bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conservation agriculture cropping system to limit blast disease in upland rainfed rice
Authors: Sester M. , Raveloson H. , Tharreau D. , Dusserre J. 
Published: July 2013

In response to the extensive development of upland rice on the hillsides of the Madagascan highlands, alternative cropping systems based on conservation agriculture have been recommended to halt declining soil fertility and to limit erosion. To assess the efficiency of these cropping systems in limiting rice blast disease and to measure their yield performance, an experiment was set up in 2003 at Andranomanelatra (1640 m a.s.l.) in the Madagascan highlands. The rice crop was planted every second year following oat (Avena sativa) after common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), with both conventional tillage and no tillage. For each cropping system, two levels of fertilization were used: (i) organic and (ii) organic + mineral fertilization. The level of blast epidemic was measured on two different cultivars over a 5‐year period. Disease severity was significantly lower in the no‐tillage cropping system than in the conventional tillage system. Mineral fertilization increased the level of blast. A significant interaction between cropping system and fertilization indicated that the impact of fertilization differed with the cropping system. When the level of blast was low, yield was higher in the conventional cropping system but as soon as blast level increased, yield was better in the no‐tillage cropping system. Possible interactions between cropping system and blast epidemics are explained and the problem of high performance but risky cropping systems is discussed.
Resistance to Oculimacula yallundae and Oculimacula acuformis is conferred by Pch2 in wheat
Authors: Esvelt Klos K. L. , Wetzel H. C. , Murray T. D. 
Published: July 2013

The recent report of a differential response of wheat lines containing the Pch2 gene to infection with the eyespot pathogens Oculimacula yallundae and O. acuformis has prompted this re‐examination of the response to these fungi by the recombinant lines used to map Pch2. Homozygous recombinant substitution lines (RSL) derived from the hybridization of Chinese Spring (CS) and the CS chromosome substitution line Cappelle Desprez 7A (CS/CD7A), previously evaluated for response to glucuronidase (GUS)‐transformed O. yallundae, were evaluated for response to infection with GUS‐transformed O. acuformis. Based on visual scores and on GUS expression level, which reflects fungal colonization of seedling plants, evidence of a quantitative trait locus (QTL) conferring resistance to O. acuformis was found in two separate growth chamber experiments (logarithm of the odds, LOD, = 2·7 and 6·7 at 305 and 289 cM, respectively) that was equivalent in location to that for resistance to O. yallundae (LOD = 13·2 and 11·4 at 289 and 304 cM, respectively). These results confirm that Pch2 confers some degree of resistance against both O. yallundae and O. acuformis under these conditions.
Disowning Fukushima: Managing the credibility of nuclear reliability assessment in the wake of disaster
Authors: Downer John 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis paper reflects on the credibility of nuclear risk assessment in the wake of the 2011 Fukushima meltdowns. In democratic states, policymaking around nuclear energy has long been premised on an understanding that experts can objectively and accurately calculate the probability of catastrophic accidents. Yet the Fukushima disaster lends credence to the substantial body of social science research that suggests such calculations are fundamentally unworkable. Nevertheless, the credibility of these assessments appears to have survived the disaster, just as it has resisted the evidence of previous nuclear accidents. This paper looks at why. It argues that public narratives of the Fukushima disaster invariably frame it in ways that allow risk‐assessment experts to “disown” it. It concludes that although these narratives are both rhetorically compelling and highly consequential to the governance of nuclear power, they are not entirely credible.
Transnational business governance interactions: Conceptualization and framework for analysis
Authors: Eberlein Burkard , Abbott Kenneth W. , Black Julia , Meidinger Errol , Wood Stepan 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis special issue demonstrates the importance ofinteractionsin transnational business governance. The number of schemes applying non‐state authority to govern business conduct across borders has vastly expanded in numerous issue areas. As these initiatives proliferate, they increasingly interact with one another and with state‐based regimes. The key challenge is to understand the implications of these interactions for regulatory capacity and performance, and ultimately for social and environmental impact. In this introduction, we propose an analytical framework for the study of transnational business governance interactions. The framework disaggregates the regulatory process to identify potential points of interaction, and suggests analytical questions that probe the key features of interactions at each point.
Lung function and plasma fibrinogen concentrations in the Newcastle Thousand Families birth cohort between age 49 and 51 years
Authors: Pearce Mark S , Hancox Robert J , Parker Louise , Gibson G John 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackground and objectiveA number of studies have suggested inverse associations between lung function and inflammatory markers, including fibrinogen. In this study, we used data from the Newcastle Thousand Families birth cohort to assess the association between contemporaneous markers of lung function and fibrinogen while adjusting for potential confounding factors throughout life.MethodsAt age 49–51 years, complete data on lung function and plasma fibrinogen were available for 380 study members. These data were analysed in relation to each other, adjusted for sex and height, with further adjustment for potential confounders within linear regression models using robust estimates.ResultsForced expiratory volume in 1 s was significantly inversely associated with plasma fibrinogen concentration after initial adjustments for sex and height (beta = −0.12, P = 0.011) and remained so after further adjustments for pack‐years of cigarettes smoked and current smoking status. On further adjustment for standardized birthweight and duration breast‐fed, the association approached statistical significance (P = 0.051). Adjusting for body mass index (BMI) resulted in a loss of significance (P = 0.09), but an unchanged regression coefficient, while, after adjustment for percent body fat, rather than BMI, the association was no longer significant (P = 0.20) and the coefficient reduced.ConclusionsThe association between lung function and fibrinogen remains after adjustment for potential early‐life confounders and smoking. However, it is not independent of contemporaneous measures of adiposity, with evidence of confounding by percent body fat. Further studies, with measures of adiposity, are required to confirm whether associations between markers of inflammation and lung function are due to residual confounding by adiposity.
Systems Resilience for Multihazard Environments: Definition, Metrics, and Valuation for Decision Making
Authors: Ayyub Bilal M. 
Published: July 2013

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction reported that the 2011 natural disasters, including the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan, resulted in $366 billion in direct damages and 29,782 fatalities worldwide. Storms and floods accounted for up to 70% of the 302 natural disasters worldwide in 2011, with earthquakes producing the greatest number of fatalities. Average annual losses in the United States amount to about $55 billion. Enhancing community and system resilience could lead to massive savings through risk reduction and expeditious recovery. The rational management of such reduction and recovery is facilitated by an appropriate definition of resilience and associated metrics. In this article, a resilience definition is provided that meets a set of requirements with clear relationships to the metrics of the relevant abstract notions of reliability and risk. Those metrics also meet logically consistent requirements drawn from measure theory, and provide a sound basis for the development of effective decision‐making tools for multihazard environments. Improving the resiliency of a system to meet target levels requires the examination of system enhancement alternatives in economic terms, within a decision‐making framework. Relevant decision analysis methods would typically require the examination of resilience based on its valuation by society at large. The article provides methods for valuation and benefit‐cost analysis based on concepts from risk analysis and management.
Gerontological nurses' perceptions of their rights in Finland
Authors: Kangasniemi Mari , Utriainen Kati , Pietilä Anna‐Maija 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundThese are challenging times for gerontological nurses, due to the increasing need for older people care services and nursing expertise and to the burdensome nature of older people care. These changes also challenge professional ethics. Traditionally, literature has focused more on nurses' duties and responsibilities, rather than on their rights.AimThe aim was to explore the concept of nurses' rights from the perspective of nurses in gerontological care.MethodsA qualitative study conducted among gerontological nurses (n = 29) in the older people care of two publicly provided municipal older people care organisations in two mid‐range towns in Finland. Participation in the study was voluntary, and the participants were recruited in collaboration with a nurse executive. The data, collected in 11 interviews (1–4 participants in each) using open‐ended interview method, were analysed by inductive content analysis.FindingsBased on our findings, nurses' rights are an integral part of everyday nursing. As professionals, nurses pointed out that their rights are based on legislation and ethics, and their rights involve colleagues, managers, organisation, and patients and relatives. Their rights were connected to nurses' professional expertise and their well‐being at work, but at the end, they were a factor to improving quality of older people care. This required that nurses' rights were taken as visible and elementary part of management.ConclusionOn the basis of our findings, especially in very demanding areas of nursing, like older people care, nurses' rights deserve major visibility and should be taken into consideration when planning care.
Assessment of psoriatic plaquein vivowith correlation mapping optical coherence tomography
Authors: Zafar H. , Enfield J. , O'Connell M. ‐L. , Ramsay B. , Lynch M. , Leahy M. J. 
Published: July 2013

Background/PurposeVascular abnormalities play an acute role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. In order to characterize vascular involvement in psoriasis and its regular clinical assessmentin vivo, non‐invasive high speed imaging with high resolution and high sensitivity is needed.MethodsThe correlation mapping optical coherence tomography (cmOCT) technique was used forin vivomicrocirculation imaging of human forearm under normal and psoriatic conditions. The cmOCTtechnique developed by our group uses dense scanningOCTimage acquisition and post‐processing software based on correlation statistics. The frequency domainOCTsystem was used for imaging which acquires a 3D volume of 1024 × 1024 A‐scans, each of 512 pixels deep in approximately 70 s. The cmOCTtechnique processes the resultingOCTvolume within 116 s using a 7 × 7 kernel.Results3D structural and functional (microcirculation) maps of the healthy tissue and the psoriatic plaque were obtained using the cmOCTtechnique. The presented results indicate that cmOCTallows not only the identification of the microvessels, but also produces more detailed microvascular networks showing how the blood vessels relate to each other in healthy tissue and within the plaque. The microcirculation pattern within the plaque is totally different from the healthy tissue. The distinct changes are also observed in vessel density, tortuosity, and orientation.ConclusionThe cmOCTprovides high sensitivity and imaging speed forin vivomicrocirculation imaging within the human skin under normal and diseased conditions.
Community attitudes to remunerated blood donation in Australia: results from a national telephone survey
Authors: Bambrick Hilary , Gallego Gisselle 
Published: July 2013

SUMMARYBackgroundBlood in Australia is sourced through voluntary, non‐remunerated donations. With periodic shortages in supply, increasing demand for blood products and a donor base that is perceived to be unsustainable, remuneration has been proposed as a means to improve donation rates.ObjectiveTo examine community attitudes to remunerated blood donation in Australia.MethodA national random telephone survey of Australian adults age 18–70 was conducted (n = 1024). Associations were tested using a chi‐square (χ2) test for linear distribution.ResultsReimbursement for the cost of travel to donate blood was supported by more respondents (46%) than reimbursement for time (19%). Non‐donors were more likely to support a payment compared to donors (P = 0·002). Twelve per cent of respondents thought they would be more likely to donate if remunerated while 10% thought they would be less likely. The majority (76%) thought that a payment would not change whether or not they would donate, while 85% thought that it would make other people more likely to donate. The average amount considered to be reasonable reimbursement was AU$30.ConclusionDespite the common perception that other people would be motivated to donate blood with the introduction of a financial incentive, remuneration may provide minimal incentive in Australia and is unlikely to increase donor participation for the time being.
Comprehensive analyses of microRNA gene evolution in paleopolyploid soybean genome
Authors: Zhou Zhengkui , Wang Zheng , Li Weiyu , Fang Chao , Shen Yanting , Li Congcong , Wu Yunshuai , Tian Zhixi 
Published: July 2013

SummarymiRNA genes are thought to undergo quick birth and death processes in genomes and the emergence of a MIRNA‐like hairpin provides the base for functional miRNA gene formation. However, the factors affecting the formation of an active miRNA gene from a MIRNA‐like hairpin within a genome remain unclear. We performed a genome‐wide investigation of MIRNA‐like hairpin accumulation, expression, structural changes and relationships with annotated genomic features in the paleopolyploid soybean genome. Our results showed that adjacent gene and transposable element content, rates of genetic recombination at location of emergence, along with its own gene structure divergence greatly affected miRNA gene evolution. Further investigation suggested that miRNA genes from different duplication sources followed distinct evolutionary trajectories and that the accumulation of MIRNA‐like hairpins might be an important factor in causing long terminal repeat retrotransposons to lose activity during genome evolution.
In vitro measures of membrane changes reveal differences between red blood cells stored in saline‐adenine‐glucose‐mannitol and AS‐1 additive solutions: a paired study
Authors: Sparrow Rosemary L. , Sran Amrita , Healey Geraldine , Veale Margaret F. , Norris Philip J. 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundSaline‐adenine‐glucose‐mannitol (SAGM) and a variant solution, AS‐1, have been used for more than 30 years to preserve red blood cells (RBCs). Reputedly these RBC components have similar quality, although no paired study has been reported. To determine whether differences exist, a paired study of SAGM RBCs and AS‐1 RBCs was conducted to identify membrane changes, including microparticle (MP) quantitation and in vitro RBC–endothelial cell (EC) interaction.Study Design and MethodsTwo whole blood packs were pooled and split and RBCs were prepared (n = 6 pairs). One pack was suspended in SAGM and one in AS‐1. Samples were collected during 42 days of refrigerated storage. RBC shape and size and glycophorin A (GPA)+ and phosphatidylserine (PS)+ MPs were measured by flow cytometry. RBC adhesion to ECs was determined by an in vitro flow perfusion assay. Routine variables (pH, hemolysis) were also measured.ResultsCompared to SAGM RBCs, AS‐1 RBCs had lower hemolysis (p < 0.04), lower GPA+ MPs (p < 0.03), and lower PS+ MPs (p < 0.03) from Day 14 onward. AS‐1 RBCs had higher (p < 0.02) side scatter from Day 28 onward compared to SAGM RBCs. SAGM RBCs were more adherent to ECs on Day 28 of storage compared to AS‐1 RBCs (p = 0.04), but reversed on Day 42 (p = 0.02).ConclusionSAGM RBCs lose more membrane during storage. SAGM RBCs had increased adherence to ECs on Day 28 of storage, while AS‐1 RBCs were more adherent on Day 42. The effect of these differences on the function and survival of SAGM RBCs and AS‐1 RBCs after transfusion remains to be determined.
Iron status and dietary iron intake of female blood donors
Authors: Booth Alison O. , Lim Karen , Capper Hugh , Irving David , Fisher Jenny , McNaughton Sarah A. , Riddell Lynn , Keller Anthony , Nowson Caryl A. 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundThe aim was to assess iron status and dietary iron intake in a sample of premenopausal female regular and new blood donors.Study Design and MethodsPremenopausal women blood donors were invited to participate. Blood samples were analyzed for serum ferritin and hemoglobin. An iron checklist assessed dietary iron intake. Donors were classified as regular donors or new donors.ResultsTwenty‐one new donors (mean [SD] age, 28.6 [6.0] years; body mass index [BMI], 25.6 [4.5] kg/m2) and 172 regular donors (mean age, 29.4 [5.5] years; BMI, 24.7 [3.8] kg/m2) participated. Fifty percent of regular donors and 24% of new donors had depleted iron stores (serum ferritin <15 μg/L; difference p = 0.036). Dietary iron intake was higher in regular donors (mean [SE], 12.6 [0.7] mg/day) compared to new donors (9.9 [0.4] mg/day; p = 0.006). Eighty‐five percent of regular donors and 79% of new donors met the estimated average requirement for iron.ConclusionsDespite the fact that most of these donors had an adequate dietary iron intake, more than half of the blood donors had depleted iron stores. Increasing dietary iron intake through supplements and/or dietary means is expected to be necessary to maintain adequate iron status in this group.
Utility and cost of low‐vacuum reinfusion drains in patients undergoing surgery for subcapital hip fracture repair. A before and after cohort study
Authors: Muñoz M. , Iglesias D. , Garcia‐Erce J. A. , Cuenca J. , Herrera A. , Martin‐Montañez E. , Pavia J. 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundPostoperative blood loss may be a risk factor for allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) in patients undergoing subcapital hip fracture (SHF) repair. We investigated the utility and costs of using a low‐vacuum reinfusion drain (Bellovac ABT) within a blood management protocol for reducing ABT requirements in consecutive SHF.MethodsThe blood management protocol consisted of the application of a restrictive transfusion trigger (Hb < 8 g/dl), the peri‐operative administration of IV iron sucrose (3 × 200 mg/48 h) ± recombinant erythropoietin (1 × 40 000 IU sc) and the use of Bellovac ABT (Group 2, n = 117). An immediate previous SHF series managed without Bellovac ABT served as control (Group 1, n = 138).ResultsOverall, 72 out of 255 (28%) received at least one ABT unit (2·1 ± 1·0 U/transfused patient) without differences between groups. However, in the subgroup of patients with admission Hb < 13 g/dl, the use of Bellovac ABT reduced postoperative ABT rates (16% vs. 46%, for groups 2 and 1, respectively; P = 0·001), although only 3 were reinfused, and was cost‐saving. The use of Bellovac ABT also resulted in fewer wound bleeding complications, but there were no differences in Hb at postoperative days 7 and 30 between groups.ConclusionsIn SHF patients with admission Hb < 13 g/dl and managed with peri‐operative IV iron ± recombinant erythropoietin plus restrictive transfusion indication, the use of Bellovac ABT was associated with reduced ABT requirements, without increasing postoperative complications, and cost‐savings.
The Effect of Transforming Care at the Bedside Initiative on Healthcare Teams’ Work Environments
Authors: Lavoie‐Tremblay Mélanie , O'Conner Patricia , Harripaul Anastasia , Biron Alain , Ritchie Judith , Lavigne Genevieve L. , Baillargeon Sophie , Ringer Justin , MacGibbon Brenda , Taylor‐Ducharme Sharon , Sourdif Jacynthe 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTBackgroundDifferent initiatives have been implemented in healthcare organizations to improve efficiency, such as transforming care at the bedside (TCAB). However, there are important gaps in understanding the effect of TCAB on healthcare teams’ work environments.AimThe specific aim of the study is to describe findings regarding the TCAB initiative effects on healthcare teams’ work environments.MethodsA pretest and posttest study design was used for this study. The TCAB initiative was implemented in fall 2010 in a university health center in Montreal, Canada. The sample consisted of healthcare workers from four different care units.ResultsStatistically significant improvement was observed with the communicating specific information subscale from the measure of processes of care variable, and a significant difference was found between the support from colleagues variable, which was higher at baseline than postprogram. The differences for psychological demand, decisional latitude, and effort–reward were not significant.ConclusionsTCAB is an intervention that allows healthcare teams to implement change to improve patients’ and families’ outcomes. Ongoing energy should focus on how to improve communication among all members of the team and ensure their support.
Modelling Transsonic Flows Through Ring-Shape Thruster Geometries With DSMC
Authors: Groll Rodion , Fastabend Fabian , Rath Hans J. 
Published: July 2013

When modeling rarefied gas flows, continuous approximation is limited by the Knudsen regime. The presented cold gas thruster for space applications is investigated for pressure values lying between 10−2 and 103 Pa. It is comprised of a subsonic funnel region, a transsonic region consisting of a ring-shaped nozzle throat and a supersonic diffuser region. Diffusive and specular / mirror reflection is used to describe the behavior of particle/wall collision in the discrete model. Simulation results are compared both with experimental data and with numerical results computed using a finite-volume method.
The transsonic flow through the nozzle throat shows very good agreement with experimental data. Simulation and experimental results emphasize the influence of various geometric factors like size and shape of the nozzle throat. Furthermore, differences in the acceleration behavior of Argon and Xenon are examined.
Results of simulations utilizing the DSMC method [Bird, 1994, Stefanov et al., 2011] with diffusively reflecting boundary conditions present the best agreement with experimental data. Any deviation seen using the finite-volume method with no-slip boundary conditions can be explained by the equilibrium gas-state near the walls [Brenner, 2005, Greenshields et al., 2007]. The non-equilibrium approach produces lower velocity gradients near the wall, especially in wall regions with high levels of surface curvature.