested whether divergence of the climatic‐niche was associated with evolution in traits important in ecological differentiation (body mass) and reproductive isolation (song), and found that climatic divergence is associated with faster rates in both measures. These results highlight the importance of climate‐mediated divergent selection pressures in driving evolutionary divergence and reproductive isolation at high latitudes.
Fine‐scale genetic correlates to condition and migration in a wild cervid
Authors: Northrup Joseph M. , Shafer Aaron B. A. , Anderson Charles R. , Coltman David W. , Wittemyer George
Published: August 2014

The relationship between genetic variation and phenotypic traits is fundamental to the study and management of natural populations. Such relationships often are investigated by assessing correlations between phenotypic traits and heterozygosity or genetic differentiation. Using an extensive data set compiled from free‐ranging mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), we combined genetic and ecological data to (i) examine correlations between genetic differentiation and migration timing, (ii) screen for mitochondrial haplotypes associated with migration timing, and (iii) test whether nuclear heterozygosity was associated with condition. Migration was related to genetic differentiation (more closely related individuals migrated closer in time) and mitochondrial haplogroup. Body fat was related to heterozygosity at two nuclear loci (with antagonistic patterns), one of which is situated near a known fat metabolism gene in mammals. Despite being focused on a widespread panmictic species, these findings revealed a link between genetic variation and important phenotypes at a fine scale. We hypothesize that these correlations are either the result of mixing refugial lineages or differential mitochondrial haplotypes influencing energetics. The maintenance of phenotypic diversity will be critical to enable the potential tracking of changing climatic conditions, and these correlates highlight the need to consider evolutionary mechanisms in management, even in widely distributed panmictic species.
Association between frailty and subclinical peripheral vascular disease in a community‐dwelling geriatric population: Taichung Community Health Study for Elders
Authors: Lin Chih‐Hsueh , Chou Che‐Yi , Liu Chiu‐Shong , Huang Chih‐Yang , Li Tsai‐Chung , Lin Cheng‐Chieh
Published: August 2014

Aim

Frailty is a common syndrome in the elderly and is linked to poor outcomes. Walking performance is one of the indicators of frailty and can be associated with peripheral vascular disease (PVD). The association between frailty and PVD is unclear. The present study investigates the association between frailty and PVD in the elderly.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was carried out in a geriatric population of ≥65‐year‐old residents of Taichung, Taiwan, in June 2009. The association between frailty and subclinical PVD was analyzed using logistic regression with adjustments for PVD risk factors.

Results

The community‐based study consisted of 1036 individuals (539 male and 497 female subjects) with a mean age of 74.2 ± 6.6 years. Frailty was found in 143 (13.8%), and subclinical PVD was identified in 74 (7.1%) individuals using the Ankle Brachial Index < 0.9 as a cut‐off. Frail individuals were associated with an increased risk for subclinical PVD with an odd ratios (OR) of 3.168 (95% CI 1.803–5.566, P < 0.001). Individuals' diastolic blood pressure (OR 0.975, 95% CI 0.951–0.999, P = 0.038) and high‐density cholesterol (OR 0.976, 95% CI: 0.956–0.996, P = 0.019) were independently associated with subclinical PVD.

Conclusions

Frailty syndrome in the elderly is associated with subclinical peripheral arterial disease indicated using the Ankle Brachial Index. The association between frailty and PVD is independent of subject's age, blood pressure and serum lipoprotein level. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 261–267.
Cost‐Utility Analysis of Endoscopic Surveillance of Patients with Gastric Premalignant Conditions
Authors: Areia Miguel , Dinis‐Ribeiro Mário , Rocha Gonçalves Francisco
Published: August 2014

Background

Progression of extensive gastric premalignant conditions to cancer might warrant surveillance programms. Recent guidelines suggest a 3‐yearly endoscopic follow‐up for these patients. Our aim was to determine the cost utility of endoscopic surveillance of patients with extensive gastric premalignant conditions such as extensive atrophy or intestinal metaplasia.

Materials and Methods

A cost‐utility economic analysis was performed from a societal perspective in Portugal using a Markov model to compare two strategies: surveillance versus no surveillance. Clinical data were collected from a systematic review of the literature, costs from published national data, and community utilities derived from a population study by theEuroQol questionnaire in terms of quality‐adjusted life years (QALY). Population started at age 50, for a time horizon of 25 years and an annual discount rate of 3% was used for cost and effectiveness. Primary outcome was the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) of a 3‐yearly endoscopic surveillance versus no surveillance for a base case scenario and in deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analysis. Secondary outcomes wereICERof 5‐ and 10‐yearly endoscopic surveillance versus no surveillance.

Results

Endoscopic surveillance every 3 years provided anICERof € 18,336, below the adopted threshold of € 36,575 which corresponds to the proposed guideline limit ofUSD50,000 and this strategy dominated surveillance every 5 or 10 years. Utilities for endoscopic treatment were relevant in deterministic analysis, while probabilistic analysis showed that in 78% of cases the model was cost‐effective.

Conclusions

Endoscopic surveillance every 3 years of patients with premalignant conditions is cost‐effective.
Serum sodium concentration is associated with increased risk of mortality in patients with compensated liver cirrhosis
Authors: Umemura Takeji , Shibata Soichiro , Sekiguchi Tomohiro , Kitabatake Hiroyuki , Nozawa Yuichi , Okuhara Sadahisa , Kimura Takefumi , Morita Susumu , Komatsu Michiharu , Matsumoto Akihiro , Tanaka Eiji
Published: August 2014

Aim

Although hyponatremia is associated with a poor prognosis in liver cirrhosis, little is known about the clinical significance of serum sodium concentration in cirrhosis in Japan. This study investigated associations of mortality in Japanese cirrhosis patients taking conventional diuretics with serum sodium concentration and other clinical characteristics.

Methods

A total of 171 consecutive patients with cirrhosis who were taking diuretic medication were enrolled retrospectively. We determined the prevalence of low serum sodium concentration and searched for associations with age, sex, etiology, complications of cirrhosis, liver function tests and Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) and MELD‐Na scores. The predictive ability of sodium level on mortality was also investigated.

Results

Median serum sodium concentration was 139 mEq/L (interquartile range, 137–141). Only eight of 171 (4.7%) patients had low serum sodium (<130 mEq/L). Median MELD‐Na score was 10.5 (interquartile range, 8.0–14.3). Cumulative survival rates were significantly lower in patients with Na of less than 139 mEq/L or MELD‐Na score of 10.5 or more (log–rank test, P = 0.017 and P = 0.0002, respectively). Several liver function tests, MELD and MELD‐Na scores, and the incidence of ascites were all significantly associated with patients having Na of less than 139 mEq/L.

Conclusion

Serum sodium concentration below 139 mEq/L and MELD‐Na score above 10.5 may be predictive markers for mortality in patients with cirrhosis despite being within normal ranges. These markers may help to better assess and manage the prognosis of patients with cirrhosis in Japan.
Characterization of the Mechanical Behavior of Magnesia Spinel Refractories Using Image Correlation
Authors: Belrhiti Younes , Huger Marc , Chotard Thierry , Pop Octavian , Germaneau Arnaud , Doumalin Pascal , Dupré Jean Christophe
Published: August 2014

The improvement in thermal shock resistance of refractory materials is among the crucial properties that interest researchers and industrials. The “flexibility” in terms of large strain‐to‐rupture is, up to now, an important parameter to develop such characteristic. This can be obtained by generating a network of microcracks within the microstructure of the material under mechanical solicitations. As an outcome, the mechanical behavior can vary from fragile to a large nonlinear one depending on the degree of microcracking present inside the material. In fact, this nonlinear behavior of ceramics related to their microstructure is behind the possibility to enhance the level of strain‐to‐rupture for a better accommodation to the high level of strain induced by thermal shock solicitations. This study is devoted to apply digital imaging correlation method to support mechanical behavior analysis for the evaluation of the thermal shock ability of refractory materials. In this paper, mechanical characterization of magnesia spinel materials has been carried out using different experimental tests. These nonlinear materials are characterized by a mechanical behavior strongly dependent on their microstructure.
Bi2O3 Addition Effects on the Sintering Mechanism, Magnetic Properties, and DC Superposition Behavior of NiCuZn Ferrites
Authors: Hsiang Hsing‐I , Chueh Jui‐Fu
Published: August 2014

The Bi2O3 addition effects on the densification mechanism, magnetic properties, and DC superposition behavior of NiCuZn ferrites are investigated in this study. Bi2O3 addition can effectively promote NiCuZn ferrite densification. The densification controlling mechanism is dominated by the liquid formation resulting from the Bi2O3 and Bi2CuO4 eutectic reaction as Bi2O3 addition is increased above 2wt%. A suitable compromise between the initial permeability and DC‐bias superposition characteristic can be obtained by adding a proper amount of Bi2O3 to adjust the nonmagnetic copper and bismuth‐rich precipitate thickness at the grain boundaries.
Interaction of BN‐ZrO2‐SiC Ceramics with Inclusions in Si‐killed Steel
Authors: Kumar Abhishek , Thapliyal Vivek , Smith Jeffrey
Published: August 2014

Boron nitride (BN)‐based ceramics are often used as containment refractory in thin‐strip steel production. The interaction of this material (BN‐ZrO2‐SiC:‐MYCROSINT® SO43) was studied using a steel‐inclusion system in a laboratory setup. Isothermal interaction tests were performed to evaluate the interaction of inclusions with this refractory. It was determined that corrosion of the BN refractory occurs through a dissolution mechanism and it was more severe in contact with steel compared to slag. A thermodynamic model was developed using FactSage to study the change in liquid steel/slag composition with refractory interaction. Thermodynamic predictions were in agreement with the experimental data obtained through isothermal interaction tests.
Management of systemic AL amyloidosis: recommendations of the Myeloma Foundation of Australia Medical and Scientific Advisory Group
Authors: Weber N. , Mollee P. , Augustson B. , Brown R. , Catley L. , Gibson J. , Harrison S. , Ho P. J. , Horvath N. , Jaksic W. , Joshua D. , Quach H. , Roberts A. W. , Spencer A. , Szer J. , Talaulikar D. , To B. , Zannettino A. , Prince H. M.
Published: August 2014

Systemic AL amyloidosis is a plasma cell dyscrasia with a characteristic clinical phenotype caused by multi‐organ deposition of an amyloidogenic monoclonal protein. This condition poses a unique management challenge due to the complexity of the clinical presentation and the narrow therapeutic window of available therapies. Improved appreciation of the need for risk stratification, standardised use of sensitive laboratory testing for monitoring disease response, vigilant supportive care and the availability of newer agents with more favourable toxicity profiles have contributed to the improvement in treatment‐related mortality and overall survival seen over the past decade. Nonetheless, with respect to the optimal management approach, there is a paucity of high‐level clinical evidence due to the rarity of the disease, and enrolment in clinical trials is still the preferred approach where available. This review will summarise the Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Systemic Light Chain (AL) Amyloidosis recently prepared by the Medical Scientific Advisory Group of the Myeloma Foundation of Australia. It is hoped that these guidelines will assist clinicians in better understanding and optimising the management of this difficult disease.
Paediatric heart transplantation in Australia comes of age: 21 years of experience in a national centre
Authors: Alexander P. M. A. , Swager A. , Lee K. J. , Shipp A. , Konstantinov I. E. , Wilkinson J. L. , d'Udekem Y. , Brizard C. , Weintraub R. G.
Published: August 2014

Background

Heart transplantation (HT) is established therapy for end‐stage heart failure in children with cardiomyopathy or congenital heart disease.

Aims

This review summarises experience at a national referral centre since the first local transplant.

Methods

Medical records of children referred for HT between 1 April 1988 and 1 January 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients listed for HT were included. Survival analysis was used to summarise wait‐list time to death/transplant, and separately, time to death in HT patients.

Results

One hundred and thirty‐nine children were accepted on to the HT waiting list during the study (median age 7.7 (interquartile range (IQR) 2.5, 13.6) years), of whom 93 underwent HT (median age 10.9 (IQR 4.4, 14.6) years). Wait‐list mortality was 32% (45 of 139 patients), lowest among children aged >10 years at listing (P < 0.001). Median time to HT was 69 days (range 29–146). Survival post‐transplantation was 90% (95% confidence interval 82–95) at 1 year, 82% (72–89%) at 5 years and 68% (50–80%) at 10 years. Increasing case complexity over the study period included pre‐ and post‐transplant circulatory support, management of pulmonary hypertension and introduction of ABO‐incompatible HT for infants. Post‐transplant survival did not vary according to age, pre‐transplant diagnosis or use of pre‐transplant circulatory support (all P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Results of paediatric HT in Australia are comparable with international results, despite limitations of geographic isolation, small population and low organ donation rate. Increasing case complexity has not impacted on post‐transplant survival.
A systematic review of prevalence, disease characteristics and management of systemic lupus erythematosus in Australia: identifying areas of unmet need
Authors: Nikpour M. , Bridge J. A. , Richter S.
Published: August 2014

Background

Few epidemiological studies of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have been conducted in Australia, and current management practice and levels of unmet need in this country are not well characterised.

Aim

To perform a systematic literature review to identify Australia‐specific information on SLE, particularly areas of unmet need.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were searched (1 January 1990 to 29 November 2013). All articles on prevalence, disease characteristics, management and outcomes of SLE in Australia were included.

Results

There is limited published information on SLE in Australia. Of 24 articles included, 18 described results from observational studies, three were narrative reviews, one was a clinical update, and two were medical education articles. In remote regions, SLE was reported to be more prevalent in Aboriginal Australians than non‐Aboriginal Australians; information in urban populations is lacking. Asian Australians may be more affected by SLE than non‐Asian Australians. Pregnancy outcomes may also be adversely affected. Many Australians with SLE may experience high levels of unmet need, including delayed diagnosis, ongoing symptoms, flares, depression/anxiety, sleeping difficulty and decreased quality of life. Published guidance on the SLE management in Australia is limited and dated.

Conclusions

Published information on SLE in Australia is limited, but suggests that ethnicity may affect the prevalence and disease characteristics and that many Australians with SLE have unmet needs. Improvements in diagnosis, treatment and management are needed to alleviate these needs. Up‐to‐date guidance on the management of SLE would benefit healthcare professionals and patients.
What is the Use of a Human Right to Development? Legal Pluralism, ‘Participation’, and a Tentative Rehabilitation
Authors: Markus Joseph
Published: August 2014

The human right to development divides academic thought. On the one hand, it is mistrusted as an apology for human rights (and other) abuses. On the other, it remains a central pillar of the UN‐led campaign against poverty. Building on the concept of the right to participate in development framed in the UN General Assembly Declaration of 1986, this article seeks to show that there is some scope for the rehabilitation of that right. It demonstrates how the development discourse has tended to exclude minority and subaltern groups. Drawing on the insights of legal pluralism, it then outlines ways in which, for example, indigenous communities have reasserted some control over the development process, before suggesting how this could lay the basis for the wider rehabilitation of the idea of a human right to development.
Relational Human Rights: Shed‐DNA and the Identification of the ‘Living Disappeared’ in Argentina
Authors: Vaisman Noa
Published: August 2014

Through an ethnographic reading of an Argentine Supreme Court decision I explore the changing nature of the legal subject of human rights in light of emerging technologies. Guillermo Gabriel Prieto was suspected of being a ‘living disappeared’, one of the estimated 500 infants or young children forcibly abducted by the last military dictatorship in Argentina. They were raised by the perpetrators of the crime or their accomplices and kept unaware of their birth origins. The Court's deliberations focused on Guillermo's appeal of a lower‐court decision to carry out an identity test based on his shed‐DNA. The decision demonstrates that while the subject of human rights has often been equated with the bounded individual, new technologies challenge us to reconsider the subject's core characteristics: physical boundedness, autonomy, and individuality. I argue that the ruling offers us an alternative conception of the subject that could become the foundation for a new vision of human rights