bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A primal/dual representation for discrete Morse complexes on tetrahedral meshes
Authors: Weiss Kenneth , Iuricich Federico , Fellegara Riccardo , De Floriani Leila 
Published: July 2013

AbstractWe consider the problem of computing discrete Morse and Morse‐Smale complexes on an unstructured tetrahedral mesh discretizing the domain of a 3D scalar field. We use a duality argument to define the cells of the descending Morse complex in terms of the supplied (primal) tetrahedral mesh and those of the ascending complex in terms of its dual mesh. The Morse‐Smale complex is then described combinatorially as collections of cells from the intersection of the primal and dual meshes. We introduce a simple compact encoding for discrete vector fields attached to the mesh tetrahedra that is suitable for combination with any topological data structure encoding just the vertices and tetrahedra of the mesh. We demonstrate the effectiveness and scalability of our approach over large unstructured tetrahedral meshes by developing algorithms for computing the discrete gradient field and for extracting the cells of the Morse and Morse‐Smale complexes. We compare implementations of our approach on an adjacency‐based topological data structure and on the PR‐star octree, a compact spatio‐topological data structure.
De novo malignancy post–liver transplantation: a single center, population controlled study
Authors: Chatrath Hemant , Berman Kenneth , Vuppalanchi Raj , Slaven James , Kwo Paul , Tector A. Joseph , Chalasani Naga , Ghabril Marwan 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundWith the growing numbers of liver transplant recipients, it is increasingly important to understand the risks of de novo malignancy after liver transplantation.AimTo characterize the incidence of de novo malignancy after liver transplantation compared with a control non‐transplant population.MethodsWe studied 534 Indiana state residents undergoing liver transplantation at our center between 1997 and 2004, followed through August 2010. The incidence and predictors of malignancy were determined. The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of cancer in our cohort was compared with age‐, gender‐, and period‐matched state population using the Indiana State Cancer Registry.ResultsAfter a mean follow‐up of 5.7 ± 3.2 yr, 73 patients (13.7%) developed 80 cancers, with five‐ and 10‐yr incidence rates of 11.7% and 24.8%, respectively. These included 24 (30%) skin, 16 (20%) hematologic, and 40 (50%) solid tumors. The most common solid cancers were aerodigestive. Compared with matched state population, liver transplant recipients had significantly higher incidence of all cancers (SIR: 3.1, 95% CI [Confidence interval]: 2.9–3.2), skin (melanoma) (SIR: 5.8, 95% CI: 4.7–7.0), hematologic (SIR: 7.1, 95% CI: 6.3–8.0), and solid (SIR: 2.7, 95% CI: 2.5–2.8) tumors.ConclusionThere is a significantly increased risk of de novo malignancies after liver transplantation, highlighting the need for surveillance strategies in this population.
After the Nicaraguan Non‐Payment Crisis: Alternatives to Microfinance Narcissism
Authors: Bastiaensen Johan , Marchetti Peter , Mendoza René , Pérez Francisco 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTThis article argues against ‘microfinance narcissism’ and calls for a re‐politicization of the microfinance paradigm. The dominant verdict on microcredit has undergone a damning transformation, from ‘magic bullet for poverty reduction’ to ‘cause of suicide’. Nowadays, both radical critics and mainstream voices deplore microcredit's negative impact on micro‐entrepreneurs. They argue for a reorientation where credit is targeted at established small and medium‐sized enterprises, particularly in rural areas. The crisis in microfinance worldwide, including burgeoning protests, are viewed as proof of the commercial derailment and/or misplaced faith in microfinance's positive social and economic impact on the poor. This article engages with this debate through a study of the Nicaraguan micro‐finance crisis. It challenges existing analyses that pin the crisis on agricultural over‐indebtedness, lack of due diligence, or Sandinista populist politics. Illustrating the dangers of neglecting the diverse nature of microfinance, it reveals the paradoxical outcomes of the crisis: a refocus on the urban at the expense of agricultural credit for small and medium enterprises and a consolidation of the power of national processing elites. Nicaragua's Non‐Payment Movement is also shown to be both a product of elite manipulation and an expression of legitimate resistance to an industry that turns a blind eye to the manner in which markets and politics constrain clients’ potential.
Uptake of atmospheric hydrogen by soils: a case study from southern Poland
Authors: Bartyzel J. , Necki J. M. , Zieba D. , Rozanski K. , Gasiorek M. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryUptake of atmospheric hydrogen by soils constitutes the most important sink of this gas at the global scale. However, little is known about the strength and spatio‐temporal variability of this sink. We present the results of a systematic study aimed at characterizing hydrogen uptake by urban soils. The study was carried out at two field sites in Krakow, southern Poland. The measured fluxes of hydrogen to soils revealed distinct seasonality, with large values (up to 40 µmol hour−1 m−2) recorded during summer months and small values (between 5 and 10 µmol hour−1 m−2) during winter. Temperatures in the top 6 cm of the soil profile varied during the study from −9 to +24°C, while volumetric soil water content fluctuated between 15 and 50%. Measurable hydrogen fluxes were also observed when soil temperatures were less than zero. The results were interpreted in the context of seasonal changes of local climate and air and soil temperature, soil water content and amount of rainfall. Mixing conditions at the air–soil interface were also considered. Modelling of H2 uptake was performed with a two dimensional diffusion transport model, with contrasting assumptions about distribution and intensity of the hydrogen sink in the soil profile. The model results suggest that conditions in the uppermost soil layer exert a decisive control on measured hydrogen uptake rates. The measured hydrogen flux can be reproduced by the transport model only if significant reduction of the soil water content in the uppermost layer of the soil is postulated. This finding has important implications for the parameterization of hydrogen uptake rates in models of the global H2 budget.
Six‐year longitudinal changes in body composition of middle‐aged and elderly Japanese: Age and sex differences in appendicular skeletal muscle mass
Authors: Kitamura Itsuko , Koda Michiko , Otsuka Rei , Ando Fujiko , Shimokata Hiroshi 
Published: July 2013

AimLittle is known about longitudinal changes of body composition measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) in middle‐aged and elderly individuals. We evaluated longitudinal changes of body composition, and age and sex differences in appendicular skeletal muscle mass.MethodsParticipants were 1454 community‐dwelling Japanese men and women aged 40–79 years. Body composition at baseline and 6‐year follow up was measured by DXA.ResultsFat increased significantly in men of all ages, and in women aged in their 40s and 50s. Among men, arm lean tissue mass (LTM) changed by 0.9%, −0.5%, −1.4% and −3.7%, respectively, for the 40s to the 70s, and decreased significantly in the 60s and 70s. Leg LTM in men changed by −0.4%, −1.3%, −1.7% and −3.9%, respectively, and decreased significantly from the 50s to the 70s. Compared with the preceding age groups, significant differences were observed between the 60s and 70s in arm and leg LTM change in men. Among women, arm LTM changed by 0.7%, 0.2%, 1.6% and −1.5%, respectively, which was significant in the 60s and 70s. Leg LTM decreased significantly in all age groups of women by −2.0%, −2.8%, −2.4% and −3.9%, respectively. With respect to sex differences, leg LTM loss rates were significantly higher in women than men at the 40s and 50s.ConclusionsLongitudinal data suggest that arm and leg LTM decreased markedly in men in their 70s, and leg LTM had already decreased in women in their 40s. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 354–361.
Loose nerves and weak blood: a thematic analysis of premature ejaculation in Bangladeshi Muslim men
Authors: Steggall Martin J. , Pryce Anthony 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe objectives of this study were to examine the accounts of Bangladeshi Muslim men with premature ejaculation (PE) and to qualitatively explore self‐reported causation. Twenty‐three men with either lifelong or acquired PE were interviewed using a semi‐structured schedule. Participant's responses were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Three common themes were identified, biomedical, psychological and cultural, that were used to explain PE, with a ‘preference’ for biomedical causation. Each theme had sub‐themes that were used to explain ‘acceptable’ forms of sexual practice and subsequent help‐seeking behaviours. Using thematic analysis, we identified core themes that appear to characterize the way individuals with PE perceive themselves and their interpersonal relationships. Thematic analysis offers a promising tool to explore how men with PE ‘explain’ their sexual responses to themselves and their partners.
Reflexivity in Competition‐Originated Underwriting Cycles
Authors: Malinovskii Vsevolod K. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis article addresses the fundamental observation that aggressive newcom‐ ers seeking greater market share trigger the industry response of reducing rates that may gradually fall below marginal cost. In this study, the concept of reflexivity as connection between the participants’ thinking and the situation in which they participate is applied. This article suggests applying as an insurance regulation technique, while the competition‐originated cycle is in its early stage, the triplets of year‐end market share, profit, and solvency indicators. It emphasizes the need for applying all these characteristics together, rather than the first two.
Relative effectiveness of physical and virtual manipulatives for conceptual change in science: how falling objects fall
Authors: Lazonder A.W. , Ehrenhard S. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis study offers new insights into the ongoing debate about whether physical and virtual materials are equally effective in inquiry‐based science instruction. Physical materials were predicted to have a surplus value when haptic feedback helps discern object characteristics or when the perceived credibility of experimental data can impede conceptual change. Both assumptions were tested by comparing the belief revisions and confidence ratings of children (n = 60) engaged in an inquiry task about falling objects. Children were assigned to one of three instructional conditions that differed with regard to the type of materials and the possibility to manipulate those materials. Main findings confirmed the alleged benefits of physical manipulation in correcting misconceptions about object characteristics that are perceived by touch. Belief revision about visually discernible characteristics proved independent of the type of material and type of manipulation, as was children's confidence in their post‐instructional beliefs. Together, these findings indicate that tactile cues derived from physical manipulation can have a unique contribution to children's science learning.
Decreased event‐based prospective memory functioning in individuals with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Costa Alberto , Peppe Antonella , Caltagirone Carlo , Carlesimo Giovanni A. 
Published: July 2013

The study was aimed at investigating the contribution of retrospective memory to prospective memory (PM) functioning in people with Parkinson's disease (PD). Twenty patients with PD without dementia and 20 normal controls were recruited. In the PM procedure, sequences of words were presented; in the inter‐sequence delay, participants had to repeat sequence in the same or reverse order (ongoing task). At the occurrence of a target word, participants had to press a button on the keyboard (PM response). To evaluate the contribution of retrospective memory to PM performance, we manipulated the retrospective memory load of the target words (i.e., one vs. four words). The results show that patients with PD were poorer than controls in all PM conditions (p < .01). The memory load did not modulate differentially the PM performance of individuals in the two groups. Moreover, in PD patients, the ability to retrieve the target words in the episodic memory task was associated, at a lesser extent than in healthy controls, with the ability to activate the prospective intention at the occurrence of a target word. Our findings confirm PM decline in patients with PD without dementia. This flaw cannot be entirely explained by decreased retrospective memory. Altered self‐retrieval processes might explain reduced PM performance of these individuals. This is a very relevant finding in the perspective of cognitive therapeutic intervention on PM that, in patients with PD, could be focused on mechanisms other than retrospective memory ones.
An appraisal of service users’ structured activity requirements in an Irish forensic setting
Authors: Rani S. , Mulholland F. 
Published: July 2013

Accessible summary
Studies have indicated that forensic mental health service users who have a lack of structured meaningful time use are at increased risk for recidivism.
In this paper, we report the outcome of a survey measuring the use of activities in an Irish forensic mental health setting, and we make recommendations for practice.
Findings suggest that patients placed on units of higher security participate in less structured activity.
Service user involvement in planning and implementing activities is vital as well as tailoring the activities to meet the changing needs of service users.
AbstractParticipating in purposeful and structured daily activities is an important factor contributing to the health and well‐being of forensic service users. A survey was carried out in an Irish forensic mental health setting to identify whether service users meet the standard of 25‐h weekly activities, a standard set by the Quality Network for Forensic Mental Health Services, London. The findings indicate that 57 (61%) out of 93 service users fully meet the criteria. Furthermore, service users within the medium‐ and low‐security environments appear to be engaging to an increased number of structured activities in comparison to those in acute units.
Rice oxalate oxidase gene driven by green tissue‐specific promoter increases tolerance to sheath blight pathogen (Rhizoctonia solani) in transgenic rice
Authors: Molla Kutubuddin A. , Karmakar Subhasis , Chanda Palas K. , Ghosh Satabdi , Sarkar Sailendra N. , Datta Swapan K. , Datta Karabi 
Published: July 2013

SummaryRice sheath blight, caused by the necrotrophic fungus Rhizoctonia solani, is one of the most devastating and intractable diseases of rice, leading to a significant reduction in rice productivity worldwide. In this article, in order to examine sheath blight resistance, we report the generation of transgenic rice lines overexpressing the rice oxalate oxidase 4 (Osoxo4) gene in a green tissue‐specific manner which breaks down oxalic acid (OA), the pathogenesis factor secreted by R. solani. Transgenic plants showed higher enzyme activity of oxalate oxidase (OxO) than nontransgenic control plants, which was visualized by histochemical assays and sodium dodecylsulphate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE). Transgenic rice leaves were more tolerant than control rice leaves to exogenous OA. Transgenic plants showed a higher level of expression of other defence‐related genes in response to pathogen infection. More importantly, transgenic plants exhibited significantly enhanced durable resistance to R. solani. The overexpression of Osoxo4 in rice did not show any detrimental phenotypic or agronomic effect. Our findings indicate that rice OxO can be utilized effectively in plant genetic manipulation for sheath blight resistance, and possibly for resistance to other diseases caused by necrotrophic fungi, especially those that secrete OA. This is the first report of the expression of defence genes in rice in a green tissue‐specific manner for sheath blight resistance.
Top 10 plant‐parasitic nematodes in molecular plant pathology
Authors: Jones John T. , Haegeman Annelies , Danchin Etienne G. J. , Gaur Hari S. , Helder Johannes , Jones Michael G. K. , Kikuchi Taisei , Manzanilla‐López Rosa , Palomares‐Rius Juan E. , Wesemael Wim M. L. , Perry Roland N. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryThe aim of this review was to undertake a survey of researchers working with plant‐parasitic nematodes in order to determine a ‘top 10’ list of these pathogens based on scientific and economic importance. Any such list will not be definitive as economic importance will vary depending on the region of the world in which a researcher is based. However, care was taken to include researchers from as many parts of the world as possible when carrying out the survey. The top 10 list emerging from the survey is composed of: (1) root‐knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.); (2) cyst nematodes (Heterodera and Globodera spp.); (3) root lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.); (4) the burrowing nematode Radopholus similis; (5) Ditylenchus dipsaci; (6) the pine wilt nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus; (7) the reniform nematode Rotylenchulus reniformis; (8) Xiphinema index (the only virus vector nematode to make the list); (9) Nacobbus aberrans; and (10) Aphelenchoides besseyi. The biology of each nematode (or nematode group) is reviewed briefly.
Pitfalls in the measurement of skin autofluorescence to determine tissue advanced glycosylation content in haemodialysis patients
Authors: Chaudhri Saurabh , Fan Stanley , Davenport Andrew 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimSkin autofluoresence has been advocated as a quick non‐invasive method of measuring tissue advanced glycosylation end products (AGE), which have been reported to correlate with cardiovascular risk in the dialysis patient. Most studies have been performed in patients from a single racial group, and we wanted to look at the reliability of skin autofluoresence measurements in a multiracial dialysis population and whether results were affected by haemodialysis.MethodsWe measured skin autofluoresence three times in both forearms of 139 haemodialysis patients pre‐dialysis and 36 post‐dialysis.ResultsOne hundred and thirty‐nine patients, 62.2% male, 35.3% diabetic, 59% Caucasoid, mean age 65.5 ± 15.2 years were studied. Reproducibility of measurements between the 1st and 2nd measurements was very good (r2 = 0.94, P < 0.001, Bland Altman bias 0.05, confidence limits −0.02 to 0.04). However, skin autoflourescence measurements were not possible in one forearm in 8.5% Caucasoids, 25% Far Asian, 28% South Asians and 75% African or Afro Caribbean (P < 0.001). Mean skin autofluorescence in the right forearm was 3.3 ± 0.74 arbitrary units (AU) and left forearm 3.18 ± 0.82 AU pre‐dialysis, and post‐dialysis there was a fall in those patients dialysing with a left sided arteriovenous fistula (left forearm pre 3.85 ± 0.72 vs post 3.36 ± 0.55 AU, P = 0.012).ConclusionAlthough skin autofluorescence is a relatively quick non‐invasive method of measuring tissue AGE and measurements were reproducible, it was often not possible to obtain measurements in patients with highly pigmented skin. To exclude potential effects of arteriovenous fistulae we would suggest that measurements are made in the non‐fistula forearm pre‐dialysis.
Caregiving actions: Outgrowths of the family caregiver's conceptions of care
Authors: Aga Fekadu , Nikkonen Merja , Kylmä Jari 
Published: July 2013

AbstractCaregiving actions emanate from the family caregiver's care meanings. Therefore, this article presents caregiving actions as outgrowths of the family caregiver's cultural conceptions of care and as situated within constraining sociocultural factors. Qualitative data were collected through interviews and participant observations from 18 purposively selected family caregivers of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWAs) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Three lines of caregiving actions performed by the participating family caregivers are presented: nutritional and medication care actions, physical care actions, and psychological and spiritual care actions. We have also explicated the problematic situations and sociocultural factors constraining the family caregivers in performing the caregiving actions. This study underlines the significance of addressing such problematic situations as are raised, as well as the sociocultural issues that constrain the family caregivers' agentic scope for planning and executing caregiving actions.
Differential expression of genes related to purinergic signaling in smooth muscle cells, PDGFRα‐positive cells, and interstitial cells of Cajal in the murine colon
Authors: Peri L. E. , Sanders K. M. , Mutafova‐Yambolieva V. N. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundPurinergic signaling provides regulation of colonic motility. Smooth muscle cells (SMC), interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), and platelet‐derived growth factor receptor α‐positive (PDGFRα+) cells are electrically coupled and form a functional (SIP) syncytium that constitutes the receptive field for motor neurotransmitters in the tunica muscularis. Each cell type in the SIP syncytium has specialized functions in mediating motor neurotransmission. We compared gene transcripts for purinergic receptors and membrane‐bound enzymes for purine degradation expressed by each cell type of the SIP syncytium.MethodsFluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS) was used to purify SMC, ICC, and PDGFRα+ cells from mixed cell populations of colonic muscles dispersed from reporter strains of mice with constitutive expression of green fluorescent proteins. Differential expression of functional groups of genes related to purinergic signaling was determined by quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR).Key ResultsWe detected marked phenotypic differences among SMC, ICC, and PDGFRα+ cells. Substantial numbers of genes of importance in purinergic neurotransmission were enriched in PDGFRα+ cells in relation to SMC and ICC. Notably, genes related to mediating effects and extracellular biotransformation of enteric purinergic inhibitory neurotransmitters were strongly expressed by PDGFRα+ cells.Conclusions & InferencesOur results demonstrate differential expression of genes for proteins involved in purinergic signaling in the SIP syncytium. These results may further clarify the specific functions of each cell type, identify novel biomarkers for postjunctional cells, and provide hypotheses for further studies to understand the physiological roles of cells of the SIP syncytium.