bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KrishiKosh: an institutional repository of National Agricultural Research System in India
Authors: Veeranjaneyulu K.
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide online access to valuable resource, i.e., rare books, institutional publications, historical reports, theses, success stories, etc. to the researchers, teachers, extension specialists, farmers and scientists working in the ICAR institutes and state agricultural universities.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using open source software, the material in the repository was organized into institution-wise collection of documents such as books, journals, theses, reports, articles, etc. The process of digitization including scanning, cleaning, cropping, conversion to text (OCR), conversion to PDF/A, is currently being done at four different centres. So far, more than ten million pages from 19,495 documents have been digitized along with the necessary metadata.

Findings

– The “KrishiKosh” is a collaborative project which envisages launching an Indian agricultural knowledge portal over the internet and sharing its research information including Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETD) with the rest of the world using latest information and communication technologies.

Research limitations/implications

– Users are able to access any information they want, from anywhere in the world, and at any time over the internet. It also culminated in launching of an Indian agricultural knowledge portal over the internet for sharing its research information including ETD with the rest of the world using the latest information and communication technologies.

Practical implications

– The agricultural research community will have access to the vast amount of rare and precious literature to further research and developments in agriculture and allied sectors to achieve self-sufficiency in food production.

Social implications

– While the population of the country is heading towards 1.23 billion, Indian agricultural scientists are engaged in increasing the food grain production to address the food security challenge. The importance of agricultural production in the context of global competition has occupied a significant place in the national development plan. It helps to provide right information, in right time at right place to increase the agriculture production.

Originality/value

– The Indian agricultural knowledge portal over the internet for sharing its research information including ETD among agriculture policy makers, scientists, etc. using latest ICT. The portal helps to avoid duplication and to acquire more resources to the agriculture knowledge centres.
Collaboration between academics and librarians
Authors: Pham Hue Thi , Tanner Kerry
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine recent literature for a review of the concepts of collaboration in library and information science and related disciplines and to develop a conceptual framework for application in academic contexts globally.

Design/methodology/approach

– An investigation of literature exploring the multifaceted meanings and dimensions of collaboration and subsequent development of a framework for analysis. To exemplify the use of the framework in analysing collaboration between academics and librarians, and to demonstrate the impact of context on collaboration, the paper explores the situation and educational contexts in two national settings – one a developed country (Australia) and the other a developing country (Vietnam).

Findings

– Contextual factors have a substantial impact on the nature of collaboration between academics and librarians. The collaboration framework developed is applied to academic settings in two countries, Vietnam and Australia, and dimensions of collaboration are compared and contrasted in the two countries. Insights and implications are drawn concerning the distinctive features of effective collaboration as well as the achievements and challenges of such collaborative partnerships.

Research limitations/implications

– This literature-based article reports on the first part of a larger research project. Further development and application of the conceptual framework in studying the collaborative relationship between academics and librarians empirically are deemed important.

Originality/value

– This paper provides insights into the current condition and challenges in developing collaboration between academics and librarians. The proposed framework is beneficial to academics, librarians and universities interested in addressing the issues of this partnership in various academic contexts.
Academic opinions of Wikipedia and Open Access publishing
Authors: Xiao Lu , Askin Nicole
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine academics’ awareness of and attitudes towards Wikipedia and Open Access journals for academic publishing to better understand the perceived benefits and challenges of these models.

Design/methodology/approach

– Bases for analysis include comparison of the models, enumeration of their advantages and disadvantages, and investigation of Wikipedia's web structure in terms of potential for academic publishing. A web survey was administered via department-based invitations and listservs.

Findings

– The survey results show that: Wikipedia has perceived advantages and challenges in comparison to the Open Access model; the academic researchers’ increased familiarity is associated with increased comfort with these models; and the academic researchers’ attitudes towards these models are associated with their familiarity, academic environment, and professional status.

Research limitations/implications

– The major limitation of the study is sample size. The result of a power analysis with GPower shows that authors could only detect big effects in this study at statistical power 0.95. The authors call for larger sample studies that look further into this topic.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to the increasing interest in adjusting methods of creating and disseminating academic knowledge by providing empirical evidence of the academics’ experiences and attitudes towards the Open Access and Wikipedia publishing models. This paper provides a resource for researchers interested in scholarly communication and academic publishing, for research librarians, and for the academic community in general.
Accounting and accountability challenges
Authors: K. Narayan Anil
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate the strategy, accounting and accountability interface in sustainability implementation in a large public tertiary education organisation in New Zealand.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study uses ethnography as an “engaging research” to help explain the real-life enactment of accounting and accountability in advancing/deterring sustainability initiatives. The study draws upon neo-institutional theoretical perspectives to help interpret the findings.

Findings

– Accounting and accountability are powerful conduits for strategy implementation. Successful sustainability strategy implementation requires the embedding of financial accountability within the implementation process.

Practical implications

– A strong ideological commitment from senior management is required to firmly embed sustainability in the tertiary organisation's belief systems, values and norms to get wider organisational acceptance and institutionalisation. Accounting needs to take a position of centrality within organisations to help facilitate sustainability implementation.

Social implications

– Government policy needs to incorporate specific concepts of sustainability into the tertiary education strategy and funding framework to make public tertiary organisations accountable for sustainability to the wider society.

Originality/value

– This study provides unique insights into the sustainability implementation process. It complements existing literature on sustainability accounting and accountability.
Does environmental reporting reflect environmental performance?
Authors: He Christina , Loftus Janice
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to evaluate the environmental disclosure practices of firms engaged in environmentally sensitive industries by examining their association with environmental performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study tests for associations between environmental performance and the level and nature of environmental disclosures by listed Chinese firms operating in industries that have been identified by a regulator as environmentally sensitive. The level of environmental disclosure is measured using a disclosure index based on the global reporting initiative. The nature of environmental disclosure is measured as the ratio of hard to total disclosure items.

Findings

– Firms with more favourable environmental performance provide a higher level of environmental disclosure and include a greater proportion of hard disclosure items. However, the overall level of disclosure is lower than that observed in developed countries.

Research limitations/implications

– Due to data constraints, the proxy for environmental performance is based on the receipt and maintenance of environmental titles and awards and does not capture variation in the level of environmental performance of firms with no titles or awards.

Practical implications

– As China continues to embrace market-based economic reform, the ability to reflect sustainable choices through market transactions is of increasing importance to the preservation of economic, natural and social capital for future generations.

Originality/value

– The study examines the relation between environmental reporting and environmental performance by firms operating in industries that have been identified by a regulator as environmentally sensitive.
Corporate water accountability – the role of water labels given non-fungible extractions
Authors: Hazelton James
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to explore the potential for the labelling of the water footprint of products in an Australian context. It considers theoretical contribution and technical challenges of water labelling and in particular how non-fungible water extractions might be evaluated and communicated.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper examines the theoretical contribution of labels drawing on the sustainability typology articulated by Hopwoodet al.and more recent claims that access to product-level environmental information may constitute a consumer right. The paper also explores labelling empirically via an extensive literature review and ten interviews with water regulators and commercial water users.

Findings

– Water footprint reporting could make a significant contribution to public water literacy. Significant technical hurdles remain, however, in appropriately distinguishing differing impacts of water extractions as well as in relation to measurement, allocation and information overload. This suggests that labelling of complex products is currently infeasible but existing and emerging solutions to these issues suggest that labelling of simpler products is a realistic possibility.

Research limitations/implications

– Given the relatively small scope of interviews, the findings of this study might be triangulated with other research methods such as surveys and/or focus groups for the findings to be validated. Additionally, future research might focus on overcoming each of the challenges noted above for a particular product in order to bring water labelling closer to practical reality.

Originality/value

– Labelling schemes offer improved corporate supply-chain accountability yet have received little attention in the social and environmental accounting literature to date. This paper therefore seeks to make a theoretical and empirical contribution to this emerging field of labelling in the area of water, a key sustainability issue.
The value of property management services: an experiment
Authors: Li Jinhuan , Monkkonen Paavo
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– Assessing the value of property management services is challenging because of collinearity between property quality and the quality of property management companies. In order to overcome this challenge and isolate the impact of property management services, the purpose of this paper is to use an experimental approach inspired by work in labor economics (Bertrand and Mullainathan, 2004) to measure the value of property management services for residential properties in Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors surveyed over 150 experts in the real estate industry and asked them to estimate the value of five hypothetical properties. In each survey, the authors randomly assign different property management companies, which we have ranked by levels of quality, to the properties. In this way the authors were able to test whether property management services significantly impact property prices and whether this impact varies across types of residential buildings.

Findings

– Results show that property management does add value, especially to older and more dilapidated properties.

Practical implications

– Findings suggest that there is money to be made by high-quality companies providing services for lower quality buildings.

Originality/value

– The experimental survey methodology applied in this paper provides an innovative way to measure company value.
D‐Xylose assimilation via the Weimberg pathway by solvent‐tolerant Pseudomonas taiwanensis VLB120
Authors: Köhler Kirsten A. K. , Blank Lars M. , Frick Oliver , Schmid Andreas
Published: June 2014

The natural ability of Pseudomonas taiwanensis VLB120 to use xylose as sole carbon and energy source offers a high potential for sustainable industrial biotechnology. In general, three xylose assimilation routes are reported for bacteria. To elaborate the metabolic capacity of P. taiwanensis VLB120 and to identify potential targets for metabolic engineering, an in silico/in vivo experiment was designed, allowing for discrimination between these pathways. Kinetics of glucose and xylose degradation in P. taiwanensis VLB120 was determined and the underlying stoichiometry was investigated by genome‐based metabolic modelling and tracer studies using stable isotope labelling. Additionally, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction experiments have been performed to link physiology to the genomic inventory. Based on in silico experiments, a labelling strategy was developed, ensuring a measurable and unique 13C‐labelling distribution in proteinogenic amino acids for every possible distribution between the different xylose metabolization routes. A comparison with in vivo results allows the conclusion that xylose is metabolized by P. taiwanensis VLB120 via the Weimberg pathway. Transcriptomic and physiological studies point to the biotransformation of xylose to xylonate by glucose dehydrogenase. The kinetics of this enzyme is also responsible for the preference of glucose as carbon source by cells growing in the presence of glucose and xylose.
Predicting admission of patients by their presentation to the emergency department
Authors: Kim Susan W , Li Jordan Y , Hakendorf Paul , Teubner David JO , Ben‐Tovim David I , Thompson Campbell H
Published: June 2014

Objective

The present study aims to determine the importance of certain factors in predicting the need of hospital admission for a patient in the ED.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational cohort study between January 2010 and March 2012. The characteristics, including blood test results, of 100 123 patients who presented to the ED of a tertiary referral urban hospital, were incorporated into models using logistic regression in an attempt to predict the likelihood of patients' disposition on leaving the ED. These models were compared with triage nurses' prediction of patient disposition.

Results

Patient age, their initial presenting symptoms or diagnosis, Australasian Triage Scale category, mode of arrival, existence of any outside referral, triage time of day and day of the week were significant predictors of the patient's disposition (P < 0.001). The ordering of blood tests for any patient and the extent of abnormality of those tests increased the likelihood of admission. The accuracy of triage nurses' admission prediction was similar to that offered by a model that used the patients' presentation characteristics. The addition of blood tests to that model resulted in only 3% greater accuracy in prediction of patient disposition.

Conclusions

Certain characteristics of patients as they present to hospital predict their admission. The accuracy of the triage nurses' prediction for disposition of patients is the same as that afforded by a model constructed from these characteristics. Blood test results improve disposition accuracy only slightly so admission decisions should not always wait for these results.
Functional congruence of rhizosphere microbial communities associated to leguminous tree from Brazilian semiarid region
Authors: Taketani Rodrigo Gouvêa , Kavamura Vanessa Nessner , Mendes Rodrigo , Melo Itamar Soares
Published: June 2014

Semiarid environments are characterized by the uneven spread of rain throughout the year. This leads to the establishment of a biota that can go through long periods without rain. In order to understand the dynamics of rhizosphere microbial communities across these contrasting seasons in Caatinga, we used the Ion Torrent platform to sequence the metagenome of the rhizosphere of a native leguminous plant (Mimosa tenuiflora). The annotation indicated that most abundant groups detected were the Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria, and the dominant functional groups were carbohydrate and protein metabolisms, and that in the wet season, the communities carried carbohydrate and amino acid metabolisms. The major differences observed between seasons were higher abundance of genes related to carbohydrate and amino acid metabolisms in the rainy season, indicating that the populations present might be better adapted to a higher abundance of organic matter. Besides, no clear separation of samples was detected based on their taxonomic composition whereas the functional composition indicates that samples from the rain season are more related. Altogether, our results indicate that there is a large functional stability in these communities mostly due to the selection of features that aid the biota to endure the dry season and blossom during rain.
The relationship between US heroin market dynamics and heroin‐related overdose, 1992–2008
Authors: Unick George , Rosenblum Daniel , Mars Sarah , Ciccarone Daniel
Published: June 2014

Background and Aims

Heroin‐related overdose is linked to polydrug use, changes in physiological tolerance and social factors. Individual risk can also be influenced by the structural risk environment including the illicit drug market. We hypothesized that components of the US illicit drug market, specifically heroin source/type, price and purity, will have independent effects on the number of heroin‐related overdose hospital admissions.

Methods

Yearly, from 1992 to 2008, Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) price and purity series were estimated from the US Drug Enforcement Administration data. Yearly heroin overdose hospitalizations were constructed from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Socio‐demographic variables were constructed using several databases. Negative binomial models were used to estimate the effect of price, purity and source region of heroin on yearly hospital counts of heroin overdoses controlling for poverty, unemployment, crime, MSA socio‐demographic characteristics and population size.

Results

Purity was not associated with heroin overdose, but each $100 decrease in the price per pure gram of heroin resulted in a 2.9% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.8%, 1.0%] increase in the number of heroin overdose hospitalizations (P = 0.003). Each 10% increase in the market share of Colombian‐sourced heroin was associated with a 4.1% (95% CI = 1.7%, 6.6%) increase in number of overdoses reported in hospitals (P = 0.001) independent of heroin quality.

Conclusions

Decreases in the price of pure heroin in the United States are associated with increased heroin‐related overdose hospital admissions. Increases in market concentration of Colombian‐source/type heroin is also associated with an increase in heroin‐related overdose hospital admissions. Increases in US heroin‐related overdose admissions appear to be related to structural changes in the US heroin market.
Impact of management type and intensity on multiple facets of grassland biodiversity in the French Jura Mountains
Authors: Mauchamp Leslie , Mouly Arnaud , Badot Pierre‐Marie , Gillet François
Published: June 2014

Questions

(1) Does grassland vegetation differ in its taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional alpha diversity between strictly grazed parcels (SGP) and mowed‐and‐grazed parcels (MGP)? (2) Do we observe differences in the responses of functional diversity (reflecting differences in the interspecific variation of a trait in the plant community) and community‐weighted mean trait values (CWMs, reflecting the characteristics of the dominant species)? (3) How do diversity and CWM patterns respond to disturbance and fertilization gradients measured by agronomic descriptors in both parcel types?

Location

French Jura Mountains.

Methods

We compared taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional diversities (based on Rao quadratic entropy) and CWMs between the two management types (SGP and MGP). We then used agronomic variables, describing both defoliation regime and fertilization intensity over the past 10 yrs to explain diversity indices and CWMs in a partial redundancy analysis (pRDA).

Results

Taxonomic and phylogenetic diversities were higher in SGP than in MGP, as well as functional diversity computed for qualitative traits (clonal growth organs and leaf distribution along the stem). Contrary to expectations from literature, we found higher CWM for leaf dry matter content (LDMC) in intensively and regularly cut grasslands compared to only grazed grasslands, which can be explained by the higher dominance of grass species in hay meadows. In addition, constrained ordination revealed that taxonomic, phylogenetic and some functional diversity metrics were negatively affected by defoliation intensity (mowing frequency), while most CWMs were mainly influenced by fertilization intensity, either by the available N input or by the role of commercial inorganic fertilizers, depending on the trait considered.

Conclusions

Our study revealed consistent patterns between the various facets of biodiversity in grasslands according to the main management regime. Taking agronomic gradients into account suggests the importance of considering both CWMs and functional diversity, which respond variously to agricultural practices. Conservation of high diversity in grasslands, whatever the facet considered, implies keeping some parcels exclusively grazed and limiting N inputs, especially those from inorganic commercial fertilizers.
Population pharmacokinetic study of gentamicin in a large cohort of premature and term neonates
Authors: Fuchs Aline , Guidi Monia , Giannoni Eric , Werner Dominique , Buclin Thierry , Widmer Nicolas , Csajka Chantal
Published: June 2014

Aim

This study aims to investigate the clinical and demographic factors influencing gentamicin pharmacokinetics in a large cohort of unselected premature and term newborns and to evaluate optimal regimens in this population.

Methods

All gentamicin concentration data, along with clinical and demographic characteristics, were retrieved from medical charts in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit over 5 years within the frame of a routine therapeutic drug monitoring programme. Data were described using non‐linear mixed‐effects regression analysis ( nonmem®).

Results

A total of 3039 gentamicin concentrations collected in 994 preterm and 455 term newborns were included in the analysis. A two compartment model best characterized gentamicin disposition. The average parameter estimates, for a median body weight of 2170 g, were clearance (CL) 0.089 l h−1 (CV 28%), central volume of distribution (Vc) 0.908 l (CV 18%), intercompartmental clearance (Q) 0.157 l h−1 and peripheral volume of distribution (Vp) 0.560 l. Body weight, gestational age and post‐natal age positively influenced CL. Dopamine co‐administration had a significant negative effect on CL, whereas the influence of indomethacin and furosemide was not significant. Both body weight and gestational age significantly influenced Vc. Model‐based simulations confirmed that, compared with term neonates, preterm infants need higher doses, superior to 4 mg kg−1, at extended intervals to achieve adequate concentrations.

Conclusions

This observational study conducted in a large cohort of newborns confirms the importance of body weight and gestational age for dosage adjustment. The model will serve to set up dosing recommendations and elaborate a Bayesian tool for dosage individualization based on concentration monitoring.
Effects of impression levels and trays on the accuracy of impressions taken from angulated implants
Authors: Geramipanah Farideh , Sahebi Majid , Davari Maryam , Hajimahmoudi Mohammadreza , Rakhshan Vahid
Published: June 2014

Background and purpose

It is crucial to keep the misfit of the abutment–fixture unit at the lowest possible rate. There are a few controversial studies on the accuracy of impression making of angulated implants, and much fewer (and controversial) studies on the abutment‐level impression technique, which is a convenient and clinically favorable method. Besides, there are no studies on comparison of sectional vs. full‐arch trays. We aimed to assess these.

Methods

A trapezoidal model with four angulated implants installed at 20° and 30° buccal tilts was fabricated. Forty impressions were taken from this model, with two groups of full‐arch and sectional custom trays (n = 2 × 20), each divided into two subgroups of implant‐level and abutment‐level techniques (n = 2 × 2 × 10 in four subgroups). Absolute and non‐absolute linear and angular impression errors were estimated by comparing the fabricated casts with the model, using a coordinate measuring machine. The effects of sectional/full‐arch trays and abutment‐level and fixture‐level techniques on impression accuracies were analyzed using one‐ and two‐way analyses of variance (ANOVA), Tukey, Mann–Whitney, and one‐sample t‐tests (α = 0.05, Mann–Whitney's α using the Bonferroni Bonferroni method).

Results

No significant differences between the absolute linear errors of the two trays (P = 0.100 [ANOVA]) and the two levels (P = 0.400 [ANOVA]) were observed. The assessment of absolute angular errors showed no significant differences (all P values ≥ 0.4 [ANOVA]). The difference between the linear errors in the full‐arch vs. sectional trays was not significant in the fixture‐level group (P = 0.290). However, in the abutment‐level group, the linear error was significantly greater in the sectional tray compared to full‐arch tray (P = 0.013, α = 0.025 [Mann–Whitney]).

Conclusions

Using sectional trays might not be advantageous over full‐arch trays. Sectional trays are not recommended for taking abutment‐level impressions. The abutment‐level impression technique is as accurate as the studied fixture‐level technique. Increasing the angle of implants’ divergence from 40° to 60° might not usually lead to a significant increase in the errors, particularly when using abutment‐level impressions.
What Managers Want From Invasive Species Research Versus What They Get
Authors: Matzek Virginia , Pujalet Maile , Cresci Sophia
Published: June 2014

We compared the published research on exotic invasive plants with research needs identified by practitioners who manage wildland invasions in California. We filtered the 2007–2011 contents of 20 journals to find 347 relevant articles, then classified them in four areas: topical relevance, spatial/temporal scale, management usefulness, and accessibility and timeliness. We found basic research to be heavily overrepresented compared to applied research, but authors of basic research papers typically gave at least some consideration to management implications of the work. The taxonomic coverage of the database was uneven, with four invaders accounting for nearly half the published work, and several high‐priority species being absent. Small temporal and spatial scales, lack of information on management costs, and a long lag time before publication also hinder the usefulness of invasions research to managers. However, articles were widely available for free download, suggesting that access to research should not be among managers’ concerns.
Biochar – synergies and trade‐offs between soil enhancing properties and C sequestration potential
Authors: Crombie Kyle , Mašek Ondřej , Cross Andrew , Sohi Saran
Published: June 2014

The characterization of biochar has been predominantly focused around determining physicochemical properties including chemical composition, porosity and volatile content. To date, little systematic research has been done into assessing the properties of biochar that directly relate to its function in soil and how production conditions could impact these. The aim of this study was to evaluate how pyrolysis conditions can influence biochar's potential for soil enhancing benefits by addressing key soil constraints, and identify potential synergies and restrictions. To do this, biochar produced from pine wood chips (PC), wheat straw (WS) and wheat straw pellets (WSP) at four highest treatment temperatures (HTT) (350, 450, 550 and 650 °C) and two heating rates (5 and 100 °C min−1) were analysed for pH, extractable nutrients, cation exchange capacity (CEC), stable‐C content and labile‐C content. Highest treatment temperature and feedstock selection played an important role in the development of biochar functional properties while overall heating rate (in the range investigated) was found to have no significant effect on pH, stable‐C or labile‐C concentrations. Increasing the HTT reduced biochar yield and labile‐C content while increasing the yield of stable‐C present within biochar. Biochar produced at higher HTT also demonstrated a higher degree of alkalinity improving biochar's ability to increase soil pH. The concentration of extractable nutrients was mainly affected by feedstock selection while the biochar CEC was influenced by HTT, generally reaching its highest values between 450–550 °C. Biochar produced at ≥550 °C showed high combined values for C stability, pH and CEC while lower HTTs favoured nutrient availability. Therefore attempts to maximize biochar's C sequestration potential could reduce the availability of biochar nutrients. Developing our understanding of how feedstock selection and processing conditions influence key biochar properties can be used to refine the pyrolysis process and design of ‘bespoke biochar’ engineered to deliver specific environmental functions.
Preparation and Performance of the Room‐Temperature‐Cured Heat‐Resistant Phosphate Adhesive for C/C Composites Bonding
Authors: Wang Mingchao , Liu Jiachen , Guo Anran , Zhao Lan , Tian Geng , Shen Sibo , Liu Shan
Published: June 2014

Carbon/carbon(C/C) composites were bonded with a phosphate adhesive prepared from H3PO4 (orthophosphoric acid) and Al(OH)3 as the matrix and Si and CuO as the inorganic fillers. The mechanical properties were tested at room temperature after the bonded specimens were treated from RT to 1500°C. The results showed that the addition of CuO could greatly improve the adhesive's mechanical properties due to the formation of CunSi (copper silicides). The shear strength of bonded specimens could be up to 8.2 MPa without heat treatment and remain above 2 MPa within the whole heat‐treatment temperature range.
Price Determination and Efficiency in the Market for South Platte Basin Ditch Company Shares
Authors: Payne Matthew T. , Smith Mark Griffin , Landry Clay J.
Published: June 2014

Water scarcity presents an obstacle to economic development in the western United States. Water rights markets help improve water allocation, allowing states to derive the highest economic benefit from available resources, and supporting new uses and economic development. However, the implicit (marginal) prices of water rights attributes are uncertain. To address this problem, we apply econometric analysis to a unique dataset to estimate the implicit values that market participants place on the attributes of shares of ditch company water rights in Colorado's South Platte River Basin. Our analysis demonstrates that ditch company share buyers value proximity of water diversion, reliability of water deliveries, and temporal flexibility of water use. To assess reliability we introduce the use of the coefficient of variation to capture, in one variable, the randomness of supply from ditch company shares that are not a single water right, but a portfolio of rights with different appropriation dates. Finally, we test and correct for spatial autocorrelation for the first time in a study of water market prices.
Estimation of Nonpoint Source Nitrate Concentrations in Indiana Rivers Based on Agricultural Drainage in the Watershed
Authors: Jiang Yan , Frankenberger Jane R. , Sui Yinghui , Bowling Laura C.
Published: June 2014

Subsurface tile‐drained agricultural fields are known to be important contributors to nitrate in surface water in the Midwest, but the effect of these fields on nitrate at the watershed scale is difficult to quantify. Data for 25 watersheds monitored by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and located near a U.S. Geological Survey stream gage were used to investigate the relationship between flow‐weighted mean concentration (FWMC) of nitrate‐N and the subsurface tile‐drained area (DA) of the watershed. The tile DA was estimated from soil drainage class, land use, and slope. Nitrate loads from point sources were estimated based on reported flows of major permitted facilities with mean nitrate‐N concentrations from published sources. Linear regression models exhibited a statistically significant relationship between annual/monthly nonpoint source (NPS) nitrate‐N and DA percentage. The annual model explained 71% of the variation in FWMC of nitrate‐N. The annual and monthly models were tested in 10 additional watersheds, most with absolute errors within 1 mg/l in the predicted FWMC. These models can be used to estimate NPS nitrate for unmonitored watersheds in similar areas, especially for drained agricultural areas where model performance was strongest, and to predict the nitrate reduction when various tile drainage management techniques are employed.
Life‐Space Mobility and Mortality in Older Men: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Mackey Dawn C. , Cauley Jane A. , Barrett‐Connor Elizabeth , Schousboe John T. , Cawthon Peggy M. , Cummings Steven R. ,   the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Research Group
Published: June 2014

Objectives

To evaluate the relationship between life‐space (the extent, frequency, and independence of an individual's movement) and mortality in older men.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Six U.S. clinical sites.

Participants

Men aged 71 to 98 followed from 2007 to 2011 (N = 3,892).

Measurements

Life‐space during the past month was assessed as 0 (daily restriction to one's bedroom) to 120 (daily trips outside one's town without assistance) and categorized into 20‐point intervals. The primary outcome was noncancer mortality, and secondary outcomes were all‐cause, cardiovascular, cancer, and noncardiovascular noncancer mortality.

Results

Over 2.7 years (2007–2011), 373 (9.6%) men died, 230 from noncancer causes. Unadjusted risk of noncancer mortality was 41.2% in men with the lowest level of life‐space (0–20 points, n = 34) and 2.4% in men with the highest level of life‐space (101–120 points, n = 868), a 17 times difference. In multivariable‐adjusted models, there was a strong linear trend between decreasing life‐space and increasing risk of noncancer mortality (P = .005). Risk of noncancer mortality was 3.8 times higher (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.3,11.5) in men with the lowest life‐space than in those with the highest life‐space. Risk of noncancer mortality was 1.3 times higher (95% CI=1.1–1.5) for each standard‐deviation (24 point) decrease in life‐space. Risk of noncancer mortality was 1.5 times higher (95% CI=1.0–2.3) in men who did not travel beyond their neighborhood without assistance (n = 471). Results were similar for all‐cause mortality and did not change after control for chronic disease burden.

Conclusion

Life‐space predicted a variety of mortality endpoints in older men; scores of 40 or less were associated with mortality independent of other risk factors.
Greater Daily Defined Dose of Antihypertensive Medication Increases the Risk of Falls in Older People—A Population‐Based Study
Authors: Callisaya Michele L. , Sharman James E. , Close Jacqueline , Lord Stephen R. , Srikanth Velandai K.
Published: June 2014

Objectives

To determine whether there is a relationship between daily defined dose (DDD) of antihypertensive drugs and the risk of falls.

Design

Prospective population‐based cohort study.

Setting

Tasmanian Study of Cognition and Gait, Australia.

Participants

Participants aged 60 to 86 randomly selected from the electoral roll.

Measurements

Antihypertensive dose was quantified by estimating DDD, allowing standardized comparison of dosage between drug classes. Falls were identified prospectively over 12 months. The relative risk (RR) of falls associated with DDD was estimated using log binomial regression adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, education, cardiovascular history, and other risk factors for falls.

Results

Participants (N = 409) had a mean age of 72.0 ± 6.9, and 56% were male. Mean baseline blood pressure was 142/80 mmHg, and 54% were taking antihypertensive medications. One hundred sixty‐one participants (39%) fell over the 12 months. Those who fell were on a higher DDD of antihypertensives (1.51 ± 2.16 than those who did not (1.03 ± 1.42) (P = .007). Higher DDD was independently associated with greater fall risk (RR = 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02–1.11; P = .004), with a 48% greater risk in those with a DDD of more than 3 (RR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.06–2.08; P = .02), particularly in those with a history of stroke (P for interaction .01). This effect remained even after excluding those not taking antihypertensives or stratifying according to presence of hypertension and medication use.

Conclusion

Higher dose of antihypertensive medication is independently associated with falls in older people, particularly in those with a history of previous stroke, and with more than three standard units conferring the highest risk.
Desvenlafaxine prevents white matter injury and improves the decreased phosphorylation of the rate‐limiting enzyme of cholesterol synthesis in a chronic mouse model of depression
Authors: Wang Junhui , Qiao Jinping , Zhang Yanbo , Wang Hongxing , Zhu Shenghua , Zhang Handi , Hartle Kelly , Guo Huining , Guo Wei , He Jue , Kong Jiming , Huang Qingjun , Li Xin‐Min
Published: June 2014

Serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors antidepressants exert their effects by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine in the synaptic cleft. Studies show it takes 2–3 weeks for the mood‐enhancing effects, which indicate other mechanisms may underlie their treatment effects. Here, we investigated the role of white matter in treatment and pathogenesis of depression using an unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) mouse model. Desvenlafaxine (DVS) was orally administrated to UCMS mice at the dose of 10 mg/kg/day 1 week before they went through a 7‐week stress procedure and lasted for over 8 weeks before the mice were killed. No significant changes were found for protein markers of neurons and astrocytes in UCMS mice. However, myelin and oligodendrocyte‐related proteins were significantly reduced in UCMS mice. DVS prevented the stress‐induced injury to white matter and the decrease of phosphorylated 5′‐AMP‐activated protein kinase and 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐glutaryl‐CoA reductase protein expression. DVS increased open arm entries in an elevated plus‐maze test, sucrose consumption in the sucrose preference test and decreased immobility in tail suspension and forced swimming tests. These findings suggest that stress induces depression‐like behaviors and white matter deficits in UCMS mice. DVS may ameliorate the oligodendrocyte dysfunction by affecting cholesterol synthesis, alleviating the depression‐like phenotypes in these mice.

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We examined the possible role of oligodendrocyte and myelin in the pathological changes of depression with an unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) mouse model. Oligodendrocyte‐related proteins in the mouse brain were specifically changed during the stress period. The depressive‐like behaviors and oligodendrocyte deficits could be prevented by the administration of desvenlafaxine. Oligodendrocyte and myelin may be an essential target of desvenlafaxine for the treatment of depression.
High‐mobility group box‐1 in sterile inflammation
Authors: Tsung A. , Tohme S. , Billiar T. R.
Published: June 2014

High‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) was originally defined as a ubiquitous nuclear protein, but it was later determined that the protein has different roles both inside and outside of cells. Nuclear HMGB1 regulates chromatin structure and gene transcription, whereas cytosolic HMGB1 is involved in inflammasome activation and autophagy. Extracellular HMGB1 has drawn attention because it can bind to related cell signalling transduction receptors, such as the receptor for advanced glycation end products, Toll‐like receptor (TLR)2, TLR4 and TLR9. It also participates in the development and progression of a variety of diseases. HMGB1 is actively secreted by stimulation of the innate immune system, and it is passively released by ischaemia or cell injury. This review focuses on the important role of HMGB1 in the pathogenesis of acute and chronic sterile inflammatory conditions. Strategies that target HMGB1 have been shown to significantly decrease inflammation in several disease models of sterile inflammation, and this may represent a promising clinical approach for treatment of certain conditions associated with sterile inflammation.
Knowledge and Awareness of Dental Implants among Elderly People in Croatia
Authors: Kranjcic Josip , Mikus Anja , Mehulic Ketij , Vojvodic Denis
Published: June 2014

Purpose

The use of inserted dental implants is growing every day in order to improve retention and stability of complete removable dental prostheses (RDPs), especially in the mandible. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the knowledge and awareness of dental implants among elderly people wearing complete RDPs.

Materials and Methods

This study, based on answers from a questionnaire designed for the purpose of this study, included 301 participants wearing complete RDPs from elderly care homes with average age of 74 years.

Results

The awareness of dental implants was statistically significantly (p < 0.05) affected by the participants’ age, residence size, and their level of education. Younger participants ( = 70 years) had heard about dental implants (56.5%; p < 0.05) and believed in the possibility of retaining complete RPDs using dental implants (56.1%; p < 0.05). Among participants living in places with populations of 10,000 or fewer residents, more had not heard about dental implants (59.4%; p < 0.05). Among participants who had completed college/university or high school, there were a higher number of participants who had heard about dental implants (82.4%; p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Although more than half of the participants had heard of dental implants, this did not mean they were well informed about the implant insertion procedure and the costs for such a treatment. In conclusion, awareness of dental implants in studied participants was insufficient. The results reinforce the need for better education and the provision of proper information to elderly people about dental implants and implant treatment options.
An Effective Program Design to Support Older Workers With Intellectual Disability to Participate Individually in Community Groups
Authors: Bigby Christine , Wilson Nathan J. , Stancliffe Roger J. , Balandin Susan , Craig Diane , Gambin Nicolette
Published: June 2014

The foreshadowed increase of older people with intellectual disability has become a reality in many developed countries. As these adults age, improved quality of life can be achieved through applications of conjoint policy aims of inclusion and participation. A transition‐to‐retirement (TTR) program developed for employees of a large multisite disability employment service in Sydney, Australia, used these aims to effect successful partial retirement. The authors describe the program logic of the TTR, detailing its conceptual components as the first step to enabling it to be tested and replicated in other settings. The TTR program has three components: promoting the concept of retirement, laying the groundwork for inclusion of would‐be retirees with intellectual disability in the community, and constructing the reality. The third component comprised five stages: planning, locating a group, mapping new routine, recruiting and training mentors, and monitoring and ongoing support. The project's participants were 24 older employees, who replaced 1 day a week of work with membership of a community group and were supported by mentors who facilitated involvement of the participants in their group. Data collected provided information on the implementation of the program, the time and costs expended, and challenges encountered. Key to the model was a coordinator, skilled in generic case management and specific disability interventions (such as active support), who collaborated with others to manage the program. The authors note that by detailing the program logic underpinning the TTR program, they have exposed the hidden work of supporting meaningful inclusion of people with intellectual disability in community groups and added to the limited stock of evidence‐informed programs in this area.
Hibernation phenology ofMyotis lucifugus
Authors: Norquay K. J. O. , Willis C. K. R.
Published: June 2014

Hibernating animals must time immergence and emergence carefully to maximize reproductive success and reduce the risk of encountering inclement weather or predators. Few studies of phenology exist for any hibernating species and those that do address species which mate during spring. We used passive transponders (PITtags) to study hibernation phenology of little brown batsMyotis lucifugus, a species that mates prior to hibernation in the fall. We expected that adult females would emerge earliest as early parturition increases juvenile survival. We predicted that females with large fat stores should emerge earliest because of their ability to tolerate inclement spring weather at the maternity roost. We also predicted that adult males would remain active later than females to maximize mating opportunities and compensate for body mass decline during the mating period. We implanted 475 bats withPITtags and remotely recorded immergence and emergence timing at a hibernaculum in centralCanada. As expected, adult males were active significantly later (median immergence date = 16September 2011) than adult females (11September 2011) and adult females emerged earlier (median emergence date = 6May 2012) than both adult males (25May 2012) and subadults (13May 2012). Emergence timing was correlated with fall body condition in adult females, with fatter females emerging earlier, but not males. Our results highlight the importance of reproductive timing as an influence on hibernation phenology of mammals.