bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiotherapy response evaluation using FDG PET-CT—established and emerging applications
Authors: Cliffe Helen , Patel Chirag , Prestwich Robin , Scarsbrook Andrew
Published: December 2016

Radiation therapy is a common component of curative cancer treatment. However, there is a significant incidence of treatment failure. In these cases, salvage surgical options are sometimes appropriate. Accurate assessment of response and early recognition of treatment success or failure is therefore critical to guide treatment decisions and impacts on survival and the morbidity of treatment. Traditionally, treatment response has depended upon the anatomical measurement of disease. However, this may not correlate well with the presence of disease, especially after radiotherapy. Combined positron emission tomography (PET) and CT imaging employs radioactive tracers to identify molecular characteristics of tissues. PET imaging exploits the fact that malignancies have characteristic molecular profiles which differ compared with surrounding tissues. The complementary anatomical and functional information facilitates accurate non-invasive assessment of surrogate biomarkers of disease activity.
Recapitulating phylogenies using k-mers: from trees to networks
Authors: Bernard Guillaume , Ragan Mark A. , Chan Cheong Xin
Published: December 2016

Ernst Haeckel based his landmark Tree of Life on the supposed ontogenic recapitulation of phylogeny, i.e. that successive embryonic stages during the development of an organism re-trace the morphological forms of its ancestors over the course of evolution. Much of this idea has since been discredited. Today, phylogenies are often based on families of molecular sequences. The standard approach starts with a multiple sequence alignment, in which the sequences are arranged relative to each other in a way that maximises a measure of similarity position-by-position along their entire length. A tree (or sometimes a network) is then inferred. Rigorous multiple sequence alignment is computationally demanding, and evolutionary processes that shape the genomes of many microbes (bacteria, archaea and some morphologically simple eukaryotes) can add further complications. In particular, recombination, genome rearrangement and lateral genetic transfer undermine the assumptions that underlie multiple sequence alignment, and imply that a tree-like structure may be too simplistic. Here, using genome sequences of 143 bacterial and archaeal genomes, we construct a network of phylogenetic relatedness based on the number of shared k-mers (subsequences at fixed length k). Our findings suggest that the network captures not only key aspects of microbial genome evolution as inferred from a tree, but also features that are not treelike. The method is highly scalable, allowing for investigation of genome evolution across a large number of genomes. Instead of using specific regions or sequences from genome sequences, or indeed Haeckel’s idea of ontogeny, we argue that genome phylogenies can be inferred using k-mers from whole-genome sequences. Representing these networks dynamically allows biological questions of interest to be formulated and addressed quickly and in a visually intuitive manner.
Recent advances in understanding neutrophils
Authors: Deniset Justin F. , Kubes Paul
Published: December 2016

Neutrophils have long been regarded as key effectors of the innate immune response during acute inflammation. Recent evidence has revealed a greater functional diversity for these cells than previously appreciated, expanding roles for neutrophils in adaptive immunity and chronic pathologies. In this review, we summarize some of the evolving paradigms in the neutrophil field and highlight key advances that have contributed to our understanding of neutrophil behavior and function in vivo. We examine the concept of neutrophil subsets and polarization, we discuss novel immunomodulatory roles for neutrophils in shaping the immune response, and, finally, we identify technical advances that will further enhance our ability to track the function and fate of neutrophils.
Advances in urethral stricture management
Authors: Gallegos Maxx A. , Santucci Richard A.
Published: December 2016

Urethral stricture/stenosis is a narrowing of the urethral lumen. These conditions greatly impact the health and quality of life of patients. Management of urethral strictures/stenosis is complex and requires careful evaluation. The treatment options for urethral stricture vary in their success rates. Urethral dilation and internal urethrotomy are the most commonly performed procedures but carry the lowest chance for long-term success (0–9%). Urethroplasty has a much higher chance of success (85–90%) and is considered the gold-standard treatment. The most common urethroplasty techniques are excision and primary anastomosis and graft onlay urethroplasty. Anastomotic urethroplasty and graft urethroplasty have similar long-term success rates, although long-term data have yet to confirm equal efficacy. Anastomotic urethroplasty may have higher rates of sexual dysfunction. Posterior urethral stenosis is typically caused by previous urologic surgery. It is treated endoscopically with radial incisions. The use of mitomycin C may decrease recurrence. An exciting area of research is tissue engineering and scar modulation to augment stricture treatment. These include the use of acellular matrices or tissue-engineered buccal mucosa to produce grafting material for urethroplasty. Other experimental strategies aim to prevent scar formation altogether.
Miscarriage, stillbirth and neonatal mortality in the extreme preterm birth window of gestation in a limited-resource setting on the Thailand-Myanmar border: A population cohort study
Authors: McGready Rose , Paw Moo Kho , Wiladphaingern Jacher , Min Aung Myat , Carrara Verena I. , Moore Kerryn A. , Pukrittayakamee Sasithon , Nosten François H.
Published: December 2016

Background: The WHO definition of stillbirth uses 28 weeks’ gestation as the cut-point, but also defines extreme preterm birth as 24 to <28 weeks’ gestation. This presents a problem with the gestational limit of miscarriage, and hence reporting of stillbirth, preterm birth and neonatal death. The objective of this study is to provide a synopsis of the outcome of a population cohort of pregnancies on the Thailand-Myanmar border between 24 to <28 weeks’ gestation. 

Methods: Records from the Shoklo Malaria Research Unit Antenatal Clinics were reviewed for pregnancy outcomes in the gestational window of 24 to <28 weeks, and each record, including ultrasounds reports, were reviewed to clarify the pregnancy outcome. Pregnancies where there was evidence of fetal demise prior to 24 weeks were classified as miscarriage; those viable at 24 weeks’ gestation and born before 28 weeks were coded as births, and further subdivided into live- and stillbirth. 

Results: Between 1995 and 2015, in a cohort of 49,931 women, 0.6% (318) of outcomes occurred from 24 to <28 weeks’ gestation, and 35.8% (114) were miscarriages, with confirmatory ultrasound of fetal demise in 45.4% (49/108). Of pregnancies not ending in miscarriage, 37.7% (77/204) were stillborn and of those born alive, neonatal mortality was 98.3% (115/117). One infant survived past the first year of life. Congenital abnormality rate was 12.0% (23/191). Ultrasound was associated with a greater proportion of pregnancy outcome being coded as birth. 

Conclusion: In this limited-resource setting, pregnancy outcome from 24 to <28 weeks’ gestation included: 0.6% of all outcomes, of which one-third were miscarriages, one-third of births were stillborn and mortality of livebirths approached 100%. In the scale-up to preventable newborns deaths, at least initially, greater benefits will be obtained by focusing on the greater number of viable newborns with a gestation of 28 weeks or more.
Hypothesis tests
Authors: Campbell Malcolm
Published: December 2016

In the previous article in this series ( Campbell, 2016 ), we looked at one method for generalising findings from a sample to a population, confidence intervals. In this article, we will look at the other method, hypothesis tests.
Exploring the barriers to exclusive breastfeeding in Ibadan North Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Ohaeri Beatrice M , Bello Salihu Sule
Published: December 2016

Background:

Breastfeeding is a crucial strategy in improving child health and reducing infant mortality, but the majority of women still do not practise exclusive breastfeeding (EBF).

Aims:

This study aimed to assess the barriers to implementation of EBF among nursing women in Ibadan North, Nigeria.

Methods:

A cross-sectional design was used. A total of 210 nursing women were selected using a purposive sampling technique, in two health centres in Ibadan North, Nigeria. The study questionnaire had a reliability of 0.77. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test.

Findings:

The main barriers reported were: occupation (90.00%), insufficient milk (71.43%), spouse's influence (66.19%), influence of extended family (62.38%) and inadequate time (54.76%). Participants with good knowledge of EBF were more likely to practise EBF.

Conclusions:

This study suggests a need for women to be empowered through informal education on the benefits of EBF. Regular prenatal counselling is advocated, both to enhance informed decision-making and to reduce infant mortality.
Factors increasing vulnerability to sexual violence of adolescent girls in Limuru sub-county, Kenya
Authors: Kimani Eunice , Osero Justus , Akunga Daniel
Published: December 2016

Aims:

The objective of this study was to determine the factors that increase vulnerability to sexual violence of adolescent girls in secondary schools in Limuru sub-county, Kiambu, Kenya.

Methods:

The study was cross-sectional in nature and collected qualitative and quantitative data on 301 adolescent girls aged 15–19 years. Data collection was achieved through the use of self-administered questionnaires and three focus group discussions.

Findings

The response rate was 99.67% (300 of 301 questionnaires). Among the respondents, 33% were victims of sexual violence. Factors that showed a significant association with vulnerability to sexual violence against adolescent girls were: alcohol use (OR = 3.4; P = 0.001), forced sex at debut (OR = 62.4;P < 0.001) and family connectedness (OR = 10.6; P = 0.001). Socioeconomic status and age of adolescent girl did not show any significant association.

Conclusion:

This study found that alcohol use, forced sexual debut and not living with both parents may increase girls' vulnerability to sexual violence. These findings could be used to create targeted interventions to reduce occurrence of sexual violence against adolescent girls.
Report on overweight and obesity among adult Kenyan women
Authors: Gichu Muthoni , Githuku Jane , Kibachio Joseph , Ransom James
Published: December 2016

Aims:

To ascertain the prevalence and describe the determinants of over-nutrition among adult Kenyan women with data from the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) (2008-09).

Methods:

A representative sample of 5169 women aged 20–49 years was analysed. The dependent variable was body mass index (BMI) with 18.5–24.9 kg/m2 considered normal and > 24.9 kg/m2 overweight and obese. Descriptive statistics and odds ratios were calculated.

Results:

The mean age was 32.0 ± 8.5 years, mean BMI was 24.2 ± 4.6 kg/m2 and 33.7% of the sample had a BMI > 25 kg/m2. Two thirds of the women lived in rural areas, 87.4% achieved at least primary education, 64.1% were married and 65.6% were working. Key determinants of over-nutrition were age (OR: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.89–2.40), marital status (OR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.21–1.68) and smoking status (OR: 0.3, 95% CI: 0.17–0.55).

Conclusions:

Over-nutrition was present among adult Kenyan women in the 2008–09 KDHS. Further investigation of the associated factors attributing to increased BMI may be warranted.
Set a trap to catch your dreams
Authors: Francis-Pester Dawn
Published: December 2016

Harness the good dreams and let the bad dreams evaporate. We show you how to make simple dreamcatchers with children, while making the most of a host of curriculum links.
Helping to prevent young suicide: PAPYRUS
Authors: Browne Mary
Published: December 2016

PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide is the national charity dedicated to suicide prevention in young people in the UK. Mary Browne, a suicide prevention adviser at the charity, offers safeguarding guidance.
Development of a care pathway to support parents with an unsettled infant
Authors: Dalzell Janet , McLeish Claire , Brown Caroline , Barnett Carol
Published: December 2016

Many of the symptoms described by parents of an unsettled infant may be associated with an allergic reaction to cows' milk protein. The lack of clear assessment and management options meant that delays in the diagnosis of non-IgE-mediated cows' milk allergy (CMA) were common. To improve the experience of parents and provide appropriate management of the unsettled infant, NHS Tayside has worked in partnership with a range of health professionals to develop a comprehensive care pathway for staff to support parents with an unsettled infant and to ensure the early diagnosis and treatment of non-IgE-mediated CMA.
The Effect of Performance Feedback Provided to Student-Teachers Working with Multiple Disabilities
Authors: Safak Pinar , Yilmaz Hatice Cansu , Demiryurek Pinar , Dogus Mustafa
Published: December 2016

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of performance feedback (PF) provided to student teachers working with students with multiple disabilities and visual impairment (MDVI) on their teaching skills. The study group of the research was composed of 11 student teachers attending to the final year of the Teaching Students with Visual Impairments Program at a university in Ankara, Turkey. A quasi-experimental design, was used in the study. These student teachers recorded their classes for pretest and posttest and these video-recorded classes were thereafter watched by the observer, who completed semi-structured observation forms for each student teacher. The results of the analysis suggested a statistically significant difference between the pretest and posttest scores of the student teachers involved in the study before and after the performance feedback. The findings of the study were discussed in the light of the relevant literature and practical recommendations were included.
The Relationship between the Amount of Learning and Time (The Example of Equations)
Authors: Kesan Cenk , Kaya Deniz , Ok Gokce , Erkus Yusuf
Published: December 2016

The main purpose of this study is to determine the amount of time-dependent learning of "solving problems that require establishing of single variable equations of the first order" of the seventh grade students. The study, adopting the screening model, consisted of a total of 84 students, including 42 female and 42 male students at the seventh grade. Data was collected using an assessment tool consisting of 10 open-ended questions. The findings show that the learning group of 84 students were behind the value closest to the full learning level by a score of 0.013. While the female students reached the lower limit of 0.987 specified for the full learning level in a period of 3.2 course hours, the male students reached this limit in 4.0 course hours. The learning amount of 0.999, which is the closest value to the full learning level, was reached by the learning group in a period of 9.7 course hours, the female students in 8.5 course hours, and the male students in 11.3 course hours. In addition to this, the data obtained showed that learning difficulties among to the learning groups decreased as the space below the curve of time and learning amount decreased. As a result of the study, it was recommended that it is possible to determine the closest course periods for the full learning level for each of the gains found in all levels of education and all teaching programmes, which define certain learning outcomes within a certain time.
The Development of Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching of Mathematics Teachers in Lesson Analysis Process
Authors: Baki Mujgan
Published: December 2016

This study aims to explore the role of lesson analysis in the development of mathematical knowledge for teaching. For this purpose, a graduate course based on lesson analysis was designed for novice mathematics teachers. Throughout the course the teachers watched videos of group-mates and discussed the issues they identified in terms of student-teacher relationship for a student centered instruction. Analysis over the video made teachers notice points and came to realize the thoughts of students; they had otherwise missed at the classroom. They achieved improvements regarding the awareness of the need to identify the cases presenting the most difficulty to the students in terms of teaching, and the necessity to take precautions regarding such points, to learn about the reason of the difficulty, and to pay attention to the statements by the students. Therefore, it is possible to note that the teachers improved themselves in terms of student’ knowledge with respect to the mathematical knowledge for teaching.
Communication between Students and Teachers in Realization of Extracurricular Activities
Authors: Sejtanic Semir , Lalic Majra
Published: December 2016

Extracurricular activities represent educational, preplanned actions which enable complete confirmation of students’ personality as well as development of their communication skills and competencies; whilst they enable the teachers to expand their educational influence. Modern school can’t be imagined without innovations or modifications to the entire communicational discourse, since its perspective is to be a progressive model whereat main communicational types of behavior are learnt and formed. The research was carried out at primary and secondary schools in the area of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mostar region) and it included 590 students and 315 teachers. With this empirical research we have tested the presence of a democratic, voluntary, partnership and pedagogic-stimulating communication within the process of putting the extracurricular activities into realization. The goal of our research was to determine whether there is a statistically significant difference between evaluations made by students and those made by teachers of primary and secondary schools that a democratic, voluntary, partnership and pedagogic stimulating communication is mostly dominant in the process of putting extracurricular activities into realization. The results we have collected have shown the difference between students’ and teachers’ perception of dominant communication in realization of extracurricular activities.
Sistema viário e dinâmicas produtivas pioneiras na porção leste da Amazônia setentrional brasileira
Authors: Silva Olavo Fagundes da , Cunha Lúcio
Published: December 2016

Na Amazônia setentrional brasileira as grandes distâncias a ser em percorridas e a bar reira natural imposta pelo Rio Amazonas, constituiram uma grande dificuldade para a atuação do Estado Nacional brasileiro até ao fim da primeira metade do século XX. Na sua porção leste, apesar da incipiência do Estado, as dinâmicas de desenvolvimento regional baseadas no extrativismo florestal permitiram manter relativa soberania sobre o território que também era reclamado pelos franceses. Logo após a descoberta das jazidas de manganês em Serra do Navio, no início da década de 1940, o Brasil consolidou sua soberania através da criação do Território Federal do Amapá e da dotação de uma estrutura administrativa que pegou embalo na infraestrutura para exploração mineral implantada pela inciativa privada do capital nacional associado ao internacional. Observando esse período histórico, tentou-se, com base na avaliação das estruturas fixadas no espaço, efetuar um estudo que pudesse indicar como o sistema viário evoluiu nesta região do país e qual sua relação com as dinâmicas pioneiras de desenvolvimento regional. Constatou-se que o sistema viário no Amapá apresentava uma relação direta com as dinâmicas extrativistas e que a sua evolução em grande medida se deveu à expansão ou retração gradativa do processo produtivo nessas atividades.https://doi.org/10.14195/0871-1623_35_1
Patrimónios de Coimbra – Univer(c)idade: património e desenvolvimento?
Authors: Ferreira Vitor , Santos Norberto
Published: December 2016

A necessidade de diferenciação dos territórios tem sido acompanhada pela afirmação e pelo reconhecimento das suas particularidades intrínsecas, contexto em que as universidades e os seus bens patrimoniais ganhar um foco específico. Este destaque é devido a uma extens ão sucessiva da noção de Património Cultural, ou o que alguns autores designam como uma “tripla extensão conceptual”, simultaneamente tipológica, cronológica e geográfica.Pretende-se com este artigo entender como a classificação recente da “Universidade, Alta e Sofia” como Património Mundial, em Coimbra, poderá ser promotor do desenvolvimento económico da região centro de Portugal e da cidade de Coimbra. A função primária daquele ativo patrimonial ainda é a educação, havendo uma pressão acrescida sobre a sua gestão para se constituir como elemento central do ressurgimento da cidade como um destino cultural e turístico.Questiona-se que futuro tem o Património Cultural da cidade se a intenção é preservar a herança material e imaterial, e como esta ação convive com a visão das novas exigências recreativas e turísticas, considerados alicerces de um des envolvimento futuro. Procura-se ver como diferentes políticas, atitudes e visões influenciam e determinam a capacidade de identif icar e cativar os valores e as funções que derivam desses bens patrimoniais.https://doi.org/10.14195/0871-1623_35_3
Distribuição atual e potencial de espécies do género Acacia Mill. (Fabaceae) na Ilha da Madeira e implicações para a diversidade florística em contexto de invasão
Authors: Figueiredo Albano , Pupo-Correia Aida , Almeida António Campar de , Sequeira Miguel Menezes de
Published: December 2016

As espécies mais comuns de Acacia que ocorrem na Ilha da Madeira foram introduzidas durante os séculos XIX e XX, como ornamentais ou para uso florestal, tendo-se tornado espécies invasoras. De forma a avaliar os impactes associados à invasão por estas espécies, neste trabalho procede-se à i) caracterização da distribuição atual de espécies do género Acacia Mill. na Ilha da Madeira, com base na recolha de presenças em campo a partir de um processo de amostragem sistemática e estratificada, assegurando que todo o gradiente ambiental da ilha é amostrado; ii) avaliam-se os impactes na diversidade florística das áreas invadidas, com base na comparação de inventários florísticos de comunidades nativas climácicas (laurissilva, zambujal) com os de áreas invadidas por acácia-austrália (Acacia melanoxylon R. BR.) e acácia negra (Acacia mearnsii De Willd.), as espécies que apresentam distribuição mais ampla na ilha; iii) avalia-se a distribuição potencial destas espécies, com base em modelos de base estatística, suportados no conceito de nicho ecológico; e iv) confirma-se o caráter invasor da acácia negra, através da avaliação da dinâmica a longo prazo com recurso a técnica de refotografia (Repeat Landscape Photography Technique). Em termos de resultados, tendo em conta o evidente empobrecimento florístico que os acaciais representam em co mparação com as comunidades nativas clímax que encabeçam as séries climatófilas, considerando a importância das áreas que são potencialmente adequadas à presença das espécies em análise, e dado o seu caráter invasor, confirmado no caso da acácia negra, podem considerar-se estas espécies como verdadeiras ameaças à diversidade na Ilha da Madeira.https://doi.org/10.14195/0871-1623_35_6
Paisagem guiada: representação imagética das favelas cariocas nos guias visuais do turismo
Authors: Ferreira Lohanne Fernanda Gonçalves , Godoy Karla Estelita
Published: December 2016

Em uma era de prevalência das imagens, o turismo, como consumidor de espaços, apropria-se dos recursos visuais para promover e vender destinos turísticos. Apoiando-se nessa perspectiva, este artigo se propõe a debater criticamente a representação imagética das favelas nos guias visuais do turismo, utilizados pelos turistas para orientação no espaço urbano. O conteúdo conceitual sobre representação imagética e espacial fornece os fundamentos teóricos para que sejam analisados alguns modos pelos quais as favelas são representadas como parte da composição estética da paisagem da cidade do Rio de Janeiro. A teoria semiológica é adotada como um dos percursos metodológicos para este estudo.https://doi.org/10.14195/0871-1623_35_8
Mapeamento dos compartimentos do relevo do município de Estrela do Norte-SP e adjacências – a partir de técnicas de visualização estereoscópica digital
Authors: Felipe Mayara Cristina De Paula , Nunes João Osvaldo Rodrigues
Published: December 2016

O mapa geomorfológico é considerado um importante instrumento na pesquisa da paisagem, pois auxilia na análise dos processos relacionados ao relevo. Desse modo, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo, elaborar o mapeamento dos compartimentos de relevo do município de Estrela do Norte-SP e adjacências, localizado no Extremo Oeste do Estado de São Paulo, utilizando técnicas de estereoscopia digital com restituição – 3D, através das imagens ALOS/PRISM, vinculados a trabalhos de campo identificando os solos, as formações geológicas e as dinâmicas atuais do uso e ocupação dos solos.https://doi.org/10.14195/0871-1623_35_9
Attempts to strengthen maternal functioning in the postpartum period: A literature review
Authors: Aydın Ruveyde , Barkin Jennifer Lynn , Kukulu Kamile
Published: December 2016

Objective: This study aims to examine that the effects of home visiting, prenatal education, parent classes, and tele counselling on maternal functioning.Methods: The search process was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane and Google Scholar using key words of “motherhood’’, ‘‘maternity functioning’’, ‘‘postpartum’’, ‘‘postpartum care’’, ‘‘home visiting’’, ‘‘prenatal education’’, ‘‘parent classes’’, ‘‘tele counseling’’ and a combination of them English-Turkish language papers were searched between 2000 and 2015 years.  All studies relating to subject was included.Results: Discharge occurs shortly after birth in some countries such as the United States and Turkey, women do not receive adequate care, training and counseling and the demands of childrearing often exceed the mother’s expectations.Conclusion: Women should be supported with training programs, home visits, and phone counseling aimed at optimal maternal child health and development.
Clicks as a Healthy Alternative to Bricks: How Online Grocery Shopping Reduces Vice Purchases
Authors: Huyghe Elke , Verstraeten Julie , Geuens Maggie , Van Kerckhove Anneleen
Published: December 2016

Although consumers are concerned about their health, obesity statistics suggest that contextual factors often lead them to choose unhealthy alternatives (i.e., vices) rather than healthy ones (i.e., virtues). Noting the increasing prevalence of online grocery shopping, the authors focus on shopping channels as one such contextual factor and investigate how food choices made online differ from food choices made in a traditional brick-and-mortar store. A database study and three lab experiments demonstrate that consumers choose relatively fewer vices in the online shopping environment. Moreover, this shopping channel effect arises because online channels present products symbolically, whereas offline stores present them physically. A symbolic presentation mode decreases the products' vividness, which in turn diminishes consumers' desire to seek instant gratification and ultimately leads them to purchase fewer vices. These findings highlight several unexplored differences between online and offline shopping, with important implications for consumers, public policy makers, and retailers.
Multiple Positive Solutions to a Kirchhoff Type Problem Involving a Critical Nonlinearity in ℝ3
Authors: Zhong Xiao-Jing , Tang Chun-Lei
Published: December 2016

In this paper, we investigate a class of Kirchhoff type problems in

ℝ
3

{\mathbb{R}^{3}}

involving a critical nonlinearity, namely,

-

(
1
+
b

∫

ℝ
3

|
∇
u

|
2

d
x
)

△
u
=
λ
f

(
x
)

u
+
|
u

|
4

u
,
u
∈

D

1
,
2

(

ℝ
3

)

,

-\biggl{(}1+b\int_{\mathbb{R}^{3}}\lvert\nabla u|^{2}\,dx\biggr{)}\triangle u=% \lambda f(x)u+|u|^{4}u,\quad u\in D^{1,2}(\mathbb{R}^{3}),

where

b
>
0

{b>0}

,

λ
>

λ
1

{\lambda>\lambda_{1}}

and

λ
1

{\lambda_{1}}

is the principal eigenvalue of

-

△
⁢
u

=

λ
⁢
f
⁢

(
x
)

⁢
u

{-\triangle u=\lambda f(x)u}

,

u
∈

D

1
,
2

⁢

(

ℝ
3

)

{u\in D^{1,2}(\mathbb{R}^{3})}

. We prove that there exists

δ
>
0

{\delta>0}

such that the above problem has at least two positive solutions for

λ
1

<
λ
<

λ
1

+
δ

{\lambda_{1}<\lambda<\lambda_{1}+\delta}

. Furthermore, we obtain the existence of ground state solutions. Our tools are the Nehari manifold and the concentration compactness principle. This paper can be regarded as an extension of Naimen’s work [21].
An existence result for multiple solutions to a Dirichlet problem
Authors: Shokooh Saeid , Afrouzi Ghasem A. , Graef John R.
Published: December 2016

The authors establish the existence of at least three solutions to a quasilinear elliptic problem subject to Dirichlet boundary conditions in a bounded domain inℝN${\mathbb{R}^{N}}$. A critical point result for differentiable functionals is used to prove the results.
The Virulence of Broomrape (Orobanche cumana Wallr.) in Sunflower Crop in Braila Area, in Romania
Authors: Rîşnoveanu Luxiţa , Joiţa-Păcureanu Maria , Anton Florin Gabriel
Published: December 2016

Broomrape
Enhancement of Laminar Flow and Mixing Performance in a Lightnin Static Mixer
Authors: Meng Hui-Bo , Song Ming-Yuan , Yu Yan-Fang , Jiang Xiu-Hui , Wang Zong-Yong , Wu Jian-Hua
Published: December 2016

The laminar chaotic flow and mixing performance of a high-viscosity fluid in Lightnin static mixers (LSM) was numerically investigated via a Lagrangian particle method based on the Particle tracking technique in the range ofRe=0.1−100. The numerical results of Z factor have a good agreement with the reported data from the literature. With the increase ofRein LSM, the Darcy friction coefficient values decrease and the product offD · Relinearly increases. With the same aspect ratio (Ar), the product offD · Rein LSM is higher by 36−57 % than that of KSM. The distribution evolution of circular group of massless particles is successfully investigated by particle distribution uniformity (PDU) in the first few mixing elements. A new ideal distribution model is proposed for structure radius (SR) which is successfully used to investigate uniform distribution of mixing process in the last few elements. The effects ofReandArof mixing elements on dispersive mixing performance are characterized by extensional efficiency and stretching rate. The logarithms of geometrical average stretching rate of massless particles increase linearly with the number of mixing elements. The stretching rate in LSM withAr=1, 1.5, 2 is average higher by 45.91 %, 36.05 % and 24.32 % than that of KSM withAr=1.5. As far as the creeping flow in LSM is concerned, the logarithm values of stretching rate are independent ofReandAr. The mixing performance factorηis proposed to evaluate the enhancement mechanism of mixing performance based on the energy consumption. Theηincreases with the increasingReand decreasingAr. The profiles ofηindicate that the mixing enhancement ability of LSM is better than that of KSM.
Anchorage strategies in geriatric hip fracture management
Authors: Knobe Matthias , Pape Hans-Christoph
Published: December 2016

There is an enormous humanitarian and socioeconomic need to improve the quality and effectiveness of care for patients with hip fracture. To reduce mechanical complications in the osteosynthesis of proximal femoral fractures, improved fixation techniques have been developed including blade or screw-anchor devices, locked minimally invasive or cement augmentation strategies. However, despite numerous innovations and advances regarding implant design and surgical techniques, systemic and mechanical complication rates remain high. Treatment success depends on secure implant fixation in often-osteoporotic bone as well as on patient-specific factors (fracture stability, bone quality, comorbidity, and gender) and surgeon-related factors (experience, correct reduction, and optimal screw placement in the head/neck fragment). For fracture fixation, the anchorage of the lag screw within the femoral head plays a crucial role depending on the implant’s design. Meta-analyses and randomized controlled studies demonstrate that there is a strong trend towards arthroplasty treating geriatric femoral neck fractures. However, for young adults as well as older patients with less compromised bone quality, or in undisplaced fractures, head-preserving therapy is preferred as it is less invasive and associated with good functional results. This review summarizes the evidence for the internal fixation of femoral neck fractures and trochanteric femoral fractures in elderly patients. In addition, biomechanical considerations regarding implant anchorage in the femoral head including rotation, migration, and femoral neck shortening are made. Finally, cement augmentation strategies for hip fracture implants are evaluated critically.
Evaluation of allelopathic potential of safflower genotypes (Carthamus tinctorius L.)
Authors: Motamedi Marzieh , Karimmojeni Hassan , Sini Fatemeh Ghorbani
Published: December 2016

Forty safflower genotypes were grown under normal irrigation and drought stress. In the first experiment, the allelopathic potential of shoot residues was evaluated using the sandwich method. Each genotype residue (0.4 g) was placed in a sterile Petri dish and two layers of agar were poured on that. Radish seeds were placed on agar medium. The radish seeds were cultivated without safflower residues as the controls. The length of the radicle, hypocotyl, and fresh biomass weight and seed germination percentages were measured. A pot experiment was also done on two genotypes with the highest and two with the lowest allelopathic activity selected after screening genotypes in the first experiment. Before entering the reproductive phase, irrigation treatments (normal irrigation and drought stress) were applied. Shoots were harvested, dried, milled and mixed with the topsoil of new pots and then radish seeds were sown. The pots with safflower genotypes were used to evaluate the effect of root residue allelopathy. The shoot length, fresh biomass weight, and germination percentage were measured. Different safflower genotypes showed varied allelopathic potential. The results of the first experiment showed that Egypt and Iran-Khorasan genotypes caused maximum inhibitory responses and Australia and Iran-Kerman genotypes resulted in minimum inhibitory responses on radish seedling growth. Fresh biomass weight had the most sensitivity to safflower residues. The results of the pot experiment were consistent with the results of in vitro experiments. Residues produced under drought stress had more inhibitory effects on the measured traits. Safflower root residue may have a higher level of allelochemicals or different allelochemicals than shoot residue.
How do eyespot resistance genes transferred into winter wheat breeding lines affect their yield?
Authors: Kwiatek Michał , Wiśniewska Halina , Korbas Marek , Gawłowska Magdalena , Belter Jolanta , Majka Maciej , Danielewicz Jakub
Published: December 2016

Eyespot can reduce yields, even up to 50%. There are four genetically characterized resistances in wheat varieties, controlled by: (1) the Pch1 gene, transferred from Aegilops ventricosa; (2) the Pch2 gene, originating from wheat variety Capelle Desprez; (3) the Pch3 gene, originating from Dasypyrum villosum; and (4) the Q.Pch.jic-5A gene, a quantitative trait locus (QTL) located on chromosome 5A of Capelle Desprez. However, those loci have drawbacks, such as linkage of Pch1 with deleterious traits and limited effectiveness of Pch2 against the disease. Here we present an initial study which aims to characterize wheat pre-registration breeding lines carrying 12 eyespot resistance genes, consider their resistance expression in inoculation tests and the influence of resistance genotypes on the yield. We selected four groups of breeding lines, carrying: (1) the Pch1 gene alone: one line; (2) the Pch2 gene alone: four lines; (3) the Q.Pch.jic-5A gene alone: one line; and (4) Pch1 + Q.Pch.jic-5A: three lines. For the first time, the effect of the combination of Pch1 and Q.Pch.jic-5A genes was compared with resistance conferred by Pch1 or Q.Pch.jic-5A alone. We found significant differences between infection scores evaluated in resistant lines carrying Pch1 and Q.Pch.jic-5A alone, while no differences in terms of the level of resistance expression were detected between Pch1 alone and Pch1 + Q.Pch.jic-5A, and between wheat lines carrying Pch1 and Pch2 alone. Moreover, we demonstrated that the Pch1 gene, together with an Ae. ventricosa segment, caused statistically significant yield losses, both as a single eyespot resistance source or in a combination with Q.Pch.jic-5A. Yield scores showed that wheat lines with Q.Pch.jic-5A had the highest yields, similar to the yielding potential of Pch2-bearing lines and control varieties.
Long-term effect of niclosamide on inhibition of bacterial leaf blight in rice
Authors: Kim Sung-Il , Kwak Jun Soo , Song Jong Tae , Seo Hak Soo
Published: December 2016

Bacterial leaf blight is one of the major diseases in rice and affects yields. Thus, various methods have been applied to protect rice from this disease. Here, we show systemic translocation of the human drug niclosamide (5-chloro-N-(2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl)- 2-hydroxybenzamide) in rice and its long-term effect on prevention of rice leaf blight. The development of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae-induced rice leaf blight was effectively inhibited in untreated systemic leaves as in niclosamide-treated leaves, although its effect gradually decreased in a time-dependent manner. Time-course examination after niclosamide treatment showed that the niclosamide level was highest after 3 h in non-treated distal leaves, suggesting fast systemic movement of niclosamide from the treated local site to untreated distal regions. Our data indicate that niclosamide controls rice leaf blight by its rapid systemic movement and that its effect is maintained for a long time.
Evaluation of some microbial agents, natural and chemical compounds for controlling tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)
Authors: Abd El-Ghany Nesreen M. , Abdel-Razek Atef Sayed , Ebadah Ibrahim M.A. , Mahmoud Youssf A.
Published: December 2016

Solanaceous plants have a great economic impact in Egypt. These groups of plants include potatoes, tomatoes and eggplants. The new invasive pest of tomatoes, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) causes the greatest crop losses which can range from 60 to 100%. After its detection in Egypt during the last half of 2009, it spread quickly to all provinces in the country. We aiming to propose a sustainable control program for this devastating pest. In this research we tested three groups of control agents. The first was microbial and natural, the second - plant extracts and the third - chemical insecticides. Our results showed that the impact of T. absoluta can be greatly reduced by the use of sustainable control measures represented by different insecticide groups. Bioassay experiments showed that this devastating pest can be controlled with some compounds that give high mortality rates. Of these compounds, spinosad and Beauveria bassiana, microbial control agents, followed by azadirachtin, gave the best results in controlling T. absoluta. Of the chemical insecticides, lambda-cyhalotrin was the most effective, followed by lufenuron and profenofos. In conclusion we encourage farmers to use microbial and natural control measures in combating the tomato leafminer, T. absoluta, in Integrated Pest Mangement (IPM) programs.
Detection of RNA1 and RNA2 of Soil-borne wheat mosaic virus in winter wheat grown from infected seeds
Authors: Jeżewska Małgorzata , Trzmiel Katarzyna , Zarzyńska-Nowak Aleksandra
Published: December 2016

A Polish isolate of Soil-borne wheat mosaic virus (SBWMV-Pol1) was characterized by limited pathogenicity and a low concentration of virus particles in infected plant tissues. The aim of this research was to consider the possibility of seed-transmission dissemination of the virus. Seeds of winter wheat cv. Muszelka served as material for the studies. Two methods were involved in the diagnostics of seedlings grown from potentially infected seeds: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), as the screening assay and immuno-capture-reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (IC-RT-PCR) for molecular confirmation of the infection. RNA1 and RNA2 of SBWMV-Pol1 were detected in 6 out of 1,410 plants submitted to diagnostic procedures. The possibility of seed transmission of SBWMV-Pol1 was discussed.
Improving biological control of stalk borers in sugarcane by applying silicon as a soil amendment
Authors: Nikpay Amin
Published: December 2016

The sugarcane stalk borers, Sesamia spp. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) are the most destructive sugarcane insect pests in Iran. The efficiency of Telenomus busseolae Gahan (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) used alone or in combination with silicon fertilization was investigated for controlling the sugarcane stalk borers under field conditions. The treatments were: a combination of silicon plus multiple releases of 2,500 T. busseolae, and multiple releases of 5,000, 2,500 and 1,250 T. busseolae alone. Plots receiving no soil amendment or parasites were included as the controls. Three weeks after the first application of each treatment, 100 shoots were selected randomly from each plot and the percentage of dead heart was determined. Then, three months after the first application of parasites, the percentage of stalks damaged, the percentage of internodes bored, and the level of parasitism were determined. Finally, at harvest the percentage of stalks damaged, the percentage of internodes bored, and sugarcane quality characteristics were determined. Results indicated that the efficiency of parasitism increased when combined with an application of silicon fertilizer. The release of 2,500 T. busseolae followed by an application of silicon fertilizer decreased dead hearts to 4%, while 12% dead hearts was observed in the control plots. For the combination treatment, the percentages of stalk damage were 1.5% and 17.2%, at 3 weeks and 3 months after time release, respectively. However, the percentages of stalk damage were 35.2% and 51% when no treatment was applied. Cane quality was significantly higher with the application of silicon fertilizer plus the release of 2,500 T. busseolae, followed by releasing 5,000 Hymenoptera. The level of parasitism was also greater when parasites were released in combination with an application of silicon. We conclude that biological control by egg parasitoids can be enhanced with concurrent applications of silicon fertilizer as a soil amendment and thereby creating a more robust, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program of stalk borers in Iranian sugarcane fields.
Sedimentology and ichnology of Neogene Coastal Swamp deposits in the Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria
Authors: Ezeh Sunny C. , Mode Wilfred A. , Ozumba Berti M. , Yelwa Nura A.
Published: December 2016

Often analyses of depositional environments from sparse data result in poor interpretation, especially in multipartite depositional settings such as the Niger Delta. For instance, differentiating channel sandstones, heteroliths and mudstones within proximal environments from those of distal facies is difficult if interpretations rely solely on well log signatures. Therefore, in order to achieve an effective and efficient interpretation of the depositional conditions of a given unit, integrated tools must be applied such as matching core descriptions with wireline log signature. In the present paper cores of three wells from the Coastal Swamp depositional belt of the Niger Delta are examined in order to achieve full understanding of the depositional environments. The well sections comprise cross-bedded sandstones, heteroliths (coastal and lower shoreface) and mudstones that were laid down in wave, river and tidal processes. Interpretations were made from each data set comprising gamma ray logs, described sedimentological cores showing sedimentary features and ichnological characteristics; these were integrated to define the depositional settings. Some portions from one of the well sections reveal a blocky gamma ray well log signature instead of a coarsening-upward trend that characterises a shoreface setting while in other wells the signatures for heteroliths at some sections are bell blocky in shaped rather than serrated. Besides, heteroliths and mudstones within the proximal facies and those of distal facies were difficult to distinguish solely on well log signatures. However, interpretation based on sedimentology and ichnology of cores from these facies was used to correct these inconsistencies. It follows that depositional environment interpretation (especially in multifarious depositional environments such as the Niger Delta) should ideally be made together with other raw data for accuracy and those based solely on well log signatures should be treated with caution.
Changes of bat species composition over altitudinal gradients on northern and southern aspects of the Soutpansberg mountain range, South Africa
Authors: Weier Sina M. , Linden Valerie M.G. , Gaigher Ian , White Patrick J.C. , Taylor Peter J.
Published: December 2016

In order to gain insight into the pattern of bat species composition over altitude and the environmental variables driving the observed pattern, we compared data from moist southern and drier northern aspects of the Soutpansberg range in northern South Africa. Acoustical monitoring and additional capturing of bats was used for analysis of species distribution patterns and comparisons of community composition. Bat activity generally followed a linear decline with increasing altitude, possibly related to reproductive females preferring lower altitudes. Species richness followed a hump-shaped distribution on the northern aspect and across the transect, whereas a pattern of a linear decline was observed on the southern aspect. Our study strongly supports a previously published climate model for insectivorous bats which assumes that water availability linked with temperature determines the shape of altitudinal distribution in bat species. Step-wise selection from multiple regression models retained habitat type and/or measures of habitat structure in all final models, supporting several other studies in that vegetation correlated to altitude is a primary determinant of bat species distribution over altitude. This study also supports that the Soutpansberg is a biodiversity hotspot for bats and emphasises that conservation efforts should by no means ignore the lower altitudes.
Phylogenetic position of a monotypic Ethiopian endemic rodent genus Megadendromus (Rodentia, Nesomyidae)
Authors: Lavrenchenko Leonid A. , Nadjafova Rena S. , Bekele Afework , Mironova Tatiana A. , Bryja Josef
Published: December 2016

The taxonomic and phylogenetic position of the Nikolaus’s African climbing mouse (