bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insights into herbivore distribution and abundance: oviposition preferences of western hemlock and phantom hemlock loopers
Authors: Steinbauer Martin J. , Carroll Allan L.
Published: January 2011

Knowledge of the factors affecting host selection by herbivorous insects is essential to predictions of their distribution and abundance over landscapes. In the laboratory, we studied the oviposition preferences of two eruptive loopers (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) native to western Canada (western hemlock looper, Lambdina fiscellaria lugubrosa (Hulst), and phantom hemlock looper, Nepytia phantasmaria (Strecker)) for different species and condition of hosts. When offered a choice, phantom hemlock loopers laid nearly three times as many eggs on western hemlock, Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg. (Pinaceae) as on either western redcedar, Thuja plicata Donn ex D. Don (Cupressaceae) or western white pine, Pinus monticola Douglas ex D. Don (Pinaceae). Western hemlock loopers were less specific, laying equal numbers of eggs on western hemlock and western redcedar, though fewer eggs were deposited on western white pine when compared with western hemlock. When offered western hemlock trees grown under different nutrient and shading regimes, phantom hemlock loopers preferred to oviposit on high nutrient hosts, irrespective of shading; western hemlock loopers exhibited a preference for high-nutrient hosts only if they were grown without shading. These patterns of host preference can be combined with information regarding forest composition to help quantify the conditional probability of western and phantom hemlock looper distibution and abundance.
Mating frequencies and production of hybrids by Rhagoletis pomonella and Rhagoletis zephyria (Diptera: Tephritidae) in the laboratory
Authors: Yee Wee L. , Goughnour Robert B.
Published: January 2011

Evidence indicates low levels of hybridization in nature between the apple maggot (AM), Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh), and snowberry maggot (SB), Rhagoletis zephyria Snow, sibling species in the R. pomonella complex. We determined the effects of AM and SB pairings on mating frequencies and production of hybrid offspring in the laboratory. Mating frequency was lowest in SB female × AM male pairings, higher in AM female × SB male and AM female × AM male pairings, and highest in SB female × SB male pairings. A greater percentage of AM female × AM male pairs produced offspring (puparia) than did AM female × SB male and SB female × AM male pairs, and a greater percentage of AM female × SB male pairs produced puparia than did SB female × AM male pairs. Male or female F1 hybrids backcrossed with AM males and with other F1 hybrids were fertile. Results suggest most R. pomonella × R. zephyria hybrids found in nature are the result of R. zephyria males mating with R. pomonella females, with few from reciprocal matings. If true, this asymmetry could lower the incidence of hybridization in nature.
Phylogenetic comparative methods reveal higher wing loading in ant-attendedTuberculatusaphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Yao Izumi
Published: January 2011

Aphids of the genusTuberculatusMordvilko feed on Fagaceae trees and exhibit various interactions with ants, ranging from non-attendance to intermediate or close associations. Despite possession of fully developed wings, two ant-attended species,Tuberculatus quercicola(Matsumura) andTuberculatussp. A, exhibited extremely low dispersal. I examined the correlation between wing loading (ratio of body volume to wing area) and ant associations in 20 species ofTuberculatus. Based on a 1317 bp sequence in two mitochondrial regions, cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (ND1), phylogenetic trees were reconstructed by neighbor-joining (NJ), most parsimony (MP), maximum likelihood (ML), and Bayesian analyses. All phylogenetic trees showed that mutualistic interactions with ants have evolved inTuberculatusat least five times. Comparative analyses based on the NJ, MP, and ML trees showed that increase in wing loading is correlated with ant associations, suggesting that ant-attended aphids have allocated more resources to their bodies than to their wings, resulting in lowered dispersal.
Population variability and persistence of three aphid pests of potatoes over 60 years
Authors: Lamb Robert J. , MacKay Patricia A. , Alyokhin Andrei
Published: January 2011

Abundance, persistence, and variability of populations of Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas), Myzus persicae (Sulzer), and Aphis nasturtii Kaltenbach (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in potato plots for intervals of 58 years (n = 1), 29 years (n = 2), 19–20 years (n = 3), and 9–10 years (n = 6) were compared. The abundance of M. euphorbiae showed no trend among decades and varied 2.4-fold, whereas that of M. persicae and A. nasturtii declined and showed 54-fold and 3700-fold variation, respectively. All three aphid species persisted through the first five decades and M. euphorbiae also persisted through the sixth (last) decade, but M. persicae and A. nasturtii failed to persist for 1 and 3 years of the last decade, respectively. Population variability (a proportion between 0 and 1) measured over a 58-year interval was high: 0.585 for M. euphorbiae, 0.771 for M. persicae, and 0.830 for A. nasturtii. During the first three but not the last three decades, population variability increased with sampling interval, owing to dramatic declines in abundance for M. persicae and A. nasturtii and one stable decade for M. euphorbiae, but no evidence of a more-time — more-variation effect was detected. Persistence was not related to population variability, but declined with abundance. Populations did not reach equilibrium, because of declining abundance for M. persicae and A. nasturtii and changes in population variability from decade to decade for M. euphorbiae. Populations of M. persicae and A. nasturtii from this crop monoculture were less stable than previously studied natural populations of a native aphid species. In contrast, the population of M. euphorbiae, a native species, had variability in a potato crop similar to that of the previously studied native species. The high population variability of M. persicae and A. nasturtii may be associated with their status as introduced species. The dynamic and species-specific characteristics of population variability require that interspecific comparisons be considered cautiously.
Preclinical Toxicology Studies of Recombinant Human Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-BB Either Alone or in Combination with Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate and Type I Collagen
Authors: Young Conan S. , Bradica Gino , Hart Charlie E. , Karunanidhi Anuradha , Street Reva M. , Schutte Lyndsey , Hollinger Jeffrey O.
Published: January 2011

Human platelet-derived growth factor-BB (hPDGF-BB) is a basic polypeptide growth factor released from platelets at the injury site. It is a multifunctional molecule that regulates DNA synthesis and cell division and induces biological effects that are implicated in tissue repair, atherosclerosis, inflammatory responses, and neoplastic diseases. This paper is an overview of the toxicology data generated from a broad testing platform to determine bone, soft tissue, and systemic responses following administration of rhPDGF-BB. Moreover, the systemic and local toxicity of recombinant human PDGF-BB (rhPDGF-BB) in combination with either beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) or collagen combined with β-TCP was studied to determine dermal sensitization, irritation, intramuscular tissue responses, pyrogenicity, genotoxicity, and hemolytic properties. All data strongly suggest that rhPDGF-BB either alone or in combination with β-TCP or collagen with β-TCP is biocompatible and has neither systemic nor local toxicity, supporting its safe use in enhancing wound healing in patients.
Improving Blood Pressure Control in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus and High Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Elliott Henry L. , Lloyd Suzanne M. , Ford Ian , Meredith Peter A.
Published: January 2011

Patients with diabetes mellitus and symptomatic coronary artery disease are also likely to be hypertensive and, overall, are at very high cardiovascular (CV) risk. This paper reports the findings of a posthoc analysis of the 1113 patients with diabetes mellitus in the ACTION trial: ACTION itself showed that outcomes in patients with stable angina and hypertension were significantly improved when a long-acting calcium channel blocking drug (nifedipine GITS) was added to their treatment regimens. This further analysis of the ACTION database in those patients with diabetes has identified a number of practical therapeutic issues which are still relevant because of potential outcome benefits, particularly in relation to BP control. For example, despite background CV treatment and, specifically, despite the widespread use of ACE Inhibitor drugs, the addition of nifedipine GITS was associated with significant benefits: improvement in BP control by an average of 6/3 mmHg and significant improvements in outcome. In summary, this retrospective analysis has identified that the addition of nifedipine GITS resulted in improved BP control and significant outcome benefits in patients with diabetes who were at high CV risk. There is evidence to suggest that these findings are of direct relevance to current therapeutic practice.
An Interrater Reliability Study of the Nottingham Stroke Dressing Assessment
Authors: Fletcher-Smith Joanna , Walker Marion , Sunderland Alan , Garvey Katherine , Wan Anna , Turner Hannah
Published: January 2011

Introduction:

Dressing problems after stroke are common. There is therefore a need to establish the psychometric properties of appropriate dressing outcome measures for use in clinical practice and research. The Nottingham Stroke Dressing Assessment (NSDA) is a validated assessment of post-stroke dressing ability. This study investigated the interrater reliability of the NSDA and the accompanying dressing error analysis form.

Method:

Twenty patients with persistent dressing difficulties at 2 weeks post-stroke were recruited to the study. Two research occupational therapists and one clinical occupational therapist acted as raters. They observed all 20 patients during dressing and independently completed the NSDA and error analysis form without discussion. A kappa (κ) test was performed to assess the level of agreement between the three raters on each dressing item assessed.

Results:

Of the 44 items tested, there was excellent agreement (κ > 0.75) on 29 items, good agreement (κ>0.6) on 8 items, fair agreement (κ>0.4) on 5 items and poor agreement (κ <0.4) on 2 items. The intraclass correlation coefficient between the three raters' final percentage score was 0.988, representing excellent agreement. The error analysis form also proved to have interrater agreement.

Conclusion:

The NSDA and error analysis form can be considered to have psychometrically proven interrater reliability.
The Clinical Utility of the Comparative Analysis of Performance — Motor (CAP-M) for Children with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Rae Nicole , Copley Jodie , Ranka Judy
Published: January 2011

Background and aim:

The focus of upper limb assessment for people with neurological damage has expanded beyond impairment factors. Assessments that evaluate the impact of impairment factors within tasks are needed to ensure that interventions address task performance. The Comparative Analysis of Performance — Motor (CAP-M) identifies upper limb impairments during performance of a client-chosen occupational task and uses this information to guide goal formulation. This study investigated the clinical utility of the CAP-M with children with cerebral palsy.

Method:

Ten occupational therapists each administered the CAP-M with one child with cerebral palsy. The participants were involved in a focus group or focused discussion. Constant comparative analysis was used to guide data collection and identify key themes.

Findings and conclusion:

The participants reported that the tool was a useful addition to the current upper limb assessments available for children with spastic cerebral palsy and some voluntary movement. Useful features of the tool were its focus on meaningful tasks, its effectiveness as an observational and educational tool and its usefulness in directing intervention selection. The findings support the development of upper limb assessment tools that span a range of ages and diagnoses and link impairment level factors with task performance.
CarFit: An Evaluation of Behaviour Change and Impact
Authors: Stav Wendy
Published: January 2011

Introduction:

CarFit is a community-based educational programme developed to address driver-vehicle fit and vehicle safety feature use among older drivers in the United States. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness and impact of the CarFit programme.

Method:

Four separate CarFit events were conducted using the standardised 12-point checklist, after which participants were provided with a questionnaire to complete and return.

Results:

The results revealed that 95% of the 54 participants felt that CarFit was somewhat or very useful. Information about the programme reached beyond the study participants because 74% discussed the programme with others and 96% were somewhat or very likely to recommend CarFit. Feelings of programme usefulness were associated positively with the likelihood of recommending CarFit (χ2(6) = 32.502, p<0.001). Safety behaviours also changed as evidenced by reports of vehicle safety feature adjustments, most notably to the outside mirrors, head restraint and steering wheel tilt.

Conclusion:

The results suggest that an interactive community education programme such as CarFit can change the safety behaviours of older drivers. The potential for increased societal impact exists due to the significant sharing of information by CarFit participants.
The Participation Experience of Children with Disabilities in Portuguese Mainstream Schools
Authors: Pereira Eugénia , Cour Karen la , Jonsson Hans , Hemmingsson Helena
Published: January 2011

Introduction:

This explorative study aimed to chart the participation experiences of children with disabilities enrolled in mainstream schools.

Method:

The participants were 14 students with disabilities, with good communication skills, aged between 8 and 11 years and attending school in Portugal. The data were collected through open-ended interviews and analysed employing a psychological phenomenological method.

Findings:

The findings suggest that participation at school took three forms: equal participation, special task participation and onlooker participation. Those three forms contrasted with situations of non-participation, in which the children felt completely excluded. Each form of participation and non-participation presented different performance characteristics and was influenced by the social environment.

Conclusion:

The findings of this study provide insights that enhance the understanding of children's inclusion in mainstream schools, as well as the individual's experience of participation.
Physical Activity for its Mental Health Benefits: Conceptualising Participation within the Model of Human Occupation
Authors: Cole Fiona
Published: January 2011

Introduction:

The mental health benefits of physical activity are well evidenced yet translating physical activity goals into actual participation can be challenging.

Method:

This study used a qualitative approach to investigate the barriers and supports that people with depression and/or anxiety have experienced when attempting to participate in physical activity. In-depth interviews were conducted with a small sample of seven participants of a mental health community team who had expressed an interest in physical activity. Thematic analysis was used and correlated with Model of Human Occupation concepts as a means of relating findings to potential practice applications.

Findings:

The findings confirmed the complexity of factors influencing participation, with those relating to volition being most noteworthy. The participants' negative self-perceptions of their abilities affected their motivation to engage in activities, and other treatments, such as psychotherapeutic and pharmacological, were required. Physical activity was more likely to be used as an adjunct treatment initially but, once mental health issues were beginning to be resolved, its value as an intervention in its own right was increased.

Conclusion:

Occupational therapists can use the Model of Human Occupation to conceptualise the complexities of engagement. Such understanding is essential before setting physical activity goals and intervention plans for people with mental health problems.
An Exploratory Study of the Occupation-Focused Models Included in Occupational Therapy Professional Education Programmes
Authors: Ashby Samantha , Chandler Bronwyn
Published: January 2011

Introduction:

Occupation-focused models are one method of integrating occupation into occupational therapy education programmes. They offer a theoretical basis for practice by providing explanations about the process and practice of the profession.

Method:

This exploratory study used a quantitative research framework to investigate which occupation-focused models are included in occupational therapy programmes, the rationale for their inclusion and how the models are integrated into curricula. A survey was sent to 193 occupational therapy programmes in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Results:

The response rate was 33.8% (n = 65). The data showed that each programme included between 3 and 10 occupation-focused models. The Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement and the Model of Human Occupation were included in 98.5% of all curricula surveyed.

Conclusion:

The educators used a multilayered decision-making process to determine which occupation-focused models to include in a curriculum. The instructional methods varied, but most programmes used practice placement education as a teaching strategy. Further research is required into how curriculum design influences a practitioner's future use of occupation-focused models in practice. A better understanding is needed of how professional practice education affects students' values and attitudes towards the use of occupation-focused models.
Influence of galactic cosmic rays on atmospheric composition and temperature
Authors: Calisto M. , Usoskin I. , Rozanov E. , Peter T.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. This study investigates the influence of the galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) on the atmospheric composition, temperature and dynamics by means of the 3-D Chemistry Climate Model (CCM) SOCOL v2.0. Ionization rates were parameterized according to CRAC:CRII (Cosmic Ray induced Cascade: Application for Cosmic Ray Induced Ionization), a detailed state-of-the-art model describing the effects of GCRs in the entire altitude range of the CCM from 0–80 km. We find statistically significant effects of GCRs on tropospheric and stratospheric NOx, HOx, ozone, temperature and zonal wind, whereas NOx, HOx and ozone are annually averaged and the temperature and the zonal wind are monthly averaged. In the Southern Hemisphere, the model suggests the GCR-induced NOx increase to exceed 10% in the tropopause region (peaking with 20% at the pole), whereas HOx is showing a decrease of about 3% caused by enhanced conversion into HNO3. As a consequence, ozone is increasing by up to 3% in the relatively unpolluted southern troposphere, where its production is sensitive to additional NOx from GCRs. Conversely, in the northern polar lower stratosphere, GCRs are found to decrease O3 by up to 3%, caused by the additional heterogeneous chlorine activation via ClONO2+HCl following GCR-induced production of ClONO2. There is an apparent GCR-induced acceleration of the zonal wind of up to 5 m/s in the Northern Hemisphere below 40 km in February, and a deceleration at higher altitudes with peak values of 3 m/s around 70 km altitude. The model also indentifies GCR-induced changes in the surface air, with warming in the eastern part of Europe and in Russia (up to 2.25 K for March values) and cooling in Siberia and Greenland (by almost 2 K). We show that these surface temperature changes develop even when the GCR-induced ionization is taken into account only above 18 km, suggesting that the stratospherically driven strengthening of the polar night jet extends all the way down to the Earth's surface.
Inter-comparison of lidar and ceilometer retrievals for aerosol and Planetary Boundary Layer profiling over Athens, Greece
Authors: Tsaknakis G. , Papayannis A. , Kokkalis P. , Amiridis V. , Kambezidis H. D. , Mamouri R. E. , Georgoussis G. , Avdikos G.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. This study presents an inter-comparison of two active remote sensors (lidar and ceilometer) in determining the structure of the Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) and in retrieving tropospheric aerosol vertical profiles over Athens, Greece. This inter-comparison was performed under various strongly different aerosol concentrations (urban air pollution, biomass burning and Saharan dust event), implementing two different lidar systems (one portable Raymetrics S.A. lidar system running at 355 nm and one multi-wavelength Raman lidar system running at 355 nm, 532 nm and 1064 nm) and one CL31 Vaisala S.A. ceilometer (running at 910 nm). To convert the ceilometer data to data having the same wavelengths as those from the lidar, the backscatter-related Ångström exponent was estimated using ultraviolet multi-filter radiometer (UV-MFR) data. The inter-comparison was based on two parameters: the mixing layer structure and height determined by the presence of the suspended aerosols and the aerosol backscatter coefficient. Additionally, radiosonde data were used to derive the PBL height. In general a good agreement is found between the ceilometer and the lidar techniques in both inter-compared parameters in the height range from 500 m to 5000 m, while the limitations of each instrument are also examined.
The theoretical impact polarization of the O I 6300 Å red line of Earth aurorae
Authors: Bommier V. , Sahal-Bréchot S. , Dubau J. , Cornille M.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. We are presenting a semi-classical theory of the impact polarization due to a quadrupolar electric excitation, which is the case of this forbidden line. In addition, this line is also radiatively forbidden being a triplet-singlet transition. This last feature is overcome by scaling the semi-classical result to a full quantum calculation at a single energy value. The cross-section and impact polarization are thus obtained as a function of energy, in agreement with the quantum calculations that exist only for the cross-section. The behavior of the impact polarization is found to be quite different than that of the usual dipolar electric interaction. Let us denote as radial the polarization parallel to the incident beam or magnetic field, and as tangential the perpendicular polarization. In the case of the dipolar electric interaction (permitted lines), the polarization is radial at low energy, and tangential at high energy, and it vanishes at energy about twelve times the threshold energy. In the case of the quadrupolar electric interaction, we observe quite different behavior, with the polarization vanishing point much closer to the threshold energy. This leads us to reanalyze the auroral red line polarization observation by Lilensten et al. (2008). From polarization observations made at Svalbard, they conclude to a rather strong tangential polarization observed during a 4-h recording including two auroral events. The existence of tangential polarization is questioned by our new theory, which leads to reconsidering the contribution of scattered parasitic light from a neighboring city that was mentioned but discarded by the authors. Finally, we conclude that the line is only weakly radially polarized by electron impact, and only during the auroral events. The weak polarization level leads to taking the competing depolarization by collisions with the neighboring O atoms into account, and by the competing isotropical (thus depolarizing) processes for populating the line upper level: the dissociative recombination of O2+ colliding with thermal electrons, and above all the reaction N(2D)+O2. The final diagnostic could be a density determination by depolarization, but it may be rather complicated because it involves several species.
Vertical and longitudinal electron density structures of equatorial E- and F-regions
Authors: Brahmanandam P. S. , Chu Y.-H. , Wu K.-H. , Hsia H.-P. , Su C.-L. , Uma G.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. From global soundings of ionospheric electron density made with FORMOSAT 3/COSMIC satellites for September 2006–August 2009, day-night variations in vertical and longitudinal structures of the electron densities in equatorial E- and F-regions for different seasons are investigated for the first time. The results reveal that the wavenumber-3 and wavenumber-4 patterns dominated the nighttime (22:00–04:00 LT) F-region longitudinal structures in solstice and in equinox seasons, respectively. In daytime (08:00–18:00 LT) F-region, the wavenumber-4 patterns governed the longitudinal structures in the September equinox and December solstice, and wavenumber-3 in March equinox and June solstice respectively. A comparison of the daytime and nighttime longitudinal electron density structures indicates that they are approximately 180° out of phase with each other. It is believed that this out of phase relation is very likely the result of the opposite phase relation between daytime and nighttime nonmigrating diurnal tidal winds that modulate background E-region dynamo electric field at different places, leading to the day-night change in the locations of the equatorial plasma fountains that are responsible for the formation of the F-region longitudinal structures. Further, a good consistency between the locations of the density structures in the same seasons of the different years for both daytime and nighttime epochs has been noticed indicating that the source mechanism for these structures could be the same.
Multiflash whistlers in ELF-band observed at low latitude
Authors: Singh Ashutosh K. , Singh K. K. , Singh S. B. , Singh A. K. ,   Lalmani
Published: January 2011

Abstract. Multiflash whistler-like event in the ELF-band, observed during March 1998 at low latitude station Jammu, is reported. The most prominent feature of these events is the multiflash nature along with the decrease in frequency within a very short span of time resembling similar to terrestrial whistlers. The events have a significantly smaller time duration (0.5–3.5 s) than those reported earlier from high, mid and low latitudes and also display a diurnal maximum occurring around 09:30 h (IST). There have been similar reportings from other latitudes, but whistlers in the ELF-band with a multiflash nature along with a precursor emission have never been reported. Lightning seems to be the dominant source for the ELF whistlers reported here.
Inductive ionospheric solver for magnetospheric MHD simulations
Authors: Vanhamäki H.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. We present a new scheme for solving the ionospheric boundary conditions required in magnetospheric MHD simulations. In contrast to the electrostatic ionospheric solvers currently in use, the new solver takes ionospheric induction into account by solving Faraday's law simultaneously with Ohm's law and current continuity. From the viewpoint of an MHD simulation, the new inductive solver is similar to the electrostatic solvers, as the same input data is used (field-aligned current [FAC] and ionospheric conductances) and similar output is produced (ionospheric electric field). The inductive solver is tested using realistic, databased models of an omega-band and westward traveling surge. Although the tests were performed with local models and MHD simulations require a global ionospheric solution, we may nevertheless conclude that the new solution scheme is feasible also in practice. In the test cases the difference between static and electrodynamic solutions is up to ~10 V km−1 in certain locations, or up to 20-40% of the total electric field. This is in agreement with previous estimates. It should also be noted that if FAC is replaced by the ground magnetic field (or ionospheric equivalent current) in the input data set, exactly the same formalism can be used to construct an inductive version of the KRM method originally developed by Kamide et al. (1981).
Geostatistical merging of ground-based and satellite-derived data of surface solar radiation
Authors: Journée M. , Bertrand C.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. In this paper, we demonstrate the benefit of using observations from Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) satellites in addition to in-situ measurements to improve the spatial resolution of solar radiation data over Belgium. This objective has been reached thanks to geostatistical methods able to merge heterogeneous data types. Two geostatistical merging methods are evaluated against the interpolation of ground-data only and the single use of satellite-derived information. It results from our analysis that merging both data sources provides the most accurate mapping of surface solar radiation over Belgium.
The impact of anticyclonic mesoscale structures on microbial food webs in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Christaki U. , Van Wambeke F. , Lefevre D. , Lagaria A. , Prieur L. , Pujo-Pay M. , Grattepanche J.-D. , Colombet J. , Psarra S. , Dolan J. R. , Sime-Ngando T. , Conan P. , Weinbauer M. G. , Moutin T.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. The abundance and activity of the major members of the heterotrophic microbial community – from viruses to ciliates – were studied along a longitudinal transect across the Mediterranean Sea in the summer of 2008. The Mediterranean Sea is characterized by a west to the east gradient of deepening of DCM (deep chlorophyll maximum) and increasing oligotrophy reflected in gradients of heterotrophic microbial biomass and production. However, within this longitudinal trend, hydrological mesoscale features exist and likely influence microbial dynamics. We show here the importance of mesoscale structures by a description of the structure and function of the microbial food web through an investigation of 3 geographically distant eddies within a longitudinal transect. Three selected sites each located in the center of an anticyclonic eddy were intensively investigated: in the Algero-Provencal Basin (St. A), the Ionian Basin (St. B), and the Levantine Basin (St. C). The 3 geographically distant eddies showed the lowest values of the different heterotrophic compartments of the microbial food web, and except for viruses in site C, all stocks were higher in the neighboring stations outside the eddies. During our study the 3 eddies showed equilibrium between GCP (Gross Community Production) and DCR (Dark Community Respiration); moreover, the west-east (W-E) gradient was evident in terms of heterotrophic biomass but not in terms of production. Means of integrated PPp values were higher at site B (~190 mg C m−2 d−1) and about 15% lower at sites A and C (~160 mg C m−2 d−1). Net community production fluxes were similar at all three stations exhibiting equilibrium between gross community production and dark community respiration.
Model-dependence of the CO2 threshold for melting the hard Snowball Earth
Authors: Hu Y. , Yang J. , Ding F. , Peltier W. R.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. One of the critical issues of the Snowball Earth hypothesis is the CO2 threshold for triggering the deglaciation. Using Community Atmospheric Model version 3.0 (CAM3), we study the problem for the CO2 threshold. Our simulations show large differences from previous results (e.g. Pierrehumbert, 2004, 2005; Le Hir et al., 2007). At 0.2 bars of CO2, the January maximum near-surface temperature is about 268 K, about 13 K higher than that in Pierrehumbert (2004, 2005), but lower than the value of 270 K for 0.1 bar of CO2 in Le Hir et al. (2007). It is found that the difference of simulation results is mainly due to model sensitivity of greenhouse effect and longwave cloud forcing to increasing CO2. At 0.2 bars of CO2, CAM3 yields 117 Wm−2 of clear-sky greenhouse effect and 32 Wm−2 of longwave cloud forcing, versus only about 77 Wm−2 and 10.5 Wm−2 in Pierrehumbert (2004, 2005), respectively. CAM3 has comparable clear-sky greenhouse effect to that in Le Hir et al. (2007), but lower longwave cloud forcing. CAM3 also produces much stronger Hadley cells than that in Pierrehumbert (2005). Effects of pressure broadening and collision-induced absorption are also studied using a radiative-convective model and CAM3. Both effects substantially increase surface temperature and thus lower the CO2 threshold. The radiative-convective model yields a CO2 threshold of about 0.21 bars with surface albedo of 0.663. Without considering the effects of pressure broadening and collision-induced absorption, CAM3 yields an approximate CO2 threshold of about 1.0 bar for surface albedo of about 0.6. However, the threshold is lowered to 0.38 bars as both effects are considered.
Regional scale analysis of landform configuration with base-level maps
Authors: Grohmann C. H. , Riccomini C. , Chamani M. A. C.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. Base-level maps (or "isobase maps", as originally defined by Filosofov, 1960), express a relationship between valley order and topography. The base-level map can be seen as a "simplified" version of the original topographic surface, from which was removed the "noise" of the low-order streams erosion. This method is able to identify areas with possible tectonic influence even within lithological uniform domains. Base-level maps are usually applied in semi-detail scale (e.g., 1:50 000 or larger) morphotectonic analysis. In this paper, we present an evaluation of the method's applicability in regional-scale analysis (e.g., 1:250 000 or smaller). A test area was selected in Northern Brazil, at the lower course of the Araguaia and Tocantins rivers. The method provided results consistent with the scale of the data used as topographic base and with the drainage network (1:1 000 000). Some of the base-level anomalies interpreted correspond to important faultlines and geological contacts present at the 1:5 000 000 Geological Map of South America. Others have no correspondence with mapped structures and are considered to represent more recent morphotectonic features. The E–W inflexion of the lower Tocantins is considered as a major drainage capture, originated by an E–W, southward-dipping normal fault. The base-level map also presented a good correlation with anomalies in geophysical data, which shows that the method is sensitive enough to detect features with little topographic expression.
Integrating community based disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation: examples from the Pacific
Authors: Gero A. , Méheux K. , Dominey-Howes D.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. It is acknowledged by academics and development practitioners alike that many common strategies addressing community based disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation duplicate each other. Thus, there is a strong push to integrate the two fields to enhance aid effectiveness and reduce confusion for communities. Examples of community based disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA) projects are presented to highlight some of the ways these issues are tackled in the Pacific. Various approaches are employed but all aim to reduce the vulnerability and enhance the resilience of local communities to the impacts of climate change and disasters. By focusing on three case studies, elements of best practice are drawn out to illustrate how DRR and CCA can be integrated for enhanced aid effectiveness, and also look at ways in which these two often overlapping fields can be better coordinated in ongoing and future projects. Projects that address vulnerability holistically, and target the overall needs and capacity of the community are found to be effective in enhancing the resilience of communities. By strategically developing a multi-stakeholder and multi-sector approach, community projects are likely to encapsulate a range of experience and skills that will benefit the community. Furthermore, by incorporating local knowledge, communities are far more likely to be engaged and actively participate in the project. From selected case studies, commonly occurring best practice methods to integrate DRR and CCA are identified and discussed and recommendations on how to overcome the common challenges also presented.
Electronic Prescribing and Prescription Design in Ophthalmic Practice
Authors: Connor Alan J. , Hutton Paul , Severn Philip , Masri Ibrahim
Published: January 2011

Purpose

Prescription and drug errors are common causes of adverse clinical events, posing a significant risk to safe patient care. Although there has been a movement to increase the use of electronic prescribing, concerns over feasibility suggest that improving the design of written prescriptions to minimize missing information may still be worthwhile. This retrospective cross-sectional study examined the effect on prescription completeness of electronic prescriptions and adding information prompts to written prescriptions. We hypothesized that electronic prescription would be superior to written prescriptions on prescription completeness and the inclusion of information prompts in written prescriptions would result in increased recording of the prompted information.

Methods

Chi-square analysis was used to examine differences among 50 consecutive electronic discharge prescriptions, 100 consecutive outpatient prescriptions (with prompts for medicine duration but not form, frequency, or laterality), and 100 consecutive day surgery prescriptions (with prompts for form, frequency, and laterality) in the provision of 10 key pieces of information.

Results

Electronic prescriptions resulted in 100% complete information across all domains and more complete information on medicine duration than day surgery prescriptions. Written outpatient prescriptions (with duration prompts but not laterality prompts) were superior in recording duration and inferior in recording laterality than day surgery prescriptions (without duration prompts but with laterality prompts).

Conclusions

Our results support the use of electronic prescribing. Where written prescribing must be used, our study highlights the importance of including information prompts to minimize missing information and improve patient safety.
Axillary-Axillary Loop Graft for Hemodialysis Access
Authors: Mohamed Ismail H. , Bagul Atul , Doughman Tahir , Nicholson Michael L.
Published: January 2011

Background

Vascular access in hemodialysis patients can be challenging especially in those with failed primary, secondary and/or tertiary procedures. We present a technique which utilizes the axillary artery and vein to fashion a synthetic loop graft.

Method

A synthetic arteriovenous loop graft is formed using the axillary artery and vein under general anesthesia following pre-operative contrast venograms.

Discussion

This method allows the use of the upper arm vessels, thereby preserving vessels in the legs; it also facilitates immediate access for dialysis.

Conclusion

The axillary-axillary loop graft is a valuable salvage option in patients with complex vascular access.
An Innovative Technology for Safe Needle Disconnection after Hemodialysis
Authors: Lentini Paolo , De Cal Massimo , Chronopoulos Alexandra , Cruz Dinna , Nalesso Federico , Garzotto Francesco , Brendolan Alessandra , D'Angelo Angela , Ronco Claudio
Published: January 2011

Purpose

Vascular access care is a key topic for hemodialysis patients. The most cost-effective and lasting vascular access for chronic hemodialysis is the native arteriovenous fistula (AVF); however, bleeding after dialysis session from puncture site is a relevant problem. Achieving hemostasis is necessary and requires hand compression by the nurse or the patient if he or she is capable and cooperative.

Methods

We assessed a new vascular closure device, VITACLIP® (Serumwerk Bernburg Vertriebs GmbH) that is an adhesive silicone seal device, which can be set onto the skin and punctured by dialysis needle. After withdrawal of the needle, VITACLIP® prevents bleeding from the punctured vessels, making hand compression unnecessary.

Results

We used this device in 5 chronic hemodialysis patients with native lateral-terminal AVFs. The patients' hemodialysis prescription and anticoagulants dose were not changed. This device allowed puncture of vascular access without complications such as bleeding at the end of hemodialysis; we did not observe any mechanical complications due to needle dislocation or any dermatological lesions at skin puncture site. However, the cannulation proved to be more difficult for the nurses with this device because the silicone hampers identification of the vessel for puncture for deeper AVFs.

Conclusions

This device helps patient management and improves patient safety by reducing the risk of AVF bleeding at the end of dialysis, decreasing the risk of staff contact with patients' blood, and theoretically eliminating the risk of massive bleeding in the case of an inadvertent needle dislodgement going unnoticed during treatment.
Endonucleases
Authors: Nichols Nicole M.
Published: January 2011

Reaction conditions for a variety of endonucleases are detailed in this unit along with discussions of potential applications. Enzymes covered include BAL 31 nuclease, S1 nuclease, mung bean nuclease, micrococcal nuclease, and DNase I. A general discussion regarding the use of endonucleases to generate nonspecific breaks in dsDNA is also provided. For a detailed discussion of the endonucleases more typically associated with DNA damage repair (e.g., Endo III, IV, V and VIII of E. coli and human APE1), see UNIT 3.9. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 93:3.12.1‐3.12.7. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Quantitation of DNA and RNA with Absorption and Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Authors: Gallagher Sean R.
Published: January 2011

Quantitation of nucleic acids is a fundamental tool in molecular biology that requires accuracy, reliability, and the use of increasingly smaller sample volumes. This unit describes the traditional absorbance measurement at 260 nm and three more sensitive fluorescence techniques employing Hoechst 33258, ethidium bromide, and PicoGreen. The range of the assays covers 25 pg/ml to 50 µg/ml. Absorbance at 260 nm has an effective range from 1 to 50 µg/ml; Hoechst 33258 from 0.01 to 15 µg/ml; ethidium bromide from 0.1 to 10 µg/ml; and PicoGreen from 25 to 1000 pg/ml. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 93:A.3D.1‐A.3D.14. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Microvolume Quantitation of Nucleic Acids
Authors: R. Desjardins Philippe , Conklin Deborah S.
Published: January 2011

Quantitation of DNA and RNA by absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy has been a powerful tool in life sciences for decades. Classic methods of nucleic acid quantitation require the filling of devices, such as cuvettes and capillaries, with sample (traditional methodologies are described in APPENDIX 3D). Analysis of microvolume samples has become of paramount importance as more molecular biology techniques yield progressively smaller amounts of isolated sample and require accurate quantitation of nucleic acids with minimal consumption of sample. Advances in photonic technologies have resulted in a pioneering microvolume system that combines fiber optic technology with the inherent physical properties of the sample to dramatically reduce measurement volumes, removing the need for cuvettes and capillaries. Since the introduction of the first microvolume instrument, several new designs are now available, providing opportunities to measure nucleic acids using much smaller amounts of material. Altogether, these systems not only reduce measurement volume (as little as 0.5 to 2 µl), but also tend to be more efficient time‐wise than traditional methods, making them useful even when sample is plentiful. The protocols in this unit are based on the most widely accepted microvolume systems and are intended as practical alternatives to traditional nucleic acid quantitation methodology. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 93:A.3J.1‐A.3J.16. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Rheumatic diseases and sexuality: Disease impact and self‐management strategies
Authors: Helland Ylva , Kjeken Ingvild , Steen Eldri , Kvien Tore K. , Hauge Mona‐Iren , Dagfinrud Hanne
Published: January 2011

Objective

To explore how intimate relationships and sexuality are influenced by rheumatic diseases and to describe self‐management strategies used to manage disease consequences.

Methods

To ensure that data were grounded in patients' language and experiences, individual and focus group interviews were conducted. Purposeful sampling was used to ensure variation in age, sex, disease duration, diagnosis, and marital status among the informants. Participants were men and women ages 18 years or older, were diagnosed with inflammatory rheumatic disease by a rheumatologist, and had a disease duration of ≥2 years.

Results

The mean age of the 23 participants was 44 years, the mean disease duration was 13.6 years, and the mean ± SD modified Health Assessment Questionnaire score was 1.58 ± 0.46. Four key themes summarized the main issues described by the informants: between disease and normality, relational aspects, disease‐related sexual challenges, and self‐management strategies. The results reveal that the disease constituted a disruption in life, requiring a new orientation of sexual identity and relationship. Participants' experiences of sexuality went beyond specific sexual activity, including aspects such as body image and relational issues, illustrating a multidimensional perception of sexuality. A large inter‐ and intrapersonal variety of impact and a wide range of management strategies were reported.

Conclusion

This study shows that sexuality is a vital area of life for people living with arthritis. It is a source of physical pleasure and intimacy with their partner, but may cause anxiety and distress when affected by rheumatic disease. However, various self‐management strategies are applied to enhance intimate relationships and sexual activity. Knowledge and openness concerning sexual issues need to be emphasized as part of the competence of health professionals and researchers.
Systematic review of design and effects of splints and exercise programs in hand osteoarthritis
Authors: Kjeken Ingvild , Smedslund Geir , Moe Rikke H. , Slatkowsky‐Christensen Barbara , Uhlig Till , Hagen Kåre Birger
Published: January 2011

Objective

To describe and evaluate the design and effects of splints and exercise programs in hand osteoarthritis.

Methods

Controlled trials identified through systematic literature reviews were included. Design of splints and exercise programs were evaluated according to existing recommendations and classification systems. The risk of bias was assessed by 2 independent reviewers and effects were summarized descriptively or by meta‐analyses.

Results

Twelve trials were included in the review: 7 assessed the effect of splints, 3 the effect of exercises, and 2 a combination of splints and exercises. The results revealed a great variety in the design of splint and exercise programs. A meta‐analysis of the 2 randomized trials with low risk of bias demonstrated that splints significantly reduced hand pain at short‐term (<3 months) and long‐term (≥3 months) followup, with a standardized mean difference of 0.37 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.03, 0.71) and 0.80 (95% CI 0.45, 1.15), respectively. Further, results from single trials indicated that hand exercises may reduce pain and increase range of motion and strength, while a combination of splints and daily exercises may reduce pain and stiffness and improve function.

Conclusion

There is consistent evidence that splints reduce hand pain, but limited evidence for the effects of hand exercises and a combination of hand exercises and splints in hand osteoarthritis.