bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improvement of fatigue crack growth resistance by controlled overaging in 2024‐T3 aluminium alloy
Authors: Tzamtzis A. , Kermanidis A. T. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTA controlled overaging process is proposed to increase region II fatigue crack propagation resistance of 2024‐T3 aluminium alloy. Overaging was achieved by subjecting the material from the initial T3 state to heat treatment at specific aging temperatures resulting in substantial reduction in hardness. Fatigue crack growth tests were subsequently performed in the intermediate ΔΚ region to assess the influence of aging treatment on fatigue crack propagation rate. The experimental results showed that overaging at high temperatures enhances the fatigue crack growth resistance of the material with regard to initial T3 state. Fatigue crack growth rates were found to decrease with increasing overaging temperature. Cyclic stress strain tests were performed to assess the impact of the performed overaging on cyclic behaviour. The results revealed that cyclic strain hardening is enhanced in the overaged material, contributing to increased fatigue crack closure levels.
Larval fish distribution and retention in the Canary Current system during the weak upwelling season
Authors: Moyano M. , Rodríguez J.M. , Benítez‐Barrios V.M. , Hernández‐León S. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe spatial distribution of fish larvae was studied in the Canaries‐African Coastal Transition Zone, outside the strong upwelling season. An onshore–offshore transition in the larval fish community structure was observed, from a coastal assemblage dominated by small pelagics (sardine, anchovy, mackerel), bounded by the upwelling front, to an offshore assemblage dominated by mesopelagic species (mainly Myctophidae, Phosichthydae, Gonostomatidae). Distribution of the neritic larvae was deeply influenced by the intense mesoscale activity found in the area, both horizontally (larvae were advected offshore but were always retained within the upwelling area) and vertically (larvae were deepened in the vicinity of two anticyclonic eddies). A combined effect of the upwelling front and a cyclonic–anticyclonic eddy dipole is likely the successful retention mechanism for these larvae. These results support the current belief that retention may be higher than previously thought in upwelling areas. Oceanic larvae were also collected in higher abundances near the front and an anticyclonic eddy. Neritic and oceanic larvae frequently showed a differentiated position in the water column, although they sometimes coexisted. Finally, larval connectivity between Islands within the Canary archipelago is suggested. The present study thus contributes to the understanding of the complex dispersal and retention processes in the Canaries‐African Coastal Transition Zone. However, results also highlight the poor knowledge of this region compared with the other three main Eastern Boundary Upwelling Systems in terms of ichthyoplankton dynamics. The importance of routine monitoring programs of commercial and non‐commercial species in the area is emphasized.
The late summer crustacean zooplankton in western U.S.A reservoirs reflects ecoregion, temperature and latitude
Authors: Beaver John R. , Tausz Claudia E. , Renicker Thomas R. , Holdren G. Chris , Hosler Denise M. , Manis Erin E. , Scotese Kyle C. , Teacher Catherine E. , Vitanye Benjamin T. , Davidson Rachel M. 
Published: February 2014

Summary

We tested whether the crustacean zooplankton species composition and size structure (which are important determinants of energy flow in plankton food webs) during late summer in reservoirs would be related to ecoregional designations, catchment land use, temperature and latitude. We also examined whether the predictions of decreasing cladoceran body size with decreasing latitude (as observed for natural lakes) would be valid for reservoirs. Zooplankton samples were collected in late summer 2010 from 102 western U.S. reservoirs distributed over three major ecoregions from 32.5 to 48.6°N latitude.

Large‐bodied cladocerans (Daphnia pulex complex) and cyclopoid copepods (Diacyclops thomasi) were found in deeper, cooler reservoirs with forested catchments (Northwestern Forested Mountains). Small‐bodied cladocerans (Daphnia retrocurva, Diaphanosoma spp. and Chydorus sphaericus) and cyclopoid copepods (Tropocyclops prasinus) were more common in productive reservoirs in catchments influenced by agriculture (Great Plains). Small‐bodied cladocerans (Bosmina longirostris) dominated the otherwise modest crustacean zooplankton in reservoirs located in catchments dominated by evergreen shrub vegetation with limited forestation (Western Xeric). Calanoid copepods also displayed clear distribution by ecoregion.

Increasing water temperature and decreasing latitude were associated with smaller mean Daphnia and cladoceran body lengths and lower absolute biomass of daphniids. Daphniids were rare or absent in warm waters (i.e. below 36o N latitude and/or from sites located <500 m altitude).

Species composition and mean body size of the cladoceran zooplankton were consistent with the feeding habits of the common planktivorous fish – salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) and lake trout (Salvelinus spp.) in the Northwestern Forested Mountains, gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) in the Great Plains and threadfin shad (Dorosoma petenense) in the Western Xeric ecoregion.

Our study indicates that the taxonomic composition and size structure of the cladoceran zooplankton in reservoirs are highly connected to ecoregional attributes such as catchment land use, temperature and latitude as has been observed for natural lakes.
Habitat coupling in a large lake system: delivery of an energy subsidy by an offshore planktivore to the nearshore zone of Lake Superior
Authors: Stockwell Jason D. , Yule Daniel L. , Hrabik Thomas R. , Sierszen Michael E. , Isaac Edmund J. 
Published: February 2014

Summary

We hypothesised that the autumn spawning migration of Lake Superior cisco (Coregonus artedi) provides a resource subsidy, in the form of energy‐rich cisco eggs, from the offshore pelagic to the nearshore benthic community over winter, when alternate prey production is likely to be low.

We tested this hypothesis using fish and macroinvertebrate surveys, fish population demographics, diet and stable isotope analyses, and bioenergetics modelling.

The benthic, congeneric lake whitefish (C. clupeaformis) was a clear beneficiary of cisco spawning. Cisco eggs represented 16% of lake whitefish annual consumption in terms of biomass, but 34% of energy (because of their high energy density: >10 kJ g wet mass−1). Stable isotope analyses were consistent with these results and suggest that other nearshore fish species may also rely on cisco eggs.

The lipid content of lake whitefish liver almost doubled from 26 to 49% between November and March, while that of muscle increased from 14 to 26% over the same period, suggesting lake whitefish were building, rather than depleting, lipid reserves during winter.

In the other Laurentian Great Lakes, where cisco populations remain very low and rehabilitation efforts are underway, the offshore‐to‐nearshore ecological link apparent in Lake Superior has been replaced by non‐native planktivorous species. These non‐native species spawn in spring have smaller eggs and shorter incubation periods. The rehabilitation of cisco in these systems should reinstate the onshore subsidy as it has in Lake Superior.
The n‐dimensional hypervolume
Authors: Blonder Benjamin , Lamanna Christine , Violle Cyrille , Enquist Brian J. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimThe Hutchinsonian hypervolume is the conceptual foundation for many lines of ecological and evolutionary inquiry, including functional morphology, comparative biology, community ecology and niche theory. However, extant methods to sample from hypervolumes or measure their geometry perform poorly on high‐dimensional or holey datasets.InnovationWe first highlight the conceptual and computational issues that have prevented a more direct approach to measuring hypervolumes. Next, we present a new multivariate kernel density estimation method that resolves many of these problems in an arbitrary number of dimensions.Main conclusionsWe show that our method (implemented as the ‘hypervolume’ R package) can match several extant methods for hypervolume geometry and species distribution modelling. Tools to quantify high‐dimensional ecological hypervolumes will enable a wide range of fundamental descriptive, inferential and comparative questions to be addressed.
Sward herbage accumulation and nutritive value as affected by pasture renovation strategy
Authors: Keim J. P. , López I. F. , Balocchi O. A. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractPerennial ryegrass pastures are the main feed for dairy cows in temperate regions. Alternatives to increase farm sustainability such as naturalized pastures have been proposed, and only limited knowledge exists regarding their potential as a forage source for grazing dairy systems. A field study was undertaken between September 2006 and September 2009 in Valdivia, Chile, to assess the effect of three pasture renovation strategies [naturalized fertilized (NFP); cultivated fertilized Lolium perenne and Trifolium repens mixture (RGWC); and cultivated fertilized Bromus valdivianus, Dactylis glomerata, Holcus lanatus, Lolium perenne and Trifolium repens mixture (MIXED)] over a naturalized degraded pasture on herbage production, botanical change and chemical composition. The three renovation strategies increased total herbage accumulation. During 2007–2008 and 2008–2009, the naturalized fertilized pasture produced similar amounts of dry matter as the cultivated fertilized mixtures. A higher grazing efficiency (the proportion of total herbage mass accumulation, removed by grazing dairy cows) was estimated for NNFP, RGWC and MIXED. Fertilization and liming increased the proportions of Lolium perenne and Bromus spp. at the expense of Agrostis capillaris and Trifolium repens. In the cultivated mixtures, the amount of Lolium perenne tended to decrease over time. Crude protein concentration and digestibility tended to be higher for naturalized fertilized and perennial ryegrass–white clover pastures throughout the experiment. These results suggest that fertilization and liming of a low‐producing naturalized pasture might be a sound alternative for pasture improvement.
Optimal harvest timing vs. harvesting for animal forage supply: Impacts on production and quality of lucerne on the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Robertson M. , Shen Y. , Philp J. , Hou F. , Yang D. , Yang Z. , Ying K. , Chen X. , Bell L. , Whish J. , Komarek A. M. , Bellotti B. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe current promotion of larger areas of lucerne (Medicago sativa) production on the Loess Plateau in China prompted this study, which investigated lucerne harvesting practices by farmers and the scope for improved harvest yield and quality by optimizing harvest date, interval and height above ground. On‐farm surveys were conducted to document the dominant harvesting practices used by farmers and their perceptions of barriers to adoption of alternative harvesting practices. In districts with less emphasis on livestock, less labour and inadequate facilities to store conserved lucerne, smaller areas of lucerne are grown and it is often harvested daily to meet demand from penned livestock. The consequence is that much of the lucerne is harvested either before or after flowering, resulting in suboptimal yield of biomass and crude protein. Field experiments conducted at low and high rainfall locations on the Loess Plateau over three seasons showed that delaying the start to harvest until after mid‐June (the date of first flowering), while not affecting total biomass harvested for the season, does reduce leaf biomass harvested and hence crude protein concentration and yield. Lower crude protein is a consequence of a decline in both leaf percentage in harvested biomass and stem nitrogen concentration. Commencing harvests well before flowering with short (3 week) harvest intervals also penalized total and leaf biomass harvested. Raising cutting height from ground level (current farmer practice) to 50 mm (likely with the advent of mechanized harvesting) did not penalize harvested total or leaf biomass.
Effects of balance ability and handgrip height on kinematics of the gait, torso, and pelvis in elderly women using a four‐wheeled walker
Authors: Choi Hyuk‐Jae , Ko Chang‐Yong , Kang Sungjae , Ryu Jeicheong , Mun Museong , Jeon Hye‐Seon 
Published: February 2014

AimNumerous elderly individuals use the four‐wheeled walker (FWW) as a gait‐assistive device. The walker's handgrip height is important for correct use. However, few clinical studies have investigated the biomechanical effects of the FWW's handgrip height on balance. Therefore, the present study assessed kinematic features of the gait, torso and pelvis during use of the FWW at two levels of handgrip height (48% vs 55% of the subject's height) while assessing balance in older adults.MethodsA total of 20 older adults were allocated into two groups according to the Berg Balance Scale (BBS): good balance (GB; BBS ≥46) versus poor balance (PB; BBS <45). Participants walked with the FWW at 48% or 55% handgrip height for 10 m.ResultsOur study showed that the double‐support period and stance phase significantly increased at 55% handgrip height, but the swing phase significantly decreased in the GB group. In the PB group, velocity and stride length significantly increased at 55% handgrip height. Tilt angle of the torso in the GB group was significantly lower at 55% than at 48% handgrip height, but no differences were observed in the PB group. In the pelvis, initial contact and toe‐off angles of tilt were lower in the GB group at 55% handgrip height, but no differences were observed in the PB group.ConclusionsThese results showed that kinematic features of the gait, torso, and pelvis in older adults using the FWW might be dependent on the handgrip height of the FWW and the patient's balance. Additionally, greater than 48% of the body height might be appropriate for older adults with poor balance. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 182–188.
ADVATE prophylaxis: post hoc analysis of joint bleeding episodes
Authors: Valentino L. A. , Reyes C. M. , Ewenstein B. , Guzmán‐Becerra N. , Wong W. Y. , Schoenig‐Diesing C. , Romanov V. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryIntroductionThe ADVATE (rAHF‐PFM) Prophylaxis Study compared the efficacy of (i) standard factor (F) VIIII prophylaxis (SP) (20–40 IU kg−1 every other day) vs. pharmacokinetic‐tailored prophylaxis (PKP) (20–80 IU kg−1 every third day) and (ii) both prophylactic regimens with on‐demand therapy (OD) in 66 previously on‐demand‐treated patients (median age: 26 years; range: 7–59) with FVIII ≤2% and ≥8 joint haemorrhages in the year before enrolment.AimThe aim of this study was to evaluate joint bleeding episodes during the on‐demand and prophylactic study periods.MethodsA post hoc analysis of joint bleeding episodes in the per protocol analysis set (n = 53) was conducted.ResultsThe annualized joint bleeding rate (AJBR) was significantly lower for subjects treated with 12 months of SP (n = 30) or PKP (n = 23) as compared with 6 months of OD (n = 53): 55 {median AJBR 0.48 [interquartile range (IQR) 1.96]}, 72 [1.00 (4.07)] and 1164 [38.65 (24.81)] respectively (P < 0.0001). Median AJBR was comparable during both prophylaxis arms (0.5 and 1.0 respectively). In contrast, median AJBR during on‐demand therapy was 38.7 (P < 0.0001).ConclusionBoth SP and PKP significantly increased the median number of days between joint bleeding episodes compared with OD: 268.9, 182.9 and 7.4 respectively (P < 0.0001). Study subjects experienced these joint‐protective benefits of prophylaxis regardless of the number of baseline target joints.
Integration of the Client Self‐Care Commitment Model in a dental hygiene Curriculum
Authors: Miles SS , Rogo EJ , Calley KH , Hill NR 
Published: February 2014

AbstractObjectiveThis exploratory study investigated whether integration of the Client Self‐Care Commitment Model (CSCCM) Instructional Module in a dental hygiene curriculum, as an additional educational experience, would further enhance students' client‐centred knowledge, values and actions.MethodsSubjects (n = 26) were second‐year students enrolled in a BS entry‐level dental hygiene programme with random assignments to two groups. The experimental group participated in a 2‐h didactic session, an 8‐h preclinical session, an 8‐h clinical session and a 1‐h question and answer period. An online pretest–post‐test survey administered at three time intervals (baseline, 3 and 6 weeks) was used to measure differences between the groups on three subscales (knowledge, values and actions).ResultsCronbach's α for each subscale across time was above 0.90. A repeated‐measures anova determined that there were no statistically significant interactions between Time and Group (experimental or control group) for the knowledge and values variables; however, there was a significant interaction between Time (P = 0.003) and Group (P = 0.033) for the actions variable. A content analysis of participants' responses to three open‐ended questions reflected both positive and negative comments and revealed that students' primary barrier to implementing the model in client care was lack of time.ConclusionsSignificant differences in the actions variable between the groups suggested that implementation of the CSCCM Instructional Module enhanced students' client‐centred actions during client care.
Cone beam computed tomography in Endodontics – a review
Authors: Patel S. , Durack C. , Abella F. , Shemesh H. , Roig M. , Lemberg K. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractCone beam computed tomography (CBCT) produces undistorted three‐dimensional information of the maxillofacial skeleton, including the teeth and their surrounding tissues with a lower effective radiation dose than computed tomography. The aim of this paper is to: (i) review the current literature on the applications and limitations of CBCT; (ii) make recommendations for the use of CBCT in Endodontics; (iii) highlight areas of further research of CBCT in Endodontics.
A community pharmacist-led anticoagulation management service: attitudes towards a new collaborative model of care in New Zealand†
Authors: Shaw John , Harrison Jeff , Harrison Jenny 
Published: February 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo examine attitudes towards a new collaborative pharmacy-based model of care for management of warfarin treatment in the community. As background to the study, the New Zealand health authorities are encouraging greater clinical involvement of community pharmacists.MethodsFifteen community pharmacies in New Zealand took part in a community pharmacist-led anticoagulation management service (CPAMS). Participants (patients, general practitioners, practice nurses, pharmacists) were surveyed on their views on accessibility, convenience, confidence in the service, impact on warfarin control, impact on workloads, effect on relationships and whether the service should be further implemented. A small number from each group was interviewed on the same topics.Key findingsPatients reported improved access, convenience, a preference for capillary testing, and the immediacy of the test result and dose changes. They indicated that they had a better understanding of their health problems. While sample sizes were small, the majority of general practitioners and practice nurses felt there were positive benefits for patients (convenience) and themselves (time saved) and expressed confidence in pharmacists' ability to provide the service. There were some concerns about potential loss of involvement in patient management. Pharmacists reported high levels of satisfaction with better use of their clinical knowledge in direct patient care and that their relationships with both patients and health professionals had improved.ConclusionsThe new model of care was highly valued by patients and supported by primary care practitioners. Wider implementation of CPAMS was strongly supported. Pharmacists and general practitioners involved in CPAMS reported a pre-existing collaborative relationship, and this appears to be important in effective implementation.
Simple and reliable predictor of urinary continence after radical prostatectomy: Serial measurement of urine loss ratio after catheter removal
Authors: Sato Yoshikazu , Tanda Hitoshi , Nakajima Hisao , Nitta Toshikazu , Akagashi Keigo , Hanzawa Tatsuo , Tobe Musashi , Haga Kazunori , Uchida Kosuke , Honma Ichiya 
Published: February 2014

ObjectivesTo evaluate urine loss ratio after catheter removal as a predictive factor of urinary continence after radical prostatectomy.MethodsA total of 190 patients who had undergone retropubic radical prostatectomy were evaluated. Urine loss ratio was measured using the 24‐h pad test during 7 consecutive days after removal of urethral catheters. Continence rates at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after operation were evaluated with the urinary function domain of the University of California, Los Angeles Prostate Cancer Index. The desirable urine loss ratio for continent condition at 12 months after the operation was calculated. As desirable target urine loss ratio continence at 12 months was determined by using logistic analysis.ResultsContinence rates of all patients at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery were 13%, 37.8%, 58.9%, and 85.8%, respectively. Continence rates of patients who achieved ≤1% of urine loss ratio within 7 days or ≤5% urine loss ratio within 3 days after catheter removal was 100% at 12 months. Logistic regression analysis proved these urine loss ratio values were significant predictors of continence at 12 months.ConclusionsUrine loss ratio after catheter removal within 7 days is a significant determinant of urinary continence after radical prostatectomy. This parameter could have clinical usefulness to estimate future recovery of urinary continence.
Balance between activating NKG2D, DNAM‐1, NKp44 and NKp46 and inhibitory CD94/NKG2A receptors determine natural killer degranulation towards rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts
Authors: Nielsen Natasja , Pascal Veronique , Fasth Andreas E. R. , Sundström Yvonne , Galsgaard Elisabeth D. , Ahern David , Andersen Martin , Baslund Bo , Bartels Else M. , Bliddal Henning , Feldmann Marc , Malmström Vivianne , Berg Louise , Spee Pieter , Söderström Kalle 
Published: February 2014

SummaryRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation and synovial hyperplasia leading to progressive joint destruction. Fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) are central components of the aggressive, tumour‐like synovial structure termed pannus, which invades the joint space and cartilage. A distinct natural killer (NK) cell subset expressing the inhibitory CD94/NKG2A receptor is present in RA synovial fluid. Little is known about possible cellular interactions between RA‐FLS and NK cells. We used cultured RA‐FLS and the human NK cell line Nishi, of which the latter expresses an NK receptor repertoire similar to that of NK cells in RA synovial fluid, as an in vitro model system of RA‐FLS/NK cell cross‐talk. We show that RA‐FLS express numerous ligands for both activating and inhibitory NK cell receptors, and stimulate degranulation of Nishi cells. We found that NKG2D, DNAM‐1, NKp46 and NKp44 are the key activating receptors involved in Nishi cell degranulation towards RA‐FLS. Moreover, blockade of the interaction between CD94/NKG2A and its ligand HLA‐E expressed on RA‐FLS further enhanced Nishi cell degranulation in co‐culture with RA‐FLS. Using cultured RA‐FLS and the human NK cell line Nishi as an in vitro model system of RA‐FLS/NK cell cross‐talk, our results suggest that cell‐mediated cytotoxicity of RA‐FLS may be one mechanism by which NK cells influence local joint inflammation in RA.