bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Doxycycline treatment efficacy in dogs with naturally occurring Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection
Authors: Yancey C. B. , Diniz P. P. V. P. , Breitschwerdt E. B. , Hegarty B. C. , Wiesen C. , Qurollo B. A.
Published: December 2017

Objectives

To evaluate doxycycline treatment efficacy and post‐treatment pathogen persistence in dogs naturally infected with Anaplasma phagocytophilum in endemic regions of the USA.

Materials and Methods

Symptomatic dogs in four US states (MN, WI, CT and CA) were evaluated before treatment with doxycycline and approximately 30 and 60 days post‐treatment. Clinicopathological parameters, co‐exposures and A. phagocytophilum DNA in whole blood and lymph node samples were compared between A. phagocytophilum infected and uninfected dogs.

Results

In total, 42 dogs fulfilled the inclusion criteria, with 16 dogs (38%) blood PCR‐positive and 26 dogs (62%) blood PCR‐negative for A. phagocytophilum. At initial evaluation, the proportion of clinicopathological abnormalities was similar between A. phagocytophilum infected and uninfected dogs, although thrombocytopenia and lymphopenia were statistically more prevalent among A. phagocytophilum infected dogs. Treatment with doxycycline resulted in resolution of all clinical abnormalities in infected dogs; four dogs had persistent haematological abnormalities, including mild leukopenia, eosinopenia and lymphopenia. All 16 infected dogs became blood PCR‐negative approximately 30 and 60 days after treatment onset. Additionally, 13/13 (100%) lymph node specimens tested post‐treatment were PCR‐negative. Select clinicopathological abnormalities persisted in uninfected dogs after treatment.

Clinical Significance

The results of this study support the efficacy of doxycycline therapy for clinical treatment of dogs naturally infected with A. phagocytophilum in the USA. This study did not find clinical, haematological or microbiological indicators that supported the persistence of A. phagocytophilum infection in naturally infected dogs following treatment with doxycycline for 28 days.
Sonographic Evaluation of Liver Hemodynamic Indices in Overweight and Obese Dogs
Authors: Belotta A.F. , Teixeira C.R. , Padovani C.R. , Rahal S.C. , Mayer M.N. , Mamprim M.J.
Published: December 2017

Background

Hepatic circulatory disturbances have been associated with obesity and fatty liver in humans. In the veterinary literature, however, there is limited information regarding the effects of different body condition scores (BCS) on liver hemodynamic indices in dogs.

Objectives

To investigate the influence of BCS on liver hemodynamic indices.

Animals

Fifty‐three client‐owned dogs of various breeds were included.

Methods

Prospective observational study. Dogs were divided into 3 BCS groups using a 5‐point scale: G1 – 12 ideal dogs, G2 – 21 overweight dogs, G3 – 20 obese dogs. Mean portal velocity (MPV), portal blood flow volume (PBFV), portal congestion index (PCI), hepatic artery resistivity index (HARI), and hepatic vein (HV) spectral wave were obtained by pulsed Doppler sonography. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities were determined. Liver enzymes activities and liver hemodynamic indices were compared among groups.

Results

Obese dogs had lower MPV, higher percentage of abnormal hepatic vein spectral wave and higher median ALP activity than did ideal dogs (P < 0.05). Overweight and obese dogs had lower PBFV than ideal dogs (P < 0.01). Overweight dogs had higher median GGT activity than ideal dogs (P < 0.05). No difference was observed for PCI, HARI and median ALT activity among the groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Obesity was associated with changes in portal vein indices and in HV spectral wave. These changes were accompanied by significant differences in some liver enzymes activities and could be a sign of early liver disease.
Effect of Heat‐treatment on Accuracy of Infrared Spectroscopy and Digital and Optical Brix Refractometers for Measuring Immunoglobulin G Concentration in Bovine Colostrum
Authors: Elsohaby I. , McClure J.T. , Dow N. , Keefe G.P.
Published: December 2017

Background

Heat‐treatment of colostrum is a method developed to reduce calf exposure to pathogens. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy and Brix refractometers can be used for measuring colostral IgG concentration and assessing colostrum quality.

Objectives

To determine the impact of heat‐treatment on accuracy ofIRspectroscopy and Brix refractometers for measuring colostral IgG concentration and assessing colostrum quality before and after heat‐treatment.

Animals

A total of 60 Holstein dairy cows on 8 commercial dairy farms.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was designed to determine the effect of heat‐treatment at 60°C and 63°C each for 30 and 60 minutes duration on colostral IgG concentration measured by the reference radial immunodiffusion (RID) assay,IRspectroscopy, and digital and optical refractometers.

Results

Colostrum IgG concentration significantly decreased after heat‐treatment at 63°C for 30 or 60 minutes as measured byRID, but the IgG values remained unchanged when measured byIRspectroscopy and refractometers. The lowest correlation coefficient found betweenIRspectroscopy (r = 0.70) andRIDresults was in colostrum heat‐treated at 63°C for 60 minutes. For digital (r = 0.48) and optical (r = 0.50) refractometers, the lowest correlation coefficient was at 63°C for 30 minutes when compared toRID. The accuracy of theIRspectroscopy, digital and optical Brix refractometers was decreased from 91.7 to 80%, 81.7 to 45%, and 80 to 45%, respectively, when colostrum heat‐treated at 63°C for 60 minutes.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Radial immunodiffusion,IRspectroscopy, and Brix refractometers exhibit utility for measuring IgG concentration when colostrum heat‐treated at 60°C but does not detect decrease IgG concentrations when heat‐treated at 63°C.
Optimizing the Proportions of Plant Protein Ingredients in the Diet of Juvenile Blunt Snout Bream, Megalobrama amblycephala
Authors: Zhou Qun‐Lan , Yuan Wei , Pan Liangkun , Liu Bo , Ren Mingchun , Miao Linghong , Sun Ajun , Ge Xianping
Published: December 2017

An 8‐wk feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the influence of different proportions of dietary plant ingredients on the growth of juvenile blunt snout bream, Megalobrama amblycephala. A 2 × 3 factorial arrangement was set for this trial with three ratios of cottonseed meal (CSM) and canola meal (CM) (2:1, 1:1, or 1:2) and three proportions of soybean meal (SBM) (2, 1, or 0). The results showed that the specific growth rate and protein efficiency ratio both significantly decreased with decreasing amounts of SBM in the diets of blunt snout bream (P < 0.05), while the feed efficiency ratio and feed intake increased significantly (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the growth performance and feed utilization were shown to improve with increasing amounts of CSM, although the effects were not significant (P > 0.05). The interaction of these two factors had no effect on either growth or feed utilization (P > 0.05). Diet composition was not seen to affect body composition (P > 0.05). The ratio of CSM to CM significantly affected gut amylase activity, liver alanine aminotransferase content, and plasma cholesterol levels (P < 0.05). The interaction between the two main effects significantly influenced the plasma glucose level (P < 0.05). Therefore, the suitable proportion of plant feed for blunt snout bream should include high levels of SBM and CSM, with a SBM : CSM : CM ratio of 2:2:1.
Estimation of Arachidonic Acid Requirement for Improvement of Pre‐maturation Growth and Egg and Larval Quality in the Female Blue Gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus; Pallas, 1770): A Model for the Anabantidae Family
Authors: Masoudi Asil Shima , Abedian Kenari Abdolmohammad , Rahimi Mianji Ghodrat , Van Der Kraak Glen
Published: December 2017

This study investigates the dietary arachidonic acid (ARA) requirement from juvenile to maturation stage in an anabantid model fish, the blue gourami, Trichopodus trichopterus. Specifically we determined the optimum dietary ARA content to maximize juvenile growth and subsequent sexual maturation and to improve the quality of their eggs and offspring. Five experimental diets containing 0.02, 0.53, 1.05, 1.60, and 2.12% ARA (of dry weight) were fed to juveniles over 5 mo. The results showed that whole‐body fatty acid profile of broodstock significantly changed in fish fed diets of different ARA content (ANOVA, P < 0.003). The highest contents of 18:2n‐6 and Σn‐6 were obtained in fish fed 0.53% ARA, and a decreasing trend was observed with elevated dietary ARA levels. Monthly specific growth rate (SGR) measurements revealed significant differences in the juvenile stage, but the SGR of broodstock was unaffected by dietary ARA. Protein and ash content of whole‐body broodstock showed no differences among groups, while lipid content decreased as ARA levels increased. Maximum volume of the oocyte was obtained in the 1.05% ARA group, while the yolk sac size increased as dietary ARA increased. The optimum growth and survival of the larvae produced by broodstock were recorded in the 2.12 and 1.6% ARA groups, respectively. It was concluded that despite the presumed ability of freshwater fish to synthesize and meet their highly unsaturated fatty acid requirements, dietary ARA higher than 1.05% had significant stimulatory effects on growth of juveniles but no obvious influence on the growth of matured fish. Also, higher ARA levels (1.6–2.12%) were found to improve the quality of eggs and offspring.
Situation analysis of procurement and production of multiple micronutrient supplements in 12 lower and upper middle‐income countries
Authors: Monterrosa Eva C. , Beesabathuni Kalpana , van Zutphen Kesso G. , Steiger Georg , Kupka Roland , Fleet Alison , Kraemer Klaus
Published: December 2017

Globally, there are few vitamin and mineral ingredient manufacturers. To support local, in‐country or regional procurement and production of multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS), the following production scenarios are possible: (a) straight ingredients of vitamins and minerals forms imported or locally produced that are mixed, tableted, or encapsulated and packaged by a local manufacturer; (b) import or local production of a vitamin and minerals premix that is tableted or encapsulated and packaged locally; (c) import of a bulk, finished product (tablets or capsules) that is packaged and branded; and (d) or import of a branded packaged product. This paper is a situation analysis of the market, manufacturing, and policy factors that are driving the production of MMS in 12 lower and upper middle‐income countries. Key informants completed a self‐administered structured questionnaire, which examined the local context of products available in the market and their cost, regulations and policies, in Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Bangladesh, India, Vietnam, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. Our study found that although most countries have the capacity to produce locally MMS, the major barriers observed for sustainable and affordable production include (a) poor technical capacity and policies for ensuring quality along the value chain and (b) lack of policy coherence to incentivize local production and lower the manufacture and retail price of MMS. Also, better guidelines and government oversight will be required because not one country had an MMS formulation that matched the globally recommended formulation of the United Nations Multiple Micronutrient Preparation (UNIMMAP).
FtsA reshapes membrane architecture and remodels the Z‐ring in Escherichia coli
Authors: Conti Joseph , Viola Marissa G. , Camberg Jodi L.
Published: December 2017

Cell division in prokaryotes initiates with assembly of the Z‐ring at midcell, which, in Escherichia coli, is tethered to the inner leaflet of the cytoplasmic membrane through a direct interaction with FtsA, a widely conserved actin homolog. The Z‐ring is comprised of polymers of tubulin‐like FtsZ and has been suggested to provide the force for constriction. Here, we demonstrate that FtsA exerts force on membranes causing redistribution of membrane architecture, robustly hydrolyzes ATP and directly engages FtsZ polymers in a reconstituted system. Phospholipid reorganization by FtsA occurs rapidly and is mediated by insertion of a C‐terminal membrane targeting sequence (MTS) into the bilayer and further promoted by a nucleotide‐dependent conformational change relayed to the MTS. FtsA also recruits FtsZ to phospholipid vesicles via a direct interaction with the FtsZ C‐terminus and regulates FtsZ assembly kinetics. These results implicate the actin homolog FtsA in establishment of a Z‐ring scaffold, while directly remodeling the membrane and provide mechanistic insight into localized cell wall remodeling, invagination and constriction at the onset of division.
Candiduria in kidney transplant recipients: Is antifungal therapy useful?
Authors: Denis Blandine , Chopin Dorothée , Piron Prescillia , Resche‐Rigon Matthieu , Bretagne Stéphane , Gits‐Muselli Maud , Peraldi Marie‐Noelle , Abboud Imad , Molina Jean‐Michel
Published: December 2017

A French single‐centre retrospective study between 2010 and 2014 was undertaken to assess candiduria's incidence in kidney transplant recipients (KTR), and the use and impact of antifungal treatment on outcome. Candiduria was defined as a urine culture with ≥103 cfu/mL of Candida species. Candiduria clearance, severe complications and death rates were estimated by Kaplan‐Meier methods and the effect of treatment by Cox models.

52/1223 (4.3%) KTR had ≥1 episode of candiduria, 42 (81%) were females, 18 (35%) had diabetes, with an incidence of 2.3/100 person‐year of follow‐up. Candiduria was asymptomatic in 51 (98%) patients. Candida glabrata was the most frequent pathogen identified. Overall fungal clearance rate was 89%. Antifungal therapy was initiated in only 14 episodes (12%), according to guidelines. Three patients (6%) developed severe complications in the first 2 weeks after transplantation, and 8 (15%) died. Antifungal treatment had no impact on candiduria clearance (HR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.3‐1.1; P = .10), on recurrence rate (HR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.1‐2.3; P = .41) and on the risk of severe complications or death (HR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.3‐4.8; P = .89). Candiduria is rare and usually asymptomatic among KTR. Candiduria management in the immediate post‐transplant period deserves careful attention.
Environmental distribution of Cryptococcus species and some other yeast‐like fungi in India
Authors: Prakash Anupam , Randhawa Harbans S. , Khan Zia U. , Ahmad Suhail , Hagen Ferry , Meis Jacques F. , Chowdhary Anuradha
Published: December 2017

A study of environmental distribution revealed the occurrence of Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii in 9% and 3%, respectively, of 611 samples investigated. C. neoformans showed the highest isolation frequency from tree trunk hollows in Delhi (31%), whereas C. gattii occurred in 12% of the samples in Delhi and 5% in Rajasthan. In addition, Cryptococcus laurentii (=Papiliotrema laurentii), C. rajasthanensis (=Papiliotrema rajasthanensis), C. podzolicus (=Saitozyma podzolica) and C. flavescens (=Papiliotrema flavescens) occurred in 0.5% each. The recovery of C. flavescens and C. podzolicus was new findings for India. One more noteworthy finding was isolation of a new yeast, recently classified as Saitozyma cassiae sp. Novo. The previous strain of this yeast came from tree bark debris in South India. Our isolates came from decayed wood inside a trunk hollow of an Acacia tree in, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Rajasthan. The isolations of novel strains of Cutaneotrichosporon moniliiforme from decayed wood of a Pinus tree was another significant finding. Phenotypically, they differed from T. moniliforme by being encapsulated cells, had melanin‐like pigment production and were unable to assimilate d‐manitol and d‐melezitose. AFLP analysis showed a distinctive banding profile vis‐a‐vis the reference strains of T. moniliiforme and Cryptotrichosporon anacardii.
Primula zhui (Primulaceae) sp. nov. from south Yunnan, southwest China
Authors: Yang Bin , Ding Hong‐Bo , Li Zhi‐Hong , Tan Yun‐Hong
Published: December 2017

Primula zhui a new species of Primula endemic to the Yunnan Province, China, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to P. intanoensis from Thailand, and P. calyptrata from southeast Yunnan, affiliated to Primula sect. Carolinella (Hemsl.) Pax. However, it is easily distinguished from the Thailand species by its longer corolla tube and distylous flowers, and it differs from the Chinese species by its leaf ovate to ovate‐elliptic blade and distylous flowers.
New species of Peliosanthes, Rohdea and Tupistra (Asparagaceae) from Laos and Vietnam
Authors: Averyanov Leonid V. , Tanaka Noriyuki , Nguyen Khang Sinh , Nguyen Quynh Nga , Maisak Tatiana V. , Nguyen Tien Hiep
Published: December 2017

We describe and illustrate four new species, Peliosanthes choriandra, P. tatianae and Tupistra orlovii from central to northern Laos, and Rohdea filosa from northern Vietnam. These are all very local in distribution and endemic to the respective countries. We also report new localities and their ecological conditions for five other species of Peliosanthes (P. argenteostriata, P. hirsuta, P. irinae, P. micrantha and P. nivea) recently described from Laos and/or Vietnam. Furthermore, Peliosanthes nivea is recorded as new to the flora of Laos.
The NB‐LRR gene Pm60 confers powdery mildew resistance in wheat
Authors: Zou Shenghao , Wang Huan , Li Yiwen , Kong Zhaosheng , Tang Dingzhong
Published: December 2017

Powdery mildew is one of the most devastating diseases of wheat. To date, few powdery mildew resistance genes have been cloned from wheat due to the size and complexity of the wheat genome.

Triticum urartu is the progenitor of the A genome of wheat and is an important source for powdery mildew resistance genes. Using molecular markers designed from scaffolds of the sequenced T. urartu accession and standard map‐based cloning, a powdery mildew resistance locus was mapped to a 356‐kb region, which contains two nucleotide‐binding and leucine‐rich repeat domain (NB‐LRR) protein‐encoding genes.

Virus‐induced gene silencing, single‐cell transient expression, and stable transformation assays demonstrated that one of these two genes, designated Pm60, confers resistance to powdery mildew. Overexpression of full‐length Pm60 and two allelic variants in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves induced hypersensitive cell death response, but expression of the coiled‐coil domain alone was insufficient to induce hypersensitive response.

Yeast two‐hybrid, bimolecular fluorescence complementation and luciferase complementation imaging assays showed that Pm60 protein interacts with its neighboring NB‐containing protein, suggesting that they might be functionally related. The identification and cloning of this novel wheat powdery mildew resistance gene will facilitate breeding for disease resistance in wheat.
Computer monitor pixellation and Sloan letter visual acuity measurement
Authors: Carkeet Andrew , Lister Lucas J.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

To assess the effects of changing computer monitor pixel density on visual acuity measurements made using Sloan optotypes.

Methods

Acuity was measured on 10 participants aged 19 to 38 years (mean 27.9 ± 7.0) measured binocularly wearing their best spectacle correction. Stimuli were eight lines of five Sloan letter optotypes in logarithmic progression, ranging in size from −0.4 to 0.3 logMAR. Test distance was varied so that pixels on the monitor ranged in size from 0.125 mins of arc to 1.97 mins of arc. Two sampling approaches were used: (1) unfiltered sampling, with each pixel rendered either black or white; and (2) filtered sampling with pixel luminance averaged across a pixel aperture, giving grey‐scale smoothing of letter edges.

Results

A broken line fit was made to each data set, with acuity being stable at an asymptotic threshold VAas for small pixels sizes, with thresholds increasing linearly when pixel sizes exceeded a critical pixel size Pcrit. For unfiltered stimuli, Pcrit averaged 1.1 mins of arc and for unfiltered stimuli averaged 0.69 mins of arc. For filtered stimuli, Pcrit was 1.79xVAas, and for unfiltered Pcrit was 1.05xVAas.

Conclusion

The results show that grey‐scale filtering makes acuity measurement more resistant to the effects of pixellation. Based on a conservative interpretation of these findings, we make the recommendation that charts be constructed with, for filtered optotypes, a maximum pixel size of 0.6 x of the smallest MAR used and, for unfiltered optotypes, 0.35 x the smallest MAR used.
To monitor or intervene? City managers and the implementation of strategic initiatives
Authors: Mitchell David
Published: December 2017

Strategic initiatives represent a government's response to constituent and organizational needs, but are only effective if properly implemented. In local governments with a council‐manager form of government, city managers face a unique dilemma as compounding challenges of implementation often require them to step into leadership roles typically reserved for elected officials. For this qualitative study, 16 city managers and project leaders from US local governments were interviewed regarding the implementation of nine varied strategic initiatives. The responses indicate that city managers play an important dual role in implementation—first, monitoring the progress of the implementation team and the satisfaction of the stakeholder coalition; and second, choosing to intervene directly in implementation decision‐making when they observe missteps by the implementers or discontent from the stakeholders. These conclusions contribute to the practice perspective of strategic management theory and a better understanding of the institutional leadership role of city managers.
Prognostic factors in the early phase of acute encephalopathy
Authors: Oba Chizu , Kashiwagi Mitsuru , Tanabe Takuya , Nomura Shohei , Ogino Motoko , Matsuda Takuya , Murata Shinya , Nakamura Michiko , Shirasu Akihiko , Inoue Keisuke , Okasora Keisuke , Tamai Hiroshi
Published: December 2017

Background

Neurological sequelae occur in 40% of patients with acute encephalopathy (AE). The early prediction of poor outcomes is critical to the initiation of appropriate treatment. The aim of the present study was therefore to elucidate prognostic factors that can be quickly and feasibly evaluated on hospital admission in patients with AE.

Methods

We analyzed data from 51 AE patients admitted to Hirakata City Hospital between January 2005 and December 2014. Age at onset, sex, underlying disease, status epilepticus (SE), presence of benzodiazepine‐resistant SE (BZD‐resistant SE), and basic blood serum parameters on admission were evaluated in relation to each patient's outcome.

Results

On univariate analysis age at onset, BZD‐resistant SE, and serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and platelet count varied significantly according to outcome. On multivariate analysis age at onset (≤21 months), presence of BZD‐resistant SE, and AST (≥46 IU/L) were identified as independent variables associated with poor outcome.

Conclusion

Age at onset, presence of BZD‐resistant SE, and AST are associated with a poor prognosis in AE.
Screening tomato genotypes for resistance and tolerance to Tomato chlorosis virus
Authors: Mansilla‐Córdova P. J. , Bampi D. , Rondinel‐Mendoza N. V. , Melo P. C. T. , Lourenção A. L. , Rezende J. A. M.
Published: December 2017

Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) is an emerging crinivirus in Brazil that causes an economically important disease in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and other solanaceous species. ToCV is transmitted predominantly by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci Middle East‐Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1, formerly biotype B), in a semipersistent manner. As all cultivated tomato varieties and hybrids are susceptible to this crinivirus, the main alternatives for the control of the disease are the use of healthy seedlings for transplanting and the chemical control of the insect vector. The objective of this work was to evaluate the responses of tomato genotypes to infection with this crinivirus and their tolerance to the disease in order to support the development of other alternatives for disease control. Resistance to infection was evaluated by ToCV inoculation with viruliferous B. tabaciMEAM1 followed by virus detection by RT‐PCR and RT‐qPCR. To measure tolerance to the disease, plant development and fruit yield of ToCV‐infected and healthy plants were compared. Among 56 genotypes, only the lineage IAC‐CN‐RT (S. lycopersicum ‘Angela Gigante’ × S. peruvianum ‘LA 444‐1’) was highly resistant to infection with ToCV. Tolerance to the disease over two trials with different genotypes showed variable results. The effect of ToCV on plant development varied from 2.9% to 71.9% reduction, while yield loss varied from 0.2% to 51.8%. The highly ToCV‐resistant lineage IAC‐CN‐RT, which is also resistant to a Spanish isolate of ToCV, might be useful for tomato breeding programmes.
UV‐radiation effects on photosynthesis and photoprotection in gametophytic and sporophytic stages of the freshwater red alga Kumanoa ambigua (Rhodophyta, Batrachospermales)
Authors: Bautista‐Saraiva Anna Isabel N. , Bonomi‐Barufi José , Figueroa Félix L. , Necchi Orlando
Published: December 2017

The aim of this study was to analyze the photosynthetic performance of gametophytic and sporophytic (‘Chantransia’) stages of Kumanoa ambigua in culture under UV radiation. We hypothesized that both life history stages of K. ambigua would exhibit different photosynthetic responses to UVR exposure. Experiments were performed under three conditions: (i) photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) only (400–700 nm), P control; (ii) PAR + UVA (320–700 nm), PA treatment; and (iii) PAR + UVA + UVB (280–700 nm), PAB treatment. The photosynthetic parameters were measured as in vivo chlorophyll a fluorescence. Differences were found between life stages, observing higher values of NPQ and effective quantum yields (ΔF/Fm′) under UVA and PAR in gametophytes compared to sporophytes. One type of mycosporine‐like amino acid (MAA) was detected in the gametophyte in all treatments, but not in the ‘Chantransia’ stage. The increased photosynthetic performance for some parameters and the presence of MAA in gametophyte suggest that it is less sensitive to UV radiation, particularly UVA, in comparison to sporophyte under culture conditions. This approach is relevant for a better understanding of the adaptation and physiological acclimation of freshwater Rhodophyta to varying light climates in terms of global changes.
The EU's conditioning of the ‘extraterritorial’ carbon footprint: A call for an integrated approach in trade law discourse
Authors: Dobson Natalie L.
Published: December 2017

Circumventing the territorial system boundaries of the climate change regime, the European Union continues to regulate foreign production processes contributing to the carbon footprint of goods and services consumed in its market. While it is well established that such measures raise issues of ‘extraterritoriality’, legal discourse remains divided on the applicable jurisdictional rules. This is particularly evident in the field of trade law, where persistent discussions remain as to the ‘true’ extraterritoriality of trade measures, and the jurisdictional limitations under the law of the World Trade Organization, particularly the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. Turning, however, to the customary international law of State jurisdiction, there are valuable opportunities for clarification that have received insufficient attention to date. This article therefore proposes a more integrated approach to the jurisdictional analysis, advocating a sequential interest‐balancing test that further harmonizes customary principles with specific trade law concerns.
TheHLA‐G14 bp insertion/deletion polymorphism and its association with soluble HLA‐G levels in women with recurrent miscarriages
Authors: Kalotra V. , Lall M. , Verma I. C. , Kaur A. , Kaur A.
Published: December 2017

HLA‐G, a nonclassical class‐Ib gene is mainly expressed on extravillous trophoblasts at the fetal‐maternal interface. HLA‐G molecule is considered to play an important role in maternal immune suppression during pregnancy. The 14 bp insertion/deletion polymorphism (rs66554220) in exon eight of the HLA‐G gene influences HLA‐G mRNA stability and isoform splicing patterns. In this study, 202 recurrent miscarriage (RM) women with two or more than two consecutive miscarriages, their 202 partners and 204 fertile control women with at least one live birth and no miscarriages were analyzed for 14 bp insertion/deletion polymorphism. Soluble HLA‐G (sHLA‐G) levels were also determined and compared between randomly selected 111 RM women and 111 control women using QAYEE‐Bio ELISA kits. Student’sttest andχ2test were used to depict the statistical differences. The results showed no significant differences for 14 bp allele and genotype frequencies between the study groups. However, our study showed a significant difference (P = .0107) for sHLA‐G levels in RM women and control women. Furthermore, a significant difference (P = .0135) for sHLA‐G levels in relation to +/−14 bp heterozygous genotype was seen between the two groups. The 14 bp allele sharing between the partners did not show any significant association with the number of miscarriages in RM couples. The association of 14 bp polymorphism and recurrent miscarriages was not significant in our study.
Crash simulation: an immersive learning model
Authors: Wenham John , Bennett Paul , Gleeson Wendy
Published: December 2017

Background

Far West New South Wales Local Emergency Management Committee runs an annual crash simulation exercise to assess the operational readiness of all local emergency services to coordinate and manage a multi‐casualty exercise.

Context

Since 2009, the Broken Hill University Department of Rural Health (BHUDRH) has collaborated with the committee, enabling the inclusion of health students in this exercise. It is an immersive interprofessional learning experience that evaluates teamwork, communication and safe effective clinical trauma management outside the hospital setting.

Innovation

After 7 years of modifying and developing the exercise, we set out to evaluate its impact on the students’ learning, and sought ethics approval from the University of Sydney for this study. At the start of this year's crash simulation, students were given information sheets and consent forms with regards to the research. Once formal debriefing had finished, the researchers conducted a semi‐structured focus‐group interview with the health students to gain insight into their experience and their perceived value of the training. Students also completed short‐answer questionnaires, and the anonymised responses were analysed.

Crash simulation … evaluates teamwork, communication and safe effective clinical trauma management

Implications

Participants identified that this multidisciplinary learning opportunity in a pre‐hospital mass casualty situation was of value to them. It has taken them outside of their usually protected hospital or primary care setting and tested their critical thinking and communication skills. We recommend this learning concept to other educational institutions. Further research will assess the learning value of the simulated event to the other agencies involved.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Young James
Published: December 2017

International Journal of Social Science Studies (IJSSS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether IJSSS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 6, Number 1 Agboola O. Paul, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, MalaysiaAmanda ElBassiouny, Spring Hill College, USAAnastasia Panagakos, Cosumnes River College, USAAntónio Calha, Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre, PortugalGhazali Bello Abubakar, Sokoto State University, NigeriaHyejin Lee, Tufts University, MA, USA and Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea, USAJadranka Svarc, Institute of Social Sciences Ivo Pilar, Zagreb, CroatiaJamie Spinney, Saint Mary’s University, CanadaJehu Onyekwere Nnaji, University of Naples II, Italy and Globe Visions Network Italy, ItalyJulia M. Mack, Gannon University, USAMickey Langlais, University of Nebraska – Kearney, USAMohammad Naji Shah Mohammadi, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaShun - Jen Hsiao, University of Washington, USATimbre Wulf-Ludden, University of Nebraska at Kearney, USA
Bacteria inactivation by atmospheric pressure plasma jet treatment
Authors: Pedroni Matteo , Morandi Stefano , Silvetti Tiziana , Cremona Anna , Gittini Giuseppe , Nardone Antonio , Pallotta Fabrizio , Brasca Milena , Vassallo Espedito
Published: December 2017

Atmospheric pressure plasmas have achieved great scientific and technological advances for a wide range of applications including the field of antimicrobial treatment. In this paper, a home-made atmospheric pressure plasma jet device was built and the effects of air plasma treatments on the inactivation of pure bacterial culture (Escherichia coli ATCC 8739) deposited onto the surface of agar plates were investigated. Plasmas were generated using high voltage discharge for 30, 60 and 90 s. The number of viable microorganisms was determined using a plate count method. Microbial Log10 reduction depended on the time of exposure and feed gas flow. A significant reduction of about 2.5 Log10 for E. coli was achieved within 60 s of plasma treatment. This result can be related to the presence of reactive species in the plasma volume, in particular, O radicals.
Influence of the atomic layer deposition temperature on the structural and electrical properties of Al/Al2O3/p-Ge MOS structures
Authors: Botzakaki Martha A. , Skoulatakis George , Xanthopoulos Nikolaos , Gianneta Violetta , Travlos Anastasios , Kennou Stella , Ladas Spyridon , Tsamis Christos , Makarona Eleni , Georga Stavroula N. , Krontiras Christoforos A.
Published: December 2017

The influence of deposition temperature on the structural, chemical, and electrical properties of atomic layer deposition (ALD)-Al2O3 thin films is investigated. ALD-Al2O3 films were deposited on p-type Ge substrates at 80, 150, 200, 250, and 300 °C. The atomic force microscopy analysis reveals smooth and cohesive films with extremely low roughness (0.2–0.6) nm at 150, 200, 250, and 300 °C. On the contrary, Al2O3 films deposited at the lowest available deposition temperature (80 °C) exhibit holes and aggregates implying a nonhomogeneous deposition. The x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis indicates the presence of stoichiometric Al2O3 films at all deposition temperatures. The calculated thickness from the analysis of XPS spectra seems to be in good agreement with the ALD nominal thickness for the films deposited at all deposition temperatures except the one of 80 °C. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis reveals a flat interface between Al2O3 and p-Ge in an atomic level. In addition, TEM and XPS analyses indicate the absence of any oxidized interlayer between p-Ge and Al2O3 films. Furthermore, C-V, G-V, C-f, G-f, and J-V measurements were performed in order to study the electrical properties and evaluate the density of interfacial traps (Dit) of the structures prior and following forming gas annealing procedure. Forming gas annealing clearly improves the electrical response of all tested structures, as expected, by reducing significantly the “streching out” effect and the frequency dispersion at the depletion regime. Leakage currents and Dit in the order of 10−4 A/cm2 (for applied voltage 1 V) and 1011 eV−1 cm−2, respectively, were measured-calculated for all tested structures.
Plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition of nickel thin film using bis(1,4-diisopropyl-1,4-diazabutadiene)nickel
Authors: Park Jae-Min , Kim Seongyoon , Hwang June , Han Won Seok , Koh Wonyong , Lee Won-Jun
Published: December 2017

The authors report the plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) of a nickel thin film using bis(1,4-diisopropyl-1,4-diazabutadiene)nickel [Ni(dpdab)2] and NH3 plasma. Ni(dpdab)2 is an oxygen-free liquid Ni precursor with a vapor pressure of 0.23 Torr at 80 °C. Ni films were deposited by alternating exposures to Ni(dpdab)2 and NH3 plasma at 125–250 °C. Ni(dpdab)2 showed the atomic layer deposition (ALD) process window between 125 and 150 °C with the ALD growth of ∼2 Å/cycle. The growth rate increased significantly above 200 °C, probably due to the thermal decomposition of the Ni precursor. The resistivity of the ALD thin film decreased with increasing radio-frequency (RF) power, and lower resistivities with high RF powers are due to the lower carbon concentration and larger grain size. The minimum resistivity of the PEALD film at 150 °C in the ALD process window was 146 μΩ cm, which is significantly higher than bulk Ni resistivity (7.0 μΩ cm) mainly due to the nitrogen content (∼13%) in the as-deposited film. For a lower nitrogen concentration, the PEALD film was annealed at 400 °C under 1 Torr of H2 for 30 min, resulting in the reduction of resistivity from 146 to 13.3 μΩ cm and removal of nitrogen impurities.
Extreme-low k porous pSiCOH dielectrics prepared by PECVD
Authors: You Han , Mennell Petra , Shoudy Matthew , Sil Devika , Dorman Donald , Cohen Stephan , Liniger Eric , Shaw Thomas , Leo Tsong-Lin , Canaperi Donald , Raymond Mark , Madan Anita , Grill Alfred
Published: December 2017

A novel extreme low-k (ELK) porous SiCOH (pSiCOH) dielectric has been developed by adding a third carbosilane precursor to the diethoxymethylsilane and bicycloheptadiene precursors used in the plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition fabrication process of ultralow-k pSiCOH interconnect dielectrics. By adjusting the plasma parameters, the dielectric constant (k) has been lowered to k < 2.1. The k value of the ELK dielectric has been further reduced to 1.8 by extracting the porogen from the as-deposited films before subjecting them to ultraviolet cure using hydrogen radicals. It was found that the carbon concentration and the porosity of the ELK film can be tuned with different porogen extraction times in order to control the final k value of the dielectric.
A Simple Experimental Setup to Clearly Show that Light Does Not Recombine After Passing Through Two Prisms
Authors: Garcia-Molina Rafael , del Mazo Alejandro , Velasco Santiago
Published: December 2017

We present a simple and cheap experimental setup that clearly shows how the colors of the white light spectrum after passing a prism do not recombine when emerging from an identical second prism, as it is still found in many references.
Defining Electric Potential Difference by Moving a Multimeter’s Ground Probe
Authors: Stoeckel Marta R.
Published: December 2017

The abstract nature of electric potential difference (voltage) can make it a difficult concept to grasp, but understanding the relative nature of voltage is central to developing a conceptual understanding of electric circuits. In laboratory situations, I see these conceptual difficulties manifest when students have difficulty placing voltmeter probes appropriately or struggle to interpret unexpected multimeter readings, such as negative voltages. I developed this lab activity to reinforce the relative nature of electric potential difference and to provide students with a concrete understanding of what a voltmeter measures, including the significance of the placement of each multimeter probe.
Motivating Non-science Majors: The Technology of Electromagnetic Waves
Authors: Henrich Victor E.
Published: December 2017

To address the need for physics courses that stimulate non-STEM majors’ interest in, and appreciation of, science, the Department of Applied Physics has developed a popular course for Yale College undergraduates, The Technological World, that explains the physics behind technologies that students use every day. The course provides an in-depth development of electromagnetic waves, applying them to technologies as diverse as LCD displays, GPS, fiber optics, CAT scans, LEDs, and stealth aircraft. It utilizes a conventional lecture format, with many in-class demonstrations.
Modeling Acceleration of a System of Two Objects Using the Concept of Limits
Authors: Sokolowski Andrzej
Published: December 2017

Traditional school laboratory exercises on a system of moving objects connected by strings involve deriving expressions for the system acceleration, a = (∑F )/m, and sketching a graph of acceleration vs. force. While being in the form of rational functions, these expressions present great opportunities for broadening the scope of the analysis by using a more sophisticated math apparatus—the concept of limits. Using the idea of limits allows for extending both predictions and explanations of this type of motion that are—according to Redish—essential goals of teaching physics. This type of analysis, known in physics as limiting case analysis, allows for generalizing inferences by evaluating or estimating values of algebraic functions based on its extreme inputs. In practice, such transition provides opportunities for deriving valid conclusions for cases when direct laboratory measurements are not possible. While using limits is common for scientists, the idea of applying limits in school practice is not visible, and testing students’ ability in this area is also rare.
Let’s Get Physical: Teaching Physics Through Gymnastics
Authors: Sojourner Elena J. , Burgasser Adam J. , Weise Eric D.
Published: December 2017

The concept of embodied learning—that we can learn with our bodies and with our minds—is a well-established concept in physics and math education research, and includes symbolic understanding (e.g., gestures that track how students think or facilitate learning to model complex systems of energy flow) as well as the literal experience of exploring physical phenomena through body movements. Sport has long served as a guide for both illustrating and experiencing physical concepts and phenomena, with a particularly relevant example being the sport of gymnastics. Here, the practitioner is subjected to a wide range of forces and torques, and experiences translational and rotational motions, all guided by control of body positioning, shape, strength, and leverage. Smith provides a comprehensive study of the mechanics used to analyze gymnastic movements, which includes core concepts such as force balance, leverage and torque, center of mass and stability, moment of inertia, ballistic motion, pendulum motion, and circular motion. For life science majors, gymnastics also provides relevant physical examples of biomechanics and the physical limits of biological materials (skin, bones, ligaments). The popularity of gymnastics—consider the phenomenon of Simone Biles—makes it broadly accessible and engaging, particularly across genders.
Single slit interference made easy with a strand of hair and a laser
Authors: Messer Rebecca
Published: December 2017

Students can easily measure the width of a strand of their own hair with a monochromatic light source such as a laser. This inexpensive activity engages students in an application of single slit diffraction using Babinet’s principle.
On averaging multiple estimates of decision weights within or across listeners
Authors: Dai Huanping
Published: December 2017

As a practical guide, a formula is provided for averaging multiple estimates of decision weights, for the purpose of improving the accuracy and reliability of the final estimate of decision weights. The averaging over multiple weight estimates can take place either within or across listeners.
Exercise response in Parkinson’s disease: insights from a cross-sectional comparison with sedentary controls and a per-protocol analysis of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Mavrommati Foteini , Collett Johnny , Franssen Marloes , Meaney Andy , Sexton Claire , Dennis-West Andrea , Betts Jill F , Izadi Hooshang , Bogdanovic Marko , Tims Martin , Farmer Andrew , Dawes Helen
Published: December 2017

Objectives

To investigate the acute and adaptation cardiovascular and metabolic training responses in people with Parkinson’s disease (pwP).

Design

(1) A cross-sectional study of exercise response of pwP compared with sedentary controls and (2) an interventional study of exercise training in pwP.

Setting

Community leisure facilities.

Participants

pwP (n=83) and sedentary controls (n=55).

Interventions

Study 1 included participants from a two-arm-parallel single-blind phase II randomised controlled trial (RCT), that undertook a baseline maximal incremental exercise test and study 2 included those randomised to the exercise group in the RCT, who completed a 6-month weekly exercise programme (n=37). The intervention study 2 was a prescribed exercise program consisting of sessions lasting 60 min, two times a week over a 6-month period. The control group followed the same protocol which derived the same cardiorespiratory parameters, except that they were instructed to aim for a cadence of ~60 revolutions per minute and the unloaded phase lasted 3 min with an initial step of 25 W.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Stepwise incremental exercise test to volitional exhaustion was the primary outcome measure.

Results

Study 1 showed higher maximum values for heart rate (HR), VO2L/min, VCO2L/min and ventilation L/min for the control group; respiratory exchange ratio (RER), perceived exertion and O2pulse (VO2L/min/HR) did not differ between groups. In study 2, for pwP who adhered to training (n=37), RER increased significantly and although there was no significant change in aerobic capacity or HR response, reduced blood pressure was found.

Conclusions

An abnormal cardiovascular response to exercise was observed in pwP compared to controls. After the exercise programme, metabolic deficiencies remained for pwP. These observations add to the pathogenic understanding of PD, acknowledge an underling metabolic contribution and support that certain cardiovascular symptoms may improve as a result of this type of exercise.