bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional distinctiveness of major plant lineages
Authors: Cornwell William K. , Westoby Mark , Falster Daniel S. , FitzJohn Richard G. , O'Meara Brian C. , Pennell Matthew W. , McGlinn Daniel J. , Eastman Jonathan M. , Moles Angela T. , Reich Peter B. , Tank David C. , Wright Ian J. , Aarssen Lonnie , Beaulieu Jeremy M. , Kooyman Robert M. , Leishman Michelle R. , Miller Eliot T. , Niinemets Ülo , Oleksyn Jacek , Ordonez Alejandro , Royer Dana L. , Smith Stephen A. , Stevens Peter F. , Warman Laura , Wilf Peter , Zanne Amy E.
Published: February 2014

Plant traits vary widely across species and underpin differences in ecological strategy. Despite centuries of interest, the contributions of different evolutionary lineages to modern‐day functional diversity remain poorly quantified.

Expanding data bases of plant traits plus rapidly improving phylogenies enable for the first time a data‐driven global picture of plant functional diversity across the major clades of higher plants. We mapped five key traits relevant to metabolism, resource competition and reproductive strategy onto a phylogeny across 48324 vascular plant species world‐wide, along with climate and biogeographic data. Using a novel metric, we test whether major plant lineages are functionally distinctive. We then highlight the trait–lineage combinations that are most functionally distinctive within the present‐day spread of ecological strategies.

For some trait–clade combinations, knowing the clade of a species conveys little information to neo‐ and palaeo‐ecologists. In other trait–clade combinations, the clade identity can be highly revealing, especially informative clade–trait combinations include Proteaceae, which is highly distinctive, representing the global slow extreme of the leaf economic spectrum. Magnoliidae and Rosidae contribute large leaf sizes and seed masses and have distinctively warm, wet climatic distributions.

Synthesis. This analysis provides a shortlist of the most distinctive trait–lineage combinations along with their geographic and climatic context: a global view of extant functional diversity across the tips of the vascular plant phylogeny.
The world‐wide ‘fast–slow’ plant economics spectrum: a traits manifesto
Authors: Reich Peter B.
Published: February 2014

The leaf economics spectrum (LES) provides a useful framework for examining species strategies as shaped by their evolutionary history. However, that spectrum, as originally described, involved only two key resources (carbon and nutrients) and one of three economically important plant organs. Herein, I evaluate whether the economics spectrum idea can be broadly extended to water – the third key resource –stems, roots and entire plants and to individual, community and ecosystem scales. My overarching hypothesis is that strong selection along trait trade‐off axes, in tandem with biophysical constraints, results in convergence for any taxon on a uniformly fast, medium or slow strategy (i.e. rates of resource acquisition and processing) for all organs and all resources.

Evidence for economic trait spectra exists for stems and roots as well as leaves, and for traits related to water as well as carbon and nutrients. These apply generally within and across scales (within and across communities, climate zones, biomes and lineages).

There are linkages across organs and coupling among resources, resulting in an integrated whole‐plant economics spectrum. Species capable of moving water rapidly have low tissue density, short tissue life span and high rates of resource acquisition and flux at organ and individual scales. The reverse is true for species with the slow strategy. Different traits may be important in different conditions, but as being fast in one respect generally requires being fast in others, being fast or slow is a general feature of species.

Economic traits influence performance and fitness consistent with trait‐based theory about underlying adaptive mechanisms. Traits help explain differences in growth and survival across resource gradients and thus help explain the distribution of species and the assembly of communities across light, water and nutrient gradients. Traits scale up – fast traits are associated with faster rates of ecosystem processes such as decomposition or primary productivity, and slow traits with slow process rates.

Synthesis. Traits matter. A single ‘fast–slow’ plant economics spectrum that integrates across leaves, stems and roots is a key feature of the plant universe and helps to explain individual ecological strategies, community assembly processes and the functioning of ecosystems.
Changes in the composition and sensory properties of Croatian cheese in a lamb skin sack (Sir iz mišine) during ripening
Authors: Tudor Kalit Milna , Kalit Samir , Delaš Ivančica , Kelava Nikolina , Karolyi Danijel , Kaić Dubravka , Vrdoljak Marija , Havranek Jasmina
Published: February 2014

Croatian traditional cheese, which ripens in a lamb skin sack, was studied to determine compositional, biochemical and sensory changes over 60 days of ripening. The ripening time had a significant effect on the chemical, biochemical and sensory parameters, particularly on the medium‐ and long‐chain free fatty acids (P < 0.05) and total FFAs (P < 0.001). At the end of ripening palmitic, oleic and stearic acids were the predominant FFAs. Cheese ripened for more than 45 days was less acceptable to consumers as a consequence of extensive proteolysis and lipolysis. Therefore, ripening for more than 45 days, which is commonly practised by cheesemakers, is not recommended.
On the Allocation of Possible EU Total Allowable Catches (TAC) for the Mediterranean Swordfish: An Envy‐Free Criterion and Equitable Procedure
Authors: Kampas Athanasios
Published: February 2014

This paper examines the allocation of entitlement rights for the management of common property resources. In particular, the case of allocating a Total Allowable Catch quota for the Mediterranean swordfish is examined as a case study. The proposed approach comprises three steps. First, there is a bargaining procedure between the European Union (EU) and the rest of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) countries. As soon as an initial agreement is possible, the EU considers various equitable rationing methods to allocate its share to the European Member States. These rationing methods draw upon two different streams of the literature, bankruptcy and ‘burden sharing’. Finally, the European Member States reach a fair agreement through minimising an envy‐free index. The allocation rule which is defined as the weighted average of equal proportion and equal share rationales represents the best compromise solution.
A Simple Solubility Tests for the Discrimination of Acrylic and Modacrylic Fibers
Authors: Suga Keisuke , Narita Yuji , Suzuki Shinichi
Published: February 2014

In a crime scene investigation, single fibers play an important role as significant trace physical evidence. Acrylic fibers are frequently encountered in forensic analysis. Currently, acrylic and modacrylic are not discriminated clearly in Japan. Only results of FT‐IR, some of acrylics were difficult to separate clearly to acrylic and modacrylic fibers. Solubility test is primitive but convenient useful method, and Japan Industrial Standards (JIS) recommends FT‐IR and solubility test to distinguish acrylic and modacrylic fibers. But recommended JIS dissolving test using 100% N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) as a solvent, some acrylics could not be discriminated. In this report, we used DMF and ethanol (90:10, v/v) solvent. The JIS method could not discriminate 6 acrylics in 60 acrylics; hence, DMF and ethanol (90:10, v/v) solvent discriminated 59 of the 60 fibers (43 acrylic and 16 modacrylic fibers) clearly, but only one modacrylic fiber incorrectly identified as acrylic.
Kinematics of Signature Writing in Healthy Aging
Authors: Caligiuri Michael P. , Kim Chi , Landy Kelly M.
Published: February 2014

Forensic document examiners (FDE) called upon to distinguish a genuine from a forged signature of an elderly person are often required to consider the question of age‐related deterioration and whether the available exemplars reliably capture the natural effects of aging of the original writer. An understanding of the statistical relationship between advanced age and handwriting movements can reduce the uncertainty that may exist in an examiner's approach to questioned signatures formed by elderly writers. The primary purpose of this study was to systematically examine age‐related changes in signature kinematics in healthy writers. Forty‐two healthy subjects between the ages of 60–91 years participated in this study. Signatures were recorded using a digitizing tablet, and commercial software was used to examine the temporal and spatial stroke kinematics and pen pressure. Results indicated that vertical stroke duration and dysfluency increased with age, whereas vertical stroke amplitude and velocity decreased with age. Pen pressure decreased with age. We found that a linear model characterized the best‐fit relationship between advanced age and handwriting movement parameters for signature formation. Male writers exhibited stronger age effects than female writers, especially for pen pressure and stroke dysfluency. The present study contributes to an understanding of how advanced age alters signature formation in otherwise healthy adults.
Use of 2D:4D Digit Ratios to Determine Sex
Authors: Barrett Christopher K. , Case D. Troy
Published: February 2014

Second to fourth digit ratios (2D:4D) are sexually dimorphic in human hands and established by the 13th gestational week. Application of 2D:4D for determining sex in living individuals by Kanchan et al. (Forensic Sci Int, 181, 2008, 53.e1) produced classification rates of 80% for males and 74–78% for females. Few studies have explored the use of 2D:4D for sexing skeletal remains. We test estimated finger lengths, phalanx lengths, and 2D:4D derived from hand bones for determining sex. Maximum phalanx length was collected using a mini‐osteometric board from 451 individuals of known age, sex, and ancestry in four skeletal collections. Logistic regression of 2nd and 4th digit finger and phalanx lengths produced classification rates greater than 80%. Digit ratios, however, failed to reach classification rates greater than 59%. Our results support those of Voracek (Forensic Sci Int, 185, 2009, e29) and suggest that 2D:4D may be population‐specific and thus inappropriate for universal application as a means of determining sex.
Next‐generation DNA barcoding: using next‐generation sequencing to enhance and accelerate DNA barcode capture from single specimens
Authors: Shokralla Shadi , Gibson Joel F. , Nikbakht Hamid , Janzen Daniel H. , Hallwachs Winnie , Hajibabaei Mehrdad
Published: February 2014

DNA barcoding is an efficient method to identify specimens and to detect undescribed/cryptic species. Sanger sequencing of individual specimens is the standard approach in generating large‐scale DNA barcode libraries and identifying unknowns. However, the Sanger sequencing technology is, in some respects, inferior to next‐generation sequencers, which are capable of producing millions of sequence reads simultaneously. Additionally, direct Sanger sequencing of DNA barcode amplicons, as practiced in most DNA barcoding procedures, is hampered by the need for relatively high‐target amplicon yield, coamplification of nuclear mitochondrial pseudogenes, confusion with sequences from intracellular endosymbiotic bacteria (e.g. Wolbachia) and instances of intraindividual variability (i.e. heteroplasmy). Any of these situations can lead to failed Sanger sequencing attempts or ambiguity of the generated DNA barcodes. Here, we demonstrate the potential application of next‐generation sequencing platforms for parallel acquisition of DNA barcode sequences from hundreds of specimens simultaneously. To facilitate retrieval of sequences obtained from individual specimens, we tag individual specimens during PCR amplification using unique 10‐mer oligonucleotides attached to DNA barcoding PCR primers. We employ 454 pyrosequencing to recover full‐length DNA barcodes of 190 specimens using 12.5% capacity of a 454 sequencing run (i.e. two lanes of a 16 lane run). We obtained an average of 143 sequence reads for each individual specimen. The sequences produced are full‐length DNA barcodes for all but one of the included specimens. In a subset of samples, we also detected Wolbachia, nontarget species, and heteroplasmic sequences. Next‐generation sequencing is of great value because of its protocol simplicity, greatly reduced cost per barcode read, faster throughout and added information content.
Rapid and accurate taxonomic classification of insect (class Insecta) cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) DNA barcode sequences using a naïve Bayesian classifier
Authors: Porter Teresita M. , Gibson Joel F. , Shokralla Shadi , Baird Donald J. , Golding G. Brian , Hajibabaei Mehrdad
Published: February 2014

Current methods to identify unknown insect (class Insecta) cytochrome c oxidase (COI barcode) sequences often rely on thresholds of distances that can be difficult to define, sequence similarity cut‐offs, or monophyly. Some of the most commonly used metagenomic classification methods do not provide a measure of confidence for the taxonomic assignments they provide. The aim of this study was to use a naïve Bayesian classifier (Wang et al. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 2007; 73: 5261) to automate taxonomic assignments for large batches of insect COI sequences such as data obtained from high‐throughput environmental sequencing. This method provides rank‐flexible taxonomic assignments with an associated bootstrap support value, and it is faster than the blast‐based methods commonly used in environmental sequence surveys. We have developed and rigorously tested the performance of three different training sets using leave‐one‐out cross‐validation, two field data sets, and targeted testing of Lepidoptera, Diptera and Mantodea sequences obtained from the Barcode of Life Data system. We found that type I error rates, incorrect taxonomic assignments with a high bootstrap support, were already relatively low but could be lowered further by ensuring that all query taxa are actually present in the reference database. Choosing bootstrap support cut‐offs according to query length and summarizing taxonomic assignments to more inclusive ranks can also help to reduce error while retaining the maximum number of assignments. Additionally, we highlight gaps in the taxonomic and geographic representation of insects in public sequence databases that will require further work by taxonomists to improve the quality of assignments generated using any method.
Noninvasive Imaging of Cardiac Excitation: Current Status and Future Perspective
Authors: van der Graaf A.W. Maurits , Bhagirath Pranav , Ramanna Hemanth , van Driel Vincent J.H.M. , de Hooge Jacques , de Groot Natasja M.S. , Götte Marco J.W.
Published: February 2014

Noninvasive imaging of cardiac excitation using body surface potential mapping (BSPM) data and inverse procedures is an emerging technique that enables estimation of myocardial depolarization and repolarization. Despite numerous reports on the possible advantages of this imaging technique, it has not yet advanced into daily clinical practice. This is mainly due to the time consuming nature of data acquisition and the complexity of the mathematics underlying the used inverse procedures. However, the popularity of this field of research has increased and noninvasive imaging of cardiac electrophysiology is considered a promising tool to complement conventional invasive electrophysiological studies. Furthermore, the use of appropriately designed electrode vests and more advanced computers has greatly reduced the procedural time. This review provides descriptive overview of the research performed thus far and the possible future directions. The general challenges in routine application of BSPM and inverse procedures are discussed. In addition, individual properties of the biophysical models underlying the inverse procedures are illustrated.
Paediatric celiac patients carrying the HLA‐DR7‐DQ2 and HLA‐DR3‐DQ2 haplotypes display small clinical differences
Authors: Delgado Juan F. , Amengual María J. , Veraguas Ana , Rodríguez Encarnación , de Los Santos Mariela M. , Guallarte María P.
Published: February 2014

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the relevance of HLA‐DR7‐DQ2 typing in a prospective cohort of paediatric coeliac disease patients from Southern Europe.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study tested 249 paediatric patients with coeliac disease. HLA‐DR3‐DQ2 was typed in combination with HLA‐DR7‐DQ2 to screen for the HLA‐DQ2 haplotype. The histological, analytical and clinical characteristics of the subjects were recorded.

Results

A total of 91 coeliac patients were diagnosed: 96.7% carried HLA‐DQ2 and 4.4% carried HLA‐DQ8. In percentage terms, 80.2% of patients carried HLA‐DR3‐DQ2 and 34.1% carried HLA‐DR7‐DQ2. We did not find significant differences between HLA‐DR7‐DQ2 and HLA‐DR3‐DQ2 paediatric patients with respect to histological damage and clinical characteristics, except for irritability and weight loss. These characteristics were more frequent in HLA‐DQ2trans than in HLA‐DQ2cis (22.2% vs. 0.0% [p = 0.035] and 55.6% vs. 21.4% [p = 0.017], respectively). Coeliac‐specific autoantibody levels were higher in HLA‐DQ2cis than one half of HLA‐DQ2trans patients (105.5 vs. 19.2 U/mL, p = 0.014).

Conclusion

Small clinical differences were found between paediatric coeliac patients carrying HLA‐DR7‐DQ2 and HLA‐DR3‐DQ2. For a correct screening of HLA‐DQ2, at least in our geographical population, the HLA‐DR7‐DQ2 haplotype should be typed due to its frequency and clinical presentation.
Prostate cancers detected on repeat prostate biopsies show spatial distributions that differ from those detected on the initial biopsies
Authors: Eminaga Okyaz , Hinkelammert Reemt , Abbas Mahmoud , Titze Ulf , Eltze Elke , Bettendorf Olaf , Wötzel Fabian , Bögemann Martin , Semjonow Axel
Published: February 2014

Objective

To evaluate the spatial distribution of prostate cancer detected at a single positive biopsy (PBx) and a repeat PBx (rPBx).

Patients and Methods

We evaluated 533 consecutive men diagnosed with prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy using a clinical map document based on XML (cMDX©)‐based map model of the prostate. We determined the number of cancer foci, relative tumour volume, Gleason score, zone of origin, localisation, and pathological stage after stratification according to the number of PBx sessions (PBx vs rPBx). The distribution of 3966 prostate cancer foci was analysed and visualised on heat maps. The colour gradient of the heat map was reduced to six colours representing the frequency classification of prostate cancer using an image posterisation effect. Additionally, the spatial distribution of organ‐confined prostate cancer between PBx and rPBx was evaluated.

Results

Prostate cancer diagnosed on PBx was mostly localised to the apical portion and the peripheral zone of the prostate. Prostate cancer diagnosed on rPBx was more frequently found in the anterior portion and the base of the prostate. Organ‐confined prostate cancer foci were mostly localised in the dorsolateral zone of the prostate in men at PBx, whereas men at rPBx had more prostate cancer foci in the anterior portion.

Conclusions

The spatial distribution of prostate cancer with rPBx differs significantly from the spatial distribution of prostate cancer with PBx. The whole anterior portion of the prostate should be considered by rPBx.
Discovery of Novel P‐Glycoprotein‐Mediated Multidrug Resistance Inhibitors Bearing Triazole Core via Click Chemistry
Authors: Liu Baomin , Qiu Qianqian , Zhao Tianxiao , Jiao Lei , Hou Jianyu , Li Yunman , Qian Hai , Huang Wenlong
Published: February 2014

A novel series of P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp)‐mediated multidrug resistance (MDR) inhibitors bearing a triazol‐phenethyl‐tetrahydroisoquinoline scaffold were designed and synthesized via click chemistry. Most of the synthesized compounds showed higher reversal activity than verapamil (VRP). Among them, the most potent compound 5 showed a comparable activity with the known potent P‐gp inhibitor WK‐X‐34 with lower cytotoxicity (IC50s > 100 μm). Compared with VRP, compound 5 exhibited more potency in increasing drug accumulation in K562/A02 MDR cells. Moreover, compound 5 persisted longer chemo‐sensitizing effect (>24 h) than VRP (<6 h) with reversibility. Given the low intrinsic cytotoxicity and the potent reversal activity, compound 5 may represent a promising candidate for developing P‐gp‐mediated MDR inhibitor.
Post‐adoption reunion sibling relationships: factors facilitating and hindering the development of sensitive relationships following reunion in adulthood
Authors: O'Neill Denise , McAuley Colette , Loughran Hilda
Published: February 2014

This paper explores findings from an exploratory study on sibling relationships following adoption reunion in adulthood. The qualitative data was gathered through in‐depth interviews with 33 adopted adults who were reunited with their birth sibling(s) through an adoption agency in the Republic of Ireland. The findings throw light upon the development of the emotional, often complex, relationships which may emerge when siblings meet for the first time in adult life. Factors influential in facilitating or hindering these post‐reunion relationships are discussed. The important insights are then considered in the context of the wider international literature on adoption, search and reunion.
A review of organic electrochromic fabric devices
Authors: Kline Whitney M , Lorenzini Robert G , Sotzing Gregory A
Published: February 2014

Electrochromic fabric devices represent a further extension to the plethora of available literature on conductive fabrics. This article contains a brief overview of electrochromic devices, electrochromic polymers, conductive materials, conductive fabrics, and electrochromic fabric devices. A tabulated list of the perceived colour of a number of electrochromic polymers that is contained herein is designed to serve as an aide to colour mixing studies. The challenges of optimisation and commercialisatiion of electrochromic fabric devices and their mitigating factors are conjectured, along with some future potential applications for electrochromic fabric device technologies.
Multiple roles of Equarin during lens development
Authors: Song Xiaohong , Tanaka Hideaki , Ohta Kunimasa
Published: February 2014

Since the days of Hans Spemann, the ocular lens has served as one of the most important developmental systems for elucidating the fundamental processes of induction and differentiation. Lens is an important source of signals that influence the eye development and a variety of genes expressed by the lens have been identified. The identification of additional molecule(s), especially secreted ones that might mediate signals, will extend our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of eye and lens development. Here, we will introduce a soluble molecule, Equarin, and discuss its vital role in multiple aspects of lens development.
The effectiveness of a mouth guard to protect against strong occlusion caused by modified electroconvulsive therapy
Authors: Ogami Saori , Yamada Morimasa , Kanazawa Mayuko , Takeda Kiyoshi , Kimura Naoaki , Mizutani Hideki , Kohase Hikaru , Fukayama Haruhisa
Published: February 2014

Modified electroconvulsive therapy (m‐ECT) is a treatment for mental disease such as depressive disorder. Although a muscle relaxant is used during current application, strong occlusion occurs due to the proximity of the electrode to the temporal and masseter muscles. Although a feedback mechanism to avoid excessive occlusion occurs unconsciously, the mechanism does not work under general anesthesia. Strong occlusion may cause complications such as tooth injury, pain of the jaw, lip laceration, and bleeding of the gums. Although there was a report that the insertion of shock‐absorbing materials such as gauze reduces complications, there has been no study on the effectiveness of a mouth guard (MG) for alleviating the occlusal force during m‐ECT. The present study investigated the effectiveness of MG for alleviation of the occlusal force and complications during m‐ECT. An ethyl‐vinyl‐acetate (EVA) MG was used as a shock‐absorbing material to mitigate the strong occlusion during m‐ECT to investigate the influence of MG on the occlusal force and its effectiveness. The results showed that the occlusal force was alleviated by 58 ± 22% on average using MG during m‐ECT. It also helped reduce intra‐oral problems such as pain and bleeding. The results suggest the effectiveness of MG for alleviating the occlusal force during m‐ECT and avoiding complications due to strong occlusion.
Trade‐offs between constitutive and induced defences drive geographical and climatic clines in pine chemical defences
Authors: Moreira Xoaquín , Mooney Kailen A. , Rasmann Sergio , Petry William K. , Carrillo‐Gavilán Amparo , Zas Rafael , Sampedro Luis
Published: February 2014

There is increasing evidence that geographic and climatic clines drive the patterns of plant defence allocation and defensive strategies. We quantified early growth rate and both constitutive and inducible chemical defences of 18 Pinaceae species in a common greenhouse environment and assessed their defensive allocation with respect to each species' range across climatic gradients spanning 31o latitude and 2300 m elevation. Constitutive defences traded‐off with induced defences, and these defensive strategies were associated with growth rate such that slow‐growing species invested more in constitutive defence, whereas fast‐growing species invested more in inducible defence. The position of each pine species along this trade‐off axis was in turn associated with geography; moving poleward and to higher elevations, growth rate and inducible defences decreased, while constitutive defence increased. These geographic patterns in plant defence were most strongly associated with variation in temperature. Climatic and geographical clines thus act as drivers of defence profiles by mediating the constraints imposed by trade‐offs, and this dynamic underlays global patterns of defence allocation.
Improved test method and analytical modelling for fatigue crack growth in coarse‐grain titanium alloy with rough fatigue surfaces
Authors: Walker K. F. , Newman J. C.
Published: February 2014

Fatigue crack growth rate properties are typically determined by experimental methods in accordance with ASTM Standard E647. These traditional methods use standard notched specimens that are precracked under cyclic tensile loads before the main test. The data that are produced using this approach have been demonstrated elsewhere to be potentially adversely affected by the test method, particularly in the threshold region where load reduction (LR) methods are also required. Coarse‐grained materials that exhibit rough and tortuous fatigue surfaces have been observed to be strongly affected by the tensile precracking and LR, in part because the anomalies caused by crack closure and roughness‐induced closure become more important. The focus of the work reported in this paper was to further develop methods to determine more accurate fatigue crack growth rate properties from threshold through to fracture for coarse‐grained, β‐annealed, titanium alloy Ti‐6Al‐4V extra low interstitial thick plate material. A particular emphasis was put upon the threshold and near threshold region, which is of strong importance in the overall fatigue life of components. New approaches that differ from the ASTM Standard included compression precracking, LR starting from a lower load level and continuing the test beyond rates where crack growth would otherwise be considered below threshold. For the threshold regime, two LR methods were also investigated: the ASTM method and a method where the load is reduced with crack growth such that the crack mouth opening displacement is held constant, in an attempt to avoid remote closure. Constant amplitude fatigue crack growth rate data were produced from threshold to fracture for the titanium alloy at a variety of stress ratios. Spike overload tests were also conducted These data were then used to develop an improved analytical model to predict crack growth under spectrum loading and the predictions were found to correlate well with test results.
A crack propagation criterion based on ΔCTOD measured with 2D‐digital image correlation technique
Authors: Ktari A. , Baccar M. , Shah M. , Haddar N. , Ayedi H. F. , Rezai‐Aria F.
Published: February 2014

The fatigue cracks growth rate of a forged HSLA steel (AISI 4130) was investigated using thin single edge notch tensile specimen to simulate the crack development on a diesel train crankshafts. The effect of load ratio, R, was investigated at room temperature. Fatigue fracture surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy. An approach based on the crack tip opening displacement range (ΔCTOD) was proposed as fatigue crack propagation criterion. ΔCTOD measurements were carried out using 2D‐digital image correlation techniques. J‐integral values were estimated using ΔCTOD. Under test conditions investigated, it was found that the use of ΔCTOD as a fatigue crack growth driving force parameter is relevant and could describe the crack propagation behaviour, under different load ratio R.
Structure, Electrical, and Optical Properties of (Na1/2Bi1/2)TiO3–1.5at.%Bi(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3 Lead‐free Single Crystal Grown by a TSSG Technique
Authors: Chen Chao , Zhang Haiwu , Zhao Xiangyong , Deng Hao , Li Long , Ren Bo , Lin Di , Li Xiaobing , Luo Haosu , Chen Zhen , Su Jun
Published: February 2014

Lead‐free single crystal (Na1/2Bi1/2)TiO3–1.5 at.%Bi(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3 (NBT–1.5BZT) with dimension of Φ35 mm × 12 mm was successfully grown by a top‐seeded solution growth technique. The average and local structure were studied by a combination of X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The electric and optical properties of <001>‐oriented single crystals were investigated systematically. Compared with pure NBT, the piezoelectric constant and transmission coefficient were both enhanced, that is, from 62 pC/N and ~60% to 121 pC/N and ~70%, respectively. Furthermore, domain structure observation suggested that the <110>‐oriented tetragonal ferroelastic domains in NBT were suppressed at room temperature with addition of BZT, which was responsible for the improved piezoelectric and optical properties of NBT–1.5BZT single crystal.
Bark thickness does not explain the different susceptibility of Australian and New Zealand temperate rain forests to anthropogenic fire
Authors: Lawes Michael J. , Richardson Sarah J. , Clarke Peter J. , Midgley Jeremy J. , McGlone Matt S. , Bellingham Peter J.
Published: February 2014

Aim

Anthropogenic fires caused New Zealand's temperate rain forests to decline rapidly from 80% to 50% cover after Polynesian arrival. In contrast, Australian temperate rain forests have remained stable in spite of a longer history of fire and human occupation. We evaluate whether New Zealand's conifer‐dominated forests declined because they lack fire resistance traits. We predicted that New Zealand species should have thinner bark than their Australian counterparts, and slower growing conifers should have relatively thicker bark than angiosperms.

Location

Temperate rain forests of south‐eastern Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand.

Methods

We examined the ratio of bark thickness to stem diameter (relative bark thickness) as a standardized index (by tree size) of fire resistance. Nonlinear power models were fitted to examine trends in relative bark thickness between trees from New Zealand and Australia. Bark thickness was also compared between species pairs and congeners and by phylogenetically corrected ANOVA.

Results

Although angiosperms and gymnosperms in New Zealand had thin bark in a global context, they had significantly thicker bark than their Australian counterparts. Bark thickened more rapidly for small trees in New Zealand but declined with increasing stem diameter. Allocation to bark thickness was greater for larger stems in Australia. New Zealand gymnosperms had the thickest bark of all species examined.

Main conclusions

Fire resistance is a complex syndrome comprising functional traits that ensure protection (resistance – bark) from and recovery (resilience – resprouting) after fire. Thin bark in temperate rain forests suggests weak selection by fire on bark traits. However, the stability of Australian temperate forests in a flammable landscape emphasizes the importance of resprouting, especially basal resprouting, to forest persistence after fire. New Zealand forests do not resprout after fire and lack the fire resistance traits required for recovery from repeated anthropogenic fires.
Longitudinal patterns of repetitive behavior in toddlers with autism
Authors: Wolff Jason J. , Botteron Kelly N. , Dager Stephen R. , Elison Jed T. , Estes Annette M. , Gu Hongbin , Hazlett Heather C. , Pandey Juhi , Paterson Sarah J. , Schultz Robert T. , Zwaigenbaum Lonnie , Piven Joseph
Published: February 2014

Background

Recent evidence suggests that restricted and repetitive behaviors may differentiate children who develop autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by late infancy. How these core symptoms manifest early in life, particularly among infants at high risk for the disorder, is not well characterized.

Methods

Prospective, longitudinal parent‐report data (Repetitive Behavior Scales‐Revised) were collected for 190 high‐risk toddlers and 60 low‐risk controls from 12 to 24 months of age. Forty‐one high‐risk children were classified with ASD at age 2. Profiles of repetitive behavior were compared between groups using generalized estimating equations.

Results

Longitudinal profiles for children diagnosed with ASD differed significantly from high‐ and low‐risk children without the disorder on all measures of repetitive behavior. High‐risk toddlers without ASD were intermediate to low risk and ASD positive counterparts. Toddlers with ASD showed significantly higher rates of repetitive behavior across subtypes at the 12‐month time point. Repetitive behaviors were significantly correlated with adaptive behavior and socialization scores among children with ASD at 24 months of age, but were largely unrelated to measures of general cognitive ability.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that as early as 12 months of age, a broad range of repetitive behaviors are highly elevated in children who go on to develop ASD. While some degree of repetitive behavior is elemental to typical early development, the extent of these behaviors among children who develop ASD appears highly atypical.
Risk‐taking and sensation‐seeking propensity in postinstitutionalized early adolescents
Authors: Loman Michelle M. , Johnson Anna E. , Quevedo Karina , Lafavor Theresa L. , Gunnar Megan R.
Published: February 2014

Background

Youth with histories of institutional/orphanage care are at increased risk for externalizing and internalizing problems during childhood and adolescence. Although these problems have been well described, the related adolescent behaviors of risk‐taking and sensation‐seeking have not yet been explored in this population. This study examined risk‐taking and sensation‐seeking propensity, and associations with conduct problems and depressive symptoms, in early adolescents who were adopted as young children from institutional care.

Methods

Risk‐taking and sensation‐seeking propensities of 12‐ and 13‐year‐old postinstitutionalized (PI; n = 54) adolescents were compared with two groups: youth who were internationally adopted early from foster care (PFC; n = 44) and nonadopted youth (NA; n = 58). Participants were recruited to equally represent pre/early‐ and mid/late‐pubertal stages within each group. Participants completed the youth version of the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (Lejuez et al., ) and the Sensation‐Seeking Scale for Children (Russo et al., ). Parents completed clinical ratings of participants' conduct problems and depressive symptoms.

Results

PI adolescents demonstrated lower risk‐taking than PFC and NA peers. Pre/early‐pubertal PI youth showed lower sensation‐seeking, while mid/late‐pubertal PI youth did not differ from other groups. PI adolescents had higher levels of conduct problems but did not differ from the other youth in depressive symptoms. In PI youth only, conduct problems were negatively correlated with risk‐taking and positively correlated with sensation‐seeking, while depressive symptoms were negatively correlated with both risk‐taking and sensation‐seeking.

Conclusions

Early institutional care is associated with less risk‐taking and sensation‐seeking during adolescence. The deprived environment of an institution likely contributes to PI youth having a preference for safe choices, which may only be partially reversed with puberty. Whether this reflects hyporesponsiveness to rewards and how it relates to psychopathology are discussed.
Social perception in children born at very low birthweight and its relationship with social/behavioral outcomes
Authors: Williamson Kathryn E. , Jakobson Lorna S.
Published: February 2014

Background

Research has shown that children born very prematurely are at substantially elevated risk for social and behavioral difficulties similar to those seen in full‐term children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).

Methods

To gain insight into core deficits that may underlie these difficulties, in this study, we assessed the social perceptual skills of 8‐ to 11‐year‐old children born at very low birthweight (VLBW) (<1,500 g) and age‐matched, full‐term controls, using the Child and Adolescent Social Perception Measure. We also assessed social and behavioral outcomes with two parent‐report measures used in ASD screening.

Results

Children in the preterm group had normal range estimated verbal IQ. However, we found that they were impaired in their ability to use nonverbal cues from moving faces and bodies, and situational cues, to correctly identify the emotions of characters depicted in videotaped social interactions. Their performance on this task was related to the number of ‘autistic‐like’ traits they displayed.

Conclusions

This research highlights links between social perceptual deficits and poor social and behavioral outcomes in children born very prematurely. The results also suggest that even those who have escaped major intellectual/language problems are at risk for social and behavioral problems that can be of clinical concern.
Editorial: Illuminating the dark matter of developmental neuropsychiatric genetics – strategic focus for future research in child psychology and psychiatry
Authors: Lesch Klaus‐Peter
Published: February 2014

Research on genetic factors influencing cognitive and behavioural traits or which are central to the aetiology of neuropsychiatric diseases has been complicated by a furtive discrepancy between high heritability estimates and a scarcity of replicable gene‐disorder associations. This ‘missing heritability’ has been either euphemised as the ‘dark matter’ of gene‐trait association or aggravated as the ‘looming crisis in behavioural genetics’. Nevertheless, in recognising the importance of this topic for our understanding of child psychiatric conditions and highlighting its commitment to the field, the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry (JCPP) has for the first time appointed an editor with special responsibility for molecular (epi)genetics.
Field response of non‐target beetles to Ips sexdentatus aggregation pheromone and pine volatiles
Authors: Panzavolta T. , Bracalini M. , Bonuomo L. , Croci F. , Tiberi R.
Published: February 2014

Although mass trapping cannot be a definitive control measure, it is one of the few ones available to contain the destruction of millions of cubic metres of conifer forests perpetrated every year worldwide by bark beetles. However, using bark beetle aggregation pheromones during both monitoring and control programs may negatively affect other saproxylic insects. The aim of this study was to describe the response of both Ips sexdentatus and its saproxylic beetle associates, especially predators, to traps baited with a commercial blend of I. sexdentatus aggregation pheromone. Furthermore, the usefulness of adding pine volatiles, such as (−)‐α‐pinene and ethanol, to the pheromone was discussed. The commercial blend proved to be attractive to I. sexdentatus adults, both when used alone and together with pine volatiles. Pheromone attractiveness, however, was lessened by the addition of the volatiles. The pheromone blend proved to be attractive to Thanasimus formicarius, as well as to other predator species. Overall, although during our study, traps baited only with (−)‐α‐pinene and ethanol attracted some predator specimens, I. sexdentatus pheromone traps were more attractive. Our study confirms that calendar differences in flight activity between the bark beetle and its predators are substantial; therefore, they should be taken into account when planning control measures. According to our data, the commercial blend of I. sexdentatus pheromone seems to be the most effective, among the baits used, in catching I. sexdentatus adults, while reducing the impact on T. formicarius.
Deltamethrin resistance in the sea louse Caligus rogercresseyi (Boxhall and Bravo) in Chile: bioassay results and usage data for antiparasitic agents with references to Norwegian conditions
Authors: Helgesen K O , Bravo S , Sevatdal S , Mendoza J , Horsberg T E
Published: February 2014

The sea louse Caligus rogercresseyi is a major threat to Chilean salmonid farming. Pyrethroids have been used for anticaligus treatments since 2007, but have shown reduced effect, most likely due to resistance development. Pyrethroid resistance is also a known problem in Lepeophtheirus salmonis in the Northern Hemisphere. This study describes the development of deltamethrin resistance in C. rogercresseyi based on bioassays and usage data for pyrethroids in Chilean aquaculture. These results were compared to bioassays from L. salmonis from Norway and to Norwegian usage data. Available deltamethrin bioassay results from 2007 and 2008, as well as bioassays from Norway, were collected and remodelled. Bioassays were performed on field‐collected sea lice in region X in Chile in 2012 and 2013. Bioassays from 2007 were performed prior to the introduction of pyrethroids to the Chilean market. Both the results from 2008 and 2012 showed an increased resistance. Increased pyrethroid resistance was also indicated by the increased use of pyrethroids in Chilean aquaculture compared with the production of salmonids. A similar trend was seen in the Norwegian usage data. The bioassay results from Chile from 2012 and 2013 also indicated a difference in the susceptibility to deltamethrin between male and female caligus.
Phenotypical and genotypical characterization of Shewanella putrefaciens strains isolated from diseased freshwater fish
Authors: Pękala A , Kozińska A , Paździor E , Głowacka H
Published: February 2014

Between 2007 and 2012, a variety of disease outbreaks most often characterized by skin disorders were observed among different species of freshwater fish in Poland. In most cases, the clinical signs included focally necrotized gills, necrotic skin lesions or ulcers. Internally, haemorrhages, oedematous kidney and abnormal spleen enlargement were generally noted. The disorders were accompanied by increased mortality. Most of the problems concerned cultured common carp Cyprinus carpio L. and rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum). Fish have been examined from a number of these farms, and additionally, the wild and ornamental fish with similar clinical signs of diseases were also tested. Bacteria were isolated consistently from lesions and internal organs. They had characteristic orange‐pigmented colonies which grew in pure culture or constituted 55–95% of total bacterial flora. One hundred and eighteen isolates were collected and biochemically identified as Shewanella putrefaciens group, and this was confirmed by sequencing. Challenge tests confirmed the pathogenicity of these bacteria. This is the first report characterizing and describing S. putrefaciens as a pathogen of different species of freshwater fish in Europe.
Correlation and Regression Analysis of Temperature of Chicken Carcasses in an Industrial Cooling Process
Authors: Belledeli Bernardo D. , Silveira Christian L. , Soares Monica B.A. , Treichel Helen , Mazutti Marcio A.
Published: February 2014

In this work, correlation analysis was employed in order to determine how the process variables are associated with the temperature of chicken carcasses after the cooling process by immersion. Based on the correlation analysis, a second‐order polynomial model was proposed to predict the temperature of chicken carcasses given the values for the independent variables. The correlation analysis showed to be an important tool to be applied industrially because it enabled the choice of the variables that truly affect the cooling process of chicken carcasses. In addition, the correlation analysis demonstrated that first‐order interaction and quadratic terms of independent variables also affect the process and should be considered in the model. From these findings, a quadratic model capable of explaining about 45% of the variation of cooling process was proposed. This model can be used as a tool for making quick decisions in the industry or for quickly predicting the behavior of the cooling process given some specific conditions.

Practical Applications

This work describes a simple and practical procedure for statistical analysis of industrial process data, guiding the development of a quadratic model that can be further used for control and optimization purposes, improving the process quality of chicken carcasses as well as process profitability.
Animal models of sports‐related head injury: bridging the gap between pre‐clinical research and clinical reality
Authors: Angoa‐Pérez Mariana , Kane Michael J. , Briggs Denise I. , Herrera‐Mundo Nieves , Viano David C. , Kuhn Donald M.
Published: February 2014

Sports‐related head impact and injury has become a very highly contentious public health and medico‐legal issue. Near‐daily news accounts describe the travails of concussed athletes as they struggle with depression, sleep disorders, mood swings, and cognitive problems. Some of these individuals have developed chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a progressive and debilitating neurodegenerative disorder. Animal models have always been an integral part of the study of traumatic brain injury in humans but, historically, they have concentrated on acute, severe brain injuries. This review will describe a small number of new and emerging animal models of sports‐related head injury that have the potential to increase our understanding of how multiple mild head impacts, starting in adolescence, can have serious psychiatric, cognitive and histopathological outcomes much later in life.

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Sports‐related head injury (SRHI) has emerged as a significant public health issue as athletes can develop psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders later in life. Animal models have always been an integral part of the study of human TBI but few existing methods are valid for studying SRHI. In this review, we propose criteria for effective animal models of SRHI. Movement of the head upon impact is judged to be of primary importance in leading to concussion and persistent CNS dysfunction.