bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristic Adverse Events and Their Incidence Among Patients Participating in Acute Ischemic Stroke Trials
Authors: Hesse Kerrick , Fulton Rachael L. , Abdul-Rahim Azmil H. , Lees Kennedy R. , Alexandrov A.V. , Bath P.W. , Bluhmki E. , Claesson L. , Curram J. , Davis S.M. , Donnan G. , Diener H.C. , Fisher M. , Gregson B. , Grotta J. , Hacke W. , Hennerici M.G. , Hommel M. , Kaste M. , Lyden P. , Marler J. , Muir K. , Sacco R. , Shuaib A. , Teal P. , Wahlgren N.G. , Warach S. , Weimar C.
Published: August 2014

Background and Purpose—

Adverse events (AE) in trial populations present a major burden to researchers and patients, yet most events are unrelated to investigational treatment. We aimed to develop a coherent list of expected AEs, whose incidence can be predicted by patient characteristics that will inform future trials and perhaps general poststroke care.

Methods—

We analyzed raw AE data from patients participating in acute ischemic stroke trials. We identified events that occurred with a lower 99% confidence bound greater than nil. Among these, we applied receiver operating characteristic principles to select the fewest types of events that together represented the greatest number of reports. Using ordinal logistic regression, we modeled the incidence of these events as a function of patient age, sex, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and multimorbidity status, defining
P
<0.05 as statistically significant.

Results—

We analyzed 5775 placebo-treated patients, reporting 21 217 AEs. Among 756 types of AEs, 132 accounted for 82.7%, of which 80% began within 10 days after stroke. Right hemisphere (odds ratio [OR], 1.67), increasing baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (OR, 1.11), multimorbidity status (OR, 1.09 per disease), patient age (OR, 1.01 per year), height (OR, 1.01 per centimeter), diastolic blood pressure (OR, 0.99 per mm Hg), and smoking (OR, 0.82) were independently associated with developing more AEs but together explained only 13% of the variation.

Conclusions—

A list of 132 expected AEs after acute ischemic stroke may be used to simplify interpretation and reporting of complications. AEs can be modestly predicted by patient characteristics, facilitating stratification of patients by risk for poststroke complications.
Tense and Aspect in English Infinitives
Authors: Wurmbrand Susi
Published: August 2014

This article investigates the temporal and aspectual composition of infinitival complementation structures in English. I show that previous classifications of tense in infinitives are insufficient in that they do not cover the entire spectrum of infinitival constructions in English. Using the distribution of nongeneric, nonstative, episodic interpretations as a main characteristic, I show that infinitival constructions fall into three classes: future irrealis infinitives, which allow episodic interpretations with bare VPs; simultaneous infinitives that do not allow episodic interpretations; and simultaneous infinitives that allow episodic interpretations depending on the matrix tense. I argue that the three classes of infinitives are derived from the following properties: future infinitives are tenseless but involve a syntactically present future modal woll; simultaneous propositional attitude infinitives impose the now of the propositional attitude holder as the reference time of the infinitive; and certain simultaneous infinitives form a single temporal domain with the matrix clause. The analysis proposed has consequences for the composition of tense and aspect, the syntax of infinitives, and the way selection is determined.
Die älteste lateinische Übersetzung des Buches Esdras A—eine neue Entdeckung
Authors: Gesche Bonifatia
Published: August 2014

The Old Latin translation of the Greek Book of Esdras A has come down to us through two major versions. The older version was incorporated into the Vulgate. However, it is obvious that this version, which represents the standard text since the Middle Ages, does not offer an exact representation of the Greek Vorlage and is in many places in the text corrupt.

In the process of editing the Old Latin texts of Esdras A, a text could be identified in a Spanish manuscript. This text is clearly distinct from the standard text and in most places it does not transmit the defective elements in the text that has come down to us. The objective of this paper is to describe the characteristics of this text and to point out the fact that this version of the text is older than that of the Vulgate.
Corruption and Tax Evasion in Croatia
Authors: Bejaković Predrag
Published: August 2014

South-East European countries continue to suffer from wide-spread and deeply rooted corruption. This article is concerned with the social and economic sources of corruption and disrespect for the rule of law in the Republic of Croatia (rc), with particular attention being paid to tax evasion. Although the government of the rc has expressed a determination to undertake measures against corruption and tax evasion, it faces criticism that the fight against these social evils is not being given sufficient political support and respect. While it is clear that in the run up to joining the eu the rc has enacted different laws and institutions targeted towards the reduction of corruption; a serious problem remains in the low level of law enforcement. Croatia’s ineffective legal system and a lack of transparency have consequently presented significant challenges to investors. Moreover, the fight against corruption is often hampered by an inefficient public administration and a lack of intra-governmental coordination.
The Impact of Role Identities on Entrepreneurs’ Evaluation and Selection of Opportunities
Authors: Mathias Blake D. , Williams David W.
Published: August 2014

Extant research suggests that entrepreneurs’ identities influence the venture creation process. However, we know little about how the “hats” that entrepreneurs wear (i.e., their different role identities) influence how entrepreneurs think about—and select—opportunities. Employing verbal protocol and content analysis techniques, we show that, depending on the role identity assumed, entrepreneurs attend to different opportunity features and make different decisions with regard to opportunity consideration and selection. As a result, role identity has an important situated influence on entrepreneurs’ cognition, which may significantly affect the pattern of growth and pursuit of their new ventures.
Effects of vacuum and modified atmosphere on textural parameters and structural proteins of cultured meagre (Argyrosomus regius) fillets
Authors: Sáez María I , Martínez Tomás F , Cárdenas Salvador , Suárez María D
Published: August 2014

The influence of two preservation strategies (vacuum package and modified atmosphere package) on the post-mortem changes of textural parameters, pH, water holding capacity, sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar proteins, and collagen content of meagre ( Argyrosomus regius) fillets was studied. Fillets were stored in a cold room in aerobic (control, C), vacuum (V) and modified atmosphere (MA) package. Samples were withdrawn at six sampling points throughout 15-day storage, and post-mortem changes were assessed. The textural parameters were significantly enhanced in V and MA compared to C. Both V and MA treatments reduced the intensity of a group of myofibrillar protein fractions (140–195 kDa) and increased insoluble collagen compared to C. Consequently, the post-mortem flesh softening in C was attributed to increased proteolysis in both intracellular and extracellular structural proteins. The preservation of the textural and biochemical characteristics of meagre fillets subjected to V and MA treatments makes these two treatments highly recommendable for the commercialization of meagre fillets.
Is fibromuscular dysplasia underdiagnosed? A comparison of the prevalence of FMD seen in CORAL trial participants versus a single institution population of renal donor candidates
Authors: Hendricks Nicholas J , Matsumoto Alan H , Angle John F , Baheti Aparna , Sabri Saher S , Park Auh W , Stone James R , Patrie James T , Dworkin Lance , Cooper Christopher J , Murphy Timothy P , Cutlip Donald E
Published: August 2014

Renal artery fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) may be underdiagnosed. We evaluated the prevalence of FMD in CORAL (Cardiovascular Outcomes in Renal Atherosclerotic Lesions) renal artery stent trial participants, in which FMD was an exclusion criterion for inclusion. We also evaluated the prevalence of FMD in a relatively healthy population of patients undergoing computed tomographic angiographic (CTA) screening for renal donor evaluation. All renal donor CTAs performed at our institution from January 2003 through November 2011 were retrospectively reviewed for the presence of FMD along with patient sex and age. These results were compared to angiographic core lab (ACL) findings for the CORAL trial. The CORAL ACL database contained 997 patients (mean age 69.3 years; 50% female). Fifty-eight (5.8%) CORAL trial patients (mean age 71.8 years; 75.9% female) demonstrated incidental FMD. The renal donor cohort included 220 patients (mean age 40.5 years; 64.5% female). Five (2.3%) demonstrated FMD (mean age 48.6 years; all female). The odds of FMD in the CORAL cohort were 2.65 times that seen in the renal donor cohort (95% CI: 1.12, 7.57). In conclusion, the 5.8% prevalence of renal artery FMD in the CORAL trial population, the presence of which was biased against, suggests underdiagnosis.
Blooming Flowers: A case for developmentally appropriate practice
Authors: Vengopal Kalpana
Published: August 2014

Early Childhood Education in India derives its premise from its sociocultural context. In spite of policies in place for developmentally and contextually appropriate Early Childhood Education, the practices are largely detrimental for this age group. The ray of hope, amidst such a scenario are a few initiatives, one such being the rural preschool “ Poo-kal,” situated in a village near the town of silk weavers Kanchipuram, South India. The school’s vision is to provide children with contextual learning experiences through a developmentally appropriate curriculum. The curriculum is flexible and is built keeping in mind interests of the child. Learning is through group activities that promote sustained engagement and collaborative learning in children, which in turn fosters social skills. All learning material is locally available, and is provided by the school. Children engage in productive work which helps them foster creativity as well as a sense of pride in work. The curriculum also provides for quiet time and self-time to help children connect with their inner self. Yoga, traditional music, and art forms help children be connected with their cultural roots, promoting physical and emotional development alongside aesthetic sense. Teachers are engaged learners and act as facilitators. They are patient, kind, and firmly believe that every child is unique and has potential that need to be tapped with love and care. School activities also help foster and strengthen school–community linkages. The school aims for the all-round development of the child body, mind, and spirit by involving the head, heart, and hand in the process of learning.
Health inequalities
Authors: Hay Adam , Peet Danielle
Published: August 2014

The term ‘health inequalities’ is used to describe the differences in morbidity, life expectancy and access to healthcare influenced by the social and economic conditions in which a person lives. Many of these differences are unjust and can be modifiable if given appropriate support or treatment. This article considers health inequalities in the UK, the challenges they pose and potential actions to combat them.
High temperature tribological behaviour of Al/Al2O3 composite coating on γ-TiAl
Authors: Zhang Z. G. , Miao Q. , Liang W. P. , Yu X. S. , Xu Y. , Ren B. L.
Published: August 2014

To improve the high temperature wear resistance of Ti–46·5Al–1Cr–1·5V, an Al/Al2O3 composite ceramic coating was prepared on it by radio frequency sputtering. In this paper, microstructure, elements distribution, phase identification of the Al/Al2O3 composite coating were investigated. Also, its nanohardness and elastic modulus were examined. High temperature dry sliding wear behaviour at 300°C was analysed in details. The results indicated that the homogeneous and dense composite coating was about 20 μm thick. Additionally, the composite coating possessed higher H/E and H3/E2 ratios than those of substrate. Compared to the substrate, the Al/Al2O3 composite coating recorded a lower friction coefficient and the volume loss of Al/Al2O3 coating was only 1/3 of the bare substrate under dry sliding conditions at 300°C. All the results demonstrated that the Al/Al2O3 coating has effectively improved the wear resistance of Ti–46·5Al–1Cr–1·5V at 300°C.
Pyrolysis and co-pyrolysis of Laminaria japonica and polypropylene over mesoporous Al-SBA-15 catalyst
Authors: Lee Hyung Won , Choi Suek Joo , Park Sung Hoon , Jeon Jong-Ki , Jung Sang-Chul , Kim Sang Chai , Park Young-Kwon
Published: August 2014

The catalytic co-pyrolysis of a seaweed biomass, Laminaria japonica, and a typical polymer material, polypropylene, was studied for the first time. A mesoporous material Al-SBA-15 was used as a catalyst. Pyrolysis experiments were conducted using a fixed-bed reactor and pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). BET surface area, N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, and NH3 temperature programmed desorption were measured to examine the catalyst characteristics. When only L. japonica was pyrolyzed, catalytic reforming slightly increased the gas yield and decreased the oil yield. The H2O content in bio-oil was increased by catalytic reforming from 42.03 to 50.32 wt% due to the dehydration reaction occurring on the acid sites inside the large pores of Al-SBA-15. Acids, oxygenates, mono-aromatics, poly aromatic hydrocarbons, and phenolics were the main components of the bio-oil obtained from the pyrolysis of L. japonica. Upon catalytic reforming over Al-SBA-15, the main oxygenate species 1,4-anhydro-d-galactitol and 1,5-anhydro-d-manitol were completely removed. When L. japonica was co-pyrolyzed with polypropylene, the H2O content in bio-oil was decreased dramatically (8.93 wt% in the case of catalytic co-pyrolysis), contributing to the improvement of the oil quality. A huge increase in the content of gasoline-range and diesel-range hydrocarbons in bio-oil was the most remarkable change that resulted from the co-pyrolysis with polypropylene, suggesting its potential as a transport fuel. The content of mono-aromatics with high economic value was also increased significantly by catalytic co-pyrolysis.
β-Arrestin-2-Biased Agonism of Delta Opioid Receptors Sensitizes Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Type 1 (TRPV1) in Primary Sensory Neurons
Authors: Rowan Matthew P , Szteyn Kalina , Doyle Allison P , Gomez Ruben , Henry Michael A , Jeske Nathaniel A
Published: August 2014

Despite advances in understanding the signaling mechanisms involved in the development and maintenance of chronic pain, the pharmacologic treatment of chronic pain has seen little advancement. Agonists at the mu opioid receptor (MOPr) continue to be vital in the treatment of many forms of chronic pain, but side-effects limit their clinical utility and range from relatively mild, such as constipation, to major, such as addiction and dependence. Additionally, chronic activation of MOPr results in pain hypersensitivity known as opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH), and we have shown recently that recruitment of β-arrestin2 to MOPr, away from transient potential vanilloid eceptor type 1 (TRPV1) in primary sensory neurons contributes to this phenomenon. The delta opioid receptor (DOPr) has become a promising target for the treatment of chronic pain, but little is known about the effects of chronic activation of DOPr on nociceptor sensitivity and OIH. Here we report that chronic activation of DOPr by the DOPr-selective agonist, SNC80, results in the sensitization of TRPVI and behavioral signs of OIH via β-arrestin2 recruitment to DOPr and away from TRPV1. Conversely, chronic treatment with ARM390, a DOPr-selective agonist that does not recruit β-arrestin2, neither sensitized TRPV1 nor produced OIH. Interestingly, the effect of SNC80 to sensitize TRPV1 is species-dependent, as rats developed OIH but mice did not. Taken together, the reported data identify a novel side-effect of chronic administration of β-arrestin2-biased DOPr agonists and highlight the importance of potential species-specific effects of DOPr agonists.
An efficient algebraic codebook search for ACELP speech coder
Authors: Ku Ning-Yun , Yeh Cheng-Yu , Hwang Shaw-Hwa
Published: August 2014

In a bid to enhance the search performance, this paper presents an improved version of reduced candidate mechanism (RCM), an algebraic codebook search conducted on an algebraic code-excited linear prediction (ACELP) speech coder. This improvement is made based on two findings in a piece of our prior work. The first finding is that a pulse with a high contribution in the associated track is more likely to serve as an optimal pulse in the optimal codevector and the second is that the speech quality can be well maintained at a search accuracy above 50% approximately. Subsequently, a new finding in this study concerning a structured algebraic codebook in G.729 indicates that there is a 0.8321 probability that the number 1 ranked pulse in a global sorting by pulse contribution is indeed one of the optimal pulses. Hence, the number 1 pulse in the global sorting is labeled as one of the optimal pulses, following which a sequence of search tasks are fulfilled through RCM. This proposed complexity reduction algorithm, implemented on a G.729A speech codec, takes as few as eight searches, a search load tantamount to 2.5% of G.729A, 12.5% of global pulse replacement method (iteration = 2), 16.7% of iteration-free pulse replacement method, and 50% of RCM (N = 2). This proposal is thus found to successfully reduce the required computational complexity to a great extent as intended.
The effect of adenovirus-specific antibodies on adenoviral vector–induced, transgene product–specific T cell responses
Authors: Small Juliana C , Haut Larissa H , Bian Ang , Ertl Hildegund C J
Published: August 2014

In this study, we tested the effect of neutralizing Abs to different serotypes of E1-deleted Ad vectors on the immunogenicity of the homologous Ad vector or a vector derived from a heterologous serotype. Our results showed that, as expected, even low titers of passively transferred neutralizing Abs significantly reduced the homologous vectors' ability to elicit transgene-specific CD8+ T cell responses. In addition, Abs changed the fate of transgene product–specific CD8+ T cells by promoting their transition into the central memory cell pool, which resulted in markedly enhanced expansion of transgene product–specific CD8+ T cells after a boost with a heterologous Ad vector. Non-neutralizing Abs specific to a distinct Ad serotype had no effect on the magnitude of transgene product-specific CD8+ T cells induced by a heterologous Ad vector, nor did such Abs promote induction of more resting memory CD8+ T cells. These results show that Abs to an Ad vaccine carrier affect not only the magnitude but also the profile of a vector-induced CD8+ T cell response.
Prenatal exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and social responsiveness symptoms of autism: population-based study of young children
Authors: Marroun Hanan El , White Tonya J. H. , van der Knaap Noortje J. F. , Homberg Judith R. , Fernández Guillén , Schoemaker Nikita K. , Jaddoe Vincent W. V. , Hofman Albert , Verhulst Frank C. , Hudziak James J. , Stricker Bruno H. C. , Tiemeier Henning
Published: August 2014

Background

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are considered safe and are frequently used during pregnancy. However, two case–control studies suggested an association between prenatal SSRI exposure with childhood autism.

Aims

To prospectively determine whether intra-uterine SSSRI exposure is associated with childhood autistic symptoms in a population-based study.

Method

A total of 376 children prenatally exposed to maternal depressive symptoms (no SSRI exposure), 69 children prenatally exposed to SSRIs and 5531 unexposed children were included. Child pervasive developmental and affective problems were assessed by parental report with the Child Behavior Checklist at ages 1.5, 3 and 6. At age 6, we assessed autistic traits using the Social Responsiveness Scale (n= 4264).

Results

Prenatal exposure to maternal depressive symptoms without SSRIs was related to both pervasive developmental (odds ratio (OR) = 1.44, 95% CI 1.07–1.93) and affective problems (OR = 1.44, 95% CI 1.15–1.81). Compared with unexposed children, those prenatally exposed to SSRIs also were at higher risk for developing pervasive developmental problems (OR = 1.91, 95% CI 1.13–3.47), but not for affective problems. Children prenatally exposed to SSRIs also had more autistic traits (B= 0.15, 95% CI 0.08–0.22) compared with those exposed to depressive symptoms only.

Conclusions

Our results suggest an association between prenatal SSRI exposure and autistic traits in children. Prenatal depressive symptoms without SSRI use were also associated with autistic traits, albeit this was weaker and less specific. Long-term drug safety trials are needed before evidence-based recommendations are possible.
Outcomes of care programme approach, dual diagnosis, carer support and psychological therapy inductions
Authors: Kamau Caroline
Published: August 2014

Aims and method

For many trainees, an obstacle into psychiatry is the challenge of an imprecise job design and uncertainty about the psychiatrist's job design across many complex, often ad hoc care situations involving multiple professions and organisations. The UK's National Health Service (NHS) has introduced inductions for trainee psychiatrists geared towards improving that. Are the induction programmes effective? This article presents an analysis of the outcomes (n= 1115) of inductions about the care programme approach, dual diagnosis, carer support, mental health risk assessment, psychological therapy and suicide risk assessment.

Results

Univariate analyses of variance revealed a consistent interaction of care programme approach, dual diagnosis, carer support and psychological therapy inductions. Psychiatrists who attend all four inductions have the best perceptions about their job design, strongest teamwork approach, and highest motivation.

Clinical implications

The NHS and hospitals outside the UK should note these results when prioritising inductions for trainee psychiatrists.
Impact of work experience placements on school students' attitude towards mental illness
Authors: Kennedy Vanathi , Belgamwar Ravindra B.
Published: August 2014

Aims and method

Research shows that 16- to 19-year-olds express the greatest level of negative attitudes towards people with mental illness. Our aim was to assess the effectiveness of work experience placements in influencing secondary-school students' attitudes towards mental illness and career choices. The Adolescent Attitude Towards Mental Illness questionnaire measured and assessed the adolescents' attitude changes. Pre- and post-evaluation questionnaires assessed changes in their career choices.

Results

There was a statistically significant change in the adolescents' attitudes, especially regarding categorical thinking and perceptions that people with mental illness are violent and out of control. There was also a positive shift in their career choices towards options in the field of mental health.

Clinical implications

Work experience placements can have a positive impact on secondary-school students' attitudes towards mental illness and may improve the level of student recruitment into the field of psychiatry.
Repurposing cAMP-Modulating Medications to Promote β-Cell Replication
Authors: Zhao Zhenshan , Low Yen S. , Armstrong Neali A. , Ryu Jennifer Hyoje , Sun Sara A. , Arvanites Anthony C. , Hollister-Lock Jennifer , Shah Nigam H. , Weir Gordon C. , Annes Justin P.
Published: August 2014

Loss of β-cell mass is a cardinal feature of diabetes. Consequently, developing medications to promote β-cell regeneration is a priority. cAMP is an intracellular second messenger that modulates β-cell replication. We investigated whether medications that increase cAMP stability or synthesis selectively stimulate β-cell growth. To identify cAMP-stabilizing medications that promote β-cell replication, we performed high-content screening of a phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor library. PDE3, -4, and -10 inhibitors, including dipyridamole, were found to promote β-cell replication in an adenosine receptor-dependent manner. Dipyridamole's action is specific for β-cells and not α-cells. Next we demonstrated that norepinephrine (NE), a physiologic suppressor of cAMP synthesis in β-cells, impairs β-cell replication via activation of α2-adrenergic receptors. Accordingly, mirtazapine, an α2-adrenergic receptor antagonist and antidepressant, prevents NE-dependent suppression of β-cell replication. Interestingly, NE's growth-suppressive effect is modulated by endogenously expressed catecholamine-inactivating enzymes (catechol-O-methyltransferase and l-monoamine oxidase) and is dominant over the growth-promoting effects of PDE inhibitors. Treatment with dipyridamole and/or mirtazapine promote β-cell replication in mice, and treatment with dipyridamole is associated with reduced glucose levels in humans. This work provides new mechanistic insights into cAMP-dependent growth regulation of β-cells and highlights the potential of commonly prescribed medications to influence β-cell growth.
Asymmetric Contests with Head Starts and Nonmonotonic Costs
Authors: Siegel Ron
Published: August 2014

This paper studies multiprize contests in which players' costs need not be strictly increasing in their performance. Such costs accommodate various types of asymmetries, including head starts. Head starts capture incumbency advantages, prior investments, and technological differences. I provide an algorithm that constructs the unique equilibrium in which players do not choose weakly- dominated strategies, and apply it to study multiprize all-pay auctions with head starts. A comparison to the standard all-pay auction shows that the strategic effects of head starts differ substantially from those of differing valuations. (JEL D11, D44)
Early Retirement Incentives and Student Achievement
Authors: Fitzpatrick Maria D. , Lovenheim Michael F.
Published: August 2014

Early retirement incentives (ERIs) are increasingly prevalent in education as districts seek to close budget gaps by replacing expensive experienced teachers with lower cost newer teachers. Combined with the aging of the teacher workforce, these ERIs are likely to change the composition of teachers dramatically in the coming years. We use exogenous variation from an ERI program in Illinois in the mid-1990s to provide the first evidence in the literature of the effects of large-scale teacher retirements on student achievement. We find the program did not reduce test scores; likely, it increased them, with positive effects most pronounced in lower SES schools. (JEL H75, I21, I28, J26, J45)
Linguistic Capitalism and Algorithmic Mediation
Authors: Kaplan Frederic
Published: August 2014

Google’s highly successful business model is based on selling words that appear in search queries. Organizing several million auctions per minute, the company has created the first global linguistic market and demonstrated that linguistic capitalism is a lucrative business domain, one in which billions of dollars can be realized per year. Google’s services need to be interpreted from this perspective. This article argues that linguistic capitalism implies not an economy of attention but an economy of expression. As several million users worldwide daily express themselves through one of Google’s interfaces, the texts they produce are systematically mediated by algorithms. In this new context, natural languages could progressively evolve to seamlessly integrate the linguistic biases of algorithms and the economical constraints of the global linguistic economy.
Reviving the Acid Hydrolysis Process of Lignocellulosic Material in Biorefinery
Authors: Chen Rui , Zhu Shengdong , Chen Cunwu , Cheng Bo , Chen Jie , Wu Yuanxin
Published: August 2014

The acid hydrolysis of lignocellulosic material (LM) is one of the most widely studied and important subprocess in the LM biorefinery. After acid hydrolysis, LM can be converted to various biofuels, biochemicals, and biomaterials through chemical or biochemical methods. However, conventional LM acid hydrolysis is not regarded as a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly process because it has drawbacks such as difficulties in acid recovery, equipment corrosion, and chemical wastes from the neutralization of acid and the removal of LM degradation products. Use of ionic liquids and solid acids during LM hydrolysis has provided potential technical tools to overcome these problems and has given new life to the LM acid hydrolysis process in the biorefinery. This editorial will discuss the role of the LM acid hydrolysis process in the LM biorefinery, provide an analysis of the conventional LM acid hydrolysis process, and briefly discuss new developments in the LM acid process.
Comparative Analysis of Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Miscanthus Xylan using Aspergillus niger, Hypocrea orientalis, and Trichoderma reesei Xylan-degrading Enzymes
Authors: Li Hailong , Liu Jian , Wu Jinlian , Xue Yong , Gan Lihui , Long Minnan
Published: August 2014

Xylan-degrading enzymes from Aspergillus niger and Hypocrea orientalis were characterized by enzyme activity assays and protein profiling with SDS-PAGE and LC-MS/MS. The hydrolysis of Miscanthus xylan by xylan-degrading enzymes from A. niger, H. orientalis, and Trichoderma reesei were comparatively studied by HPLC analysis. It was found that the glycoside hydrolase families 10 xylanase was the main xylanase secreted by H. orientalis and A. niger when using corn cob and wheat bran as inducers. Compared to the enzymes from T. reesei,the enzymes from A. niger showed better efficiency in the hydrolysis of Miscanthus xylan into monosaccharides. Nevertheless, the enzymes from H. orientalis were more preferable for the hydrolysis of Miscanthus xylan into xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS), especially xylobiose and xylotriose. Miscanthus xylan degradation was significantly influenced by the activities of β-xylosidase and α-L-arabinofuranosidase. Xylan-degrading enzymes with high ratios of β-xylosidase and α-L-arabinofuranosidase are necessary for the efficient conversion of Miscanthus xylan into monosaccharides. However, xylan-degrading enzymes with low β-xylosidase activity and high α-L-arabinofuranosidase activity were required for producing XOS.
Suppression of Annual Weeds in Pea and Cereal Intercrops
Authors: Arlauskienė Aušra , Šarūnaitė Lina , Kadžiulienė Žydrė , Deveikytė Irena , Maikštėnienė Stanislava
Published: August 2014

Experiments were constructed to investigate effects of pea [Pisum sativum L. (Partim)] and spring cereal intercrops on annual weed suppression and grain yield in an organic farming system. Pea, spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori et Paol.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), oat (Avena sativa L.), and triticale (× Triticosecale Wittm.) were sown as sole crops and as intercrops at a 50:50 proportion of grain legume and spring cereal seeds relative to sole crop rates. The density of wheat, oat, and triticale sole crops was significantly higher compared with intercrops with pea. All investigated intercrops were significantly denser than the sole pea crop. Low height was observed in pea and barley sole crops and intercrops. Mostly weed number and mass were not significantly different between sole cereal and intercrops. Crop density was more effected by suppression than weed height. Where crops were sparser, increases in weed density and mass corresponded to a significant decline in grain yield. In the pea–cereal intercrop, where pea accounted for 20.3 to 35.2% of the total plant number, cereals exhibited the greatest weed suppression ability, productive stem number and height being the main factors responsible for this.
Forage Sorghum Response to Nitrogen Fertilization and Estimation of Production Cost
Authors: Haankuku Choolwe , Epplin Francis M. , Kakani Vijaya Gopal
Published: August 2014

Forage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] possesses several agronomic characteristics that make it a potential candidate for biofuel feedstock production. While agronomic characteristics are necessary, other factors must be considered to determine whether forage sorghum can be an economically viable biorefinery feedstock. The objective of the research was to determine forage sorghum yield response to N, the optimal ssslevel of N fertilizer, and forage sorghum's farm gate production costs when produced for use as a biomass feedstock crop. Data were produced in two Oklahoma field experiments: one conducted at Chickasha in 2008 and 2009, and one conducted at Chickasha and Stillwater in 2010 and 2011. Treatments included four N rates and different cultivars. A linear response plateau functional form was found to provide a better fit to the data than the quadratic model for the 2008 to 2009 study. The estimated optimal N rate was 99.6 kg ha−1 and the average plateau yield was 17.4 Mg ha−1. For an N price range of US$.56 to US$2.22 kg−1, the expected farm gate production cost ranged from US$55 to US$65 Mg−1. Biomass yield did not respond to N fertilization at either location in the drought year of 2011 when April through September precipitation was 45% of the long‐term average. Year‐to‐year biomass yield variability would be problematic for a regional biorefinery designed to use forage sorghum exclusively. In addition, storage, transportation, and surface residue issues remain to be resolved before entrepreneurs are likely to be willing to invest in biorefineries designed to process forage sorghum feedstock.
Impact of Tillage, Irrigation Method, and Nitrogen Rate on Sugar Beet Productivity
Authors: Khan Qasim A. , McVay Kent A.
Published: August 2014

Strip tillage has gained adoption in recent years with the availability of improved tillage equipment that can prepare a seedbed and place fertilizer in one tillage pass. Nitrogen management, including optimal N rates and placement, is an important concern for sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) growers. A 2‐yr study was conducted at Huntley, MT, under flood and sprinkler irrigation to determine if N rates should be adjusted for different tillage and irrigation systems, and to determine if N placement improved sugar beet root yield and quality. Three tillage treatments were compared: conventional tillage with fertilizer broadcast (CT); strip tillage with fertilizer broadcast (ST); and strip tillage with fertilizer banded (SN). Five N rates were randomly applied to plots within each tillage treatment. Check plots were included each year to verify a response to applied N. Averaged over 2 yr, root yield was 3 Mg ha−1 higher under flood irrigation. The CT had higher sugar beet root yield and recoverable sucrose than either ST or SN treatments under flood irrigation. Sugar beets grown under different tillage, and irrigation systems, responded similarly to N fertilizer in both years. Combined results over the 2 yr indicated no significant N × tillage or N × irrigation interactions which implied that fertilizer‐N recommendations do not need to be adjusted for tillage or irrigation system. Moreover, no difference between SN and ST treatments were observed (p = 0.5377) for recoverable sucrose which suggested that banding nutrients with a strip tillage implement did not improve efficiency.
Differential Physiological and Metabolic Responses to Drought Stress of Peanut Cultivars and Breeding Lines
Authors: Singh Daljit , Collakova Eva , Isleib Thomas G. , Welbaum Gregory E. , Tallury Shyam P. , Balota Maria
Published: August 2014

The Virginia–Carolina region is the most important peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production region for the large‐seeded, virginia‐type peanut in the United States, but 85% of the production is rainfed and predisposed to water deficit stress. The mechanisms virginia‐type peanut uses in response to drought stress are poorly understood. We evaluated several physiological and metabolic characteristics and their relationship with pod yield in eight virginia‐type cultivars and advanced breeding lines in rainfed and irrigated field trials in 2011 and 2012. Each year, evaluations were performed at three sampling dates in conjunction with growth stages beginning flower, pod, and seed. Significant (p ≤ 0.05) genotypic variation in membrane injury, chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm ratio), and relative levels of metabolites and lipid‐derived fatty acids was observed in response to water regime and sampling time. In general, in both years, the Fv/Fm ratio, organic acids, and fatty acids decreased in rainfed vs. irrigated plants, while the relative levels of sugar and cyclic polyols increased. Because higher levels of organic acids and lower levels of sugars were associated (p ≤ 0.05) with higher pod yield, we conclude that natural stress responses rather than adaptive mechanisms to drought prevailed for the genotypes used in this study. Based on its minimal changes in the Fv/Fm ratio and metabolite levels of the rainfed vs. irrigated plants, line SPT 06‐07 showed improved tolerance to water deficit stress; this line can be an important source for drought tolerance improvement of the virginia‐type peanut.
Materiality Guidance of the Major Public Accounting Firms
Authors: Eilifsen Aasmund , Messier William F.
Published: August 2014

This paper examines the materiality guidance for eight of the largest U.S. public accounting firms. Knowledge of how materiality guidance is integrated into a firm's methodology is important for accounting and auditing researchers as well as for practitioners, regulators, and educators. Our results show a high level of consistency across the firms in terms of the quantitative benchmarks (e.g., income before taxes, total assets or revenues, and total equity) used to determine overall materiality, the related percentages applied to those benchmarks, the percentages applied to overall materiality for determining tolerable misstatement, and what constitutes a clearly trivial misstatement. We also find that the firms' guidance for evaluating detected misstatements, including qualitative factors and firm guidance for group audits, is consistent across firms. However, there are differences in how the firms consider the possibility of undetected misstatements when evaluating detected misstatements. The results of this study provide important insights into implementation of standards and valuable information for future research and education.

Data Availability: The data used are proprietary to the firms and are not available for distribution.
Book Reviews
Authors: Fustec Klervi , Mejía González Ludivina
Published: August 2014

Andréassian, V., & Margat, J. (2012). Rivières et rivaux : les frontières de l'eau.
Recensé par Klervi Fustec

Walsh, C. (2010). Construyendo fronteras: una historia transnacional del algodón de riego en la frontera entre México y Texas, Gabriela Romano Muñoz Cano (Trad.).
Reseña por Ludivina Mejía González
Computed tomography–guided percutaneous biopsy for vertebral osteomyelitis: a department's experience
Authors: Garg Vasant , Kosmas Christos , Young Peter C. , Togaru Uday Kiran , Robbin Mark R.
Published: August 2014

Object

Vertebral osteomyelitis has been reported to occur in approximately 0.2–2 cases per 100,000 annually. Elevated laboratory values such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein suggest inflammatory etiologies. Different imaging modalities, from radiography and CT scanning to nuclear medicine imaging and contrastenhanced MRI, can be employed to evaluate for osteomyelitis. Although MRI has a strong sensitivity and specificity for vertebral osteomyelitis, obtaining histological and microbiological samples remains the gold standard in diagnosis. Therapy can be geared toward the specific pathogen cultured, thereby preventing the need surgical intervention in the majority of cases. However, recent reports have questioned the percentage yield of image-guided percutaneous biopsy even when there is a high clinical suspicion for vertebral osteomyelitis.

Methods

After obtaining institutional review board approval, the authors performed a chart review of patients who had undergone image-guided percutaneous bone biopsies at University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Data were filtered for patients in whom a biopsy sample of a vertebral body/disc was obtained. A total of 213 procedures were performed, of which clinicians indicated a concern for infection in 84, infection or neoplasm in 13, and a noninfectious etiology (the majority being neoplasms) in the remaining 116.

Results

Histological examination provided positive results in 25 (41.0%) of the 61 samples collected for suspected cases of osteomyelitis. Microbiology samples were less predictive, with only 16 of the 84 samples collected, or 19.0%, yielding a positive result. In 10 patients there were positive blood and/or urine cultures. Of these, 8 samples (80%) demonstrated the same pathogen identified by biopsy (for the remaining 2 positive systemic cultures, no pathogen was identified by the percutaneous intervention). In other words, half of the 16 cases that provided microbiological results from biopsy demonstrated the same results by systemic cultures. However, 89 (76.7%) of the 116 samples collected with the primary concern of neoplasm yielded results.

Conclusions

Image-guided percutaneous biopsy for vertebral osteomyelitis demonstrates an extremely low probability of identifying specific microbes. Blood or urine cultures concurrently identified culprit pathogens in 50% of positive biopsy cultures. Therefore, in only 8 (9.5%) of 84 biopsies did the biopsy results provide additional information to clinicians as to the pathological microorganism present and how treatment might need to be adjusted.
Entre la société et la forêt: voyage sur une interface (essai)
Authors: Rosset Jean
Published: August 2014

Forest and society: journey along an interface

During the train journey to his work, the author looks through the windows on either side of the compartment. On one side, he sees the world of men, increasingly urban and technical, on the other, the forest. He notes that at the interface of these two worlds, the forester's work is becoming more and more complex and sensitive. He makes proposals about the scale of management of the forest, and the level at which the forester should become involved. He believes that today's generation is responsible for putting in place the framework necessary for the conservation of biodiversity, and proposes the creation of a specialised working group of the Swiss Forestry Society and a national centre of competence for this challenge. He notes the challenges for forest management and silviculture arising in connection with climate change and scarcity of energy. Finally, he concludes that because of a favourable politico-institutional context, the community of those responsible for forest institutions is morally obliged to act in an effective and far-sighted way to safeguard what has been achieved, while adapting to the evolution of our world and anticipating changes. The author concludes that the draft modification to the forest law at present being discussed by the federal parliament is a positive development, and calls on the forest community to unite in its support.
Zur Lage im Schweizer Wald (Essay)
Authors: Hess Josef
Published: August 2014

The state of the Swiss forest (essay)

When assessing the situation of the Swiss forest, all its functions must be considered. One aspect stands out, however: Switzerland is losing valuable opportunities by harvesting a relatively low share of its wood production potential. This applies to climate change, prevention of natural catastrophes and biodiversity, as well as forest and wood economy. The Confederation supports the use of wood for construction and energy through its resources policy. To increase domestic added value, investment, cooperation between all stakeholders and improved framework conditions are all essential.
Standard of Care in Clinical Research Involving Human Subjects: A Perspective from Developing World
Authors: Khan Muhammad Waseem , Khan Sanam Zeib , Tareen Afrasiab Khan , Sultan Imrana Niaz
Published: August 2014

Standard of care is an ordinary, reasonable formal treatment and diagnostic process that a physician should follow for his/her patient with specific disease. Standard of care followed in one country may not suit to other country; the reason may involve economic conditions, certain norms, beliefs, tradition and culture of that society. It may be considered ethical if it does not exploit human rights and poor vulnerable population, once it exploits the human rights it creates ethical dilemmas that need to be sort out to protect vulnerable population and to make the research more ethical. Patients attending medicine department of Bolan Medical Complex (BMC) Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan were selected randomly interviewed and requested to fill the questionnaire. The ethical issues in clinical research conducted on human population have been perplexing and remains to be the same in clinical research settings. Exploitive use of research participants in resource poor developing countries has intensified the debate on the ethics of international research and led to increasing attention to exploitation of vulnerable study subjects. The issues of conducting research in developing countries will remain and need to be focused and debated where and whenever require. One has to try sincerely to sort out the ethical problems while conducting a research study, he might fail to solve all the issues but the situation may improve by the time if tried sincerely.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bioethics.v5i2.19617 Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics 2014 Vol.5(2):68-72
Intellectual Property Right of Transgenic Crops and Right to Work: Bioethical Challenges in Rural Communities
Authors: Heydari Bahareh , Razmkhah Najmeh
Published: August 2014

Increasing importance of intellectual property rights (IPR) over the area of seed production, is radically transforming agricultural production relations. One major effect of this transformation is the exclusive control of biotech companies on process of transaction of GM crops.  This new status, that is the part of a trend that was set in national and international documents to protect inventors, may have adverse impact on the right to work of poor and vulnerable farmers in developing countries. In the framework of international human rights, the right to work is the fundamental right of every one to have sustainable access to decent work that meets the needs and welfare of his livelihood. Rural communities enjoy this right similar to the urban communities. But, the main question, which is our major concern, is the relationship between IPR and the right to work with attention to articles of International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural right and International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bioethics.v5i2.19619 Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics 2014 Vol.5 (2): 49-60.