bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Congener diversity, topographic heterogeneity and human‐assisted dispersal predict spread rates of alien herpetofauna at a global scale
Authors: Liu Xuan , Li Xianping , Liu Zetian , Tingley Reid , Kraus Fred , Guo Zhongwei , Li Yiming 
Published: April 2014

AbstractUnderstanding the factors that determine rates of range expansion is not only crucial for developing risk assessment schemes and management strategies for invasive species, but also provides important insight into the ability of species to disperse in response to climate change. However, there is little knowledge on why some invasions spread faster than others at large spatiotemporal scales. Here, we examine the effects of human activities, species traits and characteristics of the invaded range on spread rates using a global sample of alien reptile and amphibian introductions. We show that spread rates vary remarkably among invaded locations within a species, and differ across biogeographical realms. Spread rates are positively related to the richness of native congeneric species and human‐assisted dispersal in the invaded range but are negatively correlated with topographic heterogeneity. Our findings highlight the importance of environmental characteristics and human‐assisted dispersal in developing robust frameworks for predicting species' range shifts.
The future for managing recreational fisheries in theMurray‐DarlingBasin
Authors: Barwick Matt J. , Koehn John D. , Crook David , Todd Charles R. , Westaway Cameron , Trueman William 
Published: April 2014

SummarySustainable management of natural resources requires robust and timely information inputs, particularly in multispecies or cross‐jurisdictional fisheries such as theMurray‐DarlingBasin's (MDB) recreational fishery. Innovative data collection and monitoring approaches, management tools and cooperative efforts enable the requirements of fisheries managers to be met efficiently and cost‐effectively. This paper considers a number of pioneering initiatives operationalised under the Native Fish Strategy that have helped inform sustainable management outcomes for the recreational fishery in theMDB.
Effects of graphene nanoplatelets and graphene nanosheets on fracture toughness of epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Shokrieh M. M. , Ghoreishi S. M. , Esmkhani M. , Zhao Z. 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTThe effects of graphene nanoplatelets (GPLs) and graphene nanosheets (GNSs) on fracture toughness and tensile properties of epoxy resin have been studied. A new technique for synthesis of GPLs based on changing magnetic field is developed. The transmission‐electron microscopy and the Raman spectroscopy were employed to characterize the size and chemical structure of the synthesized graphene platelets. The critical stress intensity factor and tensile properties of epoxy matrix filled with GPL and GNS particles were measured. Influence of filler content, filler size and dispersion state was examined. It was found that the GPLs have greater impact on both fracture toughness and tensile strength of nanocomposites compared with the GNSs. For instance, fracture toughness increased by 39% using 0.5 wt% GPLs and 16% for 0.5 wt% GNSs.
New approach to evaluate non‐proportionality in multiaxial loading conditions
Authors: Anes Vitor , Reis Luis , Li Bin , de Freitas M. 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTThe shear stress amplitude is one of the most important parameters in the formulation of many multiaxial fatigue models proposed in literature. The shear stress amplitude is usually evaluated by the longest projection or the minimum circumscribed circle approach in a shear stress space. Further, the von Mises and Tresca stress spaces are the most used ones under multiaxial loading conditions, where the damage ratio between axial and shear damages is a constant value: 0.577 for von Mises and 0.5 for Tresca. However, the damage scale in each stress space's axes may vary significantly depending on materials' type.Therefore, evaluating proportional and non‐proportional damages using conventional stress spaces (von Mises or Tresca) may lead to erroneous interpretations. In this work, systematic fatigue experiments under proportional and non‐proportional loading conditions are presented for three structural steels: Ck45, AISI303 and the 42CrMo4. To quantify the relative damage between proportional and non‐proportional loading paths, a material's non‐proportional sensitivity parameter (Y parameter), determined based on materials experimental tests, is proposed. From this research, it can be drawn that the appropriate axial/shear damage relation should be used to estimate multiaxial fatigue life.
Rapid plant species loss at high rates and at low frequency of N addition in temperate steppe
Authors: Zhang Yunhai , Lü Xiaotao , Isbell Forest , Stevens Carly , Han Xu , He Nianpeng , Zhang Guangming , Yu Qiang , Huang Jianhui , Han Xingguo 
Published: April 2014

AbstractHumans are both intentionally (fertilization) and unintentionally (atmospheric nutrient deposition) adding nutrients worldwide. Increasing availability of biologically reactive nitrogen (N) is one of the major drivers of plant species loss. It remains unclear, however, whether plant diversity will be equally reduced by inputs of reactive N coming from either small and frequent N deposition events or large and infrequent N fertilization events. By independently manipulating the rate and frequency of reactive N inputs, our study teases apart these potentially contrasting effects. Plant species richness decreased more quickly at high rates and at low frequency of N addition, which suggests that previous fertilization studies have likely over‐estimated the effects of N deposition on plant species loss. N‐induced species loss resulted from both acidification and ammonium toxicity. Further study of small and frequent N additions will be necessary to project future rates of plant species loss under increasing aerial N deposition.
Ebullitive methane emissions from oxygenated wetland streams
Authors: Crawford John T. , Stanley Emily H. , Spawn Seth A. , Finlay Jacques C. , Loken Luke C. , Striegl Robert G. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractStream and river carbon dioxide emissions are an important component of the global carbon cycle. Methane emissions from streams could also contribute to regional or global greenhouse gas cycling, but there are relatively few data regarding stream and river methane emissions. Furthermore, the available data do not typically include the ebullitive (bubble‐mediated) pathway, instead focusing on emission of dissolved methane by diffusion or convection. Here, we show the importance of ebullitive methane emissions from small streams in the regional greenhouse gas balance of a lake and wetland‐dominated landscape in temperate North America and identify the origin of the methane emitted from these well‐oxygenated streams. Stream methane flux densities from this landscape tended to exceed those of nearby wetland diffusive fluxes as well as average global wetland ebullitive fluxes. Total stream ebullitive methane flux at the regional scale (103 Mg C yr−1; over 6400 km2) was of the same magnitude as diffusive methane flux previously documented at the same scale. Organic‐rich stream sediments had the highest rates of bubble release and higher enrichment of methane in bubbles, but glacial sand sediments also exhibited high bubble emissions relative to other studied environments. Our results from a database of groundwater chemistry support the hypothesis that methane in bubbles is produced in anoxic near‐stream sediment porewaters, and not in deeper, oxygenated groundwaters. Methane interacts with other key elemental cycles such as nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur, which has implications for ecosystem changes such as drought and increased nutrient loading. Our results support the contention that streams, particularly those draining wetland landscapes of the northern hemisphere, are an important component of the global methane cycle.
Linking interdecadal changes in British river ecosystems to water quality and climate dynamics
Authors: Vaughan Ian P. , Ormerod Steve J. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractMacroinvertebrate communities in Western European rivers have changed substantially in recent decades. Understanding the causes is challenging because improvements in water quality have coincided with climatic variations over this period. Using data covering >2300 rivers and 21 years (1991–2011) across England and Wales, we analysed family‐level distributions and nationwide trends in prevalence (proportion of sampling locations where an organism was present) to diagnose the causes of ecological change. Our aims were to: (i) reveal the taxa driving assemblage‐level trends; (ii) identify the main changes in family‐level prevalence and distribution patterns; and (iii) test whether changes were accounted for by improving water quality, increasing temperatures or variations in discharge. While previous analyses revealed increasing richness among British river invertebrates, a partial turnover of taxa is now evident. Two distinct components of temporal trend have comprised: (i) overall increases or decreases in taxon prevalence over 21 years, which correlated with pollution sensitivity and discharge; and (ii) short‐term variations in prevalence that correlated primarily with temperature and nutrient concentrations. The longer‐term changes in prevalence were reflected in expansions or contractions in families' distributions linked to water quality, with little evidence of shifts consistent with increasing temperatures. Although these monitoring data had limitations (e.g., family‐level data, few headwaters), they provide no clear evidence of long‐term climate effects on invertebrates; the one feature consistent with climate warming – a small northward expansion of the range of many taxa – was accounted for by large improvements in water quality in northern England. Nevertheless, changes linked to discharge and temperature over the shorter‐term (<2 years) point to the climatic sensitivity of invertebrate communities. It is therefore likely that any long‐term climatic changes since 1990 have been outweighed by the strength and geographical extent of the recovery from poor water quality.
Pathological evaluation of the staging axillary lymph nodes for breast cancer: a national survey in the United Kingdom
Authors: Verma Rashmi , Sundara Rajan Sreekumar , Verghese Eldo T , Horgan Kieran , Hanby Andrew M , Lane Sally 
Published: April 2014

AimsThe handling and examination of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) to detect metastasis is critical in the assessment of early breast cancer patients. This survey investigates the variation in practise followed by pathology units across the United Kingdom in the staging evaluation of axillary lymph nodes (ALNs).Methods and resultsA structured questionnaire, approved by the National Health Service Breast Screening Programme pathology Big 18 committee, was circulated among all pathologists. There were 160 respondents; 92% performed SLN biopsy for staging, 97% had a protocol for processing SLNs and most laboratories examined the ALNs using formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) samples (85.6%). A few used PCR (7.5%), frozen section (3.8%) or touch imprint cytology (3.1%), with or without subsequent FFPE section examination. Currently, 33% perform serial sectioning, with the majority of the rest (75%) staining three levels using H&E. Most units (85%) undertook immunohistochemistry evaluation only when suspicious cells were detected on H&E‐stained sections.ConclusionsThe range of practise in UK histopathology departments is described with regard to the dissection and evaluation of ALNs/SLN biopsy. The variation in practise was not very marked and most departments adhered to national guidelines. Any UK study seeking to relate ALN status and outcome would need to be mindful of the variability in nodal processing and examination.
HIFU for prostate cancer – a nursing perspective
Authors: Couling Rowena 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTHigh‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for prostate cancer treatment is a minimally invasive treatment option that is becoming more widely available within the UK and worldwide. The published data available include outcomes over a 15‐year period, although these are mainly based on the efficacy of the treatment. The nursing care for men choosing to undergo HIFU for their prostate cancer has developed as the technology of the treatment has evolved. This paper seeks to outline the current nursing care within one practice in the UK, with the focus being very much on preparation of the patient undergoing HIFU and follow‐up support and advice. It explores areas requiring formal audit and the need for guidelines which would involve evidence‐based practice and research.
Outcomes of allogeneic haemopoietic stem cell transplants at a small New Zealand centre: does size matter?
Authors: Ganly P. , Cole S. , Trengrove A. , Butler A. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundReduced intensity conditioning (RIC) protocols for allogeneic haemopoietic cell transplants (HCT) have become commonplace treatments for patients with haematological disease, extending allogeneic HCT to older and less fit patients. There is a perception that centres treating larger numbers of patients have improved outcomes.AimsWe wanted to examine whether outcomes for adult allogeneic HCT patients from our smaller centre were equivalent to those expected at larger centres internationally.MethodsClinical and laboratory data were collected on all patients who received allogeneic HCT during 2000–2012. Outcomes, including overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival, were compared between patients receiving myeloablative conditioning (MAC) and RIC protocols.ResultsOne hundred and eighteen adult patients underwent allogeneic HCT with MAC (n = 51) or RIC (n = 67). The mean age of patients receiving MAC (35.8 years, range 18–56) was lower than those receiving RIC (48.4 years, range 19–64). Two‐year OS was similar for MAC and RIC patients (66% vs 62%, P = 0.17), whereas 2‐year progression‐free survival was superior in MAC patients (63% vs 50%, P = 0.01) due to fewer relapses. OS was reduced in older patients irrespective of conditioning. Patients with chronic graft‐versus‐host disease had improved survival due to fewer relapses. OS was unaffected by HCT comorbidity index, donor, cell source or patient/donor cytomegalovirus status.ConclusionRIC protocols have resulted in long‐term survival in many patients ineligible for MAC protocols. In our smaller centre, patient age but not conditioning intensity influenced survival, which was equivalent to reports from larger centres.
Fluctuations in vital signs and behavioural responses of brain surgery patients in the Intensive Care Unit: are they valid indicators of pain?
Authors: Kapoustina Oxana , Echegaray‐Benites Christine , Gélinas Céline 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAimTo examine the validity of behaviours and fluctuations in vital signs for pain assessment of postbrain surgery adults in the neurosurgical intensive care unit.BackgroundMany patients in an intensive care unit may be unable to self‐report their pain. In such cases, the use of observable indicators is recommended. Very little research has explored the validity of the use of behaviours and vital signs for pain assessment of neurocritically ill patients.DesignProspective repeated‐measure within‐subject observational design.MethodsA total of 43 postbrain surgery patients were video recorded before, during and 15 minutes after a non‐nociceptive (non‐invasive blood pressure cuff inflation) and a nociceptive (turning) procedures. Their behaviours and vital signs were collected with a pre‐tested behavioural checklist and a data collection computer connected to the bedside monitor. The patients' self‐report of pain was obtained whenever possible. Data were collected between June–December in 2011.ResultsA larger number of pain‐related behaviours were exhibited by participants during the nociceptive procedure compared with the non‐nociceptive procedure supporting discriminant validation. Among vital signs, only respiratory rate differed significantly between the two procedures. Regarding criterion validation, only behaviours were positively correlated with self‐reports of pain.ConclusionBehaviours were found valid indicators of pain in neurocritically ill patients after elective brain surgery. Fluctuations in vital signs may suggest the presence of pain, but their validity for such use is not supported. They should only be used in combination with other validated pain assessment methods.
Dermatological conditions presenting at the Emergency Department in Siena University Hospital from 2006 to 2011
Authors: Rubegni P. , Cevenini G. , Lamberti A. , Bruni F. , Tiezzi R. , Verzuri A. , Barbini P. , Manzi P. , Fimiani M. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundPublished studies on emergency dermatology consultations are few because there are few dermatology emergency units in the world. No study has yet described the Italian situation.ObjectivesTo quantify and characterize patients evaluated in our dermatology emergency unit from 2006 to 2011.MethodsWe studied personal details, diagnosis, annual trend of cases, emergency level and hospitalization of dermatology cases over the 6‐year period.ResultsA total of 12 226 patients were evaluated. The most numerous diagnostic group was infections (27.1%), followed by non‐specific and descriptive diagnosis (22.5%), skin conditions caused by mechanical or physical agents (13.1%), eczematous diseases (10.5%), insect bites (9.5%) and urticaria/angio‐oedema (8.8%). The most common indications for admission to hospital were skin conditions caused by mechanical or physical agents (33.3%), infections (27.5%), drug eruption (15.9%) and autoimmune or inflammatory disorders (7.4%). Emergency dermatology cases followed a variable annual trend, with more consultations in the summer months.ConclusionThis is the first long‐term retrospective analysis of a large series of dermatology emergency patients. It provides useful quantitative and qualitative information on cases for physicians and the national health system for the purposes of improving patient care and cost‐effectiveness.
Biology and natural enemies of Cydalima perspectalis in Asia: Is there biological control potential in Europe?
Authors: Wan H. , Haye T. , Kenis M. , Nacambo S. , Xu H. , Zhang F. , Li H. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe box tree moth, Cydalima perspectalis (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), a native pest of box trees (Buxus spp.) in Asia, was first detected in Germany and the Netherlands in 2007 and has since rapidly spread throughout Europe causing severe damage to ornamental and native box trees. To date, sustainable control strategies for C. perspectalis in Europe are lacking, primarily owing to the inadequate information regarding the biology and the ecology of this recent invader. Several studies conducted in Asia, however, may provide important information for the development of management strategies against C. perspectalis, which are urgently needed to preserve the natural box tree forests in Europe. The current literatures on the biological characteristics, host plants, phenology, distribution and control options of the box tree moth in Asia are reviewed, preliminary data on the parasitism of C. perspectalis in Europe are provided, and options for sustainable long‐term solutions for the management of the invasive pest in Europe are discussed.
The timing of introduction of pharmaceutical innovations in seven European countries
Authors: Westerling Ragnar , Westin Marcus , McKee Martin , Hoffmann Rasmus , Plug Iris , Rey Grégoire , Jougla Eric , Lang Katrin , Pärna Kersti , Alfonso José L. , Mackenbach Johan P. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesDifferences in the performance of medical care may be due to variation in the introduction and diffusion of medical innovations. The objective of this paper is to compare seven European countries (United Kingdom, the Netherlands, West Germany, France, Spain, Estonia and Sweden) with regard to the year of introduction of six specific pharmaceutical innovations (antiretroviral drugs, cimetidine, tamoxifen, cisplatin, oxalaplatin and cyclosporin) that may have had important population health impacts.MethodsWe collected information on introduction and further diffusion of drugs using searches in the national and international literature, and questionnaires to national informants. We combined various sources of information, both official years of registration and other indicators of introduction (clinical trials, guidelines, evaluation reports, sales statistics).Results and conclusionsThe total length of the period between first and last introduction varied between 8 years for antiretroviral drugs and 22 years for cisplatin. Introduction in Estonia was generally delayed until the 1990s. The average time lags were smallest in France (2.2 years), United Kingdom (2.8 years) and the Netherlands (3.5 years). Similar rank orders were seen for year of registration suggesting that introduction lags are not only explained by differences in the process of registration. We discuss possible reasons for these between‐country differences and implications for the evaluation of medical care.
Teachers' perceptions of the role of nurses: Caring for children who are technology‐dependent in mainstream schools
Authors: Shimizu Fumie , Katsuda Hitomi 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAimThis study explored special education teachers' perceptions of the role of nurses who specialize in providing nursing care to children who are technology‐dependent in mainstream schools.MethodsSemistructured interviews with 11 teachers were conducted, and data were analyzed using inductive content analysis.ResultsThe teachers surveyed thought that the most important role of nurses was to maintain good health and safety, as well as to support children's education as members of the educational team. Teachers desired that nurses give advice based on their professional knowledge to maintain the children's good health and safety. In supporting education, nurses were required to support the children's autonomy and education, and to act as members of the educational team.ConclusionStudy findings suggest that, for an optimal relationship with teachers, nurses who provide nursing care for children who are technology‐dependent in mainstream schools need not only fulfill medical functions, but also support the education of children as members of the educational team.