bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Fracture-Compliance Method for Picking Closure Pressure From Diagnostic Fracture-Injection Tests
Authors: McClure Mark W. , Jung Hojung , Cramer Dave D. , Sharma Mukul M.
Published: February 2016

In this paper, we present the fracture-compliance method, a technique for estimating the closure pressure from diagnostic fracture-injection tests (DFITs). The method is based on the observation that fractures retain a finite aperture after asperities come into contact (mechanical closure). An empirical, nonlinear joint-closure law is used to relate the after-closure fracture aperture and stiffness (the reciprocal of compliance) to effective normal stress. Fracture closure increases fracture stiffness, which, in low-permeability formations, causes an increase in the pressure derivative. On the basis of these insights, we propose the fracture-compliance method, which consists of picking closure at the first point of deviation from linearity on a plot of pressure or G×dP/dG vs. G-time (after the end of the very-early-time transient associated with wellbore and near-wellbore friction and fracture tip-extension). The contribution of this paper is to provide theoretical justification for why closure is best picked with the fracture-compliance method, and not with other widely used methods. We provide a series of numerical DFIT simulations to demonstrate the sensitivity of the pressure transient to input parameters. Governing equations are derived and used to demonstrate the effect of changing fracture aperture after closure. A field DFIT data set is analyzed with the new method. Finally, a field example is presented in which downhole tiltmeter measurements provide an independent estimate of the minimum principal stress.
Modeling Soil Type Effects to Improve Rainfed Corn Yields in Northeast China
Authors: Sun Zenghui , Li Zizhong , Lu Xianju , Bu Qingguo , Ma Xuan , Wang Ye
Published: February 2016

Understanding how soil type in the Corn Belt of Northeast China affects both the potential yield of a rainfed crop [Yp(r)] and the yield gap [YG(r)] between Yp(r) and the water non‐limiting potential yield (Yp) is essential for enhancing corn (Zea mays L.) production and identifying critical irrigation windows for different soil types. The Root Zone Water Quality Model 2 (RZWQM2) was calibrated and validated based on 2 yr of experimental data and then used to estimate Yp and Yp(r) along with YG(r) in aeolian sandy soil vs. black soil using the same weather data from 1980 to 2012. The values for Yp were the same for both soil types, and the mean Yp was 11.299 Mg ha−1 (CV of 15.6%) during the 33‐yr simulation period. The mean Yp(r) was lower in the aeolian sandy soil (7.628 Mg ha−1, CV of 39.8%) than in the black soil (8.893 Mg ha−1, CV of 34.5%). The mean YG(r) was 3.672 Mg ha−1 in the aeolian sandy soil and 2.406 Mg ha−1 in the black soil. Values for Yp(r) were positively correlated with precipitation in June and July in the aeolian sandy soil and in July in the black soil. The YG(r) was negatively correlated with precipitation in June and July in both soils. Therefore, soil type affected Yp(r) and YG(r) through the soil water condition under the same weather conditions. The critical irrigation window to decrease YG(r) is in June and July for aeolian sandy soils and in July for black soils.
Nitrogen and Weed Management for Organic Sweet Corn Production on Loamy Sand
Authors: West Jaimie R. , Ruark Matthew D. , Bussan Alvin J. , Colquhoun Jed B. , Silva Erin M.
Published: February 2016

Irrigated vegetable production dominates the landscape of the Central Sands region of Wisconsin, where sandy soil limits nutrient and water retention. Sweet corn (Zea mays L. var. rugosa) was managed organically in 2011 and 2012 growing seasons to evaluate effects of organic N input and weed management with respect to sweet corn yield and soil N content. The first treatment factor was early season manure, including spring‐seeded field pea (Pisum sativum L.) incorporated as a green manure cover crop, pelletized poultry manure, and no manure. The second treatment factor was weed management intensity. The last factor was varying N application rate, split applied as feather meal during the growing season. There was a positive yield response to feather meal in both years with yields reaching 18.6 and 21.5 Mg ha−1 in 2011 and 2012, respectively, with 224 and 112 kg N ha−1 feather meal application, respectively. Early season manure treatments did not clearly affect yields despite 90 kg N ha−1 applied as both manure types in 2012, and lower rates of 33 and 75 kg N ha−1 applied in 2011 as field pea and poultry manure, respectively. These results underscore the well‐known potential for rapid nutrient loss on coarse soil and management challenges associated with asynchrony between organic N release and crop uptake. Weed management contributed to an interaction effect on yield, with early tillage potentially controlling weeds in both treatments. This study demonstrated benefits of in‐season organic amendment use, though limited potential for early season application on loamy sand.

Core Ideas

Feather meal is a viable organic nitrogen fertilizer for sweet corn on loamy sand.

Pre‐plant application of manures did not reduce optimum in‐season N application rate.

Irrigated organic sweet corn can produce yields comparable to those of conventional methods.
Optimal Harvest Moisture Content for Maximizing Mid‐South Rice Milling Yields and Returns
Authors: Nalley Lanier , Dixon Bruce , Tack Jesse , Barkley Andrew , Jagadish Krishna
Published: February 2016

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is unique from other major row crops in the United States in that it requires postharvest milling before pricing. As a result, profitability is based on mass yield (paddy yield) and kernel integrity, or head rice yield (HRY). A common dilemma rice producers confront is the selection of a harvest moisture content (HMC) to begin harvesting. Although harvesting with a high HMC can improve HRY, it also increases drying costs at the mill. Conversely, harvesting with a low HMC can save in drying costs but decreases HRY due to fissuring. This study determines the optimal harvest HMC that maximizes net value, accounting for both HRY and drying costs per megagram of rice, considering genetic differences across cultivars and the effects of exposure to nighttime heat stress during the growing season, which is known to reduce overall yield and quality of milling. The effects of imbedded genetic technology and high nighttime temperatures on HRY were estimated via multiple regression analysis using 522 paddy/milling yield observations across the Mississippi and Arkansas Deltas as well as corresponding location‐specific weather data from 2003–2013. For the nine most commonly produced cultivars in Arkansas and Mississippi in 2013, the optimal HMC for maximizing HRY ranged from 17 to 22%, and the optimal HMC for maximizing net value ranged from 16 to 20%. The results show that, on average, conventional cultivars experienced larger decreases than their hybrid counterparts in net value per hectare when producers deviated from the optimal HMC for maximizing net value.
Climatic Thresholds for Concentrations of Minerals and Heavy Metals in Argentinean Soybean
Authors: Marioli Nobile Carla G. , Balzarini Mónica , Aguate Fernando M. , Grosso N. Ruben , Soldini Diego O. , Zeng Huawei , Cheng Wen‐Hsing , Martínez María Jose
Published: February 2016

Minerals affect the nutritional, rheological, and safety features of food products. Soybeans represent a good source of minerals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the environment on the variability of mineral elements in Argentinean soybeans in field experiments. Climatic variables (maximum, mean, and minimum air temperature; solar radiation; precipitation; and potential evapotranspiration) were recorded daily during the seed filling period; soil properties were also reported. Minerals in soybeans were determined by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry. Selenium was determined by hydride generation coupled to an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Molybdenum and selenium were significantly increased (over 100%) in soybeans grown at higher soil pH with high available molybdenum. Air temperature was the climatic variable that best predicted changes in the soybean seed mineral composition. Optimum weather conditions (OWC) were defined by thresholds of the climatic variables by regression trees for desirable mineral composition. Maximum and minimum daily air temperatures during the seed filling period (30.1 and 17.1°C, respectively) were the OWC for maximizing calcium, magnesium, and manganese contents. A maximum daily air temperature over 28.0°C resulted in higher iron and cobalt levels (p < 0.001). Maximum zinc content was observed when solar radiation exceeded 18.1 MJ m−2 during seed filling (p < 0.001). Results from this study showed variation in the mineral composition of soybeans. Environmental features during the seed filling period should be considered when desired mineral composition is expected in soybean according to the end uses.
Phosphorus Fertilization Effect on Timothy Root Growth, and Associated Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Development
Authors: Shi Yichao , Ziadi Noura , Hamel Chantal , Lajeunesse Julie , Lafond Jean
Published: February 2016

Root architecture and mycorrhizal associations are plant traits that determine soil P uptake by plants. However, the response of these important plant traits to mineral P fertilization under grasslands production is poorly understood. We assessed the effect of P fertilization at 0, 20, or 40 kg P ha−1 applied in the spring of each year since 2010 on root attributes, arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) root colonization, plant growth, and plant P concentration in timothy (Phleum pratense L.) swards seeded in 2009 on a Labarre clay loam in Normandin, QC, Canada. Soil cores for root samples (height of 7.5 cm and inner diameter of 8 cm) were collected in June 2013 after the first harvest and in August 2014 after the second harvest. The results showed that P application increased dry matter (DM) yield and shoot P uptake at the first harvest time but not at the second. Shoot P concentration increased with increasing P application, particularly in August 2014. Phosphorus fertilization had no significant influence on root architectural attributes, colonization by hyphae or arbuscules, or total AM root colonization at both sampling times. However, in August 2014, AM vesicle density in roots was significantly greater with 40 kg P ha−1 than without P fertilization. We conclude that timothy shoot and root growth varied with sampling time but that root architectural traits and the AM colonization of timothy roots were influenced little by P fertilization in eastern Canada.
Nitrogen Fertilization Strategies for Organic Wheat Production: Crop Yield and Nitrate Leaching
Authors: Tosti Giacomo , Farneselli Michela , Benincasa Paolo , Guiducci Marcello
Published: February 2016

Nitrogen fertility management represents a crucial aspect for common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production, particularly when we deal with organic agriculture. This study was conducted to determine the effect of five N fertilization strategies on yield, grain protein content, and N leaching risk. In a 3‐yr field experiment, a faba bean/wheat temporary intercropping (TIC) and four fertilization treatments with extra‐farm N sources were compared. Extra‐farm N sources were represented by blood meal (BM) and roasted leather (RL) (broadcast all‐at‐once at seeding or split into one‐half at seeding and one‐half at tillering in a side‐dressing application). Unfertilized and mineral fertilized controls were included. The effect of the legume on TIC wheat N uptake was always positive while dry weight accumulation and yield were generally poorly affected. Regardless of the broadcasting method, BM treatments generally showed a slightly higher yield and grain protein content compared to wheat fertilized with roasted leather (this was also confirmed by fertilizer release efficiency). The risk of N leaching was maximum at the onset of drainage (i.e., during the first phase of crop growth), so using organic fertilizers at pre‐seeding stage appeared to be a very risky practice, especially if quick‐N‐releasing ones are used. Splitting the organic fertilizer rate avoided a large amount of mineralized N to be leached in the watershed during the critical stage of drainage onset. The TIC was the best option in terms of environmental preservation, and assured a constantly higher grain protein content compared to the other organic fertilization treatments.
Variety Interacts with Space and Time to Influence Switchgrass Quality
Authors: Wilson Danielle M. , Gunther Theodore P. , Schulte Lisa A. , Moore Kenneth J. , Heaton Emily A.
Published: February 2016

Efficient conversion of biomass crops to energy requires an understanding of plant quality, including cell wall and mineral composition. We compared key quality parameters of two leading switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) varieties, lowland ‘Kanlow’ and upland ‘Cave‐in‐Rock’, over two growing seasons and across five landscape positions. Through a nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMS) analysis, wherein two ordination axes together explained most of the variation in the data (r2 = 0.89), we found plant mineral composition (N and ash concentrations ) was influenced more by landscape position, while plant cell wall components were affected more by year of growth. Switchgrass at the floodplain position was “dirtier,” containing greater ash concentration (110 g kg−1) and N concentration (6.2 g kg−1) known to contaminate biochemical and thermochemical pathways. Furthermore, variety influenced quality; for example, Kanlow had less lignin than Cave‐in‐Rock, but all biomass had greater lignin in 2011 than in 2010. Kanlow and Cave‐in‐Rock contained greater concentrations of total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC) in 2010 than in 2011 by as much as 8 and 20%. While considerable work has focused on breeding for improved quality and regional‐scale environmental effects, our results indicate that variety also significantly interacts with subfield‐scale environmental and interseasonal effects.
Identification of Resistance to Pratylenchus neglectus and Pratylenchus thornei in Iranian Landrace Accessions of Wheat
Authors: Thompson Alison L. , Smiley Richard W. , Paulitz Timothy C. , Garland‐Campbell Kim
Published: February 2016

The pathogenic nematodes Pratylenchus neglectus (Rensch, 1924) Filipjev and Schuurmans Stekhoven, 1941 and Pratylenchus thornei Sher and Allen, 1953 cause severe yield losses in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The objectives in this study were to assay a collection of Iranian landrace accessions collected from 12 provinces in Iran to identify novel sources of resistance to both species and to characterize agronomic traits critical for consideration in wheat breeding. Seventy‐eight accessions were assayed for dual resistance to parasitic nematodes P. neglectus and P. thornei in controlled environment assays. Field trials conducted in Pullman, WA, and Pendleton, OR, evaluated stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) resistance, days to heading, grain volume weight, plant height, seed protein content, seed kernel characterization, glume tenacity, and pubescence. The accessions were assayed with simple‐sequence repeat (SSR), single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), and known vernalization markers for hierarchical cluster analysis to identify relatedness among accessions. Thirty‐two accessions were identified as resistant or moderately resistant to both Pratylenchus species. Six were identified with moderate adult plant resistance to stripe rust in the field. The range of mean agronomic traits over locations was 53 to 105 cm for plant height, 46 to 84 d for post planting days to heading, and 151 to 728 kg m−3 for grain volume weight. The genetic cluster analysis identified three clusters based on the number of rare polymorphisms in the subset. The nematode resistance was distributed over the three clusters. The diversity within this subset could be useful for wheat breeders to integrate genetic variation and resistance to both Pratylenchus spp.
A Hierarchical Bayesian Estimation Model for Multienvironment Plant Breeding Trials in Successive Years
Authors: Jarquín Diego , Pérez‐Elizalde Sergio , Burgueño Juan , Crossa José
Published: February 2016

In agriculture and plant breeding, multienvironment trials over multiple years are conducted to evaluate and predict genotypic performance under different environmental conditions and to analyze, study, and interpret genotype × environment interaction (G × E). In this study, we propose a hierarchical Bayesian formulation of a linear–bilinear model, where the conditional conjugate prior for the bilinear (multiplicative) G × E term is the matrix von Mises–Fisher (mVMF) distribution (with environments and sites defined as synonymous). A hierarchical normal structure is assumed for linear effects of sites, and priors for precision parameters are assumed to follow gamma distributions. Bivariate highest posterior density (HPD) regions for the posterior multiplicative components of the interaction are shown within the usual biplots. Simulated and real maize (Zea mays L.) breeding multisite data sets were analyzed. Results showed that the proposed model facilitates identifying groups of genotypes and sites that cause G × E across years and within years, since the hierarchical Bayesian structure allows using plant breeding data from different years by borrowing information among them. This model offers the researcher valuable information about G × E patterns not only for each 1‐yr period of the breeding trials but also for the general process that originates the response across these periods.
Evaluation of the effect of land use/cover change on flood characteristics using an integrated approach coupling land and flood analysis
Authors: Yang Xiaoliu , Chen Huili , Wang Yueling , Xu Chong-Yu
Published: February 2016

Land use/cover change (LUCC) is one of the crucial factors influencing the hydrological process, thus the flood characteristics in time and space. Therefore the evaluation of the change of flood characteristics implies an integrated analysis of LUCC and hydraulic simulation. In this study, the effect of LUCC on flood is examined based on an approach composed of three parts: (1) reproduction of spatially explicit LUCC; (2) application of a 2D hydraulic modelling for flood simulation; (3) demonstration of results for Beijing. The approach is applied to a flood-prone area in Beijing. The results show that 8% and 21% of the study area experienced LUCC during 1991–2001 and 2001–2011, respectively, and these changes greatly influenced the characteristics of the 20-year flood, i.e.: (1) the flood zone is doubled during 1991–2001 and about four-fold during 2001–2011; (2) the water depth is increased for most of the study area; and (3) the flow velocity becomes faster. It indicates that flooding still exists within Beijing and is even more dangerous than 40 years ago and suggests that actual land use pattern and existing flood protection works should be re-evaluated regarding the flood characteristics change due to LUCC.
Altitudinal variations of temperature, equilibrium line altitude, and accumulation-area ratio in Upper Indus Basin
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Biswajit , Khan Asif
Published: February 2016

Quantitative measures of adiabatic lapse rate, equilibrium line altitude (ELA), and accumulation-area ratio (AAR) are important to understand the hydrological processes and conduct hydrological modeling in a highly glaciated watershed. We present a detailed analysis of temperature data from 21 climatic stations, hypsometric analyses of glacier distributions, and a method to analyze ablation gradients and runoff curves concurrently to quantify these parameters for the watersheds of the Upper Indus Basin (UIB), with 15,062 km2 of glacierized area and an elevation range of 361–8,611 m. We show that the ELA varies considerably from one watershed to another, implying a highly variable upper elevation limit up to which melting of snows and glaciers takes place throughout the basin. This is in sharp contrast to the assertions made by previous researchers. We show that the ELA is as low as 4,840 m in Astore watershed and it is as high as 6,200 m in Shyok watershed. In accordance with the variation of ELA, the AAR also varies considerably from one watershed to another. It is as low as 0.10 in Gilgit and as high as 0.65 in Zanskar watersheds. We ascribe 15–20% uncertainty to these estimates of ELA and AAR in UIB.
Mutagenicity, cytotoxicity and phytotoxicity evaluation of biodegraded textile effluent by fungal ligninolytic enzymes
Authors: Bilal Muhammad , Iqbal Munawar , Hu Hongbo , Zhang Xuehong
Published: February 2016

Colored effluents from the textile industry have led to severe environmental pollution, and this has emerged as a global issue. The feasibility of ligninolytic enzymes for the detoxification and degradation of textile wastewater was investigated. Ganoderma lucidum crude ligninolytic enzymes extract (MnP 717.7, LiP 576.3, and Laccase 323.2 IU/mL) was produced using solid-state culture using wheat bran as substrate. The biodegradation treatment efficiency was evaluated on the basis of degradation and detoxification of textile effluents. Standard bioassays were employed for mutagenicity, cytotoxicity and phytotoxicity evaluation before and after biodegradation. The degradation of Masood Textile, Kalash Textile, Khyber Textile and Sitara Textile effluents was achieved up to 87.29%, 80.17%, 77.31% and 69.04%, respectively. The biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids and total organic carbon were improved considerably as a result of biodegradation of textile effluents, which were beyond the permissible limits established by the National Environmental Quality Standards before treatment. The cytotoxicity (Allium cepa, hemolytic, Daphnia magna and brine shrimp), mutagenicity (Ames TA98 and TA100) and phytotoxicity (Triticum aestivum) tests revealed that biodegradation significantly (P < 0.05) detoxifies the toxic agents in wastewater. Results revealed that biodegradation could possibly be used for remediation of textile effluents. However, detoxification monitoring is crucial and should always be used to evaluate the bio-efficiency of a treatment technique.
Visible light induced photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B by magnetic bentonite
Authors: Li Wenbing , Wan Dong , Wang Guanghua , Lu Lulu , Wei Xiaobi
Published: February 2016

The photocatalytic activity of magnetic bentonite, Fe3O4 nanoparticles decorated Al-pillared bentonite (Fe3O4/Al-B), for the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) in the presence of H2O2 under visible light (VL) was evaluated. The effects of different reaction parameters such as catalyst dose, dye concentration and externally added H2O2 were also investigated. The magnetic bentonite showed good photocatalytic activity, magnetic separability and stability for repeated use. More than 95% of 40 mg/L RhB was converted within 3 h under VL with a catalyst dose of 0.5 g/L. Suitable mechanisms have been proposed to account for the photocatalytic activities in the presence and absence of H2O2. The efficiency of H2O2 in VL process was much higher than that of the dark process. Results obtained in the current study may be useful to develop a suitable photocatalyst for photocatalytic remediation of different water contaminants including organic dyes.
Focusing properties of a square electrostatic rainbow lens doublet
Authors: Telecki Igor , Belicev Petar , Petrovic Srdjan , Neskovic Nebojsa
Published: February 2016

This is a study on the properties of a square electrostatic rainbow lens
doublet. The said optical element consists of two square electrostatic
rainbow lenses with the second lens axially rotated for 45 degrees with
respect to the first one. The propagation of a proton beam with a kinetic
energy of 10 keV through the doublet is in the focus of our analysis. The
potential of the electrodes of both lenses is 2 kV. The electrostatic
potential and the electric field components of the lens doublet are
calculated using a 3-D computer code based on the method of moments. Spatial
and angular distributions of protons propagating through the lens doublet, as
well as the parameters defining beam quality, are investigated. As in the
case of the single square electrostatic rainbow lens, the evolution of these
distributions is determined by the evolution of corresponding rainbow lines,
generated by the use of the theory of crystal rainbows. Our study shows that
a beam core in the shape of a cusped square is formed by the spatial rainbow
line that appears first. This rainbow line occurs during proton propagation
through the first lens. The beam core retains the cusped square shape during
the propagation through the second lens. The electrostatic field of the
second lens causes the appearance of an additional spatial rainbow line,
which encompasses the beam core and defines the outer border of the beam.
This rainbow line constitutes the main difference between the cases of the
lens doublet and a single lens.
A numerical simulation method for calculation of linear attenuation coefficients of unidentified sample materials in routine gamma ray spectrometry
Authors: Badawi Mohamed
Published: February 2016

When using gamma ray spectrometry for radioactivity analysis of environmental
samples (such as soil, sediment or ash of a living organism), relevant linear
attenuation coefficients should be known - in order to calculate
self-absorption in the sample bulk. This parameter is additionally important
since the unidentified samples are normally different in composition and
density from the reference ones (the latter being e. g. liquid sources,
commonly used for detection efficiency calibration in radioactivity
monitoring). This work aims at introducing a numerical simulation method for
calculation of linear attenuation coefficients without the use of a
collimator. The method is primarily based on calculations of the effective
solid angles - compound parameters accounting for the emission and detection
probabilities, as well as for the source-to-detector geometrical
configuration. The efficiency transfer principle and average path lengths
through the samples themselves are employed, too. The results obtained are
compared with those from the NIST-XCOM data base; close agreement confirms
the validity of the numerical simulation method approach.
A modern mathematical method for filtering noise in low count experiments
Authors: Medhat M.E.
Published: February 2016

In the proposed work, a novel application of a numerical and functional
analysis based on the discrete wavelet transform is discussed. The
mathematics of improving signals and removing noises are described. Results
obtained show that the method used in a variety of gamma spectra is superior
to other techniques.
Assuring a New Market: The Interplay between Country-Level and Company-Level Factors on the Demand for Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Information Assurance and the Choice of Assurance Provider
Authors: Zhou Shan , Simnett Roger , Green Wendy J.
Published: February 2016

The need for credible emissions reporting has created international demand for a new and specific type of assurance engagement: assurance of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions information. This study provides an examination of the international GHG assurance market to identify key potential determinants of both the decision to assure and the choice of assurance provider. As well as providing details on this new assurance service, we extend current knowledge by undertaking a multilevel analysis of both country-level (stakeholder orientation and strength of legal system) and company-level (corporate governance) variables. After correcting for potential self-selection bias, our results reveal significant variations in country patterns for both of these decisions, with both the demand for GHG assurance services and the preference for an accounting profession assurance provider found to be higher in countries with a stakeholder orientation and a less stringent legal enforcement system. Further, we find company-level corporate governance systems and processes to be a significant moderator of the country-level factors for both decisions.

JEL Classifications: M42.
Autophagy Is Dispensable for Macrophage-Mediated Lipid Homeostasis in Adipose Tissue
Authors: Grijalva Ambar , Xu Xiaoyuan , Ferrante Anthony W.
Published: February 2016

Adipose tissue (AT) macrophages (ATMs) contribute to obesity-induced inflammation and metabolic dysfunction, but also play critical roles in maintaining tissue homeostasis. ATMs catabolize lipid in a lysosomal-dependent manner required for the maintenance of AT; deficiency in lysosomal acid lipase (Lipa), the enzyme required for lysosome lipid catabolism, leads to AT atrophy and severe hepatic steatosis, phenotypes rescued by macrophage-specific expression of Lipa. Autophagy delivers cellular products, including lipid droplets, to lysosomes. Given that obesity increases autophagy in AT and contributes to lipid catabolism in other cells, it was proposed that autophagy delivers lipid to lysosomes in ATMs and is required for AT homeostasis. We found that obesity does increase autophagy in ATMs. However, genetic or pharmacological inhibition of autophagy does not alter the lipid balance of ATMs in vitro or in vivo. In contrast to the deficiency of lysosomal lipid hydrolysis, the ablation of autophagy in macrophages does not lead to AT atrophy or alter metabolic phenotypes in lean or obese animals. Although the lysosomal catabolism of lipid is necessary for normal ATM function and AT homeostasis, delivery of lipid to lysosomes is not autophagy dependent and strongly suggests the existence of another lipid delivery pathway critical to lysosome triglyceride hydrolysis in ATMs.
Ambient Air Pollutants Have Adverse Effects on Insulin and Glucose Homeostasis in Mexican Americans
Authors: Chen Zhanghua , Salam Muhammad T. , Toledo-Corral Claudia , Watanabe Richard M. , Xiang Anny H. , Buchanan Thomas A. , Habre Rima , Bastain Theresa M. , Lurmann Fred , Wilson John P. , Trigo Enrique , Gilliland Frank D.
Published: February 2016

OBJECTIVE

Recent studies suggest that air pollution plays a role in type 2 diabetes (T2D) incidence and mortality. The underlying physiological mechanisms have yet to be established. We hypothesized that air pollution adversely affects insulin sensitivity and secretion and serum lipid levels.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Participants were selected from BetaGene (n = 1,023), a study of insulin resistance and pancreatic β-cell function in Mexican Americans. All participants underwent DXA and oral and intravenous glucose tolerance tests and completed dietary and physical activity questionnaires. Ambient air pollutant concentrations (NO2, O3, and PM2.5) for short- and long-term periods were assigned by spatial interpolation (maximum interpolation radius of 50 km) of data from air quality monitors. Traffic-related air pollution from freeways (TRAP) was estimated using the dispersion model as NOx. Variance component models were used to analyze individual and multiple air pollutant associations with metabolic traits.

RESULTS

Short-term (up to 58 days cumulative lagged averages) exposure to PM2.5 was associated with lower insulin sensitivity and HDL-to-LDL cholesterol ratio and higher fasting glucose and insulin, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) (all P ≤ 0.036). Annual average PM2.5 was associated with higher fasting glucose, HOMA-IR, and LDL-C (P ≤ 0.043). The effects of short-term PM2.5 exposure on insulin sensitivity were largest among obese participants. No statistically significant associations were found between TRAP and metabolic outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to ambient air pollutants adversely affects glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and blood lipid concentrations. Our findings suggest that ambient air pollutants may contribute to the pathophysiology in the development of T2D and related sequelae.
Anesthetic Management of a Patient With Takayasu Arteritis
Authors: Yoshida Mitsuhiro , Yamamoto Toru , Shiiba Shunji , Harano Nozomu , Sago Teppei , Nunomaki Masahito , Watanabe Seiji
Published: February 2016

Takayasu arteritis is a rare chronic progressive panendarteritis involving the aorta and its main branches. Anesthesia in patients with this disease can be complicated by severe uncontrolled hypertension, end-organ dysfunction, and stenosis of major blood vessels. In this case, general anesthesia was induced with sevoflurane and remifentanil without complications. To prevent intraoperative complications, we conducted intubation with a rigid video laryngoscope with careful consideration of the concentrations of analgesics and sedatives used. This case demonstrates the importance of anesthetic techniques for maintaining adequate tissue perfusion without hemodynamic changes in the anesthetic management of patients with Takayasu arteritis.
Lidocaine Concentration in Oral Tissue by the Addition of Epinephrine
Authors: Tanaka Eri , Yoshida Kenji , Kawaai Hiroyoshi , Yamazaki Shinya
Published: February 2016

The vasoconstrictive effect due to the addition of epinephrine to local anesthetic has been clearly shown by measuring blood-flow volume or blood anesthetic concentration in oral mucosal tissue. However, there are no reports on the measurement of anesthetic concentration using samples directly taken from the jawbone and oral mucosal tissue. Consequently, in this study, the effect of lidocaine concentration in the jawbone and oral mucosal tissue by the addition of epinephrine to the local anesthetic lidocaine was considered by quantitatively measuring lidocaine concentration within the tissue. Japanese white male rabbits (n = 96) were used as test animals. General anesthesia was induced by sevoflurane and oxygen, and then cannulation to the femoral artery was performed while arterial pressure was constantly recorded. Infiltration anesthesia was achieved by 0.5 mL of 2% lidocaine containing 1 : 80,000 epinephrine in the upper jawbone (E+) and 0.5 mL of 2% of epinephrine additive–free lidocaine (E0) under the periosteum. At specified time increments (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 minutes), samples from the jawbone, oral mucosa, and blood were collected, and lidocaine concentration was directly measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. No significant differences in the change in blood pressure were observed either in E+ or E0. In both E+ and E0 groups, the serum lidocaine concentration peaked 10 minutes after local anesthesia and decreased thereafter. At all time increments, serum lidocaine concentration in E+ was significantly lower than that in E0. There were no significant differences in measured lidocaine concentration between jawbone and mucosa within either the E+ or the E0 groups at all time points, although the E0 group had significantly lower jawbone and mucosa concentrations than the E+ group at all time points when comparing the 2 groups to each other. Addition of epinephrine to the local anesthetic inhibited systemic absorption of local anesthetic into the blood such that a high concentration could be maintained in the tissue. Epinephrine-induced vasoconstrictive effect was observed not only in the oral mucosa but also in the jawbone.
Superficial and Deep Scapulothoracic Muscle Electromyographic Activity During Elevation Exercises in the Scapular Plane
Authors: Castelein Birgit , Cagnie Barbara , Parlevliet Thierry , Cools Ann
Published: February 2016

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Background

In scapular rehabilitation training, exercises that include a humeral elevation component in the scapular plane are commonly implemented. While performing humeral elevation, the scapula plays an important role, as it has to create a stable basis for the glenohumeral joint. However, a comparison of both deep and superficial muscle activity of the scapula between different types of elevation exercises is lacking and would be helpful for the clinician in choosing exercises.

Objectives

To evaluate scapulothoracic muscle activity during different types of elevation exercises in the scapular plane.

Methods

Scapulothoracic muscle activity was measured in 21 healthy subjects, using fine-wire electromyography in the levator scapulae, pectoralis minor, and rhomboid major muscles and surface electromyography in the upper trapezius, middle trapezius, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior muscles. Measurements were conducted while the participants performed the following elevation tasks in the scapular plane: scaption (elevation in the scapular plane), towel wall slide, and elevation with external rotation (Thera-Band). The exercises were performed without and with additional load. Possible differences between the exercises and the load were studied with a linear mixed model.

Results

Performing elevation in the scapular plane with an external-rotation component resulted in higher middle trapezius and lower trapezius activity compared to the scaption and wall slide exercises. The upper trapezius was maximally activated during scaption. The pectoralis minor and serratus anterior showed the highest activity during the towel wall slide. The towel wall slide activated the retractors to a lesser degree (middle trapezius, lower trapezius, levator scapulae, rhomboid major). Adding load resulted in higher muscle activity in all muscles, with some muscles showing a different activation pattern between the elevation exercises, depending on the load condition.

Conclusion

Scaption maximally activated the upper trapezius. The addition of an extra external-rotation component may be used when the goal is to activate the lower trapezius and middle trapezius. The towel wall slide exercise was found to increase pectoralis minor activity. Adding load resulted in higher muscle activity. Some muscles showed a different activation pattern between the elevation exercises, depending on the loading condition. The findings of this study give information about which elevation exercises a clinician can choose when the aim is to facilitate specific muscle scapulothoracic activity. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(3):184–193. Epub 11 Feb 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.5927
Manual Therapy and Exercise for a Patient With Neck-Tongue Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Niethamer Lisa , Myers Robin
Published: February 2016

Study Design

Case report.

Background

Neck-tongue syndrome (NTS) is defined as neck and/or head pain accompanied by ipsilateral dysesthesia of the tongue with sudden rotation of the head. Proposed causes include compression or irritation of the C2 nerve root as it courses behind the atlantoaxial joint or hypertrophy of the inferior oblique muscle. The primary purpose of this case report was to describe the conservative physical therapy treatment of a patient with uncomplicated NTS.

Case Description

The patient was a 13-year-old girl who reported insidious onset of sharp pain in the neck, numbness/tingling of the ipsilateral tongue/face, and tinnitus with cervical rotation. Symptoms occurred several times a week for approximately 10 seconds. Examination revealed impaired function, increased forward head posture, decreased cervical range of motion, and positive neurodynamic assessment. The patient's treatment included manual therapy and exercise for postural stabilization.

Outcomes

Following 8 visits, pain of the neck and tongue numbness had resolved. Score on the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS), cervical range of motion, and posture had also improved. At the 22-month follow-up, infrequent, momentary symptoms in the neck and dysesthesia of the tongue were reported. The PSFS remained the same. Objective measures were normal.

Discussion

This case report describes the physical therapy management of an individual with NTS. The management strategy followed a protocol similar to that used for cervicogenic headaches, due to the involvement of the upper cervical spine with both NTS and cervicogenic headache and the lack of evidence for the treatment of NTS.

Level of Evidence

Therapy, level 4. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(3):217–224. Epub 11 Feb 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6195
New Freeform Manufacturing Chains based on atmospheric Plasma Jet Machining
Authors: Arnold T. , Boehm G. , Paetzelt H.
Published: February 2016

New manufacturing chains for precise fabrication of asphere and freeform optical surfaces including atmospheric Plasma Jet Machining (PJM) technology will be presented. PJM is based on deterministic plasma-assisted material removal. It has the potential for flexible and cost-efficient shape generation and correction of small and medium-sized optical freeform elements. The paper discusses the interactions between the plasma tools and optical fused silica samples in the context of the pre-machined and intermediate surface states and identifies several plasma jet machining methods for freeform generation, surface correction, and finishing as well as suitable auxiliary polishing methods. The successful application of either processing chain is demonstrated.
The Ties That Bind
Authors: Bridwell-Mitchell E. N. , Cooc North
Published: February 2016

The effects of social capital on school improvement make it important to understand how teachers forge, maintain, or forfeit collegial relationships. Two common explanations focused on formal organizational features and individual characteristics do not address how social capital accrues from informal dynamics of teachers’ interactions in communities. Our longitudinal study of teacher networks in four urban public schools finds that teachers in larger communities and communities with stronger cohesion are more likely to interact with each other over time. Teachers who frequently span community boundaries are less likely to continue interacting. These community-level characteristics are stronger predictors than teacher traits and formal organization. Our results have implications for how schools can support teachers in maintaining relationships and generating social capital.
Fetal Echocardiography:Short Term Profile from Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre, Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Regmi Sudhir , Sharma Deewakar
Published: February 2016

Background and Aims: Fetal echocardiography is helpful in early detection of Congenital Heart Disease. Our study was conducted to evaluate the most common indications of referral and outcome in a tertiary-care fetal echocardiography practice.Methods: A Cross-sectional analysis of all pregnant women referred by obstetricians to cardiology unit for fetal echocardiography over a 1-year period (July 2014 and July 2015) was performed. The primary indications for referral for fetal echocardiography were obtained from the obstetric referral forms. Outcome data were extracted from performa containing client’s demographic, physical examination and the fetal echocardiograhic data. Postnatal Echocardiography was advised to all cases having positive echocardiographic finding.Results: A series of 251 fetal cardiac studies were reviewed. Average gestational age was 25.6 weeks (range, 18 to 38 weeks). Thirty-eight (15.1%) pregnant women had abnormal fetal cardiac findings. The most common referral for fetal cardiac scan was related to maternal indications (48.6%). Other indications were abnormal prenatal fetal findings in ultrasonography (23.1%), family history of CHD (12%), general screening (15.5%), and follow up of IVF (In-vitro fertilization) (0.8%). The highest yield of significant abnormal findings was there among patients referred with abnormal prenatal fetal finding in ultrasonography (47%).Conclusion: Majority of referral were for abnormal prenatal ultrasonographic findings. So, fetal Echocardiography is an important part of overall management of the pregnancy at risk for producing an infant with congenital heart disease.Nepalese Heart Journal 2016; 13(1): 9-12
Atrial fibrillation following electric shock requiring cardioversion
Authors: Paudel Navaraj , Alurkar V. M. , Kafle Ramchandra , Sapkota Subash
Published: February 2016

Cardiac arrhythmias following electrical injury falls in a minority. Atrial arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation secondary to electrical shock are even more uncommon. This is a case report of AF requiring pharmacological cardioversion on a 41 year old female following an electrical shock. Initial attempt of electrical cardioversion had failed. Successful pharmacological cardioversion was achieved after 6 hours of amiodarone infusion (12-13 hours after the electric shock). Baseline electrocardiography showed normal pattern post cardioversion. Serum cardiac specific markers, electrolytes, thyroid function, chest x-ray and echocardiographic reports were all within normal limits.Nepalese Heart Journal 2016; 13(1): 31-34
Involvement of circulating endothelial progenitor cells in carotid plaque growth and vulnerability
Authors: Kashiwazaki Daina , Akioka Naoki , Kuwayama Naoya , Hayashi Tomohide , Noguchi Kyo , Tanaka Kortaro , Kuroda Satoshi
Published: February 2016

OBJECTIVE

The roles of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in the development of carotid plaque are still obscure. This study aimed to clarify this by assessing the histological findings of specimens obtained from carotid endarterectomy.

METHODS

This study included 34 patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy. MR imaging was performed to semiquantitatively analyze the components of the carotid plaques in all patients. The surgical specimens were subjected to immunohistochemistry. The distributions of the CD34-, CD133-, VEGF-2R–positive cells in the carotid plaques were precisely analyzed, and their number was quantified. Simultaneously, the CD34-positive microvessels were localized.

RESULTS

The plaque component was judged as lipid-rich plaque in 19 patients, intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) in 11 patients, and fibrous plaque in 4 patients. The CD34-positive microvessels were densely distributed in the plaque shoulder and interface-to-media regions. The CD34-, CD133-, and VEGF-2R–positive cells were mainly localized around the CD34-positive microvessels. The number of CD34-positive microvessels significantly correlated with the number of CD34-, CD133-, and VEGF-2R–positive cells (R = 0.308, p = 0.009; R = 0.324, p = 0.006; and R = 0.296, p = 0.013, respectively). Vulnerable plaques (lipid-rich and IPH) had significantly higher numbers of the CD34-positive microvessels (p = 0.007) and CD34-, CD133-, and VEGF-2R–positive cells than fibrous plaques (p = 0.031, p = 0.013, and p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings strongly suggest that neovascularization in the plaque shoulder and interface-to-media regions may play a key role in delivering EPCs from the peripheral blood to the carotid plaque, promoting the growth of carotid plaque. Furthermore, the invaded EPCs, especially the CD133-positive immature EPCs, may be related to plaque vulnerability.