bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Matrix abnormalities in pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Upagupta Chandak , Shimbori Chiko , Alsilmi Rahmah , Kolb Martin
Published: June 2018

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating, progressive disease, marked by excessive scarring, which leads to increased tissue stiffness, loss in lung function and ultimately death. IPF is characterised by progressive fibroblast and myofibroblast proliferation, and extensive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). Myofibroblasts play a key role in ECM deposition. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 is a major growth factor involved in myofibroblast differentiation, and the creation of a profibrotic microenvironment. There is a strong link between increased ECM stiffness and profibrotic changes in cell phenotype and differentiation. The activation of TGF-β1 in response to mechanical stress from a stiff ECM explains some of the influence of the tissue microenvironment on cell phenotype and function. Understanding the close relationship between cells and their surrounding microenvironment will ultimately facilitate better management strategies for IPF.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Asthma and Allergy-Related Diseases among Adolescents (PERFORMANCE) study: rationale and methods
Authors: Bhattacharjee Soumya , Haldar Prasun , Gopal Maity Santi , Debnath Smriti , Moitra Saibal , Saha Sujoy , Mitra Ritabrata , Annesi-Maesano Isabella , Garcia-Aymerich Judith , Moitra Subhabrata
Published: June 2018

Despite a considerable number of international reports on allergic diseases among children, information about the prevalence and risk factors of asthma and allergy-related diseases among Indian adolescents is relatively sparse. The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Asthma and Allergy-Related Diseases among Adolescents (PERFORMANCE) study has been conceived to study the aetiology of asthma and allergic diseases including rhinoconjunctivitis, atopic eczema and food allergies among adolescents in West Bengal, India, using standardised methods and collaborations. The aims of the study are: 1) to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of asthma and allergic diseases among the adolescents residing in rural, suburban and urban areas of West Bengal; 2) to obtain information about the possible role of lifestyle factors (smoking, diet and physical activity) on the disease prevalence; and 3) to create a network for further investigation on social, environmental and genetic factors affecting the diseases. The PERFORMANCE study comprises two phases. The phase I study will investigate the prevalence and possible contributing factors of asthma and allergic diseases in a defined population. The phase II study will be performed as a follow-up of phase I to assess the incidence of asthma and allergic diseases.
How have carbon stocks in central and southern Africa’s miombo woodlands changed over the last 50 years? A systematic map of the evidence
Authors: Gumbo Davison , Clendenning Jessica , Martius Christopher , Moombe Kaala , Grundy Isla , Nasi Robert , Mumba Kondwani Y. , Ribeiro Natasha , Kabwe Gillian , Petrokofsky Gillian
Published: June 2018

Background

Miombo woodlands cover ≈ 2.7 million km2of central and southern Africa between dry (650 mm mean annual rainfall) and moist miombo (1400 mm) and are currently threatened by land use and land cover changes that have intensified over the last 50 years. Despite the miombo’s global significance for carbon (C) storage and sequestration, there has been no regional synthesis that maps carbon stocks and changes in the woodlands. This information is crucial to inform further research for the development of appropriate policies and management strategies to maintain and increase C stocks and sequestration capacity, for conservation and sustainable management. We assembled a systematic map to determine what evidence exists for (1) changes in carbon stocks in miombo woodlands over the period 1960–2015; (2) differences in carbon density in miombo with different conservation status; (3) trends in carbon stock recovery following human disturbance; and (4) fire management impacts on carbon stocks and dynamics.

Methods

We screened 11,565 records from bibliographic databases and grey literature sources following an a priori research protocol. For inclusion, each study had to demonstrate the presence of miombo-typical species (Brachystegia,JulbernardiaandIsoberlinia) and data on above- or below-ground carbon stocks or plant biomass.

Results

A total of 54 articles met the inclusion criteria: 48 quantitative and eight qualitative (two of which included quantitative and qualitative) studies. The majority of studies included in the final analyses are largely quantitative in nature and trace temporal changes in biomass and carbon in the miombo woodlands. Studies reported a wide range (1.3–95.7 Mg ha−1) of above-ground carbon in old-growth miombo woodland. Variation between years and rainfall zones and across conservation area types was large.

Conclusions

An insufficient number of robust studies that met our inclusion criteria from across the miombo region did not allow us to accurately pool carbon stocks and trends in miombo old growth. Thus, we could not address the four questions originally posed in our protocol. We suggest that future studies in miombo woodlands take longer term observational approaches with more systematic, permanent sampling designs, and we identify questions that would further warrant systematic reviews, related to differences in C level recovery after disturbance in fallow and post-clearing re-growth, and the role of controlled fire management.
Decreased Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D in Aging Male Mice Is Associated With Reduced Hepatic Cyp2r1 Abundance
Authors: Roizen Jeffrey D , Casella Alex , Lai Meizan , Long Caela , Tara Zahra , Caplan Ilana , O’Lear Lauren , Levine Michael A
Published: June 2018

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, as determined by circulating levels of 25-hydroxycalciferol [25(OH)D], is greater in older individuals compared with the young. To examine the hypothesis that altered production or inactivation of 25(OH)D contributes to lower circulating levels of 25(OH)D, we measured the serum levels of parent vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) and 25(OH)D. We also determined the relative abundance of transcripts encoding hepatic CYP2R1 and CYP27B1, the principal 25-hydroxylases, transcripts encoding enzymes that degrade 25(OH)D in the liver (Cyp3A11) and kidney (Cyp24A1) and transcripts encoding megalin and cubilin, proteins critical to vitamin D resorption in the kidney in mice at three different ages. We observed a significant decline in the relative abundance of Cyp2R1 in the liver with aging (one-way ANOVA, P = 0.0077). Concurrent with the decrease in mRNA, a significant decline in hepatic CYP2R1 protein (one-way ANOVA for trend, P = 0.007) and 25(OH)D (one-way ANOVA for trend, P = 0.002) and in the ratio of 25(OH)D3 to cholecalciferol (one-way ANOVA, P = 0.0003). By contrast, levels of the transcripts encoding Cyp3a11, Cyp24a1, and Cyp27b1 megalin and cubilin were unchanged with aging. A significant positive correlation was found between Cyp2r1 mRNA and 25(OH)D, and a stronger correlation was found between Cyp2r1 mRNA and the ratio of 25(OH)D3 to cholecalciferol. These results indicate that decreased expression of CYP2R1 contributes to the reduced serum levels of 25(OH)D in aging.
Induced cell fate transitions at multiple cell layers configure haustorium development in parasitic plants
Authors: Wakatake Takanori , Yoshida Satoko , Shirasu Ken
Published: June 2018

The haustorium in parasitic plants is an organ specialized for invasion and nutrient uptake from host plant tissues. Despite its importance, the developmental processes of haustoria are mostly unknown. To understand the dynamics of cell fate change and cellular lineage during haustorium development, we performed live imaging-based marker expression analysis and cell-lineage tracing during haustorium formation in the model facultative root parasite Phtheirospermum japonicum. Our live-imaging analysis revealed that haustorium formation was associated with induction of simultaneous cell division in multiple cellular layers, such as epidermis, cortex and endodermis. In addition, we found that procambium-like cells, monitored by cell type-specific markers, emerged within the central region of the haustorium before xylem connection to the host plant. Our clonal analysis of cell lineages showed that cells in multiple cellular layers differentiated into procambium-like cells, whereas epidermal cells eventually transitioned into specialized cells interfacing with the host plant. Thus, our data provide a cell fate transition map during de novo haustorium organogenesis in parasitic plants.
Side branching and luminal lineage commitment by ID2 in developing mammary glands
Authors: Seong Jinwoo , Kim Nam-Shik , Kim Jee-Ah , Lee Wonbin , Seo Ji-Yun , Yum Min Kyu , Kim Ji-Hoon , Park Inkuk , Kang Jong-Seol , Bae Sung-Hwan , Yun Cheol-Heui , Kong Young-Yun
Published: June 2018

Mammary glands develop through primary ductal elongation and side branching to maximize the spatial area. Although primary ducts are generated by bifurcation of terminal end buds, the mechanism through which side branching occurs is still largely unclear. Here, we show that inhibitor of DNA-binding 2 (ID2) drives side branch formation through the differentiation of K6+ bipotent progenitor cells (BPs) into CD61+ luminal progenitor cells (LPs). Id2-null mice had side-branching defects, along with developmental blockage of the differentiation of K6+ BPs into CD61+ LPs. Notably, CD61+ LPs were found in budding and side branches, but not in terminal end buds. Hormone reconstitution studies using ovariectomized MMTV-hemagglutinin-nuclear localized sequence-tagged Id2 transgenic mice revealed that ID2 is a key mediator of progesterone, which drives luminal lineage differentiation and side branching. Our results suggest that CD61 is a marker of side branches and that ID2 regulates side branch formation by inducing luminal lineage commitment from K6+ BPs to CD61+ LPs.
Histone arginine methylation by Prmt5 is required for lung branching morphogenesis through repression of BMP signaling
Authors: Li Qiuling , Jiao Jie , Li Huijun , Wan Huajing , Zheng Caihong , Cai Jun , Bao Shilai
Published: June 2018

Branching morphogenesis is essential for the successful development of a functional lung to accomplish its gas exchange function. Although many studies have highlighted requirements for the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway during branching morphogenesis, little is known about how BMP signaling is regulated. Here, we report that the protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (Prmt5) and symmetric dimethylation at histone H4 arginine 3 (H4R3sme2) directly associate with chromatin of Bmp4 to suppress its transcription. Inactivation of Prmt5 in the lung epithelium results in halted branching morphogenesis, altered epithelial cell differentiation and neonatal lethality. These defects are accompanied by increased apoptosis and reduced proliferation of lung epithelium, as a consequence of elevated canonical BMP-Smad1/5/9 signaling. Inhibition of BMP signaling by Noggin rescues the lung branching defects of Prmt5 mutant in vitro. Taken together, our results identify a novel mechanism through which Prmt5-mediated histone arginine methylation represses canonical BMP signaling to regulate lung branching morphogenesis.
Avian thermoregulation in the heat: is evaporative cooling more economical in nocturnal birds?
Authors: O'Connor Ryan S. , Smit Ben , Talbot William A. , Gerson Alexander R. , Brigham R. Mark , Wolf Blair O. , McKechnie Andrew E.
Published: June 2018

Evaporative cooling is a prerequisite for avian occupancy of hot, arid environments, and is the only avenue of heat dissipation when air temperatures (Ta) exceed body temperature (Tb). Whereas diurnal birds can potentially rehydrate throughout the day, nocturnal species typically forgo drinking between sunrise and sunset. We hypothesized that nocturnal birds have evolved reduced rates of evaporative water loss (EWL) and more economical evaporative cooling mechanisms compared to diurnal species, permitting nocturnal species to tolerate extended periods of intense heat without becoming lethally dehydrated. We used phylogenetically-informed regressions to compare EWL and evaporative cooling efficiency (ratio of evaporative heat loss [EHL] and metabolic heat production [MHP]; EHL/MHP) among nocturnal and diurnal birds at high Ta. We analyzed variation in three response variables: 1) slope of EWL at Ta between 40 and 46°C, 2) EWL at Ta=46°C, and 3) EHL/MHP at Ta=46°C. Nocturnality emerged as a weak, negative predictor, with nocturnal species having slightly shallower slopes and reduced EWL compared to diurnal species of similar mass. In contrast, nocturnal activity was positively correlated with EHL/MHP, indicating a greater capacity for evaporative cooling in nocturnal birds. However, our analysis also revealed conspicuous differences among nocturnal taxa. Caprimulgids and Australian-owlet nightjars had shallower slopes and reduced EWL compared to similarly-sized diurnal species, whereas owls had EWL rates comparable to diurnal species. Consequently, our results did not unequivocally demonstrate more economical cooling among nocturnal birds. Owls predominately select refugia with cooler microclimates, but the more frequent and intense heat waves forecast for the 21st century may increase microclimate temperatures and the necessity for active heat dissipation, potentially increasing owls’ vulnerability to dehydration and hyperthermia.
Imaging of inguinal-related groin pain in athletes
Authors: Bou Antoun Myriame , Reboul Gilles , Ronot Maxime , Crombe Amandine , Poussange Nicolas , Pesquer Lionel
Published: June 2018

Inguinal canal-related groin pain is common in athletes and may involve numerous structures such as the conjoint tendon and the transversalis fascia. Ultrasound is the only dynamic tool that shows the passage of preperitoneal fat at the level of the Hesselbach triangle and allows excluding true inguinal hernias. Fascia transversalis bulging and inguinal ring dilatation may also be described. MRI assesses injuries of rectus abdominis and adductor longus enthesis and osteitis symphysis but its accuracy for the diagnosis of inguinal-related groin pain remains debated.
ΤΟ ΠΡΟΒΛΗΜΑ ΤΗΣ ΚΑΤΑΠΟΛΕΜΗΣΕΩΣ ΤΟΥ ΜΕΛΙΤΑΙΟΥ ΠΥΡΕΤΟΥ
Authors: ΤΖΩΡΤΖΑΚΗΣ NIK.
Published: June 2018

NO ABSTRACT
ΥΠΑΡΞΙΣ ΤΗΣ ΝΟΣΟΥ ΤΗΣ ΧΛΟΗΣ (GRASS-DISEASE) ΕΝ ΕΛΛΑΔΙ
Authors: ΜΑΤΘΑΙΑΚΗΣ ΕΜΜ.
Published: June 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
ΥΓΕΙΟΝΟΜΙΚΑ ΜΕΤΡΑ ΕΙΣ ΖΑΚΥΝΘΟΝ ΕΝ ΕΤΕΙ 1816
Authors: ΔΡΑΓΩΝΑΣ Π.
Published: June 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
Η ΚΑΙΣΑΡΙΚΗ ΤΟΜΗ ΕΙΣ ΤΑ ΚΑΤΟΙΚΙΔΙΑ ΖΩΑ
Authors: ΤΑΡΛΑΤΖΗΣ Κ. , ΠΑΝΕΤΣΟΣ ΑΧΙΛ.
Published: June 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
Recent advances in understanding liver fibrosis: bridging basic science and individualized treatment concepts
Authors: Weiskirchen Ralf , Weiskirchen Sabine , Tacke Frank
Published: June 2018

Hepatic fibrosis is characterized by the formation and deposition of excess fibrous connective tissue, leading to progressive architectural tissue remodeling. Irrespective of the underlying noxious trigger, tissue damage induces an inflammatory response involving the local vascular system and the immune system and a systemic mobilization of endocrine and neurological mediators, ultimately leading to the activation of matrix-producing cell populations. Genetic disorders, chronic viral infection, alcohol abuse, autoimmune attacks, metabolic disorders, cholestasis, alterations in bile acid composition or concentration, venous obstruction, and parasite infections are well-established factors that predispose one to hepatic fibrosis. In addition, excess fat and other lipotoxic mediators provoking endoplasmic reticulum stress, alteration of mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and modifications in the microbiota are associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and, subsequently, the initiation and progression of hepatic fibrosis. Multidisciplinary panels of experts have developed practice guidelines, including recommendations of preferred therapeutic approaches to a specific cause of hepatic disease, stage of fibrosis, or occurring co-morbidities associated with ongoing loss of hepatic function. Here, we summarize the factors leading to liver fibrosis and the current concepts in anti-fibrotic therapies.
Swimming downstream: statistical analysis of differential transcript usage following Salmon quantification
Authors: Love Michael I. , Soneson Charlotte , Patro Rob
Published: June 2018

Detection of differential transcript usage (DTU) from RNA-seq data is an important bioinformatic analysis that complements differential gene expression analysis. Here we present a simple workflow using a set of existing R/Bioconductor packages for analysis of DTU. We show how these packages can be used downstream of RNA-seq quantification using the Salmon software package. The entire pipeline is fast, benefiting from inference steps by Salmon to quantify expression at the transcript level. The workflow includes live, runnable code chunks for analysis using DRIMSeq and DEXSeq, as well as for performing two-stage testing of DTU using the stageR package, a statistical framework to screen at the gene level and then confirm which transcripts within the significant genes show evidence of DTU. We evaluate these packages and other related packages on a simulated dataset with parameters estimated from real data.
The Impact of Reimbursement Policy on Social Welfare, Revisit Rate, and Waiting Time in a Public Healthcare System: Fee-for-Service Versus Bundled Payment
Authors: Guo Pengfei , Tang Christopher S. , Wang Yulan , Zhao Ming
Published: June 2018

This paper examines the impact of two reimbursement schemes, fee-for-service and bundled payment, on the social welfare, the patient revisit rate, and the patient waiting time in a public healthcare system. The two schemes differ on the payment mechanism: under the fee-for-service scheme, the healthcare provider receives the payment each time a patient visits (or revisits) whereas, under the bundled payment scheme, the healthcare provider receives a lump sum payment for the entire episode of care regardless of how many revisits a patient incurs. By considering the quality-speed trade-off (i.e., a higher service speed reduces service quality, resulting in a higher revisit rate), we examine a three-stage Stackelberg game to determine the patients’ initial visit rate, the service provider’s service rate (which affects the revisit rate), and the funder’s reimbursement rate. This analysis enables us to compare the equilibrium outcomes (social welfare, revisit rate, and waiting time) associated with the two payment schemes. We find that when the patient pool size is large, the bundled payment scheme dominates the fee-for-service scheme in terms of higher social welfare and a lower revisit rate, whereas the fee-for-service scheme prevails in terms of shorter waiting time. When the patient pool is small, the bundle payment scheme dominates the fee-for-service scheme in all three performance measures.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2017.0690 .
Optimizing Local Content Requirements Under Technology Gaps
Authors: Cui Shiliang , Lu Lauren Xiaoyuan
Published: June 2018

Problem definition: We study how the government of a developing country optimizes its local content requirement (LCR) policy to maximize social welfare in a setting where foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) produce and sell multicomponent products in the developing country. The foreign OEMs’ local sourcing of components is more costly than global sourcing because of technology gaps between local and global suppliers. Academic/practical relevance: We characterize and compare the optimal product-level and component-level LCR policies imposed on multicomponent products. Component-level LCR and its relationship with product-level LCR, although relevant to trade policy making, have not been studied in prior research. Methodology: We use stylized modeling with a Stackelberg game, welfare optimization, and Cournot competition. Results: The optimal component-level LCR for low-gap (or high-gap) components is higher (or lower) than the optimal product-level LCR, although the two policies achieve the same maximum social welfare. The optimal LCR is monotone increasing in the market size of the final product but decreasing in the corporate tax rate. The optimal LCR is decreasing in the number of competing foreign OEMs but increasing in the number of competing local OEMs. Managerial implications: (1) From a welfare standpoint, imposing an LCR at the component level may be unnecessary. However, when replacing a product-level LCR policy with a component-level one, governments should increase (or decrease) the LCR for low-gap (or high-gap) components. (2) Governments should consider raising LCRs when their domestic markets grow. (3) When more foreign OEMs operate in a developing country, its government should consider lowering LCRs. (4) The emergence of local OEMs should give governments an incentive to raise LCRs. (5) The carrot-and-stick approach makes sense when implementing LCR policies—the LCR should be set low (or high) when the corporate tax rate is high (or low).

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2017.0698 .
In fear
Authors: Goddard Charlotte
Published: June 2018

Child-to-parent violence is often misunderstood. Charlotte Goddard reports on the issue and asks what help is available
Recent Trends in Mussel-Inspired Catechol-Containing Polymers (A Review)
Authors: Moulay Saad
Published: June 2018

Syntheses and applications of mussel-inspired polymeric materials have gained a foothold in research in recent years. Mussel-inspired chemistry coupled to Michael addition and Schiff’s base reactions was the key success for this intensive research. Unequivocally, The basic building brick of these materials is catechol-containing moiety, namely, 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-L-alanine (L-DOPA or DOPA) and dopamine (DA). These catechol-based units within the chemical structure of the material ensure chiefly its adhesive characteristic to adherends of different natures. The newly-made catechol-bearing polymeric materials exhibit unique features, implying their importance in several uses and applications. Technology advent is being advantaged with these holdfast mussel protein-like materials. This review sheds light into the recent advances of such mussel-inspired materials for their adhesion capacity to several substrata of different natures, and for their applications mainly in antifouling coatings and nanoparticles technology.
Phytochemical Analysis and Anticancer Activity of Seaweed Gracilaria verrucosa against Colorectal HCT-116 Cells
Authors: Dwi Kurniasari Kartika , Arsianti Ade , Astika Nugrahayning Aziza Yully , Kirana Dyahningrum Mandasari Baiq , Masita Riathul , Ruhama Zulfa Futihati , Kusumaning Dewi Micheylla , Raisya Zahira Zagloel Cut , Nur Azizah Norma , Putrianingsih Rista
Published: June 2018

In this research, we develop Indonesia marine resource of seaweed Gracilaria verrucosa as an anti-colorectal cancer agent. Seaweed Gracilaria verrucosa which was collected from east Lombok beach, Nusa Tenggara Barat, Indonesia, were extracted into four different organic solvents, that is n-hexane, ethylacetate, chloroform and ethanol. The extracts were analyzed by Phytochemical test and Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). Subsequently, anticancer activity of n-hexane, ethyl acetate, chloroform and ethanol extracts of Gracilaria verrucosa were evaluated against colorectal HCT-116 cells by MTT cell proliferation assay. Based on Phytochemical analysis, the extracts of Gracilaria verrucosa containing secondary metabolite of saponin, while TLC analysis indicated that the extracts were composed by five chemical compounds. Among four concentrated extracts of Gracilariaverrucosa, ethanolic extract showed the strongest anticancer activity against colorectal HCT-116 cells with IC50 of 43.9 μg/mL.Ethanolic extract of seaweed Gracilaria verrucosa is potential to be further developed as a promising anti-colorectal cancer agents.
Structured Illumination Reflectance Imaging for Enhanced Detection of Subsurface Tissue Bruising in Apples
Authors: Li Richard , Lu Yuzhen , Lu Renfu
Published: June 2018

Abstract.

In this research, a structured illumination reflectance imaging (SIRI) system was used as a novel method for detection of fresh bruises on apples. The SIRI system projects sinusoidal patterns of illumination onto samples, and image demodulation is then used to recover depth-specific information through varying the spatial frequency of the illumination pattern. The capability of SIRI was demonstrated through the detection of artificially induced bruises on ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Delicious’ apples with varying levels of bruising. It was hypothesized that by confining the light penetration depth near the surface of each fruit, subsurface defects such as bruising should be more apparent under SIRI than conventional planar illumination imaging. Three 120° phase-shifted reflectance images were acquired from 60 fruit each of ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Delicious’ varieties at 0 h, 4 to 6 h, and 24 h after impact bruising for each of the four spatial frequencies (i.e., 0, 0.10, 0.15, and 0.25 cycles mm-1). The reflectance images acquired by the system were then demodulated into an alternating component (AC) and direct component (DC), where the AC contained depth-specific information and the DC image represented the diffuse reflectance from the apple sample under uniform (or planar) illumination. Bruise detection algorithms were developed and applied to the demodulated AC and DC images. The SIRI system achieved 70% to 100% bruise detection rates, compared to 0% to 50% detection rates under conventional planar illumination. However, detection results were influenced by both severity of bruising and bruise development after impact; better bruise detection results were obtained when bruises had developed for 4 to 6 h after impact. SIRI has demonstrated a superior capability of detecting fresh bruises, and it is promising as a new imaging modality for quality detection of agricultural products. Keywords: Apples, Bruises, Defects, Fruit, Imaging, Nondestructive, Quality, Sorting, Structured illumination.
Rain Water Deficit and Irrigation Demand of Major Row Crops in the Mississippi Delta
Authors: Tang Qiuxiang , Feng Gary , Fisher Daniel , Zhang Huihui , Ouyang Ying , Adeli Ardeshir , Jenkins Johnie
Published: June 2018

Abstract.

The Mississippi Delta is an important agricultural area, producing 67% of the soybean, corn, and cotton grown in the state of Mississippi. Because irrigation can stabilize and increase crop yields and economic returns, approximately 80% of the water withdrawn from the alluvial aquifer is used for irrigation. This region is experiencing severe declines in groundwater level, which threaten the sustainability of irrigated agriculture. Therefore, better irrigation management practices must be developed, but there is lack of knowledge regarding crop water requirements, rain water deficits, and irrigation demand to improve rain and irrigation water use efficiencies of these crops. The objective of this study was to determine the crop water requirements, rain water deficits, and irrigation demand of the three crops using the RZWQM2 model based on a 100-year representative weather data series from the Stoneville weather station for improving irrigation management in the Mississippi Delta. The analysis indicated that mean monthly precipitation in the crop non-growing season from November to the following April was 127 mm, while only 82 mm on average was received during the crop growing season. Soybean, corn, and cotton are typically planted in early May, late March, and late May and harvested in mid-September, late August, and late October, respectively. Rainfall during the growing seasons for soybean, corn, and cotton was 400, 510, and 435 mm and accounted for 31%, 40%, and 34% of annual rainfall, respectively, over the 100-year period. Early seeding can allow crops to receive more early season rainfall and reduce the number of days of water stress during the growing season. Average crop evapotranspiration of soybean, corn, and cotton was 546, 588, and 552 mm, respectively. Rainfall was found to be insufficient to meet the crop water requirements beginning in the 5th, 7th, and 6th weeks after planting. Weekly effective rain water deficits greater than 20 mm were found in weeks 7 through 16 (22 to 29 mm) for soybean, in weeks 11 through 20 (20 to 26 mm) for corn, and in weeks 11 through 16 (20 to 30 mm) for cotton. The RZWQM2 model estimated a range of annual effective rain water deficits in soybean of 0 to 622 mm, with an average deficit of 340 mm. Deficits in corn ranged from 32 to 685 mm, with an average deficit of 355 mm, while deficits in cotton ranged from 169 to 650 mm, with an average deficit of 395 mm. Results obtained from the 100-year historical weather data can be applied to improve irrigation scheduling, water resources planning, and design of irrigation and cropping systems in the Mississippi Delta. Keywords: Corn, Cotton, Crop water requirement, Irrigation demand, Mississippi Delta, Rain water deficit, Soil water balance, Soybean.
Assessing Airflow Distribution in Vents of a Naturally Ventilated Test Facility Using Reference Air Velocity Measurements
Authors: De Vogeleer Gerlinde , Demeyer Peter , Van Overbeke Philippe , Pieters Jan G.
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Emission measurement in naturally ventilated buildings is a complex task because wind conditions can change quickly, inducing high spatial and temporal variations in the air velocity and pollutant concentration at the vent level. Simply taking the product of differential pollutant concentration and airflow rate may generate inaccurate results because the limited number of measurement locations usually fails to correctly reflect the velocity and concentration distributions in the vents. To assess the predictability of the airflow distribution in the vents of a naturally ventilated building, detailed measurements were conducted in the vents. Linear regression was applied to velocity measurements taken in the vents and at a 10 m mast (meteomast) located 20 m away. The detailed airflow measurements were used to validate statistical models. Results showed that the velocity distribution in the ridge vent could be modeled accurately and precisely for all wind directions (R2 > 89%). Models for unidirectional airflows showed high predictability for the side vent (R2 > 92%). Models for bidirectional airflows showed good predictability for the windward side when the air flowed in the same direction as the outside wind (R2 > 88%) but showed less accurate results for the leeward side as well as for airflows moving in the opposite direction to the outside wind. For all models and wind directions, the most important input variable was the velocity component measured perpendicular to the vents at the meteomast. The importance of the velocity component measured parallel to the vents increased near the edges of the vent when the vent was on the windward side but did not reach the importance of the perpendicular component. The results confirmed the importance of using different models for unidirectional and bidirectional airflows to obtain accurate airflow assessments. Keywords: Airflow rate distribution, Mock-up building, Natural ventilation, Ultrasonic anemometer.
Bioenergy from Food Wastes: Thermal Decomposition of Carbohydrates, Lipids, and Proteins
Authors: Yang Zixu , Collins Jacob , Kumar Ajay , Bellmer Danielle , Bowser Tim
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Food wastes differ in composition based on their sources and hence are difficult to use in gasification and pyrolysis technologies. The objectives of this study were to investigate the thermal devolatilization kinetics and pyrolysis products of three representative food components: lipids, carbohydrates, and protein. Devolatilization of carbohydrates and proteins occurred up to 600°C with a total weight loss of 90%. In particular, dextrose, sucrose, histidine, and phenylalanine exhibited a combined two-reaction decomposition scheme, whereas starch and valine exhibited a single-reaction scheme. Sucrose had a higher activation energy than dextrose as more energy was needed to cleave glyosidic linkages. Valine had the lowest activation energy (70.2 kJ mol-1) of all the protein model compounds due to its simple structure. However, the lipids primarily vaporized below 400°C and did not decompose. Pyrolysis products of carbohydrates were largely composed of furan and sugar-based compounds, whereas those of proteins varied depending on the type of protein. Because lipids mainly vaporized, only slight conversion (<1%) into different lipid types and hydrocarbons was observed. Keywords: Carbohydrate, Devolatilization, Food waste, Lipid, Protein, Py-GC/MS, Pyrolysis, Reaction kinetics, TGA.
Center-Pivot-Mounted Sensing System for Monitoring Plant Height and Canopy Temperature
Authors: Sui Ruixiu , Baggard Jonnie
Published: June 2018

Abstract.

Easy-to-use data acquisition methods are required for variable-rate irrigation (VRI) decision support systems. Plant canopy temperature is related to plant water stress. Plant height is useful as an indicator of plant health conditions and can be used to estimate yield potential. Therefore, measurements of plant canopy temperature and plant height coupled with spatial information in the field can be used for determining VRI water application depths. A center-pivot-mounted wireless data acquisition (WDAQ) system was developed to collect plant canopy temperature and plant height data in the field. Each WDAQ unit consisted of a GPS receiver, programmable data logger, infrared temperature sensor, ultrasonic distance sensor, solar power supply, and wireless data transmitter/receiver. The system included two WDAQ units installed on a four-span center-pivot VRI system. One unit was mounted at the middle of the third span, and the other was mounted at the middle of the fourth span from the pivot. The infrared temperature sensors were used to detect the canopy temperature, while the ultrasonic distance sensors were used to measure plant height. The WDAQ system was designed to continuously and simultaneously measure plant canopy temperature and plant height and record the spatial coordinates at each measurement location as the center pivot moved around the field. Data collected were wirelessly transferred to a receiver for data processing. This WDAQ system has been tested and evaluated in the field for two years. Test results indicated that the WDAQ system was able to record approximately 3,200 measurements from each sensor in one pivot circle (360°). The measurement error of the ultrasonic distance sensor was 0.2 to 3 cm in a measurement range of 14 to 209 cm, and the sensor-measured plant heights were strongly correlated with manually tape-measured plant heights in soybean and cotton crops (r2 = 0.97). Combined with the spatial information, measurements of plant height and crop canopy temperature were used to generate plant height and crop canopy temperature maps. Spatial variabilities of plant height and canopy temperature across the field could be identified from the maps and used in irrigation research. The WDAQ system has great potential for automatic creation of VRI prescription maps and plant-based irrigation scheduling. Keywords: Canopy temperature, Irrigation scheduling, Plant height, Sensors, Variable-rate irrigation.
Evaluation of Waste Eggshells for Adsorption of Copper from Synthetic and Swine Wastewater
Authors: Hess Brianna J. , Kolar Praveen , Classen John J. , Knappe Detlef , Cheng Jay J.
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Biomass-derived adsorbents are an attractive alternative to conventional water treatment methods. This study evaluated eggshells produced by the liquid egg and food processing industry for the adsorption of copper from aqueous systems. Research objectives were to (1) determine copper adsorption mechanisms and (2) evaluate copper adsorption by eggshells for the treatment of wastewater. Batch experiments were performed by contacting eggshells with copper solutions to obtain equilibrium, kinetic, and thermodynamic data to determine removal mechanisms and maximum adsorption capacity. Results suggested that the adsorption of copper followed a second-order kinetic model with a theoretical maximum adsorption capacity of 4.3 mg g-1 (20°C). In addition, eggshell adsorption was found to be a favorable process, with an activation energy of approximately 27 to 29 kJ mol-1, and followed similar mechanisms as its calcite analog. Data indicated that slightly acidic (pH = 6) to near-neutral pH conditions enhanced adsorption of copper. Additional experiments were performed using swine lagoon wastewater to evaluate the efficacy of eggshells to treat copper from lagoon wastewater. The data suggested that unmodified eggshells were effective for application in swine lagoon systems only under acidic conditions (pH = 4). Further research is needed to modify eggshells that can adsorb copper in lagoon wastewater at neutral and alkaline pH. Keywords: Adsorption, Copper, Eggshell, Swine lagoon, Water.
Synchronous Tracking Control for Agricultural Wide-Span Implement Carrier (WSIC)
Authors: Luo Chengming , Mohsenimanesh Ahmad , Laguë Claude
Published: June 2018

Abstract. The mobile operating mode of agricultural Wide-Span Implement Carriers (WSICs) requires accurate synchronization of the forward motions of the two supporting tractors. The guidance task for WSIC operations is currently performed by human operators, which is labor-intensive and can be inaccurate. To replace the traditional human steering and control process, an automatic guidance system adapted to the mobile mode of the WSIC was designed and tested. A master-slave cooperative control method was applied, and the steering angle control law for both the master and slave vehicles and the velocity control law for the slave vehicle were derived. A scaled-down robotic platform was developed by integrating two heavy-duty mobile robots, a dual-rover real-time kinematic GPS (RTK-GPS), two inertial measurement units (IMUs), two XBee-PRO wireless communication modules, and two groups of control processors. Validation experiments were performed using the robotic platform on a flat and firm surface. Results of the single-robot path-following experiment verified the effectiveness of the steering angle control law. Results of the two synchronous tracking experiments, one with a constant reference velocity of 0.3 m s-1 and one with a varying reference velocity of 0.2 to 0.6 m s-1, showed that the two robots could perform their individual path-following tasks accurately while keeping their relative offset to less than 0.1 m. In the experiment with a constant reference velocity, the average, root mean square (RMS), maximum lead, and maximum lag of the offset errors were 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, and 0.06 m, respectively. Slightly larger average, RMS, and maximum lead offset errors were observed in the experiment with a varying reference velocity, which were 0.02, 0.04, and 0.09 m, respectively. These experimental results confirmed that the designed control laws for the synchronous tracking of the WSIC vehicles were effective and the developed automatic guidance system was reliable and applicable. Keywords: Automatic guidance, Master-slave control, Synchronous tracking, Wide-Span Implement Carrier (WSIC).
Prediction of Aerial Spray Release from UAVs
Authors: Teske Milton E. , Wachspress Daniel A. , Thistle Harold W.
Published: June 2018

Abstract. This article summarizes the ability of CHARM+AGDISP to predict the drift and deposition of sprays released from rotary wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This predictive capability results from merging algorithms for spray transport, as found in AGDISP (AGricultural DISPersal), with CHARM (Comprehensive Hierarchical Aeromechanics Rotorcraft Model). The resulting software tracks the release of spray droplets from nozzles on the UAV to deposition on the ground. To date, both AGDISP and CHARM, a code that provides a complete representation of the time-varying, unsteady flow field surrounding a helicopter during transient maneuvering flight near the ground, have been extensively validated. The CHARM+AGDISP software is applied to two UAVs to explore the flow field regimes that present challenges for effective UAV operations. The simulations undertaken indicate flight conditions that yield acceptable deposition levels and minimize drift; inversely, conditions are also identified that result in off-target drift that may be problematic. Keywords: Aerial application, AGDISP, CHARM, Helicopter modeling, Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
Physical and Rheological Properties of Animal Manure: A Review
Authors: Kariyama Ibrahim Denka , Zhai Xiaodong , Wu Binxin
Published: June 2018

Abstract. This literature review was conducted on the physical and rheological properties of animal manure slurries and their applications. The review revealed the importance of these properties in the design of anaerobic treatment plants, pipe systems to transport slurries to treatment and storage units, and other applications and management of raw and treated slurries. The selection of pumping and mixing equipment and their power requirements, the flow behavior, mass, and heat transfer, the quality of mixing, pressure head loss, and other applications of manure slurries are affected by the physical and rheological properties. The review shows that manure slurries generally exhibit non-Newtonian pseudoplastic fluid behavior with a decreasing apparent viscosity as the shear rate increases and that the power law equation can successfully be used to describe the relationship between shear stress and shear rate, especially for low total solids concentrations. Keywords: Animal manure slurries, Apparent viscosity, Non-Newtonian pseudoplastic fluids, Power law equation, Rheological properties.
Pesquisa Bibliográfica, Pesquisa Bibliométrica, Artigo de Revisão e Ensaio Teórico em Administração e Contabilidade
Authors: Soares Sandro Vieira , Picolli Icaro Roberto Azevedo , Casagrande Jacir Leonir
Published: June 2018

O objetivo do presente trabalho consiste em caracterizar a pesquisa bibliográfica, a pesquisa bibliométrica, o artigo de revisão e o ensaio teórico. Para tanto, desenvolveu-se uma análise de conteúdo acerca dos conceitos presentes nos livros-texto de metodologia além de fontes complementares, buscando identificar o que são, que objetivo têm e de que formas se apresentam esses quatro tipos de textos. Nesse sentido, verificou-se, na literatura, que há características partilhadas por esses diferentes tipos de textos, que os tornam iguais, bem como que há características que os distinguem, tornando-os únicos. A pesquisa bibliográfica apresenta-se, na literatura, como mais flexível, podendo, inclusive, ser apenas parte da pesquisa empírica, e ser apresentada na forma de um capítulo de tese ou dissertação. A pesquisa bibliométrica precisa, necessariamente, contemplar uma etapa de análise quantitativa de dados. O artigo de revisão tem como característica principal a sistematicidade com a qual o material bibliográfico é coletado e analisado. Tanto a pesquisa bibliográfica quanto o artigo de revisão, usualmente, são apresentados conforme estrutura de pesquisa empírica. O ensaio, por sua vez, distancia-se dos outros três, pois independe de evidências empíricas, de análises quantitativas, de sistematicidade em sua construção e, por possuir uma estrutura amorfa. A qualidade do ensaio decorre da originalidade e do ineditismo de sua proposição.
Las construcciones del género en tiempos de Internet: modos de expresión y riesgos percibidos en las redes sociales durante la niñez.
Authors: Benítez-Larghi Sebastián , Duek Carolina
Published: June 2018

En el presente trabajo se presentan resultados de una investigación dedicada a comprender el modo en que las desigualdades de género y los procesos de apropiación tecnológica se co-constituyen a partir del estudio comparativo de las trayectorias de apropiación de las Tecnologías de Información y Comunicación (TIC) por parte de niñas y niños en diferentes regiones de la Argentina. Presentaremos aquí los hallazgos surgidos de los grupos focales realizados durante 2017 a niños y niñas de seis regiones distintas el país con una perspectiva cualitativa abarcando diferentes niveles socioeconómicos, culturales y geográficos. En cada región se visitaron escuelas primarias de gestión pública y de gestión privada donde se realizaron grupos focales y entrevistas en profundidad con niñas y niños de 9 a 11 años de edad, con sus padres y docentes. Retomaremos, para el desarrollo del presente artículo, los grupos focales que brindan información nodal sobre la construcción de las trayectorias de los y las informantes.
El discurso femenino en la pequeña pantalla
Authors: Martínez-Sala Alba-María
Published: June 2018

Reseña del libro Mujer y televisión. Géneros y discursos en la pequeña pantalla.
Entrepreneurial Potential and Potential Entrepreneurs
Authors: Krueger, Jr. Norris F. , Brazeal Deborah V.
Published: June 2018

Before there can be entrepreneurship there must be the potential for entrepreneurship, whether in a community seeking to develop or in a large organization seeking to innovate. Entrepreneurial potential, however, requires potential entrepreneurs. This paper discusses antecedents of such potential and proposes a model based on Shapero's (1982) model of the entrepreneurial event. We then discuss this model in light of supporting evidence from two different perspectives, corporate venturing and enterprise development.
New Pain Management Procedure after Total Knee Arthroplasty: Gonyautoxins are Safe and Effective after A Single Intra-Articular Infiltration
Authors: Hinzpeter Jaime , Barrientos Cristián , Barahona Maximiliano , Zamorano Álvaro , Palet Miguel , Wulf Rodrigo , Sepúlveda Joaquín M. , Bustamante Tamara , Piron Robin , Campo Miguel del , Lagos Nestor
Published: June 2018

Objective
To evaluate the effect of a single intraarticular dose of Gonyautoxins for pain control after Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA).

Subjects
30 consecutive patients with osteoarthritis with Kellgren & Lawrence level of two or more, who required TKA, were enrolled.

Methods
Subjects receive a single intra-articular infiltration of 40 µg dose of Gonyautoxins, immediately after TKA wound closure. The pain was measured with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Additionally, the range of motion at 12, 36, and 60 hours and hospital stay length were recorded. Results were compared to the 2014 TKA cohort.

Results
25 patients (83.33%) achieved successful pain management. All patients achieved complete flexion ≥90° 60 hours after surgery and 24 patients achieved full extension before hospital discharge. The median VAS pain score for each evaluation period was ≥2. The 25 Gonyautoxins treated patients who achieved successful pain management had a median VAS pain score of 0 after 36 and 60 hours.

Conclusions
Gonyautoxins are safe and effective in pain management after TKA when used as a single intra-articular dose. This protocol shows adequate pain control in TKA, reducing discharge to 3 days and greater range of motion, improving the post-operated patient experience.