bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil organic carbon in the Sanjiang Plain of China: storage, distribution and controlling factors
Authors: Mao D. , Wang Z. , Li L. , Miao Z. , Ma W. , Song C. , Ren C. , Jia M.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Accurate estimation of soil organic carbon (SOC) storage and determination of its pattern controlling factors is critical to understanding the ecosystem carbon cycle and ensuring ecological security. The Sanjiang Plain of China, an important grain production base, is typical of ecosystems, yet the SOC storage and pattern of this region has not been fully investigated because of the deficient soil investigations. In this study, 419 soil samples and a geostatistical method were used to estimate the total SOC storage and density (SOCD) of this region with the former being 2.324 Pg C, and the latter value being higher than the mean value for the whole country. The SOCD was found to have notable changes in spatial and vertical distribution. In addition, the vegetation, climate, and soil texture, as well as the agricultural activities, were demonstrated to have remarkable impacts on the variation of SOCD. Soil texture had stronger impacts on the distribution of SOCD than climate in the Sanjiang Plain. Specifically, the clay content explained the largest proportion of the SOC variation and was thus the most dominant environmental controlling factor. As far as climatic factors are concerned, precipitation exhibited more significant effects on SOCD than temperature. In addition, the effects of both climate and soil texture on SOCD were reduced with increasing soil layer depth. The results from this study provide the most updated knowledge on the storage and pattern of SOC in the Sanjiang Plain, and the analysis conducted here could contribute to the determination of ecosystem carbon budgets and understanding of ecosystem services.
Water pH and temperature in Lake Biwa from MBT'/CBT indices during the last 280 000 years
Authors: Ajioka T. , Yamamoto M. , Takemura K. , Hayashida A. , Kitagawa H.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. We generated a 280 000 yr record of water pH and temperature in Lake Biwa, central Japan, by analysing the methylation index (MBT′) and cyclisation ratio (CBT) of branched tetraethers in sediments from piston and borehole cores. Our aim was to understand the responses of precipitation and air temperature in central Japan to the East Asian monsoon variability on orbital timescales. Because the water pH in Lake Biwa is determined by phosphorus and alkali cation inputs, the record of water pH should indicate the changes in precipitation and temperature in central Japan. Comparison with a pollen assemblage in a Lake Biwa core suggests that lake water pH was determined by summer temperature in the low-eccentricity period before 55 ka, while it was determined by summer precipitation in the high-eccentricity period after 55 ka. From 130 to 55 ka, the variation in lake pH (summer precipitation) lagged behind that in summer temperature by several thousand years. This perspective is consistent with the conclusions of previous studies (Igarashi and Oba, 2006; Yamamoto, 2009), in that the temperature variation preceded the precipitation variation in central Japan.
The impact of land cover generated by a dynamic vegetation model on climate over East Asia in present and possible future climate
Authors: Cho M.-H. , Boo K.-O. , Martin G. M. , Lee J. , Lim G.-H.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. This study investigates the impacts of land cover change, as simulated by a dynamic vegetation model, on the summertime climatology over Asia. The climate model used in this study has systematic biases of underestimated rainfall around Korea and overestimation over the South China Sea. When coupled to a dynamic vegetation model, the resulting change in land cover is accompanied by an additional direct radiative effect over dust-producing regions. The direct radiative effect of the additional dust contributes to increasing the rainfall biases, while the land surface physical processes are related to local temperature biases such as warm biases over North China. In time-slice runs for future climate, as the dust loading changes, anomalous anticyclonic flows are simulated over South China Sea, resulting in reduced rainfall over the South China Sea and more rainfall toward around Korea and South China. In contrast with the rainfall changes, the influence of land cover change and the associated dust radiative effects are very small for future projection of temperature, which is dominated by atmospheric CO2 increase. The results in this study suggest that the land cover simulated by a dynamic vegetation model can affect, and be affected by, model systematic biases on regional scales over dust emission source regions such as Asia. In particular, analysis of the radiative effects of dust changes associated with land cover change is important in order to understand future changes of regional precipitation in global warming.
Farmers' perceptions of and adaptation strategies to climate change and their determinants; the case of Punjab province, Pakistan
Authors: Abid M. , Scheffran J. , Schneider U. A. , Ashfaq M.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Climate change is a global environmental threat to all economic sectors, particularly the agricultural sector. Pakistan is one of the negatively affected countries from climate change due to its high exposure to extreme events and low adaptive capacity. In Pakistan, farmers are the primary stakeholders in agriculture and are more at risk due to climate vulnerability. Based on farm household data of 450 households collected from three districts in three agro-ecological zones in Punjab province of Pakistan, this study examined how farmers perceive climate change and how they adapt their farming in response to perceived changes in climate. The results demonstrate that awareness to climate change persists in the area, and farm households make adjustments to adapt their agriculture in response to climatic change. Overall 58% of the farm households adapted their farming to climate change. Changing crop varieties, changing planting dates, plantation of trees and changing fertilizer were the main adaptation methods implemented by farm households in the study area. Results from the binary logistic model revealed that education, farm experience, household size, land area, tenancy status, ownership of tube-well, access to market information, information on weather forecasting and extension all influence the farmers' choice of adaptation measures. Results also indicate that adaptation to climate change is constrained by several factors such as lack of information; lack of money; resource constraint and shortage of irrigation water in the study area. Findings of the study suggest the need of greater investment in farmer education and improved institutional setup for climate change adaptation to improve farmers' wellbeing.
Identifying water mass depletion in Northern Iraq observed by GRACE
Authors: Mulder G. , Olsthoorn T. N. , Al-Manmi D. A. M. A. , Schrama E. J. O. , Smidt E. H.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Observations acquired by Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission indicate a mass loss of 31 ± 3 km3 or 130 ± 14 mm in Northern Iraq between 2007 and 2009. This data is used as an independent validation of a hydrologic model of the region including lake mass variations. We developed a rainfall–runoff model for five tributaries of the Tigris River, based on local geology and climate conditions. Model inputs are precipitation from Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM) observations, and potential evaporation from GLDAS model parameters. Our model includes a representation of the karstified aquifers that cause large natural groundwater variations in this region. Observed river discharges were used to calibrate our model. In order to get the total mass variations, we corrected for lake mass variations derived from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) in combination with satellite altimetry and some in-situ data. Our rainfall–runoff model confirms that Northern Iraq suffered a drought between 2007 and 2009 and is consistent with the mass loss observed by GRACE over that period. Also, GRACE observed the annual cycle predicted by the rainfall–runoff model. The total mass depletion seen by GRACE between 2007 and 2009 is mainly explained by a lake mass depletion of 74 ± 4 mm and a natural groundwater depletion of 37 ± 6 mm. Our findings indicate that man-made groundwater extraction has a minor influence in this region while depletion of lake mass and geology play a key role.
Modelling glacier change in the Everest region, Nepal Himalaya
Authors: Shea J. M. , Immerzeel W. W. , Wagnon P. , Vincent C. , Bajracharya S.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. In this study, we apply a glacier mass balance and ice redistribution model to simulate historical and future glacier change in the Everest region of Nepal. High-resolution temperature and precipitation fields derived from gridded APHRODITE data, and validated against independent station observations from the EVK2CNR network, are used to drive the historical model from 1961 to 2007. The model is calibrated against geodetically derived estimates of net glacier mass change from 1992 to 2008, termini position of four large glaciers at the end of the calibration period, average velocities observed on selected debris-covered glaciers, and total glacierized area. We integrate field-based observations of glacier mass balance and ice thickness with remotely-sensed observations of decadal glacier change to validate the model. Between 1961 and 2007, the mean modelled volume change over the Dudh Kosi basin is −6.4 ± 1.5 km3, a decrease of 15.6% from the original estimated ice volume in 1961. Modelled glacier area change between 1961 and 2007 is −101.0 ± 11.4 km2, a decrease of approximately 20% from the initial extent. Scenarios of future climate change, based on CMIP5 RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 end members, suggest that glaciers in the Everest region will continue to lose mass through the 21st century. Glaciers in the basin are concentrated between 5000 and 6000 m of elevation, and are thus expected to be sensitive to changes in temperature and equilibrium line altitude (ELA). Glacier volume reductions between −35 to −62% are possible by 2050, and sustained temperature increases to 2100 may result in total glacier volume losses of between −73 and −96%.
Improving semi-automated glacial mapping with a multi-method approach: areal changes in Central Asia
Authors: Smith T. , Bookhagen B. , Cannon F.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Central Asia has been strongly impacted by climate change, and will continue to be impacted by diverse climate stressors in the coming decades. This study aims to decipher the impact of climate change on glaciers in the central Tien Shan Mountain Range, a large and understudied region located northeast from the Pamir Knot. To address glacier characteristics over a wide swath of Central Asia, the authors designed and implemented a glacial mapping algorithm which delineates both clean glacial ice – methods which are well documented – and glacial debris tongues, which often require extensive manual digitization. This research improves upon methods developed to automatically delineate glacial areas using spectral, topographic, velocity, and spatial relationships. The authors found that the algorithm misclassifies between 2 and 10% of glacial areas, as compared to a ~750 glacier control dataset. After validating the algorithm against multiple manually digitized control datasets, the authors applied it to a study area encompassing eight Landsat scene footprints stretching from the central Pamir through the central Tien Shan. A statistically significant, though minor, gradient in glacier area loss was found, where glaciers in the west of the study area have shrunk less than those glaciers in the east. This gradient is explained by differences in regional climate, where extratropical cyclones propagating from the west weaken and disband under continued topographic influence, as well as differences in topography, where high-elevation glaciers are thermally insulated from some of the impacts of changing temperatures in the region.
SHAKESPEARE E O DIREITO
Authors: De Chueiri Vera Karam
Published: October 2014

Este trabalho pretende, a partir de O Mercador de Veneza de Shakespeare,mostrar que uma nova maneira de se pensar o direito e a justiça deve levar em conta a imaginação literária, sublinhando, justamente, a cumplicidade que há entre o direito, a filosofia e a literatura. A filosofia e a teoria do direito devem não só pressupor, mas estarem comprometidas com as tramas que estão na base das suas problematizações. Shylock não perdoa o intrépido, embora melancólico mercador e reivindica o seu direito (seu contrato). Que direito? O que é o direito? Shylock e Antonio, judeu e cristão, agiota e mercador, ambos demandam justiça. Que justiça? E o que é a justiça? Como se pode observar, a prosa filosófica tradicional não é a única linguagem para as, intrincadas questões que são enfrentadas na esfera da filosofia e da teoria do direito. Tais questões podem surgir da emoção e da complexidade dos versos (e da prosa) shakespearianos.
Does Single Blind Anterior Glenohumeral Steroid Injection Performed by Short Experienced Clinicians Could Provide Clinical Efficacy in Patients with Frozen Shoulder?
Authors: Hong Jin Ho , Ryu Ho Young , Park Yong Bok , Jeon Sang Jun , Park Won Ha , Yoo Jae Chul
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of single blinded anterior intra-articular corticosteroid injection to the glenohumeral joint performed by short experienced clinicians in frozen state adhesive capsulitis patients.METHODS: From March to June of 2013, among the patients who visited the shoulder outpatient clinic due to shoulder pain for 5-6 months and those patient diagnosed as frozen state adhesive capsulitis was selected. The diagnosis were based on base, first the global limitation of range of motion, defined as forward elevation <100, external rotation at side <10, internal rotation less than buttock, and abduction <70. Second, the patients had additional radiologic evaluations showing no major pathologies for such stiffness. Clinical outcome, were performed with pain visual analog scale (PVAS) and functional visual analog scale (FVAS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder score (ASES), preinjection and postinjection after 2-4 weeks. Finally 82-patients were enrolled. Mean age of the patients was 55.1 years and mean follow-up duration was 25.17 days.RESULTS: The mean preinjection PVAS was 6.91 and postinjection was 3.11, there was 3.8 decreases from preinjection status (p < 0.001). The mean FVAS score showed 4.26 at preinjection and 6.63 afterwards (p < 0.001). The ASES score showed 27.89 increases after injection (p < 0.001). There were 64-patients (78.04%) who reported more than 3 points of decrease of PVAS, who could be judged as effective treatment.CONCLUSIONS: Single anterior glenohumeral steroid injection by short experienced clinicians to the patients with frozen state adhesive capsulitis has shown relatively high efficacy in clinical result evaluated by means of PVAS.
Unusual Isolated Complete Tear of Subscapularis and Biceps Long Head Tendon Associated with Heterotopic Ossification
Authors: Sohn Hoon Sang , Baek Duck In , Shon Min Soo
Published: October 2014

Heterotopic ossification (HO) within the substance of the subscapularis tendon is a rare lesion which remains a poorly described condition with little known of the exact mechanisms involved. Furthermore, its clinical importance remains still unclear. To our knowledge, there are no studies present to data regarding HO within the substance of the subscapularis tendon, even with resultant isolated complete tear of the subscapularis tendon. Here we present a case of huge HO associated with unusual isolated complete tear of subscapularis tendon concomitant with tear of biceps long head tendon. After arthroscopic debridement for the complete tear site of biceps long head tendon, mini-open excision of the ossification and subscapularis repair with suture anchor fixation were performed. The patient showed complete recovery of strength and function of the subscapularis at subsequent 24 months follow up.
Lateral Epicondylitis: Current Concept
Authors: Jeon In Ho , Kekatpure Aashay Laxmikant , Sun Ji Ho , Shim Kyeong Bo , Choi Sung Hoon , Lim Sung Joon , Chun Jae Myeung
Published: October 2014

Lateral epicondylitis is one of the most common causes of elbow pain and has been known to be caused by degeneration of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB). Nonoperative treatment should be tried first in all patients, because it has been deemed highly successful; however only few prospective studies suggest that symptoms frequently was completely resolved. Operative treatment is indicated for recalcitrant pain after failed conservative treatment, which involves excision of the pathologic portion of the ECRB and results in a high degree of subjective relief and functional restoration. We will review the pathology of the lateral epicondylitis and operative and nonoperative treatment of lateral epicondylitis.
Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty in the Massive Rotator Cuff Tear
Authors: Jeong Jin Young , Cha Hong Eun
Published: October 2014

In the patients of retracted massive rotator cuff tears, there are much of difficulty to functional recovery and pain relief. Nevertheless the development of treatment, there are still debates of the best treatments in the massive rotator cuff tears. Recenlty various of treatments are introduced; these are acromioplasty with debridement, biceps tenotomy, great tuberoplasty with biceps tenotomy, partial repair, mini-open rotator cuff repair, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, soft tissue augmentation, tendon transfer, flap, hemiarthroplasty, and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. That there is no difference of result for reverse total shoulder arthroplasty between patients who have massive rotator cuff tear without arthritis and patients who have cuff tear arthropathy. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is one of reliable and successful treatment options for massive rotator cuff tear. Especially it is more effective for patients who have a pseudoparalysis.
Developing Corrosion Control for Drinking Water Systems
Authors: Muylwyk Quirien , Sandvig Anne , Snoeyink Vern
Published: October 2014

Consider potential water corrosivity effects and possible corrosion control if source water quality changes significantly or a change is being evaluated.
How Can Utilities Capture Knowledge to Create Standard Operating Procedures?
Authors: Oxenford Jeff , Claveau Clare Haas
Published: October 2014

Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are best practices that let water and wastewater utilities optimize their operations, improve productivity, and learn from shared experiences. SOPs prepare your utility to weather inevitable staff transitions without losing critical knowledge.
Cross‐Connection Control Is Everyone's Responsibility
Authors: Zilinski Mike
Published: October 2014

Cross connections can happen at any time. Infrastructure, the buildings it supports, and the community can all be adversely affected by cross connections. Cross‐connection incidents observed by the city of Winnipeg demonstrate owners' responsibilities in ensuring their properties comply with codes and bylaws. Backflow prevention programs should be in place and followed to maintain a safe, proactive approach in protecting individuals and the water distribution system.
The relation between efavirenz versus nevirapine and virologic failure in Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Shearer Kate , Brennan Alana T , Maskew Mhairi , Long Lawrence , Berhanu Rebecca , Sanne Ian , Fox Matthew P
Published: October 2014

Introduction

Previous research has raised concerns that patients given nevirapine (NVP)‐based regimens experience more virologic failure than patients given efavirenz (EFV)‐based regimens. We investigated this hypothesis in a cohort of HIV‐positive patients at a large HIV treatment clinic in South Africa.

Methods

All antiretroviral therapy (ART)‐naïve non‐pregnant patients, ≥18 years old, without tuberculosis, who initiated treatment with either NVP or EFV from April 2004 to August 2011 at the Themba Lethu Clinic in Johannesburg, South Africa, were included. Log‐binomial regression and modified Poisson regression were used to estimate risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for predictors of virologic failure, virologic suppression, and loss to follow‐up (LTF), whereas a Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the risk of death, all within one year.

Results

Of 12,840 included patients, 62.0% were female and the median baseline CD4 count was 98 cells/mm3 (36–169). Of these patients, 93.2% initiated an EFV‐based regimen. After adjusting for baseline characteristics, no difference in death (adjusted Hazards Ratio (aHR): 0.92; 95% CI: 0.68–1.25), LTF (adjusted Risk Ratio (aRR): 1.00; 95% CI: 0.79–1.25), nor suppression (aRR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.95–1.00) at one year was found between regimens. Among patients with ≥1 viral load ≥4 months after ART initiation, 4% (n=350) experienced virologic failure within 12 months of initiation. Patients initiating NVP‐based regimens were 60% more likely to fail than patients initiating EFV‐based regimens (aRR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.13–2.22).

Conclusions

In this cohort, patients initiating NVP‐based regimens experienced more virologic failure than patients initiating EFV‐based regimens. Future guidelines should consider the implications of different efficacy profiles when making recommendations for which drugs to prioritize.
Substantial Educational and Health Improvement of Indigenous Learner Beneficiaries of Conditional Cash Transfer Program
Authors: SORIANO LIM HESED A. , OMBLERO HELEN Q.
Published: October 2014

The Indigenous People experienced substantial life improvement upon joining the Poverty Alleviation Program of the Government (Conditional Cash Transfer). The objective of the study was to determine the economic, health, education and life experiences of beneficiaries before and after implementation of the 4P’s. Twelve (12) housewives responded in the In-depth Interview conducted. The study employed the thematic process of interviewing, listening, and taking down notes on the narrated stories. Data categorization and classification were employed for deeper understanding. Hermeneutic approach was used to understand culture. The use of phenomenological method obtained meanings from participants’ point of view, experiences, and perceptions. Findings revealed that beneficiaries obtained substantial life after joining the Pantawid Pamilya Program. The beneficiaries gratefully expressed that their kids were able to attend school regularly and health education was reinforced as to constant monitoring health monitoring is conducted by the health workers assigned in the area. This program ends in 2015; however, we highly recommend the continuance of the program for the betterment and improved quality of life of the indigenous people beneficiaries.Keywords: Social Science, Poverty, Indigenous, Phenomenology, Conditional Cash Transfer, Hermeneutic Approach, Philippines
Local and Regional Economic Development in Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte, Philippines: A Smart Practice in Good Governance
Authors: LAMARCA BRYAN IRVIN J. , LAMARCA FERDINAND J.
Published: October 2014

In Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte, Philippines, there is one practice to improvethe local economy that is being tried out. This is known as Local and RegionalEconomic Development. The study identified the burning economic issues andthe interventions to address them. Descriptive design was used in the study.As to methodology, rapid economic appraisal was done. Resource persons andrepresentatives from the business sector participated in the appraisal. Theirperception was obtained using methodological triangulation. The results werepresented to them for validation wherein they prepared the action plan themselves. Results showed that in Tagudin, Ilocos Sur, the top burning issues had been high cost of electricity and inadequate access to finance. To address this, investmentcollaterals were enhanced by improving power supply and rationalizing cost;improving access to finance and market. In G. Del Pilar, Ilocos Sur, the top burningissue impeding local economy is limited capital. The stakeholders proposed the grant of additional capital for cooperatives to lend to manufacturers. The top burning issue in Alilem, Ilocos Sur is the inadequate market of products. As anintervention, an agri-trade center is supposed to be constructed from November2012 to May 2013. The top burning issue in Burgos, Ilocos Norte is improperwaste segregation and disposal. To address the issue, information and educationcampaign; reproduction of flyers and brochures, audio-visuals, billboards, etc.;briefing of travellers by tourist guides; orientation of and demonstration toresidents and garbage collectors on the proper technique and process of wastemanagement by local officials were done. The study concludes that LRED is asmart practice in good governance.Keywords: Social Science, participatory governance and local economy, descriptivedesign, Philippines
Sonographic Evaluation of the Distal Iliopsoas Tendon Using a New Approach
Authors: Balius Ramon , Pedret Carles , Blasi Marc , Miguel Maribel , Vallejo Beatriz , Margalet Eric , Bong David A. , Martinoli Carlo
Published: October 2014

Sonography of the iliopsoas tendon plays an important role in the diagnosis and preoperative and postoperative management for the increasing number of patients under consideration for arthroscopically guided hip interventions such as iliopsoas tenotomy in a variety of conditions, including arthropathy, periarticular calcifications, and cam‐type deformities of the femoral head. The ability to visualize the iliopsoas tendon pre‐operatively can be helpful diagnostically in patients presenting with hip pain and can aid in planning surgery, while evaluating the tendon postoperatively is important in the assessment of causes of postoperative pain and other potential complications. We present a novel technique for visualizing the distal iliopsoas tendon complex in the longitudinal axis at its insertion on the lesser trochanter on sonography.
Intervenir Auprès du Malade Chronique Hospitalisé et de sa Famille
Authors: Latourelle Denyse , Lévesque Louise
Published: October 2014

This article presents the preparation and implementation of a systematic intervention with sixteen families, each of which had a member hospitalized in a long-term care setting. A guide based on the systemic approach was developed. As well as the steps to be followed, the guide offers the operational reference points which are required for intervention at the process level. The content analysis of the various nurse-family-hospitalized member encounters revealed that confusion, revolt and aggressivity of the hospitalized member were behaviors with which the family had difficulty coping. Particularly in a situation where an elderly woman had to face the disorientation and the aphasia of her hospitalized spouse, infantilisation and overprotection were observed. Moreover, such women experienced a high level of loneliness, had great difficulty in reorganizing their activities of daily living and reported important health problems. The main features of the intervention are discussed; among them are the necessity to help individuals to express their perceptions and their feelings in relation to the situation experienced and the importance of acting as a role model in order to help the family and the ill member toward a more functional form of communication.
The Voice of The People: Qualitative Research and The Needs of Consumers
Authors: Lord John , Schnarr Anne , Hutchison Peggy
Published: October 2014

This article describes the benefits of qualitative research in community needs assessment. The value of “going to the people” in order to understand the reality of consumers' lives is outlined. A recent qualitative study with individuals with chronic mental disabilities is used to illustrate the development of themes and patterns of needs. The themes include people's struggle for identity, need for support, and the dilemmas of hospitalization and lack of employment.
Social Systems' Intervention in Families of Victims of Child Sexual Abuse
Authors: Rivera Margo
Published: October 2014

Recently, evidence of the widespread prevalence of the sexual abuse of children has come to light, demanding a community response to address the issue—in the courts and by child welfare authorities, medical, and mental health professionals. A study of 14 families' interactions with these various social systems in the investigation and management of cases of child sexual abuse illustrates some of the strengths and weaknesses of the protocol procedures developed to operate in Toronto. In a series of three interveiws over a nine-month period following the disclosure and reporting of the sexual abuse of a child in the family, family members give accounts of their experiences dealing with the social systems with which they became involved as a result of the sexual abuse.
Leisure Education in a Day Hospital: The Effects on Selected Social-Psychological Variables Among Older Adults
Authors: Searle Mark S. , Mahon Michael J.
Published: October 2014

Previous research has cited the need for leisure education programs to ensure that leisure-time experiences serve to enhance elderly individuals' psychological well-being. This study sought to determine the effects of a leisure education program on perceived leisure control, perceived leisure competence, and self-esteem among elderly patients in a day hospital. Fifty-three volunteer participants were randomly assigned to experimental and control group conditions. The experimental group received a leisure education program which occurred one hour per week for eight weeks. Both groups were administered a test battery, before and after the program, to assess the impact of the leisure education program on the dependent variables locus of control, perceived competence, and self-esteem while controlling for possible intervening variables. The results of an analysis of covariance for perceived leisure competence were statistically significant. The findings for the other dependent variables, leisure locus of control and self-esteem, were not significant. The implications of these results for researchers and the delivery of leisure services in day hospitals are discussed.
L'Influence Des Facteurs Psycho-Sociaux Associés au Double Statut Des Mères-Travailleuses Sur Leur Santé Physique et Leur Bien-Être Psychologique
Authors: Tessier Roger , Beaudry Jean , Savoie Ginette J.
Published: October 2014

What are the psychosocial factors that cause work outside the home to benefit physically or mentally mothers living with a spouse and children (average of 1.6 children)? A wide survey conducted with 652 working mothers (located at two levels of hierarchy, managers and clerical workers of private and public organizations) shows women under excessive strain at work and at home have poorer physical health. Their psychological wellness is also lower. Those who are very satisfied with their family and professional life are healthier, as are those who receive more support from their spouses, their supervisors, their colleagues, their parents, or friends.
The Process of Empowerment: Implications for Theory and Practice
Authors: Lord John , Hutchison Peggy
Published: October 2014

This article describes a research study completed on the process of empowerment. Conducted with 55 men and women who had experienced extensive powerlessness in their lives, qualitative interviews and focus groups were designed to understand participants' lived experiences as they struggled toward increased control in their lives. Several themes were identified, including elements which provided an impetus for empowerment and the importance of support from people. As the empowerment process unfolded, access to valued resources and participation in community life reduced isolation and contributed to the competence and confidence of participants. Several implications for the concept of empowerment are identified such as self-efficacy and personal control; and principles for community practice are outlined. This study confirms the importance of understanding empowerment from an ecological perspective.
Estimating the soil carbon sequestration potential of China's Grain for Green Project
Authors: Shi Shengwei , Han Pengfei
Published: October 2014

The largest area of planted forest in the world has been established in China through implementation of key forestry projects in recent years. These projects have played an important role in sequestering CO2 from the atmosphere, which is considered to be a potential mitigation strategy for the effects of global climate change. However, carbon sequestration in soil (soil organic carbon, SOC) after afforestation or reforestation is not well understood, particularly for specific key forestry projects. In this study, the SOC change in the top 20 cm of soil for each type of restoration implemented under China's Grain for Green Project (GGP) was quantified by a meta‐analysis of data from published literature and direct field measurements. Soil carbon sequestration due to the GGP during 1999–2012 was estimated using data on the annual restoration area at provincial level and functions that relate SOC stock change to controlling factors (e.g., plantation age, forest zone, and type of forestation). Soil carbon sequestration of the GGP was estimated to be 156±108 Tg C (95% confidence interval) for current restoration areas prior to 2013, with a mean accumulation rate of 12±8 Tg C yr−1. The soil carbon sequestration potential of existing plantation zones is predicted to increase from 156±108 Tg C in 2013 to 383±188 Tg C in 2050 under the assumption that all plantation areas are well preserved. Plantations in northwestern, southern, and southwestern zones contributed nearly 80% of total soil carbon sequestration, while soil C sequestration in northeastern China was much more variable. Improved data sources, measurements of SOC in the organic layer, greater sampling depth, and better distribution of sampling sites among GGP regions will reduce the uncertainty of the estimates made by this study.
Downwelling longwave flux over Summit, Greenland, 2010–2012: Analysis of surface‐based observations and evaluation of ERA‐Interim using wavelets
Authors: Cox Christopher J. , Walden Von P. , Compo Gilbert P. , Rowe Penny M. , Shupe Matthew D. , Steffen Konrad
Published: October 2014

This study analyzes the downwelling longwave radiation (DLW) over the Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) using surface‐based observations from Summit Station (72°N, 38°W; 3210 m) and the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts Interim Reanalysis (ERA‐Interim) DLW fields. Since surface‐based observations are sparse in the Arctic, the accuracy of including reanalyses for spatial context is assessed. First, the DLW at Summit is reported, including the significant time scales of variability using time‐frequency decomposition (wavelet analysis). A new method for evaluating reanalyses is then introduced that also uses wavelet analysis. ERA‐Interim DLW performs reasonably well at Summit, but because it includes too many thin clouds and too few thick clouds, it is biased low overall. The correlation between the observations and ERA‐Interim drops from r2 > 0.8 to near 0 for time series reconstructed from time scales less than ~4 days. These low correlations and additional analyses suggest that the spatial resolution of the data sets is a factor in representing variability on short time scales. The bias is low across all time scales and is thus likely tied to cloud generation processes in the model rather than the spatial representation of the atmosphere across the GrIS. The exception is autumn, when ERA‐Interim overestimates the influence of clouds at time scales of 1 and 4 weeks. The spatial distribution of cloud influence on the DLW across the GrIS indicates that Summit is located in a transition zone with respect to cloud properties. The gradient across this transition zone is steepest near Summit in autumn, so the spatial characteristics of the atmosphere near Summit may contribute to the ERA‐Interim bias during this time.
Lattice Boltzmann methods applied to large‐scale three‐dimensional virtual cores constructed from digital optical borehole images of the karst carbonate Biscayne aquifer in southeastern Florida
Authors: Sukop Michael C. , Cunningham Kevin J.
Published: October 2014

Digital optical borehole images at approximately 2 mm vertical resolution and borehole caliper data were used to create three‐dimensional renderings of the distribution of (1) matrix porosity and (2) vuggy megaporosity for the karst carbonate Biscayne aquifer in southeastern Florida. The renderings based on the borehole data were used as input into Lattice Boltzmann methods to obtain intrinsic permeability estimates for this extremely transmissive aquifer, where traditional aquifer test methods may fail due to very small drawdowns and non‐Darcian flow that can reduce apparent hydraulic conductivity. Variogram analysis of the borehole data suggests a nearly isotropic rock structure at lag lengths up to the nominal borehole diameter. A strong correlation between the diameter of the borehole and the presence of vuggy megaporosity in the data set led to a bias in the variogram where the computed horizontal spatial autocorrelation is strong at lag distances greater than the nominal borehole size. Lattice Boltzmann simulation of flow across a 0.4 × 0.4 × 17 m (2.72 m3 volume) parallel‐walled column of rendered matrix and vuggy megaporosity indicates a high hydraulic conductivity of 53 m s−1. This value is similar to previous Lattice Boltzmann calculations of hydraulic conductivity in smaller limestone samples of the Biscayne aquifer. The development of simulation methods that reproduce dual‐porosity systems with higher resolution and fidelity and that consider flow through horizontally longer renderings could provide improved estimates of the hydraulic conductivity and help to address questions about the importance of scale.
NiCo2S4 Nanosheets Grown on Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Foams as an Advanced Electrode for Supercapacitors
Authors: Shen Laifa , Wang Jie , Xu Guiyin , Li Hongsen , Dou Hui , Zhang Xiaogang
Published: October 2014

To push the energy density limit of supercapacitors, a new class of electrode materials with favorable architectures is strongly needed. Binary metal sulfides hold great promise as an electrode material for high‐performance energy storage devices because they offer higher electrochemical activity and higher capacity than mono‐metal sulfides. Here, the rational design and fabrication of NiCo2S4 nanosheets supported on nitrogen‐doped carbon foams (NCF) is presented as a novel flexible electrode for supercapacitors. A facile two‐step method is developed for growth of NiCo2S4 nanosheets on NCF with robust adhesion, involving the growth of Ni‐Co precursor and subsequent conversion into NiCo2S4 nanosheets through sulfidation process. Benefiting from the compositional features and 3D electrode architectures, the NiCo2S4/NCF electrode exhibits greatly improved electrochemical performance with ultrahigh capacitance (877 F g−1 at 20 A g−1) and excellent cycling stability. Moreover, a binder‐free asymmetric supercapacitor device is also fabricated by using NiCo2S4/NCF as the positive electrode and ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC)/NCF as the negative electrode; this demonstrates high energy density (≈45.5 Wh kg−1 at 512 W kg−1).
The use of anthracycline at first‐line compared to alkylating agents or nucleoside analogs improves the outcome of salvage treatments after relapse in follicular lymphoma The REFOLL study by the Fondazione Italiana Linfomi
Authors: Rossi Giuseppe , Marcheselli Luigi , Dondi Alessandra , Bottelli Chiara , Tucci Alessandra , Luminari Stefano , Arcaini Luca , Merli Michele , Pulsoni Alessandro , Boccomini Carola , Puccini Benedetta , Micheletti Moira , Martinelli Giovanni , Rossi Andrea , Zilioli Vittorio Ruggero , Bozzoli Valentina , Balzarotti Monica , Bolis Silvia , Cabras Maria Giuseppina , Federico Massimo
Published: October 2014

Follicular lymphoma (FL) patients experience multiple remissions and relapses and commonly receive multiple treatment lines. A crucial question is whether anthracyclines should be used at first‐line or whether they would be better “reserved” for relapse and whether FL outcome can be optimized by definite sequences of treatments. Randomized trials can be hardly designed to address this question. In this retrospective multi‐institutional study, time‐to‐next‐treatment after first relapse was analyzed in 510 patients who had received either alkylating agents‐ or anthracycline‐ or nucleoside analogs‐based chemotherapy with/without rituximab at first‐line and different second‐line therapies. After a median of 42 months, median time‐to‐next‐treatment after relapse was 41 months (CI95%:34–47 months). After adjustment for covariates, first‐line anthracycline‐based chemotherapy with/without rituximab was associated with better time‐to‐next‐treatment after any salvage than alkylating agents‐based chemotherapy with/without rituximab or nucleoside analogs‐based chemotherapy with/without rituximab (HR:0.74,P = 0.027). The addition of rituximab to first‐line chemotherapy had no significant impact (HR:1.22,P = 0.140). Autologs stem cell transplantation performed better than any other salvage treatment (HR:0.53,P < 0.001). First‐line anthracycline‐based chemotherapy significantly improved time‐to‐next‐treatment even in patients receiving salvage autologs stem cell transplantation (P = 0.041). This study supports the concept that in FL previous treatments significantly impact on the outcome of subsequent therapies. The outcome of second‐line treatments, either with salvage chemoimmunotherapy or with autologs stem cell transplantation, was better when an anthracycline‐containing regimen was used at first‐line. Am. J. Hematol. 90:56–61, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Statistical optimization of culture medium for the overproduction of chicken anemia virus immunogen‐ VP1 protein in a recombinant E. coli for vaccine application
Authors: Lee Meng‐Shiou , Lin I‐Fen , Lai Guan‐Hua , Lin Yen‐Chang , Li Ken‐Yuon
Published: October 2014

The capsid protein VP1 of chicken anemia virus (CAV) is an immunogen usually to be used when developing the diagnostic kits and subunit vaccines. In this study, a codon‐optimized VP1 gene of CAV was used to express VP1 in Escherichia coli. To establish the best culture medium for VP1 production, the modified super optimal broth with catabolic repressor (mSOC) medium was selected, out of eight commonly used media, as the basal medium for optimization. The 24 factorial experimental results demonstrated that only two constituents of mSOC, peptone and mixed ionic solution, had a significant effect on VP1 production. After a steepest ascent experiment, a rotatable central composite design (CCD) approach was applied to optimize these variables with respect to VP1 production. When the concentrations of peptone (1.79%) and mixed ionic solution (0.27%) predicted by the CCD approach were used with mSOC, a maximum VP1 yield of 138.68 µg mL−1 was achieved. The use of this optimized mSOC medium resulted in a 1.84‐fold increase in VP1 protein production compared to LB medium. The optimized mSOC identified herein has potential to be used in the future for the industrial large‐scaled VP1 production to diagnostic or a subunit vaccine application. © 2014 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biofunctionalized silver nanoparticles as a novel colorimetric probe for melamine detection in raw milk
Authors: Borase Hemant P. , Patil Chandrashekhar D. , Salunkhe Rahul B. , Suryawanshi Rahul K. , Salunke Bipinchandra K. , Patil Satish V.
Published: October 2014

Nanoparticles have emerged as a promising analytical tool for monitoring food adulteration and safety. In the present study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using leaves' extract of Jatropha gossypifolia. AgNPs revealed a characteristic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 419 nm and have spherical and grain shape with size range between 18 and 30 nm. A selective and rapid method of melamine detection in raw milk was developed with the use of these biofunctionalized AgNPs. The color change, deviation in SPR spectra, and change in the absorption ratio (A500/A419) of AgNPs occurred after an AgNPs–melamine interaction. The detection limit for melamine up to 2 μM (252 ppb) was attained with this method, which is quite lower than safety level recommendations of regulatory bodies demonstrating sensitivity of the method. Dynamicx light scattering and transmission electron microscopy analyses exhibited an increase in hydrodynamic diameter and size of AgNPs after melamine interaction. Melamine sensing by AgNPs was investigated by different physicochemical and thermal analyses.
RETRACTION: Inhibition of protein phosphatase 5 (PP5) suppresses survival and growth of colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Wang Jianwei , Zhu Jinhui , Dong Mingjun , Yu Hua , Dai Xiaoyu , Li Keqiang
Published: October 2014

RETRACTION: Protein phosphatase 5 (PP5) is a unique member of the protein phosphatases family that functions in multiple signaling pathways involved in DNA damage, cell cycle control, cell growth, and apoptosis. Recent evidence indicated that PP5 may play a role in cancer progression. In this study, we aimed to examine the biological effect of PP5 on cell growth and apoptosis in human colorectal cancer (CRC). We first knocked down PP5 expression in RKO cells via a short hairpin RNA containing lentivirus system. Then, methylthiazoletetrazolium assay, colony formation assay, and flow cytometry analysis were performed. The proliferation and colony formation ability of RKO cells were remarkably suppressed in PP5‐silenced groups, as compared with control groups. Moreover, downregulation of PP5 resulted in a significant G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest and an induction of apoptosis. In all, these results demonstrated the importance of PP5 in CRC cell growth, and it might be used as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of CRC.
Percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction due to unprotected left main coronary artery occlusion
Authors: Lee Michael S. , Dahodwala Mufaddal Q.
Published: October 2014

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) due to unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) occlusion is an uncommon clinical entity, but often leads to severe clinical deterioration, with devastating sequalae including fatal arrhythmias, abrupt and severe circulatory failure, and sudden cardiac death. Recent guidelines have promoted treatment with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) as a class IIa recommendation alongside coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), but the data are still unclear regarding optimal revascularization strategy for patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non‐STEMI (NSTEMI) with ULMCA culprit. PCI has the advantages of offering rapid reperfusion to critically ill patients, often those with prohibitive risk for surgical revascularization, with acceptable short‐ and long‐term outcomes. Recent studies demonstrate that PCI of the ULMCA is a viable alternative to CABG for appropriate patient populations, including those with ULMCA occlusion and those in cardiogenic shock, Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade 3, and significant comorbidities. A randomized trial comparing PCI with CABG is needed to clarify the ideal revascularization strategy, though the clinical picture of these critically ill patients may preclude such studies. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.