bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transient global amnesia: Diffusion MRI findings
Authors: Jain Tarun P , Patel Ronak , Gawarikar Yash
Published: March 2018

Introduction: Aim of this study is to identify and describe the MRI findings in patients with Transient Global Amnesia (TGA), specifically on Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI) sequence. Methods: MRI findings in 12 patients with clinical diagnosis of TGA were retrospectively analysed. MRI brain was performed with a 3T scanner on 11 patients and 1.5T scanner on 1 patient. DWI were acquired at B value of 1000 s/mm2 in 4 patients, 2000 s/mm2 in 2 patients and both 1000 and 2000 s/mm2 in 6 patients. Results: There were 7 female and 5 male patients. The mean age was 65.67 years (range 61-74 years). The median time interval between the onset of symptom and MRI scan was 47.5 hours, range 25-114 hours. 11 of the 12 patients showed punctate foci of restricted diffusion in hippocampus (mean size 3.7 mm (range 2-6.5 mm). 10 patients showed foci in left hippocampus. Nine patients showed a single focus, 1 patient showed three foci and 1 patient showed four foci. In 6 patients who had DWI MRI at both B values, scans at B value of 1000 s/mm2 revealed abnormality in 4 patients, while higher B value imaging improved sensitivity in one patient and one patient had a negative scan at both B values. Conclusion: We have highlighted the MRI finding of typical punctate foci of bright signal in hippocampus seen on DWI in patients diagnosed with TGA. Detection on a routine stroke MRI protocol can avoid need for dedicated TGA protocols or repeat scan, improving the workflow.
Utility of ureteric jet: A simple yet useful tool for the evaluation of complex urogenital anomaly
Authors: Santhalia Pranav K , Mittal Disha , Gupta Arun K , Jana Manisha
Published: March 2018

In infants and young children with suspicion of genitourinary tract anomalies, ultrasonography (USG) is usually the first imaging modality. Advantages of USG are well described. In the evaluation of complex congenital urogenital anomalies, ultrasound examination needs to be tailored according to the clinical suspicion and to yield maximum information. Primary megaureter is a congenital anomaly, which is associated with dilatation of ureter above an adynamic segment at the vesicoureteric junction (VUJ). Two different types are described in the literature: refluxing and obstructive. Absence of ureteric jet on USG in conjunction with vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) on voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) prompts to the diagnosis of refluxing type of obstructed megaureter. Here we describe a case of duplex moiety with refluxing type of obstructed megaureter, where gray-scale USG and real-time color Doppler evaluation of the ureteric jet established the diagnosis. The aperistaltic segment of lower ureter near the VUJ with an absence of ureteric jet for the same moiety suggested the possibility of an obstructed megaureter. VUR was demonstrated on VCUG; thus, pointing toward a diagnosis of obstructed refluxing megaureter.
t-PA power-pulse spray with rheolytic mechanical thrombectomy using cross-sectional image-guided portal vein access for single setting treatment of subacute superior mesenteric vein thrombosis
Authors: Syed Mubin I. , Gallagher Ryan M. , Ahmed Rukan S. , Shaikh Azim , Roberto Edward , Patel Sumeet
Published: March 2018

Background: Isolated superior mesenteric vein (SMV) thrombosis is a rare but potentially fatal condition if untreated. Current treatments include transjugular or transhepatic approaches for rheolytic mechanical thrombectomy and subsequent infusions of thrombolytics. Tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) power-pulse spray can provide benefit in a single setting without thrombolytic infusions. Computed tomography (CT) guidance for portal vein access is underutilized in this setting. Materials and Methods: Case 1 discusses acute SMV thrombosis treated with rheolytic mechanical thrombectomy alone using ultrasound guidance for portal vein access. Case 2 discusses subacute SMV thrombosis treated with the addition of t-PA power-pulse spray to the rheolytic mechanical thrombectomy, using CT guidance for portal vein access. Results: With rheolytic mechanical thrombectomy alone, the patient in Case 1 had significant improvement in abdominal pain. Follow-up CT demonstrated no residual SMV thrombosis and the patient continued to do well in long-term follow-up. With the addition of t-PA power-pulse spray to rheolytic mechanical thrombectomy, the patient in Case 2 with subacute SMV thrombosis dramatically improved postprocedure with resolution of abdominal pain. Follow-up imaging demonstrated patency to the SMV and partial resolution of thrombus. The patient continued to do well at 2-year follow-up. Conclusions: Adding t-PA power-pulse spray to rheolytic mechanical thrombectomy can provide benefit in a single setting versus mechanical thrombectomy alone and prevent the need for subsequent infusions of thrombolytic therapy. CT guidance is a useful alternative of localization for portal vein access via the transhepatic route that is nonoperator-dependent and helpful in the case of obese patients.
Frontal subcutaneous lipoma associated with interhemispheric lipoma, lipomeningocele, and corpus callosal dysgenesis in a young adult: CT and MRI findings
Authors: Aggarwal Nidhi , Gehlot Kushal B , Kumar Sunil D , Khan NK Kardam Alsaba
Published: March 2018

Intracranial lipomas are rare incidental lesions. Rokitansky first described a corpus callosal lipoma on the posterior part of the corpus callosum in 1856. Since then many cases have been reported. We report the imaging findings of an interhemispheric lipoma extending into subcutaneous plane associated with spinal lipomeningocele and corpus callosal dysgenesis. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings are characteristic. All cases have been reported in pediatric age group till now. Such a case in this age group has not been reported earlier.
Hemiagenesis of thyroid with dual thyroid ectopia: A rare case report
Authors: Jha Pankaj S , Rote-Kaginalkar Varsha , Titare Prashant , Jadhav Manoj B
Published: March 2018

Developmental defects of the thyroid gland are very rare. The common developmental abnormalities are ectopic thyroid, hemiagenesis and agenesis of thyroid gland. These developmental defects may or may not be associated with deranged thyroid function tests. Ultrasonography (USG) is the initial modality of choice for thyroid hemiagenesis but further evaluation by computed tomography (CT) scan or nuclear scan should be done to look for ectopic thyroid tissue rest. Here, we report a rare case of a 9-year-old female having hemiagenesis of the right thyroid lobe and isthmus along with dual ectopic thyroid tissue at prehyoid and infrahyoid regions of the neck presenting as a midline neck swelling and subclinical hypothyroidism.
Effects of doe-litter separation on intestinal bacteria, immune response and morphology of suckling rabbits
Authors: Zhang Yukun , Cui Hongxiao , Sun Defa , Liu Lihui , Xu Xiurong
Published: March 2018

Gut development is stimulated by exposure to microorganisms, especially early-life microbial exposure. This study aimed to investigate whether doe-litter separation, which is performed in many rabbit farms, affects this exposure and therefore inhibits the development of intestinal system in suckling rabbits. Immediately after parturition, Rex rabbit does (n=16) were adjusted to 8 kits per litter and divided into doe-litter separation (DLS) group and doe-litter together (DLT) group based on the conditions of the does. One healthy kit per litter was selected and sacrificed at 7 d, 14 d, 21 d and 28 d of age, and the number of total bacteria, Escherichia coli and Bacteroides-Prevotella, expression of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) in duodenum and caecum were investigated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The morphological parameters of duodenum and vermiform appendix were also measured. Our results showed that doe-litter separation affected the number of intestinal bacteria. At 7 d of age, except for caecal Escherichia coli, the number of the investigated bacteria was decreased by doe-litter separation (P<0.05). But 1 wk later, only the number of total bacteria and Bacteroides-Prevotella in caecal content (P<0.05) and Escherichia coli in duodenal content from DLS kits (P<0.05) were still lower than those from DLT kits. After being provided with supplementary food for 7 d, DLS kits had fewer total bacteria in caecal content (P<0.05) and fewer E. coli in duodenal content (P<0.01) than DLT kits. After growing to 28 d of age, kits in DLS group still tended to have fewer total bacteria in caecal content, and expression of IL-10 and secretion of secretory IgA (sIgA) in vermiform appendix in DLS group was obviously lower than kits in DLT group (P<0.05). The villus height:crypt depth ratio in duodenum at 3rd wk and 4th wk was decreased by DLS (P<0.05). Kits in DLS group had shorter villus height (P<0.05), higher crypt depth (P<0.05) and shorter vermiform appendix (P<0.05) at the end of the trial. Furthermore, separating kits from the doe had a negative effect on their average daily gain at 3rd wk and 4th wk (P<0.05). Limiting the microbiological contact with the mother during suckling period affected the kits’ intestinal flora and could negatively affect the development of intestinal digestive and immune system and growth performance of kits.
Determinants of Credit Rating Actions: Evidence from International Maritime Companies
Authors: Korkmaz Elif , Akgül Ersin Firat , Sigalı Seçil
Published: March 2018

This study aims to analyze the relevant factors in determining credit rating agency (CRA) rating actions for international maritime companies. The public disclosures regarding the credit rating actions within annual reports and the credit rating agencies’ websites are analyzed by applying a content analysis for the period 2000-2017. The results of the content analysis indicate that the factor of “market conditions” has been disclosed as the main credit rating action determinant by the CRAs. This finding is in line with the argument that due to the high costs of obtaining the new and confidential information, CRAs tend to rely solely on the market risk in most rating actions, rather than company-specific risk. Moreover, we determine that, after the 2008 financial crisis, CRA disclosures on company specific factors decrease dramatically. Furthermore, opacity prevails in observations regarding company-specific factors as “financial profile” and “corporate business profile”.
TMT Attention to Innovation of Organizations Influence the Organization Innovation Activities: Moderating Role of Corporate Governance
Authors: Nazir Muhammad Imran , Nazir Muhammad Rizwan , Khan Ifran , - Faryal
Published: March 2018

This study examines the TMT attention to innovation influences an organizations innovation activities. The results show that the influence of executive attention to innovation on organizations innovation activities is moderated by the characteristics of corporate governance. This study develop and test the hypotheses imitative from the expectation of firm level data covering the period of 2012-2016. The result shows that TMTAI is positively related with an organization’s patent application, and that the positive association is stronger when an organizations is a state owned, has a large members of the board, and has a few independent directors.
Land Suitability Index for Estimating Sugar Cane Productivity in the Humid Tropics of South Sulawesi Indonesia
Authors: Neswati Risma , Lopulisa Christianto , Nathan Muhammad , Ramlan Andi
Published: March 2018

This research was completed using mixed qualitative and quantitative methods. Field surveys were executed in sugar cane plantation throughout South Sulawesi Indonesia. Land suitability analyses were performed using a parametric approach with Storie’s index equation followed up with  correlation analysis using the Pearson correlation. Results revealed that the period for sugarcane crop growth in the humid tropic relatively dry regions of South Sulawesi Indonesia lasted for the months of November to July.  The land suitability for sugar cane in the research location was moderately suitable (S2c) and marginally suitable (S3c, S3s, S3s,f and S3c,w) with limiting factors such as relative humidity during crop maturation phase, the duration of sunlight, soil depth, soil texture, soil pH and soil drainage. Land suitability index at the research location ranged from 25.2 to 55.0; sugar cane yields ranged from 30.3 to 62.0 Mg ha-1 year-1. Pearson correlation coefficient (r) between LSI with cane and sugar productivity were 0.81 and 0.84 respectively, signifying the strength of the correlation between the two values. This also indicates that land suitability index can be estimating the potential crop yield in the humid tropicsthat relatively dry climate regions.
Nitrogen Dynamics and Nitrate Leaching in Intensive Vegetable Rotations in Highlands of Central Java, Indonesia
Authors: Widowati Ladiyani Retno , Neve Stefaan De
Published: March 2018

High rainfall intensity is major factor governing leaching process, where leaching is often the most important process of N loss from the field and lead to agricultural environmental pollution. In order to measure the movement of mineral-N in soil profile, a field research had been conducted in two sites of center vegetable farming area with six farmer cooperators in Central Java, Indonesia. Regular soil sampling was done from Improve Practice (IP) and Farmer Practice (FP) treatment for three planting seasons during 2007. Almost all treatments FP applied higher rate of N fertilizer compare to IP, but it was not reflected in N profile.  Comparison of predicted and measured mineral N content was simulated using Burns α  model, then the closeness of the estimation and measured calculated using Coefficient of Residual Mass (CRM) calculation as an indicator with 0 as ideal value.  Out of 9 measurements of IP and FP treatment, eight and seven measurements had negative CRM  representinga slight overestimation. The NO3-N loss estimated using the Burns α model for IP and FP was in average of 67% for IP and  71% for FP of total N fertilizer added or 67% for IP and 76% for FP of total-N surplus, respectively. The calculation of potential nitrate concentration (PNC) at 1 m soil depth at the end of the third season showed a high concentration with significant different of IP and FP having mean value of 59.8 and 82.5 mg N L-1. From the gathered data it was obvious that over N fertilization had negative effect to agricultural environment.
Carbon Stock in Integrated Field Laboratory Faculty of Agriculture University of Lampung
Authors: Banuwa Irwan Sukri , Mutiasari Tika , Buchori Henrie , Utomo Muhajir
Published: March 2018

This study aimed to determine the amount of carbon stock and CO2 plant uptake in the Integrated Field Laboratory (IFL) Faculty of Agriculture University of Lampung. The research was conducted from April to November 2015. The study was arranged in a completely randomized block design (CRBD), consisting of five land units as treatment with four replications for each treatment. Biomass of woody plants was estimated using allometric equation, biomass of understorey plants was estimated using plant dry weight equation, and organic C content in plants and soils were analyzed using a Walkey and Black method. The results showed that land unit consisting of densely woody plants significantly affects total biomass of woody plants, organic C content in woody plants and total carbon content (above and below ground). The highest amount of woody plant biomass was observed in land unit 5, i.e. 1,196.88 Mg ha-1, and above ground total carbon was 437.19 Mg ha-1. IFL Faculty of Agriculture University of Lampung has a total carbon stock of 2,051.90 Mg and capacity to take up total CO2 of 6,656.88 Mg.
Improving Soil Properties and Yield of Corn (Zea Mays L.) by Application of Organic Amendment on Abandoned Tin-Mining Land in Bangka Island
Authors: Asmarhansyah .
Published: March 2018

An abandoned land after tin-mining activities are degraded lands with undulating and destructed land scape and low soil fertility status. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of organic amendments on the soil properties, growth, and grain yield of corn (Zea mays L.) on abandoned tin-mining areas in Bangka Island, Bangka Belitung Archipelago. The field experiment was conducted at the abandoned tin-mining areas in Cambai Village, Bangka Belitung Archipelago. Five treatments of organic amendments were applied and replicated three times and laid out in a Randomized Completely Block Design. All treatments were applied with the recommended rate fertilizer of 135 kg N ha-1, 72 kg P2O5 ha-1, and 120 kg K2O ha-1.  The treatments were T1= 20 Mg chicken manure ha-1;T2= 20 Mg cattle manure ha-1; T3= 20 Mg rice straw compost ha-1; T4 : 10 Mg of chicken manure ha-1 + 10 Mg rice straw compost ha-1; and T5= 10 Mg cattlemanure ha-1 + 10 Mg rice straw compost  ha-1. Application of organic amendments (chicken manure, cattle manure, and rice straw compost) on abandoned tin-mining land improved soil fertility due to the increasing of soil pH and nutrient availability, especially available-P and -K, and exchangeable bases. Application of chicken manure and cattle manure were significantly better than rice straw compost to improving soil fertility, nutrient uptake, growth and yield of maize. Application of cattle manure gave the highest yield of maize, namely 6.24 Mg ha-1.
Litter and Soil Carbon Stock in Cultivated and Natural Area of Intergrated Forest for Conservation Education of Wan Abdul Rachman Great Forest Park
Authors: Ellannia Leoni Dellta , Setiawan Agus , Niswati Ainin
Published: March 2018

Intergrated Forest for Conservation Education of Wan Abdul Rachman (IFCE WAR) Great Forest Park is a conservation forest zone which has natural area and cultivated area.  The natural area in Wan Abdul Rachman Great Forest Park consists of secondary forest, whereas the cultivated area consists of agroforestry with cacao plants and agroforestry with coffee plants. The different land use in both areas caused the difference in carbon sink specifically in litter and soil. The research was aimed to study the difference of litter and soil carbon stock in natural and cultivated area in IFCE WAR Great Forest Park.  The observation plots included in the current study was determined using purposive sampling method. The research was conducted in June until August 2015. Data was analyzed using analysis of variance and continued with honestly significant difference test. The results showed that there was no difference of litter carbon stock in cultivated area and natural area in IFCE WAR Great Forest Park, whereas the soil carbon stock in natural area was higher than that in cultivated area.
Interaction of Paddy Varieties and Compost with Flux of Methane in Tidal Swampland
Authors: Abduh Andin Muhammad , Annisa Wahida
Published: March 2018

Varieties and organic materials have a very important role to the flux of methane (CH4) on paddy cultivation, especially on wetlands. Purpose of this research to determine the amount of methane emissions that released from paddy cultivation in acid sulphate soils with the use of different varieties and paddy straw composting. Acid sulfate soil samples taken Experimental Farm Swampland Agricultural Research Center (BALITTRA), Tanjung Harapan, District Alalak, Barito Kuala, South Kalimantan. This research uses Randomized Complete Design of two factors. The first factor is the use of paddy varieties and the second factor is the use of paddy straw compost. Research shows that there is a very real interaction between the two factors. Treatment varieties Inpara 3 + without paddy straw compost releases CH4 flux most low at 0,030 mg.m-2.day-1, while treatment Inpari 30 + paddy straw compost 5 Mg. ha-1 release most CH4 flux is 0.571 mg. m-2.day-1.
CO2 Emissions from Tropical Peat Soil Affected by Fertilization
Authors: Husnain . , Sipahutar Ibrahim Adamy , Purnomo Joko , Widyanto Hery , Nurhayati .
Published: March 2018

The conversion of peat soils to agricultural uses has been thought to increase CO2 emission due to several factors, including fertilization. However, evidence on the effect of fertilization on CO2emissionsfrompeat soils is rareand often inconsistence. We measured the effects of different types of fertilizer, including N, P and K sources, and clay as an ameliorant on CO2 emission from a bare peat soil in Lubuk Ogong, Riau Province. Nutrients were added in the following combinations: 0 (unfertilized plot), N source (urea), slow-release N (slow release urea), N and Psource (Urea+SP-36), N, P and K sources (urea+SP-36+KCl) and combined NPK-Clay. Fertilization resulted in a decreasein CO2 emissions compared to that prior to fertilization except when slow-release urea was applied. Decreasing of CO2 emissions was probably due to pH-related effects because the pH in the N treatment was lower than in both the control and the unfertilized plot. A decreasein the level of CO2 emissions among the treatments followed the order NPK-Clay>NP>NPK>urea>slow-release urea. Covariance analyses showed that the difference in CO2 emissions prior to treatment was not significant. The application of individual and combined treatments of N, P, K and NPK mixed with 5 Mg ha-1 clay led to significantly reduced CO2 emissions from bare peat soil in Lubuk Ogong, Riau Province. In addition to fertilization, the water table depth was the only parameter that significantly affected the CO2 emissions (P<0.05). We conclude that the application of nutrient combinations, including N, P, K and clay, could reduce CO2 emissions because these treatments maintain a balanced nutritional condition in the soil with respect to the microbial activity.Keywords: Amelioration, CO2 emission, fertilization, tropical peat soils
Restoration of Soil Physical and Chemical Properties of Abandoned Tin- Mining in Bangka Belitung Islands
Authors: Yuarsah Ishak , Handayani Etik Puji , Rakhmiati . , Yatmin .
Published: March 2018

The practices of tin mining which removing all layers of soil on deposits of minerals caused the seriously environmental problems, i.e degradation of physical and chemical soil, disappearance of vegetation, flora and fauna in ecosystems that changed the microclimate. In the tailings area of tin mining have unstable structure, the content of organic matter is very low, so it is vulnerable to land slides and erosion. The characteristic of tailing area that very acid, low nutrient availability, low water storage and high soil temperature are constraints in the conservation and improvement this area. The aim of this research was found conservation technology to improve the properties of  soil on Tin mining land due to human activities that cause environmental damage both micro and macro so determination of plant species and specific location technology can be done based on characterization and potential evaluation soil resources. Annual crop cultivation and cultivation of legume cover crop (Mucuna sp., Long-lived, Calopogonium sp., Peuraria javanica) and management of top soil and organic matter are a must, in addition to improve soil structure, maintaining soil moisture, as well as to reduce the loss nutrients, as in  textured rough soil (sandy) nutrients in soil are easily washed.Keywords: Characteristic soil, improvement, tailing area, tin mining
Study of Root Exudate Organic Acids and Microbial Population in the Rhizosphere of Oil Palm Seedling
Authors: Anandyawati . , Sumarsih Enok , Nugroho Budi , Widyastuti Rahayu
Published: March 2018

Mutual interaction between plants and microbes occured in the rhizosphere is expected to increase productivity of crops or soil fertility for agriculture. Plants excrete root exudates to attract microbes, and then microbes obtain habitat and food supply from plants and can fulfill the nutrient requirements through assisted enzymatic activity.  The objective of the research was to study the types and amounts of root exudate organic acids, microbial population, and the relationship between root exudate organic acids and microbial population in the rhizosphere of oil palm seedlings. The study was conducted in a greenhouse using a planting medium of sterile quartz sand. The study was conducted using two factorials completely randomized design with three replications. The first factor was oil palm seedling age (control / no oil palm seed, 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months-old of oil palm seedlings) and the second factor was the periods of seedling growth (45, 90, 135 and 180 days), so in total there were 72 experimental units. The result of High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed that four kinds of organic acids were observed in the rhizosphere of oil palm seedlings, with the highest concentration were: acetic acid (1.66 ppm), citric acid (0.157 ppm), malic acid (2.061 ppm) and oxalic acid (0.675) ppm. The highest total population of microbes, fungi, Azotobacter, phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and phosphate solubilizing fungi (PSF) were 19.38 × 106 cfu g-1 soil, 3.28 × 104 cfu g-1 soil, 12.09 × 105 cfu g-1 soil, 8.39 × 104 cfu g-1 soil and 1.15 × 104 cfu g-1 soil, respectively. There are positive correlations between root exudate organic acids and total microbes, fungi, Azotobacter, PSB and PSF are.Keywords: microbes, organic acids, rhizosphere, root exudates
Activity of Soil Microorganisms During the Growth of Sweet Corn (Zea Mays Saccharata Sturt) in the Second Planting Time with the Application of Fertilizers and Biochar
Authors: Dermiyati . , Karyanto Agus , Niswati Ainin , Lumban Raja Jamalam , Triyono Sugeng , Harini Nyang Vania Ayuningtyas
Published: March 2018

Efforts to increase the production of sweet corn can be done with the application of fertilizers, either inorganic, organic orits combination. In addition, the application of soil amendments such as biochar is also expected to improve soil fertility that will indirectly increase the production of sweet corn.Organonitrophos fertilizer is an organic fertilizer developed by lecturers of Faculty of Agriculture, University of Lampung. The research was aimed to study effect the combination of organonitrophos, and inorganic fertilizers, biochar and the interaction between fertilizer combination and biochar on soil respiration and soil microbial biomass.The research was conducted in the Integrated Field Laboratory of Lampung University using 6x2 factorial in a Randomized Block Design with 3 replications. The first factor was six levels combination of organonitrophos and inorganic fertilizers (P0, P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5). The second factor was two levels of biochar dosage (B0 and B1). Data was analyzed by Analysis of Variance and followed by the Least Significant Difference (LSD)Test at 5% level. The observed variables were soil microorganism activity likely soil respiration and soil microbial biomass. The results showed that P3B1treatment (300 kg Urea ha-1, 125 kg SP-36 ha-1, 100 kg KCl ha-1 + 2500 kg organoitrophos ha-1) was the highest soil respiration at of 60 days after planting (DAP). P5 treatment (5000 kg Organonitrophos ha-1) has the highest soil microbial biomasscompared to other treatments at 60 and 90 DAP. B1 treatment (5000 kg biochar ha-1) has higher soil respiration and soil microbial biomasscompared to treatment (0 kg biochar ha-1. There was an interaction between combination of organonitrophos and inorganic fertilizers and biochar on soil respiration at 90 DAP. However, there was no interaction between fertilizer combination and biochar on soil microbial biomass.Keywords: Biochar, Fertilizer Combination, Organonitrophos, Soil Microbial Biomass Carbon and Soil Respiration
Population and Diversity of Soil and Leaf Litter Mesofauna in Arable Soils at The Agriculture Experimental Field of University of Lampung
Authors: Arif Mas Achmad Syamsul , Niswati Ainin , Yusnaini Sri , Ardiyani Novia Pratiwi
Published: March 2018

This research was conducted to study the population and diversity of soil and leaf litter mesofauna in arable soils under different types of vegetation and slope at the Agriculture Experimental Field (AEF) of University of Lampung. This study was designed to use the survey method. The soil and leaf litter samples were taken from different vegetation and slope classes. Observational variables included population and diversity index of soil mesofauna (H’), soil temperature, soil moisture content, soil pH, soil organic-C, soil total-N, and soil C/N ratio. The data of population distribution were presented in a boxplot diagram and the correlation between soil properties and mesofauna population or mesofauna diversity index were presented. The results showed that the most abundant soil mesofauna was observed in the plots with sugarcane vegetation, either sampled at the end of dry season (November 2015) or at the beginning of rainy season (April 2016). However, the highest number of leaf litter mesofauna was found in the plot with cassava vegetation. This result suggests that the cassava leaf litter most likely became the preferred substrate for mesofauna. In all treatments, the value of mesofauna diversity index (H‘) was categorized as low according to the Shannon-Weaver index. Two dominant orders frequently found in almost all vegetation types were Acarina and Collembola. The results of correlation analysis indicated that only soil pH sampled on November 2015 was positively correlated with the mesofauna population (range of pH 5.0 to 6.6). Soil moisture content sampled on November 2015 and soil C/N ratio sampled on April 2016 were positively correlated with the diversity index of soil mesofauna, respectively. Soil total-N sampled on November 2015 was negatively correlated with the soil mesofauna diversity index. The increase of leaf litter biomass appeared to promote the increase of the leaf litter mesofauna population, but not the diversity index.Keywords: diversity index, leaf litter,  soil mesofauna, vegetation
Sorptivity of an Inceptisol under Conventional and Reduced Tillage Practices
Authors: Rachman Achmad , Ariani Ratri , Budiyanto Arief
Published: March 2018

The amount of water captured and stored in the soil profile until the next precipitation events is of great importance in dryland agro-ecosystem for successful crop production. The soil’s ability to rapidly capture and store water precipitation can be accessed through measuring soil sorptivity. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of tillage, i.e. reduced and conventional tillages, on soil sorptivity, and to understand how sorptivity is related to surface soil bulk density and water stable aggregates. The experiment was conducted on a site, which has been continuously planted with corn twice a year for more than 10 years.  The predominant soil in the study site is Typic Haplusteps. Ponded infiltration measurements were used to determine soil sorptivity.  Six positions, 15 meters a part, were chosen within each treatment to measure sorptivity, bulk density and water stable aggregates.  Conventional tillage resulted in higher sorptivity (p<0.05), lower surface bulk density (p<0.05), and significantly lower water stable aggregates (p<0.01) than reduced tillage treatment. Sorptivity was negatively correlated to bulk density and positively correlated to water stable aggregates. Better correlations were found between sorptivity and both bulk density (R2 = 0.67) and water stable aggregates (R2= 0.81) under reduced tillage than under conventional tillage treatment.  Conventional tillage was found to enhance soil sorptivity in comparison to reduced tillage system. Appropriate soil management is important to maintain proper soil porosity in the field for better rainfall harvesting and plant growth especially in the dryland ecosystem.
Chinese Curricula of Medical Science in the Context of Globalization
Authors: Zeng Jinyuan
Published: March 2018

As China runs towards the forefront of global economic power, people begin to pay growing attention to the quality of life and medical education that play a significant role in sustaining the development by providing healthier labor force. It is evident that in the process of globalization new curricula in line with international standards top Chinese medical education agenda. Efforts have been made to plan the curricula of medical science with international dimensions that train physicians for the health of individuals. This paper analyzes the characteristics of medical curricula developed under new circumstances.
Internet usage among undergraduate nursing students: A case study of a selected university in South Africa
Authors: Harerimana Alexis , Mtshali Ntombifikile Gloria
Published: March 2018

Background: Globally, the internet is becoming an increasingly indispensable tool in academic institutions and the workplace. Nursing students are required to use the computer and the internet to search for information and to use various software, for which computer and internet literacy are essential. Despite becoming an important tool for teaching and learning, literature reflects an under-utilization of the internet in academic and non-academic settings for a number of reasons. This article explores the general internet usage of undergraduate nursing students at a selected university in South Africa.Methods: A quantitative, non-experimental, exploratory descriptive design was used, with 115 undergraduate nursing students participating in the study. Data was collected using a questionnaire survey after obtaining ethical clearance from the university’s ethics committee and were analysed descriptively.Results: The findings revealed that the internet was used for various purposes including; academic (96.5%); communication (82.6%), pleasure (71.3%), and work-related activity (53.9%). Facebook (77.4%) was the most commonly used social network. Constraints encountered in using Barriers to the use of the internet include restriction of access to certain sites (62.6%), very slow internet connection (55.7%), little training on how to use internet facilities (38.3%), and a limited number of computers (37.4%).Conclusions: Contrary to other studies, this study shows that students do use the internet for a number of reasons, and recommend structured support on how to use if for academic purposes.
Association between sleep pattern and body mass index among undergraduate health colleges’ students at Qassim University, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alfarhan Fadyah Ali , Al. Matrouk Masheal , AlGaowba Haifa , AlHamely Raghad , M. Tork Hanan
Published: March 2018

Background and objective: Better quality and adequate amount of sleep are essential to have better cognitive performance and by contrast, poor bedrest is related to a diminishing of cognitive and psychological functioning and deteriorating physical health. Recently the quality of sleep among various segments of the population has become a focus of continuous research and investigations, where insufficient sleep may lead to adverse cardio-metabolic effects by influencing body weight, blood pressure, and glucose tolerance. The objective of this study is to explore the associations between sleep patterns and Body Mass Index (BMI) among undergraduate female students in health colleges.Methods: Across-sectional study was utilized among 288 of undergraduate female students who represent 30% of all undergraduate students in health Colleges of female section, Qassim University. The data regarding their sleeping pattern was collected and calculated by using a validated self-report questioner (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and Body Mass.Results: According to PSQI scoring, both categories good and poor sleep maximum according to PSQI scoring; both categories good sleep and poor sleep maximum participant's BMI was normal but no statistically significant association was seen between BMI of poor sleep was higher in overweight and obese participants from all departments and also no statistically significant association was seen between poor sleep and body mass index of participant As for the sleep quality as a single question and sleep duration in relation to BMI for different specialties, only for nursing students there was a statistically significant difference of sleep quality/duration in relation to their BMI.Conclusions: Frequency of poor sleep was higher in overweight and obese participants but as per findings there was no statistically significant association was detected between PSQI score and BMI of participants.
Problems and Prospects of Legal Regulation of Regional Trade and Economic Cooperation within the Framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (An Example of the Krasnodar Krai)
Authors: A. V. Dashin , I. V. Petrov , E. L. Simatova , O. V. Shapoval
Published: March 2018

The article analyzes the legal regulation of trade and economic cooperation in the territory of the SCO member states. Based on the analysis of legal acts regulating these legal relations both internationally and nationally, the authors make a number of proposals for improving the regulatory framework, placing particular emphasis on the regulation of economic relations between the subjects of the Russian Federation and other regions of foreign states (using the example of Krasnodar Krai).
Psychological ways of preparing to start by athletes; pre-performance
language routines
Authors: Kotek Joanna , Maciuszek Józef
Published: March 2018

Introduction
Article investigates direct psychological preparation to start by analysing techniques used by athletes to indicate
an optimal starting state. Main goal was to diff erentiate pre-performance routines from sport mantras, understood
as repetitive use of language, and to answer the question if the mantras have diff erent eff ects on the process of
preparation to start. The article is based on own research and literature.
Subjects and procedure
Research contains survey, covering the issue of mental techniques used by athletes before the start (146 respondents).
15 interviewees were chosen for semi-structured interviews about use of pre-performance mantras.
Results and conclusions
The outcome was the defi nition of sport mantra and description of variations of its use. Diff erences between this
technique and other strategies of mental preparation to start were described. The results of the study address that
and the characteristics of the mantas technique. It also provides clues for teaching pre-performance preparation.
Faith Through the Dark of Night
Authors: McKaughan Daniel J. ,   The Society of Christian Philosophers
Published: March 2018

Faith plays a valuable role in sustaining relationships through various kinds of challenges, including through evidentially unfavorable circumstances and periods of significant doubt. But if, as is widely assumed, both faith in God and faith that God exists require belief that God exists, and if one’s beliefs are properly responsive to one’s evidence, the capacity for faith to persevere amidst significant and well-grounded doubt will be fairly limited. Taking Mother Teresa as an exemplar of Christian faith and exploring the close connection between faith and faithfulness in the context of committed covenantal relationships, I set out a view of Relational Faith that does not assume that faith requires belief and allows wide room for honestly wrestling with doubt from within the Judeo-Christian tradition.
Osteology and relationships of Libanopycnodus wenzi gen. et sp. nov. and Sigmapycnodus giganteus gen. et sp. nov. (Pycnodontiformes) from the Late Cretaceous of Lebanon
Authors: Taverne Louis , Capasso Luigi
Published: March 2018

The skeleton and the relationships of Libanopycnodus wenzi gen. et sp. nov. and of Sigmapycnodus giganteus gen. et sp. nov., two pycnodontiform fishes from the marine Cenomanian (Late Cretaceous) of Lebanon, are studied in detail. Both species belong to the family Pycnodontidae, as shown by their parietal brush-like process. Some osteological characters (bifid cloacal scale, large well visible dilatator fossa surrounded by the dermosphenotic and the dermopterotic, etc.) indicate that they are members of the subfamily Pycnodontinae. Libanopycnodus gen. nov. has the preopercle much deeper than the exposed region of the hyomandibula-dermohyomandibula and is the most primitive genus of this lineage. Sigmapycnodus gen. nov. is one of the most advanced members of the subfamily. It shares with Oropycnodus Poyato-Ariza & Wenz, 2002 and Pycnodus Agassiz, 1833 an apomorphy not present in the less specialized Pycnodontinae, the arcocentra in hypercomplex contact.
Transmission genetics of drug-resistant hepatitis C virus
Authors: van Buuren Nicholas , Tellinghuisen Timothy L , Richardson Christopher D , Kirkegaard Karla
Published: March 2018

Antiviral development is plagued by drug resistance and genetic barriers to resistance are needed. For HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV), combination therapy has proved life-saving. The targets of direct-acting antivirals for HCV infection are NS3/4A protease, NS5A phosphoprotein and NS5B polymerase. Differential visualization of drug-resistant and -susceptible RNA genomes within cells revealed that resistant variants of NS3/4A protease and NS5A phosphoprotein are cis-dominant, ensuring their direct selection from complex environments. Confocal microscopy revealed that RNA replication complexes are genome-specific, rationalizing the non-interaction of wild-type and variant products. No HCV antivirals yet display the dominance of drug susceptibility shown for capsid proteins of other viruses. However, effective inhibitors of HCV polymerase exact such high fitness costs for drug resistance that stable genome selection is not observed. Barriers to drug resistance vary with target biochemistry and detailed analysis of these barriers should lead to the use of fewer drugs.
Comprehensive machine learning analysis of Hydra behavior reveals a stable basal behavioral repertoire
Authors: Han Shuting , Taralova Ekaterina , Dupre Christophe , Yuste Rafael
Published: March 2018

Animal behavior has been studied for centuries, but few efficient methods are available to automatically identify and classify it. Quantitative behavioral studies have been hindered by the subjective and imprecise nature of human observation, and the slow speed of annotating behavioral data. Here, we developed an automatic behavior analysis pipeline for the cnidarian Hydra vulgaris using machine learning. We imaged freely behaving Hydra, extracted motion and shape features from the videos, and constructed a dictionary of visual features to classify pre-defined behaviors. We also identified unannotated behaviors with unsupervised methods. Using this analysis pipeline, we quantified 6 basic behaviors and found surprisingly similar behavior statistics across animals within the same species, regardless of experimental conditions. Our analysis indicates that the fundamental behavioral repertoire of Hydra is stable. This robustness could reflect a homeostatic neural control of "housekeeping" behaviors which could have been already present in the earliest nervous systems.
Limb-use by foraging marine turtles, an evolutionary perspective
Authors: Fujii Jessica A. , McLeish Don , Brooks Andrew J. , Gaskell John , Van Houtan Kyle S.
Published: March 2018

The use of limbs for foraging is documented in both marine and terrestrial tetrapods. These behaviors were once believed to be less likely in marine tetrapods due to the physical constraints of body plans adapted to locomotion in a fluid environment. Despite these obstacles, ten distinct types of limb-use while foraging have been previously reported in nine marine tetrapod families. Here, we expand the types of limb-use documented in marine turtles and put it in context with the diversity of marine tetrapods currently known to use limbs for foraging. Additionally, we suggest that such behaviors could have occurred in ancestral turtles, and thus, possibly extend the evolutionary timeline of limb-use behavior in marine tetrapods back approximately 70 million years. Through direct observationin situand crowd-sourcing, we document the range of behaviors across habitats and prey types, suggesting its widespread occurrence. We argue the presence of these behaviors among marine tetrapods may be limited by limb mobility and evolutionary history, rather than foraging ecology or social learning. These behaviors may also be remnant of ancestral forelimb-use that have been maintained due to a semi-aquatic life history.
Surgical Treatment of Lower Cervical TuberculosisWith Kyphosis Deformity
Authors: Lan Xu , Xu Jian-Zhong , Liu Xue-Mei , Ge Bao-Feng
Published: March 2018

The objective of this paper was to investigate the outcome of the patients with lower cervical tuberculosis with kyphosis deformity who underwent 1-stage anterior debridement, autograft fusion combined anterior or posterior fixation. From January 2007 to December 2012, 10 cases were enrolled in this retrospective study. There were 7 patients with cervical deformity and 3 with cervicothoracic kyphosis. Seven patients underwent anterior debridement and reconstruction, using iliac crest or cage with autograft, while 3 patients with cervicothoracic kyphosis received single-stage kyphosis correction and posterior fixation combined anterior debridement and autograft fusion. Neurologic function of all the patients was evaluated by JOA score and visual analogue scale (VAS) score. Patients were followed up for 26 months on average. The mean preoperative focal kyphotic angle was 49.1° (range, 25–90°), reducing to −4.9° (range, −15 to 13°) postoperatively at the last follow-up visit. Neurologic assessment of all the patients using the JOA and VAS score was improved significantly after surgery. All patients had solid fusion and no major complications were observed in the follow-up. One-stage anterior debridement, autograft fusion combined anterior or posterior fixation was demonstrated to be a safe and effective method to achieve spinal decompression and kyphosis correction in patients with lower cervical tuberculosis.
A Nomogram for Predicting Lymph Node Metastasis in Submucosal Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Fujino Shiki , Miyoshi Norikatsu , Ohue Masayuki , Yasui Masayoshi , Sugimura Keijiro , Akita Hirofumi , Takahashi Hidenori , Kobayashi Shogo , Fujiwara Yoshiyuki , Yano Masahiko , Higashiyama Masahiko , Sakon Masato
Published: March 2018

In colorectal cancer (CRC), the possibility of lymph node (LN) metastasis is an important consideration when deciding on treatment. We developed a nomogram for predicting lymph node metastasis of submucosal (SM) CRC. The medical records of 509 patients with SM CRC from 1984 to 2012 were retrospectively investigated. All the patients underwent curative surgical resection at the Osaka Medical Center for Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases. A total 113 patients with inadequate data were excluded. Using a group of 293 patients who underwent surgery from 1984 to 2008, a logistic regression model was used to develop a prediction model for LN metastasis. The prediction model was validated in an additional group of 103 patients who underwent surgery from 2009 to 2012. Univariate analysis of pathologic factors showed the influence of low histologic grade (muc, por, sig; P < 0.001), positive lymphatic invasion (P < 0.001), positive vascular invasion (P = 0.036), and tumor SM invasion depth (P = 0.098) in LN metastasis. Using these variables, a nomogram predicting LN metastasis was constructed using a logistic regression model with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.717. The prediction model was validated by an external dataset in an independent patient group with an AUC of 0.920. We developed a novel and reliable nomogram predicting LN metastasis through the integration of 4 pathologic factors. This prediction model may help clinicians to decide on personalized treatment following endoscopic resection.