bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First Report of Euphorbia larica Dieback Caused by Fusarium brachygibbosum in Oman
Authors: Al-Mahmooli I. H. , Al-Bahri Y. S. , Al-Sadi A. M. , Deadman M. L. 
Published: February 2013

Euphorbia larica Boiss. (Arabic = Isbaq) is a dominant and common component of the native desert flora of northern Oman. Traditional ethnobotanical uses have included use of the latex for treating camels with parasites. In February 2011, E. larica plants showing stem lesions up to several cm long and in many cases with stem dieback were collected from Al-Khoudh 50 km west of Muscat. The disease appeared widespread within the location where several dead specimens were also recorded, although the cause was unclear. Sections (5 mm) of five diseased branches taken from different plants and placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA) in all cases yielded Fusarium-like colonies. Colonies recovered were initially white becoming rose to medium red in color with abundant aerial mycelium. Macroconidia were scarce and scattered (mean of 20 spores: 26.83 × 4.73 μm) with three to four septa per spore; microconidia were slightly curved, ovoid, and fusiform (mean of 20 spores: 11.64 × 4.03 μm) with zero to two septa per spore. Spherical chlamydospores (mean of 20 spores: 11.05 μm) were terminal and intercalary, single, and in chains. In vitro characters and spores measurements conformed to previously described features of Fusarium brachygibbosum Padwick (1). Mycelial plugs (5 mm) were taken from 7-day-old cultures of the fungus grown on 2.5% PDA and applied to a small incision (3 mm) on the stems of healthy E. larica grown in situ and protected with wet cotton and Parafilm. The residual agar, mycelium, cotton, and Parafilm were removed after 7 days and symptoms were recorded. Control stems were inoculated using PDA (5 mm) plugs alone and inoculations were repeated twice. Artificial inoculations resulted in dieback of all stems within 11 days and fungal colonies identical to initial isolations were recovered from artificially infected surface-sterilized stem pieces. Identification of F. brachygibbosum was confirmed by comparing sequences generated from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal DNA (ITS1 and ITS4 primers) and the intron region of translation elongation factor alpha (EF1-α) (EF-1-986 and EF-728 primers). The ITS and EF1-α sequences were found to share 100% and 99% nucleotide similarity to previously published sequences of the ITS (HQ443206) and EF1-α (JQ429370) regions of F. brachygibbosum in GenBank. The accession number of ITS sequence of one isolate assigned to EMBL-Bank was HF562936. The EF sequence was assigned to EMBL-Bank accession (submission number Hx2000027017; number will be sent later). This pathogen has previously been reported on date palm (2) in Oman but, to our knowledge, this is the first report of this pathogen on E. larica. References: (1) A. M. Al-Sadi et al. Crop Prot. 37:1, 2012. (2) G. W. Padwick. Mycol. Pap. 12:11, 1945.
Context-dependent decision-making: a simple Bayesian model
Authors: Lloyd Kevin , Leslie David S. 
Published: February 2013

Many phenomena in animal learning can be explained by a context-learning process whereby an animal learns about different patterns of relationship between environmental variables. Differentiating between such environmental regimes or ‘contexts’ allows an animal to rapidly adapt its behaviour when context changes occur. The current work views animals as making sequential inferences about current context identity in a world assumed to be relatively stable but also capable of rapid switches to previously observed or entirely new contexts. We describe a novel decision-making model in which contexts are assumed to follow a Chinese restaurant process with inertia and full Bayesian inference is approximated by a sequential-sampling scheme in which only a single hypothesis about current context is maintained. Actions are selected via Thompson sampling, allowing uncertainty in parameters to drive exploration in a straightforward manner. The model is tested on simple two-alternative choice problems with switching reinforcement schedules and the results compared with rat behavioural data from a number of T-maze studies. The model successfully replicates a number of important behavioural effects: spontaneous recovery, the effect of partial reinforcement on extinction and reversal, the overtraining reversal effect, and serial reversal-learning effects.
Finite element simulation of the effect of Al‐6063 billet quality on the extrusion die performance
Authors: Yilbas Bekir , Arif A.F.M. , Akhtar Sohail 
Published: February 2013

PurposeIt has been observed from the history of failed dies used in local extrusion industry that after certain press cycles, severe die damage occurs by using more number of in‐house recycled billets. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the effect of billet quality on the extrusion die service life, based on using microstructural and finite element analyses.Design/methodology/approachNumerical solution of stress distribution in extrusion die using microstructural and finite element analyses.FindingsSimulation results demonstrate that extrusion die experiences high stresses and strains at critical locations by running secondary billets. Billet deformation behavior also shows that secondary billet has more resistance to flow during extrusion cycle, which results in such high stresses and strains in the die.Research limitations/implicationsThe study includes a particular die used to extrude the aluminum alloy billets. It may need to generalized including materials other than aluminum alloy.Practical implicationsThe findings are original and believed to be useful for engineers working in the extrusion dies. Since it is shown that secondary billets (recycled billets) have more resistance to flow in the dye, a care should be taken when estimating the die life for the practical applications.Originality/valueIt is an original work. It deals with the comparison of new and recycled billets's performance in terms of stress formation in the die during the extrusion cycle.
Determination of onset of plasticity (yielding) and comparison of local mechanical properties of friction stir welded aluminum alloys using the micro‐ and nano‐indentation techniques
Authors: Koumoulos Elias P. , Charitidis Costas A. , Daniolos Nikolaos M. , Pantelis Dimitrios I. 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine if the nanoindentation technique is a reliable method and whether it can be used to measure the surface hardness (H) in friction stir welded aluminum alloys. In order to test the reliability of nanoindentation technique, nanohardness values for friction stir welded aluminum alloys were compared to microhardness values. Additionally, the onset of plasticity (yielding) is investigated.Design/methodology/approachNanoindentation experiments were performed for the determination of onset on plasticity (yielding) and comparison of local mechanical properties of both welded alloys. In order to test the reliability of nanoindentation technique, nanohardness values for friction stir welded AA6082 were compared to microhardness values. The specimen was tested using two different instruments – a Vickers microhardness tester and a nanoindenter tester for fine scale evaluation of H.FindingsThe results of this study indicate that nanohardness values with a Berkovich indenter reliably correlate with Vickers microhardness values. Nanoindentation technique can provide reliable results for analyzing friction stir welded aluminum alloys. The welding process definitely affects the material mechanical properties.Originality/valueMicrohardness and nanohardness obtained values can be correlated carefully, regarding the similarities and the differences of the two above mentioned techniques.
Reflections from EGOS 2012: culture, design and sustainability
Authors: Mike Jeff 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to share a personal perspective on the 28th Annual European Group on Organizational Studies (EGOS) Colloquium held in Helsinki, Finland in July 2012. It explores the author's reflection on his participation in the EGOS Colloquium Subtheme 29 titled “Designing Culturally Sustainable Organizations.”Design/methodology/approachThe author's reflection was based on his participation from a constructionist perspective.FindingsThe author argued that participating in EGOS provided critical feedback and additional insights on his research regarding the design of culturally sustainable organizations and how this research may apply in the South Asian context.Originality/valueThis paper offers the personal perspective of an American doctoral student and human resources development professional with experience in South Asia on his observations as an attendee of the 28th Annual EGOS Colloquium.
Solubilization capacity of nonionic surfactant micelles exhibiting strong influence on export of intracellular pigments in Monascus fermentation
Authors: Kang Biyu , Zhang Xuehong , Wu Zhenqiang , Qi Hanshi , Wang Zhilong 
Published: February 2013

SummaryIn this study, perstractive fermentation of intracellular Monascus pigments in nonionic surfactant micelle aqueous solution had been studied. The permeability of cell membrane modified by nonionic surfactant might have influence on the rate of export of intracellular pigments into its extracellular broth while nearly no effect on the final extracellular pigment concentration. However, the solubilization of pigments in nonionic surfactant micelles strongly affected the final extracellular pigment concentration. The solubilization capacity of micelles depended on the kind of nonionic surfactant, the super‐molecule assembly structure of nonionic surfactant in an aqueous solution, and the nonionic surfactant concentration. Elimination of pigment degradation by export of intracellular Monascus pigments and solubilizing them into nonionic surfactant micelles was also confirmed experimentally. Thus, nonionic surfactant micelle aqueous solution is potential for replacement of organic solvent for perstractive fermentation of intracellular product.
A review of earthworm impact on soil function and ecosystem services
Authors: Blouin M. , Hodson M. E. , Delgado E. A. , Baker G. , Brussaard L. , Butt K. R. , Dai J. , Dendooven L. , Peres G. , Tondoh J. E. , Cluzeau D. , Brun J.‐J. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryBiodiversity is responsible for the provision of many ecosystem services; human well‐being is based on these services, and consequently on biodiversity. In soil, earthworms represent the largest component of the animal biomass and are commonly termed ‘ecosystem engineers’. This review considers the contribution of earthworms to ecosystem services through pedogenesis, development of soil structure, water regulation, nutrient cycling, primary production, climate regulation, pollution remediation and cultural services. Although there has been much research into the role of earthworms in soil ecology, this review demonstrates substantial gaps in our knowledge related in particular to difficulties in identifying the effects of species, land use and climate. The review aims to assist people involved in all aspects of land management, including conservation, agriculture, mining or other industries, to obtain a broad knowledge of earthworms and ecosystem services.
Mortality, morbidity and evidence‐based management amongst patients in regional New Zealand with severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction (1997–2011)
Authors: Grainger B. T. , White S. , Lake S. , Hamer A. , Fisher N. , Pegg T. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundHeart failure and its management represents a significant health burden, the extent of which is poorly understood in regional New Zealand.AimsTo investigate mortality, quality of life, hospitalisation, and evidence‐based medical and device management of severe left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction in a regional New Zealand setting.MethodsA retrospective case series was undertaken of 1126 patients with a LV ejection fraction <36% on transthoracic echocardiograms performed between 1 October 1997 and 31 March 2011 in Nelson Marlborough District Health Board. All‐cause mortality and hospitalisation data were analysed for all participants. Substudies were undertaken regarding pharmacotherapy, demographics, implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator implantation rates and quality of life based on the EQ‐5D questionnaire and New York Heart Association class.ResultsFive‐year cumulative survival was 44.5%. The mean annual medical admission rate was 204/100 000; 54.84% of which were readmissions in the same year. Prescription rates for angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin‐receptor blockers, beta‐blockers and spironolactone were 68.3%, 74.2% and 24.9%, respectively, with only 17.6%, 19.0% and 16.4% on maximum recommended doses. implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator devices were inserted in 11.5% of eligible patients. Quality of life was impaired in patients <70 years relative to the age‐approximated New Zealand index population. Mean EQ‐5D visual analogue score was 72.6 ± 0.032 and self‐reported New York Heart Association class 2.09 ± 0.107ConclusionPatients with severe LV systolic dysfunction in this regional New Zealand community experience similar mortality and first hospitalisation rates to those seen elsewhere in patients with clinical heart failure, but a greater number of readmissions. Medical and device therapy utilisation was suboptimal, and quality of life impaired, together supporting the need for a dedicated heart failure service.
Postoperative Septic Arthritis After Elective Equine Arthroscopy Without Antimicrobial Prophylaxis
Authors: Borg Hanna , Carmalt James L. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the frequency of postoperative septic arthritis after elective arthroscopy in the absence of prophylactic antimicrobial therapy and to report complication rate of 444 consecutive equine arthroscopies.DesignRetrospective case series.AnimalsHorses (n = 444).MethodsMedical records of 444 consecutive elective equine arthroscopies (2008–2010) were reviewed. Horses that had septic arthritis on admission or those admitted for tenoscopy and bursoscopy, or had arthroscopic assisted internal fracture fixation were not included. Age and sex of horse, duration of anesthesia, joint examined, number of portals, surgeon, postoperative complications, date of complication, and number of septic joints were recorded.ResultsFor 444 horses, 636 joints were explored. Nineteen horses had 20 complications (fever [n = 9], surgical site infection [3], cellulitis [1], wounds associated with inappropriate bandaging [2], limb swelling postsuture removal [1], medical colic [1], septic joint [3]). Horses with septic joints did not have any other complications. The incidence of sepsis was 0.5% joints or 0.7% horses. All horses survived and returned to function.ConclusionsJoint infection rate in the horse population that had elective arthroscopy without antimicrobial prophylaxis compares favorably with other reports citing 0.9% sepsis in horses after arthroscopy in which horses received either no antimicrobials or were administered pre or perioperative antimicrobial therapy.
Reconstruction of nasal defects with forehead flaps in patients older than 75 years of age
Authors: Kendler M. , Averbeck M. , Wetzig T. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundAs the number of elderly patients diagnosed with non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) increases, the number of patients receiving dermatologic surgery also increases. Multimorbidity in this patient group is common.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to assess the aesthetic and functional outcomes and complications of forehead flap (FHF) in elderly patients with NMSC.MethodsBetween 2006 and 2011, data for 28 patients 75 years of age or older who had been treated with FHFs under tumescent local anaesthesia were analysed.ResultsThe median age of the study participants was 81 years (range, 75–95 years). Of the 28 total patients, 16 (57%) were female and 12 (43%) were male. The average defect size was 11 cm² (5–30 cm²). Cartilage grafts were used in four patients (14%). The average time to takedown was 25 days (17–45). The median follow‐up for the patients was 10 months (1–60 months). There were seven treatment‐related complications due to infectious causes (2), epidermal necrotic tissue (2), bleeding (1), hair on the flap (1) and alar rim notching (1). No life‐threatening complications were detected.ConclusionsThe FHF procedure is a safe and low‐risk procedure in patients 75 years of age or older with advanced skin defects. If a defect requires an FHF to obtain a normal and aesthetic appearance, this procedure should be performed. However, dermatologists must weigh the safety of the procedure in relation to the clinical benefits when managing this patient group.
Transition zone defect associated with the response to proton pump inhibitor treatment in patients with globus sensation
Authors: Han Min Seok , Lee Hyuk , Jo Jung Hyun , Cho In Rae , Park Jun Chul , Shin Sung Kwan , Lee Sang Kil , Lee Yong Chan 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackground and AimFew data describing short‐term proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment in patients with globus sensation exist. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of high‐resolution manometry (HRM) for predicting the response to PPI treatment in patients with globus sensation.MethodA total of 41 patients with globus sensation were treated with PPIs for 4 weeks and were classified as positive and negative responders. HRM topographical plots were analyzed for relevant manometric parameters. In addition, clinical and HRM data of 20 patients with typical gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) not presenting globus symptom were analyzed.ResultsOf the 41 patients, 19 (46%) were clinically diagnosed with GERD. The proportion of patients with favorable symptomatic improvement was higher in patients with GERD than in those without reflux (P = 0.046). Positive and negative responders to PPI treatment did not differ in upper esophageal sphincter and proximal esophageal contraction. In globus patients with GERD, the temporal and spatial dimension of the transitional zone were greater among negative responders than among PPI‐positive responders (P = 0.010 and P = 0.011). Regarding GERD patients without globus, there was no significant difference in transition zone defect according to PPI responsiveness. By receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, 2.1 cm and 1.1 s were found to be the spatial and temporal transitional zone dimensions that best differentiated positive and negative responders.ConclusionIn patients with GERD‐related globus, there were larger transition zone defect in the negative responders compared with the PPI‐positive responders.
l‐ornithine‐l‐aspartate for hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Bai Ming , Yang Zhiping , Qi Xingshun , Fan Daiming , Han Guohong 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackground and AimSeveral randomized, controlled trials that evaluated the effectiveness of l‐ornithine‐l‐aspartate (LOLA) in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) have been published recently. The purpose of this study was to update the meta‐analysis to reevaluate the safety and efficacy of LOLA on HE in patients with cirrhosis.MethodsThe following databases were searched from inception to June 2012: Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Issue 6). Differences between groups were assessed by the pooled risk ratio (RR) or mean difference (MD). Possible sources of heterogeneity were assessed by sensitivity analyses.ResultsEight randomized controlled trials with 646 patients were included. When comparing placebo/no‐intervention control, LOLA was significantly more effective in the improvement of HE in the total (RR: 1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10 to 2.01), overt HE (RR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.69), and minimal HE patients (RR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.33 to 3.82). Furthermore, the reduction of fasting ammonia significantly favored LOLA (post‐treatment value, MD: −18.26, 95% CI: −26.96 to −9.56; change, MD: 8.59, 95% CI: 5.22 to 11.96). The tolerance ratio, incidence of adverse events, and mortality were not significantly different between LOLA and the placebo/no‐intervention control. LOLA and lactulose demonstrated similar effectiveness in the improvement of HE (RR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.57 to 1.35).ConclusionsLOLA benefits both overt and minimal HE patients in the improvement of HE by reducing the serum ammonia concentration compared with the placebo/no‐intervention control. Further, evaluations between LOLA and other effective treatments are needed.
Value of hepatic subcapsular flow by color Doppler ultrasonography in the diagnosis of biliary atresia
Authors: El‐Guindi Mohamed Abdel‐Salam , Sira Mostafa Mohamed , Konsowa Hatem Abdel‐Sattar , El‐Abd Osama Lotfi , Salem Tahany Abdel‐Hameed 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackground and AimDiagnosis of biliary atresia (BA), particularly distinguishing it from other causes of neonatal cholestasis (NC), is challenging. Ultrasonography is a helpful investigation when evaluating NC. The aim was to determine the value of color Doppler ultrasound, particularly hepatic subcapsular flow, as a possible tool in early discrimination of BA from other causes of NC.MethodsUltrasonographic and color Doppler findings of 27 BA patients were compared with that in 27 non‐BA cholestasis patients and a control group of 22 non‐hepatic neonates.ResultsHepatic artery diameter was significantly higher in BA (2.48 ± 0.55 mm) than that in non‐BA group (1.91 ± 0.63 mm) (P = 0.001) and the control group (1.6 ± 0.47 mm) (P < 0.0001), while there were no statistically significant difference between BA and non‐BA groups as regards portal vein diameter and flow, hepatic vein flow, and hepatic artery resistance index. The frequency of hepatic subcapsular flow was significantly higher in BA than that in non‐BA group (96.3% vs 3.7%; P < 0.0001), while it was not detected in any of the non‐hepatic control group. The presence of hepatic subcapsular flow had 96.3% sensitivity and specificity in predicting BA.ConclusionsColor Doppler ultrasound findings could help significantly in discriminating BA from other causes of NC, among which hepatic subcapsular flow had the best performance. Considering the young age of BA patients (61.8 ± 15.1 days), hepatic subcapsular flow can help in early diagnosis of BA and prevent the delay in surgical correction.