bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Randomized, Controlled Trial of Yoga in Women With Breast Cancer Undergoing Radiotherapy
Authors: Chandwani Kavita D. , Perkins George , Nagendra Hongasandra Ramarao , Raghuram Nelamangala V. , Spelman Amy , Nagarathna Raghuram , Johnson Kayla , Fortier Adoneca , Arun Banu , Wei Qi , Kirschbaum Clemens , Haddad Robin , Morris G. Stephen , Scheetz Janet , Chaoul Alejandro , Cohen Lorenzo
Published: March 2014

Purpose

Previous research incorporating yoga (YG) into radiotherapy (XRT) for women with breast cancer finds improved quality of life (QOL). However, shortcomings in this research limit the findings.

Patients and Methods

Patients with stages 0 to III breast cancer were recruited before starting XRT and were randomly assigned to YG (n = 53) or stretching (ST; n = 56) three times a week for 6 weeks during XRT or waitlist (WL; n = 54) control. Self-report measures of QOL (Medical Outcomes Study 36-item short-form survey; primary outcomes), fatigue, depression, and sleep quality, and five saliva samples per day for 3 consecutive days were collected at baseline, end of treatment, and 1, 3, and 6 months later.

Results

The YG group had significantly greater increases in physical component scale scores compared with the WL group at 1 and 3 months after XRT (P = .01 and P = .01). At 1, 3, and 6 months, the YG group had greater increases in physical functioning compared with both ST and WL groups (P < .05), with ST and WL differences at only 3 months (P < .02). The group differences were similar for general health reports. By the end of XRT, the YG and ST groups also had a reduction in fatigue (P < .05). There were no group differences for mental health and sleep quality. Cortisol slope was steepest for the YG group compared with the ST and WL groups at the end (P = .023 and P = .008) and 1 month after XRT (P = .05 and P = .04).

Conclusion

YG improved QOL and physiological changes associated with XRT beyond the benefits of simple ST exercises, and these benefits appear to have long-term durability.
The Dynamic Behavior of the Real Exchange Rate in Sticky Price Models: Comment
Authors: Iversen Jens , Söderström Ulf
Published: March 2014

In an article published in the American Economic Review, Jón Steinsson (2008) argues that two sticky price models driven by real shocks can explain the observed persistence, volatility, and hump-shaped impulse response function of the real exchange rate. This comment shows, first, that correcting an error in one of Steinsson's models leads to substantially lower persistence and volatility of the real exchange rate; second, that Steinsson's models cannot match real exchange rate volatility relative to output; and, third, that reasonable variations of the model calibration or specification all lead to lower real exchange rate persistence and volatility (or both). (JEL F41, F44, E52)
Trade Adjustment and Productivity in Large Crises
Authors: Gopinath Gita , Neiman Brent
Published: March 2014

We empirically characterize the mechanics of trade adjustment during the Argentine crisis. Though imports collapsed by 70 percent from 2000 to 2002, the entry and exit of firms or products at the country level played a small role. The within-firm churning of imported inputs, however, played a sizeable role. We build a model of trade in intermediate inputs with heterogeneous firms, fixed import costs, and roundabout production. Import demand is non-homothetic and the implications of an import price shock depend on the full distribution of firm-level adjustments. An import price shock generates a significant decline in productivity. (JEL F14, F31, F43, L60, O14, O19)
Accumulation of oocytes and/or embryos by vitrification: a new strategy for managing poor responder patients undergoing pre implantation diagnosis
Authors: Chatziparasidou Alexia , Nijs Martine , Moisidou Martha , Chara Oraiopoulou , Ioakeimidou Christina , Pappas Christos , Christoforidis Nicos
Published: March 2014

Background: Low (or poor) responder patients are women who require large doses of stimulation medications and produce less than an optimal number of oocytes during IVF cycles. Low responder patients produce few oocytes and embryos, which significantly reduces their chances for success in a preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) cycle. Accumulation of vitrified oocytes or embryos before the actual PGD cycle is a possible strategy that might increase patient’s chances for a healthy pregnancy.

Aim of the study: This retrospective study evaluates the efficacy of a PGD program in low responder patients after repeated ovarian stimulation cycles with cumulative vitrification of oocytes and embryos.

Methods: Over a period of 30 months, 13 patients entering the PGD program were identified as poor responders after their first ovarian stimulation. These patients started a PGD cycle for one of the following indications: history of recurrent implantation failure (n=1), cystic fibrosis (n=1), X-linked microtubular myopathy (n=1), recurrent miscarriages (n=5), Duchene muscular dystrophy (n=1), chromosomal translocation (n=1) and high sperm aneuploidy (n=1).  After multiple ovarian hormonal stimulations patients had either all mature oocytes (Group A; 3 patients) or all of their day 2 embryos vitrified (group B; 10 patients). Mean total number of oocyte collections per patient was 2.3 (range: 2 - 5 cycles).

Results: In the actual PGD cycle, all vitrified oocytes from group A patients were warmed and underwent intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) followed by culture up to day 3. For group B patients all vitrified day 2 embryos were warmed and cultured overnight. On day 3 of culture, all embryos from Group A and B had blastomere biopsy followed by genetic analysis. In group A, 20 embryos were found suitable for biopsy and genetic analysis; at least one healthy embryo was available for transfer for each patient.  For group B, 72 embryos in total were available for biopsy and PGD.  All patients, except one, had at least one healthy day 5 embryo for transfer (mean number of 2.1 embryos per transfer). Nine patients had a clinical pregnancy; 7 patients delivered a healthy baby.

Conclusion: Low responder patients entering a PGD program might increase their chances for a healthy pregnancy by repeat ovarian stimulation in combination with cumulative oocyte or embryo vitrification.
Three new synonyms of Mecynippus ciliatus (Gahan, 1888) (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae: Monochamini)
Authors: Lin Mei-Ying , Bi Wen-Xuan , Jiroux Eric
Published: March 2014

Three new synonyms of Monohammus ciliatus Gahan, 1888 are proposed based on type material examination: Mecynippus ciliatus (Gahan, 1888) = Mimothestus delkeskampi Breuning, 1961 syn. nov. = Monochamus rondoni Breuning, 1965 syn. nov. = Mimothestus luteicornis Xie, Shi & Wang, 2012 syn. nov. Diagnonis, distribution data, taxonomic discussion and figure plates are presented.
Reconstruction of the hemipelvis with a modular prosthesis after resection of a primary malignant peri-acetabular tumour involving the sacroiliac joint
Authors: Zang J. , Guo W. , Yang Y. , Xie L.
Published: March 2014

We report our early experience with the use of a new prosthesis, the Modular Hemipelvic Prosthesis II, for reconstruction of the hemipelvis after resection of a primary malignant peri-acetabular tumour involving the sacroiliac joint.

We retrospectively reviewed the outcome of 17 patients who had undergone resection of a pelvic tumour and reconstruction with this prosthesis between July 2002 and July 2010.

One patient had a type I+II+III+IV resection (ilium + peri-acetabulum + pubis/ischium + sacrum) and 16 had a type I+II+IV resection (ilium + acetabulum + sacrum). The outcome was assessed at a mean follow-up of 33 months (15 to 59). One patient was alive with disease, 11 were alive without disease and five had died of disease. The overall five-year survival rate was 62.4%. Six patients had a local recurrence. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumour Society score was 58% (33 to 77). Deep infection occurred in two patients, problems with wound healing in five and dislocation in one.

For patients with a primary malignant peri-acetabular sarcoma involving the sacroiliac joint, we believe that this new prosthesis is a viable option for reconstruction of the bony defect left following resection of the tumour. It results in a satisfactory functional outcome with an acceptable rate of complications.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:399–405.
The anterolateral ligament
Authors: Dodds A. L. , Halewood C. , Gupte C. M. , Williams A. , Amis A. A.
Published: March 2014

There have been differing descriptions of the anterolateral structures of the knee, and not all have been named or described clearly. The aim of this study was to provide a clear anatomical interpretation of these structures. We dissected 40 fresh-frozen cadaveric knees to view the relevant anatomy and identified a consistent structure in 33 knees (83%); we termed this the anterolateral ligament of the knee. This structure passes antero-distally from an attachment proximal and posterior to the lateral femoral epicondyle to the margin of the lateral tibial plateau, approximately midway between Gerdy’s tubercle and the head of the fibula. The ligament is superficial to the lateral (fibular) collateral ligament proximally, from which it is distinct, and separate from the capsule of the knee. In the eight knees in which it was measured, we observed that the ligament was isometric from 0° to 60° of flexion of the knee, then slackened when the knee flexed further to 90° and was lengthened by imposing tibial internal rotation.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:325–31.
A novel method based solely on field programmable gate array (FPGA) units enabling measurement of time and charge of analog signals in positron emission tomography (PET)
Authors: Pałka Marek , Moskal Paweł , Bednarski Tomasz , Białas Piotr , Czerwiński Eryk , Kapłon Łukasz , Kochanowski Andrzej , Korcyl Grzegorz , Kowal Jakub , Kowalski Paweł , Kozik Tomasz , Krzemień Wojciech , Molenda Marcin , Niedźwiecki Szymon , Pawlik Monika , Razyński Lech , Rudy Zbigniew , Salabura Piotr , Gupta-Sharma Neha , Silarski Michał , Słomski Artur , Smyrski Jerzy , Strzelecki Adam , Wiślicki Wojciech , Zieliński Marcin , Zoń Natalia
Published: March 2014

This article presents an application of a novel technique for precise measurements of time and charge based solely on a field programmable gate array (FPGA) device for positron emission tomography (PET). The described approach simplifies electronic circuits, reduces the power consumption, lowers costs, merges front-end electronics with digital electronics, and also makes more compact final design. Furthermore, it allows to measure time when analog signals cross a reference voltage at different threshold levels with a very high precision of ~15 ps (rms) and thus enables sampling of signals in a voltage domain.
Polymer origami: programming the folding with shape
Authors: Ionov Leonid
Published: March 2014

The design of three-dimensional (3D) microstructures is an interesting, fascinating and highly challenging research topic. One of the very promising approaches for 3D microstructuring, inspired by the Japanese art of paper folding – origami, is based on self-folding films. Such films consist of two kinds of materials with different volume expansion properties and are able to form different structures ranging from simple tubes to highly complex 3D shapes. In this review, our recent progress in the design of polymer bilayers and understanding of their folding is summarized.
Interactions of 2,2′-bipyridine herbicide intermediate with humic acid
Authors: Rádi József , Stéger Domonkos , Marton Aurél , Földényi Rita
Published: March 2014

The binding of the neutral 2,2′-bipyridine (BP) molecule to solid humic acid (HA) was studied in the presence of CaCl2 background electrolyte (10-2 mol/l), at pH=6.1–6.3. To investigate the binding, two different methods were used: the well-established static adsorption equilibrium measurements and the technique of equilibrium dialysis (ED). The obtained isotherms were fitted by the Langmuir equation, yielding values for the total binding capacity (qT) and the Langmuir constant (K). The values obtained from the batch experiment were: qT=3.3×10-4 mol/gHA, K=4.1×102 l/mol and from the ED experiment were: qT=5.7×10-4 mol/gHA, K=2.8×102 l/mol. From the linear range of the isotherm, the value of the distribution coefficient KD was calculated as 3.3×102 l/kgHA (by both methods). This parameter was used to calculate the value of KOC: 6.6×102 l/kgOC, indicating that BP is a slightly mobile pollutant in the HA dominated soil.
Pathomechanism and clinical impact of myelofibrosis in neoplastic diseases of the bone marrow
Authors: Bedekovics Judit , Méhes Gábor
Published: March 2014

Polyclonal mesenchymal cells (fibroblasts, endothelial cells, pericytes, osteoblasts, reticular cells, adipocytes, etc.) of the bone marrow create a functional microenvironment, which actively contributes to the maintenance of hemopoesis. This takes place through cellular interactions via growth factors, cytokines, adhesion molecules and extracellular matrix components, as well as through the control of calcium and oxygen concentration. Inflammatory and neoplastic diseases of the bone marrow result in pathologic interaction between hemopoietic progenitors and stromal cells. This may lead to the activation and expansion of the stroma and to the accumulation of reticulin and collagen fibers produced by mesenchymal cells. Clinically relevant fiber accumulation, termed as myelofibrosis accompanies many diseases, although, the extent and the consequence of myelofibrosis are variable in different disorders. The aim of this review is to summarize basic features of the normal bone marrow mesenchymal environment and the pathological process leading to myelofibrosis. In addition, the special features of myelofibrosis in bone marrow diseases, including myeloproliferative neoplasia, myelodysplastic syndrome and other neoplastic conditions are discussed. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(10), 367–375.
Dipodal Silanes: Important Tool for Surface Modification to Improve Durability
Authors: Singh Mani P. , Keister Haley K. , Matisons Janis G. , Pan Youlin , Zazyczny Joel , Arkles Barry
Published: March 2014

Dipodal silanes possess two silicon atoms that can covalently bond to a surface. They offer a distinctive advantage over conventional silanes in terms of maintaining the integrity of surface coatings, adhesive primers and composites in aqueous and aggressive environments. The improved durability of such dipodal silanes is associated with an increased crosslink density of the interphase and the inherent resistance to hydrolysis, as they can form six, rather than three, Si-O bonds to the substrate. This study examines dipodal silanes with hydrophobic alkyl functionality and compares them with similar functionality on conventional silane coupling agents. It also introduces new structural dipodal silanes containing “pendant” and “bridged” functionality and then examines their stability in aqueous environments. In strongly acidic and brine environments, dipodal silanes clearly demonstrate improved resistance to hydrolysis compared to conventional silane coupling agents.
A template-assisted self-organization process for the formation of a linear arrangement of pairs of metallic tips
Authors: Brassat Katharina , Lindner Jörg K.N.
Published: March 2014

A novel process for the formation of pairs of opposing metallic nanotips within linear trenches on a silicon wafer is investigated in detail. The process is based on a spreading knife technique typically used in nanosphere lithography to generate monolayers of colloidal polystyrene beads. Here it is applied to initiate self-assembly of spheres in long linear trenches acting as a template for the sphere arrangement. The optimum blade velocity to deposit the spheres selectively and densely packed in the trench depends on the trench surface fraction and can be described by a modified Dimitrov model. It is demonstrated that the spheres can be used as a shadow mask to deposit metallic nanotips in a channel, which are electrically interconnected on each side of the trench, possibly enabling the control and manipulation of nanoobjects in the channel.
Biofouling animals in fresh water: biology, impacts, and ecosystem engineering
Authors: Nakano Daisuke , Strayer David L
Published: March 2014

Biofoulers accumulate on underwater surfaces and adversely affect human activities and infrastructure. Freshwater biofoulers are much less well‐known than their marine counterparts but can be economically important: we estimate the potential global cost of freshwater biofouling to be ~US$277 million per year. They include several groups of organisms, all of which have the potential to be ecosystem engineers with strong effects on the physical and chemical properties of freshwater habitats. Nevertheless, ecological and economic research on freshwater biofoulers has been limited. We predict that freshwater biofouling will become worse in the future as a result of human activities, such as anthropogenic introductions of exotic species, eutrophication, construction of artificial habitats, and climate change. Increasing demand for energy and water may raise the costs associated with freshwater biofouling prevention and damage repair. More research and better policies and technologies are needed to prevent escalation of biofouler impacts and their related costs.
Nitrous Oxide Emissions with Enhanced Efficiency Nitrogen Fertilizers in a Rainfed System
Authors: Dell Curtis J. , Han Kun , Bryant Ray B. , Schmidt John P.
Published: March 2014

The use of enhanced efficiency N fertilizers can increase crop N utilization and lead to lower emissions of the greenhouse gas N2O. To determine the potential benefit of four enhanced efficiency fertilizers with rainfed corn (Zea mays L.) production in central Pennsylvania, N2O emissions and grain yield were monitored during a 4‐yr field study and compared with untreated urea prills and urea–NH4NO3 (UAN). The tested enhanced efficiency products were ESN (polymer‐coated urea), SuperU (urease and nitrification inhibitor treated urea), UAN treated with AgrotainPlus (urease and nitrification inhibitors), and PiNT (cation‐stabilized amine‐N). Additionally, 28‐d laboratory incubations were conducted to verify the potential differences in N cycling rates among N sources. The laboratory incubations indicated that ESN, SuperU, and treated UAN all had the potential to delay accumulation of NO3 relative to untreated urea and UAN, but N cycling was similar with PiNT and the untreated fertilizers. Extended dry periods limited the denitrification potential and overall N2O emissions in the field, but spikes of N2O emission were seen within 1 mo after fertilizer application in each year. However, variation in emission rates was high within treatments, and no consistent differences among N sources were seen. Cumulative growing season N2O emissions and grain yield were similar for all N sources in each year of the study. Enhanced efficiency fertilizers do not appear to be an effective means to reduce N2O emission in a rainfed system, at least when rainfall is inconsistent.
Early Detection of Nitrogen Variability in Maize Using Fluorescence
Authors: Longchamps Louis , Khosla Raj
Published: March 2014

Early detection of N deficiency is essential for in‐season site‐specific N management for practical and physiological reasons. With current proximal sensing techniques based primarily on reflectance, the detection of N variability before V8 maize growth stage (Zea mays L.) is not reliable, mainly due to a low signal‐to‐noise ratio. The objectives of this study were to assess the possibility of detecting N variability in maize before the V8 maize growth stage using fluorescence and to measure the effect of soil background on fluorescence readings. This experiment was conducted in a greenhouse on potted maize plants that were subjected to four nitrogen rates (i.e., 0, 75, 150, and 225 kg ha−1 N equivalent). The Multiplex3 fluorescence sensor was used to measure the N balance index (far‐red fluorescence induced by UV divided by red fluorescence induced by either red, green, or blue light) at every growth stage starting at V4 and ending at V8 maize growth stage. The results obtained in this study indicate that fluorescence sensing detects maize N variability as early as at V5. Fluorescence, as read by active sensor Multiplex3, is not influenced by soil background at the manufacturer's recommended height of measurement. Portable induced fluorescence sensors have great potential for early detection of maize N variability at early growth stages.
Growth and Yield of Irrigated and Rainfed Soybean with Late Nitrogen Fertilization
Authors: Wingeyer Ana B. , Echeverría Hernán , Rozas Hernán Sainz
Published: March 2014

Nitrogen fertilization and supplemental irrigation during soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] reproductive stages have gained interest to increase soybean yields. We assessed the effect of N fertilizer (0 and 60 kg N ha−1) applied at the beginning of bloom (R1) and full pod (R4) combined with rainfed (NIrr) and irrigated (Irr) conditions during reproductive stages on crop growth and yield in the southeast of Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. The NIrr treatments experienced a severe drought (30 d) in 2002/2003, and a moderate but longer drought (46 d) in 2003/2004. At the beginning of seed filling (R5), aboveground biomass and plant N accumulation were unaffected by the addition of N fertilizer. Aboveground biomass at R5 was 16% greater under Irr as compared to NIrr. Average soybean yields were 4.24 and 3.39 Mg ha−1 for Irr and NIrr treatments, respectively, and were not affected by N fertilization. Application of N fertilizer neither reduced the anticipated plant senescence nor increased plant N accumulation under water stress conditions. Our results suggest addition of N fertilizer during soybean reproductive stages was not an effective management practice to increase yields of irrigated or rainfed soybean plants. Current rainfed soybean yields in the region can be increased significantly by maintaining soil water level at or above 60% plant available water during beginning of pod (R3.5) to full seed (R6) period.
Phytoremediation of Soil Phosphorus with Crabgrass
Authors: Gotcher Malarie J. , Zhang Hailin , Schroder Jackie L. , Payton Mark E.
Published: March 2014

Nutrient buildup in pastures from repeated animal manure application may increase soil P and contribute to eutrophication and water quality deterioration. Options to remove excess nutrients in pastures have been limited in the past. The objective of this 2‐yr study was to evaluate the potential of using Red River crabgrass [Digitaria ciliaris (Retz). Koel.] to remove excess soil P from nutrient‐enriched soils. Red River crabgrass was planted in boxes containing Dennis (fine, mixed, active, thermic Aquic Argiudolls), Richfield (fine, smectitic, mesic Aridic Argiustolls), and Kirkland (fine, mixed, superactive, thermic Udertic Paleustolls) soils with four different soil test P levels in 2010 and 2011. The Mehlich‐3 phosphorus (M3P) at the beginning of this experiment ranged from 82.3 to 723 mg kg−1 for the Dennis soil, from 91.5 to 836 mg kg−1 for the Kirkland soil, and from 57.5 to 585 mg kg−1 for the Richfield soil. The overall average biomass yield of crabgrass was 12.2 Mg ha−1 in 2010 and 10.7 Mg ha−1 in 2011. The harvested biomass contained an average of 4.5 g P kg−1 in 2010 and 3.7 g P kg−1 in 2011. Therefore, the crabgrass removed an average of 49.1 kg P ha−1 per year. In addition, the concentration of P in the crabgrass and P removed from the soil increased as M3P increased. Crabgrass can serve as good quality hay and as an effective plant for removing excess P from soils.
Spring‐Applied Nitrogen and Trinexapac‐ethyl Effects on Seed Yield in Perennial Ryegrass and Tall Fescue
Authors: Chastain Thomas G. , Garbacik Carol J. , Young William C.
Published: March 2014

Trinexapac‐ethyl (TE) [4‐(cyclopropyl‐α‐hydroxymethylene)‐3,5‐dioxo‐cyclohexanecarboxylic acid ethylester] is a widely used plant growth regulator (PGR) for lodging control and seed yield enhancement in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and tall fescue [Schedonorus phoenix (Scop.) Holub], but little information is available on interaction of this PGR with spring‐applied N. The objective of this study was to determine how spring‐applied N and TE influenced seed production in perennial ryegrass (180 kg N ha−1) and tall fescue (135 kg N ha−1). Field trials were conducted over three harvest years in both crops. Interaction of spring‐applied N and TE were evident for seed yield in all 3 yr in perennial ryegrass and in 2 yr in tall fescue. The combination of spring‐applied N and TE produced the greatest yields among the treatments tested. Averaged over years, the combination of spring‐applied N and TE PGR increased yield over the untreated control (no spring‐applied N and no TE) by 859 kg ha−1 (126%) in perennial ryegrass and by 538 kg ha−1 (75%) in tall fescue. Responses of other seed production characteristics to spring‐applied N and TE were independent of one another. Spring‐applied N consistently increased aboveground dry weight and seed weight of both seed crops. Other characteristics were inconsistently affected or not affected by N or by TE. Spring‐applied N × TE interaction effects in increasing yield were best explained by an increase in seed number per unit area. Perennial ryegrass and tall fescue seed yield is best enhanced by the lodging control agent TE with recommended rates of spring‐applied N.
Second‐Year Corn after Alfalfa Often Requires No Fertilizer Nitrogen
Authors: Yost Matt A. , Morris Thomas F. , Russelle Michael P. , Coulter Jeffrey A.
Published: March 2014

Terminated alfalfa(Medicago sativaL.) often provides N to at least 2 yr of subsequent corn (Zea maysL.) crops, but the variability in fertilizer N guidelines for second‐year corn in the midwestern United States needs to be addressed. In several states, fertilizer N guidelines are the same for second‐year corn after alfalfa as they are for continuous corn, whereas other states recommend reducing fertilizer N rates to second‐year corn by 25 to 145 kg N ha−1. Experiments were conducted at 28 farms in Iowa and Minnesota to determine fertilizer N requirements of second‐year corn after alfalfa. Second‐year corn in half of the trials showed no response to fertilizer N and the economically optimum N rate (EONR) for corn grain yield in the 14 responsive trials ranged from ≤67 to 196 kg N ha−1. Furthermore, in 10 of 19 trials there was no response of grain yield to fertilizer N in both first‐ and second‐year corn. These results indicate that current university fertilizer N guidelines for second‐year corn after alfalfa often are unreliable. At the widely adopted critical concentration of 21 mg kg−1, the pre‐sidedress soil nitrate test (PSNT) correctly identified only 63% of the trials as responsive or nonresponsive to fertilizer N. When results of our experiments were combined with data from the literature, second‐year corn grain yield responded to fertilizer N 55% of the time and the PSNT remained accurate only 65% of the time, indicating that more accurate forecasting of second‐year corn N requirements is needed.
Yield Gaps and Yield Relationships in Central U.S. Soybean Production Systems
Authors: Egli D. B. , Hatfield J. L.
Published: March 2014

The magnitude of yield gaps (YG) (potential yield–farmer yield) provides some indication of the prospects for increasing crop yield. Quantile regression analysis was applied to county soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yields (1972–2011) from Kentucky, Iowa, and Nebraska (irrigated) to estimate the attainable potential yield (APY) (yield in the most favorable environments in the 40‐yr record). The YG for each year was the difference between the APY and the county yield. There was substantial variation in the 40‐yr mean county yields (186–335 g m−2) within and among states. The mean county APY within each state increased linearly (P < 0.0001) in conjunction with mean county yields. The mean relative YGs varied from 9 to 24% of APY and were largest in the lowest yielding counties and they decreased linearly (P < 0.0001) as the mean county yield increased for each state. The large YGs were partially related to very low yields that occurred in some years during the 40‐yr period and these YGs may partially reflect the ability of the soil to supply water to the crop. The difference between the maximum APY in each state and each county APY defined a second YG. The largest values ranged from 12 to 19% of the maximum APY. Irrigation should partially eliminate the first YG, but the second may be more intractable to the degree it is related to soil characteristics. These results suggest that soil conditions may play an important role in determining the size of YGs.
Maximizing Land Use during Switchgrass Establishment in the North Central United States
Authors: Hedtcke Janet L. , Sanford Gregg R. , Hadley Katherine E. , Thelen Kurt D.
Published: March 2014

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) grown under three differing establishment methods was evaluated for yield, quality, and potential ethanol production across seven environments in Wisconsin and Michigan. The three establishment methods included: (i) June seeding into fallow ground; (ii) June seeding following winter rye (Secale cereale L.) forage; and (iii) August seeding following winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Planting switchgrass in June was successful following the rye forage crop, but planting in August after wheat resulted in complete stand loss. While harvested biomass in a two‐cut system was equal to or greater than that realized in a one‐cut system (6.9 vs. 6.8 Mg ha−1), biomass quality for ethanol production was highest following a killing frost (226 vs. 224 g ethanol kg−1 biomass). The higher overall biomass production in the two‐cut system generally compensated for this difference however, with ethanol yields similar between the two systems (1950 vs. 1970 L ethanol ha−1 for the two‐ and one‐cut system, respectively). In addition to ethanol production, we found that forage nutritive value in the first cut of the two‐cut system was of sufficient quality to satisfy the dietary needs of several classes of livestock. Harvesting established switchgrass for hay with an early season cutting in a two‐cut system provides producers with an alternative forage source while not affecting total seasonal biomass yield if harvested at the appropriate growth stage and cutting height to leave sufficient photosynthetic material for regrowth.
Commodity Cover Crop Nitrogen Management Effects on Winter Barley in the Mid‐Atlantic Coastal Plain
Authors: Pavuluri K. , Reiter M. S. , Balota M. , Griffey C. A. , Thomason W. E.
Published: March 2014

Interest in harvestable cover crop systems, where producers apply no fertilizer until after 1 March, has increased in the mid‐Atlantic region in response to greater demand for winter cover crops. However little is known about how this practice will affect barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) yield and residual soil N. Seven research trials over 2 yr compared: (i) standard intensive management (SIM) (both fall and spring N application); (ii) No fall N, a single spring N application; and (iii) Cover N (no N application) effects on winter barley plant biomass (PB), plant nitrogen uptake (PNU), grain yield, residual soil nitrate (RSN) and ammonium (RSA). At winter dormancy (December), SIM resulted in increased PB and PNU in 2010 and higher RSN or RSA in 3 of 21 observations. At cover crop termination, SIM and the No fall N practice (five and four sites, respectively) significantly increased PNU but not RSN compared to the Cover N treatment. Similarly, SIM and No fall N produced significantly higher grain yields than the Cover N practice under normal climatic conditions (five of seven sites) with little significant effect on RSN or RSA values (7 out of 120 samples). While overall yields for the No fall N treatment were lower (8%) than SIM yields, partial net return was similar due to decreased fertilizer input. However at sites where SIM yields were significantly higher than No fall N yields (two of seven), net income for the SIM practice was $88 ha−1 greater than for no fall N.
Dry Soil Planting of Sorghum for Vertisols of Ethiopia
Authors: Merga F. , Tesfaye K. , Wortmann C. S.
Published: March 2014

Soil water deficits constrain productivity in Ethiopia. Farmers respond to variable onset of rain in the Central Rift Valley (CRV) of Ethiopia by dry soil planting sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] to take advantage of early rains and increase the period of crop growth before rains cease in late September or early October. Crop establishment is often unsatisfactory. The effect of dry soil planting depth for sorghum was evaluated with three water deficit scenarios on Vertisols in CRV. Dry soil planting at 5‐cm depth resulted in relatively better seedling emergence, plant survival, individual plant wt., and leaf plant−1 for all water regimes as compared with other dry planting depths. The best plant establishment (80%) occurred with a local variety planted at 5‐cm depth with no water applied for 15 d after dry soil planting followed by 30 mm applied at 5‐d intervals from 15 to 30 d after planting (W3). The worst establishment (12%) was with planting at 7‐cm depth and irrigating after planting with 30 mm of water and then adding 30 mm at 5‐d intervals from 15 to 30 d after planting (W1). Risk of failed crop establishment with dry soil planting on a Vertisol is less with 5 cm compared with other planting depths. The W3 type of water deficit, with seed lying in dry soil for 15 d before water was applied, is less detrimental to sorghum establishment and early growth, compared with rainfall after planting followed by a dry period of 15 d.
Mental Disorders and Work Integration: A Retrospective Study in a Northern Italian Town
Authors: Buizza Chiara , Pioli Rosaria , Lecchi Sara , Bonetto Chiara , Bartoli Anna , Taglietti Renzo , Ghilardi Alberto , Riva Eugenio
Published: March 2014

Objectives:

The present study was conducted in a vocational integration service of a northern Italian town with two major aims: to assess vocational integration programs undertaken from 1stJanuary 2004 to 1stJanuary 2007; and to identify job tenure-associated predictors.

Methods:

This is a retrospective study; we collected data such as gender, age, duration, type and outcome of the vocational integration program, and number of interventions performed by the vocational integration service. Self-report questionnaires were also used to assess the satisfaction of users, caregivers, practitioners, and of the company contacts involved in the study.

Results:

The service has enrolled 84 users during the observation period. Out of these users, 64.3% of them still had their jobs after three years. Users, caregivers and company contacts expressed high levels of satisfaction for the support received by the vocational integration service. The company expressed less satisfaction for the collaboration received by the Departments of Mental Health (DMHs) that coached the users. The only variable associated to the outcome was the number of interventions that the users received before their placement on the job.

Conclusions:

Despite all the limits of this study, its results show that the chance of taking advantage of a supported job placement service has likely proven itself effective in helping people with mental disorders to obtain and maintain a competitive employment. Our results, however, also point to the necessity of implementing newer strategies meant to develop a greater integration among all services dealing with mentally ill people.
The Effects of the Combination of Cognitive Training and Supported Employment on Improving Clinical and Working Outcomes for People with Schizophrenia in Japan
Authors: Sato Sayaka , Iwata Kazuhiko , Furukawa Shun-Ichi , Matsuda Yasuhiro , Hatsuse Norifumi , Ikebuchi Emi
Published: March 2014

Background: In Japan, Job assistance for SMI have been not active. Compared with mental retardation, employment rate of SMI was low. The needs of the effective job assistance for SMI are growing. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the combination approach of Cognitive Remediation (CR) and Supported Employment (SE) in clinical outcomes, including cognitive functioning and psychiatric symptoms besides vocational outcomes. Methods: The participants diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were assigned to CR+SE group (n=52) and SE group (n=57). CR comprised computer based trainings using COGPACK and group works. SE was individualized vocational support provided by employment specialists. Outcome measures included cognitive functioning, psychiatric symptoms, social functioning, performance of tasks as clinical outcomes, employment rate, duration of employment, and earned wage as vocational outcome. Results: CR+SE group displayed significantly better psychiatric symptoms (F=3.490, p<.10), interpersonal relations (F=11.695, p<.01), and social and cognitive functioning including verbal memory (F=9.439, p<.01), digit sequencing (F=5.544, p<.05), token motor tasks (F=6.685, p<.05), and overall cognitive functioning (F=8.136, p<.01). We did not find any significant difference between two groups in terms of employment rate and earned wage. Discussions: This is the first controlled study to determine the effectiveness of CR on vocational outcomes in Japan. The results showed that CR and SE programs were feasible in Japan and that CR using COGPACK had favorable effects on cognitive functioning, psychiatric symptoms, and social functioning, which is consistent with previous researches.
Development of transport infrastructure as precondition of economy and tourism development: Case study municipality of Negotin
Authors: Ristic Nikola , Lukic Bogdan , Filipovic Dejan , Secerov Velimir
Published: March 2014

Developed transport network is a precondition for economic and tourism
development of areas and largely follows and allows the development of human
activities. If it is developing without plan, spontaneous and without
coordination it may be a limit to the overall development. The aim of
research was to define developmental basis for the revitalization,
improvement and construction of transport infrastructure in the municipality
of Negotin. The paper will present the mutual interaction and functional
connectivity of planning solutions for development of transport
infrastructure and development of economic and tourism, as well as the impact
which planning solutions have on the evolvent of other spatial and city
functions.
Normalising the Breast: Early Childhood Services Battling the Bottle and the Breast
Authors: Duncan Judith , Bartle Carol
Published: March 2014

Normalising practices as a tool for controlling the body and bodily processes have been well-documented using Foucault's theories, including debates around breastfeeding. In this article we explore how the ideas of ‘normalisation’ of the bottle-feeding culture of infants in New Zealand early childhood settings has become the accepted rhetoric and, despite attempts to ‘normalise’ breastfeeding, many early childhood teachers are both under-prepared and ill-equipped for protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding in their services. Early childhood settings should be places for promoting breastfeeding — both for active breastfeeding by the mother and, where this is not possible, feeding the infant with the mother's breast milk. Drawing on theories of Foucault, the complexity of ‘normalising’ both the bottle and the breast for feeding is explored. The ‘battle of the breast or the bottle’ for infant feeding in New Zealand early childhood services frames these discussions and highlights the difficulties in using ‘normalisation’ as a resistance or a change agent.
Constructions of Social Inclusion within Australian Early Childhood Education and Care Policy Documents
Authors: Wong Sandie , Turner Kay
Published: March 2014

Social inclusion discourses have been powerful in informing early childhood policy contexts, both internationally and in Australia (the context of the current study) for the past decade or so. But little research has examined the productive aspects of social inclusion discourses particularly within early childhood education and care (ECEC) policy documents. This article reports on a content analysis of Australian ECEC policy documents. The analysis revealed that, despite the absence of the specific use of the term ‘social inclusion’ within these documents, multiple constructs of social inclusion were nevertheless evident. These constructs included social inclusion as ‘poverty reduction’, ‘workforce participation’, and ‘normative’ — constructs previously problematised and critiqued in the literature. More optimistically, however, the analysis also revealed constructs of social inclusion as ‘a response to discrimination and inequality and a validation of diversity’ and as ‘participation in democratic decision-making’. We argue that the Australian ECEC policy context largely supports a concept of social inclusion that reflects social justice concerns and positions ECEC as an important contributor to a more socially just society. However, the absence of explicit social inclusion language within ECEC policy documents is a critical gap.
Transforming Early Childhood Education through Critical Reflection
Authors: Anderson Elizabeth M.
Published: March 2014

There is tension growing in early childhood education between an emphasis on higher learning standards, teacher-directed activities, and evidence-based instructional methods and maintaining active, dynamic and integrated learning experiences for young children. This short essay highlights the ways in which our existing values and beliefs, theories, and epistemologies about early childhood education can be transformed using a critical lens.
Product-Related Impurities in Clinical-Grade Recombinant AAV Vectors: Characterization and Risk Assessment
Authors: Wright J.
Published: March 2014

Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based vectors expressing therapeutic genes continue to demonstrate great promise for the treatment of a wide variety of diseases and together with other gene transfer vectors represent an emerging new therapeutic paradigm comparable in potential impact on human health to that achieved by recombinant proteins and vaccines. A challenge for the current pipeline of AAV-based investigational products as they advance through clinical development is the identification, characterization and lot-to-lot control of the process- and product-related impurities present in even highly purified preparations. Especially challenging are AAV vector product-related impurities that closely resemble the vector itself and are, in some cases, without clear precedent in established biotherapeutic products. The determination of acceptable levels of these impurities in vectors prepared for human clinical product development, with the goal of new product licensure, requires careful risk and feasibility assessment. This review focuses primarily on the AAV product-related impurities that have been described in vectors prepared for clinical development.
Health Recommender Systems: Concepts, Requirements, Technical Basics and Challenges
Authors: Wiesner Martin , Pfeifer Daniel
Published: March 2014

During the last decades huge amounts of data have been collected in clinical databases representing patients’ health states (e.g., as laboratory results, treatment plans, medical reports). Hence, digital information available for patient-oriented decision making has increased drastically but is often scattered across different sites. As as solution, personal health record systems (PHRS) are meant to centralize an individual’s health data and to allow access for the owner as well as for authorized health professionals. Yet, expert-oriented language, complex interrelations of medical facts and information overload in general pose major obstacles for patients to understand their own record and to draw adequate conclusions. In this context, recommender systems may supply patients with additional laymen-friendly information helping to better comprehend their health status as represented by their record. However, such systems must be adapted to cope with the specific requirements in the health domain in order to deliver highly relevant information for patients. They are referred to as health recommender systems (HRS). In this article we give an introduction to health recommender systems and explain why they are a useful enhancement to PHR solutions. Basic concepts and scenarios are discussed and a first implementation is presented. In addition, we outline an evaluation approach for such a system, which is supported by medical experts. The construction of a test collection for case-related recommendations is described. Finally, challenges and open issues are discussed.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of the International Journal of Financial Studies in 2013
Authors: IJFS Editorial Office
Published: March 2014

The editors of the International Journal of Financial Studies would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2013. [...]
Bounded Gaps between Products of Special Primes
Authors: Chung Ping , Li Shiyu
Published: March 2014

In their breakthrough paper in 2006, Goldston, Graham, Pintz and Yıldırım proved several results about bounded gaps between products of two distinct primes. Frank Thorne expanded on this result, proving bounded gaps in the set of square-free numbers with r prime factors for any r ≥ 2, all of which are in a given set of primes. His results yield applications to the divisibility of class numbers and the triviality of ranks of elliptic curves. In this paper, we relax the condition on the number of prime factors and prove an analogous result using a modified approach. We then revisit Thorne’s applications and give a better bound in each case.
Inhibitory Effect of Corn Silk on Skin Pigmentation
Authors: Choi Sang , Lee Yeonmi , Kim Sung , Ju Hyun , Baek Ji , Park Chul-Soo , Lee Dong-Hyuk
Published: March 2014

In this study, the inhibitory effect of corn silk on melanin production was evaluated. This study was performed to investigate the inhibitory effect of corn silk on melanin production in Melan-A cells by measuring melanin production and protein expression. The corn silk extract applied on Melan-A cells at a concentration of 100 ppm decreased melanin production by 37.2% without cytotoxicity. This was a better result than arbutin, a positive whitening agent, which exhibited a 26.8% melanin production inhibitory effect at the same concentration. The corn silk extract did not suppress tyrosinase activity but greatly reduced the expression of tyrosinase in Melan-A cells. In addition, corn silk extract was applied to the human face with hyperpigmentation, and skin color was measured to examine the degree of skin pigment reduction. The application of corn silk extract on faces with hyperpigmentation significantly reduced skin pigmentation without abnormal reactions. Based on the results above, corn silk has good prospects for use as a material for suppressing skin pigmentation.