bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluctuations in method‐of‐moments variograms caused by clustered sampling and their elimination by declustering and residual maximum likelihood estimation
Authors: Marchant B.P. , Viscarra Rossel R.A. , Webster R.
Published: March 2013

Soil data accumulated in national and regional archives derive from many sources and tend to be concentrated in zones of particular interest. Experimental variograms computed from such data by the usual method of moments can appear highly erratic, and therefore models fitted to them are likely to be unreliable. We have explored two methods of avoiding the effects, one by computing declustering weights and incorporating them into the method of moments, the other using residual maximum likelihood. The methods are illustrated with data on bulk density, exchangeable magnesium, cation exchange capacity and organic carbon of 4182 samples of soil from numerous soil surveys in the whole of Australia and stored in the CSIRO's national archive. The experimental variograms of all four variables are erratic. Cell declustering produced much smoother sequences of estimates to which plausible models could be fitted with confidence. The residual maximum likelihood models closely matched those models over several hundred km. Finally values were simulated at the same sampling points from the residual maximum likelihood models, reproducing ‘spiky’ experimental variograms such as those computed from the data. The simulation showed that clustered design of sampling causes spiky artefacts. We conclude that where data are clustered experimental variograms should be computed with declustered weighting or variogram models be fitted by residual maximum likelihood.
Assessing the Effects of Rearing Environment, Natural Selection, and Developmental Stage on the Emergence of a Behavioral Syndrome
Authors: Sweeney Kayla , Gadd Ryan D. H. , Hess Zachary L. , McDermott Donna R. , MacDonald Leigh , Cotter Patrick , Armagost Fawn , Chen Jason Z. , Berning Aric W. , DiRienzo Nicholas , Pruitt Jonathan N.
Published: March 2013

Although there is much interest in behavioral syndromes, very little is known about how syndromes are generated in wild populations. Here, we assess the roles of correlated selection and divergent rearing environments in generating a syndrome between foraging aggressiveness and boldness in the spider Agelenopsis pennsylvanica. We first tested for and confirmed the presence of a behavioral syndrome between boldness and foraging aggressiveness in wild penultimate A. pennsylvanica (r = 0.24). Then, to assess the effects of rearing environment on the boldness–aggressiveness syndrome, we compared the behavioral tendencies of field‐ vs. laboratory‐reared spiders over the course of their development. The presence of the boldness–aggressiveness syndrome differed based on spiders' developmental stage and rearing environment: field‐reared juveniles did not exhibit a syndrome between boldness and foraging aggressiveness, but field‐reared penultimates did. In contrast, laboratory‐reared spiders never exhibited a behavioral syndrome, regardless of their developmental stage. Thus, the boldness–aggressiveness syndrome in A. pennsylvanica manifests only when individuals are reared in the field. Selection data from a mark–recapture study failed to indicate any signature of correlated selection, despite our finding that at least one element of the syndrome (foraging aggressiveness) can respond to selection (Heritability h2 = 0.27, from mid‐parent breeding study). Thus, contemporary correlated selection does not appear to be a major driver of the boldness–aggressiveness syndrome of A. pennsylvanica. Taken together, our data are consistent with the hypothesis that the boldness–aggressiveness syndrome exhibited by wild A. pennsylvanica develops as a result of environmentally induced phenotypic plasticity, and not correlated selection.
Fighting by Kittens and Piglets during Suckling: What Does it Mean?
Authors: Hudson Robyn , Distel Hans
Published: March 2013

Newborn kittens and piglets show some notable similarities in suckling‐associated behaviours. Both develop a pattern of teat use in which each member of the litter predominantly occupies one or two particular nipples or teats, both show agonistic behaviour towards littermates during suckling, and both are born with ‘weapons’–kittens with sharp claws and piglets with sharp needle teeth. Traditionally, the differential use of nipples or teats has been thought to be due to differential quality of the mammary glands. However, neither our findings in kittens nor an examination of the literature on piglets support this view. As mammary glands usually are of equal quality and as there are normally more glands than young, there seems little reason for littermates to fight. Furthermore, there is also little evidence that individual performance in suckling contests or use of ‘weapons’ is related to weight gain or to dominance relations. Given the present lack of satisfying adaptive explanations for the seemingly aggressive behaviour and use of weapons by kittens and piglets, we suggest these to be epiphenomena of developmental processes anticipating the use of these behaviours and structures in later adaptive contexts.
Extreme plasticity in life‐history strategy allows a migratory predator (jumbo squid) to cope with a changing climate
Authors: Hoving Henk‐Jan T. , Gilly William F. , Markaida Unai , Benoit‐Bird Kelly J. , ‐Brown Zachary W. , Daniel Patrick , Field John C. , Parassenti Liz , Liu Bilin , Campos Bernardita
Published: March 2013

Dosidicus gigas (jumbo or Humboldt squid) is a semelparous, major predator of the eastern Pacific that is ecologically and commercially important. In the Gulf of California, these animals mature at large size (>55 cm mantle length) in 1–1.5 years and have supported a major commercial fishery in the Guaymas Basin during the last 20 years. An El Niño event in 2009–2010, was accompanied by a collapse of this fishery, and squid in the region showed major changes in the distribution and life‐history strategy. Large squid abandoned seasonal coastal‐shelf habitats in 2010 and instead were found in the Salsipuedes Basin to the north, an area buffered from the effects of El Niño by tidal upwelling and a well‐mixed water column. The commercial fishery also relocated to this region. Although large squid were not found in the Guaymas Basin from 2010 to 2012, small squid were abundant and matured at an unusually small mantle‐length (<30 cm) and young age (approximately 6 months). Juvenile squid thus appeared to respond to El Niño with an alternative life‐history trajectory in which gigantism and high fecundity in normally productive coastal‐shelf habitats were traded for accelerated reproduction at small size in an offshore environment. Both small and large mature squid, were present in the Salsipuedes Basin during 2011, indicating that both life‐ history strategies can coexist. Hydro‐acoustic data, reveal that squid biomass in this study area nearly doubled between 2010 and 2011, primarily due to a large increase in small squid that were not susceptible to the fishery. Such a climate‐driven switch in size‐at‐maturity may allow D. gigas to rapidly adapt to and cope with El Niño. This ability is likely to be an important factor in conjunction with longerterm climate‐change and the potential ecological impacts of this invasive predator on marine ecosystems.
Ethics and Development: An Introduction from the Perspective of the Capability Approach
Authors: Deneulin Severine
Published: March 2013

The paper argues that development, understood as the set of economic, social, cultural and political processes oriented towards improving people’s lives, is a normative project which rests on ethical foundations. Working in international development requires therefore an ethical reflection. The paper discusses development ethics as an inter‐disciplinary field of study. It describes one leading contemporary ethical perspective in development studies, the capability approach, and examines how it can be used to analyse concrete cases of development. It argues that the capability approach presents aspects of different ethical frameworks, each of which provides a distinctive angle to the ethical analysis of development processes. The paper concludes with analysing a development case in Peru using the capability approach.
Wood‐inhabiting beetles (Coleoptera) associated with oaks in a global biodiversity hotspot: a case study and checklist for Israel
Authors: Buse Jörn , Assmann Thorsten , Friedman Ariel‐Leib‐Leonid , Rittner Oz , Pavlicek Tomas
Published: March 2013

TheEastMediterranean region is a global biodiversity hotspot for vertebrates and plants. Although oaks (Quercus) are the dominant tree species in semi‐naturalMediterranean forests, the insect species richness associated withEastMediterranean oak forest has been insufficiently studied.

Species richness and composition of the saproxylic beetle assemblage, including its seasonal variation, of a stand of old oaks (Quercus calliprinos) in northern Israel was investigated. Flight‐interception traps were used to sample beetles over a period of 2 years. In addition, a set of pitfall traps was placed in the trunk hollows in the second year of the study.

Fifty‐two saproxylic beetle species were found associated with oaks in the field study. Among them, two saproxylic click‐beetle species were previously unknown to science, and eight species represent new records for Israel. Both the number of species and the number of individuals showed two distinct phenological peaks during the year.

A preliminary list of saproxylic beetles inhabiting oaks in Israel was prepared and biogeographical distribution, host plants, habitat guild, and activity period are presented for each species. Together with our own data, the literature survey conducted for 19 beetle families established that at least 124 saproxylic beetle species are associated with oaks inIsrael while about 40% of them are unique to the Levantine region. As most localities with old‐growth oak forest structures are small and isolated, ongoing management should have high priority despite the fact that these forests already receive protection.
Fracture patterns of glass–ionomer cement overlays versus stainless steel bands during endodontic treatment: an ex‐vivo study
Authors: Pakdeethai S. , Abuzar M. , Parashos P.
Published: March 2013

Aim

To compare fracture patterns of posterior teeth temporized with: mesio‐occlusal‐distal (MOD) glass–ionomer cement (GIC) interim restorations, stainless steel (SS) bands, GIC dome overlays and GIC dome overlays with occlusal temporary restorations.

Methodology

The root canals of 92 extracted human premolars and molars were prepared with rotary NiTi instruments and dressed with calcium hydroxide paste prior to cavity preparation for standardized MOD restorations. Teeth were divided into four groups (n = 23) and temporarily restored with: GIC interim restorations (GIC group), stainless steel bands (SS group), GIC dome overlays (GIC‐O group) or GIC dome overlays with intermediate restorative material (IRM) in the access cavities (GIC‐IRM group). Teeth were subjected to compressive axial load until fracture; fracture forces and fracture modes were recorded. Statistical analysis included Kaplan–Meier plots, Cox proportional hazards model, one‐way analysis of variance, chi‐square and Fisher's exact tests.

Results

There was a significantly higher risk of failure in the GIC group compared with the SS (P < 0.001), GIC‐O (P < 0.001) and GIC‐IRM (P = 0.001) groups. The mean fracture force for SS was significantly higher than GIC‐O (P = 0.03) and GIC‐IRM (P < 0.001). GIC fracture force was significantly lower than all other groups (P < 0.001). Significantly fewer unfavourable fractures were observed in SS compared with GIC (P = 0.001), GIC‐O (P = 0.007) and GIC‐IRM (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Glass–ionomer cement dome overlays with reduced cuspal height and occlusal inclines may be recommended for broken‐down posterior teeth, without any risk of poor aesthetics, gingival irritation or further proximal tooth structure loss. Stainless steel bands may only need to be used in extensively broken‐down teeth or in the presence of parafunctional habits.
Apically extruded debris and irrigant with two Ni‐Ti systems and hand files when removing root fillings: a laboratory study
Authors: Lu Y. , Wang R. , Zhang L. , Li H. L. , Zheng Q. H. , Zhou X. D. , Huang D. M.
Published: March 2013

Aim

To compare the amount of apically extruded debris and irrigant produced by two Ni‐Ti instruments and hand files when removing root fillings, and to compare two experimental models.

Methodology

Sixty single straight root canals in human mandibular premolars were prepared with K‐files and filled with gutta‐percha and AH Plus sealer. The teeth were randomly divided into three groups of 20 for removal of the root filling material with Reciproc files (Group 1, RP), Mtwo retreatment files (Group 2, MR) or hand files (Group 3, H). Each group was then equally divided into experimental subgroups: A, with 1.5% agar gel model (AG); B, with empty tube model (ET). Apically extruded debris and irrigant was quantified by subtracting the initial weight of the test apparatus without a tooth from its weight after the root canal retreatment. Comparative analysis of the amount of apically extruded debris and irrigant for each of the instruments and the experimental models was performed. Time for gutta‐percha removal was recorded. Data were statistically analysed using one‐way analysis of variance.

Results

Removal of root fillings with two Ni‐Ti instruments produced less apically extruded debris and irrigant than hand files in both experimental models (P < 0.05). More apically extruded debris and irrigant was produced with Reciproc files than Mtwo retreatment files using the 1.5% agar gel model (P > 0.05). Significantly more apically extruded debris and irrigant was produced with Reciproc files than Mtwo retreatment files using the empty tube model (P < 0.05). The time required to remove the root fillings followed Reciproc<Mtwo R<hand files (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

All the instruments produced apically extruded debris and irrigant. The two Ni‐Ti instruments produced less apically extruded debris and irrigant than hand files. A 1.5% agar gel can provide resistance to apically extruded debris and irrigant and may represent the clinical situation better than the empty tube model.
Beyond DNA repair, the immunological role of PARP‐1 and its siblings
Authors: Rosado Maria Manuela , Bennici Elisabetta , Novelli Flavia , Pioli Claudio
Published: March 2013

ADP‐ribosylation is the addition of one or more (up to some hundreds) ADP‐ribose moieties to acceptor proteins. There are two major families of enzymes that catalyse this reaction: extracellular ADP‐ribosyl‐transferases (ARTs), which are bound to the cell membrane by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor or are secreted, and poly(ADP‐ribose)‐polymerases (PARPs), which are present in the cell nucleus and/or cytoplasm. Recent findings revealed a wide immunological role for ADP‐ribosylating enzymes. ARTs, by sensing extracellular NAD concentration, can act as danger detectors. PARP‐1, the prototypical representative of the PARP family, known to protect cells from genomic instability, is involved in the development of inflammatory responses and several forms of cell death. PARP‐1 also plays a role in adaptive immunity by modulating the ability of dendritic cells to stimulate T cells or by directly affecting the differentiation and functions of T and B cells. Both PARP‐1 and PARP‐14 (CoaSt6) knockout mice were described to display reduced T helper type 2 cell differentiation and allergic responses. Our recent findings showed that PARP‐1 is involved in the differentiation of Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells, suggesting a role for PARP‐1 in tolerance induction. Also ARTs regulate Treg cell homeostasis by promoting Treg cell apoptosis during inflammatory responses. PARP inhibitors ameliorate immune‐mediated diseases in several experimental models, including rheumatoid arthritis, colitis, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and allergy. Together these findings show that ADP‐ribosylating enzymes, in particular PARP‐1, play a pivotal role in the regulation of immune responses and may represent a good target for new therapeutic approaches in immune‐mediated diseases.
Reporting positive surgical margins after radical prostatectomy: time for standardization
Authors: Fontenot Philip A. , Mansour Ahmed M.
Published: March 2013

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

It is known that positive surgical margins (PSMs) after radical prostatectomy (RP) in patients with prostate cancer are a significant predictor of biochemical recurrence (BCR). Furthermore, no general consensus exists in the literature on how specific PSM‐associated prognostic variables, namely, location, focality, length, uniformity of specimen and Gleason score at the margin, influence BCR or assist in clinical decision‐making.

The study shows the inconsistencies in the reporting of PSMs and PSM‐associated prognostic variables in the current literature and suggests the implementation of a novel scoring system, the F.U.S.E. score, which quantifies the anatomical and pathological variables associated with PSMs and represents a standardized methodology for reporting PSMs in the literature.

Objectives

To assess the consistency of reporting on positive surgical margins (PSMs) and associated prognostic variables after radical prostatectomy (RP) in the current literature

To provide a standardized methodology for quantifying the characteristics and the prognostic impact of PSMs after RP.

Patients and Methods

We conducted a review of articles that assessed the prognostic value of characteristics of PSMs after RP. The articles were identified using a MEDLINE search.

The methodology and quality of the reporting of PSMs were analysed according to six criteria defined according to the guidelines of the College of American Pathologists and the International Society of Uropathologists.

Forty‐four studies, involving ≥100 patients and published from January 2005 to the present, were reviewed.

Results

Each of the 44 studies was assessed for their reporting of the six defined PSM criteria, as well as for the significance of PSM characteristics on biochemical recurrence (BCR).

The definition of a PSM was the only criterion that was consistently reported.

All studies were deficient in defining and reporting one or more of the PSM criteria. Major inconsistencies were observed in the reporting of PSM site and length, and the presence of intraprostatic incision.

The many conflicting reports gave little insight into the true significance of particular PSM‐associated variables on BCR.

Conclusions

There is a lack of consistency in the reporting on and prognostic significance of PSMs and PSM‐associated prognostic variables.

We hypothesize that these conflicting results are partly attributable to a lack of use of a standardized reporting methodology for PSMs. Implementation of a previously reported standardized scoring system for PSMs may help eliminate these inconsistencies in the future.
Redeeming Creation: Creatio ex nihilo and the Imago Dei in Augustine
Authors: Drever Matthew
Published: March 2013

Contemporary theology has sometimes been critical of the perceived abstract, speculative intellectualism in Augustine's anthropology, especially in his understanding of the imago Dei. Within the larger context of Augustine's claims on the soul, however, and, in particular, in the way he conceives the soul created from nothing according to the image of God, one finds an intimate binding of soteriological and moral concerns to his claims on the created origin of the soul. In this we see that Augustine's intellectualism does not remove the soul from time, history and the relations with God and the world forged therein, but underscores the soul's sensitivity to, and dependence on, its relations to God and the world.
Systemic Risk and the Interconnectedness Between Banks and Insurers: An Econometric Analysis
Authors: Chen Hua , Cummins J. David , Viswanathan Krupa S. , Weiss Mary A.
Published: March 2013

This article uses daily market value data on credit default swap spreads and intraday stock prices to measure systemic risk in the insurance sector. Using the systemic risk measure, we examine the interconnectedness between banks and insurers with Granger causality tests. Based on linear and nonlinear causality tests, we find evidence of significant bidirectional causality between insurers and banks. However, after correcting for conditional heteroskedasticity, the impact of banks on insurers is stronger and of longer duration than the impact of insurers on banks. Stress tests confirm that banks create significant systemic risk for insurers but not vice versa.
Europium‐Activated KSrPO4–(Ba,Sr)2SiO4 Solid Solutions as Color‐Tunable Phosphors for Near‐UV Light‐Emitting Diode Applications
Authors: Han J. K. , Hannah M. E. , Piquette A. , Talbot J. B. , Mishra K. C. , McKittrick J.
Published: March 2013

This article reports the structural and luminescence characteristics of Eu2+‐activated solid solutions of (KSrPO4)1−x·((Ba,Sr)2SiO4)x for 0 ≤ x ≤ 1. These phosphors were prepared by a sol‐gel/Pechini method. The lattice parameters of the solid solutions are linearly dependent on x. The reliability factor from Rietveld analysis is nearly constant and independent of x, indicating KSrPO4·(Ba,Sr)2SiO4 forms an ideal solid solution. The emission spectra consist of two distinct broad bands, which depend on x: blue ranging from 430 to 470 nm and green–yellow ranging from 515 to 570 nm. Both emission peaks red‐shift as x increases due to the crystal field effect and an anomalous transition. The emission intensity of these solid solutions is also a function of x and is comparable to that of LiCaPO4:Eu2+ (QE = 81%) at x = 0.1, suggesting that these color‐tunable solid solutions are promising for applications in solid‐state white lighting.
Electrical Properties, Cation Distributions, and Thermal Expansion of Manganese Cobalt Chromite Spinel Oxides
Authors: Liu Yingjia , Fergus Jeffrey W. , Cruz Clarina Dela
Published: March 2013

As the oxidation and chromium volatilization of chromia‐forming alloy interconnects can cause Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) cathode poisoning and cell degradation, spinel coatings like Mn1.5Co1.5O4 have been applied as a barrier to oxygen and chromium diffusion. To evaluate their long‐term stability, the properties of the reaction layer between the Mn1.5Co1.5O4 coating and Cr2O3 scale formed on the alloy surface need to be characterized. Therefore, compositions of Mn1.5−0.5xCo1.5−0.5xCrxO4 (x = 0–2) were prepared to investigate their electrical properties, cation distributions, and thermal expansion behavior at high temperature. With increasing Cr content in manganese cobalt spinel oxides, the cubic crystal structure is stabilized and the electrical conductivity and coefficient of thermal expansion both decrease. The cation distributions determined from neutron diffraction show that Cr and Mn have stronger preference for octahedral sites in the spinel structure as compared with Co.
Effects of Epoxy Resin on Gelcasting Process and Mechanical Properties of Alumina Ceramics
Authors: Xie Rui , Zhou Kechao , Gan Xueping , Zhang Dou
Published: March 2013

A gelling system based on the polymerization of epoxy resin ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE) and 3,3′‐Diaminodipropylamine (DPTA) was developed for gelcasting alumina ceramics. The gelation process of 50 vol% alumina‐epoxy resin suspensions were investigated in accordance with the change in temperature and epoxy resin concentration. The activation energy Ea of polymerization reaction was 63.76 kJ/mol and no significant gelation was observed at 25°C during the test for 50 vol% Al2O3 suspensions with 10 wt% EGDGE. With the increase in EGDGE concentration, Al2O3 green bodies exhibited higher relative density, flexural strength, and Weibull modulus, reaching 64.4%, 41.03 MPa, and 12.51, respectively, when EGDGE concentration was 20 wt%. However, for sintered Al2O3 bodies, the highest characteristic strength and Weibull modulus were obtained for 15 wt% EGDGE concentration, reaching 367.57 MPa and 14.52, respectively.
The Filler Effect: The Influence of Filler Content and Surface Area on Cementitious Reaction Rates
Authors: Oey Tandré , Kumar Aditya , Bullard Jeffrey W. , Neithalath Narayanan , Sant Gaurav
Published: March 2013

Finely ground mineral powders are known to accelerate cement hydration rates. This “filler effect” has been attributed to the effects of dilution (w/c increase) when the cement content is reduced or to the provision of additional surface area by fine powders. The latter contribution (i.e., surface area increase) is speculated to provide additional sites for the nucleation of the hydration products, which accelerates reactions. Through extensive experimentation and simulation this study describes the influence of surface area and mineral type (e.g., quartz or limestone) on cement reaction rates. Simulations using a boundary nucleation and growth (BNG) model and a multiphase reaction ensemble (MRE) indicate that the extent of the acceleration is linked to the: (1) magnitude of surface area increase and (2a) capacity of the filler's surface to offer favorable nucleation sites for hydration products. Other simulations using a kinetic cellular automaton model (HydratiCA) suggest that accelerations are linked to: (2b) the interfacial properties of the filler that alters (increases or decreases) its tendency to serve as a nucleant, and (3) the chemical composition of the filler and the tendency for its dissociated ions to participate in exchange reactions with the calcium silicate hydrate product. The simulations are correlated with accelerations observed using isothermal calorimetry when fillers partially replace cement. The research correlates and unifies the fundamental parameters that drive the filler effect and provides a mechanistic understanding of the influence of filler agents on cementitious reaction rates.
Modeling Nutrient Export From Coastal California Watersheds
Authors: Robinson Timothy H. , Melack John M.
Published: March 2013

Nitrate and phosphate export coefficient models were developed for coastal watersheds along the Santa Barbara Channel in central California. One approach was based on measurements of nutrient fluxes in streams from specific land use classes and included a watershed response function that scaled export up or down depending on antecedent moisture conditions. The second approach for nutrient export coefficient modeling used anthropogenic nutrient loading for land use classes and atmospheric nutrient deposition to model export. In an application of the first approach to one watershed, the nitrate and phosphate models were within 20% of measured values for most storms. When applied to another year, both nitrate and phosphate models generally performed adequately with annual, storm‐flow, and base‐flow values within 20% of measured nutrient loadings. Less satisfactory results were found when applied to neighboring watersheds with difference percentages of land use and hydrologic conditions. Application of the second approach was less successful than the first approach.
Assessing Arrhythmia Burden After Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation Using an Implantable Loop Recorder: The ABACUS Study
Authors: KAPA SURAJ , EPSTEIN ANDREW E. , CALLANS DAVID J. , GARCIA FERMIN C. , LIN DAVID , BALA RUPA , RILEY MICHAEL P. , HUTCHINSON MATHEW D. , GERSTENFELD EDWARD P. , TZOU WENDY , MARCHLINSKI FRANCIS E. , FRANKEL DAVID S. , COOPER JOSHUA M. , SUPPLE GREGORY , DEO RAJAT , VERDINO RALPH J. , PATEL VICKAS V. , DIXIT SANJAY
Published: March 2013

Assessing Arrhythmia Burden After Ablation

Introduction

Arrhythmia monitoring in patients undergoing atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is challenging. Transtelephonic monitors (TTMs) are cumbersome to use and provide limited temporal assessment. Implantable loop recorders (ILRs) may overcome these limitations. We sought to evaluate the utility of ILRs versus conventional monitoring (CM) in patients undergoing AF ablation.

Methods and Results

Forty‐four patients undergoing AF ablation received ILRs and CM (30‐day TTM at discharge and months 5 and 11 postablation). Over the initial 6 months, clinical decisions were made based on CM. Subjects were then randomized for the remaining 6 months to arrhythmia assessment and management by ILR versus CM. The primary endpoint was arrhythmia recurrence. The secondary endpoint was actionable clinical events (change of antiarrhythmic drugs [AADs], anticoagulation, non‐AF arrhythmia events, etc.) due to either monitoring strategy.

Over the study period, 6 patients withdrew. In the first 6 months, AF recurred in 18 patients (7 noted by CM, 18 by ILR; P = 0.002). Five patients in the CM (28%) and 5 in the ILR arm (25%; P = NS) had AF recurrence during the latter 6 months. AF was falsely diagnosed frequently by ILR (730 of 1,421 episodes; 51%). In more patients in the ILR compared with the CM arm, rate control agents (60% vs 39%, P = 0.02) and AADs (71% vs 44%, P = 0.04) were discontinued.

Conclusion

In AF ablation patients, ILR can detect more arrhythmias than CM. However, false detection remains a challenge. With adequate oversight, ILRs may be useful in monitoring these patients after ablation.
Higher rates of sex evolve under K‐selection
Authors: Becks L. , Agrawal A. F.
Published: March 2013

The geographical distribution of sexual and related asexual species has been suggested to correlate with habitat stability; sexual species tend to be in stable habitats (K‐selection), whereas related asexual taxa tend to be in unstable habitats (r‐selection). We test whether this broad‐scale pattern can be re‐created at a microevolutionary scale by experimentally evolving populations of facultatively sexual rotifers under different ecological conditions. Consistent with the pattern in nature, we find that the rate of sex evolves to lower levels in the r‐selected than in K‐selection environments. We consider several different explanations for these results.
Adult activity and oviposition of corn rootworms, Diabrotica spp. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), in Miscanthus, corn and switchgrass
Authors: Prasifka J. R. , Spencer J. L. , Tinsley N. A. , Estes R. E. , Gray M. E.
Published: March 2013

The ability of the biomass crop Miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus Greef and Deuter ex Hodkinson and Renvoize) to support larval development for both United States and European populations of the western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, suggests an avenue for interactions with corn (Zea mays L.). To provide context to survival of D. v. virgifera on Miscanthus, adult activity and oviposition of Diabrotica spp. were monitored in central Illinois in 2010–2011 in Miscanthus, corn and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.). For D. v. virgifera, vial traps within corn plots captured 3–10 times as many adults as in Miscanthus or switchgrass, while soil samples showed females laid approximately 10 times as many eggs in corn as in the perennial grasses. Adult southern corn rootworms, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi Barber, were the most abundant species in 2010 and clearly preferred switchgrass as an adult habitat, with vial traps in switchgrass capturing 5–10 times as many D. u. howardi as those in corn or Miscanthus. Based on the small production areas for Miscanthus and switchgrass (and low use of both by D. v. virgifera), it seems likely that there are no current impacts of these perennial grasses on pest status of Diabrotica spp. in corn or other crops. However, adaptations by Diabrotica spp. to pest management practices suggest they could be a source for interactions between biomass and food or feed crops. Early‐season soil samples did not recover eggs of D. u. howardi, but their use of switchgrass as an adult habitat suggests additional research in areas where switchgrass may be grown near peanuts, alfalfa or other hosts may be needed. Also, investigation of other candidate bioenergy crops known to support Diabrotica spp. larval development is needed to better understand the possible effects of a changing agricultural landscape on corn rootworms.
Epidemiology, Clinical Features, and Prognosis of Elderly Adults with Severe Forms of Influenza A (H1N1)
Authors: Garnacho‐Montero José , Gutiérrez‐Pizarraya Antonio , Márquez Juan A. , Zaragoza Rafael , Granada Rosa , Ruiz‐Santana Sergio , Rello Jordi , Rodríguez Alejandro ,   The Spanish Society of Intensive Care Medicine and Coronary Units Working Group
Published: March 2013

Objectives

To examine epidemiological and clinical data of individuals aged 65 and older with influenza virus A (H1N1) admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and to identify independent predictors of ICU mortality.

Design

Prospective, observational, multicenter study to determine prognostic factors in individuals infected with influenza A (H1N1) admitted to the ICU.

Setting

One hundred forty‐eight Spanish ICUs.

Participants

Individuals with influenza A (H1N1) confirmed using real‐time polymerase chain reaction from April 2009 to July 2011.

Measurements

Individuals aged 65 and older were compared with younger individuals. A multivariate analysis was conducted to determine independent predictors of mortality in this population.

Results

One thousand one hundred twenty individuals (129 (11.5%) aged ≥65) were included. Prevalence of chronic diseases was more common in older individuals. Viral pneumonitis was more frequent in individuals younger than 65 (70.5% vs 54.3%, P < .001). In older individuals, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score (odds ratio (OR) = 1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.11–1.20, P = .002), immunosuppression (OR = 3.66, 95% CI, 1.33–10.03, P = .01) and oseltamivir therapy initiated after 48 hours (OR = 3.32, 95% CI = 1.02–10.8, P = .04) were identified as independent variables associated with mortality. Corticosteroid use was associated with a trend toward greater mortality (OR = 2.39, 95% CI = 0.98–5.91, P = .06).

Conclusion

Individuals aged 65 and older with influenza A (H1N1) admitted to the ICU have a higher incidence of underlying diseases than younger individuals and differences in clinical presentation. Early oseltamivir therapy is associated with better outcomes in elderly adults.
Original Equipment Manufacturers’ Participation in Take‐Back Initiatives in Brazil
Authors: Quariguasi Frota Neto João , Van Wassenhove Luk N.
Published: March 2013

Lax legislation and increasing demand for electronics are driving relentless growth in electronic waste (e‐waste) in the developing world. To reduce the damage caused by e‐waste and recover value from end‐of‐life (EoL) electronics, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have created, over the past decades, programs to divert e‐waste from landfills to recycling and reuse. Although the subject of intense debate, little is known about such initiatives in terms of levels of participation by OEMs or the extent to which they have succeeded in reducing e‐waste in developing economies. To broaden our understanding of these issues, we investigate take‐back initiatives in the thriving market of personal computers (i.e., desktop and laptop computers) in Brazil. Using a multimethod approach (electronic archival data collection and semistructured interviews with manufacturers), we find evidence that large multinational manufacturers are at the forefront of take‐back programs. However, these initiatives in many ways lag behind those implemented in the United States, a more developed market as far as product take‐back is concerned. We find the main reasons for the low levels of participation by OEMs in take‐back programs to be high collection costs, low residual values, and lax, unclear, and conflicting legislation. Moreover, we propose new avenues of research, in light of our scant knowledge of country‐specific, company‐specific, and product‐specific determinants that moderate participation.
Intracellular Zn2+ accumulation enhances suppression of synaptic activity following spreading depolarization
Authors: Carter Russell E. , Seidel Jessica L. , Lindquist Britta E. , Sheline Christian T. , Shuttleworth C. William
Published: March 2013

Spreading depolarization (SD) is a feed‐forward wave that propagates slowly throughout brain tissue and recovery from SD involves substantial metabolic demand. Presynaptic Zn2+ release and intracellular accumulation occurs with SD, and elevated intracellular Zn2+ ([Zn2+]i) can impair cellular metabolism through multiple pathways. We tested here whether increased [Zn2+]i could exacerbate the metabolic challenge of SD, induced by KCl, and delay recovery in acute murine hippocampal slices. [Zn2+]i loading prior to SD, by transient ZnCl2 application with the Zn2+ ionophore pyrithione (Zn/Pyr), delayed recovery of field excitatory post‐synaptic potentials (fEPSPs) in a concentration‐dependent manner, prolonged DC shifts, and significantly increased extracellular adenosine accumulation. These effects could be due to metabolic inhibition, occurring downstream of pyruvate utilization. Prolonged [Zn2+]i accumulation prior to SD was required for effects on fEPSP recovery and consistent with this, endogenous synaptic Zn2+ release during SD propagation did not delay recovery from SD. The effects of exogenous [Zn2+]i loading were also lost in slices preconditioned with repetitive SDs, implying a rapid adaptation. Together, these results suggest that [Zn2+]i loading prior to SD can provide significant additional challenge to brain tissue, and could contribute to deleterious effects of [Zn2+]i accumulation in a range of brain injury models.
Antihyperlipidaemic and antioxidant effect of the total flavonoids in Selaginella tamariscina (Beauv.) Spring in diabetic mice
Authors: Zheng Xiao-ke , Wang Wei-wei , Zhang Li , Su Cheng-fu , Wu Yong-yong , Ke Ying-ying , Hou Qing-wei , Liu Zhao-yan , Gao Ai-she , Feng Wei-sheng
Published: March 2013

Objectives

To investigate the antidiabetic, antihyperlipidaemic and antioxidant activity of total flavonoids in Selaginella tamariscina (Beauv.) Spring (TFST) in a mouse model of diabetes.

Methods

Normal mice, mice fed with a high-fat emulsion diet and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice were treated with TFST for 6 weeks. Serum glucose, insulin and lipid, hepatic steatosis, production of the protein visfatin and antioxidant indices were evaluated.

Key findings

TFST significantly decreased the concentration of fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, while it increased the levels of insulin and high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol in diabetic mice. TFST also improved the results of the oral glucose tolerance test to a certain degree. Furthermore, both the free fatty acid levels in the liver and hepatic steatosis were ameliorated by TFST treatment. These changes may be be associated with decreased production of visfatin. Administration of TFST also significantly decreased the levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide and inducible nitric oxide synthase and increased the content of glutathione and the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase in the liver. No change in blood glucose levels were observed in the normal mice treated with TFST.

Conclusions

TFST showed an excellent effect in reducing the high blood glucose level but had no effect on normal blood glucose level. The antidiabetic activity of TFST could be explained by its antioxidant and antihyperlipidaemic activity, which finally elevated the insulin sensitivity of liver.
Fractal structure determines controlled release kinetics of monolithic osmotic pump tablets
Authors: Yin Xianzhen , Li Haiyan , Liu Ruihao , Chen Jing , Ji Junqiu , Chen Jun , Shao Qun , Xiao Tiqiao , York Peter , He You , Zhang Jiwen
Published: March 2013

Objectives

To calculate the fractal dimension values of felodipine osmotic pump tablets during drug dissolution and to characterize the mechanism of the controlled drug release kinetics through three-dimensional fractal data.

Methods

Three-dimensional fractal values of volume (Df,volume) and surface (Df,surface) of the tablet core were calculated based on the box counting method.

Key findings

During the process of release of felodipine, both Df,volume and Df,surface were within the range of 2–3 and then changed markedly after a period of 3.0 h release, corresponding to extensive changes in entire shape, interior porous channels and surface structure of the tablet core. The curve of Df,volume mirrored that for tablet volume, however the curve of Df,surface was quite different from that of the surface area. Results showed that values of Df,surface correlated well with the drug release rate. Df,surface was found to be an efficient fractal parameter that could be used to characterize the complex changes to the tablet core that take place during drug release.

Conclusions

The fractal dimension can be used as a quantitative indicator reflecting the drug release performance and be regarded as a key indicator for the quality control of oral controlled drug delivery systems.
Clinical Characteristic Picture and Impact of Symptoms on Quality of Life of Interstitial Cystitis Patients in Taiwan
Authors: LEE Ming‐Huei , LIN Alex Tong‐Long , KUO Hann‐Chorng , CHEN Yung‐Fu
Published: March 2013

Objective

No clinical characteristic picture and impact of symptoms on quality of life (QOL) of interstitial cystitis (IC) patients in Taiwan had been reported. This paper is intended to provide preliminary descriptive results of IC research in Taiwan.

Methods

A total of 319 patients, based on National Institute of Arthritis, Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) criteria, were enrolled in the study from February 2004 through March 2006. Evaluation data included baseline demographic information, patient and family medical history, dietary effects, pregnancy data, sexual relationships with symptoms, and impact of symptoms on quality of life. The main responsibility of the hospitals discussed was patient care and data collection. Taichung Hospital presents the results.

Results

The Interstitial Cystitis Database (ICDB) patients were predominantly female, that is, 86% of the total, with an average enrollment age of 46. The analysis of various symptoms indicates the following distribution: (i) 94% frequency; (ii) 80% pain; (iii) 53% nocturia; (iv) 43% urgency; and (v) 10% associated incontinence. Approximately 83% reported pain over the bladder while in full stage, and 74% reported pain relief after voiding. The predominant characteristic of pain was full sensation (54%) with the predominant position on low abdominal area (52%). Moreover, 80% reported sleeping disturbance due to disease, and 66% reported difficulty in performing daily work.

Conclusions

Interstitial cystitis patients in Taiwan have lower economic status but lower impact on QOL than Western patients. However, the sexual‐related pain and sleeping disorder were higher than previously thought and deserve our attention. Accordingly, this research provides a foundation for further investigations of baseline associations and longitudinal trends.
The Oort Cloud and long‐period comets
Authors: Rickman Hans
Published: March 2013

This review starts with a brief historical overview of the subject, after which some recent papers attempting to improve the understanding of comet injection from the Oort Cloud and the origin of new comets are discussed. Special attention is paid to the importance of nongravitational effects in comet orbit determination, the synergy between stellar encounters and the galactic tides for the injection dynamics, and the role of planetary perturbations. The field is thus shown to be advancing rapidly, and brief comments on possible implications for studying the origin of the cloud are made.
Moderate velocity oblique impact sliding: Production of shocked meteorite textures and palaeomagnetically important metallic spherules in planetary regoliths
Authors: Potter David K. , Ahrens Thomas J.
Published: March 2013

We detail the production of metallic spherules in laboratory oblique shock impact experiments, and their applicability (1) to textures in a partly shock‐melted chondritic meteorite and (2) to the occurrence of palaeomagnetically important fine iron or iron alloy particles in the lunar regolith. Samples recovered from 29–44 GPa, 800 ns, experiments revealed melting and textures reminiscent of metallic spherules in the Yanzhuang H‐chondrite, including “dumbbell” forms and other more complex morphologies. Our experiments demonstrate that metallic spherules can be produced via oblique impact sliding at lower velocities (1.85 km s−1) than are generally assumed in previous work associated with bulk‐shock melting, and that oblique impact sliding is a viable mechanism for producing spherules in shock‐induced veins in moderately shocked meteorites. Significantly, our experiments also produced fine metallic (iron alloy) spherules within the theoretical narrow size range (a few tens of nanometers for slightly ellipsoidal particles) for stable single‐domain (SSD) particles, which are the most important palaeomagnetically, since they can record lunar and planetary magnetic fields over geological time periods. The experiments also produced spherules consistent with superparamagnetic (SP) and multidomain (MD) particle sizes. The fine SSD and SP particles on the lunar surface are currently thought to have been formed predominantly by space weathering processes. Our experiments suggest that oblique shock impact sliding may be a further means of producing the SSD and SP iron or iron alloy particles observed in the lunar regolith, and which are likely to occur in the regoliths of Mercury and other planetary bodies.
Self‐recruitment in aCaribbean reef fish: a method for approximating dispersal kernels accounting for seascape
Authors: D'Aloia C. C. , Bogdanowicz S. M. , Majoris J. E. , Harrison R. G. , Buston P. M.
Published: March 2013

Characterizing patterns of larval dispersal is essential to understanding the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of marine metapopulations. Recent research has measured local dispersal within populations, but the development of marine dispersal kernels from empirical data remains a challenge. We propose a framework to move beyond point estimates of dispersal towards the approximation of a simple dispersal kernel, based on the hypothesis that the structure of the seascape is a primary predictor of realized dispersal patterns. Using the coral reef fishElacatinus lorias a study organism, we use genetic parentage analysis to estimate self‐recruitment at a small spatial scale (<1 km). Next, we determine which simple kernel explains the observed self‐recruitment, given the influx of larvae from reef habitat patches in the seascape at a large spatial scale (up to 35 km). Finally, we complete parentage analyses at six additional sites to test for export from the focal site and compare these observed dispersal data within the metapopulation to the predicted dispersal kernel. We find 4.6% self‐recruitment (CI95%: ±3.0%) in the focal population, which is explained by the exponential kernely = 0.915x(CI95%:y = 0.865x,y = 0.965x), given the seascape. Additional parentage analyses showed low levels of export to nearby sites, and the best‐fit line through the observed dispersal proportions also revealed a declining functiony = 0.77x. This study lends direct support to the hypothesis that the probability of larval dispersal declines rapidly with distance inAtlantic gobies in continuously distributed habitat, just as it does in theIndo‐Pacific damselfishes in patchily distributed habitat.