bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Folk Knowledge of an Individual Plant Specimen: The Case of the Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis L.) in Virestad Parish, Småland, Sweden
Authors: Svanberg Ingvar
Published: April 2014

Ethnobiological studies of local economic or folk religious uses of plants often rely on the assumption that plant use relates to folk knowledge about specific taxa. However, in some cases, folk knowledge is more about beliefs concerning an individual plant. When Carl Linnaeus traveled in 1749 through his native province of Småland, Sweden, he observed a striking specimen of a royal fern (Osmunda regalis L.), which was being used by a local healer. The appearance and unusually large size of this individual plant specimen were possibly responsible for its use. This species has not been used elsewhere in Sweden and historical data refer only to the single specimen observed by Linnaeus.
Defoliator Pest to Caboclos and Gourmet Food to the Suruí Indians: Contrasting Amazonian Perspectives of Lusura sp. Caterpillars
Authors: Coimbra Carlos E. A.
Published: April 2014

The use of a Lusura sp. (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae) caterpillar as food by the Suruí Indians from the southwestern Brazilian Amazon is reported in the context of family collecting excursions during arboreal infestations observed in July-August 1983. This caterpillar erupts in very large numbers on Brazil nut trees, denuding them of foliage. The paper calls attention to contrasting views about these caterpillar infestations among different inhabitants of the forest, being considered a desirable food delicacy by the Suruí and a destructive pest defoliator by caboclos.
Utilization of Non-Timber Forest Products Based on Traditional Culture: A Case Study of Iban Dyeing in Sarawak, Borneo, Malaysia
Authors: Fujisawa Natsuho , Nakashizuka Tohru
Published: April 2014

In this brief report, we describe four plant species that Iban weavers use for dyes and six ingredients that they use in mordants. From September to November 2009, we interviewed four weavers and observed additional persons collecting and processing dye plants in three Iban villages whose names are Rumah Engkang, Rumah Ejon, and Rumah Nyawai. We also collected twenty-four plant vouchers which are deposited in the Sarawak Herbarium in the Forest Research Centre of Sarawak. The means by which Iban acquire dye materials varies by community and by individual weaver within each community. Generally, however, Iban collect plants when they are abundant in forests and easy to access and cultivate or, alternatively, they purchase plants that are scarce in the wild. Women use the yarns that they dye with plants to weave cloths.
Forms of Becoming: The Evolutionary Biology of Development
Authors: Pierotti Raymond
Published: April 2014

Review of Forms of Becoming: The Evolutionary Biology of Development. Alessandro Minelli. 2009. Princeton University Press, Princeton and London. Pp. 242, 17 line drawings. US$29.95 (cloth). ISBN 9780691135687.
Global Warming and the Political Ecology of Health: Emerging Crisis and Systemic Solutions
Authors: Smith Kate
Published: April 2014

Review of Global Warming and the Political Ecology of Health: Emerging Crisis and Systemic Solutions. Hans Baer and Merrill Singer. 2008. Left Coast Press, Inc., Walnut Creek, CA. Pp. 238. $32.95 (paperback). ISBN 978-1-59874-354-8.
An interviewwith Elisabeth Hsu on Plants, Health and Healing: On the Interface of Ethnobotany and Medical Anthropology
Authors: Vougioukalou Sofia A.
Published: April 2014

In this interview Professor Elisabeth Hsu discusses ethnobiology as an interdisciplinary science and introduces the book she co-edited with Dr. Stephen Harris Plants, Health and Healing: On the Interface of Ethnobotany and Medical Anthropology (Hsu and Harris 2010). She discusses epistemological contradictions between biologically and anthropologically orientated ethnobiological studies and argues for a more anthropologically grounded and methodologically rigorous discipline. The interview took place at the School of Anthropology and Conservation at the University of Kent in the UK in February 2011.
Ethnobiology 5: Interdisciplinarity in an Era of Rapid Environmental Change
Authors: Wolverton Steve
Published: April 2014

Ethnobiology 5 stems from Eugene Hunn’s four phases of the history of ethnobiology and focuses on the relevance of ethnobiological research in the context of environmental and cultural change.  It refers to a contemporary phase of the field’s historical development.  In this paper, I argue that ethnobiology is preadapted to be a scholarly umbrella for a number of disciplines that concern human-environment interactions, suggesting that one goal of Ethnobiology 5 is to bridge traditional academic boundaries in order to broaden the community of ethnobiologists. Another goal of Ethnobiology 5 is to capitalize on and communicate the relevance of ethnobiological scholarship for solving problems related to contemporary environmental and cultural crises.  Indeed, ethnobiology is not a subfield of any traditional discipline and by the nature of its name bridges humanities, social science, and science.  Ethnobiology has always been interdisciplinary in terms of its subject matter, yet its community of scholars is relatively small compared to mission-driven disciplines, such as conservation biology.  Venues for publication and presentation of ethnobiological research, as well as how ethnobiologists portray their research, are critical to growing ethnobiology.
Bedouin Ethnobotany: Plant Concepts and Uses in a Desert Pastoral World
Authors: Narchi Nemer E.
Published: April 2014

Review of Bedouin Ethnobotany: Plant Concepts and Uses in a Desert Pastoral World. James P. Mandaville. 2010. The University of Arizona Press, Tucson. Pp. 352, 33b/w photos, 2 maps, 5 tables. $55.00 (hardcover + CD). ISBN 978-0-8165-2900-1.
Out of Nature: Why Drugs from Plants Matter to the Future of Humanity
Authors: Gremillion Kris
Published: April 2014

Review of Out of Nature: Why Drugs from Plants Matter to the Future of Humanity. Kara Rogers. 2012. The University of Arizona Press, Tucson. Pp. 216. $19.95 (paper). ISBN 978-0-8165-2969-8.
The Great Fossil Enigma: The Search for the Conodont Animal
Authors: Anderson E. N.
Published: April 2014

Review of The Great Fossil Enigma: The Search for the Conodont Animal. Simon J. Knell. 2012. Indiana University Press, Bloomington. Pp. 440. $45.00 (cloth), 25 b & w illustrations. ISBN 9780253006042.
Human Impacts on Seals, Sea Lions, and Sea Otters: Integrating Archaeology and Ecology of the Northeast Pacific
Authors: Pierotti Ray
Published: April 2014

Review of Human Impacts on Seals, Sea Lions, and Sea Otters: Integrating Archaeology and Ecology of the Northeast Pacific. Todd J. Braje and Torben C. Rick, editors. 2011. University of California Press, Berkeley. Pp. 328. $65.00 (hardcover). ISBN 9780520267268.
Aspects of Honeybee Natural History According to the Solega
Authors: Si Aung
Published: April 2014

Honeybees and their products are highly prized by many cultures around the world, and as a result, indigenous communities have come to possess rich and detailed knowledge of the biology of these important insects. In this paper, I present an in-depth investigation into some aspects of honeybee natural history, as related to me by the Solega people of southern India. The Solega recognize, name, and exploit four honeybee species, and are well aware of the geographical and temporal distributions of each one. In spite of not being beekeepers – as they only forage for wild honey – their knowledge of obscure and complex phenomena such as honeybee gender and reproduction rivals that of comparable, non-industrial beekeeping societies. Swarming, another hard-to-understand honeybee behavior, is also accurately explained by Solega consultants. I contrast this knowledge to that of European bee-keeping cultures, as evidenced by the writings of Aristotle and 18th century European beekeepers. This paper shows that the Solega have a reliable and internally consistent body of honeybee knowledge based entirely on brief encounters with these wild, migratory insects that are present in the forest for only part of the year.
The Paleobiolinguistics of Domesticated Manioc (Manihot esculenta)
Authors: Brown Cecil H. , Clement Charles R. , Epps Patience , Luedeling Eike , Wichmann Søren
Published: April 2014

Paleobiolinguistics is used to identify on maps where and when manioc (Manihot esculenta) developed importance for different prehistoric groups of Native Americans. This information indicates, among other things, that significant interest in manioc developed at least a millennium before a village-farming way of life became widespread in the New World.
Preliminary Starch Grain Evidence of Ancient Stone Tool Use at the Early Archaic (9,000 B.P.) Site of Sandy Hill, Mashantucket, Connecticut
Authors: Hart Thomas C. , Ives Timothy H.
Published: April 2014

Early Archaic subsistence strategies of New England remain poorly understood despite their importance in helping researchers understand how people adapt to changing landscapes following the end of the last glacial maximum (21,000-14,000 B.P.). Excavations at the Mashantucket Pequot Reservation in Mashantucket, Connecticut during the 1990s revealed a large, semi-sedentary village nestled alongside a complex wetland ecosystem. In this paper, we present preliminary starch grain analysis of several stone tools recovered and curated from these excavations. The results of this study indicate that both transitory and reserve starch grains are preserved on these artifacts and that at least one of the artifacts may have been used for leaf or stem processing. The results of this study also demonstrate the potential for future research in which paired macrobotanical and residue analysis will allow for a better understanding of subsistence practices at the site and during the early Archaic in general.
African Ethnobotany in the Americas
Authors: Zent Egleé L.
Published: April 2014

Review of African Ethnobotany in the Americas. Edited by Robert Voeks and John Rashford. 2013. Springer. Pp. 429, 105 illustrations, 69 color illustrations. $49.95 (paperback). ISBN 978‐1461408352.
River Notes: A Natural and Human History of the Colorado
Authors: La Point Thomas W.
Published: April 2014

Review of River Notes: A Natural and Human History of the Colorado. Wade Davis. 2012. Island Press. Pp. 176 $23.63 (Hardcover). ISBN 978‐1610913614.
Outline of an Anthropological Contribution to the Study of Snake Venom Variability: The Case of Echis sp. Envenomation
Authors: Musch Tilman
Published: April 2014

An understanding of the variability of snake venom composition is of high relevance for adequate treatment of snakebites. Clinical observations of bite victims are considered as a first step in the study of venom variability. The present paper suggests the study of local clinical observations made by healers as an anthropological contribution to the interdisci-plinary research of venom variability on a species and subspecies level. Such an anthropological contribution will take into account cultural particularities of a region. In order to illustrate his approach, the author describes his ethnozoological and ethnomedical fieldwork among Zarma and Tuareg in western Niger where he studied envenomation by Echis leucogaster. This species is of particular interest, as no medical descriptions of envenomation resulting from its bites seem to exist.
Na Primeira Margem do Rio: Território e Ecologia do Povo Xavante de Wedezé
Authors: Kawa Nicholas C.
Published: April 2014

Review of Na Primeira Margem do Rio: Território e Ecologia do Povo Xavante de Wedezé. James R Welch, Ricardo Ventura Santos, Nancy M. Flowers, and Carlos E. A. Coimbra Jr. 2012. Museu do Índio/FUNAI, Rio de Janeiro. Pp. 244. ISBN 978-85-85986-46-9.
Plants and Humans in the Near East and the Caucasus: Ancient and Traditional Uses of Plants as Food and Medicine, a Diachronic Ethnobotanical Review
Authors: Miller Naomi F.
Published: April 2014

Review of Plants and Humans in the Near East and the Caucasus: Ancient and Traditional Uses of Plants as Food and Medicine, a Diachronic Ethnobotanical Review (2 vols). Vol. 1: The Landscapes. The Plants: Ferns and Gymnosperms. Vol. 2: The Plants: Angiosperms. Diego Rivera Núñez, Gonzalo Matilla Séiquer, Concepción Obón, Francisco Alcaraz Ariza. 2011. Ediciones de la Unverisdad de Murcia. Pp. 1056. EUR 23.76 (paperback). ISBN 978-84-15463-07-08 (2 vols.), 978-84-15463-05-4 (vol. 1), 978-84-15463-06-1 (vol. 2).
Occurrence of Cryptosporidium Spp. and Giardia Duodenalis in Red Foxes (Vulpes Vulpes) in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Hodžić Adnan , Alić Amer , Omeragić Jasmin
Published: April 2014

The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence and distribution of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis among free-living red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. For this purpose, a total of 123 fecal samples from red foxes, shot during hunting seasons between January 2011 and March 2012 were examined using immunofluorescent microscopy. Overall, observed prevalences of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis were 3.2 % (4/123) and 7.3% (9/123), respectively. The results show that foxes might play the role of potential reservoirs of Cryptosporidium and Giardia parasites, but further molecular analysis are necessary to elucidate the source of infection, routes of transmission and zoonotic potential of these two pathogens.
It’s Not Your Grandmother’s Genetics Anymore! (Part 2)
Authors: Smith Mike U.
Published: April 2014

In a companion article, I discussed recent developments in genetics and the inadequacies of eight common claims made by biology teachers, followed by suggested replacement language for those statements. In the present article, I address nine more claims, about such topics as whether or not most human characteristics are inherited as simple Mendelian traits (determined by one gene with a dominant and a recessive allele), problems with the Central Dogma of Biology, misunderstandings about the inheritance of traits such as eye color, the relative importance of genetics versus the environment, “genes FOR” language, and junk DNA.
Using David Lack’s Observations of Finch Beak Size to Teach Natural Selection & the Nature of Science
Authors: Bierema Andrea M.-K. , Rudge David W.
Published: April 2014

One of the key aspects of natural selection is competition, yet the concept of competition is not necessarily emphasized in explanations of natural selection. Because of this, we developed an activity for our class that focuses on competition and provides an example of the effects of competition on natural selection. This hands-on activity models the field study completed by David Lack on Darwin’s finches. By using this historical study, we also give students an example of the nature-of-science concept of multiple methods. Although this activity was created for a college introductory biology course, it is appropriate for high school. We also provide an additional objective for upper-level ecology and evolution courses.
The Ins & Outs of Developing a Field-Based Science Project
Authors: Matthews Catherine E. , Huffling Lacey D. , Benavides Aerin
Published: April 2014

We describe a field-based lizard project we did with high school students as a part of our summer Herpetological Research Experiences. We describe data collection on lizards captured, identified, and marked as a part of our mark–recapture study. We also describe other lizard projects that are ongoing in the United States and provide resources for teachers to help them start their own field-based science projects. Our work with lizards focuses on fieldwork but also includes classroom components with captive-bred and wild-captured animals. Information on organizations that focus on lizards is provided, including several citizen science opportunities.
Promoting Student Inquiry Using Zea mays (Corn) Cultivars for Hypothesis-Driven Experimentation in a Majors Introductory Biology Course
Authors: Blair Amy C. , Peters Brenda J. , Bendixen Conrad W.
Published: April 2014

The AAAS Vision and Change report (2011) recommends incorporating student research experiences into the biology curriculum at the undergraduate level. This article describes, in detail, how Zea mays (corn) cultivars were used as a model for a hypothesis-driven short-term research project in an introductory biology course at a small Midwestern university. During the course of this project, student groups generated a research question and hypothesis, designed an experiment, collected data, and reported their findings in a paper modeled after the primary literature. Throughout the project, students experienced first hand the obstacles and accomplishments associated with the process of scientific research and gained a greater understanding of plant biology. By demonstrating biology as a dynamic field centered around hypothesis generation and experimentation, the authors observed an increase in student dedication, interest, and enthusiasm for the course.
Using the Eastern Hellbender Salamander in a High School Genetics & Ecological Conservation Activity
Authors: Chudyk Sarah , McMillan Amy , Lange Catherine
Published: April 2014

This article contains an original 5E lesson plan developed from conservation genetics research on the giant North American hellbender salamander, Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis. The lesson plan provides background information on the hellbender, reviews basic genetics, and exposes students to the scientific process that is used during PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and the analysis of microsatellites in order to calculate allele and genotype frequencies for understanding genetic variability. Once completing the lesson, students should make the connection between molecular research and conservation of a rare, cryptic, and interesting species.
Exercises for Bringing the Hypothetico-Deductive Method to Life
Authors: Romesburg H. Charles
Published: April 2014

This article explains four kinds of inquiry exercises, different in purpose, for teaching advanced-level high school and college students the hypothetico-deductive (H-D) method. The first uses a picture of a river system to convey the H-D method’s logic. The second has teams of students use the H-D method: their teacher poses a hypothesis drawn from a research article the students have not seen and asks them to design an H-D test of it. Later they read the article and compare their designs with its. The third exercise extends this; when economically practical, the class may experimentally test the best of its designs. Finally, an Internet/library exercise lets students inquire into the history of the H-D method.
Treatment effectiveness of pasireotide on health-related quality of life in patients with Cushing's disease
Authors: Webb Susan M , Ware John E , Forsythe Anna , Yang Min , Badia Xavier , Nelson Lauren M , Signorovitch James E , McLeod Lori , Maldonado Mario , Zgliczynski Wojciech , de Block Christophe , Portocarrero-Ortiz Lesly , Gadelha Monica
Published: April 2014

Objective

Cushing's disease (CD) can significantly impair patients' health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This study investigated the treatment effectiveness of pasireotide on HRQOL of CD patients, and assessed the relationships between HRQOL and urinary free cortisol (UFC) and CD-related signs and symptoms.

Design

In this phase III, randomized, double-blind study, patients with UFC ≥1.5×upper limit of normal (ULN) received s.c. pasireotide 600 or 900 μg twice daily. The trial primary endpoint was UFC at or below ULN at month 6 without dose titration. Open-label treatment continued through month 12. HRQOL was measured using the Cushing's Quality of Life Questionnaire (CushingQoL) instrument at baseline and follow-up visits until month 12 during which clinical signs and features of CD, and the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), were also collected.

Methods

Pearson's/Spearman's correlations between changes in CushingQoL and changes in clinical signs and symptoms were assessed. Changes in CushingQoL and the proportion of patients achieving a clinically meaningful improvement in CushingQoL were also compared among patients stratified by mean UFC (mUFC) control status (controlled, partially controlled, and uncontrolled) at month 6. Analyses were also conducted at month 12, with multivariable adjustment for baseline characteristics and CushingQoL.

Results

Change in CushingQoL was significantly correlated with changes in mUFC (r=−0.40), BMI (r=−0.39), weight (r=−0.41), and BDI-II (r=−0.54) at month 12 but not at month 6. The percentage of CushingQoL responders at month 12 based on month 6 mUFC control status were as follows: 63, 58.8, and 37.9% in the controlled, partially controlled, and uncontrolled groups respectively. Adjusted CushingQoL scores at month 12 were 58.3 for controlled patients (Δ=11.5 vs uncontrolled,P=0.012) and 54.5 for partially controlled patients (Δ=7.7 vs uncontrolled,P=0.170).

Conclusions

Pasireotide treatment can result in a meaningful HRQOL improvement among those who complete a 12-month treatment period, most often among patients achieving biochemical control.
Adiponectin gene variants and the risk of coronary heart disease: a 16-year longitudinal study
Authors: Cheung Chloe Y Y , Hui Elaine Y L , Cheung Bernard M Y , Woo Y C , Xu Aimin , Fong Carol H Y , Ong K L , Yeung C Y , Janus Edward D , Tse Hung-Fat , Sham Pak C , Lam Karen S L
Published: April 2014

Objective

Circulating adiponectin levels have been shown to be associated with a risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). However, its primary role in protecting against the development of CHD remains controversial due to conflicting observations in prospective studies. To gain further insight into the primary role of adiponectin, our major objective was to investigate the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the adiponectin gene (ADIPOQ) and incident CHD in a population-based cohort with no CHD at baseline.

Design and methods

We conducted a 16-year longitudinal study in 2196 subjects from the Hong Kong Cardiovascular Risk Factor Prevalence Study (CRISPS). During 33 862 person-years of follow-up, 184 subjects developed CHD (cumulative incidence rate=5.4 per 1000 person-years). Nine ADIPOQ SNPs with potential functional relevance or shown to be associated with adiponectin levels and/or CHD were genotyped.

Results

Among the nine ADIPOQ SNPs, +276G>T (rs1501299) was independently associated with incident CHD in men but not in women, even after adjustments for traditional cardiovascular risk factors (Padjusted=5.5×10−3 to 0.023; hazard ratio=1.39–1.54). Furthermore, there was a significant association of the T allele of +276G>T with a lower adiponectin level (P=0.027; β (95% CI)=−0.05 (−0.10, −0.01).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that +276G>T may be an independent predictor of CHD development. Our findings suggest that low adiponectin levels, as may be influenced by +276G>T, confer a higher risk of CHD, in keeping with a role of hypoadiponectinaemia in the development of CHD in the general population.
Occupational Asthma in Female Factory Worker Resulting from Exposure to Savinase in Dishwashing Tablets—A Case Study
Authors: Lipin´ska‐Ojrzanowska Agnieszka , S>´wierczyn´ska‐Machura Dominika , Tymoszuk Diana , Nowakowska‐S´wirta Ewa , Walusiak‐Skorupa Jolanta
Published: April 2014

Occupational Asthma in Female Factory Worker Resulting from Exposure to Savinase in Dishwashing Tablets—A Case Study: Agnieszka LIPIŃSKA‐OJRZANOWSKA, et al. Department of Occupational Diseases, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Poland—

Objectives

Savinase is one of the endopeptidases widely used in washing detergents. Its ability to cause respiratory allergy has been known. Up to now, most cases of occupational asthma (OA) to savinase have been described among workers involved in the manufacture of laundry detergents. We present a case study of 51‐year‐old female worker of a dishwashing tablets factory, who had been packaging readymade tablets into foil wrappers for 4 years and developed respiratory symptoms, such as cough, dyspnoea and wheezing.

Methods

A number of clinical procedures were performed, including the clinical examination, routine laboratory tests, evaluation of total and allergen‐specific serum IgE (asIgE) to enzymes, skin prick tests for common allergens, rest spirometry, inhalation methacholine challenge test and a single‐blind, placebo‐controlled specific inhalation challenge test (SICT) with dishwashing tablets.

Results

Clinical findings and results of routine laboratory tests were within normal limits. Baseline nonspecific bronchial hyperreactivity was revealed. In patient's serum blood we found significantly elevated as IgE to savinase. Decline of FEV1 and PEF in late phase of asthmatic reaction was observed during the specific challenge test. The patient reported chest tightness between 5−12 hours after exposure to dishwashing tablet ingredients. Cytological assessment of an induced sputum revealed increase in the percentage of eosinophils 24 hours after specific challenge in comparison to values noted before the SICT.

Conclusions

Positive clinical response to the challenge confirmed in objective method tests validated the diagnosis of OA.
Changes in the powdery mildew resistance and biomass of wheat genotypes at normal and elevated atmospheric CO2 levels
Authors: Komáromi J. , Bencze S. , Varga B. , Vida G. , Veisz O.
Published: April 2014

Over the last two centuries the atmospheric CO2level has exhibited a consistent rise, leading to an increase in the greenhouse effect. This level is now 35% higher than it was before the industrial revolution. On the basis of various scenarios from the Special Report on Emissions it is expected to rise from the present level of 385 ppm to 650–970 ppm by the end of the 21stcentury.Plant biomass and resistance of winter wheat to various powdery mildew pathotypes were investigated at normal (400 ppm) and enhanced (700 ppm) atmospheric CO2levels in a greenhouse. Wheat cultivars Ukrainka and Mv Hombár, and 12 lines from the mapping population developed from their cross and exhibiting different level of resistance were tested.The results showed that the atmospheric CO2level had little influence on the resistance of winter wheat to powdery mildew infections based on the percentage of leaf area covered whole plant percentage severity. In response to higher atmospheric CO2level there was an increase in the aboveground biomass of the winter wheat genotypes tested in the present work, leading to an increase in plant height and in stem and leaf weight. However, the number of tillers and the grain yield did not increase compared with the values recorded at normal atmospheric CO2level.
Path analysis of genotype × environment interaction in wheat-barley disomic addition lines
Authors: Farshadfar E.
Published: April 2014

In order to locate QTLs controlling the phenotypic stability and drought tolerance of yield and yield components in barley, seven disomic addition lines were sown together with their parents (donor and recipient) in a randomized complete block design with three replications under four rainfed and irrigated conditions. The descriptive diagram of yield and yield components exhibited a genotype (G) × environment (E) interaction and moderate variability over different environments, indicating the possibility of selection for stable and drought-tolerant entries. The AMMI stability value (ASV) and yield stability index (YSI) discriminated addition lines 2H and 4H as the most stable and droughttolerant.Path analysis revealed that the relative contribution of the number of seeds per plant (NSPP) (0.71) to grain yield (GY) was higher than that of the number of seeds per spike (SPS) (−0.44) and of thousand-seed weight (TSW) (−0.14). Therefore, the contribution of NSPP to the stability of GY over different environments was higher than that of other yield components. In other words, the instability of GY was caused by TSW and SPS in different environments. Path analysis on the drought susceptibility index revealed that most of the QTLs controlling drought tolerance and drought susceptibility in barley are located on chromosomes 3H and 6H, respectively.
Effect of soil drought on the yield structure, protein and phenolics content in Pisum sativum and Lupinus luteus
Authors: Juzoń K. , Skrzypek E. , Czyczło-Mysza I. , Marcińska I.
Published: April 2014

The aim of this study was to determine the susceptibility to drought of selected genotypes of pea and yellow lupine. An analysis was made of the changes in protein and phenolics content and how they affect the yield parameters. The plant material consisted of six genotypes of pea and yellow lupine. Seedlings (plants with 5–6 leaves) were subjected to drought at 25% field water capacity for 2 weeks. Soil drought decreased the relative water content (RWC) in the leaves of pea and lupine. On the 14thday of drought the increase in protein content was almost two-folds higher in lupine plants than in pea. The phenolics content showed an increase in both pea and lupine plants on the 1stday of drought (20% and 15%, respectively), while on the 14thday the phenolics content decreased by 2% in pea, and was not significantly different in lupine. Soil drought reduced the values of almost all yield components. Only the 1000-seed weight increased under drought conditions. Based on the drought susceptibility index values for RWC, protein and phenolics content, seed yield and biomass, the least drought-susceptible genotypes were Batuta (pea) and Morocco 4 (lupine), as they had the lowest values of these parameters.
Particle Polarization and Nonlinear Effects in Electrorheological Suspensions
Authors: Klingenberg Daniel J.
Published: April 2014

The phenomenon of electrorheology (ER), described in the guest editors' introduction to this issue, can largely be explained by electrostatic interactions between particles by an externally applied electric field. The purpose of this article is to review particle-polarization mechanisms active in ER suspensions and to highlight some poorly understood electrostatic phenomena that inhibit the commercialization of ER technology.

Figure 1 plots the apparent viscosity of a 20-wt% suspension of alumina particles in silicone oil as a function of shear rate for different electric field strengths. The viscosity changes are most pronounced at small deformation rates. At small shear rates the viscosity is proportional to E2 where E is the electric field strength.
Properties and Design of Electrorheological Suspensions
Authors: Conrad Hans
Published: April 2014

Although electrorheological (ER) fluids are presently being used in some commercial devices, their full potential has yet to be realized. The maximum shear stress (~2 kPa) of commercial ER fluids is not sufficient for most pertinent applications, especially in regard to the automotive industry. However, recent theoretical studies indicate that a shear stress of at least an order of magnitude greater than 2 kPa might be attained by the proper design of the ER suspension. This article reviews the status of the understanding of ER behavior which leads to this possibility.

Most of the research to date on ER fluids has been on suspensions of either inorganic or organic particles in dielectric host oils. Hence, the present review will deal mainly with such “heterogeneous” ER fluids. However, in recent years interesting results have been reported for all-liquid ER fluids, especially those containing liquid crystals. These “homogeneous” ER fluids are discussed in the article by Inoue et al. in this issue.
Medical Expertise and Patient Involvement: A Multiperspective Qualitative Observation Study of the Patient's Role in Oncological Decision Making
Authors: Salloch Sabine , Ritter Peter , Wäscher Sebastian , Vollmann Jochen , Schildmann Jan
Published: April 2014

Background.

Decision making in oncology poses intricate ethical questions because treatment decisions should account not only for evidence-based standards but also for the patient's individual values and preferences. However, there is a scarcity of empirical knowledge about patient involvement in oncological decision making.

Methods.

Direct, nonparticipant observation was used as a qualitative research method to gain an understanding of the interplay between medical expertise and patient participation in oncological decision making. Based on a multiperspective approach, observations were performed in three settings (tumor conference, ward round, and outpatient clinic) in the oncology department of a German university hospital. The observation transcripts were analyzed using central features of qualitative data analysis.

Results.

Major differences were identified regarding the decision-making processes in the three settings related to the patient's presence or absence. When the patient was absent, his or her wishes were cited only irregularly; however, patients actively advanced their wishes when present. Preselection of treatments by physicians was observed, narrowing the scope of options that were finally discussed with the patient. Dealing with decisions about risky treatments was especially regarded as part of the physician's professional expertise.

Conclusion.

The study reveals aspects of decision making for cancer patients that have been underexposed in the empirical and theoretical literature so far. Among these are the relevance of structural aspects for the decisions made and the practice of preselection of treatment options. It should be further discussed how far medical expertise reaches and whether therapeutic decisions can be made without consulting the patient.
Crack propagation in concrete at very early ages
Authors: Dao Vinh T. N. , Morris Peter H. , Dux Peter F.
Published: April 2014

Surface defects and cracks in early-age concrete slabs have been observed to propagate under adverse conditions, impairing the performance and service life of these structures. However, the underlying mechanism of this form of crack propagation has remained largely unexplained, with very limited literature available. In this paper, simple yet sufficiently rigorous theoretical analyses of crack propagation in early-age concrete slabs, based on combined geotechnical engineering and fracture mechanics models, are presented. The results obtained clearly show how surface cracks can become unstable and propagate further, and either become stable again or develop through the full depth of the slab. They also convincingly demonstrate the roles of surface cracks and defects, pore moisture suctions and exposure conditions in this process. Importantly, the critical role of good construction practices in minimising this form of cracking is highlighted. These include proper compaction and effective curing as well as timely and adequate saw-cutting.
Habitat‐ and rainfall‐dependent biodiversity responses to cattle removal in an arid woodland–grassland environment
Authors: Frank Anke S. K. , Wardle Glenda M. , Dickman Chris R. , Greenville Aaron C.
Published: April 2014

Biodiversity conservation in rangeland environments is often addressed by removing livestock, but inconsistent responses by biota mean that the efficacy of this form of management is hotly debated. Reasons for this inconsistency include the usually short duration and small spatial scale of manipulations compared to the area of grazing properties, as well as divergent responses amongst biota. In low‐productivity arid environments, the pulse‐reserve dynamic also complicates the outcome of manipulations. Here, we tested and extended these ideas in a heterogeneous desert environment in central Australia that consists of small patches of open woodland (gidgee) in a grassland (spinifex) matrix. Taking advantage of a controlled property‐scale removal of cattle, and a rain event that stimulated productivity, we first quantified differences in the vegetation and small vertebrates of these two habitats, and then tracked the diversity, composition, and abundance of these biota for 6–19 months post‐rain. We predicted that the two habitats would differ in the structure, composition, and reproductive output of their constituent plant species. We predicted also that the effects of cattle removal would interact with these habitat differences, with the abundance, richness, and diversity of small mammals and reptiles differing across habitats and grazing treatments. As anticipated, plant species composition in woodland was distinct from that in grassland and varied over time. The effects of cattle removal were habitat specific: Plant composition responded to de‐stocking in woodland, but not in grassland; flowers were more abundant, and palatable plant cover also was greater following cessation of grazing pressure. The responses of small mammals but not reptiles showed some accord with our predictions, varying over time but inconsistently with treatment, and perhaps reflected high variability in capture success. We conclude that the timing and length of sampling are important when evaluating the responses of biota to livestock removal, as is the inclusion of all key habitats in the sampling regime.
Breeding time in a migratory songbird is predicted by drought severity and group size
Authors: Brown Charles R. , Brown Mary Bomberger
Published: April 2014

Global climate change is altering the breeding phenology of many organisms, and one reported consequence of warmer average temperatures is earlier breeding times in migratory songbirds of north temperate latitudes. Less studied are the potential interactions between earlier breeding and social behavior in colonial species. We investigated how breeding time, as measured by colony initiation dates across the entire summer, in Cliff Swallows (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) of southwestern Nebraska, USA, changed over a 30‐year period and could be predicted by climatic variables, year, and colony size. Mean colony initiation date became earlier over the study, with variation best predicted by the extent of drought severity on the breeding grounds: colonies initiated earlier in warmer and drier years. Colony initiation dates were more asynchronous across the population in cooler and wetter years. There was no effect of climatic conditions during the nonbreeding season. Larger colonies started earlier in the year than smaller ones, probably because of the cost of ectoparasitism and the benefit of social foraging, both of which varied with colony size, date, and climatic conditions. The inverse relationship between breeding time and colony size was more pronounced in years with more severe drought. This study is one of the few to show that breeding phenology of a long‐distance migrant bird is sensitive primarily to drought severity on the breeding grounds and that climate change can influence social behavior. If climate change exacerbates drought in the future, Cliff Swallow breeding time will likely become more strongly linked to group size.
Anaerobic model for high-solids or high-temperature digestion – additional pathway of acetate oxidation
Authors: Wett B. , Takács I. , Batstone D. , Wilson C. , Murthy S.
Published: April 2014

Current anaerobic digestion models cannot properly simulate processes that are operated under high solids concentrations or high temperatures. A modification to existing models has been implemented by adding important missing degradation pathways, to accommodate these systems without artificially recalibrating the model parameters. Specifically, we implemented the alternate acetate oxidizing mechanism that is more tolerant to ammonia than the standard aceticlastic pathway. Inhibition values were estimated and an empirical function has been used to apply ammonia inhibition. The model also relates metabolic activity to un-ionised species such as undissociated acetic acid as substrate (although not obligatory for all organisms) and unionised ammonia as inhibitor. The model relies on an equilibrium chemistry module (e.g. including the phosphate buffer), resulting in more accurate pH predictions, which is crucial for proper modeling of CO2 and NH3 stripping. Calibration results from three case-studies modeling thermal hydrolysis and subsequent digestion of sludge are presented.
Combined mesophilic anaerobic and thermophilic aerobic digestion process for high-strength food wastewater to increase removal efficiency and reduce sludge discharge
Authors: Jang H. M. , Park S. K. , Ha J. H. , Park J. M.
Published: April 2014

In this study, a process that combines the mesophilic anaerobic digestion (MAD) process with thermophilic aerobic digestion (TAD) for high-strength food wastewater (FWW) treatment was developed to examine the removal of organic matter and methane production. All effluent discharged from the MAD process was separated into solid and liquid portions. The liquid part was discarded and the sludge part was passed to the TAD process for further degradation. Then, the digested sludge from the TAD process was recycled back to the MAD unit to achieve low sludge discharge from the combined process. The reactor combination was operated in two phases: during Phase I, 40 d of total hydraulic retention time (HRT) was applied; during Phase II, 20 d was applied. HRT of the TAD process was fixed at 5 d. For a comparison, a control process (single-stage MAD) was operated with the same HRTs of the combined process. Our results indicated that the combined process showed over 90% total solids, volatile solids and chemical oxygen demand removal efficiencies. In addition, the combined process showed a significantly higher methane production rate than that of the control process. Consequently, the experimental data demonstrated that the combined MAD-TAD process was successfully employed for high-strength FWW treatment with highly efficient organic matter reduction and methane production.
Irreversible fouling of membrane bioreactors due to formation of a non-biofilm gel layer
Authors: Poorasgari E. , Larsen P. , Zheng X. , Nielsen P. H. , Keiding K. , Christensen M. L.
Published: April 2014

Extra-cellular polymeric substances (EPS), known to contribute to fouling in membrane bio-reactors (MBRs), are generally divided into bound and free EPS. The free EPS are able to form a gel layer on the membrane active surface. The mechanisms involved in formation of such layer and its effects on performance of the MBR membranes were studied. The free EPS, extracted by centrifugation and microfiltration, contained a significant amount of humic-like substances. Under static contact to the membrane, adsorption of humic-like substances to the membrane occurred and could be explained by conventional adsorption kinetics. Due to static adsorption, surface roughness of the membrane declined significantly, indicating that adsorbed matters to the membrane filled the cavities of the membrane surface. Filtration of the free EPS caused 50% water flux decline. The fouling resistance linearly increased with the amount of the humic-like substances retained during filtration as predicted by gel growth theory. A low pressure backwash could re-establish the water flux only up to 70%.
Hydrogen production from formic acid solution by modified TiO2 and titanate nanotubes in a two-step system under visible light irradiation
Authors: Yeh H. M. , Lo S. L. , Chen M. J. , Chen H. Y.
Published: April 2014

Hydrogen gas is one of the most promising renewable energy sources, and the final product of hydrogen combustion is nothing but water. However, it is still a big challenge to produce hydrogen and store it. Many studies have been conducted into produce hydrogen from water using photocatalysts. Z-scheme photocatalysis is a two-photocatalyst system that comprises a hydrogen catalyst and an oxygen catalyst to produce hydrogen and oxygen respectively. Compared to the one-step system, the two-step system can promote the efficiency of water splitting. In addition, formic acid (FA) is a convenient hydrogen-storage material and can be safely handled in aqueous solutions. Therefore, this study investigated the photocatalytic conversion of FA solution to hydrogen using visible light with several types of hydrogen catalysts (CdS/titanate nanotubes (TNTs), CdS/TiO2, Pt/CdS/TNTs) and WO3 as the oxygen catalyst. The results showed that the yield of hydrogen with CdS/TNTs + WO3 was much higher than with CdS/TiO2 + WO3. Moreover, coating the photocatalysts with metal could further promote the reaction. The optimal platinum loading was 0.01 wt%, and the hydrogen production achieved was 852.5 μmol · h−1 with 20 vol% FA solution.
Kinetics and thermodynamics of anaerobic ammonium oxidation process using Brocadia spp. dominated mixed cultures
Authors: Puyol D. , Carvajal-Arroyo J. M. , Garcia B. , Sierra-Alvarez R. , Field J. A.
Published: April 2014

Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) is a recently discovered microbial process commonly applied to treat ammonium pollution in effluents with low organic carbon content. Modeling anammox processes is important for simulating and controlling full-scale plants. In this study, the anammox process was simulated using three models, and substrate and growth parameters obtained by different research groups. Two Brocadia spp.-dominated mixed cultures, one granular and the other flocculent, were used for this purpose. A very good correlation between experimental data using both sludges and model predictions was achieved by one of the models, obtaining correlation coefficients higher than 0.997. Other models and stoichiometric equations tested were unable to predict the anammox kinetics and stoichiometry. Furthermore, the thermodynamic behavior of the two mixed cultures was compared through the determination of the energy of activation of the anammox conversion at temperatures ranging from 9 to 40 °C. Optimum temperature for anammox activity was established at 30–35 °C in both cases. The energy of activation values calculated for granular sludge and flocculent sludge were 64 and 124 kJ mol−1, respectively.
Pollutant removal and membrane fouling in an anaerobic submerged membrane bioreactor for real sewage treatment
Authors: Wang Fangyuan , Chen Jianrong , Hong Huachang , Wang Aijun , Lin Hongjun
Published: April 2014

Real sewage was continuously treated by a laboratory-scale anaerobic submerged membrane bioreactor (AnSMBR) for over 160 days. Results showed that around 90% of chemical oxygen demand, and 99% of turbidity and total suspended solids in the sewage could be removed by the AnSMBR system. Membrane flux sustained at 11 L/(m2 h) was realized with biogas sparging. Small flocs from sludge deflocculation in the early operational period caused a high membrane fouling rate, and the high specific filtration resistance of the cake layer appeared mostly attributable to the osmotic pressure effect. The performance results were also compared with those in the literature for upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactors and aerobic membrane bioreactors for sewage treatment, demonstrating that AnSMBR could provide a desirable alternative for sewage treatment.
Dynamics of pollutant discharge in combined sewer systems during rain events: chance or determinism?
Authors: Hannouche A. , Chebbo G. , Joannis C.
Published: April 2014

A large database of continuous flow and turbidity measurements cumulating data on hundreds of rain events and dry weather days from two sites in Paris (called Quais and Clichy) and one in Lyon (called Ecully) is presented. This database is used to characterize and compare the behaviour of the three sites at the inter-events scale. The analysis is probed through three various variables: total volumes and total suspended solids (TSS) masses and concentrations during both wet and dry weather periods in addition to the contributions of diverse-origin sources to event flow volume and TSS load values. The results obtained confirm the previous findings regarding the spatial consistency of TSS fluxes and concentrations between both sites in Paris having similar land uses. Moreover, masses and concentrations are proven to be correlated between Parisian sites in a way that implies the possibility of some deterministic processes being reproducible from one catchment to another for a particular rain event. The results also demonstrate the importance of the contribution of wastewater and sewer deposits to the total events' loads and show that such contributions are not specific to Paris sewer networks.