bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Thymectomy With Infection Following Congenital Heart Surgery
Authors: Hermes Heidi M. , Cohen Gordon A. , Mehrotra Anjuli K. , McMullan David M. , Permut Lester C. , Goodwin Sharon , Stevens Anne M.
Published: July 2011

Background: Congenital absence of the thymus can lead to profound immunodeficiency, suggesting that thymic function during fetal development is essential to normal lymphocyte development. How vital the thymus after birth is to human immune competence and regulation is not known. Routine thymectomy, especially at an early age, may influence immunity, and therefore the risk of infection, autoimmunity, or malignancy. Methods: A retrospective review of cardiac surgery patients followed at Seattle Children’s Hospital was performed. The primary outcome was rate of serious infections requiring hospitalization. Secondary analyses included age, type of infection, cardiac diagnosis, surgical procedure, and comorbidities. Results: Patients fell into 2 groups: 60 with complete thymectomy and 35 with partial or no thymectomy. There was no statistical difference between groups in the overall prevalence of serious infections (16.7% vs 17.2%, P = 1.0). There was a nonsignificant trend toward reduced time between surgery and onset of first infection in patients in the total thymectomy group versus those without thymectomy (1.7 years vs 4.6 years, P = .07). Total thymectomy before 6 months of age also tended to increase infection rate, but the effect was not significant (0.09/year vs 0.02, P = .14). Gastroesophageal reflux in patients with total thymectomy increased the risk of infection ( P = .013), suggesting a cumulative effect. Conclusions: Though infections occurred frequently in the childhood cardiac surgery population, total thymectomy was not associated with increased risk of serious infection. Comorbid conditions may be more important contributing factors increasing the risk of infection in this complex and vulnerable population.
Left Main Coronary Artery Compression by Right Ventricle-to-Pulmonary Artery Conduit Relieved by Anterior Translocation of the Right Pulmonary Artery
Authors: Said Sameh M. , Burkhart Harold M. , Phillips Sabrina D. , Dearani Joseph A.
Published: July 2011

Pulmonary artery translocation has been described as an alternative surgical strategy to treat anomalous aortic origin of the coronary artery from the wrong sinus of Valsalva. We describe another application of this strategy in a patient who underwent complete repair of pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and presented years later with ischemic symptoms due to compression of the left main coronary artery by the right ventricular-to-pulmonary artery conduit. To our knowledge, this is the first application of the pulmonary artery translocation technique to treat such a problem.
Persistent Institutional Difficulties in Surgery for Transposition of the Great Arteries in Guatemala: Analysis With the Aristotle Basic and Comprehensive Scores
Authors: Leon-Wyss Juan , Rito Mauro Lo , Barnoya Joaquin , Castañeda Aldo R.
Published: July 2011

Background. Neonates with complex congenital cardiac lesions are largely inadequately managed in Guatemala. Methods. Between 1997 and 2009, 79 patients who underwent operations for transposition of the great arteries were identified; 51 (63.3%) had an arterial switch operation (ASO) and 28 (36%) an atrial switch operation (ATSO). The Aristotle Basic Complexity score (ABC score) and the Aristotle Comprehensive Complexity score (ACC score) have been used to aid in the evaluation of quality of care associated with pediatric cardiac surgery by adjusting for operative complexity. Results. In-hospital mortality was 47% for the ASO and 25% for the ATSO group; 36.7% were beyond 1 month of age and many exhibited increased preoperative risk factors. The mean ABC score was 9.75 ± 0.89 and the ACC score was 12.12 ± 2.7, with a mean 2.36-point increase ( P < .05). Comparing survivors and nonsurvivors with both scores, significant differences were identified (ABC: P < .04 and ACC: P < .02). Conclusion. During this 13-year period, a low volume of surgery for transposition of the great arteries (TGA) was performed at our institution with a relatively high surgical mortality. Many patients with TGA in Guatemala are either never referred for surgery or referred late. Strategies to improve outcomes for neonates with TGA in Guatemala must include increases in early diagnosis countrywide and prompt referral to our unit. Based on the larger number of neonates with TGA that would be referred to our center, we anticipate that this strategy should substantially improve surgical outcomes and favor overall team-related skills.
Two Cases of Double-Outlet Left Ventricle Detected Prenatally
Authors: Cassater Daiana , Rossetti Lucia , Prioli Maria Antonia , Errico Gabriella , Cristofaletti Alessandra , Zanarotti Roberta , Rita Fabrizio De , Vassanelli Corrado , Zaglia Federico , Luciani Giovanni Battista
Published: July 2011

Double-outlet left ventricle is an exceedingly rare congenital heart defect. Its prenatal detection and precise anatomical definition are challenging for a variety of reasons and have never been previously reported. Here described are 2 cases of prenatally diagnosed double-outlet left ventricle. The technical limitations of prenatal diagnosis and its implications for the surgical management of patients affected by such a rare condition are discussed.
Endocrinopathies in the Cardiac ICU
Authors: Schwartz Steven M. , Anand K. J. S. , Portman Michael A. , Crow Sheri , Nelson David P. , Zimmerman Jerry J.
Published: July 2011

The past several years have seen an increased appreciation of the potential role of the endocrine system in the recovery process following surgery for congenital heart disease. Many of the hormonal changes following cardiac surgery are adaptive and necessary, whereas activation of proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine responses and some of the metabolic changes following surgery are likely mediators leading to detrimental outcomes. Additionally, other hormonal perturbations may contribute to adverse outcomes. This review examines the pain and the stress response, thyroid function and hyperglycemia following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), and the potential role of corticosteroids in the pediatric cardiac critical care unit.
Can Randomized Clinical Trials Impact the Surgical Approach for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome?
Authors: Tabbutt Sarah , Goldberg Caren , Ohye Richard G. , Morell Victor O. , Hanley Frank L. , Lamberti John J. , Jacobs Marshall L. , Jacobs Jeffery P.
Published: July 2011

The Eighth International Conference of the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society was held in Miami, Florida, December 8 to 11, 2010. The program included a session dedicated to the management of hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), with particular emphasis on the innovations that have led to contemporary schemes of management and the role of clinical trials in the evolution and acceptance of these strategies. An invited panel of experts reviewed the historical evolution of staged surgical reconstruction, the randomized clinical trials that have been undertaken thus far, and the extent to which these have, or have not, influenced individual and institutional approaches to management of HLHS.
Race, Inequality, and the Prioritization of Corrections Spending in the American States
Authors: Breunig Christian , Ernst Rose
Published: July 2011

Observers of U.S. criminal justice trends have noted the vast increase in spending on prison systems over the past 25 years. First, the authors empirically verify that overall spending on corrections not only increased but also that corrections spending grew compared to other budget areas. Second, the authors examine the mechanisms behind this prioritization. The authors posit that race and class dynamics of individual states affects the extent to which corrections spending is prioritized. Race acts as a central cleavage factor while class acts as a secondary cleavage in the political decision-making environment. Time-series cross-sectional (TSCS) analysis of state budget outlays between 1984 and 1999 provides strong evidence for this hypothesis. Our findings depart from previous scholarly work devoted to “underclass” theories of race and class interactions; the authors uncover a more intricate relationship between race and class. The article demonstrates that the higher the proportion of African Americans in a state, the higher the prioritization of corrections spending. Only in states with low proportions of African Americans does income inequality matter.
Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Violent Victimization
Authors: Like-Haislip Toya Z. , Miofsky Karin Tusinski
Published: July 2011

The victimization literature has clearly established race, ethnicity, and gender disparity in victimization risks whereas contemporary work has demonstrated that the intersection of these characteristics produces complex patterns in victimization risks. However, explanations for these differences within and across gender and race and ethnicity must continue to be explored and to that end the purpose of this research is to examine whether the well-established risk factors for victimization such as daily or routine activities and neighborhood conditions similarly influence risks for violent victimization among varying gender, racial, and ethnic groups. Using data from the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) 12 Cities study, the authors find that risks do vary both across and within gender. While routine activities are significant predictors of females' risks, neighborhood conditions seem to be better indicators of males' risks. Also, routine activities and neighborhood conditions have disparate effects on males' and females' risks across race and ethnicity. For example, while frequent use of public transportation has a null effect on White females' risks for violent victimization, it increases such for Black and Latina females. Likewise, although residential stability decreased the risks of violent victimization for White and Latino males, it increased the likelihood of victimization for Black males.
Racial Disparities in the Criminal Justice System and Perceptions of Legitimacy
Authors: Rocque Michael
Published: July 2011

Historically, research has shown that minorities, especially Blacks, are more likely to be arrested and sentenced to prison terms than their White counterparts. Explanations of these findings range from those claiming that minorities differentially engage in deviant and criminal behavior, to those claiming that the criminal justice system (CJS) treats minorities differently. A related line of work has shown that minorities tend to view the CJS as less just or legitimate than Whites. Most explanations for this finding center on personal experiences of unjust treatment. However, research has also shown that vicarious experiences can influence perceptions of legitimacy toward the CJS and that Blacks often have more negative attitudes even when considering the same objective event as Whites. This article reviews relevant literatures then advances a theoretical linkage between racial disparity in criminal justice contact and legitimacy toward the law. At its base, the model suggests that differential treatment (either personal or vicarious) negatively impacts legitimacy, which in turn increases criminal behavior (and thus, racial disparities in criminal justice contact). The model is important for fully understanding racial differences in criminal behavior and criminal justice contact. Theoretical and empirical implications are discussed.
Properties of thermally modified medium-density fibreboards
Authors: Bonigut Jürgen , Krug Detlef , Stephani Beate
Published: July 2011

Thermal treatment of solid timber and oriented strandboards (OSB) improves durability against fungal decay and dimensional stability (swelling and shrinking). It is not clear whether thermal treatment of medium-density fibreboards (MDF) has the same effects. In this work, four variants of phenol-formaldehyde (PF)-bonded MDF with varying contents of resin and hydrophobing agent were thermally post-treated according to the Mühlböck procedure at three different maxi-mum temperatures. The short-term properties internal bond, modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, thickness swelling and equilibrium moisture content and the long-term property creep behaviour of treated variants and of one untreated variant have been tested. The results are presented and discussed in comparison with the respective European standards. Altogether, the thermal treatment had a positive effect on most of the tested mechanical short-term properties. The moisture-related properties, i.e., thickness swelling and equilibrium moisture content, were also positively influenced. The creep behaviour of heat-treated MDF could also be improved by thermal modification.
Estimating Water Retention Characteristics of Sands from Grain Size Distribution using Idealized Packing Conditions
Authors: Jaafar Rani , Likos William J.
Published: July 2011

A new approach is presented for estimating the soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC) of granular porous media along a drainage path using the relatively simple measurements of grain size distribution (GSD) and mass-volume relationships (void ratio). GSD measured using mechanical sieve analysis is converted into an equivalent population of smooth, spherical particles. Pore size distributions representing relatively loose and relatively dense packing conditions are calculated from the geometry of idealized two-dimensional unit pores formed among particle groups randomly assembled from the simulated particle population. The Young–Laplace equation is used to quantify the amount of pore water retained in the form of thin films, liquid bridges, and completely filled pockets, thus allowing the SWCC to be modeled over the entire saturation range. The measured void ratio is used to constrain the modeled SWCC via the theoretical consideration of the work done to expand air-water interfaces throughout the matrix. Nine sets of results for sands and glass beads are used to evaluate the model’s performance. SWCCs are most effectively predicted in the capillary and funicular saturation regimes (20 % < S <100 %), with more deviation observed in the pendular regime (S < 20 %). Air-entry pressure is predicted within an average error of 8 %. Assumptions and constraints required in the framework restrict the general applicability of the approach to poorly graded materials with predominant grain sizes in the sand- to silt-sized range.
Pulsed Laser Deposition and In Situ Scanning Tunneling Microscopy of Pd clusters supported on alumina
Authors: Casari C.S. , Foglio S. , Corbetta M. , Passoni M. , Bottani C.E. , Li Bassi A.
Published: July 2011

With the aim of addressing the material gap issue between model and real systems in heterogeneous catalysis, we exploited Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) to produce Pd clusters supported on ultrathin alumina films (Pd/Al2O3/NiAl(001) and Pd/Al2O3-x/HOPG). The structural properties have been investigated by in situ Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) in ultra high vacuum (UHV). At first, Pd clusters were deposited by evaporation and by PLD on Al2O3 surfaces grown by thermal oxidation of NiAl(001). The system shows thermal stability up to 650 K. By PLD we deposited Pd clusters with a good size control obtained by varying the background gas pressure and the target-to-substrate distance. We then realized a

Pd/Al2O3-x/HOPG system where both Pd clusters and the alumina film are produced by PLD showing that, by exploiting the same deposition technique, it is possible to synthesize both a model system addressable by in situ STM and a thick film (∼100 μm) closer to realistic systems.
Reflection Absorption Infrared Spectroscopy Study on the Spontaneous Formation of Erbium Monoantimonide Nanoparticles on Indium Antimonide Surfaces
Authors: Onishi Takehiro , Lohn Andrew J. , Coleman Elane , Tompa Gary S. , Kobayashi Nobuhiko P.
Published: July 2011

We describe an ex-situ monitoring technique for a small amount (∼30 mono-layers) of erbium monoantimonide (ErSb) deposited on an indium antimonide (InSb) epitaxial layer prepared on InSb(100) substrates by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). Our objective is to improve thermoelectric properties of nanocomposites that employ nanometer size semi-metallic ErSb particles (ErSb nanoparticles) embedded in ternary group III-V compound semiconductor host materials such as indium gallium antimonide (InGaSb) and indium antimonide arsenide (InSbAs). The formation of ErSb nanoparticles embedded in a host material is spontaneous and needs to be carefully controlled to tune the size and volume density of the ErSb nanoparticles. We used an ex-situ monitoring technique based on glancing-angle infrared-absorption, reflection absorption infra-red spectroscopy (RAIRS), to study the formation of ErSb nanoparticles to correlate the amount of delivered ErSb and surface morphology of the surface of InSb covered with ErSb.
Incorporating Authentic Scientific Research and The Nature of Science Into the High School Classroom.
Authors: Strunk A. , Gamez Warble K. , Nemanich R. J. , Culbertson R. J.
Published: July 2011

The true nature of scientific research, often neglected in science education and pre-service teacher training, is critical to student conceptual understanding of how science works. Many education students leave school with the naive view that science is a collection of facts rather than a dynamic process of inquiring into nature. The ASU Math and Science Teaching Fellows (MSTF) program gives in-service math and science teachers an opportunity to experience scientific research by immersion in active research groups in state-of-the-art laboratories. With a better understanding of what science looks like in actual research laboratories, these teachers implement direct instruction in the Nature of Science in their classrooms. Research that was conducted by teachers in a nanoscience laboratory and how they plan to implement their experiences into their high school classes will be presented.
Predicting Case Conviction and Domestic Violence Recidivism: Measuring the Deterrent Effects of Conviction and Protection Order Violations
Authors: Frantzen Durant , San Miguel Claudia , Kwak Dae-Hoon
Published: July 2011

Previous research offered little guidance on sentencing outcomes for protection order (PO) violations in cases of domestic assault and whether PO violation charges affected offender recidivism rates. Using data from local court records, this study examined the effect of PO violation charges on the odds of case conviction relative to dismissal, and whether case conviction or a PO violation charge results in lower domestic violence rearrest rates compared to offenders not receiving these sanctions. The models indicate that PO violation charges has no significant effect on the odds of conviction or recidivism rates, and these trends were not significantly different for convicted versus dismissed offenders. Findings are discussed in relation to previous research with recommendations for future areas of study.
The Victimization Experiences of Women in the Workforce: Moving Beyond Single Categories of Work or Violence
Authors: Potter Sharyn J. , Banyard Victoria L.
Published: July 2011

The examination of the co-occurrence of different types of victimization in the lives of women in the workforce appears infrequently in the literature. We examine multiple types of victimization in women’s lives across a range of employment and income levels. Our research indicates that more than two-thirds of women in the workplace experienced at least one type of violence against women (VAW). These women hold positions at various workforce levels, indicating that victims of VAW are not limited to the lower employment rungs. This research is a step toward highlighting the scope, prevalence, and interconnectedness of different forms of VAW in the lives of women in the workforce.
Cognitive and Clinical Characteristics of Sexual and Religious Obsessions
Authors: Siev Jedidiah , Steketee Gail , Fama Jeanne M. , Wilhelm Sabine
Published: July 2011

Sexual and religious obsessions are often grouped together as unacceptable thoughts, symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) hypothesized to be maintained by maladaptive beliefs about the importance and control of thoughts. Although there is empirical justification for this typology, there are several reasons to suspect that sexual and religious obsessions may differ with respect to associated obsessional beliefs and personality traits. In this study, we examined the associations between sexual and religious obsessions (separately) and (a) putatively obsessional cognitive styles, especially beliefs about the importance and control of thoughts, and responsibility; (b) obsessive-compulsive personality traits; and (c) schizotypal personality traits. Whereas sexual obsessions were predicted only by increased beliefs about the importance and control of thoughts, and contamination obsessions were predicted only by inflated responsibility appraisals and threat estimation, religious obsessions were independently predicted by both of these constructs. In addition, only religious obsessions were related to self-reported obsessive-compulsive personality traits. Researchers and clinicians should be cognizant of potentially important distinctions between sexual and religious obsessions, and the possibility that scrupulous OCD shares processes with both autogenous and reactive presentations.
Evaluation of Wind Erosion Emissions Factors for Air Quality Modeling
Authors: Sullivan David A. , Ajwa Husein A.
Published: July 2011

The exposure to airborne particulates and surface deposition are important pathways for many human health assessments. Our primary focus is on air quality modeling issues associated with the emission of airborne particulates from contaminated surfaces via wind erosion and the subsequent deposition onto other areas. In this context, the analysis is directed at long‐term impacts associated with wind‐erosion‐induced movement from a contaminated area onto residential and other property. For this type of application, detailed inputs on soil moisture, armoring, and other factors are typically not known as a function of time. The defined scope and data limitations generally render more detailed and data‐intensive approaches impractical compared with more simplified empirical models. We compare and contrast selected empirical models to show the central tendency as a function of the type of applications (flat–regional and flat–local) as examples. This review demonstrates the importance of applying empirical wind erosion equations in a manner that is consistent with their development and with due consideration of site‐specific features and the specific air quality analysis under evaluation. Of importance to this review are: the scale of analysis, flat vs. pile (elevated) sources, and an appropriate representation of uncertainty. Without consideration of such factors within dispersion modeling analyses of airborne particulate concentrations or surface deposition rates, the exposure analysis can be substantially biased.
Recycled Materials as Substitutes for Virgin Aggregates in Road Construction: I. Hydraulic and Mechanical Characteristics
Authors: Kang Dong-Hee , Gupta Satish C. , Ranaivoson Andry Z. , Siekmeier John , Roberson Ruth
Published: July 2011

Waste generation in household, industry, and highway reconstruction has spurred recycling nationwide. One of the venues for use of recycled materials is in road construction. This study evaluated the suitability of 17 mixtures of four recycled materials with aggregates as a replacement of 100% virgin aggregates in base and subbase layers of roads. Recycled materials tested were recycled asphalt pavement (RAP), recycled concrete material (RCM), fly ash (FA), and foundry sand (FS). Properties characterized were water retention, hydraulic conductivity, resilient modulus (MR), shear strength, and leaching characteristics. In this paper, we discuss the hydraulic and mechanical characteristics of these mixtures. The shapes of the water retention curves of recycled mixtures were nearly similar whereas the saturated hydraulic conductivities of these mixtures were higher than that of 100% aggregates. This suggested that the drainage characteristics of these particular recycled materials mixtures with aggregates will be similar or better than that of 100% aggregates. Generally, addition of RAP, RCM, and FA+RAP to aggregates increased MR values but addition of FS (fine material) to aggregate decreased the MR values. These results suggest that the stiffness of these particular RAP, RCM, and FA mixtures of aggregates will be similar or better than that of 100% aggregates. Addition of RAP, RCM, and FA+RAP to aggregates generally increased the cohesion values whereas friction angles mostly varied within a narrow range (38–49°). Addition of FS to aggregates, however, did not improve the shear strength of the mixtures. Based on these results, we concluded that FA, RAP, and RCM mixtures will be good substitutes for virgin aggregates in base and subbase layers of roads.
Long‐Term Evaluation of Manure Application on Maize Yield and Nitrogen Use Efficiency in China
Authors: Duan Yinghua , Xu Minggang , Wang Bairen , Yang Xueyun , Huang Shaomin , Gao Suduan
Published: July 2011

Improving N use efficiency (NUE) and reducing the negative impact of N fertilization on the environment are essential for sustaining agricultural production in many intensive farming regions around the world. The objective of this research was to investigate the effect of various fertilization regimes on yield, N uptake, and NUE by maize (Zea mays L.) in long‐term (15‐yr) experiments performed at four sites (Changping, Zhengzhou, Yangling, and Qiyang) in China. Eight treatments were examined: unfertilized control (CK); inorganic fertilizer (manufactured source) N, N and P, N and K, and N, P, and K; inorganic N, P, and K with manure (NPKM); 1.5´ the rate of NPKM (1.5NPKM); and N, P, and K with maize stover returned (NPKS). Compared with inorganic fertilization, mixed inorganic and manure fertilization (NPKM and 1.5NPKM) resulted in more stable and significantly higher yield and NUE as well as increases in soil nutrient storage at all sites, with the most significant improvement in the acid soil (pH = 5.7) at Qiyang. Phosphorous was identified as one of the most important limiting factors in maize NUE because the NUE at all four sites increased from about 20 to 45% by increasing the available P in the soil. Higher NUEs (up to 70%) were observed mostly from the continuous manure applications. We conclude that manure and P applications are the most important and effective nutrient management strategies for both the acid and alkaline soils in this study for maize production in China.
Influence of Contrasting Biochar Types on Five Soils at Increasing Rates of Application
Authors: Streubel J. D. , Collins H. P. , Garcia-Perez M. , Tarara J. , Granatstein D. , Kruger C.E.
Published: July 2011

A series of experiments was established to characterize biochars made from four feedstocks regionally available in the Pacific Northwest (wood pellets, softwood bark, switchgrass (Panicum virgatumL.) straw, and anaerobically digested fiber) to determine their effect on five soils. Soils were amended with 9.8, 19.5, and 39.0 Mg ha−1of each of the four biochars and evaluated for changes in pH, water holding capacity, N mineralization, and soil C. The C content of biochars derived from the herbaceous feedstocks was 60 to 67 kg kg−1whereas that of the woody feedstocks was >75 kg kg−1. In amended soils we found that biochars, regardless of origin, significantly raised the pH of all soil types 0.1 to 0.9 units, with the greatest impact on a sand soil. The biochars increased the soil C and water holding capacity at the higher rates of amendment depending on soil and biochar type. Nitrogen mineralization rates decreased in three of the five soils across all feedstocks. There were significant correlations (r≥ 0.9) between biochar C measured and biochar C added regardless of feedstock or soil type. Our research demonstrates that in temperate soils, biochar feedstock may not be as important a variable as soil type for increasing C content and pH but can influence N mineralization and water holding capacity.
Carbon, Nitrogen, and Greenhouse Gas Balances in an 18‐Year Cropping System Study on the Northern Great Plains
Authors: Bremer E. , Janzen H. H. , Ellert B. H. , McKenzie R. H.
Published: July 2011

Agroecosystems provide a range of benefits that are strongly influenced by cropping practice. Crop productivity and C, N, and greenhouse gas (GHG) balances were evaluated in an 18‐yr cropping system study on an Aridic Haplustoll in the northern Great Plains. Application of synthetic fertilizers consistently increased crop yield and soil organic carbon (SOC), with greatest impact in perennial grass and continuous wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) rotations and least impact in rotations with fallow or annual legumes. Based on N balance, N inputs other than fertilizer were 16 to 30 kg N ha−1 yr−1 in rotations without legumes and 62 kg N ha−1 yr−1 in a legume‐wheat (LW) rotation, while losses of synthetic fertilizer N were 32% in annual crop rotations and 3% in perennial grass. Due to large gains in SOC, perennial grass reduced atmospheric GHG by 20 to 29 Mg CO2 equivalent (eq.) ha−1 during the 18 yr of this study. For annual crop rotations, seed yield ranged from 1.2 to 2.5 Mg ha−1 yr−1, protein yield from 0.20 to 0.41 Mg ha−1 yr−1, and GHG intensity from 0 to 0.5 Mg CO2 eq. Mg−1 seed. Fertilized continuous wheat had the highest crop productivity and lowest net GHG intensity, while an annual LW rotation had the highest protein productivity and among the lowest GHG intensities (0.2 Mg CO2 eq. Mg−1 seed). Further evaluation at broader temporal and spatial scales is necessary to account for future changes in SOC and differences in use of crop products.
Ground‐Penetrating Radar Detection and Three‐Dimensional Mapping of Lateral Macropores: I. Calibration
Authors: Gormally Kevin H. , McIntosh Marla S. , Mucciardi Anthony N.
Published: July 2011

Preferential flow of water through soil macropores is known to contribute to groundwater and surface water contamination as well as stream bank instability. However, research on the mechanisms and extent of soil macroporosity is limited due to the lack of a practical technique to study macropores in situ without disrupting the site's ecological function. In this paper, we present a ground‐penetrating radar (GPR)‐based methodology for detecting soil macropores smaller than 10 cm in diameter within 1 m of the soil surface and then creating a computerized tomogram of the macropore network. Manual and automated algorithms for macropore detection were tested for scan data collected using a 900‐MHz radar antenna in a field experiment with a silt‐loam soil. Buried polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes were used to simulate soil macropores of different diameters and fill contents intersected by GPR scan lines at four different angles. Pipes ≥ 3.00 cm in diameter were clearly detectable regardless of the scan line orientation relative to the target, and pipes with diameters as small as 1.85 cm were detected at perpendicular angles of intersection. In a second field experiment, PVC pipes of varying dimensions were buried at different depths to simulate a macropore network of preferential flow pathways. A branch‐node algorithm was developed that referenced GPR scan line detections to create an accurate computer‐generated three‐dimensional map of the pipe network.
Fluorescence Spectroscopic Properties of Dissolved Fulvic Acids from Salined Flavo‐aquic Soils around Wuliangsuhai in Hetao Irrigation District, China
Authors: Yu Huibin , Xi Beidou , Ma Wenchao , Li Dinglong , He Xiaosong
Published: July 2011

This study was conducted to discuss fluorescence spectroscopic properties of dissolved fulvic acids (FA) isolated from salined flavo‐aquic soils around Wuliangsuhai Lake in Hetao Irrigation District, and to evaluate humification degree of FA and soil salinization processes. Composite soil samples of different depths (0–20, 20–40, 40–60, and 60–80 cm) were collected from four different halophyte communities along a saline‐impact gradient around Wuliangsuhai Lake, namely, Comm. (Community) Salicornia europaea (CSE), Comm. Suaeda glauca (CSG), Comm. Kalidium foliatum (CKF), and Comm. Sophora alopecuroides (CSA). Ten humification indices (HIX) (A4/A1, A465, I383/I330, I460/I355, I460/I380, S355–460, S380–460, AF3/AF1, AF3/AF2, and r), deduced from fluorescence spectra of FA, were used to assessing humification degree. Aromatic C structure of FA was the most complex in the CSA soils, and humificaiton degree was the highest too, followed by CKF, CSG, and CSA. There were significant relationships among the 10 HIX (P < 0.01), and A465, S355–460, and S380–460 can more indistinctly differentiate humification degree than the other seven HIX. The 10 HIX exhibited good correlations with exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), and humification degree rose with the decreasing ESP. The HIX not only indicate humification degree, but character soil salinization processes. Therefore HIX may be used as a surrogate for ESP, and may be indicative of soil salinization processes. This study can provide a theoretical basis for the prevention of desertification and saline soil remediation.
Controls on the Extractability of Soil Organic Matter in Water over the 20 to 80°C Temperature Range
Authors: Curtin Denis , Beare Michael H. , Chantigny Martin H. , Greenfield Laurie G.
Published: July 2011

Cold (room temperature, 20°C) and hot water (70–80°C) methods have been used to extract soil organic matter (SOM), but the controls on organic matter solubility within the 20 to 80°C range are not well understood. We measured dissolved organic matter (DOM) as well as cations (Ca, Mg, K, Na, NH4, Mn, Al), inorganic anions (Cl, NO3, PO4, SO4, HCO3) and Si in water extracts of three soils (pasture soil, pasture soil that had been chemically fallowed for 6 yr, and a forest soil) at temperatures ranging from 20 to 80°C (16‐h incubation in temperature‐controlled water baths). Dissolved organic C (DOC) and N increased exponentially in response to temperature increase. Cation solubility increased substantially with temperature (total soluble cations averaged 2.6 mmolc kg−1 of soil at 20°C, increasing to 8.6 mmolc kg−1 at 80°C). Effects of temperature on solubility of inorganic anions were relatively small (total soluble anions averaged 0.7 mmolc kg−1 at 20°C vs. 1.1 mmolc kg−1 at 80°C). The cation surplus (cations minus inorganic anions), which became greater as temperature increased, was balanced by the negative charge carried by the DOM (estimated charge density of DOM was 600–1900 cmolc kg−1 of C). Temperature‐induced increases in DOM and cations were related to NH4+ and OH– production by N mineralization at low (20–50°C) temperatures. The mineralized NH4+ displaced indigenous cations (Ca, Mg, K, Na) while the OH– caused desorption of organic matter to balance the cations. At higher temperature (>50°C), increases in soluble cations and organic matter were at least partly attributable to the release of cations and OH– by hydrolysis of silicate minerals.
Solute Transfer from the Soil Surface to Overland Flow: A Review
Authors: Shi Xiaonan , Wu Laosheng , Chen Weiping , Wang Quanjiu
Published: July 2011

Transfer of agrochemicals from the soil surface to overland flow is a key process governing pollutant transport from soil to surface waters. Simulation models are effective tools for predicting pollutant loads from overland flow to surface water. In this study, we reviewed and summarized experimental observations to assess the factors that affect this transfer process, including: rainfall, topography, soil hydraulic properties, initial water and solute conditions, and management practices. Theoretical frameworks and models for describing the transfer process were also reviewed. The existing models were classified into four categories based on their principles: mixing‐layer models, interfacial diffusion‐controlled models, interfacial‐diffusion and rainfall‐dispersion models, and empirical models. The assumptions, parameters, applications, limitations or potential issues, and further improvements for each category of the models were discussed. It is recommended that new experimental methods be developed and current theoretical frameworks be further refined by considering the effects of other environmental factors and transport mechanisms on solute transfer from the soil surface to overland flow so that the models can be applied to a wider range of practical field conditions.
Soil Water Diffusivity Determination using a New Two‐Point Outflow Method
Authors: Londra P. A. , Valiantzas J. D.
Published: July 2011

A simplified experimental procedure based on the one‐step outflow method for the determination of soil water diffusivity is suggested. The simplified method requires the measurement of two outflow volumes at two times during a one‐step outflow experiment plus the final outflow volume. The suggested experimental procedure is very simple, does not require specialized experimental equipment and can be easily adopted for routine laboratory work. The method is based on the empirical model by Valiantzas et al. for the determination of soil water diffusivity from experimental one‐step outflow data. The comparison between the proposed two‐point outflow method and the method of Valiantzas based on the conventional one‐step outflow method showed convergence of the results.
Digital Soil Mapping and Modeling at Continental Scales: Finding Solutions for Global Issues
Authors: Grunwald S. , Thompson J. A. , Boettinger J. L.
Published: July 2011

Profound shifts have occurred during the last three centuries in which human actions have become the main driver to global environmental change. In this new epoch, the Anthropocene, human‐driven changes such as population growth, climate, and land use change are pushing the Earth system well outside of its normal operating range, causing severe and abrupt environmental change. In the Anthropocene, soil change and soil formation or degradation have also accelerated, jeopardizing soil quality and health. Thus, the need for up‐to‐date, high‐quality, high‐resolution, spatiotemporal, and continuous soil and environmental data that characterize the physicochemical, biological, and hydrologic conditions of ecosystems across continents has intensified. These needs are in sharp contrast to available digital soil data representing continental and global soil systems, which only provide coarse‐scale (1:1,000,000 or coarser) vector polygon maps with highly aggregated soil classes represented in the form of crisp map units derived from historic observations, lacking site‐specific pedogenic process knowledge, and only indirectly relating to pressing issues of the Anthropocene. Furthermore, most available global soil data are snapshots in time, lacking the information necessary to document the evolution of soil properties and processes. Recently, major advancements in digital soil mapping and modeling through geographic information technologies, incorporation of soil and remote sensing products, and advanced quantitative methods have produced domain‐specific soil property prediction models constrained to specific geographic regions, which have culminated in the vision for a global pixel‐based soil map. To respond to the challenges soil scientists face in the Anthropocene, we propose a space–time modeling framework called STEP‐AWBH (“step‐up”), explicitly incorporating anthropogenic forcings to optimize the soil pixel of the futurevv.
Synthesis, spectral, thermal and biological studies of transition metal complexes of 4-hydroxy-3-[3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-acryloyl]-6-methyl-pyran-2-one
Authors: Patange Vaibhav , Arbad Balasaheb
Published: July 2011

The solid complexes of Mn(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) with
4-hydroxy-3-[(2E)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)prop-2-enoyl]-6-methyl-2H-pyran-2-one,
derived from 3-acetyl-6-methyl-2H-pyran- 2,4(3H)-dione (dehydroacetic acid)
and 4-hydroxy benzaldehyde, were synthesized and characterized by elemental
analysis, conductometry, thermal analysis, magnetic measurements, IR, 1H-NMR
and UV-VIS spectroscopy and a biological study. From the analytical and
spectral data, the stoichiometry of the complexes was found to be 1:2
(metal:ligand). The physico-chemical data suggest a distorted octahedral
geometry for the Cu(II) complexes and an octahedral geometry for all the
other complexes. The thermal decomposition of all the complexes was studied
by the TG- DTA method. The synthesized ligand and its metal complexes were
screened for their in vitro antibacterial activity against Gram negative
(Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacterial
strains and for in vitro antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus,
Curvularia lunata and Penicillium notatum. The results of these studies
showed the metal complexes to be more antibacterial/antifungal against one or
more species as compared with the non-complexed ligand.
Application of fractional calculus in ground heat flux estimation
Authors: Protic Milan , Stankovic Miomir , Mitic Dragan , Todorovic Branimir
Published: July 2011

Ground (soil) heat flux is important physical factor primarily because of its
role in surface energy balance, analysis of atmospheric boundary layer and
land surface-atmosphere interaction. Direct measurement of this property is
often associated with difficulties arising from need for adequate calibration
of measuring devices, determination of proper depth for probes, upward water
migration and accumulation below measuring plates to lack of understanding of
the governing thermal processes occurring at the ground surface. In the
following paper approach for inferring heat flux indirectly, from known
ground surface temperature time-dependant functions, using previously
developed fractional diffusion equation for ground heat conduction is
elaborated. Fractional equation is solved for two, most frequently
encountered harmonic surface temperature functions. Yielded results were
compared with analytic solutions. Validation results indicate that solutions
obtained with fractional approach closely correspond to analytic solutions
with remark that former are more general, containing the term covering the
transitional effect.
Numerical simulation of the fractional Langevin equation
Authors: Guo Peng , Li Changpin , Zeng Fanhai
Published: July 2011

In this paper, we study the fractional Langevin equation, whose derivative is
in Caputo sense. By using the derived numerical algorithm, we obtain the
displacement and the mean square displacement which describe the dynamic
behaviors of the fractional Langevin equation.
Explosion-proof textile with hierarchical Steiner tree structure
Authors: Wu Ling-Ye , He Ji-Huan
Published: July 2011

The aim of the current work is to propose a new idea to design of
explosion-proof textile where the Steiner tree with hierarchical structure is
adopted.
Influence of chin height on perceived attractiveness in the orthognathic patient, layperson, and clinician
Authors: Naini Farhad B. , Donaldson Ana Nora A. , McDonald Fraser , Cobourne Martyn T.
Published: July 2011

Objective:

To determine an objective and quantitative evaluation of how severity of chin height variations influence perceived attractiveness.

Materials and Methods:

The chin height of an idealized male and female frontal facial image was altered in 2.5-mm increments from −12.5 to 22.5 mm (male images) and from −10 to 20 mm (female images). These images were rated on a seven-point Likert scale by a preselected group of pretreatment orthognathic patients, clinicians, and laypeople.

Results:

The classical lower facial proportional canon of upper lip height as one third (33.3%), lower lip height as one third (33.3%) and chin height as one third (33.3%) of lower anterior face height (LAFH) may be used as an “ideal” proportional ratio. However, chin height variations within a given proportional range are largely unnoticed, ie, from approximately 30% chin height in relation to LAFH (male and female) up to approximately 40% (males) and 50% (females) chin height in relation to LAFH. Additionally, surgery is only desired with greater variations in chin height: greater than 50% and less than 20%–23% of LAFH in males, and greater than 58% and less than 20%–22% of LAFH in females. Patients and clinicians are more critical than laypeople, but no significant differences were found between clinicians and patients.

Conclusions:

In relation to the classical canon, surgical correction of chin height deformities are desired with chin height greater than 50% and less than 20%–23% of LAFH in males, and greater than 58% and less than 20%–22% of LAFH in females.
The Berlin Wall and the Battle for Legitimacy in Divided Germany
Authors: Ahonen Pertti
Published: July 2011

The Berlin Wall was a key site of contestation between the Federal Republic and the German Democratic Republic in their Cold War struggle over political legitimacy. On both sides, the Wall became a tool in intense publicity battles aimed at building legitimacy and collective identity at home, and undermining them in the other Germany. The public perceptions and politicized uses of the barrier evolved through stages that reflected the relative fortunes of the two German states, moving gradually from extensive East-West parallels in the early 1960s toward a growing divergence by the 1970s and 1980s, which became increasingly indicative of East Germany's weakness.
Hydrazine-Hydroquinone Complex as an Efficient Solid Phase Hydrazine Donor: High Yield Synthesis of Luminol and Isoluminol
Authors: Chattopadhyay Gautam , Ray Partha Sinha
Published: July 2011

Isomeric aminophthalhydrazides, luminol and isoluminol were easily obtained from the corresponding aminophthalimides by solid phase hydrazinolysis with the hydrazine–-hydroquinone complex in high yields. Synthesis of a novel chemiluminescent agent, a heterocyclic analogue of isoluminol related to aminoimidazolecarboxamide, is also described.
A Facile Synthesis of Ionic Liquid-Supported Iodosylbenzenes
Authors: Zhang Jizhen , Zhao Dejian , Wang Yazhen , Kuang Hua , Jia Hongbin
Published: July 2011

A synthesis of two ionic liquid-supported iodosylbenzenes,1-(4-iodosylbenzyl)pyridinium tetrafluoroborate and 1-(4-iodosylbenzyl)-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, which are potentially useful oxidising agents in organic synthesis is reported. Both compounds are stable, active, and easy to handle. The chemical structures of both compounds were characterised by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR, MS and elemental analysis.
Synthesis of Chiral P,N-ligands derived from Quinoline and their Application in Asymmetric Allylic Alkylations
Authors: Shen Yan-Hong , Lv Hui-Chao , Zhao Liang
Published: July 2011

Chiral P,N-ligands derived from quinoline and with a trans and cis cyclohexane backbone were easily synthesised in four steps from quinoline N-oxide. The enantiopure trans isomer was obtained by the way of chiral resolution of the mixture of trans- and cis-2-(quinolin-2-yl)cyclohexanol with dibenzoyltartaric acid and then subjected to a Mitsunobu reaction and deprotection to give the corresponding cis isomer. The optical pure trans and cis isomer reacted with chlorodiphenylphosphine or PAr2NEt2 to obtain trans and cis P,N-ligands, which were used in asymmetric allylic alkylations with up to 78% ee and 84% ee respectively.
Total Synthesis of (±)-Agastinol
Authors: Ding Junwei , Zhou Haitang , Jiao Bin , Xia Yamu
Published: July 2011

A synthesis of the tetrahydrofuran lignan (±)-agastinol, starting from the cheap Vanillin, has been developed based on Stobbe reaction with diethyl succinate to give the skeleton of lignan, which was then reduced to afford meso- and threo-(±)-secoisolanciresinol. threo-(±)-Secoisolanciresinol was treated with DDQ in acetic acid to give the 2-aryl tetrahydrofuran lignan, and which was then condensed with ferulic acid to give (±)-agastinol for the first time.