bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of historic buildings by radar techniques
Authors: De Fino Mariella , Scioti Albina , Rubino Rocco , Fatiguso Fabio
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss methodological guidelines and operation protocols for the assessment of historic buildings by radar techniques, as decision-making support within integrated investigation programs, where documentary records, direct survey and onsite measurements address accurate and effective diagnosis.

Design/methodology/approach

– Radar methodologies and procedures are planned to support the pre-diagnosis hypotheses, based on preliminary information from historical sources, as well as from direct survey of geometry, materials, construction techniques and decay patterns. Thus, they are applied, in terms of acquisition and elaboration systems, taking into account the testing targets and surrounding conditions. Finally, they are correlated with complementary destructive and non-destructive techniques for data interpretation and validation.

Findings

– The general approach is developed for some representative case studies, in order to point out the potentialities of radar techniques for traditional building components. In detail, masonry walls and vaults, as well as iron and reinforced concrete slabs are assessed, in terms of construction materials and techniques, morphology and stratigraphy of multi-layered components, inner voids and inclusions, previous reinforcement works.

Originality/value

– The above-mentioned issues are particularly relevant in the assessment of historic buildings, where onsite non-destructive technologies are commonly applied, because they help identify the actual characteristics, residual performances and state of conservation, without interfering with structural stability and functional operability, and, thus, address low-intrusive and compatible interventions. Nevertheless, emerging technologies, such as radar scanning, still require guidelines and protocols, in order to achieve reliable and meaningful results and save time and resources, especially whenever technical data are limited, investigation conditions are challenging and different construction solutions are involved.
Effect of supercritical CO2 on carbonates: Savonnières sample case study
Authors: Shulakova V. , Sarout J. , Pimienta L. , Lebedev M. , Mayo S. , Clennell M.B. , Pervukhina M.
Published: March 2016

CO2 geosequestration is an efficient way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. Carbonate rock formations are one of the possible targets for CO2 sequestration due to their relative abundance and ability to serve as a natural trapping reservoir. The injected supercritical CO2 can change properties of the reservoir rocks such as porosity, permeability, tortuosity, and specific surface area due to dissolution and precipitation processes. This, in turn, affects the reservoir characteristics, i.e., their elastic properties, storage capacity, stability, etc.

The tremendous progresses made recently in both microcomputed X‐ray tomography and high‐performance computing make numerical simulation of physical processes on actual rock microstructures feasible. However, carbonate rocks with their extremely complex microstructure and the presence of microporosity that is below the resolution of microcomputed X‐ray tomography scanners require novel, quite specific image processing and numerical simulation approaches.

In the current work, we studied the effects of supercritical CO2 injection on microstructure and elastic properties of a Savonnières limestone. We used microtomographic images of two Savonnières samples, i.e., one in its natural state and one after injection and residence of supercritical CO2. A statistical analysis of the microtomographic images showed that the injection of supercritical CO2 led to an increase in porosity and changes of the microstructure, i.e., increase of the average volume of individual pores and decrease in the total number of pores. The CO2 injection/residence also led to an increase in the mean radii of pore throats, an increase in the length of pore network segments, and made the orientation distribution of mesopores more isotropic. Numerical simulations showed that elastic moduli for the sample subjected to supercritical CO2 injection/residence are lower than those for the intact sample.
Telephone‐delivered weight management services in the hospital outpatient setting: Decision‐makers’ perceptions of their use in routine practice
Authors: Whelan Megan E. , Goode Ana D. , Hickman Ingrid J. , Eakin Elizabeth G. , Reeves Marina M.
Published: March 2016

Aim

Providing effective weight management services to the growing number of overweight or obese hospital patients necessitates long‐term service provision; however, it is arguably not within the acute‐care hospital remit to provide such extended services. Referral to community‐based programs is required to provide continuing weight management services. The Get Healthy Service is a free six‐month, telephone‐delivered lifestyle program, now offered in several states of Australia with potential for wide population reach. However, health practitioner referral into the service has been low. The study aimed to examine awareness and suitability of the Get Healthy Service for referral of hospital outpatients for weight management, among key health‐care decision‐makers.

Methods

Nine key decision‐makers from metropolitan and rural Queensland Health hospitals took part in semi‐structured telephone interviews that were audio‐recorded (January–July 2014), transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed.

Results

Interviews revealed that most decision‐makers had limited awareness of the Get Healthy Service but perceived the telephone service to be suitable for patient referrals. Incorporating Get Healthy Service referrals into patient care was seen to be potentially valuable and relatively easy to implement, with most interviewees suggesting that they would provide a Get Healthy Service brochure to patients who could then self‐refer into the service.

Conclusions

The Get Healthy Service provides a referral model for weight management service provision that appears feasible for use in Queensland hospital settings. Increased awareness and a more integrated approach to referrals would likely result in improved enrolment to the service, with future research needed to demonstrate this.
Intrinsic heterogeneity in detection probability and its effect on N‐mixture models
Authors: Veech Joseph A. , Ott James R. , Troy Jeff R.
Published: March 2016

Estimating the abundance or density of animal populations is often a fundamental task in ecological research and species conservation. N‐mixture models are widely used to estimate the detection probability of individual organisms that thusly leads to more accurate estimates of a species' true abundance. However, individuals likely vary in their probabilities of being detected. During a survey, heterogeneity (variation) in individual detection probability might arise due to conditions of the surveying process; this form of extrinsic heterogeneity can be accounted for by the use of appropriate covariates in the models. In contrast, intrinsic heterogeneity in the detection probabilities of individuals arises when intraspecific variation in behaviour results in individual organisms differing in their latent (inherent) probabilities of being detected. This form of heterogeneity is not tractable by the use of covariates and its possible effects on model performance have not been investigated to date.

Using simulated data, we evaluated the performance of Poisson, negative binomial and zero‐inflated Poisson versions of N‐mixture models under the conditions of intrinsic heterogeneity in individual detection probability.

Most versions of N‐mixture models performed well in estimating abundance as indicated by relatively low root‐mean‐square‐error values (RMSE < 1). Error distributions indicated a lack of substantial bias and relatively high precision and accuracy when simulated detection probabilities of individuals were high (>0·5) and heterogeneity was random. Otherwise, with structured heterogeneity (particularly positive density dependence) and low detection probabilities (<0·5), model performance was reduced (RMSE > 2). The poorest performing model was the zero‐inflated Poisson version of N‐mixture model applied to data from low survey effort.

Our results suggest that N‐mixture models are robust to intrinsic heterogeneity in individual detection probabilities except when the detection probabilities are low. When model‐estimated detection probabilities are low (<0·5), model users should be aware that estimates of abundance could be erroneous if there was non‐random intrinsic heterogeneity in individual detection probabilities during the surveys. Remedying this situation might require redesigning the basic survey protocol such that it does not rely on behavioural traits (as cues to detection) that are intrinsically variable among individuals.
Near‐infrared Spectroscopy Monitoring During Cardiac Arrest: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Cournoyer Alexis , Iseppon Massimiliano , Chauny Jean‐Marc , Denault André , Cossette Sylvie , Notebaert Éric
Published: March 2016

Background

Tissue oximetry using near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a noninvasive monitor of cerebral oxygenation. This new technology has been used during cardiac arrest (CA) because of its ability to give measures in low‐blood‐flow situations. The aim of this study was to assess the evidence regarding the association between the types ofNIRSmeasurements (mean, initial, and highest values) and resuscitation outcomes (return of spontaneous circulation [ROSC], survival to discharge, and good neurologic outcome) in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Methods

This review was registered (ProsperoCRD42015017380) and is reported as per thePRISMAguidelines. Medline, Embase, andCENTRALwere searched. All studies, except case reports and case series of fewer than five patients, reporting on adults that hadNIRSmonitoring duringCAwere eligible for inclusion. Two reviewers assessed the quality of the included articles and extracted the data. The outcome effect was standardized using standardized mean difference (SMD).

Results

Twenty nonrandomized observational studies (15 articles and five conference abstracts) were included in this review, for a total of 2,436 patients. We found a stronger association betweenROSCand meanNIRSvalues (SMD = 1.33; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.92 to 1.74) than betweenROSCand initialNIRSmeasurements (SMD = 0.51; 95%CI = 0.23 to 0.78). There was too much heterogeneity among the highestNIRSmeasurements group to perform meta‐analysis. Only two of the 75 patients who experiencedROSChad a meanNIRSsaturation under 30%. Patients who survived to discharge and who had good neurologic outcome displayed superior combined initial and meanNIRSvalues than their counterparts (SMD = 1.63; 95%CI = 1.34 to 1.92; andSMD = 2.12; 95%CI = 1.14 to 3.10).

Conclusions

Patients with good resuscitation outcomes have significantly higherNIRSsaturations during resuscitation than their counterparts. The types ofNIRSmeasurements during resuscitation influenced the association betweenROSCandNIRSsaturation. Prolonged failure to obtain aNIRSsaturation higher than 30% may be included in a multimodal approach to the decision of terminating resuscitation efforts (ClassIIb, Level of Evidence C‐Limited Data).
A new perspective on performance persistence: evidence using portfolio holdings
Authors: Bennett Scott , Gallagher David R. , Harman Graham , Warren Geoffrey J. , Xi Yuki
Published: March 2016

We investigate the existence and sources of performance persistence for Australian equity funds, using monthly portfolio holdings data. We find significant persistence among outperforming rather than underperforming funds, which is primarily related to security selection skill, and is associated with growth‐orientated funds. Meanwhile, the relation between persistence and momentum is secondary and nuanced. Further, persistence largely derives from existing holdings, while subsequent active trading contributes only moderately positive returns for both outperforming and underperforming funds. We also find that persistence fades beyond 6 months and vanishes after 24 months. Our findings differ from those for U.S. equity funds and previous Australian studies, implying that persistence may vary with market context and its identification may depend on data availability.
Neuropsychological and neuroimaging underpinnings of schizoaffective disorder: a systematic review
Authors: Madre M. , Canales‐Rodríguez E. J. , Ortiz‐Gil J. , Murru A. , Torrent C. , Bramon E. , Perez V. , Orth M. , Brambilla P. , Vieta E. , Amann B. L.
Published: March 2016

Objectives

The neurobiological basis and nosological status of schizoaffective disorder remains elusive and controversial. This study provides a systematic review of neurocognitive and neuroimaging findings in the disorder.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted via PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus and Web of Knowledge (from 1949 to 31st March 2015) using the keyword ‘schizoaffective disorder’ and any of the following terms: ‘neuropsychology’, ‘cognition’, ‘structural neuroimaging’, ‘functional neuroimaging’, ‘multimodal’, ‘DTI’ and ‘VBM’. Only studies that explicitly examined a well defined sample, or subsample, of patients with schizoaffective disorder were included.

Results

Twenty‐two of 43 neuropsychological and 19 of 51 neuroimaging articles fulfilled inclusion criteria. We found a general trend towards schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder being related to worse cognitive performance than bipolar disorder. Grey matter volume loss in schizoaffective disorder is also more comparable to schizophrenia than to bipolar disorder which seems consistent across further neuroimaging techniques.

Conclusions

Neurocognitive and neuroimaging abnormalities in schizoaffective disorder resemble more schizophrenia than bipolar disorder. This is suggestive for schizoaffective disorder being a subtype of schizophrenia or being part of the continuum spectrum model of psychosis, with schizoaffective disorder being more skewed towards schizophrenia than bipolar disorder.
Recovery from major depressive disorder episode after non‐pharmacological treatment is associated with normalized cytokine levels
Authors: Dahl J. , Ormstad H. , Aass H. C. D. , Sandvik L. , Malt U. F. , Andreassen O. A.
Published: March 2016

Background

Several lines of evidence show that the immune system is implicated in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) and that treatment with antidepressants affects cytokine and C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels. Few studies have investigated immune markers during non‐pharmacological treatment. In this follow‐up study, we investigated whether CRP and elevated plasma cytokine levels observed before treatment of an acute episode of MDD are normalized during non‐pharmacological treatment.

Methods

We obtained clinical assessments and blood for CRP and cytokine analysis from 50 unmedicated MDD patients, and cytokine levels from healthy controls. The patients received ‘therapy as usual’ for 12 weeks, and the assessments were then repeated. Of the 43 completers, 29 patients did not receive medication.

Results

In the patients receiving treatment without antidepressants, the depressive symptoms and the plasma levels of eight cytokines (interleukin (IL)‐1Ra, IL‐5,‐6,‐8,‐10, G‐CSF, IFN‐γ, and TNF‐α) were significantly reduced (P = 0.002–0.048). The cytokine levels were no longer different from the controls. The plasma CRP level did not change.

Conclusion

Cytokine plasma levels normalized during recovery from an acute depressive episode in MDD without antidepressant treatment. These findings may have implications for the understanding of the role of the immune system in depression and recovery from depression.
The New World grass‐thrips genus Plesiothrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and its palaeotropical relationships
Authors: Mound Laurence , Lima Elison , O'Donnell Cheryle , Cavalleri Adriano
Published: March 2016

Morphological character states displayed by Plesiothrips Hood, a New World genus of grass‐living thrips, are assessed. This assessment indicates that Plesiothrips shares more character states with genera from Southeast Asia, including the Trichromothrips genus‐group, than with any New World Thripinae. Sorghothrips sakagami (Kudo) comb. n. is removed from Plesiothrips; Taeniothrips aberrans Crawford syn. n. is considered a new synonym of Plesiothrips amblycauda Hood; and an illustrated identification key is given to 16 Plesiothrips species for which females are known.
Estimating the impact of farmer field schools in sub‐Saharan Africa: the case of cocoa
Authors: Tsiboe Francis , Dixon Bruce L. , Nalley Lawton L. , Popp Jennie S. , Luckstead Jeff
Published: March 2016

This study measures the economic impact of the first phase of the Cocoa Livelihood Program (CLP‐I), a current World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) project, sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and aimed at improving the livelihood of over 200,000 small cocoa producers in sub‐Saharan Africa via training, crop diversification, and farmer‐based organizations. Using data collected from 2,048 pre‐ and post‐CLP‐I interviews of cocoa producers in Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, Nigeria, and Cameroon, the results show that yield enhancements attributable to CLP‐I are 32%, 34%, 50%, and 62% in Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, and Cameroon, respectively. Using a total program cost of $151–$200 per beneficiary and estimated annual benefits of $109–$322 per beneficiary over 25 years, the benefit‐cost ratios are estimated to range from $18 to $62 for every dollar spent on human capital development. These results suggest the WCF should endeavor to increase the number of farmers who receive all, not some, of the components of the program. This would not only help ensure that each producer obtains as much human capital as possible from each of the training programs but increases the probability of reaching the CLP goal of doubling the income of cocoa‐growing households.
ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES OF A PUBLIC ENTERPRISE IN OLIGOPOLY REVISITED: AN EXTENSION TO STACKELBERG COMPETITION
Authors: Hamada Kojun
Published: March 2016

This paper revisits De Fraja and Delbono (1989), which is the seminal paper on mixed oligopoly, in order to pay more attention to Stackelberg competition. First, we show that, even in Cournot competition, if the number of private firms is sufficiently small, privatization necessarily reduces social welfare. Second, we demonstrate that when a public firm is a Stackelberg leader before and after privatization, privatization necessarily reduces welfare irrespective of the number of private firms. Moreover, we show that even when a public firm remains a follower, privatization reduces welfare if the number of private firms is relatively small.
Surgical treatment for diabetic vitreoretinal diseases: a review
Authors: Sharma Tarun , Fong Angie , Lai Timothy Y , Lee Vincent , Das Sudipta , Lam Dennis
Published: March 2016

Over the past four decades, advancements in surgical instrumentations and techniques have significantly improved the postoperative anatomical and visual outcomes of patients with various diabetic vitreoretinal diseases. In particular, surgical interventions for previously serious and untreatable blinding proliferative diabetic retinopathy can now be performed, with much better results. The advents of micro incisional vitrectomy system with better visualization system like binocular indirect ophthalmomicroscope and state‐of‐the‐art instrumentation revolutionized the era of diabetic vitrectomy. High‐speed vitrectors, finer instruments, chromo‐assisted vitrectomy and use of anti‐vascular endothelial growth factors not only change the paradigm but also help achieve much better outcome after diabetic vitrectomies. In this review, we will discuss and summarize the indications, surgical considerations, surgical techniques, potential complications and outcomes of vitreoretinal surgery for diabetic eye diseases.
Motion Style Retargeting to Characters With Different Morphologies
Authors: Abdul‐Massih M. , Yoo I. , Benes B.
Published: March 2016

We present a novel approach for style retargeting to non‐humanoid characters by allowing extracted stylistic features from one character to be added to the motion of another character with a different body morphology. We introduce the concept of groups of body parts (GBPs), for example, the torso, legs and tail, and we argue that they can be used to capture the individual style of a character motion. By separating GBPs from a character, the user can define mappings between characters with different morphologies. We automatically extract the motion of each GBP from the source, map it to the target and then use a constrained optimization to adjust all joints in each GBP in the target to preserve the original motion while expressing the style of the source. We show results on characters that present different morphologies to the source motion from which the style is extracted. The style transfer is intuitive and provides a high level of control. For most of the examples in this paper, the definition of GBP takes around 5 min and the optimization about 7 min on average. For the most complicated examples, the definition of three GBPs and their mapping takes about 10 min and the optimization another 30 min.
Managed Informality: Regulating Street Vendors in Bangkok
Authors: Batréau Quentin , Bonnet Francois
Published: March 2016

The article focuses on the relationship between street vendors and local authorities in Bangkok. We examine the goals, the means, and the effects of everyday regulation of street vending. We document how the district administration produces and maintains informality by creating a parallel set of rules where street vendors enjoy negligible rents and little competition. We provide detailed empirical evidence on earnings, rents, fines, and rules regarding commercial real estate. The district administration's policy of “managed informality” results in a situation where more established informal vendors control less established ones. We hypothesize in the conclusion that the district administration's parallel legal system adjusts to the population's expectations in a political system where the law has little popular support.
The Dynamics of Neighborhood Structural Conditions: The Effects of Concentrated Disadvantage on Homicide over Time and Space
Authors: Becker Jacob H.
Published: March 2016

Several recent spatial analyses conclude the strong positive association typically found between neighborhood concentrated disadvantage and crime in cross–sectional studies significantly differs across neighborhoods. It is possible this spatial variation is due to within–neighborhood dynamics of continuity and change, as suggested by ecological theories of neighborhood crime. Using ordinary least–squares and geographically weighted regression models, I explore the role of within–neighborhood change on the disadvantage–homicide relationship across Chicago neighborhoods and find that controlling for historical changes in disadvantage within neighborhoods reduces—but does not eliminate—spatial variation in the cross–sectional relationship. Within–neighborhood changes in concentrated disadvantage from 1970 to 2000 are positively related to homicide rates, net of the level of disadvantage in 2000. This suggests the relationship is influenced to some degree by temporal continuity or change in the neighborhood ecological structure, consistent with the dynamic conceptualization of neighborhoods inherent to ecological theories of crime like social disorganization.
Evaluation of zirconia‐based posterior single crowns supported by zirconia implants: preliminary results of a prospective multicenter study
Authors: Spies Benedikt Christopher , Kohal Ralf‐Joachim , Balmer Marc , Vach Kirstin , Jung Ronald E.
Published: March 2016

Objective

The aim of this uncontrolled prospective multicenter study was to determine the success and survival rate of posterior single crowns composed of zirconia frameworks hand‐layered with a leucite‐reinforced feldspathic ceramic supported by one‐piece zirconia oral implants.

Material and methods

In two centers, sixty patients received 71 zirconia oral implants. To obtain a clear indication of posterior implant‐supported single crowns (ISSCs), 14 patients (25 implants) were excluded from the analysis (11 bridges, three anterior crowns). The remaining patients were provided with single implants in posterior regions. As one patient lost his implant and another refused further participation after final prosthesis insertion, 44 ISSCs/patients (19 females, 25 males) were available for evaluation. Of these patients, all were seen at prosthetic delivery and the 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐up appointments. Evaluations were performed using modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria. Restorations within Alpha and Bravo ratings were regarded as success. This included minor chippings, a slight roughness, slightly soundable restoration margins and minimal contour deficiencies. In case of more distinct defects that could, however, be repaired to a clinically acceptable level, restorations were regarded as surviving. Kaplan–Meier plots and log‐rank tests were used for the success/survival analyses and the calculation of potential group differences (gender, jaw and center).

Results

After a mean observation period of 12.5 months (SD: 0.8 months), no ISSC had to be replaced, resulting in a Kaplan–Meier survival rate of 100%. The Kaplan–Meier success rate was 90.9% (one major chipping, one obvious roughness, one significant crevice and one pronounced over‐contouring). Minor chippings and occlusal roughness were frequent complications. No significantly different survival/success rates could be observed between the mentioned groups.

Conclusion

The frequent incidence of minor chippings suggests a high technique sensitivity when providing zirconia implants with veneered zirconia‐based crowns questioning its suitability for this indication.
Applying the dark diversity concept to nature conservation
Authors: Lewis Rob J. , de Bello Francesco , Bennett Jonathan A. , Fibich Pavel , Finerty Genevieve E. , Götzenberger Lars , Hiiesalu Inga , Kasari Liis , Lepš Jan , Májeková Maria , Mudrák Ondřej , Riibak Kersti , Ronk Argo , Rychtecká Terezie , Vitová Alena , Pärtel Meelis
Published: March 2016

Linking diversity to biological processes is central for developing informed and effective conservation decisions. Unfortunately, observable patterns provide only a proportion of the information necessary for fully understanding the mechanisms and processes acting on a particular population or community. We suggest conservation managers use the often overlooked information relative to species absences and pay particular attention to dark diversity (i.e., a set of species that are absent from a site but that could disperse to and establish there, in other words, the absent portion of a habitat‐specific species pool). Together with existing ecological metrics, concepts, and conservation tools, dark diversity can be used to complement and further develop conservation prioritization and management decisions through an understanding of biodiversity relativized by its potential (i.e., its species pool). Furthermore, through a detailed understanding of the population, community, and functional dark diversity, the restoration potential of degraded habitats can be more rigorously assessed and so to the likelihood of successful species invasions. We suggest the application of the dark diversity concept is currently an underappreciated source of information that is valuable for conservation applications ranging from macroscale conservation prioritization to more locally scaled restoration ecology and the management of invasive species.
The role of digital data entry in participatory environmental monitoring
Authors: Brammer Jeremy R. , Brunet Nicolas D. , Burton A. Cole , Cuerrier Alain , Danielsen Finn , Dewan Kanwaljeet , Herrmann Thora Martina , Jackson Micha V. , Kennett Rod , Larocque Guillaume , Mulrennan Monica , Pratihast Arun Kumar , Saint‐Arnaud Marie , Scott Colin , Humphries Murray M.
Published: March 2016

Many argue that monitoring conducted exclusively by scientists is insufficient to address ongoing environmental challenges. One solution entails the use of mobile digital devices in participatory monitoring (PM) programs. But how digital data entry affects programs with varying levels of stakeholder participation, from nonscientists collecting field data to nonscientists administering every step of a monitoring program, remains unclear. We reviewed the successes, in terms of management interventions and sustainability, of 107 monitoring programs described in the literature (hereafter programs) and compared these with case studies from our PM experiences in Australia, Canada, Ethiopia, Ghana, Greenland, and Vietnam (hereafter cases). Our literature review showed that participatory programs were less likely to use digital devices, and 2 of our 3 more participatory cases were also slow to adopt digital data entry. Programs that were participatory and used digital devices were more likely to report management actions, which was consistent with cases in Ethiopia, Greenland, and Australia. Programs engaging volunteers were more frequently reported as ongoing, but those involving digital data entry were less often sustained when data collectors were volunteers. For the Vietnamese and Canadian cases, sustainability was undermined by a mismatch in stakeholder objectives. In the Ghanaian case, complex field protocols diminished monitoring sustainability. Innovative technologies attract interest, but the foundation of effective participatory adaptive monitoring depends more on collaboratively defined questions, objectives, conceptual models, and monitoring approaches. When this foundation is built through effective partnerships, digital data entry can enable the collection of more data of higher quality. Without this foundation, or when implemented ineffectively or unnecessarily, digital data entry can be an additional expense that distracts from core monitoring objectives and undermines project sustainability. The appropriate role of digital data entry in PM likely depends more on the context in which it is used and less on the technology itself.
Rectal mobilization: the place of Denonvilliers' fascia and inconsistencies in the literature
Authors: Chapuis P. H. , Kaw A. , Zhang M. , Sinclair G. , Bokey L.
Published: March 2016

Confusion remains as to what is meant by Denonvilliers' fascia. This review searched the literature on pelvic surgical anatomy to determine whether there is agreement with Denonvilliers' original description and its implication in defining the correct anterior plane of dissection when mobilizing the rectum. The original French description of the fascia was translated into English and then compared both with French and with English studies identified by searching PubMed, Medline and Scopus from 1836 to June 2015. Special emphasis was given to the years between 1980 and 2015 in order to capture the literature pertinent to, and following on from, the description of total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer. The final literature search revealed 16 studies from the original 2150 citations. Much of the debate was concerned with the origin and development of the fascia, arising from either the ‘fusion’ or the ‘condensation’ of local primitive tissue into a mature ‘multilayered’ structure. Controversy regarding the correct plane of rectal mobilization occurs as a result of different interpretations by surgeons, anatomists and radiologists and bears little resemblance to Denonvilliers' original description. This may reflect wide anatomical variability in the adult pelvis or a form of dissection artefact. Further study is required to investigate this. Logically, for both men and women, the plane of rectal mobilization should be behind Denonvilliers' fascia and between it and the fascia propria of the rectum.
Efficacy and safety of once‐daily insulin degludec/insulin aspart compared with once‐daily insulin glargine in participants with Type 2 diabetes: a randomized, treat‐to‐target study
Authors: Kumar S. , Jang H. C. , Demirağ N. G. , Skjøth T. V. , Endahl L. , Bode B.
Published: March 2016

Aims

To investigate, in a 26‐week, open‐label, randomized, treat‐to‐target trial, the efficacy and safety of insulin degludec/insulin aspart (IDegAsp) once daily vs insulin glargine (IGlar) once daily in adults with Type 2 diabetes, inadequately controlled on basal insulin.

Methods

Participants were randomized (1:1) to IDegAsp once daily or IGlar once daily in combination with existing oral antidiabetic drugs. IDegAsp once daily was administered with the main evening meal or the largest meal of the day (agreed at baseline); dosing time was maintained throughout the trial. Participants titrated their insulin dose weekly to a mean pre‐breakfast self‐measured plasma glucose target [3.9–4.9 mmol/l (70–89 mg/dl)].

Results

IDegAsp once daily was non‐inferior to IGlar once daily in reducing HbA1c after 26 weeks [mean estimated treatment difference IDegAsp once daily − IGlar once daily: −0.03% (95% CI −0.20, 0.14)]. The evening meal glucose increment was significantly lower with IDegAsp once daily vs IGlar once daily [estimated treatment difference IDegAsp once daily − IGlar once daily: −1.32 mmol/l (95% CI −1.93, −0.72); P < 0.05]. The overall confirmed hypoglycaemia rate was higher with IDegAsp once daily (estimated rate ratio 1.43; 95% CI 1.07, 1.92; P < 0.05). The rate of nocturnal hypoglycaemia did not significantly differ between the IDegAsp and IGlar groups [estimated rate ratio 0.80 (95% CI 0.49, 1.30); not significant].

Conclusions

In participants with Type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on basal insulin, IDegAsp once daily improved glycaemic control and was non‐inferior to IGlar once daily. IDegAsp led to higher rates of overall hypoglycaemia than IGlar, with no significant difference in rates of nocturnal hypoglycaemia.
Application of X‐ray tomography to quantify macropore characteristics of loess soil under two perennial plants
Authors: Li T. C. , Shao M. A. , Jia Y. H.
Published: March 2016

With the advent of large‐scale restoration of vegetation in the Loess Plateau, northwest China, there has been an increase in concern about the suitability of loess soil to support permanent vegetation cover. The quantification of soil macropore characteristics could be critical in determining the architecture and hydrological processes of loess soil on the plateau. In this research, we compared the effects of Purple alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and Korshinsk peashrub (Caragana korshinskii K.) on the macropore characteristics of a soil profile on the plateau with computed tomography (CT). To achieve this, undisturbed cores of soil were excavated from beneath purple alfalfa (ALF), 22‐year‐old Korshinsk peashrub (KOP22) and 40‐year‐old Korshinsk peashrub (KOP40) vegetation types in the Liudaogou watershed for evaluation. The soil macropore characteristics (including macroporosity, largest pore area, amounts of macropores, circularity, surface area density, branch density, junction density and connectivity) were determined with image analysis software. Soil under KOP22 and KOP40 treatments had approximately the same amounts of macropores (17 per 6359‐mm2 area), which was three times greater than those under ALF plants. Macroporosity ratios of soil under KOP22 and KOP40 plants to that under ALF plants were 2.3 and 3.6, respectively. Compared with KOP22, KOP40 had a larger macroporosity and the largest pore area at the 100–300‐mm soil depth. The KOP plants, in particular KOP40, apparently improved the macropore network structure of the soil more than ALF. However, the macropores under ALF were much rounder at the 100–300‐mm soil depth than those under the other two plants. There was no correlation between macropore characteristics and organic matter content of the soil at 100–400‐mm depth. Nevertheless, macroporosity was strongly correlated with the largest pore area. The findings of this research are critical for developing strategies for the restoration of vegetation in the Loess Plateau through improvement of the hydrological process of loess soil.

Highlights

We examined macropore characteristics of loess soil on the Loess Plateau in China.

We determined the effects of different plants on soil macropore characteristics.

Soil under Korshinsk peashrub had better macropore structure than that under Purple alfalfa.

Long‐term recovery of KOP benefits the macropore structure most on the northern Loess Plateau.
Structure of smAKAP and its regulation by PKA‐mediated phosphorylation
Authors: Burgers Pepijn P. , Bruystens Jessica , Burnley Rebecca J. , Nikolaev Viacheslav O. , Keshwani Malik , Wu Jian , Janssen Bert J. C. , Taylor Susan S. , Heck Albert J. R. , Scholten Arjen
Published: March 2016

The A‐kinase anchoring protein (AKAP) smAKAP has three extraordinary features; it is very small, it is anchored directly to membranes by acyl motifs, and it interacts almost exclusively with the type I regulatory subunits (RI) of cAMP‐dependent kinase (PKA). Here, we determined the crystal structure of smAKAP's A‐kinase binding domain (smAKAP‐AKB) in complex with the dimerization/docking (D/D) domain of RIα which reveals an extended hydrophobic interface with unique interaction pockets that drive smAKAP's high specificity for RI subunits. We also identify a conserved PKA phosphorylation site at Ser66 in the AKB domain which we predict would cause steric clashes and disrupt binding. This correlates with in vivo colocalization and fluorescence polarization studies, where Ser66 AKB phosphorylation ablates RI binding. Hydrogen/deuterium exchange studies confirm that the AKB helix is accessible and dynamic. Furthermore, full‐length smAKAP as well as the unbound AKB is predicted to contain a break at the phosphorylation site, and circular dichroism measurements confirm that the AKB domain loses its helicity following phosphorylation. As the active site of PKA's catalytic subunit does not accommodate α‐helices, we predict that the inherent flexibility of the AKB domain enables its phosphorylation by PKA. This represents a novel mechanism, whereby activation of anchored PKA can terminate its binding to smAKAP affecting the regulation of localized cAMP signaling events.

Database

Structural data are available in the PDB under accession number 5HVZ.
Rapid finite element evaluation of the averaged strain energy density of mixed‐mode (I + II) crack tip fields including the T‐stress contribution
Authors: Campagnolo A. , Meneghetti G. , Berto F.
Published: March 2016

The strain energy density (SED) averaged over a material dependent control volume has been demonstrated to control fracture and fatigue behaviour of different materials in many engineering design situations. A method to rapidly calculate the averaged SED at the tip of long cracks under in‐plane mixed mode (I + II) loading has been recently proposed. It was based on the peak stresses evaluated from finite element (FE) analyses, according to the peak stress method (PSM). The aim of this work is to extend this FE approach to short cracks. In the present paper short cracks are distinguished from long cracks by considering that the stress fields within the control volume of short cracks are no longer governed solely by the stress intensity factors (SIFs), but the contribution of higher order terms, and primarily the T‐stress, becomes significant to estimate the averaged SED. Therefore the averaged SED is calculated using the linear elastic nodal stresses evaluated by FEM either at the crack tip, to account for the SIF contribution, and at selected FE nodes of the crack free edges, to include the T‐stress contribution. The proposed approach is referred to as nodal stress approach. The advantage of the nodal stress approach is two‐fold: there is no need of mesh refinements in the close neighbourhood of the points of singularity, so that coarse FE meshes can be adopted; moreover, geometrical modelling of the control volume in FE models is no longer necessary. Infinite plates weakened by central small cracks subjected to mixed mode I + II loading and a lap joint geometry have been analysed taking into consideration different crack lengths, mode mixities and average finite element sizes of the employed meshes. A comparison between approximate values of the averaged SED according to the nodal stress approach and those derived directly from the FE strain energy adopting very refined FE meshes has been successfully performed within a range of applicability.
Plastid genome sequencing reveals biogeographical structure and extensive population genetic variation in wild populations of Phalaris arundinacea L. in north‐western Europe
Authors: Perdereau Aude , Klaas Manfred , Barth Susanne , Hodkinson Trevor R.
Published: March 2016

New and comprehensive collections of the perennial rhizomatous reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) were made in NW Europe along north‐to‐south and east‐to‐west clines from Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Poland, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Rhizome, seed and leaf samples were taken for analysis and genetic resource conservation. A subsample covering the geographical range was characterized using plastid genome sequencing and SNP discovery generated using a long‐read PCR and MiSeq sequencing approach. Samples were also subject to flow cytometry and all found to be tetraploid. New sequences were assembled against a Lolium perenne (perennial ryegrass) reference genome, and an average of approximately 60% of each genome was aligned (81 064 bp). Genetic variation was high among the 48 sequenced genotypes with a total of 1793 SNPs, equating to 23 SNPs per kbp. SNPs were subject to principal coordinate and Structure analyses to detect population genetic groupings and to examine phylogeographical pattern. Results indicate substantial genetic variation and population genetic structuring of this allogamous species at a broad geographical scale in NW Europe with plastid genetic diversity organized more across an east‐to‐west than a north‐to‐south cline.
On the Incentive Effects of Sample Size in Monitoring Agents – A Theoretical and Experimental Analysis
Authors: Avrahami Judith , Kareev Yaakov , Uske Tobias , Gueth Werner
Published: March 2016

When agents compete for a bonus and their productivity in each of several possible occasions depends stochastically on (constant) effort, the number of times this is checked to assign the bonus affects the level of uncertainty in the selection process. Uncertainty, in turn, is expected to increase the effort made by competing agents (Cowen and Glazer, 1996; Dubey and Haimanko, 2003; Dubey and Wu, 2001). Theoretical predictions are derived and experimental evidence is collected for two competing agents, with the bonus awarded to that agent who outperforms the other. Sampling occasions (1 or 3), cost of production (high or low), cost symmetry (asymmetric or symmetric), and piece-rate reward are manipulated factorially to test the robustness of the effects of uncertainty. For control, a single-agent case is included. Results indicate that, for tournaments, greater uncertainty does indeed lead to greater than expected effort and lower average variable costs.
Cilia play a role in breaking left–right symmetry of the sea urchin embryo
Authors: Takemoto Ayumi , Miyamoto Tatsuo , Simono Fumie , Kurogi Nao , Shirae‐Kurabayashi Maki , Awazu Akinori , Suzuki Ken‐ichi T. , Yamamoto Takashi , Sakamoto Naoaki
Published: March 2016

Left–right asymmetry of bilaterian animals is established during early development. In mice, frogs and fishes, the ciliated left–right organizer plays an essential role in establishing bilateral asymmetry, and leftward flow of extracellular fluid generated by ciliary motion results in Nodal activity on the left side. However, H+/K+‐ATPase activity is also involved in the determination of left–right asymmetry in a variety of animals, and it has been thought to be an ancestral mechanism in deuterostomes. In sea urchin, the determination of the left–right asymmetry based on H+/K+‐ATPase activity was already clarified, but it remains to be uncovered whether ciliary motion is involved in the left–right asymmetry of the embryo. Here, we show evidence that ciliary motion is involved in the establishment of left–right asymmetry of sea urchin embryo. Furthermore, we show that the initial cilia generated on small micromeres during the early stage of embryogenesis may be involved in this process. These results suggest that the cilia‐mediated mechanism for the determination of left–right asymmetry may be acquired at the base of the deuterostomes.
Scripting MODFLOW Model Development Using Python and FloPy
Authors: Bakker M. , Post V. , Langevin C. D. , Hughes J. D. , White J. T. , Starn J. J. , Fienen M. N.
Published: March 2016

Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) are commonly used to construct and postprocess numerical groundwater flow and transport models. Scripting model development with the programming language Python is presented here as an alternative approach. One advantage of Python is that there are many packages available to facilitate the model development process, including packages for plotting, array manipulation, optimization, and data analysis. For MODFLOW‐based models, the FloPy package was developed by the authors to construct model input files, run the model, and read and plot simulation results. Use of Python with the available scientific packages and FloPy facilitates data exploration, alternative model evaluations, and model analyses that can be difficult to perform with GUIs. Furthermore, Python scripts are a complete, transparent, and repeatable record of the modeling process. The approach is introduced with a simple FloPy example to create and postprocess a MODFLOW model. A more complicated capture‐fraction analysis with a real‐world model is presented to demonstrate the types of analyses that can be performed using Python and FloPy.