bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Blue Water Footprint of Primary Copper Production in Northern Chile
Authors: Peña Claudia A. , Huijbregts Mark A. J.
Published: June 2013

Water consumption related to the life cycle of metals is seldom reported, even though mines are often situated in very dry regions. In this study we quantified the life cycle consumption of groundwater and fresh surface water (blue water footprint [WFblue]) for the extraction and production of high‐grade copper refined from both a copper sulfide ore and a copper oxide ore in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. Where possible, we used company‐specific data.

The processes for extracting copper from the two types of ore are quite different from each other, and the WFblue of the sulfide ore refining process is 2.4 times higher than that of the oxide ore refining process (i.e., 96 cubic meters per metric ton [tonne] of copper versus 40 cubic meters per tonne of copper). Most of the water consumption (59% of WFblue) in the sulfide ore process occurred at the concentrator plant, via seepage, accumulation, and also by evaporation. In the oxide ore process, the main user of water is the heap‐leaching process, with 45% of WFblue. The crushing and agglomeration operations, electrowinning cells, and solution pools are also significant contributors to the total consumption of water in the oxide ore process. Most of the water consumed in the oxide ore process was lost to evaporation.

The WFblue of the oxide ore process can be reduced by preventing water evaporation and using more sophisticated devices during irrigation of the leaching heaps. The WFblue of the sulfide ore refining process can be reduced by improving water recovery (i.e., reducing seepage, accumulation, and evaporation) from the tailings dam at the concentrator plant. Using seawater in the production of copper is also a promising option to reduce the WFblue by up to 62%.
Graduating nursing students' basic competence in intensive and critical care nursing
Authors: Lakanmaa Riitta‐Liisa , Suominen Tarja , Perttilä Juha , Ritmala‐Castrèn Marita , Vahlberg Tero , Leino‐Kilpi Helena
Published: June 2013

Aims and objectives

To describe and evaluate the basic competence of graduating nursing students in intensive and critical care nursing.

Background

Intensive and critical care nursing is focused on severely ill patients who benefit from the attention of skilled personnel. More intensive and critical care nurses are needed in Europe. Critical care nursing education is generally postqualification education that builds upon initial generalist nursing education. However, in Europe, new graduates practise in intensive care units. Empirical research on nursing students' competence in intensive and critical care nursing is scarce.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey design.

Methods

A basic competence scale (Intensive and Critical Care Nursing Competence Scale, version 1) and a knowledge test (Basic Knowledge Assessment Tool, version 7) were employed among graduating nursing students (n = 139).

Results

Sixty‐nine per cent of the students self‐rated their basic competence as good. No association between self‐assessed Intensive and Critical Care Nursing‐1 and the results of the Basic Knowledge Assessment Tool‐7 was found. The strongest factor explaining the students' conception of their competence was their experience of autonomy in nursing after graduation.

Conclusion

The students seem to trust their basic competence as they approach graduation. However, a knowledge test or other objective method of evaluation should be used together with a competence scale based on self‐evaluation.

Relevance to clinical practice

In nursing education and in clinical practice, for example, during orientation programmes, it is important not only to teach broad basic skills and knowledge of intensive and critical care nursing, but also to develop self‐evaluation skills through the use of special instruments constructed for this purpose.
Development of a New Model System to Study Microbial Colonization on Dentures
Authors: Wu Tingxi , Hu Wei , Guo Lihong , Finnegan Marybeth , Bradshaw David J. , Webster Paul , Loewy Zvi G. , Zhou Xuedong , Shi Wenyuan , Lux Renate
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Dentures are often colonized with a variety of microorganisms, including Candida albicans, that contribute to denture stomatitis. Several in vitro models have been previously established to study denture‐related microbial colonization and evaluate treatment efficacy of denture cleansers; however, those models typically fail to appreciate the complex topology and heterogeneity of denture surfaces and lack effective ways to accurately measure microbial colonization. The purpose of this study was to study microbial colonization with a new model system based on real dentures, to more realistically mimic in vivo conditions.

Materials and Methods

Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe topological structures among surfaces from different parts of the denture. Employing C. albicans as a model microorganism, we established microbial colonization on different denture surfaces. Moreover, we applied a modified MTT (3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2, 5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) colorimetric assay to quantify C. albicans colonization on dentures without the necessity of biofilm removal and to evaluate treatment efficacy of denture cleansers.

Results

There were significant variations in topological structures among surfaces from different parts of the denture, with the unpolished side having the highest amounts of indentations and pores. The distinct denture surfaces support microbial colonization differently, with the unpolished side containing the highest level of microbial colonization and biofilm formation. Furthermore, the modified MTT colorimetric assay proved to be an accurate assay to measure biofilm formation on dentures and evaluate treatment efficacy of denture cleansers.

Conclusion

This new denture model system in conjunction with the MTT colorimetric assay is a valuable tool to study denture‐related microbiology and treatment approaches.
Empowerment‐Based Positive Youth Development: A New Understanding of Healthy Development for African American Youth
Authors: Travis Raphael , Leech Tamara G. J.
Published: June 2013

A shift occurred in research about adolescents in the general population. Research is moving away from deficits toward a resilience paradigm and understanding trajectories of positive youth development. This shift has been less consistent in research and practice with African American youth. A gap also exists in understanding whether individual youth development dimensions generate potential in other dimensions. This study presents an empowerment‐based positive youth development model. It builds upon existing research to present a new vision of healthy development for African American youth that is strengths‐based, developmental, culture‐bound, and action‐oriented. It emphasizes the relationship between person and environment, the reinforcing nature of developmental assets, and the necessity of a sense of community and community engagement for youth.
Characteristics of paediatric frequent presenters to an Australian emergency medicine network
Authors: Markham Donna , Graudins Andis
Published: June 2013

Aim

The study aims to describe the characteristics of paediatric emergency department (ED) patients defined as frequent presenters (FP) presenting to an Australian ED health service and compare these with a cohort of non‐frequent presenters (NFP).

Method

A retrospective chart review utilising an electronic emergency medicine patient medical record database was performed on paediatric patients (18 years or younger) presenting to Monash Health EDs from March 2009 to March 2010. NFPs were defined as patients presenting five or less times and FPs as presenting eight or more times in the study period. Characteristics of both groups were described and compared.

Results

During the 12‐month study period, there were 130 paediatric FP patients with 839 admissions and 34 262 paediatric NFP patients with 46 043 admissions. FPs to the ED were more likely to be female, utilise the ambulance service to arrive at the hospital and more likely to be admitted to hospital. In particular, FPs were more likely to require admission for a mental health‐related problem. They were also more likely to have a discharge diagnosis related to oncology, neurology, respiratory, endocrinology and psychiatric complaints, compared with NFP who were more likely to present with a diagnosis related to injury or trauma.

Conclusions

Paediatric FPs are a vulnerable population with complex multidisciplinary care needs. A holistic approach towards their needs is essential to understanding the reasons for their higher frequency of attendance. By considering all the elements of the child's well‐being, the child and family need support to assist in integration with other non‐ED service providers. By focusing on wellness and self‐management, there is a potential to reduce the reliance on acute emergency care for ongoing chronic health problems.
Alkaloids as a source of potential anticholinesterase inhibitors for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Konrath Eduardo Luis , Passos Carolina dos Santos , Klein-Júnior Luiz Carlos , Henriques Amélia T
Published: June 2013

Objectives

The inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), the key enzyme in the breakdown of acetylcholine, is currently the main pharmacological strategy available for Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this sense, many alkaloids isolated from natural sources, such as physostigmine, have been long recognized as acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitors. Since the approval of galantamine for the treatment of AD patients, the search for new anticholinesterase alkaloids has escalated, leading to promising candidates such as huperzine A. This review aims to summarize recent advances in current knowledge on alkaloids as AChE and BChE inhibitors, highlighting structure–activity relationship (SAR) and docking studies.

Key findings

Natural alkaloids belonging to the steroidal/triterpenoidal, quinolizidine, isoquinoline and indole classes, mainly distributed within Buxaceae, Amaryllidaceae and Lycopodiaceae, are considered important sources of alkaloids with anti-enzymatic properties. Investigations into the possible SARs for some active compounds are based on molecular modelling studies, predicting the mode of interaction of the molecules with amino acid residues in the active site of the enzymes. Following this view, an increasing interest in achieving more potent and effective analogues makes alkaloids good chemical templates for the development of new cholinesterase inhibitors.

The anticholinesterase activity of alkaloids, together with their structural diversity and physicochemical properties, makes them good candidate agents for the treatment of AD.
Beyond the bounds of the dogmatic image of thought: the development of critical, creative thinking in the mental health professions
Authors: Roberts M.
Published: June 2013

Accessible summary

Reflections upon what it might mean to think, and about what inherited presuppositions or images might influence what thinking is thought to consist of, are not readily considered in the mental health care literature.

However, the work of the 20th century French philosopher Gilles Deleuze and, in particular, his account of ‘the dogmatic image of thought’ can be employed to illustrate how such considerations can be of relevance to the theoretical and practical concerns of mental health professionals.

In doing so, Deleuze's work can be understood as seeking to sensitize mental health professionals to the dangers of unreflectively adopting a restrictive notion of what it means to think, as well as an exhortation to develop critical, creative thinking in the mental health professions that moves beyond the bounds of the traditional, dogmatic image of thought.

Considerations about what it might mean to think, and about what inherited presuppositions determine what thinking is thought to consist of, are not readily reflected upon in the mental health care literature. However, this paper will propose that such considerations are of relevance to, and possess important implications for, the mental health professions, and it will do so within the context of the work of the 20th century philosopher Gilles Deleuze. In particular, the paper will provide an accessible exposition of what Deleuze refers to as the ‘dogmatic image of thought’, along with an examination of his suggestion that this traditional image, and its associated presuppositions, not only determine what is considered to be the ostensible ‘nature’ of thought, but also delineate what the activity of thinking ought to be concerned with. Moreover, it will be argued that Deleuze's exposition and critique of the image of thought can be understood as seeking to sensitize mental health professionals to the dangers of unreflectively perpetuating a restrictive notion of what it means to think, as well as being an exhortation to develop critical, creative thinking in the mental health professions that moves beyond the bounds of that traditional, dogmatic image of thought.
Single‐Arm Pilot Study to Determine the Effectiveness of the Support Power of Underwear in Elevating the Bladder Neck and Reducing Symptoms of Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women
Authors: NINOMIYA Sanae , SAITO Izumi , MASAKI Kiyoko , ENDO Yoshihiro , MORIKAWA Shigehiro , OKAYAMA Hisayo
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To verify the effectiveness of support power of underwear (the shaper) to elevate bladder neck and to reduce symptoms of stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Methods

This was a single‐arm pilot study conducted in Japan by using the shaper (SLIM‐up‐Pants with Style Science, Wacoal Corporation, Kyoto, Japan). The bladder neck position in a sitting posture was recorded using an open‐configuration magnetic resonance system and then compared between parous women with SUI, without and with the shaper. Women wore the shaper during the daytime for 12 weeks, followed by one week during which they did not wear the shaper. The symptoms of urinary incontinence (UI) were assessed based on the 1‐h pad test, the Japanese version of the International Consultation Incontinence Questionnaire‐Short Form, and the incontinence diary.

Results

Forty‐five Japanese women with SUI, aged between 27 and 65 years, were included. When the shaper was worn, the bladder neck was found to be significantly elevated by 11.5 mm (median; P < 0.05/6 = 0.008). After 12 weeks, all symptoms of UI decreased significantly (P < 0.05/3 = 0.016), and the bladder neck was further elevated by 4.7 mm (median; P < 0.001) even when not wearing the shaper. In addition, after one week of not wearing the shaper, the bladder neck position remained elevated and symptoms of UI did not recur immediately.

Conclusion

The shaper was considered to be effective in elevating the bladder neck and reducing symptoms of UI.
Sympatric occurrence of Culex pipiens (Diptera, Culicidae) biotypes pipiens, molestus and their hybrids in Portugal, Western Europe: feeding patterns and habitat determinants
Authors: OSÓRIO H. C. , ZÉ‐ZÉ L. , AMARO F. , NUNES A. , ALVES M. J.
Published: June 2013

Culex (Culex) pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) has two recognized biotypes, pipiens and molestus, which differ in physiology and behaviour; this difference may influence vectorial capacity for West Nile virus (WNV). Our goal was first to determine the presence of Cx. pipiens populations in 31 locations in Portugal and to subsequently analyse their host‐feeding preferences and habitat determinants. Molecular identification of Cx. pipiens forms and their hybrids was performed in 97 females; bloodmeal sources were identified in 59 engorged specimens. Overall, 61.9% of specimens were identified as Cx. pipiens f. pipiens, 20.6% as Cx. pipiens f. molestus, and 17.5% as hybrid forms. Culex pipiens f. pipiens fed preferentially on birds, and Cx. pipiens f. molestus on humans. Hybrid forms fed mostly on birds, but human bloodmeals were common. With reference to habitat, Cx. pipiens f. pipiens and hybrid forms were positively correlated with peri‐urban habitats. Our results confirm the sympatric presence of different Cx. pipiens biotypes in 14 of the 31 locations studied. Peri‐urban areas were a common habitat of all biotypes and may represent zones of hybridization. The feeding preferences and sympatric distribution of the Cx. pipiens biotypes observed in Portugal favour the epizootic circulation of WNV and the occurrence of disease outbreaks of WNV.
Myopic aberrations: impact of centroiding noise inHartmannShack wavefront sensing
Authors: Akondi Vyas , Vohnsen Brian
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The presence of photon noise and readout noise can lead to centroiding errors in aHartmannShack wavefront sensor (HS) and hence limit the accuracy of wavefront reconstruction. The aim of this paper is to compare, viaMonteCarlo simulations, the accuracy of various centroiding methods in detecting noisy focal spot patterns of theHSwhile sensing ocular aberrations of myopic eyes.

Methods

Myopic ocular aberrations were randomly simulated by using the modal statistics obtained from the measurements of 41 myopic subjects.HSspot patterns were simulated using a fast Fourier method where photon noise and readout noise were added using appropriate statistics. Adopting five different centroiding techniques: (1) centre of gravity, (2) weighted centre of gravity, (3) intensity weighted centroiding, (4) iteratively weighted centre of gravity and (5) matched filter based centroiding along with a zonal based wavefront sensing approach; the wavefronts were estimated and compared, by calculating the root mean square (RMS) wavefront error, with the initially simulated wavefront. The magnitude of readout noise was varied in terms of the maximum number of photons and electrons per subaperture per frame. TheRMSerror was calculated for each of the centroiding algorithms.

Results

For higher magnitude of readout noise and lesser number of photons per subaperture per frame (n), matched filter, iteratively weighted centre of gravity and intensity weighted centroiding outperform centre of gravity and weighted centre of gravity methods, for an appropriately chosen focal length and subaperture pitch. The plots ofRMSerror as a function of ‘n’ show that for lower amplitude of readout noise, computationally efficient centre of gravity and intensity weighted centroiding methods can be safely adopted to obtain high enough reconstruction accuracy. Also, even at greater readout noise levels, for a large enough ‘n’, intensity weighted centroiding is enough to sense the aberrations with high accuracy. It is shown that the wavefront sensing accuracy depends on the size of the spots and bit resolution of the camera.

Conclusion

Five different centroid detection methods used in aHSin the presence of photon noise and readout noise were analysed in the context of sensing ocular aberrations of myopic subjects and identify cases under which each of these methods is appropriate.
Sphero‐cylindrical error for oblique gaze as a function of the position of the centre of rotation of the eye
Authors: Perches Sara , Ares Jorge , Collados Victoria , Palos Fernando
Published: June 2013

Purpose

New designs of ophthalmic lenses customised for particular wearing conditions (e.g., vertex distance or wrap tilt angle) have emerged during the last few years. However, there is limited information about the extent of any improvement in visual quality of these products. The aim of this work was to determine whether customisation according to the centre of rotation of the eye (CRE) improves visual quality for oblique gaze in monofocal spherical lenses.

Methods

Conventional spherical lenses were designed by numerical ray tracing with back vertex powers (BVP) ranging from +8 to −8 dioptres (D) and base curves from 0 to 8 D. The wavefront error at oblique gaze (40°) was computed for each design with CRE positions from 20 to 35 mm. Sphero‐cylindrical (SC) error was calculated using wavefront Zernike coefficients, considering only monochromatic aberrations. Visual acuity in logMAR was estimated following the Raasch empirical regression model.

Results

SC error and visual acuity maps were calculated for each BVP as a function of base curves and CRE in a graded colour scale. From SC error maps maximum spherical and cylindrical errors (MSE and MCE) of 1.49 D and −1.24 D respectively were found for BVP from 0 to −2 D, 2.27 D and −1.90 D for BVP from −2 D to −4 D, 2.59 D and −2.20 D for lenses from −4 D to −6 D and 2.63 D and −2.28 D for lenses from −6 D to −8 D. Concerning positive lenses, we obtained MSE and MCE of 0.37 D and −1.35 D respectively for lenses from 0 D to +2 D, 0.39 D and −2.23 D for lenses from +2 D to +4 D and 0.36 D and −2.73 D for lenses from +4 D to +6 D. Regarding visual acuity maps for 40° oblique gaze, significant loss of visual acuity (>0.30 logMAR, Snellen 6/12, 20/40, decimal 0.50) was found for BVP as low as −2 D. Clinically negligible high order aberration levels (equivalent spherical power <0.25 D) were found for all cases.

Conclusions

We calculated SC error and visual acuity maps as a function of base curves and CRE position for a set of spherical lenses at oblique gaze. These maps could be useful as a clinical guide to select the best base as a function of CRE and BVP for each patient. It was found that negative lenses with low BVP provided high SC error when they were designed with low bases. However, high BVP negative lenses with low SC error were found for medium bases and low CRE or for low bases and high CRE positions. In the case of positive lenses, the dependence of SC error with CRE position was less noticeable. Finally, high order aberrations did not have a significant influence over visual quality.
Is proline accumulation per se correlated with stress tolerance or is proline homeostasis a more critical issue?
Authors: KAVI KISHOR POLAVARAPU B. , SREENIVASULU NESE
Published: June 2013

Proline has been recognized as a multi‐functional molecule, accumulating in high concentrations in response to a variety of abiotic stresses. It is able to protect cells from damage by acting as both an osmotic agent and a radical scavenger. Proline accumulated during a stress episode is degraded to provide a supply of energy to drive growth once the stress is relieved. Proline homeostasis is important for actively dividing cells as it helps to maintain sustainable growth under long‐term stress. It also underpins the importance of the expansion of the proline sink during the transition from vegetative to reproductive growth and the initiation of seed development. Its role in the reproductive tissue is to stabilize seed set and productivity. Thus, to cope with abiotic stress, it is important to develop strategies to increase the proline sink in the reproductive tissue. We give a holistic account of proline homeostasis, taking into account the regulation of proline synthesis, its catabolism, and intra‐ and intercellular transport, all of which are vital components of growth and development in plants challenged by stress.
Extended Cognition & the Causal‐Constitutive Fallacy: In Search for a Diachronic and Dynamical Conception of Constitution
Authors: Kirchhoff Michael D.
Published: June 2013

Philosophical accounts of the constitution relation have been explicated in terms of synchronic relations between higher‐ and lower‐level entities. Such accounts, I argue, are temporally austere or impoverished, and are consequently unable to make sense of the diachronic and dynamic character of constitution in dynamical systems generally and dynamically extended cognitive processes in particular. In this paper, my target domain is extended cognition based on insights from nonlinear dynamics. Contrariwise to the mainstream literature in both analytical metaphysics and extended cognition, I develop a nonstandard, alternative conception of constitution, which I call “diachronic process constitution”. It will be argued that only a diachronic and dynamical conception of constitution is consistent with the nature of constitution in distributed cognitive processes.
Mean platelet volume is decreased during an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Wang Rui‐tao , Li Jia‐Ying , Cao Zhi‐gang , Li Ying
Published: June 2013

Background and objective

An increased mean platelet volume (MPV) is an early marker of platelet activation. Activated platelets play a role in atherogenesis, inflammation and atherothrombosis. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with cardiovascular disease‐related mortality. The aim of the study is to measure the MPV in patients with stable and exacerbated COPD.

Methods

We investigated the peripheral blood cell count parameters, C‐reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, lung function parameters and arterial blood gas analysis in patients with COPD and in controls. Seventy participants were investigated at admission for an acute exacerbation of COPD and reassessed when stable. Seventy controls were matched for age, gender, body mass index, medication use and smoking.

Results

Participants with an exacerbation of COPD had lower MPV and higher CRP, white blood cells (WBC) and fibrinogen compared with when in stable phase of COPD and controls. MPV was also lower in patients in stable phase COPD compared with controls. Negative correlations between MPV and CRP, and between MPV and platelet count were present in patients in stable and exacerbation of COPD.

Conclusions

The findings show that COPD patients, during acute exacerbation and in stable phase, have lower MPV compared with healthy controls; the MPV increase once patients have recovered from their exacerbation of COPD.
Textural Evidence for the Chromite‐Oversaturated Character of the Melt Involved in Podiform Chromitite Formation
Authors: Payot Betchaida D. , Arai Shoji , Tamayo Rodolfo A. , Yumul Graciano P.
Published: June 2013

Well‐preserved oval‐shaped dunite clots occur within the exceptionally fresh massive podiform chromitites from the Coto Block of the Zambales Ophiolite Complex, the Philippines. The dunite/chromitite boundary shows an interlocking texture; olivine inclusions in chromites in the podiform chromitites show the same optical extinction with larger adjacent olivines in the dunite clots. This texture was formed by the reaction between chromite‐oversaturated melt and its dunite inclusions. The existence of such type of melt was previously only hypothesized to explain the origin of layered and podiform chromitites but is now confirmed by this discovery.
Empathy is a beautiful thing: Empathy predicts imitation only for attractive others
Authors: Müller Barbara C. N. , Van Leeuwen Matthijs L. , Van Baaren Rick B. , Bekkering Harold , Dijksterhuis Ap
Published: June 2013

Research shows that we spontaneously imitate people. Moreover, empathy predicts the degree of this non‐conscious imitation. Little is known, however, if or how this expression of empathy is influenced by stable physical characteristics of our interaction‐partners. In two studies, we tested whether attractiveness of others moderated the relation between empathy and imitation. While seeing a woman performing joystick movements, participants either imitated, or non‐imitated these movements. Results showed that the higher participants empathy score, the faster they imitated an attractive person. The level of empathy did not predict the degree of imitation of unattractive targets. The findings demonstrate that the expression of empathy through imitation can be moderated by attractiveness, thereby introducing a new dimension to the conditionality of empathy.
Adjusting for Group Size Effects in Peer Nomination Data
Authors: Velásquez Ana María , Bukowski William M. , Saldarriaga Lina María
Published: June 2013

Adjusting nomination‐based sociometric and peer assessment scores for biases due to variations in group size has been a long‐standing concern for peer relations researchers. The techniques that have been typically used to make these adjustments (e.g., proportion and standardized scores) are known to have fundamental problems that limit their utility. This study introduces a regression‐based procedure that adjusts nomination‐based scores for variations in group size and compares it with the standardization and proportion procedures. Analyses were conducted on sociometric and peer assessment scores of 1594 fourth, fifth, and sixth graders from 63 classrooms. The advantages of the regression‐based procedure over standardization and proportion transformations are outlined. Implications for the accuracy and validity of nomination‐based measures and the research findings based on them are discussed.
A comment on Mendeş and Yiğit (2013), ‘Type I error and test power of different tests for testing interaction effects in factorial experiments’, Statistica Neerlandica, 67:1–26
Authors: Shah Denis A. , Madden Laurence V.
Published: June 2013

In their advocacy of the rank‐transformation (RT) technique for analysis of data from factorial designs, Mendeş and Yiğit (Statistica Neerlandica, 67, 2013, 1–26) missed important analytical studies identifying the statistical shortcomings of the RT technique, the recommendation that the RT technique not be used, and important advances that have been made for properly analyzing data in a non‐parametric setting. Applied data analysts are at risk of being misled by Mendeş and Yiğit, when statistically sound techniques are available for the proper non‐parametric analysis of data from factorial designs. The appropriate methods express hypotheses in terms of normalized distribution functions, and the test statistics account for variance heterogeneity.
GIS Course Planning: A Comparison of Syllabi at US College and Universities
Authors: Wikle Thomas A. , Fagin Todd D.
Published: June 2013

Despite the enormous growth of college courses dealing with spatial information, curriculum planning involving geographic information science (GIS) courses and programs has received little attention within the GIS literature. As the number and variety of GIS courses expands, so too does the importance of both systematic and inclusive planning and campus‐wide coordination. In this article we explore course planning through an exploration of 312 GIS course syllabi used at US colleges and universities with the goal of characterizing the degree to which learning resources, student evaluation methods, and course topics have become standardized across institution types, academic levels, and disciplines. Our findings reveal a consensus in the use of GIS software across courses but no similar agreement in the use of textbooks. Hands‐on activities were used as evaluation methods in nearly every course in the sample regardless of institution type or academic level. However, quizzes, tests and final exams were used more often in community colleges while papers and projects were used more frequently in four‐year and comprehensive research universities. The frequency of topic categories listed on syllabi was relatively consistent across institutions, academic levels and disciplines with a few topics such as vector analytic operations, data models, and data creation/acquisition/editing included on more than 50% of syllabi.
Hd16, a gene for casein kinase I, is involved in the control of rice flowering time by modulating the day‐length response
Authors: Hori Kiyosumi , Ogiso‐Tanaka Eri , Matsubara Kazuki , Yamanouchi Utako , Ebana Kaworu , Yano Masahiro
Published: June 2013

The alteration of photoperiod sensitivity has let breeders diversify flowering time in Oryza sativa (rice) and develop cultivars adjusted to a range of growing season periods. Map‐based cloning revealed that the rice flowering‐time quantitative trait locus (QTL) Heading date 16 (Hd16) encodes a casein kinase‐I protein. One non‐synonymous substitution in Hd16 resulted in decreased photoperiod sensitivity in rice, and this substitution occurred naturally in an old rice cultivar. By using near‐isogenic lines with functional or deficient alleles of several rice flowering‐time genes, we observed significant digenetic interactions between Hd16 and four other flowering‐time genes (Ghd7, Hd1, DTH8 and Hd2). In a near‐isogenic line with the weak‐photoperiod‐sensitivity allele of Hd16, transcription levels of Ehd1, Hd3a, and RFT1 increased under long‐day conditions, and transcription levels of Hd3a and RFT1 decreased under short‐day conditions. Expression analysis under continuous light and dark conditions showed that Hd16 was not likely to be associated with circadian clock regulation. Biochemical characterization indicated that the functional Hd16 recombinant protein specifically phosphorylated Ghd7. These results demonstrate that Hd16 acts as an inhibitor in the rice flowering pathway by enhancing the photoperiod response as a result of the phosphorylation of Ghd7.
Are road verges corridors for weed invasion? Insights from the fine‐scale spatial genetic structure of Raphanus raphanistrum
Authors: Barnaud A , Kalwij J M , Berthouly‐Salazar C , McGeoch M A , Jansen van Vuuren B
Published: June 2013

Raphanus raphanistrum (Brassicaceae) is considered amongst the world's worst agricultural weeds. We address critical issues in its management by studying the pathway of colonisation at local scales. For this, we assessed the small‐scale spatial genetic structure of 231 samples collected from three different sites across the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa, using 11 nuclear microsatellite markers. Although natural pollen and seed dispersal were expected to be restricted, we found no significant relationship between genetic and geographical distance within sites. Instead, our results suggest that R. raphanistrum had colonised new habitats via jump dispersal, rather than through natural diffusive dispersal at local scales. We did not find evidence for road verges as dispersal corridors, as evidenced by a lack of isolation‐by‐distance at local scales. Instead, the absence of spatial genetic structure suggests that R. raphanistrum had rapidly spread throughout its current range, possibly facilitated by human‐mediated actions. Management plans addressing containment or suppression of the weedy species R. raphanistrum (and possibly other weedy species) should take the high degree of connectivity between distant geographical localities into account.
An Effective Finite Difference Method for Simulation of Bioheat Transfer in Irregular Tissues
Authors: Zhu He Zhi , Xue Xu , Liu Jing
Published: June 2013

A three-dimensional (3D) simulation of bioheat transfer is crucial to analyze the physiological processes and evaluate many therapeutic/diagnostic practices spanning from high to low temperature medicine. In this paper we develop an efficient numerical scheme for solving 3D transient bioheat transfer equations based on the alternating direction implicit finite-difference method (ADI-FDM). An algorithm is proposed to deal with the boundary condition for irregular domain which could capture accurately the complex boundary and reduce considerably the staircase effects. Furthermore, the local adaptive mesh technology is introduced to improve the computational accuracy for irregular boundary and the domains with large temperature gradient. The detailed modification to ADI-FDM is given to accommodate such special grid structure, in particular. Combination of adaptive-mesh technology and ADI-FDM could significantly improve the computational accuracy and decrease the computational cost. Extensive results of numerical experiments demonstrate that the algorithm developed in the current work is very effective to predict the temperature distribution during hyperthermia and cryosurgery. This work may play an important role in developing a computational planning tool for hyperthermia and cryosurgery in the near future.
Evaluation on the Power-Generation Capacity of an Implantable Thermoelectric Generator Driven by Radioisotope Fuel
Authors: Yang Yang , Liu Jing
Published: June 2013

Embedding a thermoelectric generator (TEG) in a biological body is a promising way to supply electronic power in the long term for an implantable medical device (IMD). The unique merit of such a method lies in its direct utilization of the temperature difference intrinsically existing throughout the whole biological body. Therefore, it can resolve the service life mismatch between the IMD and its battery. In order to promote the stability of the power-generation capacity of the implanted TEG, this paper is dedicated to study a low cost and highly safe practical pattern of implanting a TEG driven by the radioisotope fuel into a human body. Recurring to the thermal energy releasing during disintegration of the radioactive isotope, it can guarantee a marked promotion in the temperature difference across the implanted TEG, consequently supplying enough power for the IMDs. A bioheat transfer model with or without a large vessel is established to characterize the feasibility and working performance of the method. The numerical simulation and parametric studies on tissue status, device properties, and environmental conditions revealed that, no matter in what conditions, the implanted TEG driven by the radioisotope fuel can always offer a much higher energy output than that provided by body heat alone. Meanwhile, in vivo/surrounding environment, isotope conditions, and intentional skin surface cooling also exhibit a direct influence on the temperature distribution of the implantable TEG and thus affect the working performance. Coordinating with the intentionally imposed cooling on the skin surface, the maximum TEG power can reach several mW, which is strong enough to meet the power consumption of the IMDs. These results were expected to be a valuable reference for designing an implantable TEG, which may actually be used in future clinics.
A method for online verification of adapted fields using an independent dose monitor
Authors: Chang Jina , Heaton Robert K. , Mahon Robert , Norrlinger Bernhard D. , Jaffray David A. , Cho Young‐Bin , Islam Mohammad K.
Published: June 2013

Purpose:

Clinical implementation of online adaptive radiotherapy requires generation of modified fields and a method of dosimetric verification in a short time. We present a method of treatment field modification to account for patient setup error, and an online method of verification using an independent monitoring system.

Methods:

The fields are modified by translating each multileaf collimator (MLC) defined aperture in the direction of the patient setup error, and magnifying to account for distance variation to the marked isocentre. A modified version of a previously reported online beam monitoring system, the integral quality monitoring (IQM) system, was investigated for validation of adapted fields. The system consists of a large area ion‐chamber with a spatial gradient in electrode separation to provide a spatially sensitive signal for each beam segment, mounted below the MLC, and a calculation algorithm to predict the signal. IMRT plans of ten prostate patients have been modified in response to six randomly chosen setup errors in three orthogonal directions.

Results:

A total of approximately 49 beams for the modified fields were verified by the IQM system, of which 97% of measured IQM signal agree with the predicted value to within 2%.

Conclusions:

The modified IQM system was found to be suitable for online verification of adapted treatment fields.
How the Red Queen Drives Terrestrial Mammals to Extinction
Authors: Quental Tiago B. , Marshall Charles R.
Published: June 2013

Background Extinction

Diversity results through both the processes of species origination and extinction. However, studies of extinction have tended to focus on mass extinctions, despite the fact that the background extinction represents a greater loss in terms of the absolute number of extinct taxa. In order to identify what factors affect this rate of background extinction,
Quental and Marshall
(p.
290
, published online 20 June) explored the dynamics of 19 mammalian clades and compared the rates of expansions and declines among taxa to expected models assuming random processes. Most clades decline to extinction in a “driven” manner—that is, faster than expected by chance alone.
Biosynthesis of Antinutritional Alkaloids in Solanaceous Crops Is Mediated by Clustered Genes
Authors: Itkin M. , Heinig U. , Tzfadia O. , Bhide A. J. , Shinde B. , Cardenas P. D. , Bocobza S. E. , Unger T. , Malitsky S. , Finkers R. , Tikunov Y. , Bovy A. , Chikate Y. , Singh P. , Rogachev I. , Beekwilder J. , Giri A. P. , Aharoni A.
Published: June 2013

From Nasty to Tasty

Some of our favorite food crops derive from wild relatives that were distasteful or even toxic. Domestication over many years selected for variants with reduced levels of antinutritional compounds. The wild relatives remain valuable, however, for other traits such as resistance to pathogens, but their use in crop development is complicated by the continued presence of unpalatable compounds.

Itkin
et al.

(p.
175
, published online 20 June) elucidate the metabolic pathways and genes directing synthesis of some of these antinutritionals in potato and tomato.
The Global Prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence Against Women
Authors: Devries K. M. , Mak J. Y. T. , García-Moreno C. , Petzold M. , Child J. C. , Falder G. , Lim S. , Bacchus L. J. , Engell R. E. , Rosenfeld L. , Pallitto C. , Vos T. , Abrahams N. , Watts C. H.
Published: June 2013

Data from 81 countries was used to estimate global prevalence of intimate partner violence against women.
Complete Genome Sequence of an Oral Commensal, Streptococcus oligofermentans Strain AS 1.3089
Authors: Tong Huichun , Shang Nan , Liu Li , Wang Xinhui , Cai Jun , Dong Xiuzhu
Published: June 2013

Streptococcus oligofermentans
, an oral commensal, inhibits the growth of the dental caries pathogen
Streptococcus mutans
by producing large amounts of hydrogen peroxide. Therefore, it can be a potential probiotic for oral health. Here we report the complete genome sequence of
S. oligofermentans
strain AS 1.3089.
Draft Genome Sequence of Streptomyces viridochromogenes Strain Tü57, Producer of Avilamycin
Authors: Grüning Björn A. , Erxleben Anika , Hähnlein Anna , Günther Stefan
Published: June 2013

Here we present the draft genome sequence of
Streptomyces viridochromogenes
Tü57. This strain is a producer of avilamycin A, an oligosaccharide antibiotic from the orthosomycin group, which is active against Gram-positive bacteria.
Xylanase Superproducer: Genome Sequence of a Compost-Loving Thermophilic Fungus,
Thermomyces lanuginosus
Strain SSBP
Authors: Mchunu Nokuthula Peace , Permaul Kugen , Abdul Rahman Ahmad Yamin , Saito Jennifer A. , Singh Suren , Alam Maqsudul
Published: June 2013

We report here the draft genome sequence of
Thermomyces lanuginosus
strain SSBP, which was isolated from soil in South Africa. This fungus produces the largest amount of xylanase ever reported in the literature.
Draft Genome of a Type 4 Pilus Defective Myxococcus xanthus Strain, DZF1
Authors: Müller Susanne , Willett Jonathan W. , Bahr Sarah M. , Scott Jodie C. , Wilson Janet M. , Darnell Cynthia L. , Vlamakis Hera C. , Kirby John R.
Published: June 2013

Myxococcus xanthus
is a member of the
Myxococcales
order within the deltaproteobacterial subdivision. Here, we report the whole-genome shotgun sequence of the type IV pilus (T4P) defective strain DZF1, which includes many genes found in strain DZ2 but absent from strain DK1622.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Clinical Isolate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strain PR05
Authors: Ismail Azwin , Teh L. K. , Ngeow Y. F. , Norazmi M. N. , Zainul Zainuddin F. , Tang T. H. , Najimudin N. , Salleh M. Z.
Published: June 2013

We report the annotated genome sequence of a clinical isolate,
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
strain PR05, which was isolated from the human cerebrospinal fluid of a patient diagnosed with tuberculosis.
Prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in an Icelandic birth cohort
Authors: Saemundsen Evald , Magnússon Páll , Georgsdóttir Ingibjörg , Egilsson Erlendur , Rafnsson Vilhjálmur
Published: June 2013

Objectives

A steady increase in the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has been reported in studies based on different methods, requiring adjustment for participation and missing data. Recent studies with high ASD prevalence rates rarely report on co-occurring medical conditions. The aim of the study was to describe the prevalence of clinically confirmed cases of ASD in Iceland and concomitant medical conditions.

Design

The cohort is based on a nationwide database on ASD among children born during 1994–1998.

Participants

A total of 267 children were diagnosed with ASD, 197 boys and 70 girls. Only clinically confirmed cases were included. All received physical and neurological examination, standardised diagnostic workup for ASD, as well as cognitive testing. ASD diagnosis was established by interdisciplinary teams. Information on medical conditions and chromosomal testing was obtained by record linkage with hospital registers.

Setting

Two tertiary institutions in Iceland. The population registry recorded 22 229 children in the birth cohort.

Results

Prevalence of all ASD was 120.1/10 000 (95% CI 106.6 to 135.3), for boys 172.4/10 000 (95% CI 150.1 to 198.0) and for girls 64.8/10 000 (95% CI 51.3 to 81.8). Prevalence of all medical conditions was 17.2% (95% CI 13.2 to 22.2), including epilepsy of 7.1% (95% CI 4.6 to 10.8). The proportion of ASD cases with cognitive impairment (intellectual quotient <70) was 45.3%, but only 34.1% were diagnosed with intellectual disability (ID). Children diagnosed earlier or later did not differ on mean total score on a standardised interview for autism.

Conclusions

The number of clinically verified cases is larger than in previous studies, yielding a prevalence of ASD on a similar level as found in recent non-clinical studies. The prevalence of co-occurring medical conditions was high, considering the low proportion of ASD cases that also had ID. Earlier detection is clearly desirable in order to provide counselling and treatment.
Endovascular treatment for traumatic scalp arteriovenous fistulas: results with Onyx embolization
Authors: Dabus Guilherme , Pizzolato Raffaella , Lin Eugene , Kreusch Andreas , Linfante Italo
Published: June 2013

Background

Arteriovenous fistulas of the scalp (S-AVFs) are rare lesions and may occur spontaneously or secondary to trauma. The use of Onyx for the treatment of S-AVFs is not well established at this time. We discuss three cases of traumatic S-AVFs treated successfully with Onyx embolization alone or in association with coils.

Methods

The database of patients treated at the Baptist Cardiac and Vascular Institute, Miami, Florida, was reviewed. All patients with traumatic S-AVFs treated with Onyx were included.

Results

Two men and one woman with progressive enlarging pulsatile mass with bruit or tinnitus had angiographic evidence of S-AVF and were treated. In two patients the S-AVFs were secondary to hair transplantation. They were treated with Onyx-18 embolization as the single treatment modality. One patient with S-AVF resulting from temporomandibular joint arthroscopy was treated with coils and subsequent Onyx-34 embolization. In one patient, transarterial microcatheterization and injection of Onyx-18 was performed. In another patient, the intra-arterial approach was prevented by arterial vessel tortuosity. Therefore, access to the fistula was obtained through direct puncture of a large frontal vein; contrast injection confirmed the positioning of the needle within the draining vein of the AVF and Onyx-18 was then injected while the outflow vein was compressed. In the third patient in this series, coils were deployed to allow safer and more controlled injection of Onyx-34. No procedure related complications were noted. Post-embolization angiography demonstrated successful and complete occlusion of the AVF immediately after treatment. Follow-up revealed complete resolution of the symptoms.

Conclusions

Our experience in this small series indicates that endovascular treatment of S-AVFs with Onyx is rapid, safe, and highly effective.