bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the literacy histories of doctoral students in an educational studies program through surveys and interviews: A mixed methods study
Authors: Adams-Budde Melissa Eileen , Howard Christy Maranda , Jolliff Grant Douglas , Myers Joy Kammerer
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this mixed methods sequential explanatory study was to explain the relationship between literacy experiences over time and the literacy identities of the doctoral students in a teacher education and higher education program. The quantitative phase, surveying 36 participants, revealed a positive correlation between participant’s present and past literacy experiences, suggesting that past literacy experiences impacted their present perception of themselves as successful doctoral students. In the qualitative follow up multiple case study analysis, four major themes emerged from the interviews and participants’ visual representations: (1) past literacy experiences; (2) present literacy experiences; (3) support systems; and (4) social experiences. The findings suggest that early feelings of success in literacy contribute to strong literacy identities in higher education programs. Implications for the faculty of higher education will be discussed.
The Impact of Integrated Student Experiences on Learning
Authors: Wingert Jason R , Wasileski Sally A , Peterson Karin , Greden Mathews Leah , Lanou Amy Joy , Clarke David
Published: March 2014

In a cluster of courses called Food for Thought, seven faculty from different departments (including Biology, Economics, Sociology, Chemistry, Health and Wellness, and Foreign Language) teach students about food information, food consumerism, nutrition and health. The classes all have a shared learning outcome focused on developing the student as an informed consumer of food.  Each semester, faculty teach a food-related course from their respective disciplinary perspective while also incorporating cross-course interactions that allow for both integration of disciplinary knowledge and student-to-student learning opportunities. Previous research demonstrated that this approach leads to student perceptions of learning gains (Authors, 2011). Building on that work, this research directly assesses student learning in the Food for Thought cluster. The results demonstrate that exposure to multiple disciplines covering a shared topic enhances learning through greater student ability to integrate diverse forms of knowledge and to see an issue from multiple perspectives. These findings demonstrate the value of multidisciplinary learning opportunities for students.
When Do Group Incentives for Salespeople Work?
Authors: Lim Noah , Chen Hua
Published: March 2014

When should sales managers employ group incentives rather than individual incentives to motivate their sales force? Using economic experiments, the authors show that two-person group incentives can outperform individual incentives and that the relative efficacy of group incentives depends on three important factors. First, the strength of social ties among the group members matters. Effort decisions in group-based incentives increase significantly when members socialize briefly before committing effort. Second, the design of the group incentive matters. For the group incentive to work better than the individual incentive, the group-based component (i.e., how much the payment scheme weights the contribution of others) in the former cannot be too large. Third, the informational feedback that group members receive matters. When socialized group members can observe one another's true effort, rather than only their output, effort surprisingly decreases. The authors show that a model that accounts for social preferences and the psychological loss that occurs when teammates underestimate one's effort can explain salesperson behavior in group incentives well.
3D PET image reconstruction based on the maximum likelihood estimation method (MLEM) algorithm
Authors: Słomski Artur , Rudy Zbigniew , Bednarski Tomasz , Białas Piotr , Czerwiński Eryk , Kapłon Łukasz , Kochanowski Andrzej , Korcyl Grzegorz , Kowal Jakub , Kowalski Paweł , Kozik Tomasz , Krzemień Wojciech , Molenda Marcin , Moskal Paweł , Niedźwiecki Szymon , Pałka Marek , Pawlik Monika , Raczyński Lech , Salabura Piotr , Gupta-Sharma Neha , Silarski Michał , Smyrski Jerzy , Strzelecki Adam , Wiślicki Wojciech , Zieliński Marcin , Zoń Natalia
Published: March 2014

A positron emission tomography (PET) scan does not measure an image directly. Instead, a PET scan measures a sinogram at the boundary of the field-of-view that consists of measurements of the sums of all the counts along the lines connecting the two detectors. Because there is a multitude of detectors built in a typical PET structure, there are many possible detector pairs that pertain to the measurement. The problem is how to turn this measurement into an image (this is called imaging). Significant improvement in PET image quality was achieved with the introduction of iterative reconstruction techniques. This was realized approximately 20 years ago (with the advent of new powerful computing processors). However, three-dimensional imaging still remains a challenge. The purpose of the image reconstruction algorithm is to process this imperfect count data for a large number (many millions) of lines of response and millions of detected photons to produce an image showing the distribution of the labeled molecules in space.
Calibration of photomultipliers gain used in the J-PET detector
Authors: Bednarski Tomasz , Czerwiński Eryk , Moskal Paweł , Białas Piotr , Giergiel Krzysztof , Kapłon Łukasz , Kochanowski Andrzej , Korcyl Grzegorz , Kowal Jakub , Kowalski Paweł , Kozik Tomasz , Krzemień Wojciech , Molenda Marcin , Moskal Ines , Niedźwiecki Szymon , Pałka Marek , Pawlik Monika , Raczyński Lech , Rudy Zbigniew , Salabura Piotr , Sharma Neha Gupta , Silarski Michał , Słomski Artur , Smyrski Jerzy , Strzelecki Adam , Szymański Konrad Jan , Wiślicki Wojciech , Witkowski Piotr , Zieliński Marcin , Zoń Natalia
Published: March 2014

Photomultipliers are commonly used in commercial PET scanner as devices that convert light produced in scintillator by gamma quanta from positron-electron annihilation into electrical signal. For proper analysis of obtained electrical signal, a photomultiplier gain curve must be known, since gain can be significantly different even between photomultipliers of the same model. In this article, we describe single photoelectron method used for photomultiplier calibration applied for J-PET scanner, a novel PET detector being developed at Jagiellonian University. A description of calibration method, an example of calibration curve, and a gain of few Hamamatsu R4998 photomultipliers are presented.
A new green approach to Fenton’s chemistry using tea dregs and coffee grounds as raw material
Authors: Morikawa Claudio Kendi
Published: March 2014

Fenton’s chemistry has long been useful in industry because of the power of hydrogen peroxide (HP), in the presence of ferrous iron (Fe2+), to produce a highly reactive free radical species capable of oxidizing aqueous materials. However, its application has been limited due to the rapid oxidation of ferrous iron. The rapid oxidation of ferrous iron limits the production of free radicals necessary for a powerful reaction. We developed two ‘green’ iron catalysts using used tea leaves (tea dregs) or coffee grounds as raw material. The new ‘green’ iron catalysts contained iron in a reductive stable status for a Fenton catalyst. The study showed that the developed ‘green’ iron catalysts can be used as iron fertilizer and for the Fenton’s reaction on the degradation of methylene blue (MB), and in the disinfection of Escherichia coli. The tea and coffee polyphenols were estimated to be responsible for the reductive stable state of the iron in the developed catalysts, due to their reducing power and chelating iron ability. The developed new ‘green’ iron catalysts are expected to diffuse in wide fields such as food, medicine, public health, agriculture, the environment, etc.
Integration of stress signals by homeodomain interacting protein kinases
Authors: Schmitz Michael Lienhard , Rodriguez-Gil Alfonso , Hornung Juliane
Published: March 2014

The family of homeodomain interacting protein kinases (HIPKs) consists of four related kinases, HIPK1 to HIPK4. These serine/threonine kinases are evolutionary conserved and derive from the yeast kinase Yak1. The largest group of HIPK phosphorylation substrates is represented by transcription factors and chromatin-associated regulators of gene expression, thus transferring HIPK-derived signals into changes of gene expression programs. The HIPKs mainly function as regulators of developmental processes and as integrators of a wide variety of stress signals. A number of conditions representing precarious situations, such as DNA damage, hypoxia, reactive oxygen intermediates and metabolic stress affect the function of HIPKs. The kinases function as integrators for these stress signals and feed them into many different downstream effector pathways that serve to cope with these precarious situations. HIPKs do not function as essential core components in the different stress signaling pathways, but rather serve as modulators of signal output and as connectors of different stress signaling pathways. Their central role as signaling hubs with the ability to shape many downstream effector pathways frequently implies them in proliferative diseases such as cancer or fibrosis.
Preliminary experiences with low-dose computed tomography for lung cancer screening in Hungary
Authors: Moizs Mariann , Bajzik Gábor , Lelovics Zsuzsanna , Rakvács Marianna , Strausz János , Repa Imre
Published: March 2014

Introduction: Lung cancer has the highest mortality rate of all types of cancers both in developed countries and Hungary. Aim: To obtain experience and facilitate the application of low-dose computed tomography-based lung cancer screening as a targeted public health screening procedure. Method: Volunteers without thoracic complaints above the age of 40 years (n = 963) were screened for lung cancer using digital chest radiography and low-dose computed tomography. Results: Two lung cancers were found among the participants screened with digital chest radiography (0.2%). After informed consent, 173 individuals with normal chest radiography findings (n = 943) took the opportunity to voluntarily participate in low-dose computed tomography screening for lung cancer. After 3 or 12 months, 65 individuals had follow up control examinations based on the size and characteristics of the detected lesions. Among them, one participant was found to have lung cancer using low-dose computed tomography. Conclusions: These results indicate that low-dose computed tomography-based lung cancer screening as a public health screening procedure can enhance the success of screening with 50% (from 0.2% to 0.3%). The cost-benefit ratio can be raised if chest radiography is performed prior to the low-dose computed tomography examination. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(10), 383–388.
Defect Driven Emission from ZnO Nano Rods Synthesized by Fast Microwave Irradiation Method for Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Singh Nagendra Pratap , Shivashankar S.A. , Pratap Rudra
Published: March 2014

Because of its large direct band gap of 3.37 eV and high exciton binding energy (∼60 meV), which can lead to efficient excitonic emission at room temperature and above, ZnO nanostructures in the würtzite polymorph are an ideal choice for electronic and optoelectronic applications. Some of the important parameters in this regard are free carrier concentration, doping compensation, minority carrier lifetime, and luminescence efficiency, which are directly or indirectly related to the defects that, in turn, depend on the method of synthesis. We report the synthesis of undoped ZnO nanorods through microwave irradiation of an aqueous solution of zinc acetate dehydrate [Zn(CH3COO)2. 2H2O] and KOH, with zinc acetate dihydrate acting as both the precursor to ZnO and as a self-capping agent. Upon exposure of the solution to microwaves in a domestic oven, ZnO nanorods 1.5 µm -3 µm and 80 nm in diameter are formed in minutes. The ZnO structures have been characterised in detail by X-ray diffraction (XRD), selective area electron diffraction (SAED) and high-resolution scanning and transmission microscopy, which reveal that each nanorod is single-crystalline. Optical characteristics of the nanorods were investigated through photoluminescence (PL) and cathodoluminescence (CL). These measurements reveal that defect state-induced emission is prominent, with a broad greenish yellow emission. CL measurements made on a number of individual nanorods at different accelerating voltages for the electrons show CL intensity increases with increasing accelerating voltage. A red shift is observed in the CL spectra as the accelerating voltage is raised, implying that emission due to oxygen vacancies dominates under these conditions and that interstitial sites can be controlled with the accelerating voltage of the electron beam. Time-resolved fluorescence (TRFL) measurements yield a life time (τ) of 9.9 picoseconds, indicating that ZnO nanorods synthesized by the present process are excellent candidates for optoelectronic devices.
Quantification of Axonal Outgrowth on a Surface with Asymmetric Topography
Authors: Spedden Elise , Staii Cristian
Published: March 2014

Topographical features are known to influence the axonal outgrowth of neurons. Understanding what kinds of topographical features are most effective at growth cone guidance and how outgrowth responds to these structures is of great importance to the study of nerve regeneration. To this end we analyze axonal outgrowth on tilted nanorod substrates which have been shown to impart directional bias to neuron growth. We utilize the Atomic Force Microscope to characterize the surface features present on these substrates and how such features are influencing the axonal outgrowth. Additionally, using a model which considers the neuronal growth cone as an object influenced by an effective potential we determine an effective force imparted on the growth cone by the surface topography.
Cu2ZnSnS4thin film solar cell fabricated by magnetron sputtering and sulfurization
Authors: Chen Jian , Yan Chang , Li Wei , Song Ning , Liu Fangyang , Huang Shujuan , Hao Xiaojing , Green Martin A.
Published: March 2014

In this work, sulfurizing metal precursors prepared by magnetron sputtering was applied in Cu2ZnSnS4(CZTS) thin film fabrication. Three precursor structures, namely substrate/ Zn/(Cu&Sn), substrate/Zn/Cu/Sn/Cu and substrate/Zn/Sn/Cu, were compared for their synthesized CZTS film quality. It is notable that CZTS film made of the precursor structure of substrate/Zn/(Cu&Sn) has the best film quality with no obvious voids and biggest average grain size. When applying this precursor structure into device fabrication, a working CZTS device with an efficiency of 2.26% was made. The impact of metal precursors on the structural property of CZTS film were characterised by SEM, XRD, Raman and TEM. Thick MoS2interfacial layer (∼200nm) between absorber and back Mo contact and ZnS formed in the front and back absorber regions are the possible reasons limiting short-circuit current and fill factor of the cell.
The Role of Screening Audiometry in the Management of Otitis Media with Effusion in Children with Cleft Palate in Northern Ireland
Authors: Eastwood Mary P. , Hoo Koh H. , Adams David , Hill Christopher
Published: March 2014

Objective

To determine uptake and outcome of hearing screening in the cleft palate population in Northern Ireland (NI) and the rate of ventilation tube (VT) insertion over a 3-year period.

Design

In NI, hearing screening is offered in the neonatal period, at 9 months in the community, and at 2.5 years in the joint cleft clinic.

Patients

Eighty-five children with cleft palate born between 2006 and 2008 in NI were eligible for all three screenings.

Methods

A retrospective case note review was performed of tympanograms, audiometry, and VT insertion rates at each of the three time points.

Results

In the neonatal period, all patients eligible were screened; 66 (77.6%) patients passed the screening, with 19 patients (22.4%) failing, resulting in direct referral to ENT for consideration of VT. Results of the 9-month community screening were not made routinely available to the regional cleft service. At the 2.5-year clinic screening, all attending patients (n = 80) had documented screening. Fifty-two (65%) patients passed screening, with 28 patients (35%) failing screening. Forty-six patients (57.5%) had documented VT, and 9 (11.25%) were awaiting ENT review for consideration of VT.

Conclusion

Ventilation tubes are not routinely inserted at the time of cleft repair in the NI population, and 57.5% of our cleft population has ventilation tubes inserted by 2.5 years. Cleft patients in NI have regular routine hearing assessments, and our current practice avoids universal ventilation tube insertion while identifying those who need further hearing management. Further research is needed to reach an international consensus on the insertion of VT in cleft patients.
The changing anthropogenic diets of American black bears over the past century in Yosemite National Park
Authors: Hopkins John B , Koch Paul L , Ferguson Jake M , Kalinowski Steven T
Published: March 2014

We used carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotopes derived from the tissues of American black bears (Ursus americanus) to estimate the proportion of human‐derived foodstuffs and food waste (“human foods”) in the diets of human food‐conditioned bears over the past century in Yosemite National Park, located in central–eastern California. Our goal was to understand how the foraging ecology of bears responded to changing management strategies. We found that the proportion of human foods increased in bear diets when park personnel and visitors fed bears intentionally in 1923–1971, remained relatively high and constant after artificial feeding areas were closed, and declined drastically in 1999–2007, following a $500 000 annual government appropriation used to mitigate human–bear conflicts in the park. This reduction in the amount of human foods in bear diets suggests that Yosemite managers have been successful in reducing the availability of human foods to bears. Yosemite bears currently consume human foods in the same proportion as they did in 1915–1919. This result indicates a notable management achievement in the park, considering that thousands of people visited Yosemite annually in the early 1900s while about four million people visit each year today.
Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers: Effect on Agronomic Performance of Corn in Iowa
Authors: Hatfield Jerry L. , Parkin Timothy B.
Published: March 2014

Management of N in corn (Zea mays L.) production systems attempts to increase crop yields and minimize environment impact. This study evaluated enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs) compared to their non‐EEF forms on grain yield and corn biomass at the beginning of the grain‐filling period, leaf chlorophyll index (CI) measurements, spectral reflectance, and leaf area index throughout the growing season. These studies were conducted on a continuous corn study from 2008 through 2010 stabilized urea with urease and nitrification inhibitors (SuperU [Koch Agronomic Services, Wichita, KS]), urea‐ammonium nitrate (UAN) with and without a urease and nitrification inhibitor (AgrotainPlus [Koch Agronomic Services, Wichita, KS]), and environmentally smart nitrogen polymer coated urea (ESN [Agrium Advanced Technologies, Loveland, CO]). There was no significant effect of EEFs compared to non‐EEF materials on the biomass or leaf area indices (LAI) at the end of vegetative development; however, there were consistently higher yields with the EEF materials. Differences in yield were related to increased leaf CI values during the grain‐filling period and a summation index based on leaf CI was linearly related to grain yield. Use of the EEF materials decreased the rate of leaf senescence with a linear relationship for each year but not a common relationship among years. Application of EEF materials to corn produced a positive impact on grain yield through the increased ability of the corn canopy to maintain green leaf area, capture photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and convert this energy into larger yields. The effect of EEF materials on improved grain‐fill under rainfed conditions of the central Corn Belt provides effective N management strategies to increase yield.
New Critical Nitrogen Curve Based on Leaf Area Index for Winter Wheat
Authors: Zhao Ben , Yao Xia , Tian YongChao , Liu XiaoJun , Ata-Ul-Karim Syed Tahir , Ni Jun , Cao WeiXing , Zhu Yan
Published: March 2014

Accurate forecasting of N required for plant growth can help optimize grain yields, farm profits, and N use efficiency and reduce the risk of environmental pollution. The objectives of this study were to: (i) establish a critical N (Nc) dilution curve for winter wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) based on the leaf area index (LAI), (ii) compare this curve withNcdilution curves for winter wheat that are based on plant dry matter, and (iii) assess the plausibility of using this new curve to estimate the N status of winter wheat. Four field experiments were conducted with different N application rates. Twenty plants from each plot were sampled from the Feekes 3 to the Feekes 10.5 stage for growth analysis. The relationship betweenNcand LAI could be described by a negative power equation,Nc= 4.06LAI−0.4, when the LAI values were in the range of 1.4 to 7.5. For LAI values <1.4, however, the constant valueNc= 3.58% was used. The N nutrition index (NNI) ranged from 0.34 to 1.31 during the vegetative stage under different N application rates from 2009 to 2011. There was a significant positive relationship between differences in NNI and differences in N application rates across four wheat development stages. Validation of the models with independent data produced a root mean squared error of 28 kg ha−1. TheNcdilution curve identified limiting and nonlimiting wheat N status and could be used as a reliable indicator of in‐season N stress of wheat grown in eastern China.
Review of Maleic–Itaconic Acid Copolymer Purported as Urease Inhibitor and Phosphorus Enhancer in Soils
Authors: Chien S. H. , Edmeades D. , McBride R. , Sahrawat K. L.
Published: March 2014

The fertilizer additive products Nutrisphere and Avail use a coating of maleic–itaconic acid copolymer and have been marketed worldwide. It is claimed that the copolymer (trade name: Nutrisphere) enhances the efficiency of urea‐N use by inhibiting urea hydrolysis and reducing ammonia (NH3) volatilization from urea. It is also claimed that the same copolymer (trade name: Avail) prevents or reduces the conversion of soluble P fertilizer to less soluble forms in the soil and thus enhances the efficiency of fertilizer P. Consequently, it is claimed that both additive products can increase crop yields by 10 to 15%. This review critically examines these claims by considering the basic polymer and soil chemistry, and agronomic effectiveness of these products in the field. It is found that the copolymer does not retard urea hydrolysis and the subsequent NH3 volatilization. Theoretical calculations found that the amount of copolymer recommended for commercial use (0.25% of P fertilizers) is too small to have any significant effect on soil P chemistry. These results are consistent with evidence derived from field trials, which show that these products have very little practical effect on crop production. Accordingly, it is recommended that these products not be promoted to farmers as a means to either increase efficiency of fertilizer urea‐N and fertilizer P or to enhance crop production.
Establishment and Termination Dates Affect Fall‐Established Cover Crops
Authors: Duiker Sjoerd W.
Published: March 2014

In temperate climates, performance of fall‐established cover crops is affected by establishment and termination date. This study evaluated the effect of mid‐September to mid‐October establishment dates on cover crop biomass production from early May to early June in Landisville (USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6b) and Rock Springs (Zone 6a). Rye (Cereale secale L.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), and rape (Brassica napus L.) biomass was measured from 2003 to 2005. Early October established rye produced 1 to 7 Mg ha−1 biomass in early May up to 12 Mg ha−1 by early June. Early October established wheat produced 0.5 to 4 Mg ha−1 in early May up to 9 Mg ha−1 biomass by early June. Although they winterkilled in 1 yr, early October established barley and annual ryegrass produced up to 4 Mg ha−1 biomass by early May and 9 Mg ha−1 in early June. Mid‐September established forbs did not successfully survive the winter in Rock Springs, but in Landisville, exceeded 1.5 Mg ha−1 biomass in early May every year for hairy vetch, and in 2 out of 3 yr for crimson clover and rape. Biomass production was up to 7.5 Mg ha−1 for hairy vetch, 4.3 Mg ha−1 for crimson clover, and 6.9 Mg ha−1 for rape. Annual ryegrass, crimson clover, and rape show potential as winter‐hardy cover crops in southern Pennsylvania.
Effect of Light and Water Supply on Morphological and Physiological Leaf Traits of Red Beet
Authors: Stagnari Fabio , Galieni Angelica , Speca Stefano , Cafiero Giovanni , Pisante Michele
Published: March 2014

Water and light are two important resources for red beet (Beta vulgaris var. conditiva Alef.) survival, growth and yield. Changes in leaf traits can be regarded as indicators for detection of crop responses to environmental stress, and could be utilized to select genotypes suitable for stressed environments. The objectives of the current study were to explore the adaptive changes of morphological and physiological leaf traits of red beet to water and light stress, and identify traits as potential suitable selection indicators in breeding programs. Red beet was treated with RED (red/far red ratio (R/FR): 1.29; transmitted photosynthetically active radiation (PAR): 66.9%), GREEN (R/FR: 0.43; PAR: 25.8%) photo‐selective films, and with two water conditions i.e., 50% of water holding capacity (WHC) (W50) and 30% of WHC (W30). Plants subjected to GREEN had higher specific leaf area (SLA) (248.6 cm2 g−1) and leaf area ratio (LAR) (232.2 cm2 g−1) and lower soil‐plant analysis development (SPAD) and water index (WI) (1.076) values. Water stress reduced leaf area index (LAI) by 39 and 59% (W50 and W30, respectively), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), green normalized difference vegetation index (GNDVI), and leaf zinc accumulation. Conversely, water shortage enhanced SLA, leaf mass ratio (LMR) (0.786 and 0.761 g g−1 for W50 and W30, respectively) and chlorophyll concentration. Red beet showed a strong plasticity under unfavorable growth conditions. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that suitable selection indicators of early adaptive changes were LMR, WI for drought and SLA, LAR for modification of PAR transmittance.
Peanut Response to Planting Date, Tillage, and Cultivar in North Carolina
Authors: Drake W. L. , Jordan D. L. , Johnson P. D. , Shew B. B. , Brandenburg R. L. , Corbett T.
Published: March 2014

Production of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in reduced tillage is an effective alternative to conventional tillage in the southeastern United States under some conditions. Research was conducted to determine interactions of planting date, tillage system, and cultivar with respect to disease reaction and pod yield of peanut. The cultivars Bailey, CHAMPS, Gregory, Perry, and Phillips were planted in early or late May in reduced or conventional tillage systems from 2008 through 2011 at one location in North Carolina. The interaction of year, tillage system, and cultivar was significant for plant condition rating (PCR), a visible estimate of disease, within 3 d before digging from late September through mid‐October. Pod yield was correlated with PCR in mid‐September (P = 0.0001, R2 = –0.22) and PCR just before digging (P ≤ 0.0001, R2 = –0.31). Disease was less prevalent for the cultivar Bailey and most prevalent for the cultivar Phillips, with disease for the other cultivars intermediate between Bailey and Phillips. Pod yield was influenced independently by cultivar, planting date, and tillage system although each of these factors was affected by year of the experiment. Pod yield was similar in strip tillage and conventional tillage in 3 of 4 yr with yield in strip tillage exceeding conventional tillage in 1 yr. Peanut planted in early May yielded more than peanut planted in late May in 2 of 4 yr. Results indicate that while some differences in disease reaction will occur when comparing cultivars, planting dates, and tillage systems, pod yield will be affected independently by these cultural practices.
Pre‐Plant Anhydrous Ammonia Placement Consequences on No‐Till Versus Conventional‐Till Maize Growth and Nitrogen Responses
Authors: Kovács Péter , Van Scoyoc George E. , Doerge Thomas A. , Camberato James J. , Vyn Tony J.
Published: March 2014

With the advent of precision guidance systems, maize (Zea mays L.) farmers in various tillage systems have more options in pre‐plant nutrient banding relative to the intended crop rows. Anhydrous ammonia (NH3) placement during pre‐plant application is of interest because of concerns for possible ammonia toxicity to maize seedlings when high NH3 rates are applied too close to the seed row and the need to improve plant‐nitrogen (N) use efficiencies. Field studies were conducted between 2010 and 2012 near West Lafayette, IN, to compare traditional angled (diagonally) vs. precision‐guided parallel NH3 applications (the latter was offset 15 cm from the future row) in no‐till and conventional tillage systems. The NH3 was injected to depths of about 12 cm at N rates of 145 and 202 kg N ha−1. Maize was planted with additional starter N (20 kg N ha−1) within 6 d of NH3 application. Neither NH3 application placement resulted in significant maize seedling mortality. Conventional tillage increased mean grain yields across N rates and placement treatments from 10.6 to 11.6 Mg ha−1. Tillage did not impact reproductive‐stage leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD), or whole‐plant N content at maturity when NH3 was parallel applied, but these plant responses were significantly lower in no‐till after diagonal application. Lowering the pre‐plant N rate to 145 from 202 kg N ha−1 significantly lowered maize whole‐plant biomass and N accumulation at maturity with diagonal application, but not when NH3 was parallel applied.
Price Characteristics at a Hay Auction
Authors: McCullock Katelyn , Davidson Carolyn , Robb James
Published: March 2014

Hay is a major crop, though the market values are not often studied. The purpose of this research is to quantify relative price relationships due to a wide range of measurable hay characteristics of a specific hay auction reflecting supply and demand preferences. A time series data set was developed based on USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) reporting of the Colorado Centennial Hay Auction 2006 to 2011. All bale characteristics were gleaned from the reports including the number of tonnes offered at auction, hay type, grade, size, year, month, and the number of tonnes offered of a specific hay type, grade, size, year, and month combination. The data set was used to create a hedonic statistical price model for three hay types: alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), mixed alfalfa/grass, and grass hay. Time trend variables, grade, size, and the number of tonnes offered all proved to significantly impact price. The largest price increases were associated with specific grade size combinations, such as supreme quality small square bales. The biggest price reductions were associated with larger sized bales and lower quality grades. Alfalfa prices were the highest in this auction; the largest price variability was in grass hay. Results are largely applicable to a market area which includes buyers of hay for all types of livestock. Hay producers should carefully consider quality, type of hay (e.g., alfalfa), and bale characteristics in their production decisions.
Biomass Production by Warm‐Season Grasses as Affected by Nitrogen Application in Ontario
Authors: Tubeileh A. , Rennie T. J. , Kerr A. , Saita A. A. , Patanè C.
Published: March 2014

There is little information on the production levels of prairie C4 perennial grasses in the biomass context in eastern Canada. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of species/cultivar entries and N fertilizer application on biomass production of prairie perennial biomass grasses. Two switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) cultivars, two big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vit.) cultivars and one indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans Nash.) cultivar were seeded in 2009 in eastern Ontario to evaluate their biomass production potential. The crops were seeded in a silt loam soil at 1000 pure live seeds m−2. No fertilizer was added in 2009 or 2010. In 2011 and 2012 treatment N50 received 50 kg N ha−1 while treatment N0 was kept as an unfertilized control. The crop biomass production, canopy height, leaf SPAD absorbance, leaf area index, and harvest moisture content were determined. Switchgrass production exceeded big bluestem and indiangrass, especially in the first 2 yr after establishment. Despite the drought, dry matter production for the different entries in 2012 ranged between 5.07 and 8.13 Mg ha−1. Biomass production was improved by N application only for big bluestem and indiangrass but not for switchgrass. However, N application increased leaf SPAD absorbance and leaf area index for all entries. Moisture content at harvest was species dependent. Our results suggest that switchgrass might need lower N levels than big bluestem and indiangrass. With the stands reaching their peak production, this study shows the high production potential for some of these grasses under Ontario conditions.
Profitability of Cellulosic Biomass Production in the Northern Great Lakes Region
Authors: Kells Bradley J. , Swinton Scott M.
Published: March 2014

Producing bioenergy feedstocks on non‐crop land can largely avoid the food price feedbacks of energy biomass production on cropland. The U.S. northern tier grassland‐to‐forest ecotone offers large areas of marginal land that is not currently cropped. In this ecological transition zone, the relative profitability of grassy vs. woody sources of energy biomass is little studied. This paper reports an exploratory investment analysis of cellulosic biomass production in the northern Great Lakes region. It compares two short‐rotation tree crops, willow (Salix sachalinensis F. Schmidt)and hybrid poplar (Populus nigra L. X P. maximowiczii A. Henry), and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) (a native prairie grass) to conventional mixed hay. Because biomass markets are not yet well developed, this study calculates threshold prices and yields at which biomass crops become at least as profitable as mixed grass hay. At 2010–2012 prices and available production technologies, none of the cellulosic crops is competitive with the hay baseline system. The breakeven price of energy biomass ranges from $90–100 per oven‐dry Mg−1 for all three energy crops. Breakeven yields are much more variable, due to the high cost of harvesting woody biomass. At 2010–2012 prices, necessary biomass yield increases range from 3.5‐fold for switchgrass and willow to over 25‐fold for poplar. While the ratio of input costs to revenue remains relatively constant between the northern and southern Great Lakes regions, the opportunity cost of active cropland in the southern zone is much higher, implying an economic comparative advantage for marginal land of the northern tier of the Great Lakes region.
Relating Crop Productivity to Soil Microbial Properties in Acid Soil Treated with Cattle Manure
Authors: Lupwayi Newton Z. , Benke Mônica B. , Hao Xiying , O'Donovan John T. , Clayton George W.
Published: March 2014

Cattle (Bos taurus) manure can be used to correct soil acidity, supply plant nutrients, and increase soil organic matter. It usually affects soil microbial properties and crop production, but the relationship between the two effects is not always demonstrated. In a 4‐yr study in which barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) was rotated with canola (Brassica rapa L.) on an acid soil, we investigated the effects of cattle manure on soil microbial characteristics and related them to other soil properties and crop productivity. The treatments were: (i) Control (no treatments), (ii) nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer applied annually (NP), (iii) Lime (applied once) + nitrogen and phosphorus applied annually (Lime+NP), (iv) fresh manure applied once at 80 t ha−1 (Manure80), and (v) manure applied once at 160 t ha−1 (Manure160). The treatment order in microbial biomass carbon (MBC) was: NP ≤ Control ≤ Lime+NP < Manure80 < Manure160. Manure160 increased MBC by 34 to 150% in bulk soil, and by 49 to 117% in crop rhizosphere. Microbial activity ranged from 10.80 to 27.55 µg CO2–C m−2 d−1 and was in the order: Control = Lime+NP ≤ Manure160 ≤ NP ≤ Manure80. Bacterial community structures differed between manure treatments and non‐manure treatments. There were positive correlations of soil microbial characteristics with soil nutrient contents or crop nutrient uptake, and negative correlations with soil Mn and Na. The positive correlations sometimes translated into positive correlations with crop yields, and they underscore the crucial role of soil microorganisms in nutrient cycling.
Field Evaluation of Open System Chambers for Measuring Whole Canopy Gas Exchanges
Authors: Baker Jeffrey T. , Gitz Dennis C. , Lascano Robert J.
Published: March 2014

The ability to monitor whole canopy CO2 and H2O fluxes of crop plants in the field is needed for many research efforts ranging from plant breeding to the study of climate change effects on crops. Four portable, transparent, open system chambers for measuring canopy gas exchanges were field tested on well‐watered and fertilized cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) over 6 d at Lubbock, TX, in 2010. Our objective was to (i) characterize changes in canopy microclimate variables due to chamber enclosure and (ii) evaluate chamber‐to‐chamber variability in canopy gas‐exchange parameters on ground as well as leaf area basis. Chamber wall materials reduced photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) by about 13%. Programmable data loggers controlled variable speed fans and, with one minor exception, limited heat buildup in the chambers to a maximum of <1.0°C above ambient air temperature. Differentials between incoming and outgoing atmospheric CO2 and H2O concentrations were used to calculate canopy net assimilation (A) and transpiration (E) at 10‐s intervals using solenoid valve actuated sample lines connected to an infrared gas analyzer. Water use efficiency (WUE = A/E) was then calculated and these data were averaged over both 5‐min and hourly intervals. Coefficient of variation (CV) for midday A, E, and WUE averaged 12.3, 9.7, and 5.8%, respectively. Expressing these parameters on a canopy leaf area basis produced similar CV results. These results will help guide experimental design for future research using these or similar chambers.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease, High-Dose Steroids, Osteoporosis, or an Oncological Etiology for a Pathological Femoral Neck Fracture in a Young
Adult: A Case Report
Authors: Raudenbush Brandon , Walton Ian , Simela Ashley , Retino Michael
Published: March 2014

Femoral neck fractures occur in approximately 6,000 of young adults annually (ages 18-49) (1). Of these, a
high-energy traumatic event is the typical cause. Although medications and chronic diseases have been implicated as
confounding causes of hip fractures, clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for an oncologic etiology of hip
fractures occurring in young patients without an inciting traumatic event.

Study Design:

A case report and literature search in the English language.
The influence of Schiff base inclusion complexes with β-cyclodextrine on antibiotic production by Streptomyces hygroscopicus CH-7
Authors: Ilic Slavica , Konstantinovic Sandra , Gojgic-Cvijovic G. , Savic Dragisa , Veljkovic Vlada
Published: March 2014

A media consisting of isatin-Schiff bases and its inclusion complexes with
?-cyclodextrine was developed to maximize the production of antibiotics
Hexaene H-85 and Azalomycine ? by Streptomyces hygroscopicus CH-7. The media
with ?-cyclodextrine inclusion complex of isatin-3-thiosemicarbazone
resulted in the maximum antibiotics concentration of 493 ?g/cm3 for Hexaene
H-85 and 191 ?g/cm3 for Azalomycine B. The production of Hexaene H-85 and
Azalomycine is higher when ?-cyclodextrine complex is added as a nitrogen
source, comparing to pure isatin-Schiff base. The maximum concentration of
hexaene H-85 in medium with inclusion complex of isatin-Schiff base is
1.4-2.3 times higher than the basal medium. The maximum production of
Azalomycine is 2.1-3.4 times higher in media with inclusion complex of
Schiff base. During the fermentation process, the nutrient media with
?-cyclodextrine inclusion complexes with isatin-Schiff bases affect the
strain morphology, since it is in the form of compact pellets, which are
formed from short and long, branched filaments
Linear and nonlinear tunable optical properties of intersubband transitions in GaN/AlN quantum dots in presence and absence of wetting layer
Authors: Khaledi-Nasab A. , Sabaeian M. , Rezaie M. , Mohammad-Rezaee M.
Published: March 2014

In this study we have performed a numerical approach to investigate the optical properties of GaN/AlN quantum dots (QDs). We have used nice homemade finite element method (FEM) codes to solve the Schrödinger equation, in presence and absence of wetting layer. The optical properties of both well-known, truncated pyramids–shaped, wurtize (WZ) and zinc blande (ZB) QDs have been investigated. It is demonstrated, there is slight amount of difference between all orders of absorption coefficients and relative refractive index changes (RRIC) for both structures. The effect of relaxation rate studied as well. Overlay it is shown that the optical properties ZB/WZ QDs could be engineered in well-manner.
Reasonable caning and the embrace of human rights in Ugandan prisons
Authors: Martin Tomas Max
Published: March 2014

Ugandan prison staff both criticize and welcome human rights as a reform agenda that brings about insecurity as well as tangible improvements. In practice, human rights discourse is malleable enough for prison officers to cobble together a take on human rights that enables them to embrace the concept. The analysis of the emic notion of “reasonable caning” illustrates this malleability as staff concurrently take stands against inhumane violence and continue to legitimize caning while aligning with human rights. Human rights are locally negotiated, and it is argued that human rights reform cannot simply be analyzed as a submissive or opposing reaction to the top-down export of powerful global discourses. The embrace of human rights that unfolds in Ugandan prisons is rather a productive and multifaceted effort by prison officers to get purchase on legal technologies and reconceptualizations of prison management practices that affect their lives.
Monomeric, Oligomeric and Polymeric Proteins in Huntington Disease and Other Diseases of Polyglutamine Expansion
Authors: Hoffner Guylaine , Djian Philippe
Published: March 2014

Huntington disease and other diseases of polyglutamine expansion are each caused by a different protein bearing an excessively long polyglutamine sequence and are associated with neuronal death. Although these diseases affect largely different brain regions, they all share a number of characteristics, and, therefore, are likely to possess a common mechanism. In all of the diseases, the causative protein is proteolyzed, becomes abnormally folded and accumulates in oligomers and larger aggregates. The aggregated and possibly the monomeric expanded polyglutamine are likely to play a critical role in the pathogenesis and there is increasing evidence that the secondary structure of the protein influences its toxicity. We describe here, with special attention to huntingtin, the mechanisms of polyglutamine aggregation and the modulation of aggregation by the sequences flanking the polyglutamine. We give a comprehensive picture of the characteristics of monomeric and aggregated polyglutamine, including morphology, composition, seeding ability, secondary structure, and toxicity. The structural heterogeneity of aggregated polyglutamine may explain why polyglutamine-containing aggregates could paradoxically be either toxic or neuroprotective.
Predicting Climate Change Impacts to the Canadian Boreal Forest
Authors: Nelson Trisalyn , Coops Nicholas , Wulder Michael , Perez Liliana , Fitterer Jessica , Powers Ryan , Fontana Fabio
Published: March 2014

Climate change is expected to alter temperature, precipitation, and seasonality with potentially acute impacts on Canada’s boreal. In this research we predicted future spatial distributions of biodiversity in Canada’s boreal for 2020, 2050, and 2080 using indirect indicators derived from remote sensing and based on vegetation productivity. Vegetation productivity indices, representing annual amounts and variability of greenness, have been shown to relate to tree and wildlife richness in Canada’s boreal. Relationships between historical satellite-derived productivity and climate data were applied to modelled scenarios of future climate to predict and map potential future vegetation productivity for 592 regions across Canada. Results indicated that the pattern of vegetation productivity will become more homogenous, particularly west of Hudson Bay. We expect climate change to impact biodiversity along north/south gradients and by 2080 vegetation distributions will be dominated by processes of seasonality in the north and a combination of cumulative greenness and minimum cover in the south. The Hudson Plains, which host the world’s largest and most contiguous wetland, are predicted to experience less seasonality and more greenness. The spatial distribution of predicted trends in vegetation productivity was emphasized over absolute values, in order to support regional biodiversity assessments and conservation planning.
Describing the Structural Diversity within an RNA’s Ensemble
Authors: Martin Joshua
Published: March 2014

RNA is usually classified as either structured or unstructured; however, neither category is adequate in describing the diversity of secondary structures expected in biological systems We describe this diversity within the ensemble of structures by using two different metrics: the average Shannon entropy and the ensemble defect. The average Shannon entropy is a measure of the structural diversity calculated from the base pair probability matrix. The ensemble defect, a tool in identifying optimal sequences for a given structure, is a measure of the average number of structural differences between a target structure and all the structures that make up the ensemble, scaled to the length of the sequence. In this paper, we show examples and discuss various uses of these metrics in both structured and unstructured RNA. By exploring how these two metrics describe RNA as an ensemble of different structures, as would be found in biological systems, it will push the field beyond the standard “structured” and “unstructured” categorization.