bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inappropriate analysis does not reveal the ecological causes of evolution of stickleback armour: a critique of Spence et al. 2013
Authors: MacColl Andrew D. C. , Aucott Beth 
Published: August 2014

AbstractIn a recent paper in this journal, Spence et al. (2013) sought to identify the ecological causes of morphological evolution in three‐spined sticklebacks Gasterosteus aculeatus, by examining phenotypic and environmental variation between populations on the island of North Uist, Scotland. However, by using simple qualitative assessments of phenotype and inappropriate measures of environmental variation, Spence et al. have come to a conclusion that is diametrically opposite to that which we have arrived at in studying the same populations. Our criticisms of their paper are threefold: (1) using a binomial qualitative measure of the variation in stickleback armour (“low” versus “minimal” (i.e., “normal” low‐plated freshwater sticklebacks versus spineless and/or plateless fish)) does not represent the full range of phenotypes that can be described by quantitative measures of the individual elements of armour. (2) Their use of unspecified test kits, with a probable accuracy of 4 ppm, may not be accurate in the range of water chemistry on North Uist (1 to 30 ppm calcium). (3) Their qualitative assessment of the abundance of brown trout Salmo trutta as the major predator of sticklebacks does not accurately describe the variation in brown trout abundance that is revealed by catch‐per‐unit‐effort statistics. Repeating Spence et al.'s analysis using our own measurements, we find, in direct contradiction to them, that variation in stickleback bony armour is strongly correlated with variation in trout abundance, and unrelated to variation in the concentration of calcium in the lochs in which they live. Field studies in ecology and evolution seldom address the same question in the same system at the same time, and it is salutary that in this rare instance two such studies arrived at diametrically opposite answers.
Towards Deep‐Blue Phosphorescence: Molecular Design, Synthesis and Theoretical Study of Iridium Complexes with Cyclometalating 2‐Phenyl‐2H‐[1,2,3]triazole Ligands
Authors: Zhao Yinping , Tang Jia , Zhang Houyu , Ma Yuguang 
Published: August 2014

AbstractWe report on the synthesis and characterization of two bis‐cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes with 2‐phenyl‐2H‐[1,2,3]triazole as a new type of cyclometalating ligand. The photophysical and electrochemical properties of the two complexes were investigated experimentally as well as theoretically by using density functional theory. The properties of the two new complexes were compared with classical blue‐emitting iridium complex FIrpic. The two complexes both exhibited deep‐blue emission at 77 K, indicating that the introduction of cyclometalating 2‐phenyl‐2H‐[1,2,3]triazole ligands can, in general, cause a spectral blueshift.
Co‐inoculation of Glomus intraradices and Trichoderma atroviride acts as a biostimulant to promote growth, yield and nutrient uptake of vegetable crops
Authors: Colla Giuseppe , Rouphael Youssef , Di Mattia Elena , El‐Nakhel Christophe , Cardarelli Mariateresa 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe application of beneficial microorganisms at transplanting can promote rapid transplant establishment (starter effect) for achieving early and high yields. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biostimulant effects of Glomus intraradices BEG72 (G) and Trichoderma atroviride MUCL 45632 (T) alone or in combination on plant growth parameters, yield, chlorophyll index (SPAD), chlorophyll fluorescence and mineral composition of several vegetable crops.RESULTSThe T. atroviride strain was capable of producing siderophores and auxin‐like compounds under a wide range of substrate pH conditions (5.5–8.0). The highest shoot, root dry weight, SPAD and chlorophyll fluorescence in lettuce, tomato and zucchini was observed in the G + T combination, followed by a single inoculation of G or T, whereas the lowest values were recorded in the uninoculated plants. Under greenhouse conditions, the shoot dry weight was significantly increased by 167%, 56%, 115%, 68% and 58% in lettuce, melon, pepper, tomato and zucchini, respectively, when supplied with both beneficial microorganisms in comparison with the control. This increase in root and shoot weight was associated with an increased level of nutrient uptake (e.g. P, Mg, Fe, Zn and B). Under open field conditions, the lettuce shoot and root dry weight increased by 61% and 57%, respectively, with biostimulant microorganism application in field conditions. For zucchini, early and total yields were significantly increased by 59% and 15%, respectively, when plants were inoculated with both microorganisms.CONCLUSIONThe application of the biostimulant tablet containing both G and T can promote transplant establishment and vegetable crop productivity in a sustainable way. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Review: Bone conduction devices and contralateral routing of sound systems in single‐sided deafness
Authors: Peters Jeroen P. M. , Smit Adriana L. , Stegeman Inge , Grolman Wilko 
Published: August 2014

Objectives/HypothesisSystematically review the literature on the clinical outcome of bone conduction devices (BCD) and contralateral routing of sound systems (CROSS) for patients with single‐sided deafness (SSD).Data SourcesPubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL databases were searched up to April 7, 2014.Review MethodsAll studies investigating BCD and CROSS for patients with SSD on speech perception in noise, sound localization, or quality of life were selected and critically appraised.ResultsIn total, 46 articles were retrieved, of which six satisfied the eligibility criteria. Critical appraisal showed that five studies (n = 91) carried a moderate to high directness of evidence and a low to moderate risk of bias. Subsequently, study characteristics and outcome measurements were extracted. Due to large heterogeneity between studies, pooling of data was not feasible. Studies did not show a clear advantage of BCD or CROSS on speech perception in noise. BCD and CROSS lead to the same sound localization ability as the unaided condition. Quality of life did not differ significantly between conditions; however, subjective speech communication did improve.ConclusionNo high level of evidence studies compare BCD and CROSS in patients with SSD. Literature showed no beneficial effect of BCD or CROSS regarding speech perception in noise and sound localization. Subjective speech communication demonstrated a moderate improvement with BCD and CROSS. High evidence studies comparing all treatment options for single‐sided deafness should be conducted. Laryngoscope, 125:218–226, 2015
Predictive findings of allergic disease in fiberoptic nasolaryngoscopy
Authors: Brook Christopher , Noordzij J. Pieter , Russell Kimberly , Aliphas Avner , Platt Michael 
Published: August 2014

Objectives/HypothesisTo determine whether findings on fiberoptic nasolaryngoscopy beyond the nasal cavity can aid in diagnosis of atopy.Study DesignCase control analysis of patients undergoing fiberoptic nasolaryngoscopy and allergy testing at a single academic institution.MethodsPatients who underwent flexible nasolaryngoscopy for either laryngeal or nasal symptoms and allergy testing by in vitro methods were divided into an atopic group and a nonatopic control group based on results of allergy testing. Three board‐certified otolaryngologists who were blinded to the atopic status and symptoms viewed 88 patient videos and filled out an 8‐item endoscopic rating questionnaire for each. Correlation between rater scores, endoscopic findings, and atopic status was calculated using Randolph's multirater kappa values and Mann‐Whitney test.ResultsIntrarater reliability was moderate to perfect for all physicians on all questions (kappa 0.545–1.0). Inter‐rater reliability was slight to fair (kappa 0.143–0.399) for all questions and the overall impression of atopic disease. Abnormalities of the torus tubarius (P = .007) and increased nasopharyngeal secretions (P = .038) were predictive of atopic disease, whereas the presence of an adenoid (P = .08) and impression of atopic disease (P = .15) approached significance. All other endoscopic measures were not predictive of atopic status.ConclusionsFiberoptic nasolaryngeal findings within the nasopharynx rather than the larynx are predictive of a positive atopic status.Level of Evidence3b. Laryngoscope, 125:286–290, 2015
Fat signal suppression for coronary MRA at 3T using a water‐selective adiabatic T2‐preparation technique
Authors: Coristine Andrew J. , van Heeswijk Ruud B. , Stuber Matthias 
Published: August 2014

PurposeTo improve fat saturation in coronary MRA at 3T by using a spectrally selective adiabatic T2‐Prep (WSA‐T2‐Prep).MethodsA conventional adiabatic T2‐Prep (CA‐T2‐Prep) was modified, such that the excitation and restoration pulses were of differing bandwidths. On‐resonance spins are T2‐Prepared, whereas off‐resonance spins, such as fat, are spoiled. This approach was combined with a CHEmically Selective Saturation (CHESS) pulse to achieve even greater fat suppression. Numerical simulations were followed by phantom validation and in vivo coronary MRA.ResultsNumerical simulations demonstrated that augmenting a CHESS pulse with a WSA‐T2‐Prep improved robustness to B1 inhomogeneities and that this combined fat suppression was effective over a broader spectral range than that of a CHESS pulse in a conventional T2‐Prepared sequence. Phantom studies also demonstrated that the WSA‐T2‐Prep+CHESS combination produced greater fat suppression across a range of B1 values than did a CA‐T2‐Prep+CHESS combination. Lastly, in vivo measurements demonstrated that the contrast‐to‐noise ratio between blood and myocardium was not adversely affected by using a WSA‐T2‐Prep, despite the improved abdominal and epicardial fat suppression. Additionally, vessel sharpness improved.ConclusionThe proposed WSA‐T2‐Prep method was shown to improve fat suppression and vessel sharpness as compared to a CA‐T2‐Prep technique, and to also increase fat suppression when combined with a CHESS pulse. Magn Reson Med 72:763–769, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Role of oxygen during CdTe growth for CdTe photovoltaic devices
Authors: Korevaar Bas A. , Cournoyer James R. , Sulima Oleg , Yakimov Aharon , Johnson James N. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTPolycrystalline CdTe thin films for CdTe solar cell devices are typically grown using physical vapor techniques such as close‐spaced sublimation or vapor transport deposition with, in some cases, a small amount of oxygen in the process gas. In this report, we discuss the results of growing CdTe films in an environment of pure oxygen using close‐space sublimation. The results show that oxygen has a positive impact on CdTe film quality as it increases charge carrier mobility and lifetime in the absorber layer of CdTe‐based devices. This has resulted in a 10–20 mV improvement in open‐circuit voltages when growing the CdTe in pure oxygen. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of linkage chemistry on folding, self‐assembly, and photoresponse of amphiphilic azobenzene main chain polymers
Authors: Yu Zhilin , Hecht Stefan 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTTwo types of amphiphilic polymers composed of azobenzene repeat units in the main chain connected either via ethynylene (acetylene) or butadiynylene (diacetylene) linkages and carrying oligo(ethylene glycol) side chains were reported. Synthesis was accomplished by polycondensation involving Sonogashira–Hagihara cross coupling and Glaser coupling, respectively. Solvent titration experiments revealed that both polymers fold into stable helices in a polar environment. While the ethynylene‐bridged polymer resembled the behavior of its oligomeric counterparts, introduction of the extended diacetylene unit strengthened π,π‐stacking interactions in case of the butadiynylene‐bridged polymer leading to a pronounced aggregation tendency and suppressing photoisomerization in the folded state. Our study demonstrates the importance of backbone connectivity to balance intra‐ and intermolecular forces for the successful design of photoresponsive polymers. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 313–318
Analysis of diversity schemes employing antenna selection in the presence of channel estimation errors and feedback delay
Authors: Coşkun Ahmet Faruk , Kucur Oğuz 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe main objective of this paper is to provide an extensive and complete examination on the effect of practical impairments such as channel estimation errors (CEEs) and feedback delay (FD) on the performance of diversity schemes over Nakagami‐m fading channels. Under erroneous channel estimation and outdated feedback cases, statistical expressions and several performance metrics related to the post‐processing signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) are derived for four different diversity schemes: transmit antenna selection (TAS)/orthogonal space–time block coding, TAS/maximal‐ratio transmission (MRT), MRT/receive antenna selection (RAS), and joint transmit and RAS. Exact analytical expressions for outage probability and average error rates of M‐ary modulations are derived in order to provide insightful perspectives on the capacity and error performance of diversity schemes that experience both CEE and FD. The asymptotic diversity order of the investigated diversity schemes are derived via a high‐SNR approximation approach. In order to assess the real‐world performance of the investigated diversity schemes and to observe their robustness or sensitivities in practical imperfections, various configurations are considered together with several performance comparisons. Also, Monte Carlo simulations are performed in order to validate the theoretical results. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Unilateral Bloody Nipple Discharge; Useful When Conventional Diagnostics are Negative?
Authors: van Gelder L. , Bisschops R. H. C. , Menke‐Pluymers M. B. E. , Westenend P. J. , Plaisier P. W. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackgroundUnilateral bloody nipple discharge (UBND) is mostly caused by benign conditions such as papilloma or ductal ectasia. However, in 7–33 % of all nipple discharge, it is caused by breast cancer. Conventional diagnostic imaging like mammography (MMG) and ultrasonography (US) is performed to exclude malignancy. Preliminary investigations of breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assume that it has additional value. With an increasing availability of MRI, it is of clinical importance to evaluate this. We evaluated the additional diagnostic value of MRI in patients with UBND in the absence of a palpable mass, with normal conventional imaging.MethodsAll women with UBND in the period November 2007–July 2012 were included. In addition to the standard work‐up (patient’s history, physical examination, MMG, and US), MRI was performed. Data from these examinations and treatment were collected retrospectively.ResultsA total of 111 women (mean age 52 years; range 23–80) were included. In nine (8 %) patients, malignancy was suspected on MRI while conventional imaging was normal. In eight (89 %) of these patients, histology was obtained, two by core biopsy and six by terminal duct excision. Benign conditions were found in six patients (86 %) and a (pre‐) malignant lesion in two patients. In both cases, it concerned a ductal carcinoma in situ, which was treated with breast‐conserving therapy. Moreover, in two cases of (pre)malignancy, the MRI was interpreted as negative.ConclusionIn patients with UBND who show no signs of a malignancy on conventional diagnostic examinations, the added value of a breast MRI is limited, since a malignancy can be demonstrated in <2 %.
Mothers’ Experiences of Genetic Counselling in Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Morris Megan , Glass Merlyn , Wessels Tina‐Marié , Kromberg Jennifer G. R. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractGenetic counselling is offered in diverse settings, and patient reactions vary due to differences in personal, family and community beliefs, local healthcare settings, as well as cultural background. Together, these factors influence how individuals experience genetic counselling. This study aimed to describe and document the experiences of thirteen mothers, with children with Down syndrome, oculocutaneous albinism or haemophilia B, who had received genetic counselling at state hospitals in Johannesburg, South Africa. A qualitative research design drawing on principles of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used. Four voice‐recorded focus groups were conducted and the resulting data were analysed using thematic content analysis. Five themes were identified in the data: thrown into the unknown; a worthwhile experience; a break in communication; telling the family and the community; and spreading the word. It was seen that genetic counselling cannot be viewed as a singular experience, but rather as one which is influenced by mothers’ lived experiences and their interactions with other healthcare services, family and community members. The results from this study showed that genetic services and conditions were poorly understood, that the experience of genetic counselling varied amongst mothers, and on‐going patient support is needed particularly when addressing family and community members. Further research is needed to assess what information is valuable to individuals during genetic counselling and how to deliver this information in a contextually appropriate manner. Greater awareness of genetic conditions is also required amongst communities and healthcare professionals. Valuable insight was gained from this study which can be used to improve local training programmes and genetic counselling services in Johannesburg, and in South Africa.
Understanding the Experience of Myotonic Dystrophy. Mixed Method Study
Authors: Geirdal Amy Østertun , Lund‐Petersen Inger , Heiberg Arvid 
Published: August 2014

AbstractMyotonic Dystrophy (DM) is a progressive multi‐systemic disorder characterized by myotonia and muscle weakness where currently no effective treatment or cure to prevent or delay the disorder exists. This study used mixed methods to examine the experience of living with DM, in patients and their close relatives. Thirteen patients and eight next of kin responded completing Quality of Life and Psychological distress questionnaires in this cross‐sectional study, and participating in a semi‐structured interview. The findings indicate a higher level of anxiety and hopelessness in next of kin compared to patients, while patients were more depressed. Next of kin reported higher physical, but lower emotional quality of life than patients. Qualitative interviews confirmed the questionnaire findings. The findings from this study may be helpful in genetic counseling. Genetic counselors and geneticists should not only be aware of the burden of being a next of kin, but include discussions about opportunities to minimize the burden in families affected with DM. The findings may be of relevance in counseling for other types of neuromuscular disorders.
On the periodic injection of fluid into, and its extraction from, a confined aquifer
Authors: Dudfield Peter , Woods Andrew W. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractWe consider the periodic injection and extraction of fluid from a line well in a horizontal saturated aquifer of finite thickness as part of an aquifer thermal energy storage system. We focus on the case in which the injected fluid is dense relative to the original fluid in the aquifer and we explore the competition between the driving pressure and buoyancy force in controlling the dispersal of the injected fluid through the aquifer. We show that, after each cycle, a progressively larger fraction of the injected fluid is extracted, while the remainder of the injected fluid gradually migrates away from the well such that, after time $\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}t$, the position of the leading edge of the injected fluid, $x_{nose}(t)$, scales as $ x_{nose}(t)\sim x_{nose}(\tau )\sqrt{t/\tau }$, where $\tau $ is the period of injection. If the fluid is extracted from the base of the layer, then, near the well, the thickness of the injected fluid at the end of the extraction cycle tends to a constant value, which decreases with injection rate. We also show that there is a class of self-similar exchange-flow solutions that develop when a saturated porous layer of thickness $H$ is in contact with a stratified fluid reservoir, filled to thickness $F_0H<H$ with relatively dense fluid, and with original reservoir fluid above this level. We show that these solutions coincide exactly with the far-field flow produced by the injection–extraction cycles. We successfully test the models with a series of analogue experiments of both the injection–extraction flow and the exchange flow using a Hele-Shaw cell. In the case that the fluid is injected and extracted from the top of the aquifer, the value $F_0$ tends to unity in all cases, although the convergence time depends on the rate and period of injection, the buoyancy speed and the vertical extent and the porosity of the aquifer. We use the model to explore how the concentration of reservoir fluid in the produced fluid varies as the system evolves from cycle to cycle, and we also examine the time required to transport a localised but distant contaminant to the production well through the far-field exchange flow. Finally, we consider the analogous axisymmetric injection–extraction flow problem, and show, through both numerical solution of the governing equations and experiment, that, although there is no simple class of similarity solutions, the fraction of injected fluid that is extracted progressively increases in each cycle.
Particle-laden flow down a slope in uniform stratification
Authors: Snow Kate , Sutherland B. R. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractLock–release laboratory experiments are performed to examine saline and particle-laden flows down a slope into both constant-density and linearly stratified ambients. Both hypopycnal (surface-propagating) currents and hyperpycnal (turbidity) currents are examined, with the focus being upon the influence of ambient stratification on turbidity currents. Measurements are made of the along-slope front speed and the depth at which the turbidity current separates from the slope and intrudes into the ambient. These results are compared to the predictions of a theory that characterizes the flow evolution and separation depth in terms of the slope $\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}s$, the entrainment parameter $E$ (the ratio of entrainment to flow speed), the relative stratification parameter $S$ (the ratio of the ambient density difference to the relative current density) and a new parameter $\gamma $ defined to be the ratio of the particle settling to entrainment speed. The implicit prediction for the separation depth, $H_s$, is made explicit by considering limits of small and large separation depth. In the former case of a ‘weak’ turbidity current, entrainment and particle settling are unimportant and separation occurs where the density of the ambient fluid equals the density of the fluid in the lock. In the latter case of a ‘strong’ turbidity current, entrainment and particle settling crucially affect the separation depth. Consistent with theory, we find that the separation depth indeed depends on $\gamma $ if the particle size (and hence settling rate) is sufficiently large and if the current propagates many lock lengths before separating from the slope. A composite prediction that combines the explicit formulae for the separation depth for weak and strong turbidity currents agrees well with experimental measurements over a wide parameter range.