bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Genes That Promote or Inhibit Olfactory Memory Formation in Drosophila
Authors: Walkinshaw Erica , Gai Yunchao , Farkas Caitlin , Richter Daniel , Nicholas Eric , Keleman Krystyna , Davis Ronald L
Published: February 2015

Genetic screens in Drosophila melanogaster and other organisms have been pursued to filter the genome for genetic functions important for memory formation. Such screens have employed primarily chemical or transposon-mediated mutagenesis and have identified numerous mutants including classical memory mutants, dunce and rutabaga. Here, we report the results of a large screen using panneuronal RNAi expression to identify additional genes critical for memory formation. We identified >500 genes that compromise memory when inhibited (low hits), either by disrupting the development and normal function of the adult animal or by participating in the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying memory formation. We also identified >40 genes that enhance memory when inhibited (high hits). The dunce gene was identified as one of the low hits and further experiments were performed to map the effects of the dunce RNAi to the α/β and γ mushroom body neurons. Additional behavioral experiments suggest that dunce knockdown in the mushroom body neurons impairs memory without significantly affecting acquisition. We also characterized one high hit, sickie, to show that RNAi knockdown of this gene enhances memory through effects in dopaminergic neurons without apparent effects on acquisition. These studies further our understanding of two genes involved in memory formation, provide a valuable list of genes that impair memory that may be important for understanding the neurophysiology of memory or neurodevelopmental disorders, and offer a new resource of memory suppressor genes that will aid in understanding restraint mechanisms employed by the brain to optimize resources.
Complex Formation of RNA Silencing Proteins in the Perinuclear Region of Neurospora crassa
Authors: Decker Logan M , Boone Erin C , Xiao Hua , Shanker Benjamin S , Boone Shannon F , Kingston Shanika L , Lee Seung A , Hammond Thomas M , Shiu Patrick K T
Published: February 2015

In Neurospora, genes not paired during meiosis are targeted by meiotic silencing by unpaired DNA (MSUD). Here, our bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) study suggests that RNA-directed RNA polymerase, Dicer, Argonaute, and others form a silencing complex in the perinuclear region, with intimate interactions among the majority of them. We have also shown that SAD-2 is likely the anchor for this assembly.
An Algorithm for Determining Optimum Tilt Angle and Orientation for Solar Collectors
Authors: S. Soulayman  , W. Sabbagh
Published: February 2015

Proper installation, especially the tilt angle, directly affects the system’s output. Determination of the optimal tilt angle of a solar cell module depends on the solar radiation characteristics, season, and reflectivity in the local area. One of the important parameters that affect the performance of a solar collector is its tilt angle with the horizon. This is because of the variation of tilt angle changes the amount of solar radiation reaching the collector surface. A mathematical model is presented for determining the optimum tilt angle at different orientations (surface azimuth angle) for the solar collector, on a daily basis, as well as for a specific period such as monthly, seasonally and yearly basis. The optimum angle was computed by searching for the values for which the extraterrestrial solar radiation on the collector surface is a maximum for a particular day or a specific period. The results reveal that changing the tilt angle 12 times in a year (i.e. using the monthly optimum tilt angle) or even 4 times/year (i.e. using the seasonally optimum tilt angle) maintains approximately the total amount of solar radiation near the maximum value that is found by changing the tilt angle daily to its optimum value. This achieves a yearly gain in solar radiation of 5.5% at 0o latitude to 78% at 60o latitude more than the case of a solar collector fixed on a horizontal surface.
Medication-Related Emergency Department Visits in Pediatrics: a Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Zed Peter J. , Black Karen J. L. , Fitzpatrick Eleanor A. , Ackroyd-Stolarz Stacy , Murphy Nancy G. , Curran Janet A. , MacKinnon Neil J. , Sinclair Doug
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

There are few data on the rate and characterization of medication-related visits (MRVs) to the emergency department (ED) in pediatric patients. We sought to evaluate the frequency, severity, preventability, and classification of MRVs to the ED in pediatric patients.

METHODS:

We performed a prospective observational study of pediatric patients presenting to the ED over a 12-month period. A medication-related ED visit was identified by using pharmacist assessment, emergency physician assessment, and an independent adjudication committee.

RESULTS:

In this study, 2028 patients were enrolled (mean age, 6.1 ± 5.0 years; girls, 47.4%). An MRV was found in 163 patients (8.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.0%–9.3%) of which 106 (65.0%; 95% CI: 57.2%–72.3%) were deemed preventable. Severity was classified as mild in 14 cases (8.6%; 95% CI: 4.8%–14.0%), moderate in 140 cases (85.9%; 95% CI: 79.6%–90.8%), and severe in 9 cases (5.5%; 95% CI: 2.6%–10.2%). The most common events were related to adverse drug reactions 26.4% (95% CI: 19.8%–33.8%), subtherapeutic dosage 19.0% (95% CI: 13.3%–25.9%), and nonadherence 17.2% (95% CI: 11.7%–23.9%). The probability of hospital admission was significantly higher among patients with an MRV compared with those without an MRV (odds ratio, 6.5; 95% CI: 4.3–9.6) and, if admitted, the median (interquartile range) length of stay was longer (3.0 [5.0] days vs 1.5 [2.5] days, P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS:

A medication-related cause was found in ∼1 of every 12 ED visits by pediatric patients, of which two-thirds were deemed preventable. Pediatric patients who present to the ED with an MRV are more likely to be admitted to hospital and when admitted have a longer length of stay.
Vaccination, Underlying Comorbidities, and Risk of Invasive Pneumococcal Disease
Authors: Yildirim Inci , Shea Kimberly M. , Little Brent A. , Silverio Amy L. , Pelton Stephen I.
Published: February 2015

OBJECTIVES:

Children with underlying conditions remain at increased risk for invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPD). This study describes the epidemiology, serotype distribution, clinical presentations, and outcomes of IPD in children with and without comorbidity.

METHODS:

Cases of childhood IPD in Massachusetts were identified via enhanced surveillance from 2002 through 2014. Demographic and clinical data were collected via follow-up telephone interviews with parents and/or primary care providers. Underlying conditions were classified according to the 2012 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases and 2013 recommendations by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

RESULTS:

Among 1052 IPD cases in Massachusetts children <18 years old, 22.1% had at least 1 comorbidity. Immunocompromising conditions (32.7%) and chronic respiratory diseases (22.4%) were most common. Children with comorbidities were older at the time of IPD diagnosis (median 54 vs 23 months, P < .001), had higher hospitalization (odds ratio 2.5; 95% confidence interval 1.7–3.6) and case-fatality rates (odds ratio 3.7; 95% confidence interval 1.5–8.9) compared with children without known underlying conditions after adjusting for age, gender, year of diagnosis, and pneumococcal vaccination status. During the last 2 years of the study, IPD among children with comorbidities was caused by non–pneumococcal conjugate vaccine 13 serotypes in 23-valent polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine (6/12, 50%) or serotypes that are not included in any of the vaccines (6/12; 50%).

CONCLUSIONS:

In children with comorbidity, IPD results in higher mortality, and a large proportion of disease is due to serotypes not included in current conjugate vaccines. Further research is needed, specifically to develop and evaluate additional strategies for prevention of IPD in the most vulnerable children.
Headache in Traumatic Brain Injuries From Blunt Head Trauma
Authors: Dayan Peter S. , Holmes James F. , Hoyle John , Atabaki Shireen , Tunik Michael G. , Lichenstein Richard , Miskin Michelle , Kuppermann Nathan ,   for the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN)
Published: February 2015

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the risk of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in children with headaches after minor blunt head trauma, particularly when the headaches occur without other findings suggestive of TBIs (ie, isolated headaches).

METHODS:

This was a secondary analysis of a prospective observational study of children 2 to 18 years with minor blunt head trauma (ie, Glasgow Coma Scale scores of 14–15). Clinicians assessed the history and characteristics of headaches at the time of initial evaluation, and documented findings onto case report forms. Our outcome measures were (1) clinically important TBI (ciTBI) and (2) TBI visible on computed tomography (CT).

RESULTS:

Of 27 495 eligible patients, 12 675 (46.1%) had headaches. Of the 12 567 patients who had complete data, 2462 (19.6%) had isolated headaches. ciTBIs occurred in 0 of 2462 patients (0%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0%–0.1%) in the isolated headache group versus 162 of 10 105 patients (1.6%; 95% CI: 1.4%–1.9%) in the nonisolated headache group (risk difference, 1.6%; 95% CI: 1.3%–1.9%). TBIs on CT occurred in 3 of 456 patients (0.7%; 95% CI: 0.1%–1.9%) in the isolated headache group versus 271 of 6089 patients (4.5%; 95% CI: 3.9%–5.0%) in the nonisolated headache group (risk difference, 3.8%; 95% CI: 2.3%–4.5%). We found no significant independent associations between the risk of ciTBI or TBI on CT with either headache severity or location.

CONCLUSIONS:

ciTBIs are rare and TBIs on CT are very uncommon in children with minor blunt head trauma when headaches are their only sign or symptom.
Behavioral Signs of (Central) Auditory Processing Disorder in Children with Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip and/or Palate: A Parental Questionnaire Approach
Authors: Ma Xiaoran , Mcpherson Bradley , Ma Lian
Published: February 2015

Objective

Children with nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate often have a high prevalence of middle ear dysfunction. However, there are also indications that they may have a higher prevalence of (central) auditory processing disorder. This study used Fisher's Auditory Problems Checklist for caregivers to determine whether children with nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate have potentially more auditory processing difficulties compared with craniofacially normal children.

Methods

Caregivers of 147 school-aged children with nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate were recruited for the study. This group was divided into three subgroups: cleft lip, cleft palate, and cleft lip and palate. Caregivers of 60 craniofacially normal children were recruited as a control group. Hearing health tests were conducted to evaluate peripheral hearing. Caregivers of children who passed this assessment battery completed Fisher's Auditory Problems Checklist, which contains 25 questions related to behaviors linked to (central) auditory processing disorder.

Result

Children with cleft palate showed the lowest scores on the Fisher's Auditory Problems Checklist questionnaire, consistent with a higher index of suspicion for (central) auditory processing disorder. There was a significant difference in the manifestation of (central) auditory processing disorder-linked behaviors between the cleft palate and the control groups. The most common behaviors reported in the nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate group were short attention span and reduced learning motivation, along with hearing difficulties in noise.

Conclusion

A higher occurrence of (central) auditory processing disorder-linked behaviors were found in children with nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate, particularly cleft palate. Auditory processing abilities should not be ignored in children with nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate, and it is necessary to consider assessment tests for (central) auditory processing disorder when an auditory diagnosis is made for this population.
Making urban flood resilience more operational: current practice
Authors: Balsells Mireia , Barroca Bruno , Becue Vincent , Serre Damien
Published: February 2015

Urbanisation and climate change have increased both the probability and the severity of flooding. The risk paradigm that follows shifts from traditional to more integrated approaches, since one of the main tasks emerging for flood managers is the development of resilient cities. The concept of urban resilience is becoming more and more important, despite the numerous challenges that interfere with its implementation. The goal of this research is to study how engineering and other design disciplines can improve flood resilience on an urban neighbourhood scale. This paper presents the analysis of an overview of research aimed at operationalising urban resilience to floods. This literature highlights the fact that almost no references can be found concerning studies focused on operationalising flood resilience at the neighbourhood level and particularly through urban design practices. Indeed, through interviews conducted with several stakeholders, it was confirmed that clear cooperation between flood resilience and urban design practices at the neighbourhood level does not yet exist.
Energy efficiency and the law: A multidisciplinary approach
Authors: Du Plessis Willemien
Published: February 2015

South Africa is an energy-intensive country. The inefficient use of, mostly, coal-generated energy is the cause of South Africa’s per capita contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, pollution and environmental degradation and negative health impacts. The inefficient use of the country’s energy also amounts to the injudicious use of natural resources. Improvements in energy efficiency are an important strategy to stabilise the country’s energy crisis. Government responded to this challenge by introducing measures such as policies and legislation to change energy consumption patterns by, amongst others, incentivising the transition to improved energy efficiencies. A central tenet underpinning this review is that the law and energy nexus requires a multidisciplinary approach as well as a multi-pronged adoption of diverse policy instruments to effectively transform the country’s energy use patterns. Numerous, innovative instruments are introduced by relevant legislation to encourage the transformation of energy generation and consumption patterns of South Africans. One such innovative instrument is the ISO 50001 energy management standard. It is a voluntary instrument, to plan for, measure and verify energy-efficiency improvements. These improvements may also trigger tax concessions. In this paper, the nature and extent of the various policy instruments and legislation that relate to energy efficiency are explored, while the interactions between the law and the voluntary ISO 50001 standard and between the law and the other academic disciplines are highlighted. The introduction of energy-efficiency measures into law requires a multidisciplinary approach, as lawyers may be challenged to address the scientific and technical elements that characterise these legal measures and instruments. Inputs by several other disciplines such as engineering, mathematics or statistics, accounting, environmental management and auditing may be needed. Law is often described as the catalyst for change, building bridges between different academic disciplines, and driving behavioural changes that are not only enforced by government, but that are also voluntarily adopted by the users themselves.
Realising high-dimensional quantum entanglement with orbital angular momentu
Authors: McLaren Melanie G. , Roux Filippus S. , Forbes Andrew
Published: February 2015

We report the first quantum entanglement experiment in South Africa. The spatial modes of the entangled photon pair were investigated with their potential for high-dimensional entanglement. The generation, measurement and characterisation of the entangled states were examined in detail and we show high-dimensional entanglement in a Hilbert space of dimension 25. High-dimensional entanglement introduces the possibility for more secure communication and more efficient computations. We highlight the experimental challenges contained within each step and provide practical techniques for future experiments in the quantum regime.
Recognition of materials and damage on historical buildings using digital image classification
Authors: Meroño José E. , Perea Alberto J. , Aguilera María J. , Laguna Ana M.
Published: February 2015

Nowadays, techniques in digital image processing make it possible to detect damage, such as moisture or biological changes, on the surfaces of historical buildings. Digital classification techniques can be used to identify damages in construction materials in a non-destructive way. In this study, we evaluate the application of the object-oriented classification technique using photographs taken with a Fujifilm IS-Pro digital single lens reflex camera and the integration of the classified images in a three-dimensional model obtained through terrestrial laser scanning data in order to detect and locate damage affecting biocalcarenite stone employed in the construction of the Santa Marina Church (Córdoba, Spain). The Fujifilm IS-Pro camera captures spectral information in an extra-visible range, generating a wide spectral image with wavelengths ranging from ultraviolet to infrared. Techniques of object-oriented classification were applied, taking into account the shapes, textures, background information and spectral information in the image. This type of classification requires prior segmentation, defined as the search for homogeneous regions in an image. The second step is the classification process of these regions based on examples. The output data were classified according to the kind of damage that affects the biocalcarenite stone, reaching an overall classification accuracy of 92% and an excellent kappa statistic (85.7%). We have shown that multispectral classification with visible and near-infrared bands increased the degree of recognition among different damages. Post-analysis of these data integrated in a three-dimensional model allows us to obtain thematic maps with the size and position of the damage.
Imperatives for an agricultural green economy in South Africa
Authors: Musvoto Constansia , Nortje Karen , De Wet Benita , Mahumani Brian K. , Nahman Anton
Published: February 2015

Globally, there are social, economic and environmental challenges related to sustainable development; these challenges include climate change, the need to feed a rapidly increasing population, high rates of poverty and environmental degradation. These challenges have forced us to rethink the way in which development takes place, resulting in the emergence of the concept of a ‘green economy’. A green economy results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing risks to the environment. It is based on principles which integrate social, economic and environmental considerations. South Africa has adopted the principle of green economic growth, and agriculture is one of the sectors that will drive this growth. Agriculture could address some of the sustainable development problems, but there are challenges related to resource availability, environmental impacts of agriculture and climate change. For agriculture to support a green economy it has to be productive, contribute to economic growth and not undermine the environment, social and cultural systems. The information base and policies required to support a green economy in general, and/or an agriculture-supported green economy have not yet been developed, as the green economy is an emerging concept in South Africa as well as globally. The generation of such information requires analysis and synthesis of green economy principles and agricultural imperatives into generic principles and practices for facilitating agriculture’s contribution to the green economy. In this paper, we conduct this analysis and synthesis and highlight the defining aspects of an agricultural green economy.
Development of pesticide use maps for South Africa
Authors: Dabrowski James M.
Published: February 2015

Over 3000 pesticides are registered for use in South Africa. Many studies have highlighted the movement of pesticides to agricultural crops from the point of application into non-target environments, particularly surface and groundwater resources. Exposure to pesticides can lead to serious human health and environmental effects. It is therefore important to identify critical areas where specific pesticides may result in a high risk of exposure to humans or the environment. Crop specific pesticide use data were obtained from a market research company and integrated into a geographical information system detailing the distribution of agricultural crops in South Africa as determined by an agricultural census performed in 2002. By estimating the total application of a specific pesticide to all crops produced in a magisterial district, it was possible to generate maps which provide an estimate of the application rate of over 200 pesticides per magisterial district. These maps were intersected with an agricultural land-cover map to provide a refined map giving details of the spatial distribution of pesticide use across the country. These maps are the first of their kind in South Africa and provide a spatial overview of the likely distribution of specific active ingredients based on the distribution of crops throughout the country. While there are a number of limitations and uncertainties associated with the data used to produce these maps, these are not unique to South Africa, and similar methodologies have been applied in more developed countries.
Wildland fire as a self‐regulating mechanism: the role of previous burns and weather in limiting fire progression
Authors: Parks Sean A. , Holsinger Lisa M. , Miller Carol , Nelson Cara R.
Published: February 2015

Theory suggests that natural fire regimes can result in landscapes that are both self‐regulating and resilient to fire. For example, because fires consume fuel, they may create barriers to the spread of future fires, thereby regulating fire size. Top‐down controls such as weather, however, can weaken this effect. While empirical examples demonstrating this pattern–process feedback between vegetation and fire exist, they have been geographically limited or did not consider the influence of time between fires and weather. The availability of remotely sensed data identifying fire activity over the last four decades provides an opportunity to explicitly quantify the ability of wildland fire to limit the progression of subsequent fire. Furthermore, advances in fire progression mapping now allow an evaluation of how daily weather as a top‐down control modifies this effect. In this study, we evaluated the ability of wildland fire to create barriers that limit the spread of subsequent fire along a gradient representing time between fires in four large study areas in the western United States. Using fire progression maps in conjunction with weather station data, we also evaluated the influence of daily weather. Results indicate that wildland fire does limit subsequent fire spread in all four study areas, but this effect decays over time; wildland fire no longer limits subsequent fire spread 6–18 years after fire, depending on the study area. We also found that the ability of fire to regulate subsequent fire progression was substantially reduced under extreme conditions compared to moderate weather conditions in all four study areas. This study increases understanding of the spatial feedbacks that can lead to self‐regulating landscapes as well as the effects of top‐down controls, such as weather, on these feedbacks. Our results will be useful to managers who seek to restore natural fire regimes or to exploit recent burns when managing fire.
Tainted resurrection: metal pollution is linked with reduced hatching and high juvenile mortality in Daphnia egg banks
Authors: Rogalski Mary A.
Published: February 2015

Many taxa, from plants to zooplankton, produce long‐lasting dormant propagules capable of temporal dispersal. In some cases, propagules can persist for decades or even centuries before emerging from seed and egg banks. Despite impressive longevity, relatively little is known about how the chemical environment experienced before or during dormancy affects the fate and performance of individuals. This study examines the hatching rate and developmental success of Daphnia hatched from diapausing eggs isolated from sediments from four lakes that experienced varying levels of metal contamination. Two hundred seventy‐three animals were hatched from lake sediments deposited over the past century. Hatching rate was negatively influenced by metal contamination and sediment age. There was a robust positive relationship between sediment metal concentrations and juvenile mortality in Daphnia hatching from those sediments. The negative effect of metals on Daphnia hatching and juvenile survival may stem from metal bioaccumulation, genetic effects, or reduced maternal investment in diapausing embryos. Regardless of the specific mechanism driving this trend, exposure to metals may impose strong selection on Daphnia diapausing egg banks.
Periodontal Soft Tissue Root Coverage Procedures: A Systematic Review From the AAP Regeneration Workshop
Authors: Chambrone Leandro , Tatakis Dimitris N.
Published: February 2015

Background: This paper aims to create a “bridge” between research and practice by developing a practical, extensive, and clinically relevant study that translates evidence‐based findings on soft tissue root coverage (RC) of recession‐type defects to daily clinical practice.

Methods: This review is prepared in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses) statement based on the proposed focused questions. A literature search with no restrictions regarding status or the language of publication was performed for MEDLINE and EMBASE databases up to and including June 2013. Systematic reviews (SRs), randomized clinical trials, controlled clinical trials, case series, and case reports evaluating recession areas that were treated by means of RC procedures were considered eligible for inclusion through the three parts of the study (part I, an overview of the base of SRs; part II, an alternative random‐effects meta‐analyses on mean percentage of RC and sites exhibiting complete RC; and part III, an SR of non‐randomized trials exploring other conditions not extensively evaluated by previous SRs). Data on Class I, II, III, and IV recessions, type of histologic attachment achieved with treatment, recipient‐ and donor‐site anatomic characteristics, smoking‐related outcomes, root surface conditions, tooth type and location, long‐term effectiveness outcomes, unusual conditions that may be reported during conventional daily practice, and patient‐centered outcomes were assessed as well.

Results: Of the 2,456 potentially eligible trials, 234 were included. Data on Class I, II, III, and IV gingival recessions, histologic attachment achieved after treatment, recipient‐ and donor‐site anatomic characteristics, smoking‐related outcomes, root surface conditions/biomodification, tooth type and location, long‐term effectiveness outcomes and unusual conditions that may be reported during conventional daily practice, and patient‐centered outcomes (i.e., esthetic, visual analog scale, complications, hypersensitivity, patients perceptions) were assessed. Subepithelial connective tissue (CT)‐based procedures and coronally advanced flap plus acellular dermal matrix grafts, enamel matrix derivative, or collagen matrix led to the best improvements of recession depth, clinical attachment level (CAL) gain, and keratinized tissue (KT). Some conditions, such as smoking and use of magnification, may affect RC outcomes.

Conclusions: All RC procedures can provide significant reduction in recession depth and CAL gain for Miller Class I and II recession‐type defects. Subepithelial CT graft‐based procedures provided the best outcomes for clinical practice because of their superior percentages of mean and complete RC, as well as significant increase of KT.
Periodontal Soft Tissue Non–Root Coverage Procedures: A Consensus Report From the AAP Regeneration Workshop
Authors: Scheyer E. Todd , Sanz Mariano , Dibart Serge , Greenwell Henry , John Vanchit , Kim David M. , Langer Laureen , Neiva Rodrigo , Rasperini Giulio
Published: February 2015

Background: Soft tissue grafting for the purposes of increasing the width of keratinized tissue (KT) is an important aspect of periodontal treatment. A systematic review was analyzed, focusing on non‐root coverage tissue grafts. The references were updated to reflect the current literature.

Methods: To formulate the consensus report, group members submitted any new literature related to the topic that met criteria fitting the systematic review, and this information was reviewed for inclusion in this report. A consensus report was developed to summarize the findings from the systematic review and to guide clinicians in their treatment decision‐making process.

Results: Forty‐six articles met the criteria for inclusion in the final analysis, and two articles were added that were used to formulate this consensus report. A list of eight clinically relevant questions was posed, and consensus statements were developed.

Conclusions: The evidence suggests that a minimum amount of KT is not needed to prevent attachment loss (AL) when optimal plaque control is present. However, if plaque control is suboptimal, a minimum of 2 mm of KT is needed. The standard procedure to predictably gain KT is the autogenous gingival graft. There is limited evidence for alternative treatment options. However, additional research may offer promising results in certain clinical scenarios.

Clinical Recommendations: Before patient treatment, the clinician should evaluate etiology, including the role of inflammation and various types of trauma that contribute to AL. The best outcome procedure (autograft) and alternative options should be reviewed with the patient during appropriate informed consent. Proper assessment of the outcome should be included during supportive periodontal care.
Enhancing Periodontal Health Through Regenerative Approaches: A Commentary on the Need for Patient‐Reported Outcomes
Authors: Inglehart Marita R.
Published: February 2015

Starting in the 1970s, social scientists have discussed the importance of assessing subjective indicators of well‐being and quality of life. Medical researchers followed this line of reasoning since the 1990s, emphasizing the significance of understanding how disease and its treatment affect patients’ quality of life. Since the start of the 21st century, oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) received increasingly more attention. While research concerning the effects of periodontal disease and its surgical and non‐surgical treatment on patients’ lives has been considered in numerous studies, research including patient‐reported outcomes when assessing how periodontal health can be enhanced through regenerative approaches is largely missing. This commentary proposes to consider 1) OHRQoL and 2) patients’ treatment satisfaction as patient‐reported outcomes in conjunction with objectively measured patient‐centered factors, and discusses the value of such an approach.
The Use of a Novel Spacer and Ultralow-Density Cement System To Control Lost Circulation in Coalbed-Methane Wells
Authors: Wang Chengwen , Wang Ruihe , Zhou Weidong , Li Fei
Published: February 2015

Coalbed methane (CBM) is one of the major clean-burning gas resources. Development and usage of CBM can increase the energy supply, improve coal-mine safety, and protect the global environment. The southern Qinshui basin of China is rich in CBM; it is the first area that obtained good results in the commercial development of CBM in China. However, lost circulation is a common problem during cementing through the fractured coal-seams, known as cleats. These cleats form an interconnected fracture network, and this allows cement-slurry loss to the coal-seams during cementing operations. Cleats are often wide enough to accept cement slurry, not just cement-slurry filtrate. Hence, simply reducing slurry density does not ensure a good cement job. Preventing cement-slurry loss to coal-seams while cementing production casing is a major challenge.

To solve the lost-circulation problem across coal formations, an innovative hydrophilic-fiber-based spacer fluid and ultralow-density cement slurries with density of 0.95 to 1.20 g/cm3 have been formulated. Laboratory tests have verified the effectiveness of hydrophilic-fiber-based spacer fluid in plugging these cleats of coal seams. The ultralow-density cement slurries exhibit favorable properties. These test results are confirmed by the good field-application results obtained in southern Qinshui basin. Fourteen CBM wells were successfully cemented with the novel spacer fluid and the ultralow-density cement slurries. The combined application of the hydrophilic-fiber-based spacer fluid and the ultralow-density-cement-slurry system is able to successfully resolve the lost-circulation problem in CBM wells, and provides better zonal isolation as well. This paper provides details about the slurry design and field application, and also presents the cement-bond evaluations that verify the conclusions.
The Economic Viability of Alternative Wetting and Drying Irrigation in Arkansas Rice Production
Authors: Nalley Lanier , Linquist Bruce , Kovacs Kent , Anders Merle
Published: February 2015

As water becomes scarcer in rice (Oryza sativa L.) production regions throughout the world, producers are becoming aware of the importance of increasing water use efficiency. Thus, new rice production methods which increase water use efficiency (WUE) are beginning to be adopted. This study analyzes one such alternative production method and its economic feasibility in Arkansas. Alternate wetting and drying (AWD) irrigation has the potential to address the concerns of groundwater depletion as well as greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) associated with rice production. Field experiments were conducted in 2012 and 2013 in the Arkansas Delta for three different AWD irrigation regimes and compared to continuous flooded rice. Data collection included CH4 and N2O emissions, grain yields, and irrigation total water use. Relative to continuous flooding WUE increased by 21 to 56% with the adoption of AWD irrigation and global warming potential (GWP) decreased by 45 to 90%. One common criticism of AWD is the potential for reduced yields and subsequent reductions in producer profits. Our results indicate that some AWD regimes are currently economically competitive even without incentives such as GHG reduction payments or water conservation payments. These results suggest that there is currently an economic rationale for adoption of some AWD regimes and those AWD regimes that are not currently economically competitive may be in the future as groundwater levels recede. A county‐level break‐even analysis indicates an additional depth to ground water of only 5 to 10 m will result in other AWD practices evaluated here becoming profitable.
Popular Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Cultivars Show Contrasting Responses to Heat Stress at Gametogenesis and Anthesis
Authors: Shi W. , Ishimaru T. , Gannaban R. B. , Oane W. , Jagadish S. V. K.
Published: February 2015

Studies on heat tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa L.) have focused on a range of accessions that are currently not grown or cultivated in small localized geographic regions, while popular rice cultivars occupying millions of hectares have not been tested for their response to heat stress. Hence, 18 popular rice cultivars grown across tropical and subtropical regions were subjected to 38°C for 6 h of heat stress at anthesis and five selected contrasting entries were exposed to six consecutive days (6 h each day) of stress coinciding with both gametogenesis and anthesis. Among the tested entries, Ciherang was the most tolerant, after both 6 h at anthesis and 6 d of stress across both gametogenesis and anthesis, whereas Moroberekan and KDML‐105 were the most susceptible. Using a quick and easy phenotyping protocol and by considering all the sterile spikelets across target panicles, the crucial physiological window “spikelets with exserted anthers but with no ovule enlargement” was identified as the most sensitive stage with exposure to heat stress at both critical reproductive stages. Geographic origin of rice varieties was not clearly related to the degree of tolerance or susceptibility to heat stress because both conditions were observed in cultivars from each target region. Our findings complement other ongoing efforts that are using heat‐tolerant landraces and wild rice as donors to further increase tolerance to sustain global rice production under future warmer climate.
Evaluation of Phenotypic Variation in a Collection of Apios americana: An Edible Tuberous Legume
Authors: Belamkar Vikas , Wenger Alex , Kalberer Scott R. , Bhattacharya V. Gautam , Blackmon William J. , Cannon Steven B.
Published: February 2015

Apios (Apios americana Medik.), sometimes called “potato bean,” is a nitrogen‐fixing legume, native to eastern North America, that produces protein‐rich tubers at nodes along belowground stolons. Apios was used as a staple food source by Native Americans throughout eastern North America and holds promise as a crop. An Apios breeding program conducted during 1985 to 1994 involved the collection of ∼210 wild accessions, followed by hybridization and selection, with assessments of >2200 lines. Of these, 53 genotypes were retained for further evaluation. The study reports the phenotypic variation in this collection, at three locations and under three growing conditions (field, pots, and grow‐bags). We found significant (P < 0.05) variation among the genotypes for 18 of the 20 measured traits under field conditions, and for seven of 20 traits in pots and grow‐bags. Internode length, plant vigor, and stem diameter at 2 and 5 mo had strong correlations (r > 0.56, P < 0.01) with belowground yield plant−1. Four phenotypically distinct clusters of genotypes were evident in the Apios collection. Several genotypes produced high yields in all locations—up to 1515 g of belowground tuber yield plant−1. The superior germplasm identified in this project may be suitable as cultivars, and will aid in further development of Apios lines as a crop.
Genetic Analysis of Grain Yield of IITA and CIMMYT Early‐Maturing Maize Inbreds underStriga‐Infested and Low–Soil‐Nitrogen Environments
Authors: Ifie Beatrice E , Badu‐Apraku Baffour , Gracen Vernon , Danquah Eric Y
Published: February 2015

Breeding maize (Zea maysL.) hybrids resistant toStrigaand tolerant to low soil nitrogen (low‐N) will reduce grain yield losses due to stresses in West Africa (WA). Studies were conducted to determine if selection forStrigaresistance and/or drought tolerance in early‐maturing maize populations improved low‐N tolerance in hybrids derived from selected inbreds from International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and International Centre for Maize and Wheat Improvement (CIMMYT) underStriga‐infested, low‐N and optimum environments in Nigeria. One hundred and fifty hybrids developed from crosses involving 30 lines using North Carolina Design II plus six checks were evaluated at two locations each under low‐N, artificialStrigainfestation, and optimum environments for 2 yr. Lines with combined resistance or tolerance toStrigaas well as low‐N were identified.Striga‐resistant– as well as low‐N–tolerant hybrids with outstanding performance under both stress environments could be obtained through the accumulation of favorable alleles for resistance or tolerance in both parental lines. Although selection forStrigaresistance and/or drought tolerance resulted in improved performance of genotypes under low‐N, it is important to test genotypes under low‐N to identify those with outstanding performance under the target stress. ENT 11 × TZEI 4 and TZEI 65 × ENT 11 were identified as the most stable and high‐yielding hybrids.
Mapping Seed Phytic Acid Concentration and Iron Bioavailability in a Pea Recombinant Inbred Line Population
Authors: Shunmugam A. S. K. , Liu X. , Stonehouse R. , Tar'an B. , Bett K. E. , Sharpe A. G. , Warkentin T. D.
Published: February 2015

Phytate, the storage form of P in seeds, is not well digested by monogastrics, thereby contributing to micronutrient deficiency, decreased feed efficiency, and environmental pollution. This research was aimed at developing a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) based genetic linkage map and mapping genomic regions associated with phytic acid‐phosphorus (PA‐P) concentration using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population (PR‐15) derived from a cross between a low phytate (low phytic acid [lpa]) mutant pea (Pisum sativum L.) genotype, 1‐2347‐144, and a normal phytate cultivar CDC Meadow. A total of 163 RILs were genotyped using a 1536‐SNP Illumina GoldenGate array. Three hundred and sixty‐seven polymorphic SNP markers ordered into seven linkage groups (LGs) were used to generate a linkage map with a total length of 437.2 cM. PR‐15 lines were grown in replicated field trails in Saskatoon and Rosthern, SK, in 2012 and 2013. Chi‐square statistics confirmed the single gene inheritance of PA‐P concentration in these RILs. Phytic acid‐phosphorus (PA‐P) phenotype was mapped to LG5. Iron bioavailability (FEBIO) of PR‐15 lines estimated using the Caco‐2 cell culture bioassay was negatively correlated with PA‐P concentration. A quantitative trait locus (QTL) for FEBIO was mapped on to the same location on LG5 as phytic acid concentration. The QTL with a maximum LOD score of 15.1 explained 60.5% of the phenotypic variation in FEBIO. The markers flanking this QTL region can be employed in marker‐assisted selection to select pea lines with low phytate and greater Fe bioavailability.
Research on Cost Control of Construction Project Based on the Theory of
Lean Construction and BIM: Case Study
Authors: Wen Ye
Published: February 2015

Lean construction is a new type of management mode of construction project, which is especially suitable for
those complex, changeable and speedy construction projects. Besides, building information model (BIM) is “computable
digital information” created and utilized during the design and construction of buildings. This paper takes construction
project as the object and combines BIM technology with the theory of lean construction. Both of them will play a collective
role in cost control of construction project. A case study is made to illustrate that to the construction projects, the lean
construction and BIM technology can control their cost effectively.
Plant growth, development and change in GSH level in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) exposed to copper and lead
Authors: Li Shufen , Zhang Guojun , Gao Wujun , Zhao Xingpeng , Deng Chuanliang , Lu Longdou
Published: February 2015

The effects of exposure to heavy metals, copper (Cu) and lead (Pb) in the
soil, separately and in combination, were examined in Safflower (Carthamus
tinctorius L.). Plant growth and development, GSH level and GSH2 expression
at seedling, branching, and flowering stages were studied. Cu at lower
concentrations had a stimulating effect on seedling height and root length. A
significant positive correlation was observed between heavy metal
concentrations and inhibition of plant growth. Plant height, root length and
lateral root numbers decreased progressively with increasing concentrations
of Cu and Pb. Except at the seedling stage, the metal mixture elicited a
synergistic effect on safflower growth and development. The GSH content was
significantly reduced in both safflower roots and leaves at increased
concentrations of heavy metals, with the exception of the treatment with a
low concentration of Cu that resulted in a slightl increase in GSH content at
the seedling and branching stages. RT-PCR analysis revealed a negative
correlation between GSH2 expression levels and metal concentration. Short
exposure to low concentrations of Cu induce an increase in GSH synthesis to
preserve normal plant growth, whereas prolonged exposure and large Cu and Pb
concentrations affect the GSH metabolic chain, and are severely toxicity. The
findings obtained in this study enhance our understanding of the role of the
GSH pool in the response of plants to heavy metal-induced stress, and serve
as a basis for improved cultivation of safflower.
Trend of tuberculosis and performance evaluation of new sputum positive tuberculosis from Satara district, India
Authors: Mohite RV , Mohite VR , Ganganahalli PG , Lale SV
Published: February 2015

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) has remained a major public health threat worldwide and considering this, Govt. of India declared TB as notifiable disease in year 2012. Objectives: To assess the trend of TB in Satara district, India and to evaluate outcome of new sputum positive TB cases registered under district Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP). Materials and Methods: A retrospective record based cross-sectional study was conducted in District Tuberculosis Centre (DTC), Satara district, Maharashtra, India during March 2013. All Registered TB cases under DTC from the year 2002 to 2012 were included as study subjects. The district RNTCP records since the year 2002-2012, for all TB cases were viewed and analyzed by investigator according to RNTCP outcome evaluation indicators. The trend of TB was statistically analyzed for the period of eleven years by using chi-square trend test.Results: Annual the total TB case detection rate was 117.94/ lakh for year 2002 which decreased to 98.30 / lakh for year 2012. The proportions of pulmonary TB cases decreased from 92.23% to 81.0% since year 2002 to 2012 whereas proportions of HIV-reactive TB cases increased from 3.11% to 25.3% since year 2009 to 2011.Proportions of male TB cases were almost the double of females; however child TB cases increased continuously with maximum TB cases belonged to pulmonary type. The proportional trend of New Sputum Positive (NSP) cases showed periodic fluctuations ranging from 34% to 50% since year 2002 to 2012.  The performance of outcome evaluation indicators of NSP cases during evaluation period as viz., cure rate ranging from 79.91% to  87.02% with periodic fluctuations, sputum conversion rate continuously increased from 78.5% to 93.5%,treatment success rate ranging from 82.7%  to 90% with apparent difference, whereas defaulter rate decreased from 7.5% to 3.8% by year 2011, treatment failure rate continuously decreased to 2.1% whereas Death rate  ranging from 5.2% to 10.4%. The proportional trends of outcome evaluation indicators of NSP-TB cases showed statistically significant difference over period of year 2002 to 2012.Conclusion: Data indicates that TB is still big problem in rural area of western Maharashtra, India and need to strengthen the awareness programme about TB and involvement of private health sector to control the burden of TB. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i4.11112 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(4) 2015 30-35