bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NMR Logging to Estimate Hydraulic Conductivity in Unconsolidated Aquifers
Authors: Knight Rosemary , Walsh David O. , Butler James J. , Grunewald Elliot , Liu Gaisheng , Parsekian Andrew D. , Reboulet Edward C. , Knobbe Steve , Barrows Mercer
Published: March 2015

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) logging provides a new means of estimating the hydraulic conductivity (K) of unconsolidated aquifers. The estimation of K from the measured NMR parameters can be performed using the Schlumberger‐Doll Research (SDR) equation, which is based on the Kozeny–Carman equation and initially developed for obtaining permeability from NMR logging in petroleum reservoirs. The SDR equation includes empirically determined constants. Decades of research for petroleum applications have resulted in standard values for these constants that can provide accurate estimates of permeability in consolidated formations. The question we asked: Can standard values for the constants be defined for hydrogeologic applications that would yield accurate estimates of K in unconsolidated aquifers? Working at 10 locations at three field sites in Kansas and Washington, USA, we acquired NMR and K data using direct‐push methods over a 10‐ to 20‐m depth interval in the shallow subsurface. Analysis of pairs of NMR and K data revealed that we could dramatically improve K estimates by replacing the standard petroleum constants with new constants, optimal for estimating K in the unconsolidated materials at the field sites. Most significant was the finding that there was little change in the SDR constants between sites. This suggests that we can define a new set of constants that can be used to obtain high resolution, cost‐effective estimates of K from NMR logging in unconsolidated aquifers. This significant result has the potential to change dramatically the approach to determining K for hydrogeologic applications.
Practical Use of Computationally Frugal Model Analysis Methods
Authors: Hill Mary C. , Kavetski Dmitri , Clark Martyn , Ye Ming , Arabi Mazdak , Lu Dan , Foglia Laura , Mehl Steffen
Published: March 2015

Three challenges compromise the utility of mathematical models of groundwater and other environmental systems: (1) a dizzying array of model analysis methods and metrics make it difficult to compare evaluations of model adequacy, sensitivity, and uncertainty; (2) the high computational demands of many popular model analysis methods (requiring 1000's, 10,000 s, or more model runs) make them difficult to apply to complex models; and (3) many models are plagued by unrealistic nonlinearities arising from the numerical model formulation and implementation. This study proposes a strategy to address these challenges through a careful combination of model analysis and implementation methods. In this strategy, computationally frugal model analysis methods (often requiring a few dozen parallelizable model runs) play a major role, and computationally demanding methods are used for problems where (relatively) inexpensive diagnostics suggest the frugal methods are unreliable. We also argue in favor of detecting and, where possible, eliminating unrealistic model nonlinearities—this increases the realism of the model itself and facilitates the application of frugal methods. Literature examples are used to demonstrate the use of frugal methods and associated diagnostics. We suggest that the strategy proposed in this paper would allow the environmental sciences community to achieve greater transparency and falsifiability of environmental models, and obtain greater scientific insight from ongoing and future modeling efforts.
“Emerging from the Shadows: New Developments in the History of Interracial Sex and Intermarriage in Colonial North America and the Caribbean”
Authors: Livesay Daniel
Published: March 2015

This article analyzes recent historical scholarship on cross‐racial pairings in colonial North America and the Caribbean. The degree of tolerance for these matches, as well as the accommodation of the mixed‐race children born from them, illuminates the contours and experiences of racial prejudice in this period. For many years scholars believed this to be primarily a phenomenon in Iberian colonies, and occasionally the French, with much work focusing on pairings between indigenous and European populations. However, recent scholarship has shown a greater degree of racial mixture in both the British and French colonies than once thought, even between African‐descended and European groups. This is especially true when the Caribbean is added to considerations of colonial attitudes. These developments open new doors into historical understandings of colonial race relations, slavery, and family compositions.
Evaluating effectiveness of small group information literacy instruction for Undergraduate Medical Education students using a pre‐ and post‐survey study design
Authors: McClurg Caitlin , Powelson Susan , Lang Eddy , Aghajafari Fariba , Edworthy Steven
Published: March 2015

Background

The Undergraduate Medical Education (UME) programme at the University of Calgary is a three‐year programme with a strong emphasis on small group learning.

Objective

The purpose of our study was to determine whether librarian led small group information literacy instruction, closely integrated with course content and faculty participation, but without a hands on component, was an effective means to convey EBM literacy skills.

Method

Five 15‐minute EBM information literacy sessions were delivered by three librarians to 12 practicing physician led small groups of 15 students. Students were asked to complete an online survey before and after the sessions. Data analysis was performed through simple descriptive statistics.

Results

A total of 144 of 160 students responded to the pre‐survey, and 112 students answered the post‐survey. Instruction in a small group environment without a mandatory hands on component had a positive impact on student's evidence‐based information literacy skills. Students were more likely to consult a librarian and had increased confidence in their abilities to search and find relevant information.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that student engagement and faculty involvement are effective tools for delivering information literacy skills when working with students in a small group setting outside of a computer classroom.
Overexpression of Ras‐GTPase‐activating protein SH3 domain‐binding protein 1 correlates with poor prognosis in gastric cancer patients
Authors: Min Lingqiang , Ruan Yuanyuan , Shen Zhenbin , Jia Dongwei , Wang Xuefei , Zhao Junjie , Sun Yihong , Gu Jianxin
Published: March 2015

Aims

Ras‐GTPase‐activating protein SH3 domain‐binding protein 1 (G3BP1) is a downstream effector of Ras signalling, and is overexpressed in several types of human malignancy. However, its role in gastric cancer remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of G3BP1 in gastric cancer.

Methods and results

G3BP1 mRNA and protein levels in paired frozen tumour samples were detected by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. Paraffin‐embedded tumour samples were used for immunohistochemistry. Gastric cancer cells were used to detect the tumorigenic role of G3BP1 in vitro. We found that G3BP1 protein expression was markedly increased in gastric cancer tissues as compared with corresponding non‐malignant mucosa, whereas corresponding changes in mRNA levels were not observed. G3BP1 staining was positively correlated with tumour size, vascular invasion, T classification, lymph node metastasis, TNM stage, and reduced overall survival. Further analysis identified G3BP1 as an independent prognostic factor for poor prognosis, and combining G3BP1 with TNM stage generated a better predictive model for patient outcomes. G3BP1 also promoted proliferation, migration/invasion and extracellular signal‐related kinase and AKT activation in gastric cancer cells.

Conclusions

Our data define G3BP1 as a novel independent prognostic factor that is correlated with gastric cancer progression.
Non‐destructive biomass estimation of Oecophylla smaragdina colonies: a model species for the ecological impact of ants
Authors: Pinkalski Christian , Damgaard Christian , Jensen Karl‐Martin V. , Gislum Rene , Peng Renkang , Offenberg Joachim
Published: March 2015

In most ecosystems, ants are a dominant part of the arthropod community. A thorough understanding of their ecological impact, however, has been hampered by limited availability of data on ant abundance. Therefore, we developed a method allowing quick and non‐destructive estimates of the biomass of Oecophylla smaragdina colonies in mango plantations.

The method was based on assessments of ant nest volume in relation to ant trail density and biomass content in relation to nest volume. The relationships between these variables were modelled using Bayesian latent variable models. The resulting models predicted ant biomass from ant trail activity with a maximum uncertainty of approximately 75% of the predicted value.

Five O. smaragdina colonies assessed in a mango plantation, ranged in size from 0.67 to 2.98 kg total ant biomass (fresh wt) and 84.578–376.635 workers for the smallest and largest colony respectively. Correspondingly, the density of ants in the plantation was 254 workers m−2 and a total biomass of 2.0 g ant fresh wt m−2.

With this proposed method, estimates of O. smaragdina abundance can be obtained non‐destructively with a minimum of workload and it enables the scaling up of physiological experiments on per capita rates. Thus, O. smaragdina can serve as a model species providing information on the impact of ants in tropical ecosystems.
Helicobacter pylori infection in psoriasis: results of a clinical study and review of the literature
Authors: Campanati Anna , Ganzetti Giulia , Martina Emanuela , Giannoni Melania , Gesuita Rosaria , Bendia Emanuele , Giuliodori Katia , Sandroni Lucia , Offidani Annamaria
Published: March 2015

Background

Data from the literature concerning the role of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in psoriasis are still conflicting. This study was carried out to evaluate prevalence of H. pylori in patients with mild to severe psoriasis, correlation between H. pylori infection and severity of psoriasis, and effect of H. pylori eradication on the clinical course of psoriasis.

Methods

Two hundred and ten patients with psoriasis and 150 healthy controls were screened for H. pylori through [13C] urea breath test at baseline (T0). All patients with psoriasis received standardized phototherapy treatment, and those infected by H. pylori were also treated with a 1‐week triple therapy, then they were all re‐evaluated four weeks later at the end of therapy (T5).

Results

The prevalence of H. pylori was not higher in psoriasis than in the control group (20.27 vs. 22%; P > 0.05). Patients infected by H. pylori showed more severe psoriasis than uninfected patients (psoriasis area and severity index score 17.9 ± 7.1 vs. 13.7 ± 6.9; P = 0.04), and patients who received successful eradication of H. pylori infection showed a greater improvement of psoriasis than the others (psoriasis area and severity index score at T5 in patients infected by H. pylori was 8.36 ± 3.76, in uninfected patients was 10.85 ± 3.49; P = 0.006).

Conclusions

Patients with mild to severe psoriasis do not show a greater prevalence of H. pylori infection; however, H. pylori seems able to affect the clinical severity of psoriasis.
Intrasensory Redundancy Facilitates Infant Detection of Tempo: Extending Predictions of the Intersensory Redundancy Hypothesis
Authors: Bahrick Lorraine E. , Lickliter Robert , Castellanos Irina , Todd James Torrence
Published: March 2015

Research has demonstrated that intersensory redundancy (stimulation synchronized across multiple senses) is highly salient and facilitates processing of amodal properties in multimodal events, bootstrapping early perceptual development. The present study is the first to extend this central principle of the intersensory redundancy hypothesis (IRH) to certain types of intrasensory redundancy (stimulation synchronized within a single sense). Infants were habituated to videos of a toy hammer tapping silently (unimodal control), depicting intersensory redundancy (synchronized with a soundtrack) or intrasensory redundancy (synchronized with another visual event; light flashing or bat tapping). In Experiment 1, 2‐month‐olds showed both intersensory and intrasensory facilitation (with respect to the unimodal control) for detecting a change in tempo. However, intrasensory facilitation was found when the hammer was synchronized with the light flashing (different motion) but not with the bat tapping (same motion). Experiment 2 tested 3‐month‐olds using a somewhat easier tempo contrast. Results supported a similarity hypothesis: intrasensory redundancy between two dissimilar events was more effective than that between two similar events for promoting processing of amodal properties. These findings extend the IRH and indicate that in addition to intersensory redundancy, intrasensory redundancy between two synchronized dissimilar visual events is also effective in promoting perceptual processing of amodal event properties.
Fiber Strength After Grain Growth in Nextel™ 610 Alumina Fiber
Authors: Hay Randall S. , Fair Geoff E. , Tidball Travis
Published: March 2015

Nextel™ 610 alumina fiber tows were heat‐treated at 1100°C–1500°C for 1 to 100 h in air. Tensile strengths and Weibull moduli were measured for 30 filaments after each heat‐treatment. 3‐D grain size and orientation distributions were described using oblate ellipsoids. The number of grains in a 1 inch gauge length and grains with the largest major and minor ellipsoid‐axes were determined from these distributions. The grain with the largest KEFF for mixed‐mode fracture was also determined, using the maximum energy release rate criteria from grain‐size and orientation distributions. Grain‐size dependence of tensile strength and Weibull modulus was evaluated. Strength had no obvious dependence on grain size for fibers with average major‐axes smaller than 0.25 μm. For fibers with larger grains, grain‐size dependence may involve flaws originating from clumps of grains, rather than a single grain. Possible relationships between strength and grain‐size and other causes of strength degradation after heat‐treatment are discussed.
Electrical Properties of Lead‐Free Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3 Relaxor Ferroelectric Ceramics Doped with Hafnium or Zirconium
Authors: Kırsever Derya , Yılmaz Hüseyin
Published: March 2015

Ferroelectric (Na1/2Bi1/2)TiO3 and its various solid solutions have been drawing special attention as a new candidate for their lead‐based counterparts. In this study, therefore, hafnium‐ or zirconium‐doped grain‐oriented (Na1/2Bi1/2)TiO3 ceramics with <001>pc orientation were fabricated by templated grain growth method using anisotropically shaped SrTiO3 template particles. These molten salt synthesized SrTiO3 platelets were tape cast with calcined (Na1/2Bi1/2)TiO3 powders, and then sintered at 1200°C for 6 h. Texture fractions up to 70% have been obtained. Unipolar strains up to >0.25% were measured. Doped ceramics showed a “relaxor‐like” ferroelectric behavior. A broad dielectric peak with a slim hysteresis loop was present for hafnium‐ or zirconium‐doped samples. Electrostrictive coefficient of hafnium‐doped (Na1/2Bi1/2)TiO3 ceramics were found to be 0.032 m4/C2, which is much larger than that of PMN‐based electrostrictive materials. Electromechanical properties of hafnium‐ and zirconium‐doped (Na1/2Bi1/2)TiO3 ceramics under electric bias were studied as well.
Toward Knowledge‐Based Grain‐Boundary Engineering of Transparent Alumina Combining Advanced TEM and Atomistic Modeling
Authors: Tewari Abhishek , Nabiei Farhang , Parker Stephen C , Cantoni Marco , Stuer Michael , Bowen Paul , Hébert Cécile
Published: March 2015

Transition element dopants (e.g., Y, La) are commonly used as sintering aids in polycrystalline alumina ceramics, which segregate to the grain boundaries and control the grain‐boundary mobility. However, due to the extremely thin (<2 nm) layer of segregated dopants, the experimental characterization of the segregated alumina grain boundaries is a complex task. Computational studies have focused only on tilt grain boundaries, which are only a small fraction in a sintered alumina sample. In this study, a quantitative characterization of the segregation of Y and La at general high angle grain boundaries in transparent alumina is carried out using a unique combination of advanced TEM and near coincidence grain‐boundary atomistic simulations. The result show that high angle grain boundaries may lead to enhanced grain growth in comparison to symmetric tilt twin grain boundaries due to the reduced configuration entropy for dopant segregation and higher order grain‐boundary complexions. On the other hand, multidoping with different dopants was shown to be more beneficial than single doping due to its contribution in increasing the configurational entropy for segregation. The advanced TEM analysis showed Y and La distributions and concentrations on a series of general grain boundaries in very good agreement with the atomistic simulations. This validation of atomistic modeling technique used in this study means, as it a generic method, can be used as a predictive tool to design ceramic microstructure and properties.
Uncommon paleodistribution patterns of Chrysolophus pheasants in east Asia: explanations and implications
Authors: Lyu Nan , Päckert Martin , Tietze Dieter Thomas , Sun Yue‐Hua
Published: March 2015

Some modeling studies indicated that the past distributions of species in east Asia during the Last Interglacial (LIG) and Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) periods differ from those of European and North American species and the deviant Asian distribution pattern is known under the term ‘pre‐LGM expansion’. It represents the unusually similar distribution patterns between the current and the LGM scenario. However, there is still no satisfying explanation for this phenomenon so far. Therefore, we took the two recently separated pheasant species of genus Chrysolophus in east Asia as an example to test the pattern by performing ecological niche models. The main findings of this study include: 1) the paleodistributions of these two pheasants also corresponded to the ‘pre‐LGM expansion’ pattern; 2) climatic similarity results from mobility‐oriented parity analysis also revealed similar pattern for both species; 3) climate regimes of east Asia showed patterns different from those in Europe and North America in a climate shift towards drier conditions and stronger seasonality and to more extreme temperatures of the coldest months particularly during the LIG; 4) the two Chrysolophus species occupied significantly different ecological niches according to current distribution. We suggest that ecological segregation established in allopatric glacial refugia should be the main determinants for the separation of two Chrysolophus species until they came into extant post‐Pleistocene contact.
Continental‐scale diversification patterns in a megadiverse genus: the biogeography of Neotropical Begonia
Authors: Moonlight Peter W. , Richardson James E. , Tebbitt Mark C. , Thomas Daniel C. , Hollands Ruth , Peng Ching‐I , Hughes Mark
Published: March 2015

Aim

The origin of Neotropical hyperdiversity is one of the most intriguing questions in modern biogeography and is best answered through the investigation of large, pantropically distributed genera, allowing the comparison of closely related clades in different regions. We produced a dated phylogeny and reconstructed ancestral ranges of the megadiverse, Andean‐centred genus Begonia to discern its dispersal history throughout the Neotropics and correlates of range evolution. Neotropical and Palaeotropical diversification rates were estimated.

Location

Neotropics: Central America, South America, West Indies and Mexico.

Methods

Plastid DNA sequence data from species representing the full geographical range and majority of sections of Neotropical Begonia were analysed with a secondarily calibrated relaxed molecular clock in order to estimate the age of crown groups and divergence times within Neotropical Begonia. Ancestral areas were reconstructed with a Bayesian approach to dispersal–vicariance analysis, a likelihood framework under a dispersal–extinction–cladogenesis model, and a Bayesian binary method. Diversification rates were estimated under a Bayesian framework.

Results

Biogeographical reconstruction indicated two independent trans‐Atlantic colonizations of the Neotropics from Africa. Early‐diverging lineages of both clades are reconstructed as having diversified in the mid‐Miocene, with multiple dispersal events between the Brazilian Atlantic rain forest and the Andes, and single radiations within the West Indies and Central America plus Mexico.

Main conclusions

Begonia displays numerous radiations within regions, punctuated by long‐distance dispersal. Successful colonization and diversification is predicted by the presence of upland habitat. Recognizing the role of chance dispersal events between available habitats is vital for understanding the formation of current biogeographical patterns.
The Relationship Between Cardiac Vulnerability and Restitution Properties of the Ventricular Activation Recovery Interval
Authors: YAMASHITA SOICHIRO , YOSHIDA AKIHIRO , FUKUZAWA KOJI , NAKANISHI TOMOYUKI , MATSUMOTO AKINORI , KONISHI HIROKI , ICHIBORI HIROTOSHI , HYOGO KIYOHIRO , IMADA HIROSHI , HIRATA KEN‐ICHI
Published: March 2015

Upper Limit of Vulnerability and the APD Dynamics

Introduction

The restitution of the action potential duration (APD) is an important contributor to ventricular fibrillation (VF) initiation by a single critically timed ectopic beat. We hypothesized that a steep slope of the activation recovery interval restitution curve was related to the upper limit of vulnerability (ULV).

Methods and Results

Fifty‐four consecutive patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) implanted between April 2012 and July 2013 were included. At the implantation, pacing from the right ventricular (RV) coil to an indifferent electrode inserted in the ICD pocket was performed, and the unipolar electrograms from the RV coil were simultaneously recorded. We assessed the standard restitution by introducing extra‐stimuli, while measuring the activation recovery interval (ARI). Our protocol for the vulnerability test consisted of delivering three 15 J shocks on the T‐peak and within ±20 milliseconds of it. If VF was not induced by that procedure, a ULV of ≤15 J was defined. The relationship between the ULV and maximum slope of the restitution curve was analyzed. A restitution curve could finally be obtained in a total of 40 patients. The background characteristics were similar between the two groups. The maximum slope of the restitution curve was steeper in the ULV > 15 J group than ULV ≤ 15 J group (1.55 ± 0.45 vs. 0.91 ± 0.64, P < 0.05). A maximum slope exceeding 1.0 was the optimal point for discriminating patients with a ULV > 15 J from a ULV ≤ 15 J (sensitivity 61.5% and specificity 96.3%).

Conclusion

The maximum slope of the restitution curve was significantly related to the ULV. High defibrillation threshold patients could be detected by the ARI dynamics.
Standards for reporting chronic periodontitis prevalence and severity in epidemiologic studies
Authors: Holtfreter Birte , Albandar Jasim M. , Dietrich Thomas , Dye Bruce A. , Eaton Kenneth A. , Eke Paul I. , Papapanou Panos N. , Kocher Thomas
Published: March 2015

Periodontal diseases are common and their prevalence varies in different populations. However, prevalence estimates are influenced by the methodology used, including measurement techniques, case definitions, and periodontal examination protocols, as well as differences in oral health status. As a consequence, comparisons between populations are severely hampered and inferences regarding the global variation in prevalence can hardly be drawn. To overcome these limitations, the authors suggest standardized principles for the reporting of the prevalence and severity of periodontal diseases in future epidemiological studies. These principles include the comprehensive reporting of the study design, the recording protocol, and specific subject‐related and oral data. Further, a range of periodontal data should be reported in the total population and within specific age groups. Periodontal data include the prevalence and extent of clinical attachment loss (CAL) and probing depth (PD) on site and tooth level according to specific thresholds, mean CAL/PD, the CDC/AAP case definition, and bleeding on probing. Consistent implementation of these standards in future studies will ensure improved reporting quality, permit meaningful comparisons of the prevalence of periodontal diseases across populations, and provide better insights into the determinants of such variation.
Fruit set in perennial vetch (Vicia unijuga): reproductive system and insect role in pollination
Authors: Shen Z.‐W. , Matthew C. , Nan Z.‐B. , Wang Y.‐R.
Published: March 2015

Perennial vetch (Vicia unijuga) is a wild plant found in parts of East Asia and potentially valuable as a forage species for more extreme environments. Information on its reproductive system and pollination biology is needed for progress in domestication of the species. We characterized the reproductive system of perennial vetch as facultative xenogamy (i.e. it is largely cross‐pollinated by insects but is also self‐compatible and can self‐pollinate). There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the fruit set ratio between insect cross‐pollination and artificial cross‐pollination at the seed maturation stage, but natural self‐pollination was inefficient. In our study conducted on the Tibetan plateau, eight insect species (especially certain bumble bees) are identified as potential pollinators, and four other insect species belonging to the Lepidoptera and Diptera visited flowers but are unlikely to be pollinators. The flower visitation rate of wild bumble bees was 1.6–3.3 times higher than domestic honeybees, with Bombus lepidus having the highest visitation rate of 15.7 florets/min. The diurnal floret opening rhythm of perennial vetch was synchronized with diurnal activity of potential pollinators. Optimal pollination of perennial vetch would likely be achieved using wild bees, as they have behaviour characteristics and flower tripping ability necessary, and are present in sufficient numbers to be efficient pollinators of this crop. However, even with sufficiency of pollination, there remains a fundamental problem with low fruit set which requires further investigation from a plant biology perspective.
Effectiveness of mass trapping in the reduction of Monochamus galloprovincialis Olivier (Col.: Cerambycidae) populations
Authors: Sanchez‐Husillos E. , Etxebeste I. , Pajares J.
Published: March 2015

Monochamus galloprovincialis Olivier beetles vector the causal agent of pine wilt disease (PWD), nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner and Bührer) Nickle, in Europe. Traps and attractants have been optimized for the capture of M. galloprovincialis, increasing the possibility of developing methods of lowering its population in PWD‐affected areas with the aim of either eradicating the disease or containing the spread of it. To evaluate the effectiveness of such mass‐trapping campaigns, two sets of experiments were carried out in 2010 and 2013. The release of 353 laboratory‐reared beetles in the experimental area of 2010 facilitated the evaluation of capture–mark–recapture (CMR) procedures in the calculation of population abundance estimates using the POPAN formulation of the Jolly–Seber model, a prerequisite for the assessment of mass trapping. Abundance estimates derived from best‐fitting parameters fell within one standard error of the real figures, proving the method appropriate. In 2013, four trap densities were tested in six 36 ha plots. To evaluate the removed proportions, the local beetle population was estimated in a contiguous 260 ha study area. A superpopulation of 21 319 individuals could be calculated from the CMR data, corresponding to a rough density of 82 individuals per hectare. Evaluated trapping densities removed 4.66%, 20.50%, 33.33% and 59.80% of M. galloprovincialis population at 0.02, 0.11, 0.25 and 0.44 traps/ha, respectively, thus the estimated 95% removal would occur at 0.82 traps/ha. These results suggest that substantial reduction of M. galloprovincialis abundances might be achieved via mass trapping and that this represents a very promising management method for the containment or eventual eradication of B. xylophilus at the areas affected by the PWD.
Antidepressant use in pregnancy: knowledge transfer and translation of research findings
Authors: Einarson Adrienne , Egberts Toine C. , Heerdink E. Rob
Published: March 2015

Rationale

Knowledge transfer and translation (KT) has become an important component in health care systems worldwide. Antidepressant use in pregnancy has become a controversial subject for a number of reasons, including differing interpretations of study results.

Methods

Selected key articles were indentified and retrieved from the literature. Relevant information was extracted and synthesized into themes, addressing each of the stated objectives.

Objectives

(1) To determine how knowledge regarding the safety/risk of antidepressant use in pregnancy is created; (2) to describe different research models and statistical analyses that have been used, so as to critically evaluate the results; and (3) to identify how this information is currently disseminated.

Results

All of the methods used for examining the safety of antidepressants in pregnancy have some deficiencies in study design and analysis, thus reinforcing the need for accurate interpretations when discussing results. In addition, dissemination in both the scientific and lay press has been selective and therefore potentially biased.

Conclusion

It is critical, starting with the creators of knowledge, through to the recipients that discrepancies are resolved, as lack of clarity may impede the transfer of unambiguous evidence‐based information from health care providers to patients, thus impacting decision making. For example, by implementing improved (KT) strategies, a pregnant, depressed woman, will be empowered to make a rational evidence‐based decision regarding whether or not she should take an antidepressant during pregnancy.
FUNDING STATUS OF DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLANS AND IDIOSYNCRATIC RETURN VOLATILITY
Authors: Chen Yangyang
Published: March 2015

In this article, I explore how the funding status of a sponsoring firm's defined benefit pension plans affects its idiosyncratic volatility. Using a large sample of U.S. firms from 1980 to 2010, I document a positive and significant relation between pension deficits and idiosyncratic volatility. The relation is stronger for firms that are financially constrained and that have a worse information environment. The findings are consistent with the argument that large pension deficits generate greater risk for the firm's future operations and financing, and deteriorate its financial disclosure quality, which raises firm idiosyncratic volatility.
STOCK LIQUIDITY AND CORPORATE BOND YIELD SPREADS: THEORY AND EVIDENCE
Authors: Huang Henry H. , Huang Hung‐Yi , Oxman Jeffrey J.
Published: March 2015

We examine the impact of individual stock liquidity on corporate bond yield spreads in the U.S. market. By extending the endogenous‐default model to include stock liquidity in the calculation of bond value we show that a drop in stock liquidity will increase the firm's credit risk by increasing the firm's default boundary, leading to an increase of the credit spread. Our model is consistent with the sharp increase in credit risk premiums and the “yield spread spike” phenomenon in corporate bond markets during the financial crisis. We present empirical evidence supportive of our model.
REDUCTION IN INFORMATION ASYMMETRY AND CREDIT ACCESS FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM‐SIZED ENTERPRISES
Authors: Moro Andrea , Fink Matthias , Maresch Daniela
Published: March 2015

We examine the relation between the quality, quantity, completeness, and timeliness of the information loan managers obtain from small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) and the amount of short‐term credit provided to them by looking at 828 loan–manager–SME relationships in Italy. The result suggests that a reduction in information asymmetry is associated with a greater amount of credit. Moreover, the reduction in information asymmetry has a relevant economic impact on the amount of short‐term credit obtained: the amount of credit provided increases by 12% when asymmetry reduces by one notch. Our results are robust to alternative specifications and to endogeneity.
Oxidative Susceptibility and Thermal Properties of Moringa Oliefera Seed Oil Obtained by Pilot‐Scale Subcritical and Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction
Authors: Ruttarattanamongkol K. , Petrasch A.
Published: March 2015

Oxidative stability, antioxidant activity and thermal properties of Moringa oleifera (MO) seed oil obtained by supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2) extraction were studied in comparison with Soxhlet extraction. CO2 was used to extract the oil in the pressure ranges from 15 to 40 MPa and the temperature ranges from 25 to 35C at 20 kg/h flow rate. SC‐CO2 extraction at 35 MPa and moderate temperature of 30C resulted in the maximum relative oil yield of 75.27% (dry basis). Susceptibility to oxidation of MO seed oil was expressed as the oxidative stability index (OSI). The results indicated that MO seed oil extracted at higher pressure was less susceptible to oxidation. The oil obtained by Soxhlet extraction was significantly (P < 0.05) more stable against oxidation compared with SC‐CO2 extracted oils as shown by its stronger DPPH (1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazy) scavenging ability and higher OSI. The thermal properties of oil samples from SC‐CO2 extraction were not substantially different from those of oils extracted using Soxhlet extraction.

Practical Applications

Moringa oleifera (MO) seed has gained importance over the years due to its ultimate source of high quality oil that can be used in high value food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. However, MO seed oil has never been successfully produced on the industrial basis. This research proposed an alternative oil extraction from MO seeds using a pilot‐scale supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). SFE is considered as a green technology that is nontoxic and allows the elimination of polluting organic solvents. Only few scientific studies on the pilot‐scale SC‐CO2 extraction of MO seed oil and its stability against oxidation and thermal properties for uses as the new source of edible, healthy oil have been reported. Therefore, it is the objective of this study to know the oxidative susceptibility of MO seed oils extracted using SC‐CO2 in comparison with Soxhlet extraction.
Resilience and Complexity: A Bibliometric Review and Prospects for Industrial Ecology
Authors: Meerow Sara , Newell Joshua P.
Published: March 2015

Resilience is an increasingly popular concept in academic research and public discourse and is closely connected to complex systems theory. This article reviews research on resilience and complexity in industrial ecology and the broader academy by conducting a bibliometric analysis of the academic literature over a 40‐year period (1973–2014). The review revealed a large body of scholarship composed of five clearly identifiable intellectual communities, with resilience theory from ecology especially influential. Based on the study of ecosystems, these scholars conceptualize resilience as a dynamic and adaptive property of systems with multiple stable states that evolve over time. In comparison, resilience research in industrial ecology is limited and underdeveloped. Bibliometric analysis of this literature yielded just 37 publications and a scholarly network with no well‐formulated research communities. This contrasts with industrial ecology scholarship on sustainability; a similar search yielded 1,581 publications. Given the emerging importance of the resilience concept and its relevance for sustainability issues, industrial ecology should expand research efforts in this area. The growing body of industrial ecology scholarship on complex systems provides a foundation to do so, as does the field's long‐standing practice of using ecological principles to inform the study and design of industrial ecosystems. The article concludes by discussing how industrial ecology would benefit from incorporating principles of dynamic resilience and, conversely, how industrial ecology approaches could advance broader resilience scholarship.
The Efficiency of Informality: Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Reductions from Informal Recycling in Bogotá, Colombia
Authors: Vergara Sintana E. , Damgaard Anders , Gomez Daniel
Published: March 2015

The dual challenges of increasing urbanization and consumption are centered in cities in the Global South, where growing waste production threatens public and environmental health. Reuse and recycling are widely recognized to provide broad environmental benefits. Although most industrialized cities replaced their informal recycling sectors with municipally run recycling schemes and have had to build their recycling rates anew, most industrializing cities in the Global South remain centers of recycling and reuse through the work of informal workers. Bogotá, Colombia, is emblematic of many cities in the Global South seeking to modernize their city, in part by formalizing their recycling system. This article asks: What are the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission implications of this modernization? Using interviews and observation in combination with life cycle assessment, we compare GHG emissions resulting from the baseline case (1,200 tonnes per day [t/d] recycled through informal channels; 5,700 t/d landfilled) to three alternative scenarios that formalize the recycling sector: the prohibition of informal recycling; a reduction in informal recycling coupled with a scale‐up of formalized recycling; and the replacement of informal recycling with formal recycling. We find that the baseline recycling scenario, dependent on the informal sector only, emits far fewer GHGs than do all formalization scenarios. Three processes drive the results, in order of magnitude: informal textile reuse (largest GHG savings); landfilling (largest emitter of GHGs); and metal recycling (GHG savings). A hybrid model could combine the incentives and efficiency of the informal system with the better working conditions of the municipal one.
Development of genome‐wide insertion/deletion markers in rice based on graphic pipeline platform
Authors: Lü Yang , Cui Xiao , Li Rui , Huang Piaopiao , Zong Jie , Yao Danqing , Li Gang , Zhang Dabing , Yuan Zheng
Published: March 2015

DNA markers play important roles in plant breeding and genetics. The Insertion/Deletion (InDel) marker is one kind of co‐dominant DNA markers widely used due to its low cost and high precision. However, the canonical way of searching for InDel markers is time‐consuming and labor‐intensive. We developed an end‐to‐end computational solution (InDel Markers Development Platform, IMDP) to identify genome‐wide InDel markers under a graphic pipeline environment. IMDP constitutes assembled genome sequences alignment pipeline (AGA‐pipe) and next‐generation re‐sequencing data mapping pipeline (NGS‐pipe). With AGA‐pipe we are able to identify 12,944 markers between the genome of rice cultivars Nipponbare and 93‐11. Using NGS‐pipe, we reported 34,794 InDels from re‐sequencing data of rice cultivars Wu‐Yun‐Geng7 and Guang‐Lu‐Ai4. Combining AGA‐pipe and NGS‐pipe, we developed 205,659 InDels in eight japonica and nine indica cultivars and 2,681 InDels showed a subgroup‐specific pattern. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of subgroup‐specific markers indicated that the precision reached 90% (86 of 95). Finally, to make them available to the public, we have integrated the InDels/markers information into a website (Rice InDel Marker Database, RIMD, http://202.120.45.71/). The application of IMDP in rice will facilitate efficiency for development of genome‐wide InDel markers, in addition it can be used in other species with reference genome sequences and NGS data.
Methods of Genomic Competency Integration in Practice
Authors: Jenkins Jean , Calzone Kathleen A. , Caskey Sarah , Culp Stacey , Weiner Marsha , Badzek Laurie
Published: March 2015

Purpose

Genomics is increasingly relevant to health care, necessitating support for nurses to incorporate genomic competencies into practice. The primary aim of this project was to develop, implement, and evaluate a year‐long genomic education intervention that trained, supported, and supervised institutional administrator and educator champion dyads to increase nursing capacity to integrate genomics through assessments of program satisfaction and institutional achieved outcomes.

Design

Longitudinal study of 23 Magnet Recognition Program® Hospitals (21 intervention, 2 controls) participating in a 1‐year new competency integration effort aimed at increasing genomic nursing competency and overcoming barriers to genomics integration in practice.

Methods

Champion dyads underwent genomic training consisting of one in‐person kick‐off training meeting followed by monthly education webinars. Champion dyads designed institution‐specific action plans detailing objectives, methods or strategies used to engage and educate nursing staff, timeline for implementation, and outcomes achieved. Action plans focused on a minimum of seven genomic priority areas: champion dyad personal development; practice assessment; policy content assessment; staff knowledge needs assessment; staff development; plans for integration; and anticipated obstacles and challenges. Action plans were updated quarterly, outlining progress made as well as inclusion of new methods or strategies. Progress was validated through virtual site visits with the champion dyads and chief nursing officers. Descriptive data were collected on all strategies or methods utilized, and timeline for achievement. Descriptive data were analyzed using content analysis.

Findings

The complexity of the competency content and the uniqueness of social systems and infrastructure resulted in a significant variation of champion dyad interventions.

Conclusions

Nursing champions can facilitate change in genomic nursing capacity through varied strategies but require substantial training in order to design and implement interventions.

Clinical Relevance

Genomics is critical to the practice of all nurses. There is a great opportunity and interest to address genomic knowledge deficits in the practicing nurse workforce as a strategy to improve patient outcomes. Exemplars of champion dyad interventions designed to increase nursing capacity focus on improving education, policy, and healthcare services.
Intralesional botulinum toxin type A equally effective and better tolerated than intralesional steroid in the treatment of keloids: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Shaarawy Eman , Hegazy Rehab A. , Abdel Hay Rania M.
Published: March 2015

Intralesional (IL) corticosteroid therapy is a treatment for keloids. IL botulinum toxin type A (BTA) has been postulated in such an indication with controversial reports. To compare efficacy and safety of IL BTA to the IL corticosteroid therapy in treatment of keloids. Twenty‐four patients with keloids were randomly divided into two equal groups: receiving IL steroid repeated every 4 weeks for six sessions (group A) and IL BTA 5 IU/cm3 repeated every 8 weeks for three sessions (group B). Objective parameters (hardness, elevation, and redness), subjective complaints (itching, pain, and tenderness), patient satisfaction, and side effects were evaluated. There was a significant decrease in the volume of the lesions after treatment (P < 0.01), with a volume reduction of 82.7% and 79.2%, respectively, in both groups. A significant softening of lesions vs. baseline was observed (P < 0.01), with statistically significant improvement in softening in group A (P < 0.01). There was a significant decrease in height of lesions and in redness score compared with baseline (P < 0.01) with no significant difference in between both groups. All patients mentioned a significant reduction of their subjective complaints (P < 0.01) that were more significant in group B. Skin atrophy and telangiectasia were evident in three patients of group A. The efficacy and safety of the IL BTA were clearly evident in the current work from the rapid significant amelioration of the subjective complaints and the comparable significant improvement of the objective parameters as well as the volume of the keloids in comparison with the IL corticosteroids.
Meta‐analysis of the correlation between IL‐6 –174 G/C polymorphism and polycystic ovarian syndrome
Authors: Wang Qiongyao , Tong Xiaowen , Ji Yazhong , Li Huaifang , Lu Wei , Song Zhijiao
Published: March 2015

Aim

The correlation between interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) gene polymorphism and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been reported, but the conclusions are controversial. The present study was aimed to evaluate the association between IL‐6 −174 G/C polymorphism and susceptibility of PCOS by meta‐analysis.

Material and Methods

A systematic search on Medline, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang Data and VIP databases containing Chinese and English studies was conducted electronically using specific eligibility criteria. Meta‐analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.2 software after Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium test. Effect sizes of odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated and combined appropriately. To verify the reliability of the results, subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were performed.

Results

Four selected studies containing 351 cases and 464 control participants were included. The pooled odds ratio between IL‐6 −174 G/C polymorphism and susceptibility of PCOS under allele (C/G), dominant (CC+GC/GG) and recessive (CC/GG+GC) models were 0.63 (95%CI, 0.41–0.96), 0.53 (95%CI, 0.26–1.08) and 0.67 (95%CI, 0.39–1.16), respectively. The result under allele model was unstable in sensitivity analysis. Subgroup analysis showed that the correlation between IL‐6 –174 G/C polymorphism and susceptibility of PCOS was not statistically significant in the studies that conformed to the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium.

Conclusion

IL‐6 –174 G/C polymorphism may be not related to susceptibility of PCOS. Nevertheless, further studies with large samples and studies considering other single‐nucleotide polymorphisms of the IL‐6 gene are needed to confirm our findings.
Are “Equals” Happier Than “Less Equals”? A Couple Analysis of Similarity and Well‐being
Authors: Keizer Renske , Komter Aafke
Published: March 2015

Using Netherlands Kinship Panel Study dyadic couple data (n = 3,117), the authors investigated associations between partner dissimilarity in the socioeconomic and companionate domains and couples' well‐being. They distinguished between 2 well‐being indicators—life satisfaction and relationship satisfaction—assuming both indicators to be differentially related to the 2 life domains. They investigated whether Becker's (1973) hypothesis of the “efficiency” gains of household specialization has a sociological pendant in a link between specialization and well‐being gains and found that greater socioeconomic dissimilarity was associated with lower life satisfaction for both partners. Although the authors expected dissimilarity in the companionate domain to be associated with lower relationship satisfaction, such an association was found only for family traditionalism: Partners less similar in this respect were less satisfied with their relationship. As assumed, life satisfaction was more strongly associated with dissimilarity in the socioeconomic domain, whereas relationship satisfaction was most affected by the companionate domain.