bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental Income of Livestock Grazing on Privately‐owned Silvopastoral Farms in Andalusia, Spain
Authors: Campos Pablo , Ovando Paola , Mesa Bruno , Oviedo José L.
Published: April 2016

In Mediterranean silvopastoral ecosystems, grazing continues to be a key economic practice that shapes forest, woodland, shrubland and grassland and remains a primary feed source for livestock breeding. However, conventional national accounting statistics do not provide information on livestock grazing leases and environmental income. The main goals of this study were to apply the residual value method for measuring livestock grazing forage consumption and its private environmental price according to the predominant vegetation at the farm scale. We use data from a random survey of private landowners of indicated silvopastoral farms and a group of farm case studies with bookkeeping. Results indicate that livestock grazing average forage consumption per hectare in western and eastern Andalusia provinces are, respectively, 544 and 623 FU ha−1 for grasslands, 491 and 381 for Mediterranean hardwoods, 452 and 229 for shrublands and 268 and 548 for pine trees. The environmental price for livestock grazing forage unit in western and eastern provinces groups attains €0.05 FU−1 and €0.06 FU−1, respectively. This study is a novel contribution to the livestock grazing economics of private silvopastoral farms in Andalusia, Spain. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oxygen interference with membrane inlet mass spectrometry may overestimate denitrification rates calculated with the isotope pairing technique
Authors: Lunstrum Abby , Aoki Lillian R.
Published: April 2016

Membrane inlet mass spectrometry (MIMS) is used to measure gas concentrations in aqueous samples, and is often employed to measure N2 in denitrification studies. While most denitrification studies using MIMS have employed the N2:Ar method, MIMS is increasingly used with the isotope pairing technique (IPT), an alternative method that calculates denitrification based on 29N2 and 30N2 concentrations, measured as mass to charge ratios (m/z) 29 and 30. Dissolved O2 is known to interfere with m/z 28 and 40 (28N2 and Ar, respectively) in the MIMS, and in this study, we show that the effect on m/z 29 and 30 is also significant. This O2 effect may result in artificially high denitrification rates with IPT if O2 varies between samples. In lab‐based experiments, m/z 29 and 30 were impacted immediately as O2 was depleted. The resulting effect on simulated denitrification rates was minor if final O2 concentrations remained above 50% initial O2, but increased by more than 100 μmol m−2 h−1 as O2 fell below 50%. Similarly, denitrification rates from sediment incubations were an order of magnitude higher when analyzed in the presence of O2, compared with analysis without O2 using an inline furnace with reduction column. We further show that this effect is variable over the life of the MIMS, and/or with different ion sources. Given these uncertainties, we recommend using an inline furnace to remove O2 for all IPT experiments. Alternatively, the magnitude of the O2 effect should be assessed often to determine the range of minimal O2 interference.
Bioactive Nanocomposite Poly (Ethylene Glycol) Hydrogels Crosslinked by Multifunctional Layered Double Hydroxides Nanocrosslinkers
Authors: Huang Heqin , Xu Jianbin , Wei Kongchang , Xu Yang J. , Choi Chun Kit K. , Zhu Meiling , Bian Liming
Published: April 2016

Poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) based hydrogels have been widely used in many biomedical applications such as regenerative medicine due to their good biocompatibility and negligible immunogenicity. However, bioactivation of PEG hydrogels, such as conjugation of bioactive biomolecules, is usually necessary for cell‐related applications. Such biofunctionalization of PEG hydrogels generally involves complicated and time‐consuming bioconjugation procedures. Herein, we describe the facile preparation of bioactive nanocomposite PEG hydrogel crosslinked by the novel multifunctional nanocrosslinkers, namely polydopamine‐coated layered double hydroxides (PD‐LDHs). The catechol‐rich PD‐LDH nanosheets not only act as effective nanocrosslinkers reinforcing the mechanical strength of the hydrogel, but also afford the hydrogels with robust bioactivity and bioadhesion via the cortical‐mediated couplings. The obtained nanocomposite PEG hydrogels with the multifunctional PD‐LDH crosslinking domains show tunable mechanical properties, self‐healing ability, and bioadhesion to biological tissues. Furthermore, these hydrogels also promote the sequestration of proteins and support the osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells without any further bio‐functionalization. Such facile preparation of bioactive and bioadhesive PEG hydrogels have rarely been achieved and may open up a new avenue for the design of nanocomposite PEG hydrogels for biomedical applications.

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The emerging role of transcranial magnetic resonance imaging–guided focused ultrasound in functional neurosurgery
Authors: Weintraub David , Elias W. Jeffrey
Published: April 2016

To review the emerging role of transcranial MR‐guided focused ultrasound as a treatment and research modality for functional neurological disorders, we summarize recent clinical and preclinical studies. Clinical trials have investigated the safety and efficacy of thermal lesions created by transcranial, high‐intensity focused ultrasound. Preclinical work has additionally investigated the ability to disrupt the blood–brain barrier and to produce reversible neuromodulation with focused ultrasound utilizing lower intensities. We discuss ongoing trials and future avenues of investigation. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Macro‐hybrid mixed variational two‐phase flow through fractured porous media
Authors: Alduncin Gonzalo
Published: April 2016

Macro‐hybrid mixed variational models of two‐phase flow, through fractured porous media, are analyzed at the mesoscopic and macroscopic levels. The mesoscopic models are treated in terms of nonoverlapping domain decompositions, in such a manner that the porous rock matrix system and the fracture network interact across rock–rock, rock–fracture, and fracture–fracture interfaces, with flux transmission conditions dualized. Alternatively, the models are scaled to a macroscopic level via an asymptotic process, where the width of the fractures tends to zero, and the fracture network turns out to be an interface system of one less spatial dimension, with variable high permeability. The two‐phase flow is characterized by a fractional flow dual mixed variational model. Augmented two‐field and three‐field variational reformulations are presented for regularization, internal approximations, and macro‐hybrid mixed finite element implementation. Also abstract proximal‐point penalty‐duality algorithms are derived and analyzed for parallel computing. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Global dynamics of a intracellular infection model with delays and humoral immunity
Authors: Xu Jinhu , Zhou Yicang , Li Yiqun , Yang Yali
Published: April 2016

A virus infection model with time delays and humoral immunity has been investigated. Mathematical analysis shows that the global dynamics of the model is fully determined by the basic reproduction numbers of the virus and the immune response, R0 and R1. The infection‐free equilibrium P0 is globally asymptotically stable when R0≤1. The infection equilibrium without immunity P1 is globally asymptotically stable when R1≤1 < R0. The infection equilibrium with immunity P2 is globally asymptotically stable when R1>1. The expression of the basic reproduction number of the immune response R1 implies that the immune response reduces the concentration of free virus as R1>1. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An improved solid‐shell element based on ANS and EAS concepts
Authors: Mostafa M.
Published: April 2016

This paper presents an eight‐node nonlinear solid‐shell element for static problems. The main goal of this work is to develop a solid‐shell formulation with improved membrane response compared with the previous solid‐shell element (MOS2013), presented in . Assumed natural strain concept is implemented to account for the transverse shear and thickness strains to circumvent the curvature thickness and transverse shear locking problems. The enhanced assumed strain approach based on the Hu–Washizu variational principle with six enhanced assumed strain degrees of freedom is applied. Five extra degrees of freedom are applied on the in‐plane strains to improve the membrane response and one on the thickness strain to alleviate the volumetric and Poisson's thickness locking problems. The ensuing element performs well in both in‐plane and out‐of‐plane responses, besides the simplicity of implementation. The element formulation yields exact solutions for both the membrane and bending patch tests. The formulation is extended to the geometrically nonlinear regime using the corotational approach, explained in . Numerical results from benchmarks show the robustness of the formulation in geometrically linear and nonlinear problems. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validating mortality in the German Pharmacoepidemiological Research Database (GePaRD) against a mortality registry
Authors: Ohlmeier Christoph , Langner Ingo , Garbe Edeltraut , Riedel Oliver
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The study aimed at validating the status and date of death of a large electronic health insurance database against data of a mortality registry, using a probabilistic record linkage.

Methods

Data were obtained from one local health insurance company contributing to the German Pharmacoepidemiological Research Database (GePaRD). Furthermore, data of the Bremen Mortality Index (BreMI) containing all information from death certificates were used as reference information. Both data sources were probabilistically linked. The study sample consisted of insurants dying in 2005 or 2006.

Results

Of 3245 deaths in GePaRD, 83.7% were successfully linked to BreMI records. The linkage success did not differ between men and women, age groups or insurance status groups. Date of death was accurate in 97.1% of all linked deaths.

Conclusions

The accuracy of the status of death in GePaRD is likely to be underestimated in this study because of factors related to the record linkage procedure leading to failure of the probabilistic record linkage approach and the limited completeness of BreMI. A previous validation study comparing aggregate mortality information in GePaRD with German national statistics did not indicate an overreporting of deaths in GePaRD. Thus, a higher accuracy of the status of death in GePaRD than estimated here can be assumed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Single‐phase product obtained via crude glycerine depolymerisation of polyurethane elastomer: structure characterisation and rheological behaviour
Authors: Kopczyńska Patrycja , Datta Janusz
Published: April 2016

Polyurethane recycling is a topic of growing interest due to the increasing amount of polyurethane waste. The main purpose of polyurethane feedstock recycling is to recover the starting polyol, a valuable material. In this work, a method of polyurethane thermo‐chemical recycling, glycerolysis by means of crude glycerine, is proposed. The main effort is focused on the employment of crude glycerine without purification from biodiesel production as a decomposing agent for polyurethane recycling. The influence of polyurethane‐to‐glycerine mass ratio (PU/GL) on chemical structure was examined using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy and Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC). Glass transition temperature (Tg) and thermal properties using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and also rheology were analysed. FTIR and 1H NMR analyses of the glycerolysates showed peaks similar to those of virgin polyol. From GPC chromatograms it was concluded that glycerolysates are a mixture of compounds with different molecular weights, such as recovered polyol, urethane oligomers or carbamates. Glycerolysates indicated Tg in the range from −65 to −60 °C and, for high PU/GL ratio, a second Tg appeared. Thermal stability of glycerolysates increased with increasing PU/GL ratio. The molecular weight of glycerolysates ranged from 700 to 1020 g mol−1 depending on PU/GL mass ratio. The semi‐products were defined as non‐Newtonian fluids, where viscosity depended on the shear rate. Crude glycerine, derived from biodiesel production, was successfully used in polyurethane decomposition, resulting in valuable semi‐products. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Response of moist convection to multi‐scale surface flux heterogeneity
Authors: Kang Song‐Lak , Ryu Jung‐Hee
Published: April 2016

We investigate the response of moist convection to the spatial variation of surface sensible heat flux (SHF) in a mesoscale domain during the evolution of the afternoon convective boundary layer (CBL), using large‐eddy simulation. The surface SHF heterogeneity in the domain is analytically created as a function of the spectral slope in the wavelength range from a few tens of kilometres to a few hundreds of metres in the SHF spectrum on a log–log scale. Assuming surface energy balance and spatially uniform available energy, the prescribed SHF has a phase lag of 180° with respect to the latent heat flux (LHF) in the domain. Two sets of three simulations are forced by heterogeneous surface SHF fields, which are characterized by similar statistics. One set, however, is created with a spectral slope of (where is wave number) and the other with a slope of . All of the simulations are integrated with the same observation‐based initial sounding favourable for moist convection.

In all of the ‐slope cases, early non‐precipitating shallow clouds further develop into deep thunderstorms. But in all of the ‐slope cases, only shallow clouds develop. A key process in the transition to deep convection is the formation of a mesoscale pool of cool and moist air just above the top of the CBL. This high relative humidity (RH) pool is formed by repeated deep penetrations of turbulent plumes into the free atmosphere over a mesoscale surface of high SHF. These cross‐scale fluxes, the vertical transports of mesoscale moisture and heat fluctuations by turbulent updraughts, are critical for the formation of the mesoscale pool of high RH. However, these cross‐scale fluxes are cancelled out in the process of averaging, and thus appear negligible in the vertical profiles of domain‐averaged moisture and heat fluxes.
The movement of Indian monsoon depressions by interaction with image vortices near the Himalayan wall
Authors: Hunt Kieran M. R. , Parker Douglas J.
Published: April 2016

It is argued that a simple explanation for the westward propagation of Indian monsoon depressions (IMDs) is the interaction of the depression vortex with the Himalayan ‘wall’. This interaction can be modelled by simulating an IMD as a point vortex in a horizontal plane (at 850 hPa) and invoking image vortices behind the barrier. Solenoidal flows associated with the image vortices allow the boundary conditions at the Himalayas to be met, and cause the IMD vortex to propagate parallel to the barrier, toward the west. This simple model is tested against propagation speeds for observed IMDs. The histogram of observed propagation speed, normalised by the point‐vortex model prediction, has a mean of 1.08 and standard deviation of 0.68. The model also explains the observed intensification of flow on the Himalayan side of the IMD which is a key process in enhancing rainfall to the Indo‐Gangetic Plain in the monsoon season.
MicroRNAs, HIV and HCV: a complex relation towards pathology
Authors: Piedade Diogo , Azevedo‐Pereira José Miguel
Published: April 2016

MicroRNAs are small non‐coding RNAs that modulate protein production by post‐transcriptional gene regulation. They impose gene expression control by interfering with mRNA translation and stability in cell cytoplasm through a mechanism involving specific binding to mRNA based on base pair complementarity. Because of their intracellular replication cycle it is no surprise that viruses evolved in a way that allows them to use microRNAs to infect, replicate and persist in host cells. Several ways of interference between virus and host‐cell microRNA machinery have been described. Most of the time, viruses drastically alter host‐cell microRNA expression or synthesize their own microRNA to facilitate infection and pathogenesis. HIV and HCV are two prominent examples of this complex interplay revealing how fine‐tuning of microRNA expression is crucial for controlling key host pathways that allow viral infection and replication, immune escape and persistence. In this review we delve into the mechanisms underlying cellular and viral‐encoded microRNA functions in the context of HIV and HCV infections. We focus on which microRNAs are differently expressed and deregulated upon viral infection and how these alterations dictate the fate of virus and cell. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Educating Chinese Nurses About Rehabilitation Nursing: Findings From a Single Cohort Quantitative Pilot Project
Authors: Mauk Kristen L. , Li Pei Ying , Jin Huilu , Rogers Julie , Scalzitti Kristina
Published: April 2016

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to present results of a pilot program to educate nurses in China about rehabilitation nursing.

Design:

A single cohort, pre- and posttest design with an educational intervention.

Methods:

A 3-day basic rehabilitation nursing education program was conducted in Shanghai and Hangzhou by a certified rehabilitation nurse specialist from the United States. The effect of the educational intervention was measured using pre- and posttests for six topic areas. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlations, and paired samples t tests.

Findings:

Paired samples t tests showed a significant improvement (p < .01) as a result of the educational intervention on all three tests covering the six basic topics.

Conclusions:

The knowledge of the nurses on topics of basic rehabilitation nursing significantly increased as a result of the educational program.

Clinical Relevance:

Rehabilitation nurses interested in international travel and developing professional relationships with nurses in China can provide education to promote our specialty practice overseas.
The adsorption of bone‐related proteins on calcium phosphate ceramic particles with different phase composition and its adsorption kinetics
Authors: Rao Hanbing , Lu Zhiwei , Liu Wei , Wang Yanying , Ge Hongwei , Zou Ping , He Hua
Published: April 2016

Calcium phosphate (CaP) ceramics, especially hydroxyapatite and biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP), have attracted significant interest in bone tissue engineering because of their compositional similarities to bone mineral and excellent biocompatibility. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of phase compositions of CaP ceramics on their bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) adsorption behaviours in phosphate‐buffered saline. The BCP material surface probably has more adsorption sites which can adsorb more BMP‐2 molecules. Langmuir, Frundlich, and Temkin isotherm models were used to describe the adsorption of BMP‐2 onto CaP ceramics. The Langmuir isotherm model fit the equilibrium data better than the Frundlich and Temkin isotherm models. The pseudo‐first‐order kinetic model is suitable for the description of the adsorption kinetics, and 240 min is thought to be the optimal adsorption time. A possible adsorption mechanism has been proposed. The electrostatic interaction plays an important role in the adsorption processes. In addition, the BMP‐2 could be adsorbed to the surface which showed slight conformational changes analysed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oligohydramnios in complicated and uncomplicated pregnancy: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Rabie N. , Magann E. , Steelman S. , Ounpraseuth S.
Published: April 2016

Objective

To evaluate adverse pregnancy outcomes in singleton pregnancies diagnosed with oligohydramnios through a systematic review and meta‐analysis of controlled trials.

Methods

We searched electronic databases via OVID, EBSCO, Web of Science, Google Scholar and others from 1980 to 2015. Prospective and retrospective studies with a control group were included. Two authors independently reviewed the abstracts from the literature search. Inclusion criteria were: studies in English, singleton pregnancy, normal fetal anatomy, intact membranes and oligohydramnios determined by the amniotic fluid index (AFI) technique. We stratified the meta‐analysis into two groups according to risk: high risk including studies of oligohydramnios with comorbid conditions (e.g. hypertension) and low risk including studies of isolated oligohydramnios.

Results

Fifteen trials met the inclusion criteria. Nine were high‐risk and six were low‐risk studies, including 8067 and 27 526 women, respectively. Compared with women with normal AFI, those with isolated oligohydramnios had significantly higher rates of an infant with meconium aspiration syndrome (relative risk (RR), 2.83; 95% CI, 1.38–5.77), Cesarean delivery for fetal distress (RR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.64–2.85) and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (RR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.20–2.42). Patients with oligohydramnios and comorbidities were more likely to have an infant with low birth weight (RR, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.27–4.34). However, rates of 5‐min Apgar score < 7 (RR, 1.85; 95% CI, 0.69–4.96), NICU admission (RR, 2.09; 95% CI, 0.80–5.45), meconium‐stained amniotic fluid (RR, 1.32; 95% CI, 0.62–2.81) and Cesarean delivery for fetal distress (RR, 1.65; 95% CI, 0.81–3.36) were similar to those for women with normal AFI. Stillbirth rates were too low to analyze in the meta‐analysis.

Conclusions

This review helps to delineate which adverse outcomes are increased with oligohydramnios in low‐risk pregnancy (NICU admission, Cesarean delivery for fetal distress and meconium aspiration syndrome), but does not provide enough data to determine the optimal timing of delivery in such cases. Oligohydramnios in complicated pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of delivery of an infant with low birth weight, but this may be confounded by the comorbid condition. Therefore, in high‐risk pregnancy, management should be dictated by the comorbid condition and not the presence of oligohydramnios. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Magnetic resonance enema vs rectal water‐contrast transvaginal sonography in diagnosis of rectosigmoid endometriosis
Authors: Leone Roberti Maggiore U. , Biscaldi E. , Vellone V. G. , Venturini P. L. , Ferrero S.
Published: April 2016

Objective

To compare the accuracy of magnetic resonance enema (MR‐e) and rectal water‐contrast transvaginal sonography (RWC‐TVS) in the diagnosis of rectosigmoid endometriosis.

Methods

This prospective study included 286 patients of reproductive age with clinical suspicion of rectosigmoid endometriosis. Patients underwent MR‐e and RWC‐TVS before laparoscopic excision of endometriotic lesions. The findings of MR‐e and RWC‐TVS were compared with surgical and histological results.

Results

Of the 286 patients included in the study, 151 (52.8%) had rectosigmoid endometriosis. MR‐e and RWC‐TVS had similar accuracy in the diagnosis of rectosigmoid endometriosis (P = 0.063). In the diagnosis of rectosigmoid endometriosis with MR‐e, the sensitivity was 95.4% (95% CI, 90.7–99.1%), specificity was 97.8% (95% CI, 93.6–99.5%), positive predictive value (PPV) was 98.0% (95% CI, 94.1–99.6%), negative predictive value (NPV) was 95.0% (95% CI, 89.9–97.9%), positive likelihood ratio (LR+) was 42.91 (95% CI, 14.01–131.46) and negative likelihood ratio (LR−) was 0.05 (95% CI, 0.02–0.10). For diagnosis with RWC‐TVS, sensitivity was 92.7% (95% CI, 87.3–96.3%), specificity was 97.0% (95% CI, 92.6–99.2%), PPV was 97.2% (95% CI, 93.0–99.2%), NPV was 92.3% (95% CI, 86.6–96.1%), LR+ was 31.29 (95% CI, 11.90–82.25) and LR− was 0.08 (95% CI, 0.04–0.13). MR‐e and RWC‐TVS underestimated the size of the endometriotic nodules; for both imaging techniques the underestimation was greater for nodules with a diameter ≥ 30 mm. There was no significant difference in the mean intensity of pain experienced by the patients during the two examinations.

Conclusions

RWC‐TVS should be the first‐line investigation in patients with clinical suspicion of rectosigmoid endometriosis and physicians should be trained in performing this examination. Considering that MR‐e is more expensive than RWC‐TVS, it should be used only when the findings of RWC‐TVS are unclear. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Aluminum‐ and Gallium‐Containing Open‐Dawson Polyoxometalates
Authors: Matsunaga Satoshi , Inoue Yusuke , Otaki Takuya , Osada Hironori , Nomiya Kenji
Published: April 2016

Al‐ and Ga‐containing open‐Dawson polyoxometalates (POMs), K10[{Al4(μ‐OH)6}{α,α‐Si2W18O66}]·28.5H2O (Al4‐open) and K10[{Ga4(μ‐OH)6}(α,α‐Si2W18O66)]·25H2O (Ga4‐open) were synthesized by the reaction of trilacunary Keggin POM, [A‐α‐SiW9O34]10–, with Al(NO3)3·9H2O or Ga(NO3)3·nH2O, and unequivocally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray analysis, 29Si and 183W NMR, and FT‐IR spectroscopy as well as elemental analysis and TG/DTA. Single‐crystal X‐ray analysis revealed that the {M4(μ‐OH)6}6+ (M = Al, Ga) clusters were included in an open pocket of the open‐Dawson polyanion, [α,α‐Si2W18O66]16–, which was constituted by the fusion of two trilacunary Keggin POMs via two W–O–W bonds. These two open‐Dawson structural POMs showed clear difference of the bite angles depending on the size of ionic radii. In cases of both compounds, the solution 29Si and 183W NMR spectra in D2O showed only one signal and five signals, respectively. These spectra were consistent with the molecular structures of Al4‐ and Ga4‐open, suggesting that these polyoxoanions were obtained as single species and maintained their molecular structures in solution.
Progression and predictors of mild cognitive impairment in Chinese elderly: A prospective follow‐up in the Shanghai Aging Study
Authors: Ding Ding , Zhao Qianhua , Guo Qihao , Liang Xiaoniu , Luo Jianfeng , Yu Lirong , Zheng Li , Hong Zhen ,   Shanghai Aging Study (SAS)
Published: April 2016

Introduction

The Shanghai Aging Study is a community‐based study aiming to investigate the incidence and progression of cognitive decline in Chinese elderly, with the operational procedures and diagnostic criteria similar to cohort studies in developed countries.

Methods

We prospectively evaluated 362 individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) diagnosed at baseline through a clinical and neuropsychological interview. Diagnoses of dementia and MCI were made using standard criteria via consensus diagnosis.

Results

The conversion rate to dementia was 6.0 per 100 person‐years, while the reversion rate to cognitive normal was 7.8 per 100 person‐years. Amnestic MCI multiple domains was the most risky type for dementia (conversion rate: 14.2 per 100 person‐years). Older age (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.09), apolipoprotein E (APOE ε4) (HR = 2.15), and low MMSE score (HR = 1.18) were predictors for dementia.

Discussion

Approximately 6% of elderly with MCI progress to dementia annually. Prospective studies are needed to further examine risk and protective predictors and to seek proper interventions for cognitive decline.
Fairtrade Certification and Livelihood Impacts on Small‐scale Coffee Producers in a Tribal Community of India
Authors: Ranjan Jena Pradyot , Grote Ulrike
Published: April 2016

Can Fairtrade certification improve farmers’ livelihoods in small‐scale coffee farming tribal communities in India? Has Fairtrade contributed to capacity‐building among the farmers? To answer these questions, household data of 256 coffee farmers from a tribal coffee‐producing community in southern India was collected in 2010. Using the propensity score matching technique, the empirical findings show that Fairtrade certification has a positive impact on farmers’ income. However, the incidence of poverty in the community is very high, with 84% of the certified farmers being extremely poor. Some improvement in the livelihoods of certified farmers has occurred from higher and assured farm gate prices, regular collection of coffee from the village centers that reduces travel costs, and from the social Fairtrade premium. But while the benefits are modest and the process is slow, challenges remain in terms of improving the effectiveness and management of the cooperative system, as well as raising the awareness of farmers about Fairtrade certification. There is a need to strengthen the positive impacts created by Fairtrade certification by collaboration between the cooperative and local government to enhance the technical, financial and human capacities of the coffee cooperative members.
methyLiftover: cross-platform DNA methylation data integration
Authors: Titus Alexander J. , Houseman E. Andrés , Johnson Kevin C. , Christensen Brock C.
Published: April 2016

Summary: The public availability of high throughput molecular data provides new opportunities for researchers to advance discovery, replication and validation efforts. One common challenge in leveraging such data is the diversity of measurement approaches and platforms and a lack of utilities enabling cross-platform comparisons among data sources for analysis. We present a method to map DNA methylation data from bisulfite sequencing approaches to CpG sites measured with the widely used Illumina methylation bead-array platforms. Correlations and median absolute deviations support the validity of using bisulfite sequencing data in combination with Illumina bead-array methylation data.

Availability and Implementation:  https://github.com/Christensen-Lab-Dartmouth/methyLiftover includes source, documentation and data references.

Contact: brock.c.christensen@dartmouth.edu

Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Prediction of glyphosate resistance level based onEPSPSgene copy number inKochia scoparia
Authors: Gaines Todd A. , Barker Abigail L. , Patterson Eric L. , Westra Philip , Westra Eric P. , Wilson Robert G. , Kniss Andrew R.
Published: April 2016

Glyphosate-resistant (GR)Kochia scopariahas evolved in dryland chemical fallow systems throughout North America and the mechanism involves 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) gene duplication. Sugarbeet fields in four states were surveyed forK. scopariain 2013 and tested for glyphosate-resistance level andEPSPSgene copy number. Glyphosate resistance was confirmed inK. scopariapopulations collected from sugarbeet fields in Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska. The GR samples all had increasedEPSPSgene copy number, with median population values up to 11. An empirical model was developed to estimate the level of glyphosate-resistance inK. scopariabased onEPSPSgene copy number. The results suggested that glyphosate susceptibility can be accurately diagnosed usingEPSPSgene copy number, and further increases inEPSPSgene copy number could increase resistance levels up to 8-fold relative to susceptibleK. scoparia. These trends suggest that continued glyphosate selection pressure is selecting for higherEPSPScopy number and higher resistance levels inK. scoparia. By including multipleK. scopariasamples lackingEPSPSgene duplication, our empirical model provides a more realistic estimate of fold-resistance due toEPSPSgene copy number compared to methods that do not account for normal variation of herbicide response in susceptible biotypes.
Thiouridine residues in tRNAs are responsible for a synergistic effect of UVA and UVB light in photoinactivation of Escherichia coli
Authors: Probst‐Rüd Sandra , McNeill Kristopher , Ackermann Martin
Published: April 2016

Since different wavelengths of light impact different cellular targets, microorganisms exposed to natural sunlight experience a combination of multiple stressors. In order to better understand the effects of sunlight on microorganisms we, therefore, need to understand how different wavelength act alone and in combination. Here, we describe a synergistic effect between UVA and UVB irradiation on viability of Escherichia coli bacteria. To investigate the basis of this synergistic effect we analysed mutant strains that were obtained through selection for increased resistance to combined UVA and UVB. By identifying and reconstructing genetic changes in the resistant strains we provide evidence that UVA‐absorbing thiouridine residues in tRNAs are the key to the synergistic effect. Our study provides insights into how naturally occurring combinations of stressors can interact, and points to new ways for controlling microbial populations.
Trials and Tribulations ‐ an RCT comparing manualized family therapy with Treatment as Usual and reflections on key issues that arose in the implementation
Authors: Boston Paula , Cottrell David
Published: April 2016

SHIFT has been one of the largest RCTs in the field of systemic family therapy in the UK. The study took place over five years, including three major centres with fifteen Trusts and twenty‐five family therapists who worked with a manualized treatment in CAMHS with adolescents who self‐harmed. While the results are not available at the time of this publication, this paper will briefly describe the pre‐ existing factors which were helpful in developing a successful bid, clinical and managerial elements of ‘real world research’ of complex psychological processes and the construction of the manualized systemic family therapy. It also offers examples of some of the unanticipated events in the life of such a large trial.

Practitioner Points

Large trials develop from small studies and clinicians are urged to look for opportunities for research partnerships

Investment in time for consideration of difficult issues as they arise is essential for effective trial management

The balance between research rigour and ‘real life’ practice is an inevitable area of tension and requires consideration of both immediate and outcome consequences
Impacts of Geographic Distance on Peritoneal Dialysis Utilization: Refining Models of Treatment Selection
Authors: Wang Virginia , Maciejewski Matthew L. , Coffman Cynthia J. , Sanders Linda L. , Lee Shoou‐Yih Daniel , Hirth Richard , Messana Joseph
Published: April 2016

Objective

To examine the relationship between distance to dialysis provider and patient selection of dialysis modality, informed by the absolute distance from a patient's home and relative distance of alternative modalities.

Data Sources

U.S. Renal Data System.

Study Design

About 70,131 patients initiating chronic dialysis and 4,795 dialysis facilities in 2006. The primary outcome was patient utilization of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Independent variables included absolute distance between patients' home and the nearest hemodialysis (HD) facility, relative distance between patients' home and nearestPDversus nearestHDfacilities, and their interaction. Logistic regression was used to model distance onPDuse, controlling for patient and market characteristics.

Principal Findings

Nine percent of incident dialysis patients usedPDin 2006. There was a positive, nonlinear relationship between absolute distance toHDservices andPDuse (p < .0001), with the magnitude of the effect increasing at greater distances. In terms of relative distance, odds ofPDuse increased if aPDfacility was closer or the same distance as the nearestHDfacility (p = .006). Interaction of distance measures to dialysis facilities was not significant.

Conclusions

Analyses of patient choice between alternative treatments should model distance to reflect all relevant dimensions of geographic access to treatment options.
Variation in Payment Rates under Medicare's Inpatient Prospective Payment System
Authors: Krinsky Sam , Ryan Andrew M. , Mijanovich Tod , Blustein Jan
Published: April 2016

Objective

To measure variation in payment rates under Medicare's Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) and identify the main payment adjustments that drive variation.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Medicare cost reports for all Medicare‐certified hospitals, 1987–2013, and Dartmouth Atlas geographic files.

Study Design

We measure the Medicare payment rate as a hospital's total acute inpatient Medicare Part A payment, divided by the standard IPPS payment for its geographic area. We assess variation using several measures, both within local markets and nationally. We perform a factor decomposition to identify the share of variation attributable to specific adjustments. We also describe the characteristics of hospitals receiving different payment rates and evaluate changes in the magnitude of the main adjustments over time.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Data downloaded from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the National Bureau of Economic Research, and the Dartmouth Atlas.

Principal Findings

In 2013, Medicare paid for acute inpatient discharges at a rate 31 percent above the IPPS base. For the top 10 percent of discharges, the mean rate was double the IPPS base. Variations were driven by adjustments for medical education and care to low‐income populations. The magnitude of variation has increased over time.

Conclusions

Adjustments are a large and growing share of Medicare hospital payments, and they create significant variation in payment rates.
Unintentional Nonhunting Firearm Deaths in Sweden, 1983–2012
Authors: Junuzovic Mensura , Sjöberg Ameli , Eriksson Anders
Published: April 2016

We examined the association between unintentional nonhunting firearm deaths and changes in firearm legislation in Sweden. There were 43 fatalities during the study time frame 1983–2012, representing 46% of all unintentional firearm deaths during the same period. The victims were predominantly young males (mean age 25 years). Slightly more than half of the deaths were caused by another person and were inflicted at close range. The main cause of the incidents was human error. The majority of the involved firearms were legal; however, most victims killed with illegal firearms were under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs at the time. The death rate decreased significantly following the introduction of the hunter's examination in 1985. Education and training associated with the hunter's examination was at least partially responsible for the decline in fatalities after 1985. Future prevention should target the availability of illegal firearms.
Best Interest of the Child and Parental Alienation: A Survey of State Statutes
Authors: Baker Amy J.L. , Asayan Mariann , LaCheen‐Baker Alianna
Published: April 2016

State statutes regarding the best interests of the child (BIC) in deciding disputed custody were reviewed and independently coded with respect to three issues (i) the child's preference and any limits (ii) parental alienation and (iii) psychological maltreatment. Results revealed that many states allowed for the child's preferences to be considered and none qualified that preference when undue influence has occurred; parental alienation as a term was not found in any state statutes but 70% of the states included at least one BIC factor relevant to its core construct of the parent supporting the child's relationship to the other parent; and many states included a history of domestic violence or child abuse but only three states explicitly mentioned psychological maltreatment. These findings highlight yet another way in which the BICS factors lack specificity in ways that could negatively impact children caught in their parents’ conflict.
Fatal Phenol Toxicity Following Attempted Tattoo Removal
Authors: Li Zhen , Zhang Huang , Li Shu‐Hua , Byard Roger W.
Published: April 2016

Tattoo removal is increasingly required as the number of, particularly young, people acquiring tattoos is increasing. A 21‐year‐old man is reported who underwent attempted removal of large dragon tattoo utilizing a tattoo machine that injected a phenol‐containing solution. At the end of the 3‐h procedure, he collapsed and died. At autopsy, large areas of white skin discoloration with focal necrosis and sloughing were present overlying areas of previous tattooing. Histological examination showed collections of eosinophilic fluid with a minimal chronic inflammatory infiltrate in better preserved areas, with focal areas of dermal necrosis. Toxicology was positive for phenol in cardiac blood and liver tissue. There were no underlying organic disease or injuries present which could have caused or contributed to death. This idiosyncratic method of tattoo removal involving subcutaneous injection of phenol had resulted in death most likely from cardiotoxicity.
Population structure of the golden snub‐nosed monkey Rhinopithecus roxellana in the Qinling Mountains, central China
Authors: HUANG Kang , GUO Songtao , CUSHMAN Samuel A. , DUNN Derek W. , QI Xiaoguang , HOU Rong , ZHANG Jing , LI Qi , ZHANG Qiang , SHI Zhen , ZHANG Kan , LI Baoguo
Published: April 2016

Environmental barriers and habitat fragmentation can restrict gene flow, leading to genetic divergence among animal populations. The golden snub‐nosed monkey, Rhinopithecus roxellana, is endemic to China, and ranges across 4 provinces. However, over the past 40 years its populations have become fragmented. We investigated the genetic diversity, demographic history and population structure of R. roxellana in 5 reserves in one of its strongholds, the Qinling Mountain forests of Shaanxi. We collected genetic material from 11 monkey bands (a group of individuals containing multiple 1‐male units) with a total of 428 samples genotyped at 20 microsatellite loci. Allelic richness and heterozygosity suggested a relatively high level of intra‐band genetic diversity. We found no evidence of any genetic bottleneck in these R. roxellana populations. AMOVA and Bayesian cluster analysis revealed that R. roxellana in the 5 reserves are highly structured and form at least 3 distinct subpopulations. These subpopulations concur with major topographical features in the study area, such as mountain ridges, suggesting that dispersal of R. roxellana may be restricted by geographical barriers.
Seventy‐five years of masting and rodent population peaks in Norway: Why do wood mice not follow the rules?
Authors: SELÅS Vidar
Published: April 2016

Wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) populations are expected to show a peak in autumn in the year after a mast year of sessile oak (Quercus petraea), because stored acorns increase winter survival. In Aust‐Agder, South Norway, only 16 of 34 mast years from 1939–2014 were followed by a year with a peak in the wood mouse population. For many of the remaining instances, there rather was a minor peak 2 or 3 years after the mast. In multiple logistic regression models, the probability of a wood mouse population peak after a mast year of sessile oak was positively related to a snow‐corrected temperature index of the previous winter and negatively to a small rodent population index of the previous autumn. The present study thus supports the hypothesis that longer periods with snow‐free ground and subzero temperatures negatively affect wood mouse winter survival. Because it may be difficult for wood mice to survive on a diet consisting of acorns alone, the negative relationship with the rodent population index of the previous year is most likely caused by an over‐exploitation of necessary alternative food resources, such as other plant seeds and arthropods. Stored acorns not utilized during one winter are assumed to benefit wood mice in a succeeding winter, giving a delayed population peak relative to the mast year.
Using Liquid Smoke to Improve Mechanical and Water Resistance Properties of Gelatin Films
Authors: Wang Wenwang , Li Cong , Zhang Hongjie , Ni Yonghao
Published: April 2016

Improvement of mechanical and water barrier properties is critical for gelatin films when applied to edible food packaging. A liquid smoke (LS) obtained from hawthorn nucleus was used to improve the performance of gelatin film based on its abundant compounds. Through SPME‐GC‐MS analysis, 86 volatile and semi‐volatile chemical compounds was detected in LS, in which the total carbonyl compounds were 27.60%, with the main aldehyde as 2‐furaldehyde (9.83%). For gelatin films, an observable influence of LS on film transparency was observed in gelatin films, but not for its thickness and microstructure. Desirably, adding LS into gelatin solution increased the tensile strength of the films, with a better value of 16.38 MPa as 3 wt% LS added, compared with the control (10.30 MPa). Accordingly, film elongation decreased with a LS dependent manner. Furthermore, the water resistance properties of gelatin film were improved by the LS addition, which was supported by the results of water contact angle, water vapor permeability. Moreover, the addition of LS also led to a higher insolubility for gelatin films. Also, thermal stability of the LS treated gelatin films was slightly enhanced with the DSC analysis. According to the FTIR spectra and crosslinking degree detection results, all the above enhancing of gelatin film should be attributed to the crosslinking between carbonyl groups in LS and amide functionalities in gelatin based on nucleophilic reaction.
Initial Droplet Size Impacts pH‐Induced Structural Changes in Phase‐Separated Polymer Dispersions
Authors: Thongkaew Chutima , Zeeb Benjamin , Gibis Monika , Hinrichs Jörg , Weiss Jochen
Published: April 2016

The effect of pH change on the morphology of whey protein isolate (WPI)–pectin dispersions obtained from phase‐separated systems after mild shear was studied. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of mixing speed on the initial particle size of biopolymer complexes and their structure morphology after sequentially changing the pH. Therefore, solutions of WPI and pectin were combined at pH 6.1, allowed to phase separate and were then mildly homogenized at 50, 100, and 150 rpm, respectively, to form a dispersion containing differently sized WPI droplets in a surrounding pectin‐rich phase. Each dispersion was then subjected to a pH change, such as 6.1 to 5.2 and 3.2, by slowly adding hydrochloric acid. The systems morphology, size, appearance, rheology, and storage stability was then characterized by optical microscopy, static light scattering, visual inspections, and steady shear rheometry to gain insights into the structural rearrangements. Results indicated substantial changes in the structure of the dispersion when the pH was changed. Formation of core‐shell structures from the WPI droplets was observed at an intermediate pH. There, initial droplet size was found to affect structures formed, that is, core‐shell type particles would only form if droplets were large (>1.5 μm) prior to pH change. Insights gained may be of importance to food manufacturers intending to create new structures from mixtures of proteins and carbohydrates.