bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crop Management Affects the Performance of a Winter Pea–Wheat Intercrop
Authors: Pelzer Elise , Bazot Mathieu , Guichard Laurence , Jeuffroy Marie‐Hélène
Published: March 2016

Cereal–legume intercropping systems may show improved agronomic and environmental performance over sole crops depending on the intercrop management. This study aimed at investigating the effect of sowing and fertilizer management on the performance of a winter pea (Pisum sativum L.)–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) intercrop. A 2‐yr experiment was performed in Grignon, France. Intercrop management strategies varied in sowing proportion relative to the sowing density of sole crops (50:50, 66:33, and 50:70 for pea and wheat, respectively) and N fertilization (without N fertilization, conventionally fertilized, and overfertilized at different dates). Conventionally managed sole wheat and sole pea were used as controls. The total grain yield, wheat yield proportion at harvest, yield components, N efficiency, grain protein concentration, residual soil mineral N after harvest, and land equivalent ratios (LER) were compared. The fertilized 50:50 intercrop was a good compromise between production (yields and wheat protein concentration), N efficiency, and limited residual soil N. The unfertilized 50:50 intercrop had the lowest grain yields and wheat protein concentration. An early overfertilization increased the proportion of wheat yield at harvest, whereas a late overfertilization increased the wheat grain protein concentration. Increasing the proportion of pea at sowing was a good way to produce more pea yield. Increasing the sown wheat proportion with N fertilization led to a higher proportion of wheat yield at harvest but did not improve the wheat grain protein concentration. These results indicate that agronomic management markedly impacts intercrop performance, and management practices can be adjusted to meet farmers’ production targets.

Sowing rate and N fertilization impacts the agronomic performances of a pea–wheat intercrop.

Intercrop management has to be adapted to the farmer's production targets.

Conventionally managed intercrop is a compromise between production and environmental impacts.

Overfertilization may increase wheat production and protein concentration.

Producing more pea implies increasing pea proportion at sowing and decreasing N fertilization.
Shade, Irrigation, and Nutrients Affect Flavonoid Concentration and Yield in American Skullcap
Authors: Similien Arsène , Shannon Dennis A. , Wesley Wood C. , Rimando Agnes M. , Kemppainen Barbara W. , van Santen Edzard , Joshee Nirmal
Published: March 2016

American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora L.) is valued for its sedative properties that are associated with flavonoids. Information on how growing conditions affect flavonoid content is lacking. A 2 by 2 by 3 factorial experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design (r = 4) with a split‐plot restriction on randomization to explore effects of light, irrigation, and nutrient application on flavonoid concentration and yield in American skullcap. Treatment factors were shade (40% shade vs. no shade), irrigation (applied at 30 kPa vs. no irrigation), and nutrients (no fertilizer vs. fertilizer [100 kg N, 68 kg P, 42 kg K ha−1] or chicken litter [100 kg N, 50 kg P, 123 kg K ha−1]). Shade formed the main plot units; irrigation and nutrients were randomized within subplots. Aboveground biomass was harvested twice in both 2007 and 2008. Dried, finely ground samples were extracted and analyzed for flavonoid concentration using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The flavonoid baicalin was present in highest concentration and yield, followed by baicalein; wogonin and chrysin were present in only small amounts. Flavonoid concentration was 72% higher in full sun, 15% higher with irrigation, while added nutrients decreased baicalin concentration by 6% but increased baicalein by 16%. Significant interactions of shade × irrigation and shade × nutrients were also observed. Flavonoid yield was 25% higher under shade, 92% higher with irrigation, and 43% higher with added nutrients. Significant interactions of shade × irrigation, shade × nutrients, and irrigation × nutrients were also observed. Increasing biomass yield had a greater effect on total flavonoid harvested than did increasing flavonoid concentration.
Genotype‐by‐Environment Interaction and Trait Associations in Two Genetic Populations of Oat
Authors: Yan Weikai , Frégeau‐Reid J. , Pageau Denis , Martin Richard
Published: March 2016

Ideal milling cultivars of oat (Avena sativa L.) should have high grain yield, groat percentage, β‐glucan, and protein but oil content lower than certain level. The genotype‐by‐environment interaction (G × E) of these traits and their genetic correlations were studied using two genetic populations (‘Goslin’ crossed with ‘HiFi’ and ‘Sherwood’ crossed with ‘HiFi’) tested in multilocation trials from 2010 to 2012 in eastern Canada. The results showed limited G × E for all of the quality traits, especially for β‐glucan and oil, and transgressive segregation was observed for all traits in both populations except for groat percentage in the Goslin × HiFi population. The G × E for grain yield was overwhelming, however, suggesting that yield must be selected within subregions. Four unfavorable trait associations were observed, namely, a negative correlation between grain yield and protein content, a positive correlation between β‐glucan content and oil content, a negative correlation between groat percentage and β‐glucan content, and to a lesser extent, a negative correlation between grain yield and groat percentage. However, the magnitude of these correlations was small and breeding lines with good levels of groat, β‐glucan, oil, and protein were identified. These lines may be used as parents in breeding superior milling oat cultivars.
Analyzing Management‐Induced Dynamics of Soluble Organic Matter Composition in Soils from Long‐Term Field Experiments
Authors: Ellerbrock R.H. , Gerke H.H.
Published: March 2016

Core Ideas

Changes in soil OM composition found with FTIR could be related to sorption properties.

CEC of pyrophosphate‐soluble OM increased for long‐term farmyard manure applications.

CEC decreased for mineral N applications relative to unfertilized treatments.

Soil organic matter (SOM) can be affected by adopted soil management options. However, it is unclear how mineral and organic fertilization could change the amount and composition of SOM. The objective of this study was to test the applicability of infrared spectroscopy for analyzing management‐induced impacts on organic matter (OM) composition. Ap horizon samples were collected from the long term‐field experiments at Bad Lauchstädt (loam), Groß Kreutz, and Müncheberg (both loamy sand) in plots fertilized with farmyard manure (FYM), farmyard manure plus mineral N (FYM + N), and mineral N only (N) and an unfertilized control plot. The SOM and hot‐water‐soluble and pyrophosphate‐soluble (OM‐PY) organic matter fractions were analyzed using Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The OM composition was evaluated in terms of the ratio between absorption band intensities in FTIR. The soluble OM fractions of FYM had larger C=O/C–O–C ratios than the N and control treatments. While the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of OM‐PY from FYM was larger, it was smaller for the N plots than the control at all sites. The results allowed identification of fertilization‐induced long‐term dynamics in (i) the OM composition and (ii) the CEC and the potential wettability of SOM and OM fractions. The OM‐PY fraction could be used to identify and characterize the long‐term changes in OM composition. For a more quantitative analysis, however, more replicate samples and a seasonal differentiation would be required to separate between shorter and longer term changes.
Impact of Water Table Fluctuations on the Concentration of Borehole Gas from NAPL Sources in the Vadose Zone
Authors: Joun Won-Tak , Lee Seong-Sun , Koh Youn-Eun , Lee Kang-Kun
Published: March 2016

Core Ideas

Field borehole TCE gas concentration responded to water table fluctuations.

Laboratory and numerical tests were performed to analyze the response patterns.

Borehole gas data can be used for identification of contamination sources.

Dense non‐aqueous‐phase liquids (DNAPLs), such as trichloroethylene (TCE), adversely affect groundwater quality because they are difficult to remove from the subsurface environment. Trichloroethylene is volatile, and TCE gas can diffuse into a borehole to change the borehole gas concentration. Thus, borehole TCE gas monitoring can provide information on the presence of a TCE source. In this study, borehole gas extraction tests were conducted at a field site contaminated by TCE and its daughter products. Temporal changes in borehole gas concentrations appeared to be closely related to changes in the level of the water table. Laboratory experiments were performed to demonstrate that changes in gas concentrations were due to water table fluctuation at boreholes located near residual TCE point sources. Three source configurations for the borehole TCE gas migration, generated from either DNAPL, TCE, or dissolved TCE, were used to design two‐dimensional sand tank experiments. Under fluctuating water table conditions, DNAPL TCE sources in the unsaturated zone produced slow response times but high and long‐lasting gas concentrations. In contrast, dissolved TCE sources produced relatively weak gas concentrations characterized by a peak, quickly followed by decreasing gas concentration curves. The Subsurface Transport Over Multiple Phases (STOMP) simulator was used to simulate breakthrough curves under fluctuating water table conditions. The results of the sand tank experiments and numerical simulations both suggest that a fluctuating water table is a significant factor in determining borehole gas concentrations. The results also show that the combination of borehole gas and groundwater monitoring has an important role in field applications because the changing pattern of borehole gas concentrations can be used to understand characteristics of the presence of DNAPL sources, whether these remained only in the unsaturated zone or were also dissolved in groundwater.
Speciation of chromium through aqueous two-phase extraction of complexes of Cr(III) with 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol and Cr(VI) with 1,5-diphenylcarbazide
Authors: Simonova Tamara , Dubrovina Valentina , Vishnikin Andriy
Published: March 2016

A green, sensitive and selective methods are described for the
preconcentration and speciation of chromium species in natural waters. The
developed methods are based on the environmentally friendly aqueous
two-phase extraction with a system consisted of ammonium sulfate and
polyethylene glycol, or, alternatively, alcohol (ethanol, isopropanol). The
extraction of chromium species from aqueous solution into the upper organic
phase was performed with 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol and
1,5-diphenylcarbazide as chelating agents for Cr(III) and Cr(VI),
respectively. Some predominant factors affecting the preconcentration and
speciation of both Cr(III) and Cr(VI) species were evaluated and optimized.
The concentration of chromium species in upper organic phase was determined
by both spectrophotometric and electrothermal atomic-absorption spectrometry
(ET AAS) methods. Under the optimum conditions, the calibration graphs
obtained with spectrophotometric method were linear over the concentration
ranges from 5 to 500 ?g L-1 for Cr(III) and from 2.5 to 50 ?g L-1 for
Cr(VI). Corresponding concentration ranges determined by using ET AAS method
were from 1 to 10 ?g L-1 for both chromium species. The proposed methods
were applied to the determination of chromium species in mine and waste
waters with satisfactory results.
Interpretative optimization of the isocratic ion chromatographic separation of anions
Authors: Todorovic Zaklina , Rajakovic Ljubinka , Onjia Antonije
Published: March 2016

Interpretive retention modeling was utilized to optimize the isocratic ion
chromatographic (IC) separation of the nine anions (formate, fluoride,
chloride, nitrite, bromide, nitrate, phosphate, sulfate, oxalate). The
carbonate-bicarbonate eluent was used and separation was done on a Dionex
AS14 ion-exchange column. The influence of combined effects of two mobile
phase factors, the total eluent concentration (2 - 6 mM) and the
carbonate/bicaronate ratio from 1:9 to 9:1 (which corespondent to pH range
9.35 - 11.27), on the IC separation was studied. The multiple species
analyte/eluent model that takes into account ion-exchange equilibria of the
eluent and sample anions was used. In order to estimate the parameters in the
model, a non-linear fitting of the retention data, obtained at two-factor
three-level experimental design, was applied. To find the optimal conditions
in the experimental design, the normalized resolution product as a
chromatographic objective function was employed. This criterion includes both
the individual peak resolution and the total analysis time. A good agreement
between experimental and simulated chromatograms was obtained.
An investigation of chitosan and sodium dodecyl sulfate interactions in acetic media
Authors: Petrovic Lidija , Milinkovic Jelena , Fraj Jadranka , Bucko Sandra , Katona Jaroslav
Published: March 2016

Polymer/surfactant association is a cooperative phenomenon where surfactant
binds to the polymer in the form of aggregates, usually through electrostatic
or hydrophobic forces. As already known, polyelectrolytes may interact with
oppositely charged surfactants through electrostatic attraction that results
in polymer/surfactant complex formation. This behavior could be desirable in
wide range of application of polymer/surfactant mixtures, such as improving
colloid stability, gelling, emulsification and microencapsulation. In the
present study surface tension, turbidity, viscosity and electrophoretic
mobility measurements were used to investigate interactions of cationic
polyelectrolyte chitosan (Ch) and oppositely charged anionic surfactant,
sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), in buffered water. Obtained results show the
presence of interactions that lead to Ch/SDS complexes formation at all
investigated pH and for all investigated polymer concentrations. Mechanisms
of interaction, as well as characteristics of formed Ch/SDS complexes, are
highly dependent on their mass ratio in the mixtures, while pH has no
significant influence.
Ultrasound and shacking-assisted water-leaching of anions and cations from fly ash
Authors: Savic-Bisercic Marjetka , Pezo Lato , Sredovic-Ignjatovic Ivana , Ignjatovic Ljubisa , Savic Andrija , Jovanovic Uros , Andric Velibor
Published: March 2016

Two mechanical extraction techniques were used for the extraction of
environmentaly interesting elements from coal fly ash: shaking, in which the
extraction process lasted from 6 to 24 hours, and ultrasonic sonication
during 15 to 60 minutes, with water as extractant. The concentration of
anions in fly ash extracts were determined by ion chromatography, while
atomic absorption spectrometry was used for determination of: As, Pb, Cd,
Ni, Cr, Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn and Al. The ultrasonic sonication yielded slightly
higher amounts of extracted anions and Pb, Al, Mn and Fe, while
shaking-assisted extraction was more efficient for the Cr, As, Zn and Ni
ions. The changes in pH value, particle size distribution in colloid, zeta
potential and conductivity during ultrasound-assisted extraction were
measured in order to explain changes on the surface of fly ash particles in
contact with water and different processes (adsorption, ion exchange,
flocculation) that occur in environmental conditions. Principal Component
Analysis were used for assessing the effect of observed process parameters.
Essential from a practical point of view is a quantitative evaluation of
these elements leachable from coal fly ash to surface waters in
environmental conditions and contamination of the environment.
Iris melanocytoma
Authors: Bobic-Radovanovic Anica , Dacic-Krnjaja Bojana , Jaksic Vesna
Published: March 2016

Introduction. Iris melanocytoma (IM) is a rare benign tumor, but unavoidable
in differential diagnosis of pigmented iris lesions. According to the best
knowledge of the authors it is for the first time in Serbia that a
well-documented case of IM is presented and that the problem of this tumor is
discussed. Case Outline. In the left eye of a 47-year-old white female at the
iris in a six o?clock position, a highly pigmented, dome shaped lesion with a
crater-like cavity in the center and with feathery margins was noticed. There
were no signs of infiltration of surrounding tissue or intrinsic vessels and
the lens was clear. Visual acuity and intraocular pressure were normal. An
ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) revealed a well-defined lesion with high
internal reflectivity, with a base diameter of 1.25 mm and a thickness of
0.80 mm in the periphery, and 0.53 mm in the central part. The diagnosis of
IM of the left eye was established and regular checkups were performed for
ten years. No changes in clinical or UBM presentation were established.
Conclusion. Awareness of clinical presentation of IM is most important for
correct diagnosis. Ultrasound biomicroscopy is a useful diagnostic procedure
in the following up of IM.
Peripartum cardiomyopathy in a patient treated for acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Colovic Natasa , Seferovic Petar , Plecic Miroslava , Vidovic Ana , Suvajdzic Nada , Tomin Dragica
Published: March 2016

Introduction. Peripartum cardiomyopathy usually presents with systolic heart
failure during the last months of pregnancy and up to five months postpartum.
The disease is rare and can be fatal. Case Outline. We report a 30-year-old
female who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, with maturation and
cytogenetic finding of t(8;21)(q22;q22),del(9)(q22) in January 2004. She was
treated with chemotherapy and achieved complete remission that lasts to date.
She became pregnant and delivered a healthy newborn with caesarean section in
2009. Seven months later, she again became pregnant and delivered the second
child with caesarean section in January 2011. Seven days after delivery she
developed symptoms and signs of heart failure. Electrocardiogram showed sinus
rhythm, low voltage and negative T-waves in inferior and lateral leads.
Echocardiography revealed global left ventricular dysfunction with ejection
fraction of 15%, with mobile thrombotic mass of 12 mm attached to the left
ventricle wall. She was treated with both unfractionated and low-molecular
heparin, diuretics, cardiotonics, and beta-blockers. Within six following
weeks left ventricle systolic function improved up to 25-30%. The full
clinical recovery was achieved in September 2013, resulting in absence of
heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction of 54%. Conclusion.
Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a rare condition. The cause of cardiomyopathy is
unknown, but it is believed that it could be triggered by various conditions
and risk factors. Although the patient was treated with cardiotoxic drugs
(doxorubicin and mitoxantrone) in permitted doses, they could have been
contributory factors of myocardial damage. Close monitoring of cardiac
function in the peripartal period might be beneficial in patients treated
with cardiotoxic drugs.
Case report of an infant with severe vitamin D deficiency rickets manifested as hypocalcemic seizures
Authors: Vuletic Biljana , Markovic Slavica , Igrutinovic Zoran , Radlovic Vladimir , Raskovic Zorica , Tanaskovic-Nestorovic Jelena , Simovic Aleksandra
Published: March 2016

Introduction. Hypocalcemic seizures are uncommon in the post-neonatal period.
We report an infant with hypocalcemic seizures caused by severe deficiency of
vitamin D. Case Outline. A five-month-old male infant was admitted to
hospital in March 2013 with recurrent generalized afebrile seizures resistant
to clonazepam therapy. At the clinical examination, the infant showed
characteristic rachitic signs, so that after a blood sample was taken for
laboratory testing, the infant was given infusion of 2 ml/kg of 10% of
calcium gluconate at a rate of 0.5 ml/min. The treatment resulted in
immediate termination of seizures and normalization of the consciousness of
the infant. Blood sample analysis showed extremely low levels of free and
total calcium (0.36/1.24 mmol/l) and 25(OH)D (<3 ng/ml), elevated alkaline
phosphatase (878 U/l) and parathyroid hormone (283 pg/ml), and low
calcium/creatinine ratio (mg/mg) in a portion of urine (0.03), while the
levels of serum phosphorus, pH, total protein, albumin and creatinine were
within the reference range. Wrist X-ray showed typical signs of rickets. In
order to fully stabilize calcium homeostasis, along with 2,000 IU of vitamin
D3 daily and standard cow?s milk formula, calcium gluconate (80 mg/kg daily)
was given orally over a period of two weeks. The treatment resulted in
complete stabilization of the infant?s condition and rapid improvement in
laboratory, radiological and clinical findings of rickets. Conclusion.
Generalized convulsions in the afebrile infant represent a serious and
etiopathogenically very heterogeneous problem. Extremely rare, as in the case
of our patient, it may be due to severe hypocalcemia caused by a deficiency
of vitamin D.
Field Study of Ohio’s Structural Support Inspection Program for Overhead Signs, Traffic Signals, and High-Mast Lights
Authors: Ghaedi Hamed , Nims Douglas , Gostautas Richard , Steinberg Eric , Hu Liangbo , Walsh Kenneth
Published: March 2016

The Ohio Department of Transportation (DOT) undertook a field study to evaluate its overall structural inspection programs for overhead sign supports (including those mounted on bridges), high-mast light supports, and traffic signal supports. This paper describes the Ohio DOT’s current support inspection program, the field study performed, and the recommendations that resulted from the field study. This research evaluated the adequacy and frequency of the current structural support inspection program for the studied supports. To assess the current program, a detailed, hands-on inspection was conducted on 202 supports. The results were then compared with the Ohio DOT’s current ground-based, visual inspection process. The hands-on inspection process found almost 87% more deficiencies; some deficiencies detected during the hands-on inspections could not have been observed from the ground. In addition, the different inspection procedures used by each district often produced inspection reports that varied in the amount of information and level of details collected during inspection. Recommendations were made to address the inventory process and inspection procedures for each type of support. A long-term goal should be to establish the current structural adequacy of every support in the Ohio DOT’s inventory at the time of inspection.
Assessment of Reinforced Concrete Highway Bridges
Authors: Polak Maria Anna , Walbridge Scott , Lai David , Luckai Jeffrey , Masnavi Alireza
Published: March 2016

The primary contributor to the corrosion of bridges in Canada is heavy use of de-icing salts, which can lead to severe rebar corrosion and girder soffit spalling in reinforced concrete (RC) highway bridges. This paper discusses recent challenges faced by authorities in dealing with corrosion problems in Canadian highway bridges, and describes typical approaches for the assessment and management of these structures. The study developed a methodology for evaluating the residual strength of spalled RC bridges. The basis for this methodology is a modified area concept, which can be used to consider the effects of exposed reinforcement at various locations along the girder length. The study developed a multipoint analysis program, which employs the modified area concept, along with graphical spalling surveys and structural drawings, to evaluate RC bridge girders. The program was adapted for a full bridge analysis and to consider other effects of corrosion, such as bar section loss and bond deterioration. A case study bridge was evaluated to show that the developed program offers a viable tool for the rapid assessment of spalled bridge girders, to facilitate the prioritization of rehabilitation projects. The methodology was evaluated in a pilot laboratory study, wherein soffit spalling simulated on reduced-scale concrete beam specimens and safe and accurate predictions of the specimen capacity were obtained using the modified area concept.
Dual receptors blocked mechanism arbitrates smooth muscles relaxant effect of Polypodium vulgare
Authors: Naz Syeda Batool , Chaudhry Mueen Ahmad , Rahaman Shafeeq Ur
Published: March 2016

The study was aimed to validate the traditional uses of Polypodium vulgare in disorders associated with smooth muscle contraction and to describe its possible underlying mechanism(s) by using in vitro and in vivo experimental techniques. Rhizome’s extract of P. vulgare reversed the high K+ (80 mM) and carbachol (1 µM) mediated contractions in isolated rabbit jejunum (5 and 10 mg/mL), trachea (5 and 10 mg/mL) and urinary bladder (3 and 10 mg/mL), with higher potency against carbachol than high K+, similar to dicyclomine. A rightward shift in carbachol cumulative response curves was observed in the presence of crude extract (1-3 mg/mL), similar to dicyclomine. Crude extract exhibited a dose-dependent (300-500 mg/kg) protective effect against castor oil-induced diarrhea in mice. Presence of dual blacked mechanism behind the smooth muscles relaxant effect of the crude extract, unveil medicinal significance of P. vulgare in GIT, respiratory and urinary bladder disorders.

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Log based petrophysical analysis of mio-pliocene sandstone reservoir encountered in well Rashidpur 4 of Bengal Basin in Bangladesh
Authors: Farhaduzzaman M , Islam MA , Abdullah WH , Dutta J
Published: March 2016

Rashidpur is located in the northeastern part of Bangladesh which is surrounded on three sides by India and on a small portion by Myanmar. Gamma-ray, spontaneous potential, density, neutron, resistivity, caliper, temperature and sonic logs are used to analyze petrophysical parameters of the well Rashidpur 4, Bangladesh. Quantitative measurements of different factors such as shale volume, porosity, permeability, water saturation, hydrocarbon saturation and bulk volume of water are carried out using well logs. Petrographic and XRD results based on several core samples are also compared with log-derived parameters. Twenty permeable zones are identified whereby four are hydrocarbon bearing in the studied Mio-Pliocene reservoir sandstones. Measured shale volume ranges from 11% to 38% and porosity is 19% to 28%. However, log-derived porosity is slightly higher than the thin section porosity. Water saturation of the interested zones varies from 14% to 38%, 13% to 39% and 16% to 41% measured from Schlumberger, Fertl and Simandoux formula respectively. Conversely, hydrocarbon saturation of the examined hydrocarbon zones ranges from 62% to 86%, 61% to 83% and 59% to 84% respectively. In the analyzed zones, the permeability values are calculated as 28-305 mD. Good to very good quality hydrocarbon reservoirs are appraised for the studied four zones based on the petrophysical parameters, petrographic observation and XRD analysis. Among these, Zone 4 is the best quality reservoir for hydrocarbon.Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 51(1), 23-34, 2016
(U. M)-derivations in completely semiprime ?-rings
Authors: Rahman MM , Paul AC
Published: March 2016

The objective of this paper is to extend and generalize some results of (Rahman and Paul, 2014) in completely semiprime ?- rings. We prove that, if is an admissible Lie ideal of a completely semiprime ?-ring and d is a (U, M) -derivation of then d(u?v)=d(u)?v+u?d(v) for all u, v ? U and ? ? ?Mathematics Subject Classification: 13N15, 16W10, 17C50Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 51(1). 69-74, 2016
ODYSSEY: A PUBLIC GPU-BASED CODE FOR GENERAL RELATIVISTIC RADIATIVE TRANSFER IN KERR SPACETIME
Authors: Pu Hung-Yi , Yun Kiyun , Younsi Ziri , Yoon Suk-Jin
Published: March 2016

General relativistic radiative transfer calculations coupled with the calculation of geodesics in the Kerr spacetime are an essential tool for determining the images, spectra, and light curves from matter in the vicinity of black holes. Such studies are especially important for ongoing and upcoming millimeter/submillimeter very long baseline interferometry observations of the supermassive black holes at the centers of Sgr A* and M87. To this end we introduce Odyssey, a graphics processing unit (GPU) based code for ray tracing and radiative transfer in the Kerr spacetime. On a single GPU, the performance of Odyssey can exceed 1 ns per photon, per Runge–Kutta integration step. Odyssey is publicly available, fast, accurate, and flexible enough to be modified to suit the specific needs of new users. Along with a Graphical User Interface powered by a video-accelerated display architecture, we also present an educational software tool, Odyssey_Edu, for showing in real time how null geodesics around a Kerr black hole vary as a function of black hole spin and angle of incidence onto the black hole.
DREAMING OF ATMOSPHERES
Authors: Waldmann I. P.
Published: March 2016

Here, we introduce the RobERt (Robotic Exoplanet Recognition) algorithm for the classification of exoplanetary emission spectra. Spectral retrieval of exoplanetary atmospheres frequently requires the preselection of molecular/atomic opacities to be defined by the user. In the era of open-source, automated, and self-sufficient retrieval algorithms, manual input should be avoided. User dependent input could, in worst-case scenarios, lead to incomplete models and biases in the retrieval. The RobERt algorithm is based on deep-belief neural (DBN) networks trained to accurately recognize molecular signatures for a wide range of planets, atmospheric thermal profiles, and compositions. Reconstructions of the learned features, also referred to as the “dreams” of the network, indicate good convergence and an accurate representation of molecular features in the DBN. Using these deep neural networks, we work toward retrieval algorithms that themselves understand the nature of the observed spectra, are able to learn from current and past data, and make sensible qualitative preselections of atmospheric opacities to be used for the quantitative stage of the retrieval process.
THE KENNICUTT–SCHMIDT RELATION IN EXTREMELY METAL-POOR DWARF GALAXIES
Authors: Filho M. E. , Almeida J. Sánchez , Amorín R. , Muñoz-Tuñón C. , Elmegreen B. G. , Elmegreen D. M.
Published: March 2016

The Kennicutt–Schmidt (KS) relation between the gas mass and star formation rate (SFR) describes the star formation regulation in disk galaxies. It is a function of gas metallicity, but the low-metallicity regime of the KS diagram is poorly sampled. We have analyzed data for a representative set of extremely metal-poor galaxies (XMPs), as well as auxiliary data, and compared these to empirical and theoretical predictions. The majority of the XMPs possess high specific SFRs, similar to high-redshift star-forming galaxies. On the KS plot, the XMP H i data occupy the same region as dwarfs and extend the relation for low surface brightness galaxies. Considering the H i gas alone, a considerable fraction of the XMPs already fall off the KS law. Significant quantities of “dark” H2 mass (i.e., not traced by CO) would imply that XMPs possess low star formation efficiencies (SFEgas). Low SFEgas in XMPs may be the result of the metal-poor nature of the H i gas. Alternatively, the H i reservoir may be largely inert, the star formation being dominated by cosmological accretion. Time lags between gas accretion and star formation may also reduce the apparent SFEgas, as may galaxy winds, which can expel most of the gas into the intergalactic medium. Hence, on global scales, XMPs could be H i-dominated, high-specific-SFR (≳10−10 yr−1), low-SFEgas (≲10−9 yr−1) systems, in which the total H i mass is likely not a good predictor of the total H2 mass, nor of the SFR.
RADIO DISAPPEARANCE OF THE MAGNETAR XTE J1810–197 AND CONTINUED X-RAY TIMING
Authors: Camilo F. , Ransom S. M. , Halpern J. P. , Alford J. A. J. , Cognard I. , Reynolds J. E. , Johnston S. , Sarkissian J. , van Straten W.
Published: March 2016

We report on timing, flux density, and polarimetric observations of the transient magnetar and 5.54 s radio pulsar XTE J1810−197 using the Green Bank, Nançay, and Parkes radio telescopes beginning in early 2006, until its sudden disappearance as a radio source in late 2008. Repeated observations through 2016 have not detected radio pulsations again. The torque on the neutron star, as inferred from its rotation frequency derivative

, decreased in an unsteady manner by a factor of three in the first year of radio monitoring, until approximately mid-2007. By contrast, during its final year as a detectable radio source, the torque decreased steadily by only 9%. The period-averaged flux density, after decreasing by a factor of 20 during the first 10 months of radio monitoring, remained relatively steady in the next 22 months, at an average of 0.7 ± 0.3 mJy at 1.4 GHz, while still showing day-to-day fluctuations by factors of a few. There is evidence that during this last phase of radio activity the magnetar had a steep radio spectrum, in contrast to earlier flat-spectrum behavior. No secular decrease presaged its radio demise. During this time, the pulse profile continued to display large variations; polarimetry, including of a new profile component, indicates that the magnetic geometry remained consistent with that of earlier times. We supplement these results with X-ray timing of the pulsar from its outburst in 2003 up to 2014. For the first 4 years, XTE J1810−197 experienced non-monotonic excursions in frequency derivative by at least a factor of eight. But since 2007, its

has remained relatively stable near its minimum observed value. The only apparent event in the X-ray record that is possibly contemporaneous with the radio shutdown is a decrease of ≈20% in the hot-spot flux in 2008–2009, to a stable, minimum value. However, the permanence of the high-amplitude, thermal X-ray pulse, even after the (unexplained) radio demise, implies continuing magnetar activity.
First records of Pseudodoros nigricollis Becker (Diptera: Syrphidae) from Cyprus
Authors: van Eck André , Makris Christodoulos
Published: March 2016

The hoverfly Pseudodoros nigricollis Becker, 1903 is a rarely collected species, of which information on its distribution and ecology is poorly understood.

In this paper the first records of the hoverfly Pseudodoros nigricollis from Cyprus are provided and discussed. The discovery indicates that this Afrotropical species is approaching the European continent. Short notes on the habitat in which it has been collected are provided. The relationship with the mealy plum aphid Hyalopterus pruni is discussed. Clues on further research are given.
Natality of Yearling Coyotes in West Virginia
Authors: Albers Geriann , Edwards John W. , Rogers Richard E. , Mastro Lauren L.
Published: March 2016

Minimal information is available regarding the reproduction of coyotes (Canis latrans) in the Mid-Atlantic region, which includes the states of Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Since reproductive information is useful to assess populations and determine management strategies and because this information is unavailable for the Mid-Atlantic, we examined uterine tracts of 66 female coyotes collected from February to May 2010 for fetuses. We measured fetuses using a digital caliper and approximated dates of conception and parturition. Nine (13.6%) female coyotes were pregnant with visible fetuses; seven of these females were yearlings (1.5–2.5 y old). Average litter size of yearling coyotes was 5.4 (SE = 0.48). We estimated an average conception date of 2 February and an average parturition date of 6 April. Conception and parturition dates were within the reported range for coyotes, though one female successfully bred in early January, which is earlier than reported in the literature. The relatively high proportion (30.4%) of yearling females breeding in West Virginia may reflect abundant food resources, low density of coyotes, increasing human-caused mortality, or a combination of these factors. Reproductive information reported here will be helpful in monitoring coyote population trends and in the assessment of management strategies.
Introduction to the Special issue on Qualitative and Quantitative Research in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy
Authors: Salcuni Silvia , Capella Claudia , Lis Adriana
Published: March 2016

Not available.
MicroRNAs Circulate in the Hemolymph of Drosophila and Accumulate Relative to Tissue microRNAs in an Age-Dependent Manner
Authors: Dhahbi Joseph M. , Atamna Hani , Li Rui , Yamakawa Amy , Guerrero Noel , Lam Hanh T. , Mote Patricia , Spindler Stephen R.
Published: March 2016

In mammals, extracellular miRNAs circulate in biofluids as stable entities that are secreted by normal and diseased tissues, and can enter cells and regulate gene expression. Drosophila melanogaster is a proven system for the study of human diseases. They have an open circulatory system in which hemolymph (HL) circulates in direct contact with all internal organs, in a manner analogous to vertebrate blood plasma. Here, we show using deep sequencing that Drosophila HL contains RNase-resistant circulating miRNAs (HL-miRNAs). Limited subsets of body tissue miRNAs (BT-miRNAs) accumulated in HL, suggesting that they may be specifically released from cells or particularly stable in HL. Alternatively, they might arise from specific cells, such as hemocytes, that are in intimate contact with HL. Young and old flies accumulated unique populations of HL-miRNAs, suggesting that their accumulation is responsive to the physiological status of the fly. These HL-miRNAs in flies may function similar to the miRNAs circulating in mammalian biofluids. The discovery of these HL-miRNAs will provide a new venue for health and disease-related research in Drosophila.
Trauma Pancreático Penetrante Severo—Revisión Retrospectiva de Una Serie de Casos Manejados Con Una Estrategia Simplificada en un Centro de Trauma Nivel 1
Authors: Puyana Juan Carlos , Vernaza Cristina , Rodriguez Fernando , Herrera Juan Pablo
Published: March 2016

Introducción

El trauma de páncreas, tiene una baja incidencia tanto en heridas penetrantes como cerradas y se asocia a múltiples lesiones de órganos que determinan la severidad del trauma y el riesgo de morbilidad y mortalidad.

Objetivo

Describir las características de los pacientes con trauma pancreático penetrante atendidos en a Fundación Valle del Lili (FVL), analizar el tratamiento realizado y las posibles variables asociadas a la ocurrencia de complicaciones relacionadas con la lesión del páncreas y dicho tratamiento.

Materiales y métodos

Se hizo una revisión retrospectiva de las historias clínicas de los pacientes con trauma abdominal penetrante con lesión de páncreas, manejados completamente en la FVL entre 2000 y 2013, que sobrevivieron más de 48 horas. Se analizaron variables demográficas, de la severidad del trauma y del manejo, relacionadas con el desarrollo de fístula pancreática.

Resultados

Se identificaron 28 pacientes con mediana de edad 30 años, (RIQ 21–38). Ocho, (28%) ingresaron en shock (TAS <90 mm Hg).

La severidad anatómica medida por el PATI tuvo una mediana de 50 (RIQ 34,5–67,5). El número de órganos lesionados una mediana de 5 (RIQ 5–6).

21 pacientes (75%) tuvieron lesiones vasculares mayores o menores, 19 (68%) compromiso gástrico, 14 (50%) colónico, 12 (43%) hepático, 12 de intestino delgado, 12 vascular mayor y 11 (39%) duodenal. La severidad de la lesión pancreática tuvo una mediana de 3 con RIQ de 2 a 4.

El tratamiento de la lesión pancreática consistió en sutura en 12 casos (42.8%), resección distal en 8 (28.6%) o empaquetamiento en 8.

Se presentaron complicaciones locales en 23 pacientes (83%). Sepsis abdominal en 19 (68%), fístula pancreática en 8 (29%) y fístula intestinal en 6 (21%).

Cuatro pacientes (14%) murieron. Dos por sepsis y dos por falla multiorgánica. No se encontró asociación entre la severidad del trauma o los órganos lesionados y el riesgo de fístula. Solamente la sutura del páncreas se asoció con menor riesgo de la complicación.

Comentario

Presentamos una serie de pacientes con trauma pancreático penetrante con una alta prevalencia de lesiones asociadas graves que determinaron una morbilidad considerable, a pesar de lo cual la mortalidad fue reducida. La sutura de la lesión pancreática se asoció con menor riesgo de fístula.

How to cite this article

Rodriguez F, García A, Ordoñez C, Vernaza C, Herrera JP, Puyana JC. Trauma Pancreático Penetrante Severo—Revisión Retrospectiva de Una Serie de Casos Manejados Con Una Estrategia Simplificada en un Centro de Trauma Nivel 1. Panam J Trauma Crit Care Emerg Surg 2015;4(3):147-154.
La Educación Entre Pares Como Estrategia Para Prevenir Accidentes de Tránsito en Motociclistas de la Facultad de Ciencias Para la Salud de la Universidad de Caldas
Authors: González-Rico Helberth Augusto , Urrea Bryan S , Puentes-Manosalva Fabián E
Published: March 2016

Introducción y objetivos

En Manizales los motociclistas han resultado los mayores contraventores de normas de tránsito, viéndose involucrados en 5 de cada 10 accidentes y responsables de casi el 50% de los muertos en choques. Con el proyecto ‘enciende tu vida’ buscamos concientizar a la población en torno a esta problemática y prevenir los accidentes que involucran jóvenes motociclistas, en primer lugar en la población universitaria de la Facultad de Ciencias para la Salud de la Universidad de Caldas, usando la educación entre pares como principal estrategia, generando en ellos empoderamiento como agentes multiplicadores.

Materiales y métodos

Se llevaron a cabo actividades de sensibilización y educación a cerca de 150 motociclistas, divididas en tres etapas que incluían impacto audiovisual, autoevaluación y reconocimiento de conductas al conducir motocicleta, educación entre pares en torno a las características del buen y mal motociclista, así como conocimiento de señales de tránsito. Todas las actividades se apoyaron de folletos, calcomanías, manillas, encuestas, y cubrimiento periodístico. Los datos fueron tabulados y procesados con EpiInfo™. Se implementará esta estrategia en otras ciudades y facultades del país a través de los distintos capítulos de la Asociación Colombiana Médica Estudiantil.

Resultados

El 71,2% de los motociclistas encuestados, consideraba que tenía prácticas inadecuadas al conducir. Así mismo, el 80,3% reconoció que la educación a motociclistas es la mejor estrategia para prevenir accidentes de tránsito, considerando que desde que se implementó la educación entre pares dentro del campus, el desempeño de la mayoría de ellos (72,7%) será más seguro, estando en capacidad de transmitir recomendaciones a otros motociclistas.

Conclusiones

La Educación entre pares es una estrategia útil y efectiva en motociclistas universitarios al hablar de seguridad vial, bajo la premisa de que éstos serán más propensos a escuchar y responder positivamente a la información suministrada cuando viene de sus pares, como lo sería otro estudiante universitario.

How to cite this article

González-Rico HA, Urrea BS, Puentes-Manosalva FE. La Educación Entre Pares Como Estrategia Para Prevenir Accidentes de Tránsito en Motociclistas de la Facultad de Ciencias Para la Salud de la Universidad de Caldas. Panam J Trauma Crit Care Emerg Surg 2015;4(3): 155-164.
Assessing the economic impact of a cultural heritage site using social accounting matrices
Authors: Campoy-Muñoz Pilar , Cardenete M. Alejandro , Delgado M. Carmen
Published: March 2016

Heritage sites attract cultural tourists and represent a major source of revenue and employment for the destination’s economy. This article assesses a cultural heritage site’s economic impact on its environment via linear models based on regionalized social accounting matrices. The proposed methodology is applied to data gathered on the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba in the year 2013 to determine the heritage site’s contribution to the host economy in terms of production and employment.
International tourists’ length of overnight stay in Venice
Authors: Mortazavi Reza , Cialani Catia
Published: March 2016

This study concerns factors influencing international tourists’ length of overnight stay in Venice. The data are from a survey conducted by the Bank of Italy on international tourism. Both zero-truncated negative binomial (ZTNB) and ordinary least squares (OLS) regressions are estimated. In general, the estimates from ZTNB and OLS regressions are similar. The results suggest that age, returning directly to the country of residence and the summer season have a positive influence on the length of stay. On the other hand, international tourist expenditure and visiting other places than Venice have a negative impact on the length of stay. Moreover, the average length of overnight stays differs among nationalities and those who have visited Venice previously tend, on average, to stay longer. One finding is that visitors from North America and Australia stay longer and spend more than visitors coming from neighbouring countries.
Mediation Effect of Self-Efficacy on the Relationship between Mentoring Function and Career Advancement among Academics in Iran
Authors: Parsa Bita , Parsa Parisa , Parsa Nakisa
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: Despite the importance of social organizational factors in career advancement and promotion among academic employees, still some academic employees suffer from low career advancement and consequently low academic performance. Aim of this study was to examine the mediation effect of self-efficacy on relationship between mentoring and career advancement among academic employees in the two public universities in Iran.

METHODS: This survey research was done among 307 randomly selected academic employees to determine predictors of their career advancement. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data. The Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) methodology was applied to determine the best fitted model to predict career advancement. Analysis of data was performed using the Pearson’s correlation analysis and SEM.

RESULTS: The results show that self-efficacy was related to mentoring and career advancement (p<0.05). The effect of mentoring on career advancement was significant (p<0.05). Self-efficacy partially mediated the relationship between mentoring and career advancement (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Academics need to be equipped with appropriate skills such as mentoring and enhance their self-efficacy to improve academic career advancement.
Cross-Country Economic Espionage and Investment in Research and Development
Authors: Chen Po-Lu
Published: March 2016

This paper investigates the impact of cross-country economic espionage on innovation incentives and welfare by considering both ex ante and ex post effects of espionage. I consider two firms residing in two countries with two types of innovation, cost-reducing research and development (R&D) and information technology R&D, and find that espionage activity reduces both firms’ investment in cost-reducing R&D. The change in consumer’s welfare due to espionage depends on two offsetting effects and is ambiguous. I also discuss the effect of sales ban policy on deterring espionage. I find that sales ban policy may alternatively encourage investment in espionage activities if market size is small. Whether sales ban policy can improve consumer’s welfare depends on the market size. When market size is large that espionage activities are deterred by sales ban, then more capital devoted to cost-reducing R&D leads to higher consumer welfare. However, if market size is small that espionage is not deterred, then monopolistic position of the local firm under sales ban policy hurts local consumers.