bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synchronization-induced persistence versus selection for habitats in spatially coupled ecosystems
Authors: Lampert Adam , Hastings Alan
Published: July 2013

Critical population phase transitions, in which a persistent population becomes extinction-prone owing to environmental changes, are fundamentally important in ecology, and their determination is a key factor in successful ecosystem management. To persist, a species requires a suitable environment in a sufficiently large spatial region. However, even if this condition is met, the species does not necessarily persist, owing to stochastic fluctuations. Here, we develop a model that allows simultaneous investigation of extinction due to either stochastic or deterministic reasons. We find that even classic birth–death processes in spatially extended ecosystems exhibit phase transitions between extinction-prone and persistent populations. Sometimes these are first-order transitions, which means that environmental changes may result in irreversible population collapse. Moreover, we find that higher migration rates not only lead to higher robustness to stochastic fluctuations, but also result in lower sustainability in heterogeneous environments by preventing efficient selection for suitable habitats. This demonstrates that intermediate migration rates are optimal for survival. At low migration rates, the dynamics are reduced to metapopulation dynamics, whereas at high migration rates, the dynamics are reduced to a multi-type branching process. We focus on species persistence, but our results suggest a unique method for finding phase transitions in spatially extended stochastic systems in general.
Adaptive noise
Authors: Viney Mark , Reece Sarah E.
Published: July 2013

In biology, noise implies error and disorder and is therefore something which organisms may seek to minimize and mitigate against. We argue that such noise can be adaptive. Recent studies have shown that gene expression can be noisy, noise can be genetically controlled, genes and gene networks vary in how noisy they are and noise generates phenotypic differences among genetically identical cells. Such phenotypic differences can have fitness benefits, suggesting that evolution can shape noise and that noise may be adaptive. For example, gene networks can generate bistable states resulting in phenotypic diversity and switching among individual cells of a genotype, which may be a bet hedging strategy. Here, we review the sources of noise in gene expression, the extent to which noise in biological systems may be adaptive and suggest that applying evolutionary rigour to the study of noise is necessary to fully understand organismal phenotypes.
Evolution under changing climates: climatic niche stasis despite rapid evolution in a non-native plant
Authors: Alexander Jake M.
Published: July 2013

A topic of great current interest is the capacity of populations to adapt genetically to rapidly changing climates, for example by evolving the timing of life-history events, but this is challenging to address experimentally. I use a plant invasion as a model system to tackle this question by combining molecular markers, a common garden experiment and climatic niche modelling. This approach reveals that non-nativeLactuca serriolaoriginates primarily from Europe, a climatic subset of its native range, with low rates of admixture from Asia. It has rapidly refilled its climatic niche in the new range, associated with the evolution of flowering phenology to produce clines along climate gradients that mirror those across the native range. Consequently, some non-native plants have evolved development times and grow under climates more extreme than those found in Europe, but not among populations from the native range as a whole. This suggests that many plant populations can adapt rapidly to changed climatic conditions that are already within the climatic niche space occupied by the species elsewhere in its range, but that evolution to conditions outside of this range is more difficult. These findings can also help to explain the prevalence of niche conservatism among non-native species.
Thermal conductance and basal metabolic rate are part of a coordinated system for heat transfer regulation
Authors: Naya Daniel E. , Spangenberg Lucía , Naya Hugo , Bozinovic Francisco
Published: July 2013

Thermal conductance measures the ease with which heat leaves or enters  an organism's body. Although the analysis of this physiological variable in relation to climatic and ecological factors can be traced to studies by Scholander and colleagues, only small advances have occurred ever since. Here, we analyse the relationship between minimal thermal conductance estimated during summer (Cmin) and several ecological, climatic and geographical factors for 127 rodent species, in order to identify the exogenous factors that have potentially affected the evolution of thermal conductance. In addition, we evaluate whether there is compensation betweenCminand basal metabolic rate (BMR)—in such a way that a scale-invariant ratio between both variables is equal to one—as could be expected from the Scholander–Irving model of heat transfer. Our major findings are (i) annual mean temperature is the best single predictor of mass-independentCmin. (ii) After controlling for the effect of body mass, there is a strong positive correlation between log10(Cmin) and log10(BMR). Further, the slope of this correlation is close to one, indicating an almost perfect compensation between both physiological variables. (iii) Structural equation modelling indicated thatCminvalues are adjusted to BMR values and not the other way around. Thus, our results strongly suggest that BMR and thermal conductance integrate a coordinated system for heat regulation in endothermic animals and that summer conductance values are adjusted (in an evolutionary sense) to track changes in BMRs.
CGIJ review
Authors: MacVane Phipps Fiona
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this review is to enable busy health professionals to gain a rapid overview of the content contained in the current issue of CGIJ.

Design/methodology/approach

The design is a review, providing a brief summary of each of the major papers contained in the current issue of CGIJ.

Findings

Clinical governance continues to be an important facet of healthcare in the UK and around the world. In some developing countries however, implementation of clinical governance continues to be a work in progress with some senior managers expressing concerns that it is merely a “paper exercise” in their areas. Areas where components of the clinical governance agenda have been used to improve services in the UK include an acute gynaecology dashboard developed for an EPAU in London, prevention of sudden death in epilepsy (SUDEP) and evaluation of an out‐of‐hours GP service where some GP consultations are now done by ANPs and pharmacists. Finally, adopting a clinical governance approach to accountancy auditing has led to improvements in the island nation, Solomon Islands where geographic spread and low per capita income add challenges to national healthcare management.

Originality/value

The value of this review is that it enables readers to quickly identify articles of interest to them which they can then be read in their entirety.
It's good to talk: auditing clinicians' interactions with patients in a primary care setting
Authors: Donnellon Kay , Hurford Grace , Cox Diane L.
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyse the effect on clinical practice of auditing doctors, advanced nurse practitioners and pharmacist consultations within an out of hours primary care organisation and the resultant effects this may have on clinical practice and the quality of care provision.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilises a multi method time series case study approach using the results from the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) audit tool analysis, alongside focus group analysis and participant observation.

Findings

The results demonstrate that there is a clear link between implementation of a clinical audit strategy within a wider clinical governance framework and improved standards of all clinician's work. This study also demonstrates how the analysis can inform a definition of quality.

Research limitations/implications

The definition of quality is limited and is one of the limitations of the study since it is related to out of hours primary care only.

Practical implications

Results may be extrapolated to other care providers both out of hours and in traditional GP practices.

Originality/value

This case study demonstrates how the time series analysis of audit results can assist in assuring commissioners of health services of the quality of the services they appoint.
Suggestions for alternative tropical cyclone warning graphics in the USA
Authors: Radford Laura , Senkbeil Jason C. , Rockman Meganne
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The cone of uncertainty (COU) warning graphic has created confusion for people trying to make evacuation and safety decisions. The purpose of this research was to create several alternative tropical cyclone graphics and present them to the public and college students via face‐to‐face surveys and polling.

Design/methodology/approach

Surveys depicting hypothetical landfall scenarios were administered in Pensacola and Jacksonville, FL. Respondents ranked five graphics in order of preference, and were encouraged to discuss their rankings. Following this initial field research, the most popular graphic of these five was compared to a graphic resembling the one used by The Australian Bureau of Meteorology. Comments were recorded for respondents favoring or disliking the Australian graphic in two separate analyses. A final graphic emphasizing post‐landfall hazards was also created as a suggestion for future research and evaluated directly against the most popular graphics from field research.

Findings

A graphic called the color‐probability‐cone was the most popular graphic in field research. There were subtle differences in graphic preference resulting from age and gender influences, with only one significant result. Comments from subsequent analyses reveal that the Australian graphic causes mixed reactions. A final analysis with a larger sample of college students revealed that the color‐probability‐cone was the most popular choice; however, comments reveal that many respondents who had used hurricane graphics before liked the specificity presented by the Australian graphic and the hazards graphic.

Originality/value

This research represents a possible initial step in the process of establishing a tropical cyclone warning graphic that is informative, visually appealing, and effective.
Optimization of wastewater treatment technology selection using hybrid MCDM
Authors: Ilangkumaran M. , Sasirekha V. , Anojkumar L. , Sakthivel G. , Boopathi Raja M. , Ruban Sundara Raj T. , Siddhartha CNS. , Nizamuddin P. , Praveen Kumar S.
Published: July 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to describe an application of hybrid Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) technique for the selection of wastewater treatment (WWT) technology for treating wastewater.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed approach is based on Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) under fuzzy environment, Preference Ranking Organization METHod for Enrichment Evaluation (PROMETHEE) and hierarchy Grey Relation Analysis (GRA) techniques. Two models are proposed to evaluate the best WWT. The first model, Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) is integrated with Preference Ranking Organization METHod for Enrichment Evaluation (PROMETHEE) technique. The second model, FAHP is integrated with hierarchy Grey Relation Analysis (GRA) technique. The Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) is used to determine the weights of criteria and then ranking of the WWT technology is determined by PROMETHEE and GRA.

Findings

An efficient pair‐wise comparison process and ranking of alternatives can be achieved for WWT technology selection through the integration of FAHP and PROMETHEE, FAHP and GRA.

Originality/value

The paper highlights a new insight into MCDM techniques to select an optimum WWT technology selection for the paper manufacturing industry.
Assessment of the applicability of the Pay As You Throw system into current waste management in Estonia
Authors: Voronova Viktoria , Piirimäe Kristjan , Virve Mailis
Published: July 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the current waste management situation in Estonian municipalities and outlines the main constraints hindering the implementation of the Pay‐As‐You‐Throw (PAYT) system into the existing waste management model.

Design/methodology/approach

Data pertaining to the treatment methods of municipal solid waste (MSW) and the ability to implement the PAYT system were gathered from 150 of the 226 local municipalities, whilst statistical data related to the amounts of MSW generated and separately collected at a municipal level were obtained from the Estonian Environmental Information Centre.

Findings

The results of the study showed that 39 per cent of the municipalities sort waste before landfilling. To increase the sorting ability of inhabitants, 43 per cent of those municipalities that responded to the questionnaire suggested enhancing awareness among people in regard to waste handling. It was found that people are not economically motivated to sort their waste due to the fact that differences in charges between separately collected and unsorted waste are negligible. It was estimated that implementing the PAYT system in one rural municipality would increase the cost of emptying containers by approximately 20‐45 per cent.

Practical implications

Results of the study can be used in countries with a comparable economic situation to improve their current economic and legislative context in the field of sustainable waste management.

Originality/value

The novelty is that the authors aimed to assess the possibility of implementation of the Pay‐As‐You‐Throw system in practice, using Estonian municipalities as a case area, including economic feasibility and willingness of stakeholders to apply the system.
Optimization of thick layers photopolymerization systems applying experimental and analytical approach
Authors: Wesley Machado Cunico Marlon , de Carvalho Jonas
Published: July 2013

Purpose

Over the last several years, the range of applications of photopolymerization process has been steadily increasing, especially in areas such as rapid prototyping, UV inks, UV coats and orthodontic applications. In spite of this, there are still several challenges to be overcome when the application concerns materials with thick layers. In this context, the main goal of this work is to outline a scheme to optimize the process of photopolymerizarion for thick layers, identifying its differences in relation to those applicable for thin layers.

Design/methodology/approach

For this research, the authors have applied multivariable analysis methods which allow the identification of principal conclusions, based on analytical and experimental results. For analytical analysis, the authors applied numerical optimization for multivariables, while experimental analysis was done based on design of experiments. Both the analyses were based on methyl methacrylate as monomer and Omnirad 2500 as photoinitiator, with the adjustable variables being initiator concentration; power of light source; light wave length; and thickness of layer. The range of values chosen for initiator concentration was between 1 and 10 per cent, while for light power, the range was 5‐9 W. For light wave length, the authors selected 325 and 400 nm as limits for their study and 0.12 and 4 mm as the range for thickness of layers. For the analytical approach of their study, it was possible to identify optimum conditions for curing thick layers, besides looking at optimum condition at each step along the varying thickness. On the other hand, in the experimental approach, the authors just considered the initiator concentration and thickness as variables, applying gravimetric and photometric analysis to determine the conversion curve of material.

Findings

In conclusion based on these studies, it was possible to identify the influence of thickness and initiator concentration as function of penetration depth, polymerization rate and homogeneity of material, in addition to determining the effect of light power and light wave length over the process. As a result of these studies, it was possible to identify situations wherein the material will possibly undergo a high degree shrinkage in addition to showing consequences of high quantity of initiator. On the other hand, low concentration of initiator is shown to provide more homogeneous solution besides being more suitable for deep layers. It was also possible to compare analytical and experimental results, making it possible to predict the behaviour of material for other conditions.

Originality/value

The main value of this work is to show the possibility of optimizing photopolymerizable systems through an analytical approach. In addition, it emphasized the viability of the application of UV curable material for producing moulded parts.
Nutritional characteristics of soils on an inferred chronosequence. A comment on Laliberté et al. ()
Authors: Uren Nicholas C. , Parsons Robert F.
Published: July 2013

We question the reasoning of the authors who claim that their evidence strongly supports a long‐term ecosystem development model in which phosphorus (P) is the factor that leads to the regression phase of the succession. Parent material, relief (topography and drainage) and climates (past and present) are key factors that were not considered sufficiently or critically.

Their choice of P as the most important factor determining the direction of the succession overlooks other likely critical determinants of primary productivity on sandy soils such as the supply of water and nutrients other than P, particularly trace elements on calcareous soils.

The use of crop species as phytometers to determine which nutrients were limiting the primary productivity of native species at each site inevitably raises significant problems of interpretation.

Synthesis. The main problems with the paper (Laliberté et al. 2012) are (i) that the large differences in soil parent material between the dune systems and other factors make the sites of doubtful use for chronosequence work and, (ii) that errors arise in the discussion of nutritional characteristics because important literature has been overlooked. The paper exemplifies a larger problem where modern long‐term chronosequence work tends increasingly to overlook the need for sites to be chosen which minimize changes in all the soil‐forming factors other than time as expounded by Jenny (1941).
Social determinants of parent–child interaction in the UK
Authors: Brocklebank R. , Bedford H. , Griffiths L. J.
Published: July 2013

Background

Children are shaped in part by their environment and one rich in communication is therefore beneficial. Activities such as play and reading have long lasting positive effects on development. This study examined the social and demographic characteristics of mothers who play with, read to and tell stories to their child, using data from the UK‐wide Millennium Cohort Study (MCS).

Methods

The study included 14 034 mothers of singleton 5‐year‐old children. Using data from the first and third sweeps of the MCS, we examined how often mothers engaged with their child in playing, reading and telling stories, according to their social and demographic characteristics: ethnicity, socio‐economic status, highest academic qualification, lone mother status, age at birth of cohort child, number of children and employment status. Adjusted logistic regression analyses were conducted using Stata.

Results

When their children were 5 years old, 22% of mothers reported playing, 51% reading and 13% telling stories everyday. Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Black mothers were significantly less likely to play with their child at least weekly compared with White mothers. The same applied to lone mothers compared with those living with a partner. Mothers with academic qualifications lower than degree level were less likely to read at least once weekly. Compared with mothers who worked full‐time, those who worked part‐time, were ‘on‐leave’ or unemployed, were more likely to play with, and read to, their child at least weekly. Mothers with more than one child were significantly less likely to engage at least weekly in any of the three activities studied.

Conclusions

We found significant inequalities in the frequency of playing, reading and telling stories according to sociodemographic characteristics. This information is important to be able to target more effectively vulnerable children using established public health initiatives, like ‘Bookstart’ and ‘Surestart’, aimed at promoting play, reading and story telling.
Rhinoviral infection and asthma: the detection and management of rhinoviruses by airway epithelial cells
Authors: Parker L. C. , Stokes C. A. , Sabroe I.
Published: July 2013

Human rhinoviruses (HRV) have been linked to the development of childhood asthma and recurrent acute asthma exacerbations throughout life, and contribute considerably to the healthcare and economic burden of this disease. However, the ability of HRV infections to trigger exacerbations, and the link between allergic status and HRV responsiveness, remains incompletely understood. Whilst the receptors on human airway cells that detect and are utilized by most HRV group A and B, but not C serotypes are known, how endosomal pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) detect HRV replication products that are generated within the cytoplasm remains somewhat of an enigma. In this article, we explore a role for autophagy, a cellular homeostatic process that allows the cell to encapsulate its own cytosolic constituents, as the crucial mechanism controlling this process and regulating the innate immune response of airway epithelial cells to viral infection. We will also briefly describe some of the recent insights into the immune responses of the airway to HRV, focusing on neutrophilic inflammation that is a potentially unwanted feature of the acute response to viral infection, and the roles of IL‐1 and Pellinos in the regulation of responses to HRV.
Does aerobic exercise intensity affect health‐related parameters in overweight women?
Authors: Botero João P. , Prado Wagner L. , Guerra Ricardo L. F. , Speretta Guilherme F. F. , Leite Richard D. , Prestes Jonato , Sanz Adrián V. , Lyons Scott , de Azevedo Paulo H. S. M. , Baldissera Vilmar , Perez Sergio E. A. , Dâmaso Ana , da Silva Rozinaldo G.
Published: July 2013

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of a cycling training programme performed at intensity corresponding to the lowest value of the respiratory quotient (RQ) versus at intensity corresponding to the ventilatory threshold (VT), on body composition and health‐related parameters in overweight women. Thirty‐two sedentary obese women (27–42 years old) were studied in a randomized trial of either RQ (n = 17) or VT (n = 15). RQ and VT training sessions were equalized by time (60 min) and performed in a cycloergometer. Anthropometry, body composition, lipid profile, glucose, basal metabolic rate (BMR) and fitness (maximal oxygen uptake) were evaluated before and after 12 weeks of intervention. Body weight, body mass index, fatness and fitness were improved in both groups (P<0·001). Triglycerides (TG) levels decreased only in response to RQ (P<0·001) and fat‐free mass (FFM) to VT (P = 0·002). No differences were observed between groups. Both exercise intensities seem to be effective for improving health in overweight women. However, low‐intensity compared with the high‐intensity exercise training appears to have additional benefits on TG levels and to maintenance of FFM.
Gaze direction affects linear self‐motion heading discrimination in humans
Authors: Ni Jianguang , Tatalovic Milos , Straumann Dominik , Olasagasti Itsaso
Published: July 2013

We investigated the effect of eye‐in‐head and head‐on‐trunk direction on heading discrimination. Participants were passively translated in darkness along linear trajectories in the horizontal plane deviating 2° or 5° to the right or left of straight‐ahead as defined by the subject's trunk. Participants had to report whether the experienced translation was to the right or left of the trunk straight‐ahead. In a first set of experiments, the head was centered on the trunk and fixation lights directed the eyes 16° either left or right. Although eye position was not correlated with the direction of translation, rightward reports were more frequent when looking right than when looking left, a shift of the point of subjective equivalence in the direction opposite to eye direction (two of the 38 participants showed the opposite effect). In a second experiment, subjects had to judge the same trunk‐referenced trajectories with head‐on‐trunk deviated 16° left. Comparison with the performance in the head‐centered paradigms showed an effect of the head in the same direction as the effect of eye eccentricity. These results can be qualitatively described by biases reflecting statistical regularities present in human behaviors such as the alignment of gaze and path. Given the known effects of gaze on auditory localization and perception of straight‐ahead, we also expect contributions from a general influence of gaze on the head‐to‐trunk reference frame transformations needed to bring motion‐related information from the head‐centered otoliths into a trunk‐referenced representation.
Effects of grazing on plant community structure and aboveground net primary production of semiarid boreal steppe of northernMongolia
Authors: Lkhagva Ariuntsetseg , Boldgiv Bazartseren , Goulden Clyde E. , Yadamsuren Oyunchuluun , Lauenroth William K.
Published: July 2013

We studied the effects of grazing on plant community structure and total plant biomass across the landscape while taking account of nutrient gradient, from wet and nutrient‐rich sites (north‐facing steppe) to dry and nutrient‐poor sites (south‐facing steppe) in semiarid steppe of northern Mongolia. Livestock grazing increased species richness of wet and nutrient‐rich sites, while no significant change was observed in dry and nutrient‐poor sites. The species richness increase in the wet and nutrient‐poor sites was explained by local colonization of grazing‐tolerant species. Species that adapted in the wet and nutrient‐rich sites were driven to local extinction as a consequence of competitive exclusion. At a large spatial scale, livestock grazing can have a potential negative effect on a regional species pool, as it excludes species adapted in wet and nutrient‐rich sites. Although grazing did not affect species richness in the dry and nutrient‐poor south‐facing steppe, plant communities under grazing shifted to dominance by short and prostrate forb species. A spatial difference of the total plant biomass across the landscape was higher in non‐grazed landscape but this difference lessened in grazed landscape. The greatest percentage reductions of the total plant biomass due to grazing were in wet and nutrient‐rich sites. In conclusion, at a community level, plant communities responded differently to livestock grazing, but at an ecosystem level, the total plant biomass decreased under grazing across the landscape of the semiarid boreal steppe. The livestock grazing in the wet and nutrient‐rich sites resulted in the disappearance of moss cover, which is the main insulator of permafrost. The loss of moss cover could potentially accelerate a thawing of permafrost and warming of this region. Also, we found different results on dominance ofArtemisia frigidaWilld. from those reported in the steppe of Inner Mongolia. At a regional scale, this species might not be considered as an indicator species of livestock grazing.
Factors affecting wetland ground beetle (Carabidae) assemblages: how important are habitats, conservation designations and management?
Authors: Williams Christopher D. , Hayes Margaret , Mc Donnell Rory J. , Anderson Roy , Bleasdale Andy , Gormally Michael J.
Published: July 2013

We investigated factors affecting wetland carabid diversity and assemblage dynamics as part of the first national survey in the Republic of Ireland.

Species richness was significantly different among habitat types and was significantly higher on designated as opposed to undesignated land. However, red‐data‐book species richness was significantly higher on undesignated land, highlighting the importance of land outside the conservation network. This was largely due to the prominence ofCarabus clatratusL. outside designated areas and often on high‐disturbance land. Management for species of conservation interest outside of designated areas, and in concert with existing agri‐environment, schemes is apparent.

Shannon's entropy was significantly greater on grazed as compared to ungrazed land, further highlighting the importance of management in maintaining high diversity carabid assemblages, which should be included in future conservation plans for ground dwelling invertebrates.

Models of diversity partitioning for a number of variables (location, habitat type, perceived habitat quality, designation status and grazing) indicated a significantly lower α (within sites) diversity than would be expected by chance, but significantly higher β diversities, indicating that diversity was significantly structured among rather than within groups of these variables.

A multi‐response permutation procedure, however, indicated that carabid assemblage composition was significantly, but weakly, structured in terms of domestic grazing, location and both broad and narrow habitat classifications. This indicates a difference in the significance of the effects of variables on beta‐diversity as assessed through partitioning using a dimensionless value and assessments based on the pairwise dissimilarity matrix.
A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial to investigate the effect of Cynatine®HNS on skin characteristics
Authors: Beer C. , Wood S. , Veghte R. H.
Published: July 2013

Synopsis

Objective

A new, novel product, Cynatine® HNS was evaluated for its effects as a supplement for improving various aspects of skin in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial.

Methods

A total of 50 females were included and randomized into two groups. The active group (n = 25) received two capsules totalling of Cynatine® HNS, comprised of Cynatine® brand keratin (500 mg) plus vitamins and minerals, per day, and the placebo group (n = 25) received two identical capsules of maltodextrin per day for 90 days. End points for skin moisture, skin elasticity, wrinkle reduction, skin compactness and skin appearance were measured.

Results

The results show that subjects taking Cynatine® HNS showed statistically significant improvements in their skin when compared with placebo.

Conclusion

Cynatine® HNS is an effective supplement for improving skin in 90 days or less.
CLINICAL UTILITY OF BIOMARKERS IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE AND CHRONIC HEART FAILURE
Authors: Zachariah Donah , Olechowski Bartosz , Kalra Paul R.
Published: July 2013

Biomarkers have an increasingly important clinical role in managing patients with heart failure as well as those with kidney disease, both common conditions with generally poor prognostic outcomes and huge impacts on healthcare economics. For patients with chronic heart failure, biomarkers have become centre place in streamlining diagnostic pathways as well as identifying those with worse prognosis. There is much interest in the role for biomarkers in identifying patients at risk of acute kidney injury, although a number of these currently remain as research tools or are in the early stages of evaluation in clinical practice. Patients with cardiorenal syndrome represent a particular challenge to the clinician, and recent studies have suggested a valuable clinical role for certain biomarkers in this setting, either on their own or in combination. This paper will focus on biomarkers with a current clinical role in patients with cardiorenal disease (natriuretic peptides and neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin), although brief reference will be made to other biomarkers with potential future application.
Internal challenge to clinical trial project management: strategies for managing investigator compliance
Authors: Cao Hongbo , Shang Hongcai , Mu Wei , Zhai Jinbo , Hou Yazhu , Wang Hui
Published: July 2013

Background

Managing compliance in a clinical research, especially in a multi‐centre randomized clinical trial (MRCT) is vital. We now feel the need to take a look at the once overlooked area of investigator compliance as it may provide resources necessary for producing satisfactory trial outcomes.

Objectives

To analyze investigator performance and examine their adherence behavior using data collected and information gained from the MISPS‐TCM, a Chinese national research project.

Methods

Four researchers were responsible for collecting relevant information and investigating the compliance behavior of participants in MISPS‐TCM. The Data Management Committee of MISPS‐TCM offered us the number of withdrawal at each site and other site information. Reports on investigator compliance events were provided by the Monitoring Committee. Records of any misconduct of or errors made by the investigator were collected from the Center's daily management diary. Other information sources included trial managers and investigators at the Center or at different sites of the study.

Results

Investigator compliance can be an important determinant of trial outcomes and the degree of compliance may have detrimental effects on the reliability of findings of an MRCT, directly or indirectly.

Conclusions

Trial managers of future MRCTs should take a firm grip on investigator compliance from the following aspects. First, physicians should be provided with more opportunities. Second, we created and recommended the ‘Five Step Method’ for evaluating investigators. Third, measures must be taken to secure investigator compliance. Fourth, evaluation of investigator compliance in an MRCT needs to be made.
The molecular components of the extracellular protein‐degradation pathways of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Paxillus involutus
Authors: Shah Firoz , Rineau Francois , Canbäck Björn , Johansson Tomas , Tunlid Anders
Published: July 2013

Proteins contribute to a major part of the organic nitrogen (N) in forest soils. This N is mobilized and becomes available to trees as a result of the depolymerizing activities of symbiotic ectomycorrhizal fungi. The mechanisms by which these fungi depolymerize proteins and assimilate the released N are poorly characterized.

Biochemical analysis and transcriptome profiling were performed to examine the proteolytic machinery and the uptake system of the ectomycorrhizal basidiomycete Paxillus involutus during the assimilation of organic N from various protein sources and extracts of organic matter.

All substrates induced secretion of peptidase activity with an acidic pH optimum, mostly contributed by aspartic peptidases. The peptidase activity was transiently repressed by ammonium. Transcriptional analysis revealed a large number of extracellular endo‐ and exopeptidases. The expression levels of these peptidases were regulated in parallel with transporters and enzymes involved in the assimilation and metabolism of the released peptides and amino acids.

For the first time the molecular components of the protein degradation pathways of an ectomycorrhizal fungus are described. The data suggest that the transcripts encoding these components are regulated in response to the chemical properties and the availability of the protein substrates.
Allocation of gross primary production in forest ecosystems: allometric constraints and environmental responses
Authors: Chen Guangshui , Yang Yusheng , Robinson David
Published: July 2013

Understanding the allocation of gross primary production (GPP) and its response to climate is essential for improving terrestrial carbon (C) modelling.

Here, we synthesize data on component GPP fluxes from a worldwide forest database to determine the allocation patterns of GPP across global gradients in climate and nitrogen deposition (Ndep).

Our results reveal that allocation of GPP is governed in an integrated way by allometric constraints and by three trade‐offs among GPP components: wood production (NPPwood) vs fine‐root production (NPPfroot), NPPwood vs foliage production (NPPfoliage), and autotrophic respiration (Ra) vs all biomass production components. Component fluxes were explained more by allometry, while partitioning to components was related more closely to the trade‐offs. Elevated temperature and Ndep benefit long‐term woody biomass C sequestration by stimulating allometric partitioning to wood. Ndep can also enhance forest C use efficiency by its effects on the Ra vs biomass production trade‐off. Greater precipitation affects C allocation by driving the NPPwood vs NPPfoliage trade‐off toward the latter component.

These results advance our understanding about the global constraints on GPP allocation in forest ecosystems and its climatic responses, and are therefore valuable for simulations and projections of ecosystem C sequestration.
Extensive ossification of an intramuscular venous malformation in the submental region
Authors: Villar‐Puchades R. , Sánchez de las Matas M.J.
Published: July 2013

We describe a 62‐year‐old male patient with an extensively ossified venous malformation within the mylohyoid muscle. Phleboliths and calcifications are characteristic of venous malformations, while massive ossification is rare. To our knowledge, no extensive ossified venous malformation within the mylohyoid muscle has been reported. Intramuscular vascular lesions occur with an incidence of 0.8 in 10, occurring in the head and neck region in 15% of cases. Most are venous malformations. The diagnosis is rarely made before surgery and requires a definitive histological analysis, as there are no pathognomonic clinical or radiographic findings, especially with extensive ossification. Spontaneous regression does not occur, and treatment must be based on aesthetic and functional disturbances. We reviewed the classification of vascular anomalies, focusing on differentiating between venous malformations and haemangiomas, which are frequently confused in the literature.
Longitudinal measurements of exhaled nitric oxide in children–what is a significant change in FENO?
Authors: Cutts Rebecca , Turner Steve
Published: July 2013

Background

The principle aim of this study was to describe the variability of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) concentrations over 10 months in children with and without asthma.

Methods

FENO was measured on six occasions at 2‐month intervals in a community‐based cohort of children with and without asthma.

Results

There were 178 children recruited, 47 had asthma, mean age 9.6 yr. A total of 851 FENO measurements were made. The change in FENO values was positively associated with the initial FENO concentration (p < 0.001) and duration between paired measurements (p = 0.016) but not asthma diagnosis; there was an interaction between initial FENO and duration between measurements. As an approximate rule‐of‐thumb, a child's FENO may rise by up to 100% of their current FENO over 2 and 4 months, independent of asthma.

Conclusions

Both the baseline FENO and interval between repeated FENO measurements are relevant to FENO values, independent of asthma. These findings may be useful to clinical interpretation of FENO results in children.
Characterization and downstream mannose phosphorylation of human recombinant α‐L‐iduronidase produced in Arabidopsis complex glycan‐deficient (cgl) seeds
Authors: He Xu , Pierce Owen , Haselhorst Thomas , von Itzstein Mark , Kolarich Daniel , Packer Nicolle H. , Gloster Tracey M. , Vocadlo David J. , Qian Yi , Brooks Doug , Kermode Allison R.
Published: July 2013

Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) I is a lysosomal storage disease caused by a deficiency of α‐L‐iduronidase (IDUA) (EC 3.2.1.76); enzyme replacement therapy is the conventional treatment for this genetic disease. Arabidopsis cgl mutants are characterized by a deficiency of the activity of N‐acetylglucosaminyl transferase I (EC 2.4.1.101), the first enzyme in the pathway of hybrid and complex N‐glycan biosynthesis. To develop a seed‐based platform for the production of recombinant IDUA for potential treatment of MPS I, cgl mutant seeds were generated to express human IDUA at high yields and to avoid maturation of the N‐linked glycans on the recombinant human enzyme. Enzyme kinetic data showed that cgl‐IDUA has similar enzymatic properties to the commercial recombinant IDUA derived from cultured Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells (AldurazymeTM). The N‐glycan profile showed that cgl‐derived IDUA contained predominantly high‐mannose‐type N‐glycans (94.5%), and the residual complex/hybrid N‐glycan‐containing enzyme was efficiently removed by an additional affinity chromatography step. Furthermore, purified cgl‐IDUA was amenable to sequential in vitro processing by soluble recombinant forms of the two enzymes that mediate the addition of the mannose‐6‐phosphate (M6P) tag in mammalian cells—UDP‐GlcNAc:lysosomal enzyme N−acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc)−1−phosphotransferase—and GlcNAc−1−phosphodiester α−N−acetylglucosaminidase (the ‘uncovering enzyme’). Arabidopsis seeds provide an alternative system for producing recombinant lysosomal enzymes for enzyme replacement therapy; the purified enzymes can be subjected to downstream processing to create the M6P, a recognition marker essential for efficient receptor‐mediated uptake into lysosomes of human cells.
Spatial and temporal stolbur population structure in a cv. Chardonnay vineyard according to vmp1 gene characterization
Authors: Murolo S. , Mancini V. , Romanazzi G.
Published: July 2013

Bois noir is a grapevine disease caused by the stolbur phytoplasma. It is widespread in all European and Mediterranean viticultural areas, and it can induce severe damage to the quality and quantity of production. The recent disease recrudescence has encouraged studies on the use of molecular markers to assess the genetic diversity of stolbur strains. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of Bois noir symptoms and to monitor the spatial genetic structure of the stolbur population according to vmp1 genotypes, through 2011 and 2012 in a cv. Chardonnay vineyard. In both years, there were increased vines with symptoms from July to September. The analysis of dispersal indices showed that the spatial distribution was uniform in the vineyard. However, the two‐dimensional contour maps show that Bois noir severity was higher in plants located on the borders than in the central parts of the vineyard. Stolbur population was composed of two prevalent vmp genotypes (V14, V12) across both years, along with other minor haplotypes (V3, V4, V9, V11, V15, V18, in 2011; V3, V18 in 2012). The data indicate that the vmp1 gene is an efficient marker to study the population structure of stolbur phytoplasma, to track the movement of the pathogen, and to identify the inoculum source, which will all serve in the planning of control strategies.
The Use of PBPK Models to Inform Human Health Risk Assessment: Case Study on Perchlorate and Radioiodide Human Lifestage Models
Authors: McLanahan Eva D. , White Paul , Flowers Lynn , Schlosser Paul M.
Published: July 2013

Physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models are often submitted to or selected by agencies, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, for consideration for application in human health risk assessment (HHRA). Recently, U.S. EPA evaluated the human PBPK models for perchlorate and radioiodide for their ability to estimate the relative sensitivity of perchlorate inhibition on thyroidal radioiodide uptake for various population groups and lifestages. The most well‐defined mode of action of the environmental contaminant, perchlorate, is competitive inhibition of thyroidal iodide uptake by the sodium‐iodide symporter (NIS). In this analysis, a six‐step framework for PBPK model evaluation was followed, and with a few modifications, the models were determined to be suitable for use in HHRA to evaluate relative sensitivity among human lifestages. Relative sensitivity to perchlorate was determined by comparing the PBPK model predicted percent inhibition of thyroidal radioactive iodide uptake (RAIU) by perchlorate for different lifestages. A limited sensitivity analysis indicated that model parameters describing urinary excretion of perchlorate and iodide were particularly important in prediction of RAIU inhibition; therefore, a range of biologically plausible values available in the peer‐reviewed literature was evaluated. Using the updated PBPK models, the greatest sensitivity to RAIU inhibition was predicted to be the near‐term fetus (gestation week 40) compared to the average adult and other lifestages; however, when exposure factors were taken into account, newborns were found to be populations that need further evaluation and consideration in a risk assessment for perchlorate.
Interaction Effect Evaluation of Plural Surface Cracks in Ductile Fracture Process
Authors: Suga Kazuhiro , Miyazaki Katsumasa , Senda Ryotaro , Kikuchi Masanori
Published: July 2013

Effect of surface flaw on ductile fracture behavior of non-aligned multiple flaws in plate is studied numerically using Gurson’s constitutive equation. Based on experiments, two parallel non-aligned crack problems are simulated. From experimental and simulation data, crack coalescence, interaction between two cracks and crack penetration was observed. In all cases, ductile fracture processes are obtained and results are compared with experimental ones. Fracture patterns agree well with experimental results. Close qualitative match was obtained by comparing each load displacement curves that are normalized by maximum load. It shows that the mechanism of ductile fracture process is properly captured. By selecting one normalized experimental data as a base setup, maximum load from related simulation results can be predicted. Aligned rules are checked based on these simulations, and H / a criteria verified it’s availability when average crack depth is used as crack depth.
Inspection of Buried Piping in Nuclear Power Plants: Field Observations and Challenges
Authors: Ogundele Gabriel , Goszczynski Guylaine , VanSligtenhorst Darcy
Published: July 2013

The issues over the integrity of buried piping in Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) have received significant attention over the past few years. These piping systems have been in operation for over 30 years. Leaks from buried piping have the potential to raise safety, radiological, environmental, and financial concerns. Buried piping are subject to degradation mechanisms from the outside (soil side) as well as from the inside (fluid side) and they are primarily protected from external corrosion by applying coating on the pipe and then using cathodic protection to protect any bare areas or holidays in the coating. However, over a period of time the coating may lose its integrity and fail to provide the protection for which it was intended. As this happens, the amount of cathodic current needed for adequate protection increases. In some instances, the coating will disbond from the pipe and shield the cathodic protection from the pipe surface. Because of the economic, environmental, and safety consequences of a failure, NPPs embarked on inspection programs to determine the pipe’s condition and its suitability for continued service.

This paper presents some of the observations made during the indirect and direct inspections of buried piping. In addition, the challenges encountered are reported.