bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling Cotton Lint Yield and Water Use Efficiency Responses to Irrigation Scheduling Using Cotton2K
Authors: Attia Ahmed , Rajan Nithya , Nair Shyam S. , DeLaune Paul B. , Xue Qingwu , Ibrahim Amir M. H. , Hays Dirk B.
Published: May 2016

Decreasing groundwater supplies and increasing variability in weather challenge profitable cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production in the Texas Rolling Plains. A modeling study was conducted using the Cotton2K model using weather data from 1980 to 2010 (31 yr) from the Texas Rolling Plains. Our objective was to study cotton yield, water use efficiency (WUE), and economic returns responses to irrigation, which included a combination of six evapotranspiration (ET) replacement levels (40, 60, 80, 100, 120, and 140% ET) and four irrigation durations (4, 6, 8, and 10 wk). The model was initially calibrated and validated using field data. Calibrated model was then used to run simulation scenarios. Maximum lint yield of 1838 kg ha−1 was obtained by irrigating at 111% ET for 10 wk while maximum WUE of 2.65 kg ha−1 mm−1 was obtained by irrigating at 85% ET for 8 wk or 96% ET for 10 wk. This maximum lint yield required 530 mm of irrigation and 880 mm of total water. Maximum economic returns of US$1610 ha−1 was obtained with 516 mm of irrigation water. However, if this amount of water is not available for irrigation, deficit irrigation at 85% ET for 8 wk is a good alternative strategy as it produced 1560 kg lint ha−1 and $1240 ha−1 economic returns with improved WUE. Our results indicate that scheduling irrigation by considering cotton ET demand could increase lint yield, WUE, and profit in the Texas Rolling Plains.

Core Ideas

Core IdeasCrop models can be used for agronomic and economic assessments.

Core IdeasCotton2K can be used to simulate the yield of cotton in semi‐arid regions.

Core Ideas85% ET replacement is a promising deficit irrigation strategy for the Texas Rolling Plains.
An Explanation of Yield Differences in Three Potato Cultivars
Authors: Oliveira J. S. , Brown H. E. , Gash A. , Moot D. J.
Published: May 2016

Under ideal growing conditions, yield is the product of intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (PARi) and its conversion efficiency to dry matter (radiation use efficiency, RUE). For potato (Solanum tuberosumL.) the ability of the leaf to convert the PARiinto carbohydrates (source) and the storage capacity of the tubers (sink) affect the potential growth of individual tubers and therefore crop yield. This study describes these mechanisms for three commercial potato cultivars (Bondi, Fraser, and Russet Burbank) grown in non‐limiting field conditions. At final harvest Bondi had the largest tuber yield and produced heavier but fewer tubers compared with Fraser and Russet Burbank. All crops had similar total accumulated radiation interception (Rcum), and yield differences were explained by the RUE which was highest for Bondi, lowest for Fraser, with Russet Burbank intermediate. Fraser had the lowest rate of canopy senescence, maintained the lowest specific leaf area (SLA) for most of the period of tuber bulking and maintained the highest dry matter (DM) allocated to leaves at the end of the tuber filling phase. Throughout the crop growing period Bondi had a larger tuber sink compared with Fraser and Russet Burbank. These results suggest that potato tuber production was limited by the “sink strength” and RUE in the lower yield varieties. The larger sink in Bondi, caused by shorter stolons, enabled higher rates of tuber filling which produced the largest tubers in the middle node positions and the highest average tuber weight per plant among these cultivars.

Core Ideas

The tuber yield of three potato cultivars was compared.

Yield differences were not determined by total intercepted radiation.

Low tuber sink strength and a low radiation use efficiency were detrimental to tuber yield.

Leaf photosynthesis down regulation was linked to specific leaf area and canopy longevity.

Final stolon length was the first vegetative signal of tuber sink strength during plant growth.
Paul Tillich for the Masses: Jay Bakker's Brand of the Christian Faith
Authors: Degoes Plinio
Published: May 2016

Pastor Jay Bakker, son of televangelists Jim and Tammy Faye, has appeared on a number of television shows and has been written about in various publications. Yet his views could not be more different from those of his parents. Bakker's books and sermons reflect an affinity for Paul Tillich. This article argues that Bakker is attempting to establish a popular version of Tillich's theology, accessible to the masses, focusing on millennials, and attempts to map the contours of this new version of Christianity.
Fantastical Conversations with the Other in the Self: Dorothy L. Sayers (1893–1957) and Her Peter Wimsey as Animus
Authors: Martin Laura
Published: May 2016

Dorothy L. Sayers created in her fictional character Lord Peter Wimsey a “contrasexual” figure in her own imagination, with whom she carried on an extended dialogue over many years. C.G. Jung's concept of the contrasexual archetype, the anima (in men) or the animus (in women), can provide a very useful tool for investigating the presence of this transgendered voice within the self. Specifically in relation to Sayers and her Wimsey, Jung's theory can uncover the successful conversion of a potentially “bad animus” into a positive one, or, in other words, Sayers's successful creation in herself of her own “masculine” voice to replace the harmful voice of the patriarchy. Not unlike Hélène Cixous's concept of the “other bisexuality,” the contrasexual element in Sayers provides a model too for her readers to “speak woman” in a full or rounded way.
Fables of Asylum: Malcolm Lowry'sLunar Caustic
Authors: Penny William Kevin
Published: May 2016

In Malcolm Lowry's Lunar Caustic (1963), a situation exists in which the story's protagonist – failed jazz musician Bill Plantagenet – feels an obligation to counsel his companions in the psychiatric institution they find themselves confined to, and even to rescue them from it. Yet Lowry's narrative also exposes a certain level of complicity among the hospital's patients: attempts to “save” them from their fate must never, it seems tacitly acknowledged, take precedence over the personal fictions they have devised to protect themselves from the world, both inside and outside the institution. Indicative of a certain postmodern capacity, the patients might be thought of as engaged in a type of reality making that is both discursive and narrational. According to theorists such as Jean-François Lyotard, entering into social debates over the shape of the world involves trading stories and offering contending narratives of this kind. Yet for Plantagenet his continuing aim seems to be an overarching “grand narrative” that he also envisions as a project for liberating humanity, or freeing the humanist individual.
Prevention of neurological complications using a neural monitoring system with a finger electrode in the extreme lateral interbody fusion approach
Authors: Narita Wataru , Takatori Ryota , Arai Yuji , Nagae Masateru , Tonomura Hitoshi , Hayashida Tatsuro , Ogura Taku , Fujiwara Hiroyoshi , Kubo Toshikazu
Published: May 2016

OBJECTIVE

Extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) is a minimally disruptive surgical procedure that uses a lateral approach. There is, however, concern about the development of neurological complications when this approach is used, particularly at the L4–5 level. The authors performed a prospective study of the effects of a new neural monitoring system using a finger electrode to prevent neurological complications in patients treated with XLIF and compared the results to results obtained in historical controls.

METHODS

The study group comprised 36 patients (12 male and 24 female) who underwent XLIF for lumbar spine degenerative spondylolisthesis or lumbar spine degenerative scoliosis at L4–5 or a lower level. Using preoperative axial MR images obtained at the mid-height of the disc at the treated level, we calculated the psoas position value (PP%) by dividing the distance from the posterior border of the vertebral disc to the posterior border of the psoas major muscle by the anteroposterior diameter of the vertebral disc. During the operation, the psoas major muscle was dissected using an index finger fitted with a finger electrode, and threshold values of the dilator were recorded before and after dissection. Eighteen cases in which patients had undergone the same procedure for the same indications but without use of the finger electrode served as historical controls. Baseline clinical and demographic characteristics, PP values, clinical results, and neurological complications were compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

The mean PP% values in the control and finger electrode groups were 17.5% and 20.1%, respectively (no significant difference). However, 6 patients in the finger electrode group had a rising psoas sign with PP% values of 50% or higher. The mean threshold value before dissection in the finger electrode group was 13.1 ± 5.9 mA, and this was significantly increased to 19.0 ± 1.5 mA after dissection (p < 0.001). A strong negative correlation was found between PP% and threshold values before dissection, but there was no correlation with threshold values after dissection. The thresholds after dissection improved to 11 mA or higher in all patients. There were no serious neurological complications in any patient, but there was a significantly lower incidence of transient neurological symptoms in the finger electrode group (7 [38%] of 18 cases vs 5 [14%] of 36 cases, p = 0.047).

CONCLUSIONS

The new neural monitoring system using a finger electrode may be useful to prevent XLIF-induced neurological complications.
Microvascular decompression for tinnitus: systematic review
Authors: Nash Brenton , Carlson Matthew L. , Van Gompel Jamie J.
Published: May 2016

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to examine operative outcomes in cases of microvascular decompression (MVD) of cranial nerve (CN) VIII for tinnitus through a critical review of the literature.

METHODS

Forty-three English-language articles were gathered from PubMed and analyzed. In this review, two different case types were distinguished: 1) tinnitus-only symptomatology, which was defined as a patient with tinnitus with or without sensorineural hearing loss; and 2) mixed symptomatology, which was defined as tinnitus with symptoms of other CN dysfunction. This review reports outcomes of those with tinnitus-only symptoms.

RESULTS

Forty-three tinnitus-only cases were found in the literature with a 60% positive outcome rate following MVD. Analysis revealed a 5-year cutoff of preoperative symptom duration before which a good outcome can be predicted with 78.6% sensitivity, and after which a poor outcome can be predicted with 80% specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

As the 60% success rate is more promising than several other therapeutic options open to the chronic tinnitus sufferer, future research into this field is warranted.
Medicare expenditures for elderly patients undergoing surgical clipping or endovascular intervention for subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Bekelis Kimon , Gottlieb Daniel J. , Su Yin , Lanzino Giuseppe , Lawton Michael T. , MacKenzie Todd A.
Published: May 2016

OBJECTIVE

The impact of treatment method—surgical clipping or endovascular coiling—on the cost of care for patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is debated. Here, the authors investigated the association between treatment method and long-term Medicare expenditures in elderly patients with aneurysmal SAH.

METHODS

The authors performed a cohort study of 100% of the Medicare fee-for-service claims data for elderly patients who had undergone treatment for ruptured cerebral aneurysms in the period from 2007 to 2012. To control for measured confounding, the authors used propensity score–adjusted multivariable regression analysis with mixed effects to account for clustering at the hospital referral region (HRR) level. An instrumental variable (regional rates of coiling) analysis was used to control for unmeasured confounding by creating pseudo-randomization on the treatment method.

RESULTS

During the study period, 3210 patients underwent treatment for ruptured cerebral aneurysms and met the inclusion criteria. Of these patients, 1206 (37.6%) had surgical clipping and 2004 (62.4%) had endovascular coiling. The median total Medicare expenditures in the 1st year after admission for SAH were $113,000 (IQR $77,500–$182,000) for surgical clipping and $103,000 (IQR $72,900–$159,000) for endovascular coiling. When the authors adjusted for unmeasured confounders by using an instrumental variable analysis, clipping was associated with increased 1-year Medicare expenditures by $19,577 (95% CI $4492–$34,663).

CONCLUSIONS

In a cohort of Medicare patients with aneurysmal SAH, after controlling for unmeasured confounding, surgical clipping was associated with increased 1-year expenditures in comparison with endovascular coiling.
BRAF V600E mutation and BRAF kinase inhibitors in conjunction with stereotactic radiosurgery for intracranial melanoma metastases
Authors: Xu Zhiyuan , Lee Cheng-Chia , Ramesh Arjun , Mueller Adam C. , Schlesinger David , Cohen-Inbar Or , Shih Han-Hsun , Sheehan Jason P.
Published: May 2016

OBJECTIVE

Recent advancements in molecular biology have identified the BRAF mutation as a common mutation in melanoma. The wide use of BRAF kinase inhibitor (BRAFi) in patients with metastatic melanoma has been established. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of BRAF mutation status and use of BRAFi in conjunction with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS).

METHODS

This was a single-center retrospective study. Patient's charts and electronic records were reviewed for date of diagnosis of primary malignancy, BRAF mutation status, chemotherapies used, date of the diagnosis of CNS metastases, date of SRS, survival, local tumor control after SRS, and adverse events. Patients were divided into 3 groups: Group A, those with mutant BRAF without BRAFi treatment (13 patients); Group B, those with mutant BRAF with BRAFi treatment (17 patients); and Group C, those with wild-type BRAF (35 patients). Within a cohort of 65 patients with the known BRAF mutation status and treated with SRS between 2010 and 2014, 436 individual brain metastases (BMs) were identified. Kaplan-Meier methodology was then used to compare survival based on each binary parameter.

RESULTS

Median survival times after the diagnosis of melanoma BM and after SRS were favorable in patients with a BRAF mutation and treated with SRS in conjunction with BRAFi (Group B) compared with the patients with wild-type BRAF (Group C, 23 vs 8 months and 13 vs 5 months, respectively; p < 0.01, log-rank test). SRS provided a local tumor control rate of 89.4% in the entire cohort of patients. Furthermore, the local control rate was improved in the patients treated with SRS in conjunction with BRAFi (Group B) compared with patients with wild-type (Group C) or with BRAF mutation but no BRAFi (Group A) as an adjunct treatment for BMs.

CONCLUSIONS

BRAF mutation status appears to play an important role as a potent prognostic factor in patients harboring melanoma BM. BRAFi in conjunction with SRS may benefit this group of patients in terms of BM survival and SRS with an acceptable safety profile.
A physical framework for implementing virtual models of intracranial pressure and cerebrospinal fluid dynamics in hydrocephalus shunt testing
Authors: Venkataraman Pranav , Browd Samuel R. , Lutz Barry R.
Published: May 2016

OBJECTIVE

The surgical placement of a shunt designed to resolve the brain's impaired ability to drain excess CSF is one of the most common treatments for hydrocephalus. The use of a dynamic testing platform is an important part of shunt testing that can faithfully reproduce the physiological environment of the implanted shunts.

METHODS

A simulation-based framework that serves as a proof of concept for enabling the application of virtual intracranial pressure (ICP) and CSF models to a physical shunt-testing system was engineered. This was achieved by designing hardware and software that enabled the application of dynamic model-driven inlet and outlet pressures to a shunt and the subsequent measurement of the resulting drainage rate.

RESULTS

A set of common physiological scenarios was simulated, including oscillations in ICP due to respiratory and cardiac cycles, changes in baseline ICP due to changes in patient posture, and transient ICP spikes caused by activities such as exercise, coughing, sneezing, and the Valsalva maneuver. The behavior of the Strata valve under a few of these physiological conditions is also demonstrated.

CONCLUSIONS

Testing shunts with dynamic ICP and CSF simulations can facilitate the optimization of shunts to be more failure resistant and better suited to patient physiology.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of lumbosacral radiculopathic pain
Authors: Koefman Alex J. , Licari Melissa , Bynevelt Michael , Lind Christopher R. P.
Published: May 2016

OBJECTIVE

An objective biomarker for pain is yet to be established. Functional MRI (fMRI) is a promising neuroimaging technique that may reveal an objective radiological biomarker. The purpose of this study was to evaluate fMRI technology in the setting of lumbosacral radiculopathy and discuss its application in revealing a biomarker for pain in the future.

METHODS

A prospective, within-participant control study was conducted. Twenty participants with painful lumbosacral radiculopathy from intervertebral disc pathology were recruited. Functional imaging of the brain was performed during a randomly generated series of nonprovocative and provocative straight leg raise maneuvers.

RESULTS

With a statistical threshold set at p < 0.000001, 3 areas showed significant blood oxygen level–dependent (BOLD) signal change: right superior frontal gyrus (x = 2, y = 13, z = 48, k = 29, Brodmann area 6 [BA6]), left supramarginal cortex (x = −37, y = −44, z = 33, k = 1084, BA40), and left parietal cortex (x = −19, y = −41, z = 63, k = 354, BA5). With a statistical threshold set at p < 0.0002, 2 structures showed significant BOLD signal change: right putamen (x = 29, y = −11, z = 6, k = 72) and bilateral thalami (right: x = 23, y = −11, z = 21, k = 29; x = 8, y = −11, z = 9, k = 274; and left: x = −28, y = −32, z = 6, k = 21).

CONCLUSIONS

The results in this study compare with those in previous studies and suggest that fMRI technology can provide an objective assessment of the pain experience.
Municipal Compost as a Nutrient Source for Organic Crop Production in New Zealand
Authors: Horrocks Abie , Curtin Denis , Tregurtha Craig , Meenken Esther
Published: May 2016

About 1% of New Zealand farmland is managed organically. Nitrogen is the nutrient most likely to limit organic crop production. A potential solution is incorporation of compost to supply N. About 726,000 t of municipal garden and kitchen wastes are sent to landfills annually. Composting offers a means of reducing the impact of landfill wastes on the wider environment. Organically certified compost (N content typically 2% to 2.5%) is available from some municipal composting plants. To be effectively used on organic farms, the rate of N release (mineralization) must be known. Laboratory incubations were conducted to quantify mineralization of compost N under controlled (temperature and moisture) conditions. Nitrogen availability and crop yields from a one-off application of compost (25–100 t·ha−1) were also assessed in two field trials (using cereal and forage crops). The results suggested that a relatively small part (13%–23%) of compost N was used by the crops in 3–4 years. Much of this was mineral N present at the time of application. Mineralization rates in the laboratory and field studies were much lower than expected from published work or compost C:N ratio (considered an important indicator of N mineralization potential of composts).
Selective Growth of and Electricity Production by Marine Exoelectrogenic Bacteria in Self-Aggregated Hydrogel of Microbially Reduced Graphene Oxide
Authors: Yoshida Naoko , Goto Yuko , Miyata Yasushi
Published: May 2016

Graphene oxide (GO) has been shown to be reduced by several microorganisms. Recent studies of the growth of Geobacter species in the presence of GO and electricity production by recovery of electrons on the reduced form of GO (rGO) have indicated substantial benefits of GO and GO-respiring bacteria (GORB) in microbial electrochemical systems. In this study, we enriched GORB from a coastal sample to investigate the distribution and phylogenetic variety of GORB in seawater environments. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and four-terminal probing revealed that the enriched microbial community (designated as CS culture) reduced GO and self-aggregated into a conductive hydrogel complex with rGO (the CS-rGO complex). In the process of GO reduction, certain bacterial populations grew in a manner that was dependent on GO respiration coupled with acetate oxidization. High-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA as a biomarker revealed the predominance of Desulfomonas species at 92% of the total bacterial population in the CS culture. The CS-rGO complex produced electricity with acetate oxidization, exhibiting less than 1 Ω/cm3 of charge transfer resistance. Thus, these results suggested that Desulfomonas species could grow on rGO and produce electricity via the reduced form of GO.
Cu-Mo2C/MCM-41: An Efficient Catalyst for the Selective Synthesis of Methanol from CO2
Authors: Liu Xiaoran , Song Yingquan , Geng Wenhao , Li Henan , Xiao Linfei , Wu Wei
Published: May 2016

Supported molybdenum carbide (yMo2C/M41) and Cu-promoted molybdenum carbide, using a mechanical mixing and co-impregnation method (xCuyMo2C/M41-M and xCuyMo2C/M41-I) on a mesoporous molecular sieve MCM-41, were prepared by temperature-programmed carburization method in a CO/H2 atmosphere at 1073 K, and their catalytic performances were tested for CO2 hydrogenation to form methanol. Both catalysts, which were promoted by Cu, exhibited higher catalytic activity. In comparison to 20Cu20Mo2C/M41-M, the 20Cu20Mo2C/M41-I catalyst exhibited a stronger synergistic effect between Cu and Mo2C on the catalyst surface, which resulted in a higher selectivity for methanol in the CO2 hydrogenation reaction. Under the optimal reaction conditions, the highest selectivity (63%) for methanol was obtained at a CO2 conversion of 8.8% over the 20Cu20Mo2C/M41-I catalyst.
Insights into Entropy as a Measure of Multivariate Variability
Authors: Chen Badong , Wang Jianji , Zhao Haiquan , Principe Jose
Published: May 2016

Entropy has been widely employed as a measure of variability for problems, such as machine learning and signal processing. In this paper, we provide some new insights into the behaviors of entropy as a measure of multivariate variability. The relationships between multivariate entropy (joint or total marginal) and traditional measures of multivariate variability, such as total dispersion and generalized variance, are investigated. It is shown that for the jointly Gaussian case, the joint entropy (or entropy power) is equivalent to the generalized variance, while total marginal entropy is equivalent to the geometric mean of the marginal variances and total marginal entropy power is equivalent to the total dispersion. The smoothed multivariate entropy (joint or total marginal) and the kernel density estimation (KDE)-based entropy estimator (with finite samples) are also studied, which, under certain conditions, will be approximately equivalent to the total dispersion (or a total dispersion estimator), regardless of the data distribution.
Online Diagnosis for the Capacity Fade Fault of a Parallel-Connected Lithium Ion Battery Group
Authors: Zhang Hua , Pei Lei , Sun Jinlei , Song Kai , Lu Rengui , Zhao Yongping , Zhu Chunbo , Wang Tiansi
Published: May 2016

In a parallel-connected battery group (PCBG), capacity degradation is usually caused by the inconsistency between a faulty cell and other normal cells, and the inconsistency occurs due to two potential causes: an aging inconsistency fault or a loose contacting fault. In this paper, a novel method is proposed to perform online and real-time capacity fault diagnosis for PCBGs. Firstly, based on the analysis of parameter variation characteristics of a PCBG with different fault causes, it is found that PCBG resistance can be taken as an indicator for both seeking the faulty PCBG and distinguishing the fault causes. On one hand, the faulty PCBG can be identified by comparing the PCBG resistance among PCBGs; on the other hand, two fault causes can be distinguished by comparing the variance of the PCBG resistances. Furthermore, for online applications, a novel recursive-least-squares algorithm with restricted memory and constraint (RLSRMC), in which the constraint is added to eliminate the “imaginary number” phenomena of parameters, is developed and used in PCBG resistance identification. Lastly, fault simulation and validation results demonstrate that the proposed methods have good accuracy and reliability.
RETRACTED: Xu, et al. Tanshinone IIA Pretreatment Renders Free Flaps against Hypoxic Injury through Activating Wnt Signaling and Upregulating Stem Cell-Related Biomarkers. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15, 18117–18130
Authors:   International Journal of Molecular Sciences Editorial Office
Published: May 2016

We have been made aware that text, ﬁgures and experimental data reported in the title paper [...]
The Natural Course of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Calzadilla Bertot Luis , Adams Leon
Published: May 2016

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent form of chronic liver disease in the world, paralleling the epidemic of obesity and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). NAFLD exhibits a histological spectrum, ranging from “bland steatosis” to the more aggressive necro-inflammatory form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) which may accumulate fibrosis to result in cirrhosis. Emerging data suggests fibrosis, rather than NASH per se, to be the most important histological predictor of liver and non-liver related death. Nevertheless, only a small proportion of individuals develop cirrhosis, however the large proportion of the population affected by NAFLD has led to predictions that NAFLD will become a leading cause of end stage liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and indication for liver transplantation. HCC may arise in non-cirrhotic liver in the setting of NAFLD and is associated with the presence of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and male gender. The MetS and its components also play a key role in the histological progression of NAFLD, however other genetic and environmental factors may also influence the natural history. The importance of NAFLD in terms of overall survival extends beyond the liver where cardiovascular disease and malignancy represents additional important causes of death.
Insulation Cork Boards—Environmental Life Cycle Assessment of an Organic Construction Material
Authors: Silvestre José , Pargana Nuno , De Brito Jorge , Pinheiro Manuel , Durão Vera
Published: May 2016

Envelope insulation is a relevant technical solution to cut energy consumption and reduce environmental impacts in buildings. Insulation Cork Boards (ICB) are a natural thermal insulation material whose production promotes the recycling of agricultural waste. The aim of this paper is to determine and evaluate the environmental impacts of the production, use, and end-of-life processing of ICB. A “cradle-to-cradle” environmental Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was performed according to International LCA standards and the European standards on the environmental evaluation of buildings. These results were based on site-specific data and resulted from a consistent methodology, fully described in the paper for each life cycle stage: Cork oak tree growth, ICB production, and end-of-life processing-modeling of the carbon flows (i.e., uptakes and emissions), including sensitivity analysis of this procedure; at the production stage—the modeling of energy processes and a sensitivity analysis of the allocation procedures; during building operation—the expected service life of ICB; an analysis concerning the need to consider the thermal diffusivity of ICB in the comparison of the performance of insulation materials. This paper presents the up-to-date “cradle-to-cradle” environmental performance of ICB for the environmental categories and life-cycle stages defined in European standards.
The Varying Effects of Uniaxial Compressive Stress on the Bainitic Transformation under Different Austenitization Temperatures
Authors: Zhou Mingxing , Xu Guang , Wang Li , Yuan Qing
Published: May 2016

In this study, thermal simulation experiments under different austenitization temperatures and different stress states were conducted. High-temperature laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM), thermal dilatometry, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to quantitatively investigate the effects of the uniaxial compressive stress on bainitic transformation at 330 °C following different austenitization temperatures. The transformation plasticity was also analyzed. It was found that the promotion degree of stress on bainitic transformation increases with the austenitization temperature due to larger prior austenite grain size as well as stronger promoting effect of mechanical driving force on selected variant growth at higher austenitization temperatures. The grain size and the yield strength of prior austenite are other important factors which influence the promotion degree of stress on bainitic transformation, besides the mechanical driving force provided by the stress. Moreover, the transformation plasticity increases with the austenitization temperature.
The Influence of Specimen Thickness on the Lüders Effect of a 5456 Al-Based Alloy: Experimental Observations
Authors: Cai Yu-Long , Yang Su-Li , Fu Shi-Hua , Zhang Qing-Chuan
Published: May 2016

For the first time ever, a thickness dependence of the Lüders effect in an Al-based alloy is demonstrated. A three-dimensional digital image correlation method was used to gain insight into the Lüders band velocity and the Lüders strain. The results revealed that both the strain and velocity depend on the specimen thickness. The strain increases, whereas the velocity decreases, with decreasing specimen thickness. Moreover, the plot of the strain vs. the velocity concurs with the global deformation compatibility.
Geochemistry and Mineralogy of Tuff in Zhongliangshan Mine, Chongqing, Southwestern China
Authors: Zou Jianhua , Tian Heming , Li Tian
Published: May 2016

Coal-bearing strata that host rare metal deposits are currently a hot issue in the field of coal geology. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the mineralogy, geochemistry, and potential economic significance of rare metals in the late Permian tuff in Zhongliangshan mine, Chongqing, southwestern China. The methods applied in this study are X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) plus Siroquant, and scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDX). The results indicate that some trace elements including Li, Be, Sc, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Zr, Nb, Cd, Sb, REE, Hf, Ta, Re, Th, and U are enriched in the tuff from Zhongliangshan mine. The minerals in the tuff mainly include kaolinite, illite, pyrite, anatase, calcite, gypsum, quartz, and traces of minerals such as zircon, florencite, jarosite, and barite. The tuff is of mafic volcanic origin with features of alkali basalt. Some minerals including florencite, gypsum, barite and a portion of anatase and zircon have been derived from hydrothermal solutions. It is suggested that Zhongliangshan tuff is a potential polymetallic ore and the recovery of these valuable elements needs to be further investigated.
The Possible Role of Flavonoids in the Prevention of Diabetic Complications
Authors: Testa Roberto , Bonfigli Anna , Genovese Stefano , De Nigris Valeria , Ceriello Antonio
Published: May 2016

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a disease that affects many metabolic pathways. It is associated with insulin resistance, impaired insulin signaling, β-cell dysfunction, abnormal glucose levels, altered lipid metabolism, sub-clinical inflammation and increased oxidative stress. These and other unknown mechanisms lead to micro- and macro-complications, such as neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy and cardiovascular disease. Based on several in vitro animal models and some human studies, flavonoids appear to play a role in many of the metabolic processes involved in type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this review, we seek to highlight the most recent papers focusing on the relationship between flavonoids and main diabetic complications.
Effectiveness of Recycling Promotion and Education Initiatives among First-Generation Ethnic Minorities in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Lakhan Calvin
Published: May 2016

This study examines how first-generation ethnic minorities respond to different types of recycling promotion and education campaigns (P&E) used by municipalities in Ontario, Canada. A total of eight focus group sessions were conducted over an eight-week period to gauge participant attitudes and responses towards print (newspaper and signs) and electronic (websites) P&E messaging. Participants were asked to comment on message “recognition”, “clarity”, “the ability to increase recycling awareness” and “the ability to affect changes in recycling behavior”. Results from the focus group sessions suggest that none of the P&E mediums tested were able to increase recycling awareness or change recycling behavior in any meaningful way. First-generation ethnic minorities struggle with recognizing the central theme and purpose of P&E advertisements. Respondents also found existing campaigns excessively complex and confusing, and were not familiar with many of the terms and symbols used in existing P&E messaging. Other findings suggest that ethnic minorities are skeptical and distrustful of the municipalities’ intentions with respect to what they do with the waste after it is collected. The findings from this study lead to the recommendation that municipalities rethink and redesign recycling promotion and education initiatives to better engage minority communities.
Mechanisms of Cellular Membrane Reorganization to Support Hepatitis C Virus Replication
Authors: Wang Hongliang , Tai Andrew
Published: May 2016

Like all positive-sense RNA viruses, hepatitis C virus (HCV) induces host membrane alterations for its replication termed the membranous web (MW). Assembling replication factors at a membranous structure might facilitate the processes necessary for genome replication and packaging and shield viral components from host innate immune defenses. The biogenesis of the HCV MW is a complex process involving a concerted effort of HCV nonstructural proteins with a growing list of host factors. Although a comprehensive understanding of MW formation is still missing, a number of important viral and host determinants have been identified. This review will summarize the recent studies that have led to our current knowledge of the role of viral and host factors in the biogenesis of the MWs and discuss how HCV uses this specialized membrane structure for its replication.
Same-Level Fracture of the Tibial Metal Tray and Polyethylene Insert After Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Kang Jong Yeal , Lee Yong Seuk
Published: May 2016

The authors report a case of failure fracture of the tibial metal tray and polyethylene insert at the same level in a 73-year-old woman 10 years after total knee arthroplasty using the AMK Total Knee System (DePuy, Warsaw, Indiana). Causes of this fracture are analyzed and discussed, with the focus on the importance of component design, position, and size. The overall aim of this case report is for orthopedic surgeons to avoid this complication in total knee arthroplasty by paying attention to these controllable factors. [
Orthopedics.
2016; 39(4):e787–e789.]
The validation of a workplace incivility scale within the South African banking industry
Authors: Smidt Olivia , De Beer Leon T. , Brink Lizelle , Leiter Michael P.
Published: May 2016

Orientation: Workplace incivility holds consequences for both individuals and organisations. Managers are becoming increasingly aware of this phenomenon. Currently, there is no workplace incivility scale validated for use within the South African context. Research purpose: To investigate the reliability and validity of the adapted workplace incivility scale by Leiter and colleagues for use within South Africa. Motivation for the study: As it is currently difficult to measure workplace incivility within the South African context because of the lack of a valid and reliable scale, it is necessary to validate such a scale.Research design, approach and method: A cross-sectional research approach was used for the study. Convenience sampling (N = 345) was used within the South African banking industry. Specifically, the factor structure, convergent validity, discriminant validity and predictive validity were investigated in order to establish the overall validity of the scale. Main findings: The results confirmed that the scale showed a three-factor structure as bestfitting with acceptable reliability coefficients. Furthermore, discriminant validity could be shown between workplace incivility and workplace bullying, that is, supporting that these two constructs are not the same phenomenon. In terms of relationships, colleague incivility did not significantly predict any of the outcome variables and instigated incivility only being a negative predictor of job satisfaction and a borderline statistically significant negative predictor of work engagement. However, supervisor incivility predicted all the outcomes negatively. Practical/Managerial implications: Based on the results, workplace incivility should be addressed because of the harmful effects it can have, not only on employees but also on organisations. It is therefore necessary for managers to create awareness of workplace incivility in order to ensure that it does not integrate within the organisational culture and affect individual and organisational performance. Contribution/Value-add: The study contributes to the limited research available in South Africa regarding workplace incivility by providing a scale that is valid and reliable.
Substance use and duration of untreated psychosis in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Davis Glen P. , Tomita Andrew , Baumgartner Joy Noel , Mtshemla Sisanda , Nene Siphumelele , King Howard , Susser Ezra , Burns Jonathan K.
Published: May 2016

Background: Substance use and psychiatric disorders cause significant burden of disease in low- and middle-income countries. Co-morbid psychopathology and longer duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) can negatively affect treatment outcomes.

Objectives: The study assessed substance use amongst adults with severe mental illness receiving services at a regional psychiatric hospital in KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa). We describe the prevalence and correlates of lifetime substance use and examine the association between substance use and DUP.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey recruited adults diagnosed with severe mental illness and assessed lifetime and past 3-month substance use using the World Health Organization Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test. Regression analyses were conducted to determine associations between lifetime substance use (other than alcohol and tobacco) and DUP as measured by the World Health Organization Encounter Form.

Results: Amongst 87 participants, alcohol (81.6%), tobacco (75.6%) and cannabis (49.4%) were the most common substances reported for lifetime use. Risk of health-related problems (health, social, financial, legal and relationship) of cannabis use was associated with younger age, single marital status and lower education. Adjusted regression analyses indicated that use of amphetamines and methaqualone is associated with longer DUP.

Conclusions: Substance use is prevalent amongst psychiatric patients in KwaZulu-Natal and may contribute to longer DUP. Mental health services in this region should address co-morbid substance use and psychiatric disorders.

Keywords: Substance Use; Psychosis; KwaZulu-Natal
Morphological spectrum of peripheral nerve sheath tumors: An insight into World Health Organization 2013 classification
Authors: Chikkannaiah Panduranga , Boovalli Mythri M. , Nathiyal Velusamy , Venkataramappa Srinivasamurthy
Published: May 2016

Introduction: Peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs) are neuroectodermal in origin. Now these tumors are classified under World Health Organization (WHO) classification of tumors of soft tissue and bone 2013. Objective: To study the morphological spectrum of PNST and to study the secondary degenerative changes associated with it. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted from January 2010 to June 2015. The gross details of tumor and patient's demographic profiles were reviewed. The hematoxylin and eosin stained slides were reassessed and the lesions were categorized and classified as per the WHO 2013 classification. The tumors were also assessed for secondary degenerative changes. Results: Our study comprised 143 cases of PNST. Age of the patients ranged from 5 to 75 years. 21–30 years is the most common age of occurrence with head and neck being the most common site. The PNSTs observed in the present study were neurofibroma (NF) (61.5%), schwannoma (36%), malignant PNST (2%), and granular cell tumor (0.5%). Nearly 10% of NF fulfilled the criteria for neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1). Rare tumors such as plexiform schwannoma and granular cell tumor were also observed. Malignant tumors were larger in dimension than benign. Myxoid, cystic, and hyaline changes were commonly associated with benign tumors while necrosis, hemorrhage, and mitotic activity were seen with malignant tumors. Conclusion: This series highlights the pathological variants of PNST along with their morphological changes and NF1 association. It is essential to be familiar with all these variants of PNST for accurate diagnosis as they have varied biological behavior.
Deadly intracranial bleed in patients with dengue fever: A series of nine patients and review of literature
Authors: Ee Sam Jo , Sheng Gee Teak , Wahab Nasser Abdul
Published: May 2016

Introduction: Dengue fever is a global pandemic threat with increasing incidence. To date, there are no cures and the effectiveness of dengue vaccines is still uncertain. World Heath Organization introduced expanded dengue syndrome to include unusual presentations of dengue fever including severe neurologic complications. One of the deadly complications is intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Methodology: We collected data of patients with ICH diagnosed via a plain computed tomography of the brain (CT brain) with thrombocytopenia and positive Dengue virus type 1 nonstructural protein (NS1) antigen test or positive dengue serology IgM from January 2014 till June 2015 at our center. Nine patients were included and all 20 other remaining patients reported in literature so far are discussed. Discussion: We found that all patients in our center requiring neurosurgical intervention died. Another interesting observation is that detection of Dengue IgG usually meant more severe ICH and poorer outcomes. From our series, platelet levels did not seem to influence the outcome. Conclusion: We recommend that for early detection of ICH, Dengue IgG should be routinely screened and a high index of suspicion be maintained. Future research should be focused on determining predictors of ICH in patients with dengue fever so that preventive steps can be taken as mortality is high and no treatment seems beneficial at the moment once severe ICH occurs.
Rapid growth in nitrogen dioxide pollution over Western China, 2005–2013
Authors: Cui Yuanzheng , Lin Jintai , Song Chunqiao , Liu Mengyao , Yan Yingying , Xu Yuan , Huang Bo
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Western China has experienced rapid industrialization and urbanization since the implementation of the National Western Development Strategies (the "Go West" movement) in 1999. This transition has affected the spatial and temporal characteristics of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution. In this study, we analyze the trends and variability of tropospheric NO2 vertical column densities (VCDs) from 2005 to 2013 over Western China, based on a wavelet analysis on monthly mean NO2 data derived from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) measurements. We focus on the anthropogenic NO2 by subtracting region-specific "background" values dominated by natural sources. After removing the background influences, we find significant anthropogenic NO2 growth over Western China between 2005 and 2013 (8.6 ± 0.9 % yr−1 on average, relative to 2005), with the largest increments (15 % yr−1 or more) over parts of several city clusters. The NO2 pollution in most provincial-level regions rose rapidly from 2005 to 2011 but stabilized or declined afterwards. The NO2 trends were driven mainly by changes in anthropogenic emissions, as confirmed by a nested GEOS-Chem model simulation and a comparison with Chinese official emission statistics. The rate of NO2 growth during 2005–2013 reaches 11.3 ± 1.0 % yr−1 over Northwestern China, exceeding the rates over Southwestern China (5.9 ± 0.6 % yr−1) and the three well-known polluted regions in the east (5.3 ± 0.8 % yr−1 over Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, 4.0 ± 0.6 % yr−1 over the Yangtze River Delta, and −3.3 ± 0.3 % yr−1 over the Pearl River Delta). Subsequent socioeconomic analyses suggest that the rapid NO2 growth over Northwestern China is likely related to the fast developing resource- and pollution-intensive industries along with the "Go West" movement as well as relatively weak emission controls. Further efforts should be made to alleviate NOx pollution to achieve sustainable development in Western China.
Comparison of XCO abundances from the Total Carbon Column Observing Network and the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change measured in Karlsruhe
Authors: Kiel Matthäus , Hase Frank , Blumenstock Thomas , Kirner Oliver
Published: May 2016

Abstract. We present a comparison of Karlsruhe XCO records (April 2010–December 2014) from the Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON) and from the spectral region covered by the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC). The Karlsruhe TCCON Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer allows us to record spectra in the mid-infrared (MIR) and near-infrared (NIR) spectral region simultaneously, which makes Karlsruhe a favourable FTIR site to directly compare measurements from both spectral regions. We compare XCO retrieved from the fundamental absorption band at 4.7 µm (as used by NDACC) and first overtone absorption band at 2.3 µm (TCCON-style measurements). We observe a bias of (4.47 ± 0.17) ppb between both data sets with a standard deviation of 2.39 ppb in seasonal variation. This corresponds to a relative bias of (4.76 ± 0.18) % and a standard deviation of 2.28 %. We identify different sources which contribute to the observed bias (air-mass-independent correction factor, air-mass-dependent correction factor, isotopic identities, differing a priori volume mixing ratio profiles) and quantify their contributions. We show that the seasonality in the residual of NDACC and TCCON XCO can be largely explained by the smoothing effect caused by differing averaging kernel sensitivities between the MIR and NIR spectral region. This study aims to improve the comparability of NDACC and TCCON XCO validation data sets as desired for potential future satellite missions and model studies.