bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Additive Percent Influence on “Warm Mix” Behavior
Authors: Răcănel Carmen , Burlacu Adrian
Published: February 2015

The benefits of WMA technologies include reduced fuel usage and emissions in support of sustainable development, improved field compaction, which can facilitate longer haul distances and cool weather pavement, and better working conditions. Since this is a relatively new technology, it is necessary to determine the behavior and the performances of this type of asphalt mixture depending on additive percent.

These technologies tend to reduce the viscosity of the asphalt and provide for the complete coating of aggregates at lower temperatures. WMA is produced at temperatures 20 to 30°C lower than typical hot-mix asphalt (HMA).

The paper presents the results obtained in the Road Laboratory of Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest on an asphalt mixture with fibers (MASF16) prepared according to the “warm mix” technology with chemical additive. Different percent of additive are used in laboratory to draw up the “master curves” of asphalt mixture obtained by 4PB-PR stiffness modulus results.
One-dimensional cyanide- and fumarate-bridged heteronuclear complex, poly[μ-fumaratotetraaminedizinc(II)di-μ-cyanodicyanonickel(II) dihydrate]
Authors: Sayın Elvan , Kürkçüoğlu Güneş Süheyla , Yeşilel Okan Zafer , Hökelek Tuncer
Published: February 2015

Cyanide- and fumarate-bridged bimetallic complex, poly[μ-fumaratotetraaminedizinc(II)di-μ-cyanodicyanonickel(II) dihydrate], {[Zn2(μ-fum)(NH3)4Ni(μ-CN)2(CN)2]·2H2O}n (1) (H2fum = Fumaric acid) was synthesized and structurally characterized by vibrational (FT-IR and Raman) spectroscopy, single crystal X-ray diffraction and elemental and thermal analyses techniques. The structure of the complex consists of a one-dimensional polymeric chain, in which the Zn(II) and Ni(II) ions are linked by CN groups. The Ni(II) ion is four coordinated with four cyanide-carbon atoms in a square planar arrangement and the Zn(II) ions are four coordinated with one cyanide nitrogen atom, two amine nitrogen atoms and one fumarate oxygen atom, in a distorted tetrahedral arrangement. In the complex, the adjacent chains are connected by strong O–H···O, O–H···N, N–H···O and N–H···N hydrogen bonding interactions to form a three dimensional network.
The equiatomic intermetallics REPtCd (RE
= La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Eu) and magnetic properties of CeAuCd
Authors: Johnscher Michael , Tappe Frank , Niehaus Oliver , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: February 2015

The cadmium intermetallics REPtCd (RE = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Eu) and CeAuCd were synthesized by induction-melting of the elements in sealed niobium ampoules followed by annealing in muffle furnaces. The samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction. The structures of CePtCd (ZrNiAl type,

P

6
¯

2
m
,

$P\bar 62m,$

a = 763.8(6), c = 409.1(4) pm, wR2 = 0.0195, 298 F
2 values, 14 variables) and EuPtCd (TiNiSi type, Pnma, a = 741.3(2), b = 436.4(1), c = 858.0(4) pm, wR2 = 0.0385, 440 F
2 values, 20 variables) were refined from single-crystal data. The REPtCd structures exhibit three-dimensional networks of corner- and edge-sharing Cd@Pt2/6Pt2/3 and Cd@Pt4/4 tetrahedra, which leave cages for the rare earth atoms. Temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility data of CeAuCd reveal a paramagnetic to antiferromagnetic phase transition at T
N = 3.7(5) K.
The High-Temperature Transformation from 1T- to 3R-Li
x
TiS2 (x = 0.7, 0.9) as Observed in situ with Neutron Powder Diffraction
Authors: Wiedemann Dennis , Nakhal Suliman , Senyshyn Anatoliy , Bredow Thomas , Lerch Martin
Published: February 2015

Layered titanium disulfide is used as lithium-ion intercalating
electrode material in batteries. The room-temperature stable trigonal
1T polymorphs of the intercalates Li
x
TiS2(x ≤ 1) are widely-investigated. However, the rombohedral 3R polymorphs,
being stable at higher temperatures for large x, are less well
known. In this study, we report on the synthesis of phase-pure
1T-Li
x
TiS2(x = 0.7,   0.9) and its
transformation to the 3R phase between 673 and 873 K
as monitored using high-temperature neutron powder diffractometry. For
the 3R polymorph, full Rietveld refinements show lithium ions to
be statistically distributed over octahedral voids at the fractional
coordinates 0, 0, 1/2 ,
exclusively. The comparison of Madelung energies with results of
periodic quantum-chemical calculations reveals that the evolution of
lattice parameters and the room-temperature stability of the 1T phase
are not governed by electrostatics, but by correlation and
polarization. The insights gained do not only elucidate the structure
of 3R-Li
x
TiS2, but also help to understand and
control polymorphism in layered transition-metal sulfides.
Defining Poor-Pitch Singing
Authors: Bella Simone Dalla
Published: February 2015

Important individual differences characterize singing in adult nonmusicians. In spite of the fact that the majority can carry a tune, some occasional singers are particularly inaccurate or imprecise in producing or imitating pitch (poor-pitch singers). Poor-pitch singing can be defined via acoustical analyses of vocal performances. In spite of the objective nature of this method, however, to date there is not a standard strategy for identifying and describing poor-pitch singers. Different tasks (e.g., singing from memory vs. imitation), cut-offs (50 cents, 100 cents, vs. variable criteria), and metrics (e.g., accuracy vs. precision) are typically used for assessing singing proficiency. Here the pros and cons of different methods and measurements are discussed. The boundary between poor-pitch singing and good singing depends on these factors, which should be carefully taken into account when assessing singing abilities. An approach based on multiple tasks sharing a common set of measures of singing accuracy and precision, with a relative cut-off (i.e., 2 SD from the average of a normative group) is favored for identifying poor-pitch singers.
The Relationship Between Children’s Use of Singing Voice and Singing Accuracy
Authors: Rutkowski Joanne
Published: February 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate the nature of the relationship between children’s use of singing voice (vocal register) and singing accuracy. In previous studies recorded examples of kindergartners’ (n = 37) and first graders’ (n = 38) singing were assessed with the Singing Voice Development Measure. For this study, these recorded examples were also evaluated for accuracy by two different raters. There was a significant correlation between children’s use of singing voice and singing accuracy, but no significant relationship for either variable with tonal aptitude as measured by Intermediate Measures of Music Audiation. When children’s accuracy was assessed based on their usable register, the influence of register on accuracy was very small suggesting that the relationship between vocal development and accuracy is a function of children’s access to, and control of, a wider singing range. Teachers interested in improving singing accuracy in their students are encouraged to work with them on expanding their usable vocal registers.
Recurrent pituitary apoplexy due to two successive neoplasms presenting with ocular paresis and epistaxis
Authors: Teasdale Stephanie , Hashem Fahid , Olson Sarah , Ong Benjamin , Inder Warrick J
Published: February 2015

A case of recurrent pituitary apoplexy is described in a 72-year-old man who initially presented with haemorrhage in a non-functioning pituitary adenoma. Five years later, he re-presented with a severe pituitary haemorrhage in an enlarging sellar mass invading both cavernous sinuses causing epistaxis and bilateral ocular paresis. Subsequent histology was consistent with a sellar malignant spindle and round cell neoplasm. Multiple pituitary tumours have previously been reported to coexist in the same individual, but to our knowledge this is the only case where two pathologically distinct pituitary neoplasms have sequentially arisen in a single patient. This case is also notable with respect to the progressive ocular paresis, including bilateral abducens nerve palsies, and the presentation with epistaxis.

Learning points

Ocular paresis in pituitary apoplexy can result from tumour infiltration of nerves, or by indirect compression via increased intrasellar pressure.

Epistaxis is a very rare presentation of a pituitary lesion.

Epistaxis more commonly occurs following trans-sphenoidal surgery, and can be delayed.
Low female birth weight and advanced maternal age programme alterations in next-generation blastocyst development
Authors: Master Jordanna S , Thouas George A , Harvey Alexandra J , Sheedy John R , Hannan Natalie J , Gardner David K , Wlodek Mary E
Published: February 2015

Low birth weight is associated with an increased risk for adult disease development with recent studies highlighting transmission to subsequent generations. However, the mechanisms and timing of programming of disease transmission to the next generation remain unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of low birth weight and advanced maternal age on second-generation preimplantation blastocysts. Uteroplacental insufficiency or sham surgery was performed in late-gestation WKY pregnant rats, giving rise to first-generation (F1) restricted (born small) and control offspring respectively. F1 control and restricted females, at 4 or 12 months of age, were naturally mated with normal males. Second-generation (F2) blastocysts from restricted females displayed reduced expression of genes related to growth compared with F2 control (P<0.05). Following 24 h culture, F2 restricted blastocysts had accelerated development, with increased total cell number, a result of increased trophectoderm cells compared with control (P<0.05). There were alterations in carbohydrate and serine utilisation in F2 restricted blastocysts and F2 restricted outgrowths from 4-month-old females respectively (P<0.05). F2 blastocysts from aged restricted females were developmentally delayed at retrieval, with reduced total cell number attributable to reduced trophectoderm number with changes in carbohydrate utilisation (P<0.05). Advanced maternal age resulted in alterations in a number of amino acids in media obtained from F2 blastocyst outgrowths (P<0.05). These findings demonstrate that growth restriction and advanced maternal age can alter F2 preimplantation embryo physiology and the subsequent offspring growth.
Scanning the Effects of Ethyl Methanesulfonate on the Whole Genome of Lotus japonicus Using Second-Generation Sequencing Analysis
Authors: Mohd-Yusoff Nur Fatihah , Ruperao Pradeep , Tomoyoshi Nurain Emylia , Edwards David , Gresshoff Peter M , Biswas Bandana , Batley Jacqueline
Published: February 2015

Genetic structure can be altered by chemical mutagenesis, which is a common method applied in molecular biology and genetics. Second-generation sequencing provides a platform to reveal base alterations occurring in the whole genome due to mutagenesis. A model legume, Lotus japonicus ecotype Miyakojima, was chemically mutated with alkylating ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) for the scanning of DNA lesions throughout the genome. Using second-generation sequencing, two individually mutated third-generation progeny (M3, named AM and AS) were sequenced and analyzed to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms and reveal the effects of EMS on nucleotide sequences in these mutant genomes. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms were found in every 208 kb (AS) and 202 kb (AM) with a bias mutation of G/C-to-A/T changes at low percentage. Most mutations were intergenic. The mutation spectrum of the genomes was comparable in their individual chromosomes; however, each mutated genome has unique alterations, which are useful to identify causal mutations for their phenotypic changes. The data obtained demonstrate that whole genomic sequencing is applicable as a high-throughput tool to investigate genomic changes due to mutagenesis. The identification of these single-point mutations will facilitate the identification of phenotypically causative mutations in EMS-mutated germplasm.
Increased Prediction Accuracy in Wheat Breeding Trials Using a Marker × Environment Interaction Genomic Selection Model
Authors: Lopez-Cruz Marco , Crossa Jose , Bonnett David , Dreisigacker Susanne , Poland Jesse , Jannink Jean-Luc , Singh Ravi P , Autrique Enrique , de los Campos Gustavo
Published: February 2015

Genomic selection (GS) models use genome-wide genetic information to predict genetic values of candidates of selection. Originally, these models were developed without considering genotype × environment interaction(G×E). Several authors have proposed extensions of the single-environment GS model that accommodate G×E using either covariance functions or environmental covariates. In this study, we model G×E using a marker × environment interaction (M×E) GS model; the approach is conceptually simple and can be implemented with existing GS software. We discuss how the model can be implemented by using an explicit regression of phenotypes on markers or using co-variance structures (a genomic best linear unbiased prediction-type model). We used the M×E model to analyze three CIMMYT wheat data sets (W1, W2, and W3), where more than 1000 lines were genotyped using genotyping-by-sequencing and evaluated at CIMMYT’s research station in Ciudad Obregon, Mexico, under simulated environmental conditions that covered different irrigation levels, sowing dates and planting systems. We compared the M×E model with a stratified (i.e., within-environment) analysis and with a standard (across-environment) GS model that assumes that effects are constant across environments (i.e., ignoring G×E). The prediction accuracy of the M×E model was substantially greater of that of an across-environment analysis that ignores G×E. Depending on the prediction problem, the M×E model had either similar or greater levels of prediction accuracy than the stratified analyses. The M×E model decomposes marker effects and genomic values into components that are stable across environments (main effects) and others that are environment-specific (interactions). Therefore, in principle, the interaction model could shed light over which variants have effects that are stable across environments and which ones are responsible for G×E. The data set and the scripts required to reproduce the analysis are publicly available as Supporting Information.
Motivational Interviewing With Parents for Obesity: An RCT
Authors: Pakpour Amir H. , Gellert Paul , Dombrowski Stephan U. , Fridlund Bengt
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Motivational interviewing (MI) has been shown to be an effective strategy for targeting obesity in adolescents, and parental involvement is associated with increased effectiveness. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the role of parental involvement in MI interventions for obese adolescents.

METHODS:

A total of 357 Iranian adolescents (aged 14–18 years) were randomized to receive an MI intervention or an MI intervention with parental involvement (MI + PI) or assessments only (passive control). Data regarding anthropometric, biochemical, psychosocial, and behavioral measures were collected at baseline and 12 months later. A series of intention-to-treat, 2-way repeated-measures analysis of covariance were performed to examine group differences in change in outcomes measures over the 12-month follow-up period.

RESULTS:

Results revealed significant effects on most of the outcome parameters for MI + PI (eg, mean ± SD BMI z score: 2.58 ± 0.61) compared with the passive control group (2.76 ± 0.70; post hoc test, P = .02), as well as an additional superiority of MI + PI compared with MI only (2.81 ± 0.76; post hoc test, P = .05). This pattern was also shown for most of the anthropometric, biochemical, psychometric, and behavioral outcome variables.

CONCLUSIONS:

MI with parental involvement is an effective strategy in changing obesity-related outcomes and has additional effects beyond MI with adolescents only. These findings might be important when administering MI interventions in school settings.
Successful Treatment of an Adolescent With Naegleria fowleri Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis
Authors: Linam W. Matthew , Ahmed Mubbasheer , Cope Jennifer R. , Chu Craig , Visvesvara Govinda S. , da Silva Alexandre J. , Qvarnstrom Yvonne , Green Jerril
Published: February 2015

Naegleria fowleri is a thermophilic, free-living ameba that causes primary amebic meningoencephalitis. The infections are nearly always fatal. We present the third well-documented survivor of this infection in North America. The patient’s survival most likely resulted from a variety of factors: early identification and treatment, use of a combination of antimicrobial agents (including miltefosine), and management of elevated intracranial pressure based on the principles of traumatic brain injury.
Utility of Symptoms to Predict Treatment Outcomes in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: Rosen Carol L. , Wang Rui , Taylor H. Gerry , Marcus Carole L. , Katz Eliot S. , Paruthi Shalini , Arens Raanan , Muzumdar Hiren , Garetz Susan L. , Mitchell Ron B. , Jones Dwight , Weng Jia , Ellenberg Susan , Redline Susan , Chervin Ronald D.
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Polysomnography defines the pathophysiology of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) but does not predict some important comorbidities or their response to adenotonsillectomy. We assessed whether OSAS symptoms, as reflected on the Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders Scale of the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ), may offer clinical predictive value.

METHODS:

Baseline and 7-month follow-up data were analyzed from 185 participants (aged 5–9 years with polysomnographically confirmed OSAS) in the surgical treatment arm of the multicenter Childhood Adenotonsillectomy Trial. Associations were assessed between baseline PSQ or polysomnographic data and baseline morbidity (executive dysfunction, behavior, quality of life, sleepiness) or postsurgical improvement.

RESULTS:

At baseline, each 1-SD increase in baseline PSQ score was associated with an adjusted odds ratio that was ∼3 to 4 times higher for behavioral morbidity, 2 times higher for reduced global quality of life, 6 times higher for reduced disease-specific quality of life, and 2 times higher for sleepiness. Higher baseline PSQ scores (greater symptom burden) also predicted postsurgical improvement in parent ratings of executive functioning, behavior, quality of life, and sleepiness. In contrast, baseline polysomnographic data did not independently predict these morbidities or their postsurgical improvement. Neither PSQ nor polysomnographic data were associated with objectively assessed executive dysfunction or improvement at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS:

PSQ symptom items, in contrast to polysomnographic results, reflect subjective measures of OSAS-related impairment of behavior, quality of life, and sleepiness and predict their improvement after adenotonsillectomy. Although objective polysomnography is needed to diagnose OSAS, the symptoms obtained during an office visit can offer adjunctive insight into important comorbidities and likely surgical responses.
Mental Health of Extremely Low Birth Weight Survivors in Their 30s
Authors: Van Lieshout Ryan J. , Boyle Michael H. , Saigal Saroj , Morrison Katherine , Schmidt Louis A.
Published: February 2015

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the risk for psychiatric disorders among extremely low birth weight (ELBW) survivors in their early to mid-30s and to determine whether those born small for gestational age or those exposed to a full course of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) were at particularly high risk.

METHODS:

A prospective, longitudinal, population-based cohort of 84 ELBW survivors and 90 normal birth weight (NBW) control participants born in Ontario, Canada from 1977 to 1982 were assessed by interviewers naive to birth weight status using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview.

RESULTS:

ELBW survivors had lower odds of an alcohol or substance use disorder but higher odds of current non–substance-related psychiatric problems (odds ratio [OR] = 2.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19–5.14). Those born ELBW and SGA exhibited the same patterns with larger effects. ACS-exposed ELBW survivors had even higher odds of any current non–substance-related psychiatric disorder (OR = 4.41; 95% CI, 1.65–11.82), particularly generalized anxiety disorder (OR = 3.42; 95% CI, 1.06–11.06), the generalized type of social phobia (OR = 5.80; 95% CI, 1.20–27.99), and the inattentive subtype of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (OR = 11.45; 95% CI, 2.06–63.50).

CONCLUSIONS:

In their early to mid-30s, ELBW survivors were less likely to have alcohol or substance use disorders but may be at greater risk for other psychiatric problems. Those exposed to ACS were at especially high risk and manifested no reduction in alcohol or substance use disorders. ELBW survivors exposed to ACS may be a special group at risk for psychopathology in adulthood.
Enhanced Signal Micro-Raman Study of SiGe Nanowires and SiGe/Si Nanowire Axial Heterojunctions Grown Using Au and Ga-Au Catalysts
Authors: Anaya J. , Torres A. , Jiménez J. , Prieto C. , Rodríguez A. , Rodríguez T. , Ballesteros C.
Published: February 2015

MicroRaman spectroscopy was used for the characterization of heterostructured SiGe/Si nanowires. The NWs were grown with alloyed AuGa catalysts droplets with different Ga compositions aiming to make more abrupt heterojunctions. The heterojunctions were first characterized by TEM; then the NWs were scanned by the laser beam in order to probe the heterojunction. The capability of the MicroRaman spectroscopy for studying the heterojunction is discussed. The results show that the use of catalysts with lower Ge and Si solubility (AuGa alloys) permits to achieve more abrupt junctions.
Irlandzki Senat i nieudana próba jego zniesienia
Authors: Danel Łukasz
Published: February 2015

The article discusses the Senate of the Republic of Ireland and a referendum campaign held regarding a government proposal aimed at abolishing the second chamber of the Irish parliament. This chamber is said to be one of the most bizarre second chambers that exist within European bicameral assemblies. It is the unique method it employs to create its membership that causes it to be regarded as strange. This method has somewhat incapacitated the senate as an institution of power within the Irish political system that additionally reinforces the governmental majority. The article presents, synthetically, the most important information about the Irish Senate and its powers. It also describes the political and economic circumstances that led to a referendum on the abolition of this chamber of parliament. It shows the arguments of both sides of the dispute over the necessity of such a constitutional reform, the course of the referendum campaign as well as the results of the referendum.
Alternative Techniques to Remove Fractured Instrument Fragments from the Apical Third of Root Canals: Report of Two Cases
Authors: Brito-Júnior Manoel , Normanha João Américo , Camilo Carla Cristina , Faria-e-Silva André Luis , Saquy Paulo César , Ferraz Maria Ãngela Arêa Leão , Silva-Sousa Yara Teresinha Correa
Published: February 2015

This paper describes two cases of instrument fragment removal from the apical thirds of root canals using a customized extractor and a modified needle technique, respectively. In case 1, a customized extractor was manufactured to remove a bur fragment located in the apical root canal of a maxillary central incisor. The use of this extractor enabled successful and conservative removal of the instrument fragment. In case 2, a modified injection needle was used as a trepan to gain access around an instrument fragment located in the curved apical portion of the mesiobuccal canal of a mandibular molar. A segment of steel wire was inserted into the needle lumen to engage the metallic fragment, enabling its removal with counter-clockwise rotation and a simultaneous pull-out motion. Alternative and creative methods are useful for the management of intracanal metallic fragments during root canal treatment.
Geoestatística para a avaliação do controle ambiental do sistema de ventilação em instalações comerciais para frangos de corte
Authors: Curi Thayla M. R. de C. , Vercellino Rimena do A. , Massari Juliana M. , Souza Zigomar M. , Moura Daniella J. de
Published: February 2015

O sistema de ventilação e de resfriamento utilizado em instalações para frangos de corte desempenha um papel importante no controle ambiental, possibilitando que a ave expresse seu potencial máximo de produção. Nesse sentido, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar, por meio da geoestatística, a influência do sistema de ventilação e das diferentes tipologias construtivas em relação ao ambiente térmico e aéreo em aviários de frangos de corte na fase final de criação. Os aviários avaliados com sistema de ventilação artificial de pressão negativa, por meio de exaustores, foram: Blue House com nebulizadores na entrada de ar e vedação de cortinas; Dark House com painel evaporativo (tijolo cerâmico) e vedação de cortinas e Solid Wall com painel evaporativo (celulose) e vedação de alvenaria. Os atributos avaliados foram: temperatura, umidade relativa, velocidade do ar, concentração de dióxido de carbono e amônia, durante o período de verão às 14h, em 52 pontos equidistantes, no interior do aviário. Os dados foram avaliados pela análise estatística e geoestatística. A análise geoestatística apresentou-se como ferramenta eficiente para a avaliação da distribuição das condições ambientais nos aviários, e a presença ou não do painel evaporativo influenciou na condição padrão de funcionamento do sistema de ventilação.
Effects of Aminopyralid on California Annual Grassland Plant Communities
Authors: DiTomaso Joseph M. , Kyser Guy B.
Published: February 2015

Aminopyralid is the most commonly used herbicide for the control of yellow starthistle and other invasive thistles in annual grasslands of California. Although the effects of aminopyralid on native plant communities over a 2-yr period have been evaluated in prairies dominated by perennial species in the northern central states, similar evaluations have not been conducted in grassland communities of California, which are generally composed of a high diversity of native and nonnative annual species. In this study we monitored the effects of 53 and 123 g ae aminopyralid ha−1on individual species cover and species richness over three growing seasons in two locations on California annual grassland. Treated plots were compared to untreated plots in randomized complete-block designs. Results were largely consistent between the two trials. In the first season after treatment, both rates of aminopyralid reduced dicot cover significantly, particularly members of the Asteraceae and Fabaceae. Treated plots also showed reduced species richness. However, these differences were less pronounced in the second season after treatment, particularly at the low rate. By the third season after treatment in both sites, there were no longer any significant effects on cover or species richness at the low herbicide rate. On California annual grasslands, winter applications of low rates of aminopyralid have been shown to give excellent control of yellow starthistle, providing long-term benefits to grassland ecosystems. Results of the current study suggest that negative impacts of aminopyralid on the desirable native forb community are transitory.
Leaf Litter Decomposition of Nonnative Shrub Species in Nonnative and Native Shrub Environments: A Field Experiment with Three Rosaceae Shrubs
Authors: Lanta Vojtěch , Hyvönen Terho , Norrdahl Kai
Published: February 2015

Invasion by nonnative plants may have ecosystem-wide effects, altering the decomposition rate of plant material via changes in litter quality or altered environment (abiotic conditions, associated biotic community), or both. Yet, the relative importance of these factors for decomposition rates is not clear. We studied decomposition using the leaves of related shrub species (nonnativeSorbaria sorbifoliaandRosa rugosa, nativeRubus idaeus) with comparable physiognomy but different leaf characteristics and origin (alien vs. native) in patches formed byS. sorbifoliaandRubus idaeusin southwestern Finland. Decomposition of cellulose in the topsoils of the patches was also studied. Using litter bags, we found thatS. sorbifolialeaf litter decomposed slowest andRosa rugosaleaves fastest irrespective of patch type. Topsoils inS. sorbifoliapatches were richer in carbon, nitrogen, and calcium than those ofRubus idaeus, but these differences did not affect decomposition rates. Very little decomposition appeared to happen during the winter but during the summer, microclimate had minor but significant effects on decomposition rates. Our results highlight the key role of litter source in the decomposition of plant material. Between-patch differences in abiotic conditions appear to play a minor role relative to litter quality.
Ecological Characteristics of Ventenata dubia in the Intermountain Pacific Northwest
Authors: Wallace John M. , Pavek Pamela L. S. , Prather Timothy S.
Published: February 2015

Ventenata dubia is an exotic winter annual grass that has invaded Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands, improved pastures, intensively managed hay fields, and rangelands within the Intermountain Pacific Northwest (PNW). Currently, producers are attempting to develop V. dubia management strategies with little knowledge of its life history traits. We conducted several studies to characterize V. dubia life history patterns. Preliminary germination trials were completed to describe primary and secondary dormancy characteristics. Field studies were conducted to evaluate (1) seed bank persistence patterns, (2) seedling emergence patterns under V. dubia litter, and (3) seedling emergence and phenological development patterns within timothy hay, CRP, and rangeland habitats. Preliminary germination trials suggest that the after-ripening period required for loss of dormancy does not exceed 30 d and that dormancy breakdown peaks at approximately 90 d, after which germination occurs over a wide range of temperatures (9 to 29 C). A small fraction (< 1%) of the seed bank remained germinable up to 3 yr after burial at 2 cm depth in a grassland habitat. Seedling emergence and survival was significantly greater under high V. dubia litter layers (100% cover) compared with bare surface during the drier study year because of higher soil moisture levels maintained under litter. Across habitat types, mean seedling emergence (50% of total) occurred between 33 and 94 growing degree days (GDD) after soil moisture rose above the permanent wilting point in the fall. Seedling emergence periodicity varied among habitat types in relation to spring seedling emergence, ranging from 0 to 13% of total emergence per year. Phenological development differed across sites and years by up to several hundred GDDs but was closely aligned to Julian days. This collection of studies improves our understanding of V. dubia life history traits and will aid integrated weed management strategies in the Intermountain PNW.
Russian-olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) Biology and Ecology and its Potential to Invade Northern North American Riparian Ecosystems
Authors: Collette Liana K. D. , Pither Jason
Published: February 2015

Russian-olive is a small tree or large multistemmed shrub that was introduced to Canada and the United States from Eurasia in the early 1900s. It was provisioned in large numbers during the last century to prairie farmers as a shelterbelt plant and remains a popular and widely available ornamental. Now invasive within some riparian ecosystems in the western United States, Russian-olive has been declared noxious in the states of Colorado and New Mexico. With traits including high shade tolerance and a symbiotic association with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, Russian-olive has the potential to dominate riparian vegetation and thus radically transform riparian ecosystems. Especially alarming is its capacity to influence nutrient dynamics within aquatic food webs. Our objective is to draw attention to Russian-olive as a potential threat to riparian ecosystems within Canada, especially in the southwest, where invasion is becoming commonplace. We review what is known about its biology and about the threats it poses to native organisms and ecosystems, and we summarize management and control efforts that are currently underway. We conclude by proposing a research agenda aimed at clarifying whether and how Russian-olive poses a threat to riparian ecosystems within western Canada.
Influence of Intensity and Duration of Invasion by Amur Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) on Mixed Hardwood Forests of Indiana
Authors: Shields Joshua M. , Jenkins Michael A. , Saunders Michael R. , Gibson Kevin D. , Zollner Patrick A. , Dunning John B.
Published: February 2015

The expansion of populations of invasive species continues to compromise the ecological and economic integrity of our natural resources. The negative effects of invasive species on native biota are widely reported. However, less is known about how the duration (i.e., age of oldest invaders) and intensity (i.e., density and percent cover) of an invasion influences native plant diversity and abundance at the microsite scale. We examined the influence of density, percent cover, and age of Amur honeysuckle (a nonnative invasive shrub), and several environmental factors on native plant taxa at 12 mixed hardwood forests in Indiana, USA. Overall, study sites with the greatest taxonomic diversity (Shannon's Diversity; H′), richness (S), percent cover, and density of native vegetation also had the lowest percent cover of Amur honeysuckle in the upper vertical stratum (1.01 to 5 m). Based on linear mixed model analyses, percent cover of Amur honeysuckle in the upper vertical stratum was consistently and negatively correlated with H′, S, total percent cover, and woody seedling density of native taxa at the microsite scale (P < 0.05). Duration of Amur honeysuckle at the microsite scale was not significant when percent cover of Amur honeysuckle in the upper vertical stratum was included in models. However, duration of Amur honeysuckle invasion was significantly correlated with dependent variables and with upper-stratum honeysuckle cover, suggesting that older Amur honeysuckle in a microsite resulted in greater light competition from above for native understory plant species. Beyond increased cover and shading, our results do not provide evidence of duration-related effects from long-term dominance of honeysuckle in our sampled mixed hardwood forest sites.
Likelihood of Soybean Cyst Nematode (Heterodera glycines) Reproduction on Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule) Roots in Nebraska
Authors: Werle Rodrigo , Giesler Loren J. , Bernards Mark L. , Lindquist John L.
Published: February 2015

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is a major soybean yield–limiting disease in the United States. Henbit, a winter annual species common to no-till fields in the midwestern United States, is known to act as an alternative host for SCN. A simulation was performed to estimate how likely SCN was to reproduce on henbit roots during a 30-yr period in two important soybean production areas of Nebraska. Simulations were conducted using published information on henbit seedling emergence, SCN reproduction on henbit roots, and SCN response to soil temperature. Results indicate that SCN would be able to complete one generation on henbit roots under Nebraska conditions. The SCN reproductive cycle was not likely to be completed before the winter in south central Nebraska, but one SCN generation was predicted to be completed in the fall in 2 out of 30 simulation years (7% likelihood) in southeast Nebraska. Based on our predictions, to reduce the chances of SCN population build-up in the absence of its main host (soybean), weed management in fields infested with both henbit and SCN should be completed after crop harvest in the fall when most henbit seedlings have emerged and are growing but the SCN developing on henbit roots have not yet achieved full maturity in Nebraska.
Review of FRP decks: structural and in-service performance
Authors: Mara Valbona , Haghani Reza
Published: February 2015

In the past two decades, fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) bridge decks have attracted a great deal of attention for applications in the refurbishment of existing bridges and for the construction of new bridges. FRP decks are lighter, more corrosion resistant and easier to install than conventional concrete decks. A considerable amount of research effort has been devoted to FRP decks and numerous bridges have been rehabilitated or constructed using these decks. This paper presents a review of the structural and field performance of FRP decks. The latest research and current practices have been synthesised, and several experts and practitioners have been consulted. Aspects related to the structural behaviour of steel bridges with FRP decks, including fatigue performance, composite action between the deck and underlying girders, the performance of various connections as well as observed failure modes are reviewed and summarised. This paper concludes by identifying areas for further research.
El concepto de zona de desarrollo próximo: un instrumento psicológico para mejorar su propia práctica pedagógica
Authors: Venet Michèle , Correa Molina Enrique
Published: February 2015

La formación por competencias exige que las universidades traten no solamente de las teorías que apoyan las diferentes visiones de la educación y de la enseñanza, sino también de sus aplicaciones contextualizadas en las escuelas. Más aún, se espera que durante su formación los estudiantes sean capaces de integrar la teoría con la práctica. Sin embargo, esta integración constituye una dificultad para ellos. En ese sentido, algunos autores proponen la práctica reflexiva como herramienta de integración teoría-práctica. Así, pensamos que el concepto vygotskiano de zona de desarrollo próximo podría ser utilizado como un instrumento psicológico susceptible de favorecer la reflexión sobre la práctica de las estudiantes de nuestro programa de Licenciatura en Adaptación Escolar y Social de la Université de Sherbrooke, Canadá. Para verificar nuestra hipótesis, trabajamos con 20 estudiantes de esta licenciatura su práctica según el concepto de ZDP. Nuestros resultados muestran que este concepto constituye un instrumento psicológico eficaz para favorecer la integración teoría-práctica.
Estudio exploratorio del bullying en Medellín
Authors: González Rodríguez Viviana , Mariaca Patiño Jorge Iván , Arias Tobón Jacinta Lucía
Published: February 2015

Este es un estudio exploratorio sobre el acoso escolar (o bullying) entre estudiantes de Medellín. Para adelantarlo se realizaron 3.373 encuestas virtuales en 36 centros de educación básica secundaria y media, con el fin de identificar la presencia del fenómeno del acoso escolar y de establecer las formas específicas de su manifestación teniendo en cuenta edad, género y grado escolar. Los resultados demostraron la presencia de bullying en el 37,6% de los estudiantes encuestados, expresado en comportamientos de intimidación o agresión verbal, física y psicológica en estudiantes de ambos géneros, de todos los grados escolares. La forma de agresión de mayor frecuencia es la verbal y la psicológica, y estas suceden usualmente en presencia de pares y docentes en el aula de clase. Las principales formas de denominación de los estudiantes que ejercen bullying son agresor y abusador.
Evaluación psicológica de la comunicación relacional no verbal
Authors: Sánchez-Aragón Rozzana
Published: February 2015

La comunicación relacional representa el principal mecanismo de interacción entre los miembros de una relación cercana, por lo que en sus dos vías (verbal y no-verbal) contribuye a desarrollar un vínculo ya sea de intimidad o de hostilidad entre sus miembros. La comunicación no verbal, por su carácter complejo, no ha sido fácil o frecuentemente operacionalizada (p. e., Burgoon y Hale, 1987; Kahn, 1970; Riggio, 2006) y aún menos en el contexto de la cultura mexicana, la cual se caracteriza por el gran peso que tienen las relaciones personales (Díaz, 1994). Por lo anterior, el propósito del presente estudio fue desarrollar y validar dos autorreportes desde la visión del participante con respecto a los mensajes recibidos a partir del comportamiento no verbal de su pareja. Para ello, se trabajó con una muestra no probabilística de 367 adultos de la Ciudad de México con pareja, quienes respondieron a la “Escala de comunicación no verbal - percepción” y la “Escala de comunicación no verbal - interpretación”. Los resultados mostraron dos medidas válidas y confiables cuyos factores se apoyan fuertemente en la literatura sobre relaciones personales y comunicación.
Estrategias de afrontamiento y estilos parentales en madres de niños con y sin trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad
Authors: González Rocío , Bakker Liliana , Rubiales Josefina
Published: February 2015

El objetivo del presente estudio consiste en comparar las estrategias de afrontamiento y el estilo parental de madres de niños con y sin diagnóstico de trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad (TDAH). La muestra se conformó en dos grupos: un grupo de madres con un hijo con diagnóstico de TDAH (n=14) y un grupo control (n=35). El abordaje metodológico se realizó por medio de la aplicación de dos escalas que evalúan estilos educativos parentales y del Cuestionario de Afrontamiento del Estrés (CAE) diseñado para evaluar siete estilos básicos de afrontamiento. Los resultados muestran diferencias en la percepción de los estilos parentales de las madres de niños con TDAH en comparación con el grupo control, manifestando mayor crítica, menor expresión afectiva y comportamientos educativos más rígidos. Si bien no se observan diferencias significativas entre los grupos en cuanto a las estrategias de afrontamiento utilizadas, sí se evidencia una tendencia a utilizar en mayor medida estrategias de afrontamiento racional y emocional en madres de niños con TDAH. Identificar el estilo parental más funcional y las estrategias de afrontamiento al estrés más efectivas para estas madres tiene una implicación directa sobre el tratamiento del trastorno ya que podrían jugar un rol importante en el curso de la enfermedad de su hijo.
Propuesta educativa para la salud del paciente con diabetes mellitus tipo 2
Authors: Rodríguez-Campuzano María de Lourdes , Rentería-Rodríguez Antonia , Rosales-Arellano Antonio , Rodríguez-Soriano Norma Yolanda
Published: February 2015

La psicología de la salud se aboca al estudio de aquellos procesos psicológicos que participan en el proceso salud-enfermedad. Comprende un plano amplio de actividades: promoción de la salud, prevención de enfermedades, atención tanto de enfermos como de personas con diversas secuelas de enfermedades y de igual manera interviene en la adecuación de los servicios de salud a las necesidades de los que los reciben. Dada la prevalencia de personas con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en el mundo, las afecciones y la calidad de vida de quien padece esta enfermedad se han convertido en un problema de salud pública que debe ser atendido con seriedad. Si bien es cierto que la atención de la diabetes le atañe a los profesionales y a las instituciones encargados de esa dimensión, sumar esfuerzos en un nivel multidisciplinario debe favorecer en gran medida la solución o mejora de esa condición, por lo que la psicología, como generadora de conocimiento susceptible de ser aplicado, se agrega desde su dimensión al equipo de trabajo. El objetivo de esta investigación fue diseñar una propuesta educativa fundamentada en el modelo psicológico de la salud biológica (Ribes, 1990) para promover conductas de prevención en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2.
Triangulating a Modernization Experiment: The United States, France and the Making of the Kossou Project in Central Ivory Coast
Authors: Bamba Abou B.
Published: February 2015

Triangulating a Modernization Experiment: The United States, France and the Making of the Kossou Project in Central Ivory Coast

This article attempts to analyse the complex history of the post-war modernization drives in Francophone Africa. It focuses on the damming of the Bandama River in central Ivory Coast. Adopting a transnational historical approach, I argue that the making of the Kossou damming experiment necessitated the importation of regional planning à la Tennessee Valley Administration, i.e., modernization in the style of the New Deal. While such US-inflected modernization approach informed the Bandama project, it was, mediated through the expertise of French development workers and social scientists – a process I call triangulation. Although short-lived, the Kossou experiment supports the claim that competing national interests between France and the United States provided (post)colonial societies in the Francophone world with a number of opportunities to rearticulate their visions of modernization and nation-building.
L’émigration illégale des Italiens en France et en Suisse après la Deuxième Guerre mondiale
Authors: Rinauro Sandro
Published: February 2015

The Illegal Immigration of Italians to France and Switzerland after the Second World War: Differences and Similarities of French and Swiss Immigration Policies

The great size of the black labour market and the restrictive legal immigration policies of both the French and the Swiss State were the main causes for the illegal immigration of Italians to France and Switzerland after the Second World War. While the French State actively controlled and encouraged the immigration of foreign workers by promoting settlement services to immigrants and their families, the Swiss immigration policy was characterized rather by reluctance and even hostility towards the reunification of immigrant families. In both countries, the restrictive nature of immigration policy was designed to reduce the number of foreign workers during economic crises. However, it also complicated the recruitment of foreign workers during phases of economic growth. Illegal immigration enabled both the French and the Swiss State to add the necessary flexibility to this rigid framework.
Outbreaking herbivore escapes parasitoid by attaining only a small body size
Authors: Stenberg Johan A.
Published: February 2015

The reason why parasitoids are often unable to control insect herbivores during outbreak years has remained unclear to modern ecologists. Here I show that the blue willow beetle (Phratora vulgatissima) can escape parasitoids (Perilitus brevicollis) by reaching only a small body size during the increased competition which coincides with outbreaks. Different phases of outbreaks were simulated by allowing leaf‐beetle larvae to develop at different densities on willow. The denser the herbivore populations, the smaller body sizes they attained. In the field too, herbivore body size decreased when the level of defoliation increased. The parasitoids were clearly limited by herbivore body size, exhibiting reduced survival in parallel with decreasing herbivore size, with none of them surviving in beetles from larvae reared at the highest density. The results demonstrate how bottom‐up control of the herbivore becomes more important as outbreaks intensify, while top‐down control gradually becomes less important and collapses during the outbreak peak. Because the mechanism limiting P. brevicollis parasitoids involves herbivore body size, which is reduced at high densities, I anticipate that these parasitoids are unable to terminate herbivore outbreaks.