bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trophic mismatch requires seasonal heterogeneity of warming
Authors: Straile Dietmar , Kerimoglu Onur , Peeters Frank
Published: April 2015

Climate warming has been shown to advance the phenology of species. Asynchronous changes in phenology between interacting species may disrupt feeding interactions (phenological mismatch), which could have tremendous consequences for ecosystem functioning. Long‐term field observations have suggested asynchronous shifts in phenology with warming, whereas experimental studies have not been conclusive. Using proxy‐based modeling of three trophic levels (algae, herbivores, and fish), we show that asynchronous changes in phenology only occur if warming is seasonally heterogeneous, but not if warming is constant throughout the year. If warming is seasonally heterogeneous, the degree and even direction of asynchrony depends on the specific seasonality of the warming. Conclusions about phenological mismatches in food web interactions may therefore produce controversial results if the analyses do not distinguish between seasonally constant and seasonal specific warming. Furthermore, our results suggest that predicting asynchrony between interacting species requires reliable warming predictions that resolve sub‐seasonal time scales.
Learning From Experience: A Content Analysis of Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team Reports
Authors: Marsh Pow Allison , Murray Christine E. , Flasch Paulina , Doom Elizabeth , Snyder Melinda
Published: April 2015

The mounting cost of domestic violence (DV) homicide in the United States has led to increased attention from law enforcement agencies and social organizations and the establishment of domestic violence fatality review boards or teams (DVFRTs) throughout the country. These teams are tasked with reviewing a specified set of DV-related fatality cases to determine the factors that contributed to the fatalities and whether there are changes that can be made to prevent future similar incidents. There exists, however, little to no standardization of practice and procedures among DVFRTs, resulting in wide variability among the reports they produce. The purpose of this study is to empirically analyze the content of DVFRT reports across the United States to summarize standard practices in DVFRT reporting and to inform the procedures of existing and future DVFRTs. The researchers conducted a content analysis of 47 DVFRT reports to determine what information is most typically included in these reports on state, county, and city levels. A summary of findings and recommendations for DVFRTs is included.
Anhydrous Ammonia Timing and Rate Effects on Maize Nitrogen Use Efficiencies
Authors: Kovács Péter , Van Scoyoc George E. , Doerge Thomas A. , Camberato James J. , Vyn Tony J.
Published: April 2015

Current guidance and equipment technologies permit anhydrous ammonia (NH3) to be confidently placed parallel to crop rows in both before‐ and after‐planting situations at shallower depths than traditional applications. Field studies from 2010 to 2012 investigated the effects of pre‐plant vs. side‐dress NH3 at four N rates (0, 90, 145, and 202 kg N ha−1) on maize (Zea mays L.) grain yield (GY), N recovery efficiency (NRE), and N use efficiency (NUE). All NH3 was injected to a 12‐cm depth; pre‐plant NH3 was banded parallel to, but approximately 15 cm offset from, intended rows a few days before planting. Side‐dress NH3 was applied to mid‐row positions at the V6–V7 growth stage. Whole‐plant N uptake at maturity was consistently higher with pre‐plant application. Highest GY was observed at the highest N rate with side‐dress timing in 2011 but with the pre‐plant timing in 2012. Relative to side‐dress, pre‐plant application improved average NRE across N rates from 0.53 to 0.72 kg plant N kg−1 applied N during the 3‐yr period. Overall NUE levels in 2012 were 50% lower than in 2010 and 40% lower than in 2011 due to drought, yet NRE doubled and NUE more than tripled with pre‐plant relative to side‐dress application. This 3‐yr study highlights the inability of either one‐time NH3 application strategy investigated to consistently have the highest GY and NUE as well as the dominating year‐specific influences of both N timing and N rates on NRE.
Summer Dormancy Trait as a Strategy to Provide Perennial Cool‐Season Grass Forage Alternatives in Southern Latitude Environments Affected by Climate Change
Authors: Malinowski Dariusz P. , Pinchak William E.
Published: April 2015

Climate change and extreme weather events are affecting agriculture, water supplies, ecosystems, energy use, and the socio–economic system in the southern Great Plains (SGP) of the United States and other semiarid regions of the world. Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the crops with the ability to compensate for these weather extremes. Wheat is often managed as a dual‐use crop in the SGP, providing winter forage for cattle and grain. In the 1970s and 1980s, introduced cool‐season perennial grasses were an important source of high quality forage to complement dual‐use wheat and perennial native and introduced warm‐season grass pastures. Changing climatic conditions are considered one reason for declining persistence of traditional cool‐season perennial grasses at the margin of their existence in C‐4 dominated ecosystems of the SGP. A primary strategy to supply forage during the cool‐season period will be adoption of new forage grasses with improved tolerance to heat and drought. This chapter presents current research on summer‐dormant cool‐season perennial grasses of Mediterranean origin. These grasses express a summer dormancy trait, for example, they cease growth during summer and actively grow during autumn to early spring. This growth pattern enables summer‐dormant cool‐season grasses to adapt to the bimodal spring–fall precipitation patterns in the SGP and makes them more persistent than traditional, summer‐active cool‐season perennial grass species. We discuss long‐term data on forage productivity, persistence, and soil water dynamics of summer‐dormant vs. summer‐active cool‐season perennial grasses and their potential implementation into grazing systems of the SGP.
Stochastic Analysis of Transient Flow in Heterogeneous, Variably Saturated Porous Media: The van Genuchten–Mualem Constitutive Model
Authors: Lu Zhiming , Zhang Dongxiao
Published: April 2015

In this study, on the basis of the van Genuchten–Mualem constitutive relationship, we develop a general nonstationary stochastic model for transient, variably saturated flow in randomly heterogeneous media with the method of moment equations. We first derive partial differential equations governing the statistical moments of the flow quantities by perturbation expansions and then implement these equations under general conditions with the method of finite differences. The nonstationary stochastic model developed is applicable to the entire domain of bounded, multidimensional vadose zones or integrated unsaturated–saturated systems in the presence of random or deterministic recharge and sink–source and in the presence of multiscale, nonstationary medium features. We demonstrate the model with some two‐dimensional examples of unsaturated and integrated unsaturated–saturated flows. The validity of the developed stochastic model is confirmed through high‐resolution Monte Carlo simulations. We also investigate the relative contributions of the soil variabilities (KS, α, and n) as well as the variability in recharge Q to the pressure head variance. It is found that the pressure head variance is sensitive to these variabilities, in the order of n, α, KS, and Q Though the variability of α and n is usually smaller than that of KS and Q, their effect on the pressure head variance should not be ignored.
The Influence of Hydraulic Nonequilibrium on Pressure Plate Data
Authors: Gee G. W. , Ward A. L. , Zhang Z. F. , Campbell G. S. , Mathison J.
Published: April 2015

Pressure plates are used routinely to measure water‐retention characteristics of soils. Plates of varying porosity are used, depending on the pressure range of interest. For applied pressures up to 1.5 MPa, 15‐bar porous ceramic plates with fine porosity are used because of their high bubbling pressure (>1.5 MPa), which limits airflow through the plate. The typical saturated hydraulic conductivity of the 15‐bar plate is <3 × 10−11 m s−1 Low plate conductance coupled with decreasing soil hydraulic conductivities at high pressures strongly influence equilibrium times, which theoretically may extend to months or years. We measured the soil water pressures (suctions) for three soils, a sand, a silt loam, and a clay, placed on 15‐bar pressure plates for 10 d or longer, with and without static loads and with and without using a kaolinite slurry to improve plate contact. Total matric suctions, inferred from peltier psychrometry data, were always <1.0 MPa. When sample height was increased from 1.5 to 3 cm, the water contents increased and total suctions decreased to 0.15 MPa for sand, 0.3 MPa for silt loam, and 0.55 MPa for clay. These data suggest that alternative methods other than pressure plates may be required to measure equilibrium water suctions of soils in reasonable times in the 1.5‐MPa (15‐bar) pressure range and that loading of the samples and use of kaolinite slurry appear to be ineffective in speeding equilibrium.
Hydropedology: Bridging Disciplines, Scales, and Data
Authors: Lin Hangsheng
Published: April 2015

There is a growing recognition that synergy could be generated by bridging traditional pedology with soil physics and hydrology to enhance integrated studies of soil–water relationships across spatial and temporal scales. Hydropedology is suggested as such a bridge to address: (i) knowledge gaps between pedology, soil physics, and hydrology; (ii) multiscale bridging from microscopic to mesoscopic and macroscopic levels; and (iii) data translations from soil survey databases into soil hydraulic information. Knowledge gaps include flow and transport in the structured unsaturated zone, soil structure quantification, preferential flow modeling, landscape hydrology, soil spatial and temporal variability, quantitative use of field soil morphology for inferring soil hydrology, mechanisms controlling individual and interactive soil–water processes at multiple scales, pedotransfer functions (PTFs), and others. Hydropedology integrates the pedon and landscape paradigms to link phenomena occurring at microscopic (e.g., pores and aggregates), mesoscopic (e.g., pedons and catenas), and macroscopic (e.g., watersheds, regional, and global) scales. Through approaches such as PTFs, hydropedology also facilitates the bridging of data between soil survey databases and soil hydraulic information needed in simulation models. The bridging of disciplines, scales, and data represents potentially unique contributions of hydropedology to integrated soil and water sciences. It is hoped that hydropedology would contribute to our enhanced understanding of a variety of environmental, ecological, agricultural, and natural resource issues of societal importance. These include water quality, soil quality, landscape processes, watershed management, nutrient cycling, contaminant fate, waste disposal, precision agriculture, climate change, and ecosystem functions.
Surfactant Effects on Residual Water and Oil Saturations in Porous Media
Authors: Flaming Jason E. , Knox Robert C. , Sabatini David A. , Kibbey Tohren C.
Published: April 2015

A series of soil column tests was performed to determine surfactant effects on residual water and oil saturations in porous media. In particular, these tests focused on the impact of submicellar surfactant solutions and the potential application of these low concentration systems to light nonaqueous phase liquid (LNAPL) contamination in the vadose zone. One set of tests involved surfactant flushing in soil‐filled columns followed by drainage to residual water saturation and LNAPL injection to determine the subsequent residual LNAPL saturation. Another set of tests involved surfactant application to a soil‐filled column already holding residual LNAPL saturation to promote the release of the previously trapped LNAPL. Test results showed surfactant systems could reduce both residual water and oil saturations by up to 50%. In addition, submicellar surfactant systems were equally effective as supramicellar solutions in reducing residual water saturations and potentially more effective at reducing residual oil saturations. Submicellar surfactant applications to a medium‐grained (0.85–0.425 mm) soil containing residual LNAPL saturations were effective at releasing up to 50% of the previously trapped residual LNAPL. These applications were less successful in a fine‐grained soil as full drainage of water and LNAPL was unachievable due to high capillary pressures. Overall, observations suggest low concentration surfactant solutions may have the ability to release significant amounts of previously trapped LNAPL in the vadose zone, potentially increasing free‐product recovery rates and lowering LNAPL saturations to levels more favorable for biodegradation. The decrease in overall saturations (both water and oil) in a contaminated vadose zone could also present an increase in air permeability, thus enhancing other vadose zone treatment technologies such as bioventing or soil vapor extraction.
Effects of pH on Metals Precipitation and Sorption: Field Bioremediation and Geochemical Modeling Approaches
Authors: Lee Ming‐Kuo , Saunders James A.
Published: April 2015

At the Sanders Lead car‐battery recycling plant, near Troy, AL, groundwater is highly acidic (pH varies from 3 to 3.5) and carries high concentrations of Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, and Fe. Pilot field experiments conducted at the site show that in situ metabolism of sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) can produce desired geochemical effects to remove heavy metal Pb, Cd, Zn, and Cu from groundwater. A reaction path model of sulfate reduction shows the redox potential (Eh) effects on mineral precipitation and pH controls on the sorption of different metals. Lead strongly adsorbs to hydrous ferric oxide (HFO) present in the aquifer over a wide pH range. Both sorption (due to pH increase) and solid sulfide formation are important for removing Pb. Although theoretical modeling shows that the sorption of most cations is promoted as pH increases, HFO can only scavenge Zn, Cd, Co, and Ni at relatively neutral pH conditions. Thus concentrations of our primary contaminants Zn and Cd attenuate in acidic conditions primarily via precipitation or coprecipitation of solid sulfide phase as Eh drops. The modeling result explains why the Pb plume is retarded in migration with respect to the Cd plume under the low‐pH conditions at the site. For As, arsenate sorbs strongly onto the protonated weak sites of ferric hydroxide for the pH range of calculation. Arsenite sorption is also favored by increasing pH, however, arsenite desorbs and becomes mobilized at very low oxidation state as it reacts with dissolved sulfide to form AsS complexes. In addition, intermittent rainfall events could cause short‐term Eh increases, potentially leading to oxidation of sulfide solids and subsequent pH decrease, and the remobilization of metals. This study argues for the importance of accounting for pH changes when evaluating the fate, transport, and long‐term stability of metals at shallow contaminated sites.
Release Rates of Manure‐Borne Coliform Bacteria from Data on Leaching through Stony Soil
Authors: Shelton Daniel R. , Pachepsky Yakov A. , Sadeghi Ali M. , Stout William L. , Karns Jeffrey S. , Gburek William J.
Published: April 2015

Manures are sources of several human pathogens that can potentially contribute to surface and groundwater contamination. Microorganisms must first be released from the manure matrix before they can infiltrate into and leach through the vadose zone. The objective of this study was to estimate rates of rainfall‐induced release of fecal coliform (FC) from surface‐applied bovine manure. Simulated rainfall of 7.1 cm h−1 was applied to the surface of 90‐cm‐long lysimeters filled with the undisturbed stony soil. When the steady state was reached, clumps of manure were placed on the surface. Rainfall was continued for about 5 h after application of manure, and 10‐min leachate portions were analyzed for turbidity and FC. The convective–dispersive equation with linear adsorption–exclusion and the first‐order removal–regrowth terms was used as a model of the coliform transport in soil. Asymptotic properties of the solution of this equation with the exponentially decreasing boundary concentration were used to infer the release rate constant from the FC breakthrough curves. A value of 0.0054 ± 0.0015 min−1 was found for the FC release rate constant. The regression line of reduced coliform concentrations on reduced turbidity values was not significantly different from the one‐to‐one line; R2 was 0.807. Assuming that turbidity can be used as a measure of concentration of manure particulates in leachates, we found that average values for the release rate constants were not significantly different for FC and manure particulates. The average velocity of bacteria and manure particulates transport was about seven times larger than the average pore velocity. The proposed technique of estimating FC and manure release rates shows promise for use in further studies needed to elucidate and assess factors affecting release rate.
Estimation of Recharge from Long‐Term Monitoring of Saline Tracer Transport Using Electrical Resistivity Tomography
Authors: Haarder E.B. , Jensen K.H. , Binley A. , Nielsen L. , Uglebjerg T.B. , Looms M.C.
Published: April 2015

We conducted a field experiment at the agricultural field site Voulund within the Danish hydrological observatory, HOBE, with the purpose of estimating recharge using geophysical methods. In September 2011, a saline tracer was added across a 142‐m2 area at the surface at an application rate mimicking natural infiltration. The movement of the saline tracer front was monitored using cross‐borehole electrical resistivity tomography (ERT); data were collected on a daily to weekly basis and continued for 1 yr after tracer application. The ERT data were inverted and corrected for temperature changes in the subsurface, and spatial moment analysis was used to calculate the tracer mass, position of the center of mass, and thereby the downwardly recharging flux. The recovered mass was underestimated by the ERT data by up to 50%. Mass balance errors are widely recognized and are a result of variable resolution of the tomographic models and smoothing applied in the inversion routine. The results were nonetheless in very good agreement with pore water samples collected and analyzed from five cores extracted within the tracer application area during the same period. Recharge during the 7.5 mo from September 2011 to the end of April 2012 was estimated to be about 500 mm using the ERT data. This value is in good accord with recharge estimates made based on drainage data from buried lysimeters located only meters away from the cross‐borehole ERT array. This suggests that long‐term automated ERT monitoring of a surface‐applied tracer is a promising technique for estimating groundwater recharge.
Physical Function and Health Related Quality of Life Before and 18
Months after Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Wiklund Malin , Olsén Monika F.
Published: April 2015

Introduction:

The mobility disability experienced by people with obesity is well known and has been found to
be associated with reduced health related quality of life (HRQoL) compared to people without obesity. Research is
lacking related to the patients experiences that how their capacity to perform various daily physical activities and HRQoL
are affected by weight loss following bariatric surgery.

Aim:

To evaluate patients’ experiences of their HRQoL and physical function before and 18 months after laparoscopic
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery (LRYGB).

Method:

A series of 70 patients filled in one HRQoL questionnaire, the EQ-5D (including EQ VAS and EQ-5D
descriptive system) and two self-assessment questionnaires that evaluate disability by assessing activity and participation
limitations, the Disability Rating Index (DRI) and a questionnaire with five disease-specific questions.

Results:

All activities, in both DRI as well as the five disease-specific questions were experienced as significantly less
difficult to perform postoperatively than preoperatively (p<0.05). In this study, the median (min, max) EQ VAS score was
60 (20, 100) mm preoperatively and 80 (20, 100) mm postoperatively (100 = best imaginable health; 0 = worst imaginable
health). The difference between pre- and postoperative EQ VAS was significant (p<0.001).

Conclusion:

Both the HRQoL and the self experienced ability to perform various daily physical activities increased
significantly 18 months after LRYGB compared to preoperatively.
An MDA approach for developing secure OLAP applications: Metamodels and transformations
Authors: Blanco Carlos , de Guzmán , Fernández-Medina Eduardo , Trujillo Juan
Published: April 2015

Decision makers query enterprise information stored in Data Warehouses (DW)
by using tools (such as On-Line Analytical Processing (OLAP) tools) which
employ specific views or cubes from the corporate DW or Data Marts, based on
multidimensional modelling. Since the information managed is critical,
security constraints have to be correctly established in order to avoid
unauthorized access. In previous work we defined a Model-Driven based
approach for developing a secure DW repository by following a relational
approach. Nevertheless, it is also important to define security constraints
in the metadata layer that connects the DW repository with the OLAP tools;
that is, over the same multidimensional structures that end users manage.
This paper incorporates a proposal for developing secure OLAP applications
within our previous approach: it improves a UML profile for conceptual
modelling; it defines a logical metamodel for OLAP applications; and it
defines and implements transformations from conceptual to logical models, as
well as from logical models to secure implementation in a specific OLAP tool
(SQL Server Analysis Services).
Adipose Tissue Free Fatty Acid Storage In Vivo: Effects of Insulin Versus Niacin as a Control for Suppression of Lipolysis
Authors: Ali Asem H. , Mundi Manpreet , Koutsari Christina , Bernlohr David A. , Jensen Michael D.
Published: April 2015

Insulin stimulates the translocation fatty acid transport protein 1 (FATP1) to plasma membrane, and thus greater free fatty acid (FFA) uptake, in adipocyte cell models. Whether insulin stimulates greater FFA clearance into adipose tissue in vivo is unknown. We tested this hypothesis by comparing direct FFA storage in subcutaneous adipose tissue during insulin versus niacin-medicated suppression of lipolysis. We measured direct FFA storage in abdominal and femoral subcutaneous fat in 10 and 11 adults, respectively, during euglycemic hyperinsulinemia or after oral niacin to suppress FFA compared with 11 saline control experiments. Direct palmitate storage was assessed using a [U-13C]palmitate infusion to measure palmitate kinetics and an intravenous palmitate radiotracer bolus/timed biopsy. Plasma palmitate concentrations and flux were suppressed to 23 ± 3 and 26 ± 5 µmol ⋅ L−1 (P = 0.91) and 44 ± 4 and 39 ± 5 µmol ⋅ min−1 (P = 0.41) in the insulin and niacin groups, respectively, much less (P < 0.001) than the saline control group (102 ± 8 and 104 ± 12 µmol ⋅ min−1, respectively). In the insulin, niacin, and saline groups, abdominal palmitate storage rates were 0.25 ± 0.05 vs. 0.25 ± 0.07 vs. 0.32 ± 0.05 µmol ⋅ kg adipose lipid−1 ⋅ min−1, respectively (P = NS), and femoral adipose storage rates were 0.19 ± 0.06 vs. 0.20 ± 0.05 vs. 0.31 ± 0.05 µmol ⋅ kg adipose lipid−1 ⋅ min−1, respectively (P = NS). In conclusion, insulin does not increase FFA storage in adipose tissue compared with niacin, which suppresses lipolysis via a different pathway.
Effects of Glucocorticoid Treatment on β- and α-Cell Mass in Japanese Adults With and Without Diabetes
Authors: Sato Seiji , Saisho Yoshifumi , Inaishi Jun , Kou Kinsei , Murakami Rie , Yamada Taketo , Itoh Hiroshi
Published: April 2015

The aim of this study was 1) to clarify β-cell regenerative capacity in the face of glucocorticoid (GC)-induced insulin resistance and 2) to clarify the change in β- and α-cell mass in GC-induced diabetes in humans. We obtained the pancreases from 100 Japanese autopsy case subjects. The case subjects were classified according to whether or not they had received GC therapy before death and the presence or absence of diabetes. Fractional β-cell area (%BCA) and α-cell area (%ACA) were quantified, and the relationship with GC therapy was evaluated. As a result, in case subjects without diabetes, there was no significant difference in %BCA between case subjects with and without GC therapy (1.66 ± 1.05% vs. 1.21 ± 0.59%, P = 0.13). %ACA was also not significantly different between the two groups. In case subjects with type 2 diabetes, %BCA and %ACA were both significantly reduced compared with control subjects without diabetes; however, neither %BCA nor %ACA was significantly decreased in case subjects with GC-induced diabetes. There was a significant negative correlation between %BCA and HbA1c measured before death; however, this relationship was attenuated in case subjects with GC therapy. In conclusion, the current study suggests that β- and α-cell mass remain largely unchanged in the face of GC-induced insulin resistance in Japanese individuals, implying limited capacity of β-cell regeneration in adult humans. The absence of apparent β-cell deficit in case subjects with GC-induced diabetes suggests that GC-induced diabetes is mainly caused by insulin resistance and/or β-cell dysfunction, but not necessarily a deficit of β-cell mass.
Wide Range Achievement Test in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Test-Retest Stability
Authors: Jantz Paul B. , Froehlich Alyson L. , Cariello Annahir N. , Anderson Jeffrey , Alexander Andrew L. , Bigler Erin D. , Prigge Molly B. D. , Travers Brittany G. , Zielinski Brandon A. , Lange Nicholas , Lainhart Janet E.
Published: April 2015

The principal goal of this descriptive study was to establish the test-retest stability of the Reading, Spelling, and Arithmetic subtest scores of the Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT-3) across two administrations in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Participants ( N = 31) were males ages 6–22 years ( M = 15.2, SD = 4.0) who were part of a larger ongoing longitudinal study of brain development in children and adults with autism spectrum disorder ( N = 185). Test-retest stability for all three subtests remained consistent across administration periods ( M = 31.8mo., SD = 4.1). Age at time of administration, time between administrations, and test form did not significantly influence test-retest stability. Results indicated that for research involving individuals with autism spectrum disorder with a full scale intelligence quotient above 75, the WRAT-3 Spelling and Arithmetic subtests have acceptable test-retest stability over time and the Reading subtest has moderate test-retest stability over time.
Digital Games, Design, and Learning
Authors: Clark Douglas B. , Tanner-Smith Emily E. , Killingsworth Stephen S.
Published: April 2015

In this meta-analysis, we systematically reviewed research on digital games and learning for K–16 students. We synthesized comparisons of game versus nongame conditions (i.e., media comparisons) and comparisons of augmented games versus standard game designs (i.e., value-added comparisons). We used random-effects meta-regression models with robust variance estimates to summarize overall effects and explore potential moderator effects. Results from media comparisons indicated that digital games significantly enhanced student learning relative to nongame conditions ([Formula: see text] = 0.33, 95% confidence interval [0.19, 0.48], k = 57, n = 209). Results from value-added comparisons indicated significant learning benefits associated with augmented game designs ([Formula: see text] = 0.34, 95% confidence interval [0.17, 0.51], k = 20, n = 40). Moderator analyses demonstrated that effects varied across various game mechanics characteristics, visual and narrative characteristics, and research quality characteristics. Taken together, the results highlight the affordances of games for learning as well as the key role of design beyond medium.
Need-Based Aid and College Persistence
Authors: Bettinger Eric
Published: April 2015

This article exploits a natural experiment to estimate the effects of need-based aid policies on first-year college persistence rates. In fall 2006, Ohio abruptly adopted a new state financial aid policy that was significantly more generous than the previous plan. Using student-level data and very narrowly defined sets of students, I estimate a difference-in-differences model to identify the program effects. Students who benefited from the program received awards about US$800 higher than they would have received under the prior program. These students’ drop-out rates fell by 2% as a result of the program. The new program also increased the likelihood that students attend 4-year campuses and increased their first-year grade point averages. The program may not have been cost-effective given the combination of its generosity and inability to target the marginal students who would be most sensitive to financial aid.
Poverty and HIV/AIDS
Authors: Verma Sharat Chandra
Published: April 2015

Not availabe. (Editorial)DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/saarctb.v11i2.12426SAARC J TUBER LUNG DIS HIV/AIDS, 2014;XI(2), Page: 1-1
A Comparision of Laboratory Diagnostic Methods of Tuberculosis and Aetiology of Suspected Cases of Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Bhatt Chandra Prakash , Timalsina B , Kutu B , Pradhan R , Maharjan B , Shrestha B
Published: April 2015

Introduction: Tuberculosis remains a worldwide public health problem despite the highly effective drugs and vaccines are available making tuberculosis a preventable and curable disease. The objective of this study was to compare the different laboratory diagnostic methods of tuberculosis and determine its prevalence. Methodology: Morning sputum samples were collected from suspected cases of pulmonary tuberculosis and preceded for Ziehl Neelsen staining, fluorescent staining (auramin-O) and mycobacterium culture in Lowenstein Jensen medium. Results: Total 78 suspected cases of pulmonary tuberculosis were included in this study among them 53 were male and 25 were female. Out of 78 cases, 46 cases were found to be culture positive. In culture positive cases (83%) were found to be M. tuberculosis and (17%) were found to be slow grower, fine colonies, AFB positive but niacin test negative (mycobacteria other than M. tuberculosis). In the direct microscopic examination by Ziehl Neelsen stained smear 26 samples were found to be acid fast bacilli and one sample was culture negative but acid fast bacilli positive. In fluorescent stained smear 34 samples were found to be positive for acid fast bacilli and 5 samples were culture negative but acid fast bacilli positive. Culture was accepted as gold standard, the sensitivity of direct microscopic examination was found 56.5% for Ziehl Neelsen staining and 73.9% for fluorescent staining respectively. Conclusion: In culture positive cases M. tuberculosis and mycobacteria other than M. tuberculosis was found to be 83% and 17% respectively, it was found higher in male than female. Fluorescent microscopy is superior to Ziehl Neelsen microscopy but gives more false positive result than Z-N staining. Combining of Ziehl Neelsen and fluorescent staining is better than fluorescent staining alone.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/saarctb.v11i2.12427  SAARC J TUBER LUNG DIS HIV/AIDS, 2014;XI(2), page: 1-6
Balloon-assisted microcatheter navigation for AVM embolization: technical note
Authors: Mendes George A. C. , Silveira Eduardo Pedrolo , Saleme Suzana , Iosif Christina , Ponomarjova Sanita , Caire François , Mounayer Charbel
Published: April 2015

Recurrent feeders may preclude a successful arterial catheterization of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). In this paper, the authors report their experience with the use of a compliant balloon to assist the microcatheter navigation in AVMs supplied by feeders with recurrent configuration.

Eight patients with AVMs supplied by recurrent feeders had unsuccessful microcatheter navigation after multiple attempts to catheterize the pedicle. A compliant balloon was inflated in the parent artery immediately after the origin of the feeder. The microcatheter was then advanced over the wire while the balloon provided support for the navigation. Distal access close to the nidus was achieved in all cases. Anatomical cure was documented in 75% cases. There were no arterial perforations or thromboembolic events.

The described technique is a straightforward method for providing support to microcatheter navigation in certain cases of cerebral AVMs supplied by recurrent arterial feeders. This simple yet effective maneuver may enhance outcomes of AVM embolization by eliminating the need for excessive attempts of catheterization.
Angiographic, hemodynamic, and histological changes in an animal model of brain arteriovenous malformations treated with Gamma Knife radiosurgery
Authors: Kashba Saleh R. , Patel Nirav J. , Grace Michael , Lee Vivienne S. , Raoufi-Rad Newsha , Amal Raj Jude V. , Duong Thi Thuy Hong , Stoodley Marcus
Published: April 2015

OBJECT

Brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are a major cause of stroke. Many AVMs are effectively obliterated by stereotactic radiosurgery, but such treatment for lesions larger than 3 cm is not as effective. Understanding the responses to radiosurgery may lead to new biological enhancements to this treatment modality. The aim of the present study was to investigate the hemodynamic, morphological, and histological effects of Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) in an animal model of brain AVM.

METHODS

An arteriovenous fistula was created by anastomosing the left external jugular vein to the side of the common carotid artery in 64 male Sprague-Dawley rats (weight 345 ± 8.8 g). Six weeks after AVM creation, 32 rats were treated with a single dose of GKS (20 Gy); 32 animals received sham radiation. Eight irradiated and 8 control animals were studied at each specified time point (1, 3, 6, and 12 weeks) for hemodynamic, morphological, and histological characterization.

RESULTS

Two AVMs showed partial angiographic obliteration at 6 weeks. Angiography revealed complete obliteration in 3 irradiated rats at 12 weeks. Blood flow in the ipsilateral proximal carotid artery (p < 0.001) and arterialized jugular vein (p < 0.05) was significantly lower in the irradiated group than in the control group. The arterialized vein's external diameter was significantly smaller in GKS-treated animals at 6 (p < 0.05) and 12 (p < 0.001) weeks. Histological changes included subendothelial cellular proliferation and luminal narrowing in GKS-treated animals. Neither luminal obliteration nor thrombus formation was identified at any of the time points in either irradiated or nonirradiated animals.

CONCLUSIONS

GKS produced morphological, angiographic, and histological changes in the model of AVM as early as 6 weeks after treatment. These results support the use of this model for studying methods to enhance radiation response in AVMs.
A Dynamic Reputation Management System for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Chiejina Eric , Xiao Hannan , Christianson Bruce
Published: April 2015

Nodes in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) are mandated to utilize their limited energy resources in forwarding routing control and data packets for other nodes. Since a MANET lacks a centralized administration and control, a node may decide to act selfishly, either by refusing to respond to route requests from other nodes or deceitfully by responding to some route requests, but dropping the corresponding data packets that are presented for forwarding. A significant increase in the presence of these misbehaving nodes in a MANET can subsequently degrade network performance. In this paper, we propose a dynamic reputation management system for detecting and isolating misbehaving nodes in MANETs. Our model employs a novel direct monitoring technique to evaluate the reputation of a node in the network, which ensures that nodes that expend their energy in transmitting data and routing control packets for others are allowed to carry out their network activities while the misbehaving nodes are detected and isolated from the network. Simulation results show that our model is effective at curbing and mitigating the effects of misbehaving nodes in the network.
Entropic-Skins Geometry to Describe Wall Turbulence Intermittency
Authors: Queiros-Conde Diogo , Carlier Johan , Grosu Lavinia , Stanislas Michel
Published: April 2015

In order to describe the phenomenon of intermittency in wall turbulence and, more particularly, the behaviour of moments and and intermittency exponents ζP with the order p and distance to the wall, we developed a new geometrical framework called “entropic-skins geometry” based on the notion of scale-entropy which is here applied to an experimental database of boundary layer flows. Each moment has its own spatial multi-scale support Ωp (“skin”). The model assumes the existence of a hierarchy of multi-scale sets Ωp ranged from the “bulk” to the “crest”. The crest noted characterizes the geometrical support where the most intermittent (the highest) fluctuations in energy dissipation occur; the bulk is the geometrical support for the whole range of fluctuations. The model assumes then the existence of a dynamical flux through the hierarchy of skins. The specific case where skins display a fractal structure is investigated. Bulk fractal dimension and crest dimension are linked by a scale-entropy flux defining a reversibility efficiency (d is the embedding dimension). The model, initially developed for homogeneous and isotropic turbulent flows, is applied here to wall bounded turbulence where intermittency exponents are measured by extended self-similarity. We obtained for intermittency exponents the analytical expression with γ ≈ 0.36 in agreement with experimental results.
Cryptographic Aspects of Quantum Reading
Authors: Spedalieri Gaetana
Published: April 2015

Besides achieving secure communication between two spatially-separated parties,another important issue in modern cryptography is related to secure communication intime, i.e., the possibility to confidentially store information on a memory for later retrieval.Here we explore this possibility in the setting of quantum reading, which exploits quantumentanglement to efficiently read data from a memory whereas classical strategies (e.g., basedon coherent states or their mixtures) cannot retrieve any information. From this point ofview, the technique of quantum reading can provide a new form of technological security fordata storage.
Exergy Analysis of a Ground-Coupled Heat Pump Heating System with Different Terminals
Authors: Chen Xiao , Hao Xiaoli
Published: April 2015

In order to evaluate and improve the performance of a ground-coupled heat pump (GCHP) heating system with radiant floors as terminals, an exergy analysis based on test results is performed in this study. The system is divided into four subsystems, and the exergy loss and exergy efficiency of each subsystem are calculated using the expressions derived based on exergy balance equations. The average values of the measured parameters are used for the exergy analysis. The analysis results show that the two largest exergy losses occur in the heat pump and terminals, with losses of 55.3% and 22.06%, respectively, and the lowest exergy efficiency occurs in the ground heat exchange system. Therefore, GCHP system designers should pay close attention to the selection of heat pumps and terminals, especially in the design of ground heat exchange systems. Compared with the scenario system in which fan coil units (FCUs) are substituted for the radiant floors, the adoption of radiant floors can result in a decrease of 12% in heating load, an increase of 3.24% in exergy efficiency of terminals and an increase of 1.18% in total exergy efficiency of the system. The results may point out the direction and ways of optimizing GCHP systems.
The Effects of Envelope Design Alternatives on the Energy Consumption of Residential Houses in Indonesia
Authors: Setiawan Andre , Huang Tzu-Ling , Tzeng Chun-Ta , Lai Chi-Ming
Published: April 2015

As an emerging country and one of the most populous countries in the world, Indonesia requires a sufficient energy supply to ensure the nation’s continued development. In response to this increasing energy demand, various studies have proposed energy-saving measures; building envelope design is considered to be a typical energy-saving technique. A significant goal in achieving greener buildings is learning how to reduce a building’s energy consumption by applying an efficient energy-saving design. This study used the eQUEST software to investigate how different types of roof construction, glazing and sun-shading techniques affect the energy consumption of residential structures in Indonesia in common scenarios. The results indicate that window shading has the most significant impact on a building’s overall energy consumption, followed by the use of an appropriate glazing, whereas the roof type produced smaller energy efficiency benefits.
The Three-Phase Power Router and Its Operation with Matrix Converter toward Smart-Grid Applications
Authors: Kordonis Alexandros , Takahashi Ryo , Nishihara Daichi , Hikihara Takashi
Published: April 2015

A power router has been recently developed for both AC and DC applications that has the potential for smart-grid applications. This study focuses on three-phase power switching through the development of an experimental setup which consists of a three-phase direct AC/AC matrix converter with a power router attached to its output. Various experimental switching scenarios with the loads connected to different input sources were investigated. The crescent introduction of decentralized power generators throughout the power-grid obligates us to take measurements for a better distribution and management of the power. Power routers and matrix converters have great potential to succeed this goal with the help of power electronics devices. In this paper, a novel experimental three-phase power switching was achieved and the advantages of this operation are presented, such as on-demand and constant power supply at the desired loads.
Genetic Mosaics and the Germ Line Lineage
Authors: Samuels Mark , Friedman Jan
Published: April 2015

Genetic mosaics provide information about cellular lineages that is otherwise difficult to obtain, especially in humans. De novo mutations act as cell markers, allowing the tracing of developmental trajectories of all descendants of the cell in which the new mutation arises. De novo mutations may arise at any time during development but are relatively rare. They have usually been observed through medical ascertainment, when the mutation causes unusual clinical signs or symptoms. Mutational events can include aneuploidies, large chromosomal rearrangements, copy number variants, or point mutations. In this review we focus primarily on the analysis of point mutations and their utility in addressing questions of germ line versus somatic lineages. Genetic mosaics demonstrate that the germ line and soma diverge early in development, since there are many examples of combined somatic and germ line mosaicism for de novo mutations. The occurrence of simultaneous mosaicism in both the germ line and soma also shows that the germ line is not strictly clonal but arises from at least two, and possibly multiple, cells in the embryo with different ancestries. Whole genome or exome DNA sequencing technologies promise to expand the range of studies of genetic mosaics, as de novo mutations can now be identified through sequencing alone in the absence of a medical ascertainment. These technologies have been used to study mutation patterns in nuclear families and in monozygotic twins, and in animal model developmental studies, but not yet for extensive cell lineage studies in humans.
Elucidation of a Physiological Adjustment Effect in a Forest Environment: A Pilot Study
Authors: Song Chorong , Ikei Harumi , Miyazaki Yoshifumi
Published: April 2015

There is a significant positive relationship between exposure to forest environments and physical and mental health. However, there are individual differences within these responses, and this phenomenon has posed questions in various fields. Here, we show that the physiological effect of a forest environment can differ depending on a subject’s initial values and that forests have a physiological adjustment effect close to an appropriate level. Subjects with high initial blood pressure and pulse rate showed a decrease in these values after walking in a forested area, whereas those with low initial values showed an increase. There was no physiological adjustment effect observed in an urban area; thus, these effects are specific to a forest environment.
From ELF to Compressibility in Solids
Authors: Contreras-García Julia , Marqués Miriam , Menéndez José , Recio José
Published: April 2015

Understanding the electronic nature of materials’ compressibility has alwaysbeen a major issue behind tabulation and rationalization of bulk moduli. This is especiallybecause this understanding is one of the main approaches to the design and proposal of newmaterials with a desired (e.g., ultralow) compressibility. It is well recognized that the softestpart of the solid will be the one responsible for its compression at the first place. In chemicalterms, this means that the valence will suffer the main consequences of pressurization.It is desirable to understand this response to pressure in terms of the valence properties(charge, volume, etc.). One of the possible approaches is to consider models of electronicseparability, such as the bond charge model (BCM), which provides insight into the cohesionof covalent crystals in analogy with the classical ionic model. However, this model relies onempirical parametrization of bond and lone pair properties. In this contribution, we havecoupled electron localization function (ELF) ab initio data with the bond charge modeldeveloped by Parr in order to analyze solid state compressibility from first principles andmoreover, to derive general trends and shed light upon superhard behavior.
High Insulin Levels in KK-Ay Diabetic Mice Cause Increased Cortical Bone Mass and Impaired Trabecular Micro-Structure
Authors: Fu Cen , Zhang Xiaolin , Ye Fei , Yang Jianhong
Published: April 2015

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disease characterized by hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and complications, including obesity and osteoporosis. Rodents have been widely used to model human T2DM and investigate its effect on the skeleton. We aimed to investigate skeletal alterations in Yellow Kuo Kondo (KK-Ay) diabetic mice displaying high insulin and glucose levels. Bone mineral density (BMD), micro-architecture and bone metabolism-related genes were analyzed. The total femoral areal BMD (aBMD), cortical volumetric BMD (vBMD) and thickness were significantly increased in KK-Ay mice, while the trabecular vBMD and mineralized bone volume/tissue volume (BV/TV), trabecular thickness and number were decreased compared to C57BL mice. The expression of both osteoblast-related genes, such as osteocalcin (OC), bone sialoprotein, Type I Collagen, osteonectin, RUNX2 and OSX, and osteoclast-related genes, such as TRAP and TCIRG, were up-regulated in KK-Ay mice. Correlation analyses showed that serum insulin levels were positively associated with aBMD, cortical vBMD and thickness and negatively associated with trabecular vBMD and micro-architecture. In addition, serum insulin levels were positively related to osteoblast-related and osteoclast-related gene expression. Our data suggest that high insulin levels in KK-Ay diabetic mice may increase cortical bone mass and impair trabecular micro-structure by up-regulating osteoblast-and osteoclast-related gene expression.