bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fire severity and tree regeneration following bark beetle outbreaks: the role of outbreak stage and burning conditions
Authors: Harvey Brian J. , Donato Daniel C. , Romme William H. , Turner Monica G.
Published: March 2014

The degree to which recent bark beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) outbreaks may influence fire severity and postfire tree regeneration is of heightened interest to resource managers throughout western North America, but empirical data on actual fire effects are lacking. Outcomes may depend on burning conditions (i.e., weather during fire), outbreak severity, or intervals between outbreaks and subsequent fire. We studied recent fires that burned through green‐attack/red‐stage (outbreaks <3 years before fire) and gray‐stage (outbreaks 3–15 years before fire) subalpine forests dominated by lodgepole pine (Pinus contortavar.latifolia) in Greater Yellowstone, Wyoming, USA, to determine if fire severity was linked to prefire beetle outbreak severity and whether these two disturbances produced compound ecological effects on postfire tree regeneration. With field data from 143 postfire plots that burned under different conditions, we assessed canopy and surface fire severity, and postfire tree seedling density against prefire outbreak severity.

In the green‐attack/red stage, several canopy fire‐severity measures increased with prefire outbreak severity under moderate burning conditions. Under extreme conditions, few fire‐severity measures were related to prefire outbreak severity, and effect sizes were of marginal biological significance. The percentage of tree stems and basal area killed by fire increased with more green‐attack vs. red‐stage trees (i.e., the earliest stages of outbreak). In the gray stage, by contrast, most fire‐severity measures declined with increasing outbreak severity under moderate conditions, and fire severity was unrelated to outbreak severity under extreme burning conditions. Postfire lodgepole pine seedling regeneration was unrelated to prefire outbreak severity in either post‐outbreak stage, but increased with prefire serotiny. Results suggest bark beetle outbreaks can affect fire severity in subalpine forests under moderate burning conditions, but have little effect on fire severity under extreme burning conditions when most large wildfires occur in this system. Thus, beetle outbreak severity was moderately linked to fire severity, but the strength and direction of the linkage depended on both endogenous (outbreak stage) and exogenous (fire weather) factors. Closely timed beetle outbreak and fire did not impart compound effects on tree regeneration, suggesting the presence of a canopy seedbank may enhance resilience to their combined effects.
Bycatch mortality of endangered coho salmon: impacts, solutions, and aboriginal perspectives
Authors: Raby Graham D. , Donaldson Michael R. , Nguyen Vivian M. , Taylor Mark K. , Sopinka Natalie M. , Cook Katrina V. , Patterson David A. , Robichaud David , Hinch Scott G. , Cooke Steven J.
Published: March 2014

We used biotelemetry and human dimensions surveys to explore potential solutions to migration mortality of an endangered population of coho salmon caught as bycatch in an aboriginal beach seine fishery. From 2009 to 2011, 182 wild coho salmon caught as bycatch in the lower Fraser River (Canada) were radio‐tagged and tracked as they attempted to complete their migrations to natal spawning areas over 300 km upstream. Failure to survive to reach terminal radio receiving stations averaged 39% over three years. This mortality estimate is low compared to those obtained from telemetry studies on other salmon fisheries in the Fraser River. However, this value is markedly higher than the mortality estimate currently used to manage the fishery's impact. It is also in contrast to the perceptions of the majority of aboriginal fishers, who did not think survival of coho salmon is affected by capture and release from their fishery. Increased probability of survival was associated with lower reflex impairment, which is consistent with previous findings. Reflex impairment was positively correlated with entanglement time, suggesting that greater efforts by the fishers to release bycatch from their nets quickly would minimize post‐release mortality. Survey responses by aboriginal fishers also suggested that they are receptive to employing new bycatch handling methods if they are shown to increase post‐release survival. However, attempts to facilitate revival of a subset of captured fish using cylindrical in‐river recovery bags did not improve migration success. Fisheries managers could use the new information from this study to better quantify impacts and evaluate different harvest options. Since aboriginal fishers were receptive to using alternate handling methods, efforts to improve knowledge on minimizing reflex impairment through reductions in handling time could help increase bycatch survival. Such a direct integration of social science and applied ecology is a novel approach to understanding conservation issues that can better inform meaningful actions to promote species recovery.
Three-dimensional upper-airway assessment in patients with bronchial asthma
Authors: Bandeira Alexandre Marcos , Oltramari-Navarro Paula Vanessa Pedron , de Lima Navarro Ricardo , de Castro Ferreira Conti Ana Cláudia , de Almeida Marcio Rodrigues , Fernandes Karen Barros Parron
Published: March 2014

Objective:

To assess the upper airway (UAW) total volume (TV), the nasopharyngeal narrowest area (NNA), and the oropharyngeal narrowest area (ONA) in patients with bronchial asthma.

Materials and Methods:

The sample consisted of 52 patients divided into two groups: the control group (n  =  26; mean age  =  14.85 years), which consisted of patients not suffering from bronchial asthma; and the asthmatic group (n  =  26; mean age  =  16.65 years), which consisted of patients with bronchial asthma. To assess UAW-related variables (TV, NNA, and ONA), cone-beam computed tomography scans of the patients were evaluated by means of the Dolphin Imaging software 11.5. All measurements were repeated after 30 days, and the results were submitted to reliability tests by means of the intraclass correlation coefficient and the Bland-Altman agreement test. The values obtained for TV, NNA, and ONA for each group were compared by using Student's t-test for independent samples (5% level of significance).

Results:

The results showed that the groups were matched concerning gender, cephalometric characteristics, and type of malocclusion. The asthmatic group had significantly lower TV (P  =  .01) and ONA (P  =  .007) than the control group. However, no significant difference was observed for NNA between the groups (P  =  .54).

Conclusions:

Bronchial asthma may be a determining factor for the reduction of UAW dimensions, as patients with asthma showed significant reductions in TV and ONA dimensions.
Safety of routine caesarean myomectomy
Authors: Biswas Sankar Prosad , Fatema Muckti Kaniz , Akhter Shahnaj
Published: March 2014

The study was done to evaluate the safety and clinical outcome of routine caesarean myomectomy. This was a prospective descriptive study done in Obstetrics & Gynaecology department of Khulna Medical College Hospital & Sadar Hospital, Satkhira and two private clinics in Khulna city. Over a period of 4 years from July, 2009 to June, 2013, twenty one cases of caesarean myomectomy were presented. Our technique comprised of infiltration of vasoconstritive agent (ceprecin) before nucleation of myoma, myoma cavity accomplished by using "U" stitches of myometrial closure, routine use of oxytocin in post operative period for 24 hours. It was seen in this study that the mean age of the patients was 31.7 years and most of the cases (71.43%) were primigravida. Caesarean myomectomy done in term pregnancy was 85.71%. Elective surgery was done in 85.71% and emergency surgery was 14.29%. Two leading indications for caesarean section were malpresentation/ abnormal lie in 42.85% and uterine fibroid in 23.81%. Fibroid in lower uterine segment for selective myomectomy was 61.90%. Maximum (21,65.63%) fibroids were removed from the lower uterine segment and 22 (68.75%) of the fibroids were between 5 cms to 10 cms in size. The morbidities encountered were anaemia with blood transfusion in 2 (9.52%) and post partum pyrexia in 1 (4.76%) patients. No woman needed hysterectomy. Caesarean myomectomy may be done routinely by experienced surgeon and routine use of vasopressin into myoma capsule to combat uterine atony & severe bleeding. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmjk.v46i1-2.18232 Bang Med J (Khulna) 2013; 46 : 7-11
Imprint cytology from endoscopic biospy to detect gastric carcinoma
Authors: Hossain Md Mokter , Saha Moni Mohan , Hossain Syed Mozammel , Ahad Abdul
Published: March 2014

Radiological examination, endoscopy, cytology, biopsy and detection of p21 oncogens and others have resulted in the identification of early cases of gastric carcinoma. Among these, endoscopic biopsy is an important tool to detect gastric carcinoma. But some times, it can not give information due to inadequate and improper sampling. On the other hand,modern diagnostic tools of detecting gastric carcinoma as like detection of p21 oncogens and others are not available in our country. So, In conjunction with imprint cytology, it is possible to reach an accurate diagnosis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmjk.v46i1-2.18239 Bang Med J (Khulna) 2013; 46 : 34-36
Nutrient accumulation and their uptake by red amaranth as influenced by different levels of N
Authors: Miah MY , Monira US , Fazal KI , Roy PK
Published: March 2014

The study was conducted at the farm of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU), Gazipur during the period of November to December, 2010 to enhance the production of red amaranth (cv: BARI lal shak 1) through the determination of nutrient accumulations and their uptake by optimizing the appropriate levels of nitrogen (N) from urea. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) comprising six treatments with four replicate each. There were altogether six levels of N viz. N0 (0 kg N ha-1), N50 (50 kg N ha-1), N75 (75 kg N ha-1), N100 (100 kg N ha-1), N125 (125 kg N ha-1) and N150 (150 kg N ha-1), respectively. P, K and S were applied from TSP, MoP and gypsum @ 23, 17 and 4 kg ha-1, respectively. Results revealed that different levels of N significantly influenced the nutrient accumulation and their uptake by red amaranth. Highest nutrient contents in most of the cases were observed when N was applied @ 150 kg ha-1 which was identical with the treatment N100 and the lowest contents were found in N0 treatment. Nutrient uptake followed similar trend like nutrient accumulation. The over result suggests that N @ 150 kg N ha-1 can be applied to boost up the production of red amaranth cv: BARI lal shak 1 under the agro-climatic conditions of the study area. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v11i1.18200 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 11(1): 29-32, 2013
Integrated nutrient management on soil fertility, growth and yield of tomato
Authors: Islam MR , Chowdhury MAH , Saha BK , Hasan MM
Published: March 2014

To evaluate the effects of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield of BARI tomato-14 and soil fertility, a pot experiment was conducted in the net house of the department of Agricultural Chemistry of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the period from October 2011 to April 2012. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with 11 treatments and 3 replications. Treatments were control, RDCF100, 75% RDCF, 50% RDCF, 75% RDCF + PM2 t /ha, 75% RDCF + RS3 t /ha, 75% RDCF + PHRD, 50% RDCF + PM3 t /ha, 50% RDCF + RS5 t /ha, 50% RDCF + PHRD, PM3 t /ha + RS5 t /ha + PHRD. Among the treatments applied in combination of PM2 t /ha+ 75% of RDCF excelled in growth trends of morphological characters like plant height, number of branches plant- 1, number of leaves plant-1; available soil P and S. But sole application of RDCF100 recorded higher values for almost all morphological characters namely number of branches plant-1, number of leaves plant-1, fruit diameter, fruit weight plant-1 and yield of tomato following the same trend as seen in combined application of CF and PM. Among the plant hormone applied in combination, RDCF75% + PHRD showed the highest plant height. The more number of leaves plant-1, number of branches plant-1, yield and yield parameters as compared to other treatments were also significantly influenced by application of PH. Combined application of 50% of RDCF+RS5 t /ha increased exchangeable soil K. PM3 t /ha+ RS5 t /ha+ PHRD conserved more organic carbon and total soil N. Results showed that the integrated use of PM, RS along with CF increased the availability of nutrients throughout the growth period by maintaining the long term productivity for sustainable production of tomato. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v11i1.18204 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 11(1): 33-40, 2013
Foreground selection through SSRs markers for the development of salt tolerant rice variety
Authors: Mondal U , Khanom MSR , Hassan L , Begum SN
Published: March 2014

Salinity is a great problem for rice production worldwide incurring substantial yield loss; a great threat towards food security. Marker-assisted backcrossing is one of the feasible methods to develop a new salt tolerant rice cultivar to cope with the challenge. The study was focused on to introgress salt tolerant genes from a tolerant rice line, FL-478 to Binadhan-7, an early, agronomically suitable and susceptible variety. Backcrossing was done during boro season; where Binadhan-7 was the recurrent parent and FL-478 was the donor parent. 141 BC1F1 lines were developed, which were subjected to foreground selection; the first level of selection of marker assisted backcrossing program. The aim of foreground selection was to identify the introgressed lines. 141 BC1F1 populations were evaluated with tightly linked salt tolerant markers; AP3206f, RM3412b and RM336. A total of 47 heterozygous BC1F1 lines were selected finally, which have alleles of both of the parents. Those introgressed lines could be efficiently used in further development of a stable early salt tolerant rice variety. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v11i1.18215 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 11(1): 67-72, 2013
Effect of non genetic factors on productive traits of Black Bengal goats
Authors: Mahal Zinat , Khandoker MAMY , Haque MN
Published: March 2014

Accumulated five years data on 197 kids of 15 Black Bengal bucks in the nucleus breeding flock of Black Bengal goats were analyzed for the study of production traits. The traits considered were birth weight, weight at every 3- month interval up to 12-month, semen characteristics and milk yield. Semen parameters were evaluated from 450 ejaculates of 15 Black Bengal bucks collected twice a week by artificial vagina method and daily milk yield of Black Bengal goats were estimated from the analysis of 57 lactation records of 30 does. The significance of fixed effects sex of kid, parity, litter size, season, age, body weight and scrotal circumferance were analyzed using least-squares analyses of variance of the general linear model (GLM) procedure of the Statistical Analysis System (SAS, 1998). Least-squares means for body weights at birth, 3, 6, 9 and 12-month of age were 1.3, 4.8, 8.0, 11.1 and 14.0 kg, respectively. Body weights at 3, 6, 9 and 12-month of age except at birth were affected by the sex of kids (p<0.05). Type of birth and parity of dam had the significant affect (p<0.05) on birth weight, whereas season of birth had significant (p<0.05) effect on the body weight. The least-squares means of semen volume (ml/ejaculate), sperm concentration (109/ml), mass motility (%), live spermatozoa (%) and normal spermatozoa (%) were 0.5, 2.4, 80.0, 86.5 and 89.3, respectively. Age of bucks had significant (p<0.01) affect on semen volume, sperm concentration. Body weight had a significant (p<0.05) effect on semen volume only. Least-squares mean of daily milk yield was 379.9 lit.. Milk yields was significantly (p<0.01) affected by litter size and season of kidding. It is suggested that nongenetic factors should be adopted as a technique for improving the productive traits. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v11i1.18217 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 11(1): 79-86, 2013
Quality of milk available at local markets of Muktagacha upazila in Mymensingh district
Authors: Islam MA , Rashid MH , Kajal MFI , Alam MS
Published: March 2014

The present experiment was conducted to detect quality and level of the adulteration in milk collected from Dharchuni, Atani and Khamar bazar of Muktagacha Upazilla. Organoleptic parameters used to monitor the status of milk samples were color, flavor, taste, texture; physical parameter used was specific gravity; chemical parameters used were acidity, fat content, protein content, lactose content, ash, total solids, solids-not-fat; and the adulteration test used were starch test and formalin test. The tested milk samples showed significantly differences (p<0.05) for specific gravity, protein, fat, lactose and TS contents. No significant difference (p>0.05) were found for %acidity, ash content, and SNF content of milk samples. Milk collected from Khamar Bazar was higher for protein and fat contents than other markets. Adulteration tests, for all the samples were found negative. Although, there were some fluctuations among the parameters of milk samples regarding standard values; all of the milk samples were found to be acceptable. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v11i1.18222 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 11(1): 119-124, 2013
Comparative study on the development of maize flour based composite bread
Authors: Begum R , Uddin MJ , Rahman MA , Islam MS
Published: March 2014

The study was conducted to develop composite bread with maize flour and also to evaluate the nutritional quality and sensory properties of resulting breads. The results of the proximate analysis showed that wheat and maize flour contain protein 12.56 and 9.08%; fat 0.85 and 1.15%; ash 0.62 and 1.60%; fibre 0.68 and 1.25%; gluten 12.11 and 0.0%, respectively. Breads were produced from composite flour containing 10, 20, 25, 30 and 40% of maize flour and compared with wheat bread for various quality attributes of the developed products. The incorporation of maize flour adversely affected the baking properties and dough expansion but the nutritional quality was improved in case of fiber and energy content. The sensory analysis showed that there was no significant difference between the wheat bread and bread with 10% maize flour. Substitution of 10% maize flour into wheat flour retained much of the nutritional and sensory properties and gave the bread with the good overall acceptability. It was found that volume and specific volume highly positively correlated with taste, texture and overall acceptability but negatively correlated with hardness. The sensory qualities such as hardness and springiness deteriorated during storage with increasing level of maize flour in the breads. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v11i1.18224 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 11(1): 133-139, 2013
An advantageous level of irrigation water salinity for wheat cultivation
Authors: Mojid MA , Murad KFI , Tabriz SS , Wyseure GCL
Published: March 2014

Response of wheat (Triticum aestivum L., cv. Shatabdi) to irrigation water of five salinity levels was investigated at the Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) farm with a view to search for a possible advantageous salinity level for the crop. The experiment comprised five treatments ? I1: irrigation by fresh water of background salinity 0.385 dS m?1 (control) and I2 ? I5: irrigation by synthetic saline water (prepared by mixing sodium chloride salt with fresh water) of electrical conductivity (EC) 4, 7, 10 and 13 dS m?1 (at 25oC), respectively. Wheat was grown under three irrigations applied at maximum tillering, booting and milking/grain filling stages, and with recommended fertilizer dose. Irrigation water of EC ?10 dS m?1 significantly (p = 0.05) suppressed most growth and yield attributes, and yield of wheat compared to irrigation by fresh water (I1). An attention-grabbing observation was that irrigation by saline water of 4 dS m?1 (I2) contributed positively to the crop attributes. Leaf area index (LAI), spike length, spikelets and grains per spike, 1000-grain weight and above ground dry matter (ADM) of wheat increased by 1.9?3.4, 0.9, 2.6, 7.4, 2.1 and 2.8?6.0%, respectively in I2 compared to the control. The improvement in the LAI and ADM in I2 was significant over I1. Because of the largest spike density, the utmost grain (3.85 t ha?1), straw (5.09 t ha?1) and biomass (8.93 t ha?1) yields of wheat were however obtained under I1. The proposition of the advantageous irrigation water salinity level of 4 dS m?1 thus warrants further investigation DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v11i1.18225 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 11(1): 141-146, 2013
Measuring Voting Power in Convex Policy Spaces
Authors: Kurz Sascha
Published: March 2014

Classical power index analysis considers the individual’s ability to influence the aggregated group decision by changing its own vote, where all decisions and votes are assumed to be binary. In many practical applications we have more options than either “yes” or “no”. Here we generalize three important power indices to continuous convex policy spaces. This allows the analysis of a collection of economic problems like, e.g., tax rates or spending that otherwise would not be covered in binary models.
Elementary Science Instruction: Examining a Virtual Environment for Evidence of Learning, Engagement, and 21st Century Competencies
Authors: Smith Terry
Published: March 2014

This mixed methods study examined the effectiveness of a virtual world curriculum for teaching elementary students complex science concepts and skills. Data were collected using pre- and post-content tests and a student survey of engaged learning, An additional survey collected teacher observations of 21st century competencies conducive to learning. The study involved a five-day intervention of fifteen 4th grade students in a small Midwestern school using a virtual science computer game from Arizona State University. Thirty elementary teachers from Australia, England, and the United States were surveyed on classroom observations of their elementary students working in the virtual world environment. Research questions guiding the virtual learning study were: (1) do pre- and post-content tests show significant learning in the virtual environment; (2) are students academically engaged during the learning process; and (3) are students actively demonstrating relevant 21st century competencies. The study supports prior research in game-based learning showing measureable learning results, highly engaged, motivated students, and observations of student behaviors conducive to learning science in school, namely collaboration, problem solving, critical thinking/inquiry, global awareness, and technology use.
Perineural Dexmedetomidine Attenuates Inflammation in Rat Sciatic Nerve via the NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Huang Yan , Lu Yi , Zhang Lei , Yan Jia , Jiang Jue , Jiang Hong
Published: March 2014

Recent studies have shown that dexmedetomidine exerts an anti-inflammatory effect by reducing serum levels of inflammatory factors, however, the up-stream mechanism is still unknown. The transcription factor NF-κB enters the nucleus and promotes the transcription of its target genes, including those encoding the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α. In this study, we established a rat model that simulates a clinical surgical procedure to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of perineural administration of dexmedetomidine and the underlying mechanism. Dexmedetomidine reduced the sciatic nerve levels of IL-6 and TNF-α at both the mRNA and protein level. Dexmedetomidine also inhibited the translocation of activated NF-κB to the nucleus and the binding activity of NF-κB. The anti-inflammatory effect is confirmed to be dose-dependent. Finally, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate also reduced the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α and the activation of NF-κB. In conclusion, dexmedetomidine inhibited the nuclear translocation and binding activity of activated NF-κB, thus reducing inflammatory cytokines.
Business Model Innovation to Create and Capture Resource Value in Future Circular Material Chains
Authors: Roos Göran
Published: March 2014

This article briefly discusses the origins and development of the business model concept resulting in a high level definition. Against this backdrop, frameworks from the literature around green business models with examples of green business models and the business model innovation process are presented. The article then discusses the origins and meaning of different "green" concepts relevant for the circular value chain concluding with a high level definition. The article finally outline the process by which a business model for a circular value chain can be developed taking into account the social dilemma that exist in these type of situations. The article concludes with the specific questions that need to be answered in order to create an appropriate business model for a circular value chain.
New sesquiterpene hydroquinones from the Caribbean sponge Aka coralliphagum
Authors: Göthel Qun , Köck Matthias
Published: March 2014

Four new sulfated sesquiterpene hydroquinones siphonodictyals E1–E4 (1–4) and cyclosiphonodictyol A (5) were isolated from a sample of the Caribbean sponge Aka coralliphagum collected off the coast of San Salvador in the Bahamas. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of mass spectrometric and NMR spectroscopic analysis. Compounds 1–4 are derivatives of siphonodictyal E (9). Siphonodictyal E4 (4) exhibited mild antiproliferation activity against L929 mouse fibroblast, KB-31 epidermoid carcinoma, and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines, while siphondictyal E3 (3) and cyclosiphonodictyol A (5) showed moderate activity against Gram-positive bacteria.
EXTRAPOLATED IMPLICIT–EXPLICIT RUNGE–KUTTA METHODS
Authors: Cardone Angelamaria , Jackiewicz Zdzislaw , Sandu Adrian , Zhang Hong
Published: March 2014

We investigate a new class of implicit–explicit singly diagonally implicit Runge–Kutta methods for ordinary differential equations with both non-stiff and stiff components. The approach is based on extrapolation of the stage values at the current step by stage values in the previous step. This approach was first proposed by the authors in context of implicit–explicit general linear methods.
EXTENDED FOLDY–LAX APPROXIMATION ON MULTIPLE SCATTERING
Authors: Liao Jie , Ji Chao
Published: March 2014

The Foldy–Lax self-consistent system has been widely used as an efficient numerical approximation of multiple scattering of time harmonic wave through a medium with many scatterers when the relative radius of each scatterer is small and the distribution of scatterers is sparse. In this paper, an “extended” Foldy–Lax self-consistent system including both source and dipole effects as well as corrections due to the self-interacting effects will be introduced, in which the scattering amplitudes and the corrections are determined as powers of the small scaled radius. This new approach substantially improves the accuracy of the approximation of the original Foldy–Lax approach.
BRIGHT AND DARK SOLITON SOLUTIONS OF THE (2 + 1)-DIMENSIONAL EVOLUTION EQUATIONS
Authors: Bekir Ahmet , Cevikel Adem C. , Guner Ozkan , San Sait
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we obtained the 1-soliton solutions of the (2+1)-dimensional Boussinesq equation and the Camassa–Holm–KP equation. By using a solitary wave ansatz in the form of sechp function, we obtain exact bright soliton solutions and another wave ansatz in the form of tanhp function we obtain exact dark soliton solutions for these equations. The physical parameters in the soliton solutions are obtained nonlinear equations with constant coefficients.
DOSE-DEPENDENT EFFECTS OF ADIPOSE TISSUE-DERIVED STROMAL VASCULAR FRACTION CELLS ON ANGIOGENESIS AND FIBROSIS IN HUMAN FAT GRAFTS
Authors: Teng Shou-Cheng , Li Li-Ting , Chen Shyi-Gen , Chen Tien-Mu , Liao Cheng-Hao , Fang Hsu-Wei
Published: March 2014

Adipose tissue is not only an ideal material for soft tissue filling and augmentation, but also a plentiful source of regenerative cells in adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction. Enriched fat tissue with adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction cells (ADSVFCs) can improve the fat graft survival, as shown in previous studies. The objective of this study is to estimate the effects of various dosages of ADSVFCs on fat grafts. We hypothesized that the improvement of ADSVFCs on fat transplantation quality would be dose dependent. Fat tissues were obtained by liposuction surgery. ADSVFCs were mixed into fat tissue, and the ADSVFC-enriched fat tissues were implanted subcutaneously into nude mice. The histological findings showed that the neoangiogenesis and integrity of grafted fat cells significantly increased with increasing dosages of ADSVFCs. Higher dosages of ADSVFCs also significantly reduced the side effects of the fat grafts, including reducing inflammation, cell infiltration, fibrosis and cyst formation. In conclusion, ADSVFC supplemented fat implants can improve angiogenesis and anti-inflammation. However, these effects of ADSVFCs on fat graft quality are dose dependent.
Impacts of 49–51 years of fertilization and crop rotation on growing season nitrous oxide emissions, nitrogen uptake and corn yields
Authors: Drury C. F. , Reynolds W. D. , Tan C. S. , McLaughlin N. B. , Yang X. M. , Calder W. , Oloya T. O. , Yang J. Y.
Published: March 2014

Drury, C. F., Reynolds, W. D., Tan, C. S., McLaughlin, N. B., Yang, X. M., Calder, W., Oloya, T. O. and Yang, J. Y. 2014. Impacts of 49–51 years of years of fertilization and crop rotation on growing season nitrous oxide emissions, nitrogen uptake and corn yields. Can. J. Soil Sci. 94: 421–433. A field study was established in 1959 to evaluate the effects of fertilization and crop rotation on crop yields, soil and environmental quality on a Brookston clay loam. There were two fertilizer treatments (fertilized and not-fertilized) and six cropping treatments including continuous corn (CC), continuous Kentucky bluegrass sod and a 4-yr rotation of corn–oat–alfalfa–alfalfa with each phase present each year. We measured N2O emissions, inorganic N and plant N uptake over three growing seasons (2007–2009) in the corn phase. Nitrous oxide emissions varied over the 3 yr as a result of the seasonal variation in precipitation quantity, intensity and timing and differences in crop growth and N uptake. Fertilized CC lost, on average, 7.36 kg N ha−1 by N2O emissions, whereas the not-fertilized CC lost only 0.51 kg N ha−1. Fertilized rotation corn (RC) lost 6.46 kg N ha−1, which was 12% lower than fertilized CC. The not-fertilized RC, on the other hand, emitted about half as much N2O (2.95 kg N ha−1) as the fertilized RC. Fertilized RC had corn grain yields that averaged 10.0 t ha−1 over the 3 yr followed by fertilized CC at 5.48 t ha−1. Not-fertilized RC corn had yields that were 61% lower (3.93 t ha−1) than fertilized RC, whereas the not-fertilized CC had yields that were 75% lower (1.39 t ha−1) than fertilized CC. Nitrous oxide emissions were found to be dramatically affected by long-term management practices and crop rotation had lower emissions in the corn phase of the rotation even though the N input from fertilizer addition and legume N fixation was greater. These N2O emission and yield results were due to both factors that are traditionally used to describe these processes as well as long-term soil quality factors, which were created by the long-term management (i.e., soil organic carbon, soil physical parameters such as bulk density, and porosity, soil fauna and micro-flora) and that influenced crop growth, N uptake and soil water contents.
The Cinematic Depiction of Conflict Resolution in the Immigrant Chinese Family
Authors: Han Qijun
Published: March 2014

Both emphasising dilemmas that have been confronted by the Chinese- American family, Ang Lee’s The Wedding Banquet (1993) and Alice Wu’s Saving Face (2004) highlight the image of homosexuality as incompatible with traditional Chinese family values. Through detailed narrative analyses of these two films with a focus on the structure of the plot, the key characters, and camera work, this article aims to answer the questions of how traditional Chinese culture continues to play into and conflict with the experiences of modern Chinese American families and how each film presents and resolves the tensions arising from a culture in transition. The article argues that the importance of studying the ways in which the protagonists try to come to terms with incompatible value systems, lies in the capacity of film to reveal the complex negotiation between tradition and modernity, as well as the socio-cultural specificity of the conceptions of modernity.
Effect of ablation ring and soil temperature on 3-yr spring CO2 efflux along the trans-Alaska pipeline, Alaska
Authors: Kim Y.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Winter and spring soil CO2 efflux-measurements represent a significant component in the assessment of annual carbon budgets of tundra and boreal forest ecosystems, as a response to climate change in the Arctic. This study was conducted to quantify CO2 efflux using a portable chamber system at representative sites along the trans-Alaska pipeline. The sites here are characterized as three tundra, two white spruce, and three black spruce forest sites during winter and spring seasons of 2010 to 2012; study of these sites will offer a better understanding of winter and spring carbon contributions to the annual carbon budget, as well as their affecting parameters by the effect of ablation ring in spring. 3 yr spring CO2 efflux depends on soil temperature at 5 cm depth on a regional scale. At their highest, Q10 values were 4.2 × 106, within the exposed tussock tundra of the upland tundra site, as tundra soils warmed from −0.9 to 0.5 °C, involving the soil microbial activity. With the forest census (400 m2) of the two white spruce forest sites, CO2 emissions were estimated to be 35 to 145 gC day−1 in winter and 56 to 1980 gC day−1 in spring, corresponding to 1–3 and 1–27% of annual carbon, respectively. The contributions from spring CO2 emissions are likely to increase as exposed soils widen in average length (major axis) from east, west, and south, as well as north-side length (minor axis). Considering the periods of winter and spring seasons across tundra and boreal forests, average winter- and spring-seasonal CO2 contributions to annual carbon budgets correspond roughly to 14–22% in tundra and 9–24% in boreal forest sites during 2011–2012. Contributions from spring carbon comparable to growing season CO2 emissions are sensitive to subtle changes at the onset of spring and during the snow-covered period in northern high latitudes, in response to recent Arctic climate change.
Comparing tide gauge observations to regional patterns of sea-level change (1961–2003)
Authors: Slangen A. B. A. , van de Wal R. S. W. , Wada Y. , Vermeersen L. L. A.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Although the global mean sea-level budget for the 20th century can now be closed, the understanding of sea-level change on a regional scale is still limited. In this study we compare observations from tide gauges to regional patterns from various contributions to sea-level change to see how much of the regional measurements can be explained. Processes that are included are land ice mass changes and terrestrial storage changes with associated gravitational, rotational and deformational effects, steric/dynamic changes, atmospheric pressure loading and Glacial Isostatic Adjustment (GIA). The study focuses on the mean linear trend between 1961 and 2003. It is found that on a regional level the explained variance of the observed trend is 0.87 with a regression coefficient of 1.08. The observations and models overlap within the 1σ uncertainty range in all regions. The leading processes in explaining the variability in the observations appear to be the steric/dynamic component and the GIA. Local observations prove to be more difficult to explain because they show larger spatial variations, and therefore require more information on small-scale processes.
Landslide susceptibility near highways is increased by one order of magnitude in the Andes of southern Ecuador, Loja province
Authors: Brenning A. , Schwinn M. , Ruiz-Páez A. P. , Muenchow J.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Mountain roads in developing countries are known to increase landslide occurrence due to often inadequate drainage systems and mechanical destabilization of hillslopes by undercutting and overloading. This study empirically investigates landslide initiation frequency along two paved interurban highways in the tropical Andes of southern Ecuador across different climatic regimes. Generalized additive models (GAM) and generalized linear models (GLM) were used to analyze the relationship between mapped landslide initiation points and distance to highway while accounting for topographic, climatic and geological predictors as possible confounders. A spatial block bootstrap was used to obtain non-parametric confidence intervals for the odds ratio of landslide occurrence near the highways (25 m distance) compared to a 200 m distance. The estimated odds ratio was 18–21 with lower 95% confidence bounds > 13 in all analyses. Spatial bootstrap estimation using the GAM supports the higher odds ratio estimate of 21.2 (95% confidence interval: 15.5–25.3). The highway-related effects were observed to fade at about 150 m distance. Road effects appear to be enhanced in geological units characterized by Holocene gravels and Laramide andesite/basalt. Overall, landslide susceptibility was found to be more than one order of magnitude higher in close proximity to paved interurban highways in the Andes of southern Ecuador.
Post-Gregorian Episcopal Authority and the Struggle for Ducal Kraków, 1177-1210
Authors: Bartos Sebastian P.
Published: March 2014

In 1177, subsequent to a baronial rebellion, junior Piast duke Kazimir the Just obtained the principal Duchy of Kraków with the active support of the Krakovian episcopacy and produced a new political reality that altered the established order of dynastic succession and reconfigured power relations in Little Poland. After Kazimir’s death, the bishopric remained a loyal supporter of the duke’s lineage in Kraków, even when persistent claims of the senior of the Piast dynasty to the city, baronial regencies, and conflicting interests within the local oligarchy significantly delayed the succession of Kazimir’s son. This article examines the ideological sources and practical ramifications of episcopal efforts to construct a new model of ducal rulership according to the Gregorian view of a secular government subject to clerical judgment and responsive to ecclesiastical leadership. It also emphasizes the complexity of the position of bishops of Kraków between an assertive baronial elite in Little Poland and a hierarchical Church advocating the new criteria of succession rights. These criteria, inspired by Church reformers, expressed the promise of creating a stable and effective secular arm of the ecclesiastical authority.
Resilience and Personality Traits among Living Liver and Kidney Donors
Authors: Rudow Dianne LaPointe , Iacoviello Brian M. , Charney Dennis
Published: March 2014

Objective

To explore the psychosocial characteristics of living liver and kidney donors to identify common traits including personality traits, purpose in life, resilience, and postdonation growth.

Methods

Questionnaires were mailed to 835 living donors. Included were a survey of demographic characteristics and donation experiences, the NEO Five-Factor Inventory, the Purpose in Life Scale, the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Analyses compared the donor groups with the scale norms (where available) and compared differences between donor groups.

Results

Eighteen percent of donors (n = 151) responded anonymously. The sample was as resilient as the general population and significantly more resilient than the population of primary care patients. Kidney donors were significantly more resilient than liver donors. Live donors demonstrated scores on the NEO Five-Factor Inventory in the “high” range for agreeableness and conscientiousness and “low” for neuroticism. Kidney donors scored significantly lower on the neuroticism scale than liver donors scored. Purpose in Life scores and Post Donation Growth scores were skewed and were overwhelmingly high in this sample. Additional differences in psychosocial variables are also described.

Conclusion

Live donors are resilient and show adaptive personality traits. It is difficult to conclude whether these traits were inspired by the act of donation or if they make one more apt to choose donation. Moreover, the study methods introduce the possibility of selection bias: those with certain characteristics may have been more likely to respond. Prospective studies before and after donation are warranted.
A 25-Year-Old With Verrucous Pustules and Fevers
Authors: Seas Carlos , Seas Paloma Rosanna , Legua Pedro
Published: February 2025

A man taking no regular medications had 1 month of small painless facial papules progressing over 1 week to vesicles and pustules. He reported unprotected sex with multiple partners and recent exposure to a person with active tuberculosis; rapid plasma reagin titer was normal; results of HIV and fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption tests were positive. What is the diagnosis and what would you do next?
What Is Calcific Aortic Stenosis?
Authors: Ammon Jessica P. , Prida Xavier , Jackson Christopher D.
Published: February 2025

This JAMA Patient Page describes the risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and management of calcific aortic stenosis.
Alcohol-Associated Pancreatitis and Liver Disease Among Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Chapman Oril , Djerboua Maya , Rai Mandip , Bechara Robert , Flemming Jennifer A.
Published: February 2025

This cohort study examined the annual incidence rates of alcohol-associated end-organ disease among adolescents and young adults in Ontario, Canada, from 2003 to 2021.
Slowing Geographic Atrophy—Hopeful Progress or Uncertain Benefit
Authors: Jia Huixun , Sun Xiaodong
Published: February 2025

This Viewpoint explores the evolving landscape of geographic atrophy treatment, where the promise of complement inhibition offers hope while sparking debates over its clinical benefits.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis Following Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator Implant
Authors: Tangutur Akshay , Brown Katherine K. , Dedhia Raj C.
Published: February 2025

Importance

Allergic contact reactions to medical implants are underrecognized and incompletely understood, particularly in hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS), an increasingly popular and effective alternative to positive airway pressure therapy for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Objective

To document a rare case of allergic contact reaction in a patient following implantation of an HGNS device for OSA.

Design, Setting, and Participant

In this case report, the patient presented to a quaternary care academic medical center with localized erythema, swelling, and pustular drainage at the right neck incision site approximately 2 months following HGNS device implantation.

Exposure

This patient underwent serial, bilateral HGNS device implantation and subsequent explantation.

Main Outcome and Measure

The main outcomes were the findings from symptom monitoring and allergy patch testing.

Results

A 64-year-old male patient with severe OSA (Apnea-Hypopnea Index, 54 events/h) underwent implantation of an HGNS device. His recovery was uneventful for 2 months until he reported localized erythema, swelling, and pustular drainage at the right neck incision site. HGNS device extrusion at the neck was noted approximately 3 months postoperatively, prompting device explantation. The patient underwent subsequent HGNS reimplantation in the left neck and chest 3 months after right-sided explantation. At postoperative day 10, swelling, erythema, and purulence were noted from neck and chest incisions. The device was re-explanted with odorless purulence noted in the chest and neck. The wound cultures were negative for infection, and at this time, the patient underwent allergy patch testing, which demonstrated a strong positive reaction to isophorone diisocyanate. Patch testing confirmed an allergy to isocyanates, evidenced by a strong positive reaction to isophorone diisocyanate, 1.0%, in petrolatum. This finding was further validated by the manufacturer, which confirmed isocyanates were used in the polyurethane components of the HGNS device.

Conclusions and Relevance

Isocyanates are low–molecular weight compounds used in the production of polyurethanes, which are commonly found in medical devices. HGNS is a widely available implantable medical device for treatment of patients with OSA. The literature regarding isocyanate allergies with medical implants is limited, and this may be the first confirmed case with an HGNS device. This case report highlights the importance of noninfectious causes of device reactions, especially when occurring outside of the postoperative wound infection window. Patch testing for isocyanate and other components can inform both patient and clinician regarding the cause of device implantation failure and have implications for future implantable devices.
Electrostatic Force‐Tailored PEO‐Based Solid Electrolyte with Fast Li+ Transport for Ultra‐Robust Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Guo Yubing , Zhang Ming , Ge Zhen , Fang Zixuan , Xu Ziqiang , Wu Jintian , Wu Mengqiang
Published: February 2025

Polyethylene oxide (PEO)‐based solid polymer electrolytes exhibit promising commercial prospects due to their superior processability and scalability. However, limited ion transport and unstable electrode/electrolyte interface restrict their practical application. Herein, the paraelectric strontium titanate (STO) is introduced into PEO‐based electrolytes to solve those problems. The electrostatic force originating from polarized STO weakens the coordination between EO and Li+ and releases more free Li+, thus promoting ion transport inside the electrolyte. Numerous STOs form a new reverse electric field that inhibits lithium dendrites' vertical growth at the anode interface. Polarized STO triggers the generation of LiF, Li2O, and Li3N‐riched solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), contributing to interfacial stability and Li+ mobility. Consequently, polarized STO‐modified PEO‐based solid electrolyte has an outstanding ion conductivity of 0.61 mS cm−1 with a superior lithium stability of 5.29 V. Li/Li symmetric battery with STO‐modified electrolyte undergoes >1200 h at 0.2 mA cm−2. A large capacity retention of 85.3% after 850 cycles at 1 C is achieved for LFP/Li battery and be cycled 600 times even against a high‐loading cathode (LFP:6 mg cm−2). This study provides a novel strategy to prepare composite‐modified solid‐state electrolytes that can be utilized in lithium metal batteries.