bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unmasking Upstream Gene Expression Regulators with miRNA-corrected mRNA Data
Authors: Bollmann Stephanie , Bu Dengpan , Wang Jiaqi , Bionaz Massimo
Published: May 2016

Expressed micro-RNA (miRNA) affects messenger RNA (mRNA) abundance, hindering the accuracy of upstream regulator analysis. Our objective was to provide an algorithm to correct such bias. Large mRNA and miRNA analyses were performed on RNA extracted from bovine liver and mammary tissue. Using four levels of target scores from TargetScan (all miRNA:mRNA target gene pairs or only the top 25%, 50%, or 75%) Using four levels of target scores from TargetScan (all miRNA:mRNA target gene pairs or only the top 25%, 50%, or 75%) and four levels of the magnitude of miRNA effect (ME) on mRNA expression (30%, 50%, 75%, and 83% mRNA reduction), we generated 17 different datasets (including the original dataset). For each dataset, we performed upstream regulator analysis using two bioinformatics tools. We detected an increased effect on the upstream regulator analysis with larger miRNA:mRNA pair bins and higher ME. The miRNA correction allowed identification of several upstream regulators not present in the analysis of the original dataset. Thus, the proposed algorithm improved the prediction of upstream regulators.
A Bayesian Nonparametric Approach for Functional Data Classification with Application to Hepatic Tissue Characterization
Authors: Fronczyk Kassandra M. , Guindani Michele , Hobbs Brian P. , Ng Chaan S. , Vannucci Marina
Published: May 2016

Computed tomography perfusion (CTp) is an emerging functional imaging technology that provides a quantitative assessment of the passage of fluid through blood vessels. Tissue perfusion plays a critical role in oncology due to the proliferation of networks of new blood vessels typical of cancer angiogenesis, which triggers modifications to the vasculature of the surrounding host tissue. In this article, we consider a Bayesian semiparametric model for the analysis of functional data. This method is applied to a study of four interdependent hepatic perfusion CT characteristics that were acquired under the administration of contrast using a sequence of repeated scans over a period of 590 seconds. More specifically, our modeling framework facilitates borrowing of information across patients and tissues. Additionally, the approach enables flexible estimation of temporal correlation structures exhibited by mappings of the correlated perfusion biomarkers and thus accounts for the heteroskedasticity typically observed in those measurements, by incorporating change-points in the covariance estimation. This method is applied to measurements obtained from regions of liver surrounding malignant and benign tissues, for each perfusion biomarker. We demonstrate how to cluster the liver regions on the basis of their CTp profiles, which can be used in a prediction context to classify regions of interest provided by future patients, and thereby assist in discriminating malignant from healthy tissue regions in diagnostic settings.
Case Study: Giant Cell Arteritis with Vertebral Artery Stenosis
Authors: Chomlak R. Daniel , Ghazanfari Farshad , Datta Mineesh
Published: May 2016

In giant cell arteritis (GCA), involvement of the vertebral arteries is rare with reported rates of 3%–4% for ischemic events secondary to vertebral artery stenosis or occlusion for those patients with GCA. This case study describes a patient who initially presented with acute onset of vertigo but was also found to have transient, side-alternating upper limb neurological findings. While initial imaging showed no vascular abnormalities, it was not until GCA was eventually confirmed with a temporal artery biopsy that the initial scans were shown to have bilateral narrowing of the vertebral arteries. While rare, vertebral artery involvement is an important complication to consider in the setting of GCA due to the high rate of associated mortality, despite immunosuppressive therapy.
A STAT6 Intronic Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism is Associated with Clinical Malaria in Ghanaian Children
Authors: Amoako-Sakyi Daniel , Adukpo Selorme , Kusi Kwadwo A. , Dodoo Daniel , Ofori Michael F. , Adjei George O. , Edoh Dominic E. , Asmah Richard H. , Brown Charles , Adu Bright , Obiri-Yeboah Dorcas , Futagbi Godfred , Abubakari Sharif Buari , Troye-Blomberg Marita , Akanmori Bartholomew D. , Goka Bamenla Q. , Arko-Mensah John , Gyan Ben A.
Published: May 2016

Malaria pathogenesis may be influenced by IgE responses and cytokine cross-regulation. Several mutations in the IL-4/STAT6 signaling pathway can alter cytokine cross-regulation and IgE responses during a Plasmodium falciparum malarial infection. This study investigated the relationship between a STAT6 intronic single-nucleotide polymorphism (rs3024974), total IgE, cytokines, and malaria severity in 238 Ghanaian children aged between 0.5 and 13 years. Total IgE and cytokine levels were measured by ELISA, while genotyping was done by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Compared with healthy controls, heterozygosity protected against clinical malaria: uncomplicated malaria (odds ratios [OR] = 0.13, P < 0.001), severe malarial anemia (OR = 0.18, P < 0.001), and cerebral malaria (OR = 0.39, P = 0.022). Levels of total IgE significantly differed among malaria phenotypes (P = 0.044) and rs3024974 genotypes (P = 0.037). Neither cytokine levels nor IL-6/IL-10 ratios were associated with malaria phenotypes or rs3024974 genotypes. This study suggests a role for rs3024974 in malaria pathogenesis and offers further insights into an IL-4/STAT6 pathway mutation in malaria pathogenesis.
Integration of Point-of-Care Ultrasound Training into Undergraduate Medical Curricula–-A Perspective from Medical Students
Authors: Fu Jasmine Y. , Krause Cassie , Krause Reed , Mccoy Josh , Schindler April , Udrea Daniel S. , Villarreal Logan A. , Jafry Zan , Am Dinh Vi
Published: May 2016

The utility of point of care ultrasound training during medical school is becoming more and more evident. At the Loma Linda University School of Medicine, we have formally integrated ultrasound education into the curriculum of all four years. Exposure begins in the first few months of Year 1 and takes form in a variety of educational mediums through Year 4. Whether students receive training through mandatory sessions during physical diagnosis courses or extracurricular workshops provided through the Ultrasound Interest Group–-the experience equips learners of at all different skill levels with the confidence to apply what they have learned to patient care. The successful integration of ultrasound training into the medical curriculum can be attributed to progressive administration, devoted faculty and eager students. The perspective of medical students during the integration process is described in this paper.
Climatology of the aerosol optical depth by components from the Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) and chemistry transport models
Authors: Lee Huikyo , Kalashnikova Olga V. , Suzuki Kentaroh , Braverman Amy , Garay Michael J. , Kahn Ralph A.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. The Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) Joint Aerosol (JOINT_AS) Level 3 product has provided a global, descriptive summary of MISR Level 2 aerosol optical depth (AOD) and aerosol type information for each month over 16+ years since March 2000. Using Version 1 of JOINT_AS, which is based on the operational (Version 22) MISR Level 2 aerosol product, this study analyzes, for the first time, characteristics of observed and simulated distributions of AOD for three broad classes of aerosols: spherical nonabsorbing, spherical absorbing, and nonspherical – near or downwind of their major source regions. The statistical moments (means, standard deviations, and skewnesses) and distributions of AOD by components derived from the JOINT_AS are compared with results from two chemistry transport models (CTMs), the Goddard Chemistry Aerosol Radiation and Transport (GOCART) and SPectral RadIatioN-TrAnSport (SPRINTARS). Overall, the AOD distributions retrieved from MISR and modeled by GOCART and SPRINTARS agree with each other in a qualitative sense. Marginal distributions of AOD for each aerosol type in both MISR and models show considerable high positive skewness, which indicates the importance of including extreme AOD events when comparing satellite retrievals with models. The MISR JOINT_AS product will greatly facilitate comparisons between satellite observations and model simulations of aerosols by type.
HOAPS and ERA-Interim precipitation over the sea: validation against shipboard in situ measurements
Authors: Bumke Karl , König-Langlo Gert , Kinzel Julian , Schröder Marc
Published: June 2016

Abstract. The satellite-derived HOAPS (Hamburg Ocean Atmosphere Parameters and Fluxes from Satellite Data) and ECMWF (European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts) ERA-Interim reanalysis data sets have been validated against in situ precipitation measurements from ship rain gauges and optical disdrometers over the open ocean by applying a statistical analysis for binary estimates. For this purpose collocated pairs of data were merged within a certain temporal and spatial threshold into single events, according to the satellites' overpass, the observation and the ERA-Interim times. HOAPS detects the frequency of precipitation well, while ERA-Interim strongly overestimates it, especially in the tropics and subtropics. Although precipitation rates are difficult to compare because along-track point measurements are collocated with areal estimates and the number of available data are limited, we find that HOAPS underestimates precipitation rates, while ERA-Interim's Atlantic-wide average precipitation rate is close to measurements. However, when regionally averaged over latitudinal belts, deviations between the observed mean precipitation rates and ERA-Interim exist. The most obvious ERA-Interim feature is an overestimation of precipitation in the area of the intertropical convergence zone and the southern subtropics over the Atlantic Ocean. For a limited number of snow measurements by optical disdrometers, it can be concluded that both HOAPS and ERA-Interim are suitable for detecting the occurrence of solid precipitation.
2H and 18O depletion of water close to organic surfaces
Authors: Chen Guo , Auerswald Karl , Schnyder Hans
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Hydrophilic surfaces influence the structure of water close to them and may thus affect the isotope composition of water. Such an effect should be relevant and detectable for materials with large surface areas and low water contents. The relationship between the volumetric solid : water ratio and the isotopic fractionation between adsorbed water and unconfined water was investigated for the materials silage, hay, organic soil (litter), filter paper, cotton, casein and flour. Each of these materials was equilibrated via the gas phase with unconfined water of known isotopic composition to quantify the isotopic difference between adsorbed water and unconfined water. Across all materials, isotopic fractionation was significant (p<0.05) and negative (on average −0.91 ± 0.22 ‰ for 18∕16O and −20.6 ± 2.4 ‰ for 2∕1H at an average solid : water ratio of 0.9). The observed isotopic fractionation was not caused by solutes, volatiles or old water because the fractionation did not disappear for washed or oven-dried silage, the isotopic fractionation was also found in filter paper and cotton, and the fractionation was independent of the isotopic composition of the unconfined water. Isotopic fractionation became linearly more negative with increasing volumetric solid : water ratio and even exceeded −4 ‰ for 18∕16O and −44 ‰ for 2∕1H. This fractionation behaviour could be modelled by assuming two water layers: a thin layer that is in direct contact and influenced by the surface of the solid and a second layer of varying thickness depending on the total moisture content that is in equilibrium with the surrounding vapour. When we applied the model to soil water under grassland, the soil water extracted from 7 and 20 cm depth was significantly closer to local meteoric water than without correction for the surface effect. This study has major implications for the interpretation of the isotopic composition of water extracted from organic matter, especially when the volumetric solid : water ratio is larger than 0.5 or for processes occurring at the solid–water interface.
Inferring late-Holocene climate in the Ecuadorian Andes using a chironomid-based temperature inference model
Authors: Matthews-Bird Frazer , Brooks Stephen J. , Holden Philip B. , Montoya Encarni , Gosling William D.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Presented here is the first chironomid calibration data set for tropical South America. Surface sediments were collected from 59 lakes across Bolivia (15 lakes), Peru (32 lakes), and Ecuador (12 lakes) between 2004 and 2013 over an altitudinal gradient from 150 m above sea level (a.s.l) to 4655 m a.s.l, between 0–17° S and 64–78° W. The study sites cover a mean annual temperature (MAT) gradient of 25 °C. In total, 55 chironomid taxa were identified in the 59 calibration data set lakes. When used as a single explanatory variable, MAT explains 12.9 % of the variance (λ1/λ2 =  1.431). Two inference models were developed using weighted averaging (WA) and Bayesian methods. The best-performing model using conventional statistical methods was a WA (inverse) model (R2jack =  0.890; RMSEPjack =  2.404 °C, RMSEP – root mean squared error of prediction; mean biasjack =  −0.017 °C; max biasjack =  4.665 °C). The Bayesian method produced a model with R2jack =  0.909, RMSEPjack =  2.373 °C, mean biasjack =  0.598 °C, and max biasjack =  3.158 °C. Both models were used to infer past temperatures from a ca. 3000-year record from the tropical Andes of Ecuador, Laguna Pindo. Inferred temperatures fluctuated around modern-day conditions but showed significant departures at certain intervals (ca. 1600 cal yr BP; ca. 3000–2500 cal yr BP). Both methods (WA and Bayesian) showed similar patterns of temperature variability; however, the magnitude of fluctuations differed. In general the WA method was more variable and often underestimated Holocene temperatures (by ca. −7 ± 2.5 °C relative to the modern period). The Bayesian method provided temperature anomaly estimates for cool periods that lay within the expected range of the Holocene (ca. −3 ± 3.4 °C). The error associated with both reconstructions is consistent with a constant temperature of 20 °C for the past 3000 years. We would caution, however, against an over-interpretation at this stage. The reconstruction can only currently be deemed qualitative and requires more research before quantitative estimates can be generated with confidence. Increasing the number, and spread, of lakes in the calibration data set would enable the detection of smaller climate signals.
Quantifying the influence of surface water–groundwater interaction on nutrient flux in a lowland karst catchment
Authors: McCormack T. , Naughton O. , Johnston P. M. , Gill L. W.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Nutrient contamination of surface waters and groundwaters is an issue of growing importance as the risks associated with agricultural run-off escalate due to increasing demands on global food production. In this study, the influence of surface water–groundwater interaction on the nutrient flux in a lowland karst catchment was investigated with the aid of alkalinity sampling and a hydrological model. The objective of the study was to determine the impact of ephemeral karst lakes (turloughs) on the surface water–groundwater nutrient flux, and whether these lakes act as sources or sinks of nutrients within the groundwater flow system. Water samples were tested from a variety of rivers, turloughs, boreholes and springs at monthly intervals over 3 years. Alkalinity sampling was used to elucidate the contrasting hydrological functioning between different turloughs. Such disparate hydrological functioning was further investigated with the aid of a hydrological model which allowed for an estimate of allogenically and autogenically derived nutrient loading into the karst system. The model also allowed for an investigation of mixing within the turloughs, comparing observed behaviours with the hypothetical conservative behaviour allowed for by the model. Within the turloughs, recorded nutrient concentrations were found to reduce over the flooded period, even though the turloughs hydrological functioning (and the hydrological model) suggested this would not occur under conservative conditions. As such, it was determined that nutrient loss processes were occurring within the system. Denitrification during stable flooded periods (typically 3–4 months per year) was deemed to be the main process reducing nitrogen concentrations within the turloughs, whereas phosphorus loss is thought to occur mostly via sedimentation and subsequent soil deposition. The results from this study suggest that, in stable conditions, ephemeral lakes can impart considerable nutrient losses on a karst groundwater system.
Circulating nucleic acids in blood as biomarkers
Authors: Øvstebø Reidun , Kierulf Peter , Haug Kari Bente Foss
Published: June 2016

This short review on a rapidly expanding domain in biomarkers focuses on the value of markers derived from either circulating intracellular DNA and RNA (leukocytes) or from free DNA and RNA in plasma or serum. In circulating intracellular DNA biomarkers, importance has been pointed to reside in the ever increasing number of SNPs directly related to disease such as hemochromatosis or associated with genetic make up that leads to different drug-susceptibility. Quantitative gene expression profiling, increasingly using global expression platforms, is gaining momentum in various disease states such as cancer, inflammation, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Circulating free nucleic acids in plasma or serum gain in importance as biomarkers particularly in cancer and foeto-maternal understanding. The surprising recent findings of circulating free mRNA carries the potential of examining normal and diseased plasma for global gene expression profiling – opening avenues to new biomarkers. When appropriate, this review gives reference to methodological considerations and refers the readers to important literature in the fieldsI denne korte oversiktsartikkelen redegjøres det for et biomarkørfelt som utvikler seg hurtig. Gjennom en blodprøve kan man få kjennskap til forandringer i sirkulerende leucocytter, intracellulære nukleinsyrer (DNA og RNA) og fritt DNA og RNA fra plasma eller serum. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) i DNA har allerede bekreftet sine muligheter som biomarkører (f.eks. Hemokromatose, Faktor V Leiden, Cytochrom P450 (CYP’er)). Stadig flere SNP’er vinner innpass i klinisk sammenheng. Siden sirkulerende hvite blodlegemer kan sies kontinuerlig å overvåke kroppens organer og vev, og dette avspeiles i disse blodcellers genekspresjon (RNA), knyttes det i dag forventninger til sykdomsspesifikke genekspresjonsprofiler. Både ved visse kreftformer, betennelsestilstander og hjertekar-sykdom viser hvite blodlegemer mer eller mindre tydelig sykdomsspesifikke genekspresjonsprofiler. Denne type sykdomsspesifikke genekspresjonsmarkører vil bli økende viktig fremover. Ved slike markører vil man kunne ha nytte av kvantitativ måling av enkeltmarkører, og også globale genekspresjonsprofiler på mikroarray-plattformer. Sirkulerende fritt DNA og kanskje særlig RNA i plasma åpner for nye sykdomsmarkører i første rekke ved forskjellige kreftformer og ved foeto-maternelle problemstillinger. Oversikten gir også en henvisning til metodologiske referanser i disse feltene.
Klinisk epidemiologi
Authors: Lie Stein Atle , Odvar Eriksen Bjørn
Published: June 2016

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Effects of rhizobacteria on the respiration and growth of Cerasus sachalinensis Kom. seedlings
Authors: Qin Sijun , Zhou Wenjie , Li Zhixia , Lyu Deguo
Published: June 2016

In this study, we investigated the influence of rhizosphere microorganisms on seed germination and root metabolism in Cerasus sachalinensis Kom. We inoculated C. sachalinensis plants with suspensions of dominant bacterial strains isolated from their rhizosphere. Four bacterial strains each with significant growth-promoting or growth-inhibiting effects were screened from the efficient root-colonizing microorganisms. The number of actinomycetes increased and that of fungi decreased significantly in the seedling rhizospheres after rhizobacteria treatment. The growth-promoting bacteria slightly affected the respiration rates and respiratory pathway enzymes, but significantly improved root viability, root carbohydrate concentration and seedling growth. Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus sp. and Pseudomonas fluorescens were identified as the growth-promoting rhizobacteria; one strain could not be identified. After inoculation with the growth-inhibiting bacteria, the number of fungal colonies in the seedling rhizospheres increased and root viability and respiration rate as well as starch and sucrose accumulation in the roots significantly decreased. The glycolysis, pentose phosphate and alternative oxidase pathways became the major pathways of respiratory metabolism after inoculation with the growth-inhibiting bacteria. The height, leaf number, growth and dry weight of the seedlings decreased significantly in plants inoculated with the growth-inhibiting bacteria. Inoculation of C. sachalinensis rhizosphere with growth-promoting and growth-inhibiting bacteria affected the soil environmental factors such as microbial group composition, nutrient concentration and seedling biomass.
Application of electrical capacitance measurement for in situ monitoring of competitive interactions between maize and weed plants
Authors: Cseresnyés Imre , Takács Tünde , Füzy Anna , Végh Krisztina R. , Lehoczky Éva
Published: June 2016

Applicability of root electrical capacitance (EC) measurement for monitoring of crop–weed competition was studied in a pot experiment. Maize (Zea mays L.) was grown both alone and with Echinochloa crus-galli or Abutilon theophrasti in different densities with regular measurement of root EC. Plants were harvested 42 days after planting to determine above- and belowground biomass. Depending on weed density, E. crus-galli-A. theophrasti interaction reduced the root EC of maize by 22–66% and 3–57%, respectively. Competitive effect of crop on weeds and intraspecific competition among weeds could also be detected by EC values: E. crus-galli was less sensitive both to the presence of maize and to intraspecific competition than A. theophrasti. Strong linear correlations between root dry mass and root EC for crop and weeds (with R2 from 0.901 to 0.956) were obtained by regression analyses at the end of the experiment. EC monitoring informed us on the emergence time of competition: E. crus-galli interfered with maize root growth a week earlier then A. theophrasti, and increasing weed densities accelerated the emergence of competition. In conclusion, the simple, non-destructive EC method should be considered a potential in situ technique for pot studies on crop–weed competition, which may partially substitute the intrusive techniques commonly used in agricultural researches.
Dynamics of mammary infections in organic dairy farms in Northern Spain
Authors: Villar Ana , Gradillas Gloria , Fernández-Ruiz Carmen , Rodríguez-Bermúdez Ruth , López-Alonso Marta
Published: June 2016

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the microbiological state and the dynamics of the mammary infections of organic farms in North Spain to discover if the high somatic cell count (SCC) observed in these farms is associated to a high incidence of mastitis. Microbiological cultures and SCC were performed in 8,496 foremilk samples collected from 160 cows in five representative organic farms from February 2006 to January 2008. Even though 79.3% of cultures were positive, only 21.2% of the total fit our diagnosis of mastitis (clinical, subclinical and chronic). The great prevalence of Corynebacterium bovis (teat canal-region pathogen) in the positive cultures that did not fit the mastitis diagnosis criteria (nearly 70%) compared with those that did (27%) was found to be related to lack of post-milking teat disinfection. The study prevalence of mastitis was 69.2% (66.7% subclinical mastitis, 27.8% clinical mastitis); the mean monthly prevalence was 47.4%; the mean monthly incidence was 12.9% and the mean duration of infection was 3.84 ± 3.98 months The high SCC in foremilk samples from old cows (three or more lactations) not diagnosed as mastitis compared to the heifers, reflects a worsening health status of the animals over time. When compared with the conventional sector in Northern Spain, these parameters indicate a poorer udder health in the studied organic herds with a high presence of chronic subclinical processes.
Are the eating habits of university students different to the rest of the Spanish population? Food availability, consumption and cost
Authors: Amo Elisa , Escribano Francisco , García-Meseguer María-José , Pardo Isabel
Published: June 2016

Knowledge of the eating habits of young people is highly relevant to understand the demand for food. The objectives of this paper are to identify and analyze the eating habits of a section of young people in relation to the food habits of the rest of the Spanish population, to evaluate the influence of food prices on eating habits and the relevance of those food products related to the Mediterranean diet. The three food surveys used in this study were the Food Balance Sheet (FBS), designed by the FAO, the Household Budget Survey (HBS), designed by the Spanish National Institute of Statistics and an individual survey given to enrolled students at the University of Castilla-La Mancha. The cross-sectional study which was carried out allowed us to discover the cost of food and the consumption habits of a section of young people. A change in food availability and consumption was identified between 2009 and 2012. The average availability per capita and day for food expenditure was €6.19, while the average consumption in the two surveys was €4. The average food availability was 125.58 g per capita and day with an average price of 0.0022 €/g. The behavior of these university students is different from that of the rest of the population. Fruits, legumes, vegetables and greens are the cheapest groups of food; however, the consumption of these food groups is the lowest whereas meat is one of the more expensive groups and is consumed in greater quantities by students. These results are relevant in order to encourage the dietary habits of young people towards the products included in the Mediterranean diet.
The effect of biological and chemical additives on the chemical composition and fermentation process of Dactylis glomerata silage
Authors: Alba-Mejía Jhonny E. , Skládanka Jiří , Hilgert-Delgado Alois , Klíma Miroslav , Knot Pavel , Doležal Petr , Horký Pavel
Published: June 2016

This study was carried out to determine the chemical composition, silage quality and ensilability of ten cocksfoot cultivars using biological and chemical silage additives. The plant material was harvested from the first and second cut, cultivated at the Research Station of Fodder Crops in Vatín, Czech Republic. Wilted forage was chopped and ensiled in mini-silos with 3 replicates per treatment. The treatments were: 1) without additives, used as a control; 2) with bacterial inoculants; and 3) with chemical preservatives. The results indicated that the year factor (2012-2013) influenced significantly the chemical composition of the silage in both cuts. The use of biological inoculants reduced the content of crude fibre and acid detergent fibre; but it did not influence the content of neutral detergent fibre, in comparison with the control silage in both cuts. Furthermore, the application of biological inoculants reduced the concentration of lactic acid (LA) and acetic acid (AA) in contrast to the control silage in the first cut. Moreover, in the second cut the same values tended to be the opposite. Interestingly, ‘Amera’ was the unique variety that presented a high concentration of butyric acid (0.2%) in comparison with other varieties in the first cut. In conclusion, the biological inoculants had a favourable effect on silage fermentation. Notably, only ‘Greenly’ and ‘Starly’ varieties from the first cut; and ‘Greenly’, ‘Sw-Luxor’, and ‘Otello’ varieties from the second cut were appropriate for ensiling because their pH-values; LA and AA concentrations were ideal according to the parameters of the fermentation process.
The influence of plant spacing in the early stages of selection of rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties
Authors: Torró Isabel , Bretó Pau , García-Yzaguirre Alvaro
Published: June 2016

The cultural practices of the early generations in a pedigree breeding programme may influence its success. The main objective of this study was to compare two selection environments in rice: Widely spaced planting in the field and dense planting in concrete basins. Both methods had yielded commercial varieties in the past. Two F2 populations (J and MS), derived from two crosses sharing the same female parent, were transplanted to both environments. Phenotypic traits were evaluated and their narrow sense heritabilities (h2) estimated in the F3 and in the F4 progenies of selected plants, all grown in the field. Growth potential was more apparent in the field for most traits, especially those related to yield, but broad sense heritabilities were higher in the basins for ten traits, being higher in the field for the other five. In population F2MS, field selection resulted in F3 plants which retained a higher tillering ability than those derived from basins selection. Most traits showed low h2 values: Additive variance was only relevant in panicle length (in both populations), plant height and mean panicle weight (in the J population). However, response to one generation of selection (from F3 to F4) also showed fixable variation in panicle number. In addition, this selection reduced plant height, increased culm diameter and internode length (in both populations), and improved pulling resistance (against lodging) in population J. It may be concluded that both practices can be used for selection in the F2, although different responses might be expected in yield related traits.
Impacts of water stress, environment and rootstock on the diurnal behaviour of stem water potential and leaf conductance in pistachio (Pistacia vera L.)
Authors: Memmi Houssem , Couceiro Jose F. , Gijón Carmen , Pérez-López David
Published: June 2016

Little information is available on the diurnal behaviour of water potential and leaf conductance on pistachio trees despite their relevance to fine tune irrigation strategies. Mature pistachio trees were subject to simultaneous measurements of stem water potential (Ψx) and leaf conductance (gl) during the day, at three important periods of the irrigation season. Trees were grown on three different rootstocks and water regimes. An initial baseline relating Ψx to air vapor pressure deficit (VPD) is presented for irrigation scheduling in pistachio. Ψx was closely correlated with VPD but with a different fit according to the degree of water stress. No evidence of the variation of Ψx in relation to the phenology of the tree was observed. Furthermore, midday Ψx showed more accuracy to indicate a situation of water stress than predawn water potential. Under well irrigated conditions, gl was positively correlated with VPD during stage II of growth reaching its peak when VPD reached its maximum value (around 4 kPa). This behaviour changed during stage III of fruit growth suggesting a reliance of stomatal behaviour to the phenological stage independently to the tree water status. The levels of water stress reached were translated in a slow recovery of tree water status and leaf conductance (more than 40 days). Regarding rootstocks, P. integerrima showed little adaptation to water shortage compared to the two other rootstocks under the studied conditions.
Effect of chestnuts level in the formulation of the commercial feed on carcass characteristics and meat quality of Celta pig breed
Authors: De Jesús Carmen , Domínguez Rubén , Cantalapiedra Jesús , Iglesias Antonio , Lorenzo José M.
Published: June 2016

The effect of including chestnuts in the formulation of the feed on carcass characteristics and meat quality from 24 castrated males Celta pigs was studied. The inclusion of 15% of chestnut (CH15) improved (p<0.01) the carcass (118 vs. about 104 kg) and live weights (149 vs. 133-139 kg). Killing out percentage was also better for chestnuts groups than for control group. With regards the morphometric parameters, there were no statistically significant (p>0.05) differences except for the carcass length and ham length, for which the CH15 group proved to be the group with the longest sizes. The diet did not affect the physicochemical properties (colour parameters, water holding capacity and shear force) of longissimus dorsi muscle. The composition of some fatty acids of the longissimus dorsi muscle was affected by diet. The total saturated (35-38%) and total polyunsaturated fatty acids (8-10%) did not present differences. However, the increase of chestnut in the diet increased (p<0.05) the monounsaturated fatty acids in intramuscular fat (57% in CH25 vs. 53% in control and CH15). Within monounsaturated fatty acids, the C18:1n9 was the most influenced by the diet. The expression of the enzyme that synthesizes C18:1n9 depend on the composition of the diet. Therefore, the lower content of protein and the higher amounts of C18:1n9 and C18:2n6 in the chestnut could be explaining the greater content of C18:1n9 in muscle of chestnut-fed animals. The main conclusion is that including chestnuts in the diet would allow reduce production costs with no effect or even improving carcass measurements and meat quality.
Weed management through herbicide application in direct-seeded rice and yield modeling by artificial neural network
Authors: Ghosh Dibakar , Singh Udai P. , Ray Krishnendu , Das Anupam
Published: June 2016

In direct seeded rice (DSR) cultivation, weed is the major constraint mainly due to absence of puddling in field. The yield loss due to weed interference is huge, may be up to 100%. In this perspective, the present experiment was conducted to study the efficacy of selected herbicides, and to predict the rice yield using artificial neural network (ANN) models. The dry weight and density of weeds were recorded at different growth stages and consequently herbicidal efficacy was evaluated. Experimental results revealed that pre-emergence (PRE) herbicide effectively controlled the germination of grassy weeds. Application bispyribac-sodium as post-emergence (POST) following PRE herbicides (clomazone or pendimethalin) or as tank-mixture with clomazone effectively reduced the density and biomass accumulation of diverse weed flora in DSR. Herbicidal treatments improved the plant height, yield attributes and grain yield (2.7 to 5.5 times) over weedy check. The sensitivity of the best ANN model clearly depicts that the weed control index (WCI) of herbicides was most important than their weed control efficiency (WCE). Besides, the early control of weeds is a better prescription to improve rice yield. Differences in sensitivity values of WCI and WCE across the crop growth stages also suggest that at 15, 30 and 60 days after sowing, herbicides most effectively controlled sedges, broad leaves and grasses, respectively. Based on the grain yield and herbicidal WCE, it can be concluded that the combined application of pendimethalin or clomazone as PRE followed by bispyribac-sodium as POST or tank-mixture of clomazone + bispyribac sodium can effectively control different weed flushes throughout the crop growth period in DSR.
Enhancement of physical and hydrological properties of a sandy loam soil via application of different biochar particle sizes during incubation period
Authors: Esmaeelnejad Leila , Shorafa Mehdi , Gorji Manouchehr , Hosseini Seiyed M.
Published: June 2016

In spite of many studies that have been carried out, there is a knowledge-gap as to how different sizes of biochars alter soil properties. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different sizes of biochars on soil properties. The biochars were produced at two pyrolysis temperatures (350 and 550°C) from two feedstocks (rice husk and apple wood chips). Produced biochars were prepared at two diameters (1-2 mm and <1 mm) and mixed with soil at a rate of 2% (w/w). Multiple effects of type, temperature and size of biochars were significant, so as the mixture of soil and finer woodchip biochars produced at 550°C had significant effects on all soil properties. Soil aggregation and stabilization of macro-aggregates, values of mean weight diameter and water stable aggregates were improved due to increased soil organic matter as binding agents and microbial biomass. In addition, plant available water capacity, air capacity, S-index, meso-pores and water retention content were significantly increased compared to control. But, saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) was reduced due to blockage of pores by biochar particles, reduction of pore throat size and available space for flow and also, high field capacity of biochars. So, application of biochar to soil, especially the finest particles of high-tempered woody biochars, can improve physical and hydrological properties of coarse-textured soils and reduce their water drainage by modification of Ks.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for English Language Teaching, Vol. 9, No. 6
Authors: Yu Gavin
Published: May 2016

Reviewer acknowledgements for English Language Teaching, Vol. 9, No. 6, 2016
Modeling the Geographic Distribution of Prosopis africana (G. and Perr.) Taub. in Niger
Authors: Abdou Laouali , Diouf Abdoulaye , Maarouhi Inoussa Maman , Moussa Mamoudou Boubacar , Abdourahamane Illiassou Salamatou , Mahamane Ali
Published: May 2016

Prosopis africana is a species of great socio-economic importance, threatened with extinction from its natural habitat in Niger due to overexploitation. The main objective of this study is to determine the potential geographic distribution of P. africana in Niger. Climatic and botanical data has been collected and used to model the distribution, on the basis of principle of maximum entropy (MAXENT) using MAXENT 3.3.3k, DIVA-GIS 7.5, and ArcGIS 10.0. programs. Rainfall and temperature are the most significant variables in the distribution of P. africana in Niger. Thus the southern band of the country (from the sudanian zone to the sahelio-soudanian zone), the wettest, is the area conducive to the development of P. africana (128,692.32 km2 in total, 10.16% of the territory). Given the extent of this area revealed by this study, a reforestation policy implementation of P. africana would allow to restore its stands in Niger.
International Portfolio Diversification - Role of Emerging Economies-US Integration and Dynamic Linkages: An Empirical Study
Authors: Dasgupta Ranjan
Published: June 2016

This paper presents a comprehensive research by studying the cointegration and dynamic linkages of emerging economies all over the world with special emphasis to the US and India to point out the most attractive of them for international portfolio diversification with a lengthy data set of 2003-12 by using appropriate methodologies. It is found that the Indian stock market has short-run granger relationships with most of its BRIC counterparts and some others. In the long-run, nine co-integration relationships are found. It implies that all these stock markets are cointegrated. The US dominance on most markets and dynamic linkages with them has been proved, at least in the short-run. Overall, this study has found that the emerging economies stock markets and Russia don’t provide any portfolio diversification opportunity for the US and other investors.
Financial Information Influencing Commercial Banks Profitability
Authors: Shamki Dhiaa , Alulis Ibrahim Khalaf , Sayari Karima
Published: June 2016

The paper investigates the influence of bank capital ratio, size and loans on the profitability of a commercial bank in Jordan. It also evaluates whether returns on Assets (ROA) or returns on equity (ROE) is the better indicator that reflects bank profitability. Two Multiple regression models are used to test the influence of capital ratio, size and loans of a commercial bank on its profitability indicators measured by ROA and ROE and to detect the superiority between the two indicators for 13 Jordanian commercial banks for the period 2005-2013. The results of the study showed that capital ratio, size and loans have insignificant influence on ROA, but not on ROE except bank size. Regarding ROE, significant negative and positive influence for capital ratio and loans respectively are concluded. Although the small number of commercial banks in Jordan and some variables have not been well researched in literature, the paper presents a sight to associate bank performance/profitability proxied by ROA and ROE with its capital ratios, size and loans. Our results might assist bank management to capitalize the factors that could improve banks performance and hedge against the adverse factors.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Journal of Economics and Finance, Vol. 8, No. 6
Authors: Zhang Michael
Published: June 2016

Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Journal of Economics and Finance, Vol. 8, No. 6
Percepties en ervaringen van verdachten in de kantonrechtspraak: een exploratief onderzoek
Authors: Twisk Kiki , van Es Roosmarijn , Utermark Rosa
Published: June 2016

Perceptions and Experiences of Defendants in the Cantonal Court: An Explorative Study

The purpose of this study is to investigate how fair or unfair defendants in the cantonal court experience their treatment during the process and which factors influence that experience. Very little research is done in this area. In a survey defendants were asked to evaluate how they were treated during the process. The results show that defendants who were convicted have a more negative judgement about fairness than defendants who weren’t convicted. Significant predictors of judgement about fair treatment are: the impression that the judge was listening, the overall impression of the way the case was treated by the court and the impression that the judge was patient.
De celdeur voor levenslang gestraften op een kier na de uitspraak op Brinkstraat nummer 4?
Authors: Koster Jeroen
Published: June 2016

Does the court’s verdict at Brinksstraat number 4 open the door slightly for those serving life sentences?

This article deals with the topic of the life imprisonment in the Netherlands. The court Noord-Nederland judged that life imprisonment in the Netherlands doesn’t meet the criteria of the ECtHR, especially the ‘prospect of release of life prisoners. In this article I place the court’s decision in a context of national law and case-law (national, and international). In my opinion, there is still a prospect of release, because of the many independent judicial bodies and procedures that are involved to the decision to grant (or not) a pardon and the new developments in the penitentiary law.
Anticorrosive behaviour of lumefantrine hydrophobic layer on mild steel surface
Authors: Krishnegowda Pavithra M. , Venkatarangaiah Venkateha T. , Krishnegowda Punith Kumar M. , Subba Rao Anantha N. , Nataraj Shubha H.
Published: May 2016

The surface modification of mild steel was achieved by chemical treatment in lumefantrine (LF) solution. The surface morphology and wettability of modified surface was analysed by 3D profilometer and contact angle goniometer. The corrosion inhibition performance of modified mild steel surface in 1.0 M HCl solution was investigated by potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance techniques.Electroche­mical measurements illustrate that the corrosion of mild steel in acidic chloride medium get substantially reduced by introducing LF film on its surface (94 % efficiency). Quantum chemical parameters were evaluated by ab initio method and they confer appropriate theoretical support to the experimental findings.
Health-related quality of life in Denmark on a relative scale: mini-catalogue of mean EQ-5D-3L index scores for 17 common chronic conditions
Authors: Olesen Anne Vingaard , Oddershede Lars , Petersen Karin Dam
Published: June 2016

In health economic evaluations the quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) is one of the preferred outcome measures. Catalogues of median-based decrements in EQ-5D-3L index scores for chronic conditions exist to inform economic evaluations but may not be appropriate for this purpose as mean, rather than median, EQ-5D-3L index scores are of primary interest. Firstly, we aim to estimate mean decrements in EQ-5D-3L index scores through a simple stratified analysis as an alternative to regression modelling. In addition, we aim to estimate the mean decrement in EQ-5D-3L index scores in percent relative to a disease-free reference population. Secondly, we aim to handle both multiple imputation and appropriate estimation of standard errors in the presence of individual sampling weights. Data on EQ-5D-3L from the National Health Profile, Denmark, 2013, were used to estimate the EQ-5D-3L index scores. Calculation of decrements in EQ-5D-3L index scores of chronic conditions was done while controlling for the additional number of chronic conditions beside the one in question, age and sex. Also, a test of homogeneity of decrements across subgroups was conducted. We provide a mini-catalogue of new percentage-scale decrements in EQ-5D-3L index scores. For example, we estimated that angina was associated with an 8.2% reduction in the EQ-5D-3L index score compared to a reference group without angina. If the mean EQ-5D-3L score was 0.848 among corresponding groups without angina; angina patients would have an EQ-5D-3L index score of (1-0.082)·0.848=0.778 using the percentage-scale. The estimated percentage reduction in the EQ-5D-3L index score was homogenous regardless of the number of additional chronic conditions, age and sex. We suggest a percentage-scale estimation of EQ-5D-3L index scores for chronic disorders as an alternative to existing median-based methods. Our estimates stem from a simpler model, which, we argue, is easier to use and interpret.Published: Online May 2016. In print August 2016.
O interacionismo sociodiscursivo e suas bases teóricas: Vygotsky, Saussure e Bakhtin (Volochinov)
Authors: Veçossi Cristiano Eggres
Published: June 2016

O presente artigo discute as bases teóricas do Interacionismo Sociodiscursivo (ISD), corrente fundada por Jean-Paul Bronckart (1999; 2006), isto é, as contribuições de Lev Semenovich Vygotsky2, Ferdinand de Saussure e Mikhail Bakhtin (Volochinov). Buscamos compreender não só as principais noções teóricas oriundas dos três autores, como também as articulações existentes entre elas na constituição das questões centrais do ISD, ou seja, no tratamento das atividades e ações de linguagem.