bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Could operational hydrological models be made compatible with satellite soil moisture observations?
Authors: Zhuo Lu , Han Dawei
Published: January 2016

Soil moisture is a significant state variable in flood forecasting. Nowadays more and more satellite soil moisture products are available, yet their usage in the operational hydrology is still limited. This is because the soil moisture state variables in most operational hydrological models (mostly conceptual models) are over‐simplified—resulting in poor compatibility with the satellite soil moisture observations. A case study is provided to discuss this in more detail, with the adoption of the XAJ model and the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) level‐3 soil moisture observation to illustrate the relevant issues. It is found that there are three distinct deficiencies existed in the XAJ model that could cause the mismatch issues with the SMOS soil moisture observation: (i) it is based on runoff generation via the field capacity excess mechanism (interestingly, such a runoff mechanism is called the saturation excess in XAJ while in fact it is clearly a misnomer); (ii) evaporation occurs at the potential rate in its upper soil layer until the water storage in the upper layer is exhausted, and then the evapotranspiration process from the lower layers will commence – leading to an abrupt soil water depletion in the upper soil layer; (iii) it uses the multi‐bucket concept at each soil layer – hence the model has varied soil layers. Therefore, it is a huge challenge to make an operational hydrological model compatible with the satellite soil moisture data. The paper argues that this is possible and some new ideas have been explored and discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Large seasonal changes in the recharge of seawater in a subterranean estuary revealed by a radon tracer
Authors: Oh Yong Hwa , Kim Guebuem
Published: January 2016

Activities of radon (222Rn) in groundwater were continuously monitored in a saline aquifer from September 2010 to July 2011. The activities of 222Rn ranged from 200 to 4300 Bq m−3, with a large seasonal variation. Because the activity of 222Rn in seawater is low, 222Rn in saline groundwater must be produced in the aquifer from radium (226Ra) in rocks and sediments. The 222Rn activities were higher in the warm‐dry seasons (September–November 2010 and April–May 2011) when the saline aquifer was stable. In contrast, the lowest 222Rn activities were observed in the cold‐dry season (December 2010 and January–March 2011), because of the effective exchange between groundwater and seawater. In addition, sudden decreases of 222Rn activities coincided with episodic drops in groundwater temperatures. These results reveal that lower seawater temperature in winter may result in density‐driven seawater intrusion. During the wet season (June–July 2011), 222Rn activities were more clearly affected by semi‐monthly and diurnal tidal pumping, showing higher 222Rn activities during low and spring tides. Such a tidal effect was not clearly observed during the warm‐dry and cold‐dry seasons. This result implies that the residence time of SGD in coastal zones is significantly affected by seasonal changes in driving forces such as tidal pumping and seawater intrusion. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The responses of immune cells to iron oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Xu Yaolin , Sherwood Jennifer A. , Lackey Kimberly H. , Qin Ying , Bao Yuping
Published: January 2016

Immune cells play an important role in recognizing and removing foreign objects, such as nanoparticles. Among various parameters, surface coatings of nanoparticles are the first contact with biological system, which critically affect nanoparticle interactions. Here, surface coating effects on nanoparticle cellular uptake, toxicity and ability to trigger immune response were evaluated on a human monocyte cell line using iron oxide nanoparticles. The cells were treated with nanoparticles of three types of coatings (negatively charged polyacrylic acid, positively charged polyethylenimine and neutral polyethylene glycol). The cells were treated at various nanoparticle concentrations (5, 10, 20, 30, 50 μg ml−1 or 2, 4, 8, 12, 20 μg cm−2) with 6 h incubation or treated at a nanoparticle concentration of 50 μg ml−1 (20 μg cm−2) at different incubation times (6, 12, 24, 48 or 72 h). Cell viability over 80% was observed for all nanoparticle treatment experiments, regardless of surface coatings, nanoparticle concentrations and incubation times. The much lower cell viability for cells treated with free ligands (e.g. ~10% for polyethylenimine) suggested that the surface coatings were tightly attached to the nanoparticle surfaces. The immune responses of cells to nanoparticles were evaluated by quantifying the expression of toll‐like receptor 2 and tumor necrosis factor‐α. The expression of tumor necrosis factor‐α and toll‐like receptor 2 were not significant in any case of the surface coatings, nanoparticle concentrations and incubation times. These results provide useful information to select nanoparticle surface coatings for biological and biomedical applications. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Purification and Characterization of Glucose 6‐Phosphate Dehydrogenase, 6‐Phosphogluconate Dehydrogenase, and Glutathione Reductase from Rat Heart and Inhibition Effects of Furosemide, Digoxin, and Dopamine on the Enzymes Activities
Authors: Adem Sevki , Ciftci Mehmet
Published: January 2016

The present study was aimed to investigate characterization and purification of glucose–6‐phosphate dehydrogenase, 6‐phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, and glutathione reductase from rat heart and the inhibitory effect of three drugs. The purification of the enzymes was performed using 2',5'‐ADP sepharose 4B affinity material. The subunit and the natural molecular weights were analyzed by SDS‐PAGE and gel filtration. Biochemical characteristics such as the optimum temperature, pH, stable pH, and salt concentration were examined for each enzyme. Types of product inhibition and Ki values with Km and Vmax values of the substrates and coenzymes were determined. According to the obtained Ki and IC50 values, furosemide, digoxin, and dopamine showed inhibitory effect on the enzyme activities at low millimolar concentrations in vitro conditions. Dopamine inhibited the activity of these enzymes as competitive, whereas furosemide and digoxin inhibited the activity of the enzyme as noncompetitive.
Computational Results for Regular Difference Systems of Sets Attaining or Being Close to the Levenshtein Bound
Authors: Chisaki Shoko , Miyamoto Nobuko
Published: January 2016

Difference systems of sets (DSSs) are combinatorial structures arising in connection with code synchronization that were introduced by Levenshtein in 1971, and are a generalization of cyclic difference sets. In this paper, we consider a collection of m‐subsets in a finite field of prime order to be a regular DSS for an integer m, and give a lower bound on the parameter ρ of the DSS using cyclotomic numbers. We show that when we choose ‐subsets from the multiplicative group of order e, the lower bound on ρ is independent of the choice of subsets. In addition, we present some computational results for DSSs with block sizes and , whose parameter ρ attains or comes close to the Levenshtein bound for .
Pleural fluid procalcitonin to distinguish infectious from noninfectious etiologies of pleural effusions
Authors: Khosla Rahul , Khosla Shikha G. , Becker Kenneth L. , Nylen Eric S.
Published: January 2016

In this study we investigate the diagnostic value of pleural fluid procalcitonin (PCT) in distinguishing infectious and noninfectious etiologies of pleural effusion. We reviewed the medical records of 75 hospitalized patients who underwent thoracentesis between 2011 and 2012. Data on pleural fluid lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), protein, albumin, cell count and differential, pH, Gram stain and culture, cytology, triglyceride, cholesterol, amylase, and PCT were collected. Data on serum LDH, protein, albumin, prothrombin time, normalized, and blood culture were also collected. Pleural effusions were classified into 2 groups, infectious and noninfectious. There were 18 infectious pleural effusions (IPE) and 57 noninfectious pleural effusions (NIPE). Median pleural fluid PCT was 1.088 ng/mL (0.312‐2.940 ng/mL) in IPE and 0.123 ng/mL (0.05‐0.263 ng/mL) in NIPE, with a P value < 0.0001. Pleural fluid PCT > 0.25 ng/mL had a sensitivity of 77.78% and specificity of 74.14% for diagnosing an IPE. A subgroup analysis of PCT in exudative infectious effusions versus exudative noninfectious malignant/paramalignant effusions showed higher levels in the former. PCT is a novel biomarker for diagnosing infectious pleural effusion, and it would be worthwhile to investigate the role of pleural PCT in assessing severity of illness, risk stratification, and antibiotic stewardship in hospitalized patients with pleural effusions. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:363–365. 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine
Synthesis, characterization, and biological evaluation of new biotinylated 99mTc/Re‐tricarbonyl complexes
Authors: Makris George , Papagiannopoulou Dionysia
Published: January 2016

The synthesis and biological evaluation of three new biotinylated fac‐[99mTc/Re(CO)3]+ complexes with the tridentate ligands L1, L2, and L3 are reported. L1–L3 contain the chelators 2‐((5‐aminopentyl)(pyridin‐2‐ylmethyl)amino)acetic acid, 2‐(2‐aminoethylthio)‐3‐(1H‐imidazol‐4‐yl)propanoic acid, and 2‐amino‐3‐(1‐carboxy‐2‐(1H‐imidazol‐4‐yl)ethylthio)propanoic acid, respectively, which are conjugated to biotin's carboxylate via their amine group. The fac‐[Re(CO)3(L1–L3)] complexes were synthesized and characterized by NMR and IR, where the (N,N,O) coordination for ReL1 and the (N,S,O) coordination for ReL2 and ReL3 were confirmed. The tracer complexes fac‐[99mTc(CO)3(L1–L3)] were synthesized in high yield and were found highly stable in 10−3 M l‐histidine and l‐cysteine over 24 h. Furthermore, they exhibited high binding affinity (>90%) for avidin. Rat plasma studies showed complete cleavage of biotin from 99mTcL1 after 1 h and a low percentage of intact 99mTcL2 and 99mTcL3 with no biotin cleavage metabolites present, over 24 h. Similarly, rat urine analysis showed the presence of intact 99mTcL2 and 99mTcL3, while 99mTcL1 was cleaved. Biodistribution studies of 99mTcL2 and 99mTcL3 revealed fast blood and tissue clearance.
Subcellular localization of calcium deposits in the noble crayfish Astacus astacus spermatophore: Implications for post‐mating spermatophore hardening and spermatozoon maturation
Authors: Niksirat Hamid , Kouba Antonín
Published: January 2016

The freshly ejaculated spermatophore of crayfish undergoes a hardening process during post‐mating storage on the body surface of female. The ultrastructural distribution of calcium deposits were studied and compared in freshly ejaculated and post‐mating noble crayfish spermatophores, using the oxalate‐pyroantimonate technique, to determine possible roles of calcium in post‐mating spermatophore hardening and spermatozoon maturation. Small particles of sparsely distributed calcium deposits were visible in the wall of freshly ejaculated spermatophore. Also, large amount of calcium deposits were visible in the membranes of the freshly ejaculated spermatozoon. Five minutes post‐ejaculation, granules in the spermatophore wall appeared as porous formations with numerous electron lucent spaces. Calcium deposits were visible within the spaces and scattered in the spermatophore wall matrix, where smaller calcium deposits combined to form globular calcium deposits. Large numbers of the globular calcium deposits were visible in the wall of the post‐mating spermatophore. Smaller calcium deposits were detected in the central area of post‐mating spermatophore, which contains the sperm mass, and in the extracellular matrix and capsule. While the density of calcium deposits decreased in the post‐mating spermatozoon membranes, numerous small calcium deposits appeared in the subacrosomal zone and nucleus. Substantial changes in calcium deposit distribution in the crayfish spermatophore during post‐mating storage on the body of female may be involved in the processes of the spermatophore hardening and spermatozoon maturation. J. Morphol. 277:445–452, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
When do you procrastinate? Sleep quality and social sleep lag jointly predict self‐regulatory failure at work
Authors: Kühnel Jana , Bledow Ronald , Feuerhahn Nicolas
Published: January 2016

This study investigates antecedents of procrastination, the tendency to delay the initiation or completion of work activities. We examine this phenomenon from a self‐regulation perspective and argue that depleted self‐regulatory resources are an important pathway to explain why and when employees procrastinate. The restoration of self‐regulatory resources during episodes of non‐work is a prerequisite for the ability to initiate action at work. As sleep offers the opportunity to replenish self‐regulatory resources, employees should procrastinate more after nights with low‐quality sleep and shorter sleep duration. We further propose that people's social sleep lag amplifies this relationship. Social sleep lag arises if individuals' preference for sleep and wake times, known as their chronotype, is misaligned with their work schedule. Over five consecutive workdays, 154 participants completed a diary study comprising online questionnaires. Multilevel analyses showed that employees procrastinated less on days when they had slept better. The more employees suffered from social sleep lag, the more they procrastinated when sleep quality was low. Day‐specific sleep duration, by contrast, was not related to procrastination. We discuss the role of sleep for procrastination in the short run and relate our findings to research highlighting the role of sleep for well‐being in the long run. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oscillating behavior of Clostridium difficile Min proteins in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Makroczyová Jana , Jamroškovič Ján , Krascsenitsová Eva , Labajová Nad'a , Barák Imrich
Published: January 2016

In rod‐shaped bacteria, the proper placement of the division septum at the midcell relies, at least partially, on the proteins of the Min system as an inhibitor of cell division. The main principle of Min system function involves the formation of an inhibitor gradient along the cell axis; however, the establishment of this gradient differs between two well‐studied gram‐negative and gram‐positive bacteria. While in gram‐negative Escherichia coli, the Min system undergoes pole‐to‐pole oscillation, in gram‐positive Bacillus subtilis, proper spatial inhibition is achieved by the preferential attraction of the Min proteins to the cell poles. Nevertheless, when E.coli Min proteins are inserted into B.subtilis cells, they still oscillate, which negatively affects asymmetric septation during sporulation in this organism. Interestingly, homologs of both Min systems were found to be present in various combinations in the genomes of anaerobic and endospore‐forming Clostridia, including the pathogenic Clostridium difficile. Here, we have investigated the localization and behavior of C.difficile Min protein homologs and showed that MinDE proteins of C.difficile can oscillate when expressed together in B.subtilis cells. We have also investigated the effects of this oscillation on B.subtilis sporulation, and observed decreased sporulation efficiency in strains harboring the MinDE genes. Additionally, we have evaluated the effects of C.difficile Min protein expression on vegetative division in this heterologous host.
Pt‐Decorated g‐C3N4/TiO2 Nanotube Arrays with Enhanced Visible‐Light Photocatalytic Activity for H2 Evolution
Authors: Gao Zhi‐Da , Qu Yong‐Fang , Zhou Xuemei , Wang Lei , Song Yan‐Yan , Schmuki Patrik
Published: January 2016

Aligned TiO2 nanotube layers (TiNTs) grown by self‐organizing anodization of a Ti‐substrate in a fluoride‐based electrolyte were decorated with graphitic‐phase C3N4 (g‐C3N4) via a facile chemical vapor deposition approach. In comparison with classical TiO2 nanotubes (anatase), the g‐C3N4/TiNTs show an onset of the photocurrent at 2.4 eV (vs. 3.2 eV for anatase) with a considerably high photocurrent magnitude in the visible range. After further decoration with Pt nanoparticles, we obtained a visible‐light responsive platform that showed, compared with g‐C3N4‐free TiNTs, a strong enhancement for photoelectrochemical and bias‐free H2 evolution (15.62 μLh−1 cm−2), which was almost a 98‐fold increase in the H2 production rate of TiNTs (0.16 μLh−1 cm−2). In a wider context, the g‐C3N4‐combined 3 D nanoporous/nanotubular structure thus provides a platform with significant visible‐light response in photocatalytic applications.
Near real‐time vaccine safety surveillance using electronic health records—a systematic review of the application of statistical methods
Authors: Leite Andreia , Andrews Nick J. , Thomas Sara L.
Published: January 2016

Purpose

Pre‐licensure studies have limited ability to detect rare adverse events (AEs) to vaccines, requiring timely post‐licensure studies. With the increasing availability of electronic health records (EHR) near real‐time vaccine safety surveillance using these data has emerged as an option. We reviewed methods currently used to inform development of similar systems for countries considering their introduction.

Methods

Medline, EMBASE and Web of Science were searched, with additional searches of conference abstract books. Questionnaires were sent to organizations worldwide to ascertain unpublished studies. Eligible studies used EHR and regularly assessed pre‐specified AE to vaccine(s). Key features of studies were compared descriptively.

Results

From 2779 studies, 31 were included from the USA (23), UK (6), and Taiwan and New Zealand (1 each). These were published/conducted between May 2005 and April 2015. Thirty‐eight different vaccines were studied, focusing mainly on influenza (47.4%), especially 2009 H1N1 vaccines. Forty‐six analytic approaches were used, reflecting frequency of EHR updates and the AE studied. Poisson‐based maximized sequential probability ratio test was the most common (43.5%), followed by its binomial (23.9%) and conditional versions (10.9%). Thirty‐seven of 49 analyses (75.5%) mentioned control for confounding, using an adjusted expected rate (51.4% of those adjusting), stratification (16.2%) or a combination of a self‐controlled design and stratification (13.5%). Guillain‐Barré syndrome (11.9%), meningitis/encephalitis/myelitis (11.9%) and seizures (10.8%) were studied most often.

Conclusions

Near real‐time vaccine safety surveillance using EHR has developed over the past decade but is not yet widely used. As more countries have access to EHR, it will be important that appropriate methods are selected, considering the data available and AE of interest. © 2016 The Authors. Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
The current status and future prospects of kesterite solar cells: a brief review
Authors: Liu Xiaolei , Feng Yu , Cui Hongtao , Liu Fangyang , Hao Xiaojing , Conibeer Gavin , Mitzi David B. , Green Martin
Published: January 2016

Kesterite‐based solar cells are attracting considerable attention in recent years, owing to the reduced toxicity and greater abundance of their constituent elements. In this brief review, we discuss the current status of this important technology by focusing on three key aspects of the device: (i) the interface between the kesterite absorber and the Mo back contact, (ii) the kesterite absorber bulk defects and grain boundaries and (iii) the interface between the kesterite absorber and the buffer layer. By identifying key issues to be addressed, we provide suggestions for their potential improvement and future research. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kinetics and mechanism of the reaction between 3‐methylbenzenediazonium ions and catechol
Authors: Jaszczuk Katarzyna , Dudzik Anna , Losada‐Barreiro Sonia , Szymula Marta , Narkiewicz‐Michalek Jolanta , Bravo‐Díaz Carlos
Published: January 2016

We have investigated the kinetics and mechanism of the reaction between 3‐methylbenzenediazonium, 3MBD, ions and catechol (1,2‐dihydroxybenzene, [CAT]) in aqueous buffer solution under acidic conditions by employing spectrometric UV/VIS. The variation of the observed rate constant, kobs, with the acidity at a given [CAT] follows an upward curve, with rate enhancements of up to 20‐fold on going from pH = 3.0 up to pH = 5.0, suggesting that the reaction takes place with the monoanionic form of [CAT]. At relatively high acidities, the variation of kobs with [CAT] is linear with an intercept very close to the value for the thermal decomposition of 3MBD; however, a decrease in the acidity leads to saturation kinetics profiles with non‐zero pH‐dependent intercepts, prompting us to propose a reaction mechanism comprising two consecutive equilibrium processes involving the bimolecular, reversible, formation of a highly unstable Z‐diazo ether, which undergoes isomerization to the E‐isomer through a unimolecular step. The results highlight the complexity of the reactions of arenediazonium ions with nucleophilic arenes containing two or more hydroxy groups and are valuable to exploit arenediazonium ions as chemical probes to determine antioxidant distributions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mineralisation and degradation of 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid dimethylamine salt in a biobed matrix and in topsoil
Authors: Knight J Diane , Cessna Allan J , Ngombe Dean , Wolfe Tom M
Published: January 2016

BACKGROUND

Biobeds are used for on‐farm bioremediation of pesticides in sprayer rinsate and from spills during sprayer filling. Using locally sourced materials from Saskatchewan, Canada, a biobed matrix was evaluated for its effectiveness for mineralising and degrading 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid dimethylamine salt (2,4‐DDMA) compared with the topsoil used in the biobed matrix.

RESULTS

Applying 2,4‐DDMAto the biobed matrix caused a 2–3 day lag inCO2production not observed when the herbicide was applied to topsoil. Despite the initial lag, less residual 2,4‐D was measured in the biobed (0%) matrix than in the topsoil (57%) after a 28 day incubation. When the herbicide was applied 5 times to the biobed matrix, netCO2increased immediately after each 2,4‐DDMAapplication. Mineralisation of 2,4‐DDMAwas 61.9% and residual 2,4‐D in the biobed matrix was 0.3% after 60 days, compared with corresponding values of 32.9 and 70.9% in topsoil.

CONCLUSION

The biobed matrix enhanced the mineralisation and degradation of 2,4‐DDMA, indicating the potential for successful implementation of biobeds under Canadian conditions. The biobed matrix was more effective for mineralising and degrading the herbicide compared with the topsoil used in the biobed matrix. By correcting for biobed matrix and formulation blank,CO2evolution was a reliable indicator of 2,4‐DDMAmineralisation. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Mechanism of leaf‐cutting ant colony suppression by fipronil used in attractive toxic baits
Authors: Gandra Lailla C , Amaral Karina D , Couceiro Joel C , Della Lucia Terezinha MC , Guedes Raul NC
Published: January 2016

BACKGROUND

Attractive toxic baits are the prevailing method for managing leaf‐cutting ants in the eucalypt forests planted for the production of pulp, paper, timber and charcoal. For successful use in these baits, the insecticidal compounds need to circumvent the typical defences of the eusocial leaf‐cutting ants. The challenge is to have an insecticide in the bait that will not directly harm and/or compromise foraging workers, but that will eventually suppress the colony. These underlying mechanisms are poorly known, and here the potential mechanism of fipronil activity in toxic baits for leaf‐cutting ants was assessed using colonies of the representative Neotropical Acromyrmex subterraneus subterraneus (Forel, 1893).

RESULTS

Although forager activity was not directly impaired by fipronil, the insecticide affected forager nestmate interactions (auto‐ and allogrooming) and waste removal and, more importantly, greatly affected the minor workers, impairing their activities of fungus garden cultivation and progeny handling. The fast decay of the fungus garden compromised the sustainability of the colonies, ultimately leading to their demise within 8 days.

CONCLUSION

The behavioural effects of sublethal insecticide exposure towards minor workers are the main determinants of insecticide activity as ant baits and should be targeted in developing such compounds. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of selected herbicides and fungicides on growth, sporulation and conidial germination of entomopathogenic fungusBeauveria bassiana
Authors: Celar Franci A , Kos Katarina
Published: January 2016

BACKGROUND

Thein vitrofungicidal effects of six commonly used fungicides, namely fluazinam, propineb, copper(II) hydroxide, metiram, chlorothalonil and mancozeb, and herbicides, namely isoxaflutole, fluazifop‐P‐butyl, flurochloridone, foramsulfuron, pendimethalin and prosulfocarb, on mycelial growth, sporulation and conidial germination of entomopathogenic fungusBeauveria bassiana(ATCC74040) were investigated. Mycelial growth rates and sporulation at 15 and 25 °C were evaluated onPDAplates containing 100, 75, 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25 and 0% of the recommended application rate of each pesticide. The tested pesticides were classified in four scoring categories based on reduction in mycelial growth and sporulation.

RESULTS

All pesticides, herbicides and fungicides tested had fungistatic effects of varying intensity, depending on their rate in the medium, onB. bassiana.The most inhibitory herbicides were flurochloridone and prosulfocarb, and fluazinam and copper(II) hydroxide were most inhibitory among the fungicides, while the least inhibitory were isoxaflutole and chlorothalonil. Sporulation and conidial germination ofB. bassianawere significantly inhibited by all tested pesticides compared with the control treatment. Flurochloridone, foramsulfuron, prosulfocarb and copper(II) hydroxide inhibited sporulation entirely at 100% rate (99–100% inhibition), and the lowest inhibition was shown by fluazifop‐P‐butyl (22%) and metiram (33%). At 100% dosage, all herbicides in the test showed a high inhibitory effect on conidial germination. Conidial germination inhibition ranged from 82% with isoxaflutole to 100% with fluorochloridone, pendimethalin and prosulfocarb. At 200% dosage, inhibition rates even increased (96–100%).

CONCLUSIONS

All 12 pesticides tested had a fungistatic effect onB. bassianaof varying intensity, depending on the pesticide and its concentration.B. bassianais highly affected by some herbicides and fungicides even at very low rates. Flurochloridone, foramsulfuron, prosulfocarb and copper(II) hydroxide stopped sporulation. Of all tested pesticides, isoxaflutole, fluazifop‐P‐butyl and chlorothalonil showed the least adverse effects and therefore probably could be compatible withB. bassianain the field. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Resistance to PPO‐inhibiting herbicide in Palmer amaranth from Arkansas
Authors: Salas Reiofeli A , Burgos Nilda R , Tranel Patrick J , Singh Shilpa , Glasgow Les , Scott Robert C , Nichols Robert L
Published: January 2016

BACKGROUND

The widespread occurrence of ALS inhibitor‐ and glyphosate‐resistant Amaranthus palmeri has led to increasing use of protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO)‐inhibiting herbicides in cotton and soybean. Studies were conducted to confirm resistance to fomesafen (a PPO inhibitor), determine the resistance frequency, examine the resistance profile to other foliar‐applied herbicides and investigate the resistance mechanism of resistant plants in a population collected in 2011 (AR11‐LAW B) and its progenies from two cycles of fomesafen selection (C1 and C2).

RESULTS

The frequency of fomesafen‐resistant plants increased from 5% in the original AR11‐LAW‐B to 17% in the C2 population. The amounts of fomesafen that caused 50% growth reduction were 6‐, 13‐ and 21‐fold greater in AR11‐LAW‐B, C1 and C2 populations, respectively, than in the sensitive ecotype. The AR11‐LAW‐B population was sensitive to atrazine, dicamba, glufosinate, glyphosate and mesotrione but resistant to ALS‐inhibiting herbicides pyrithiobac and trifloxysulfuron. Fomesafen survivors from C1 and C2 populations tested positive for the PPO glycine 210 deletion previously reported in waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus).

CONCLUSION

These studies confirmed that Palmer amaranth in Arkansas has evolved resistance to foliar‐applied PPO‐inhibiting herbicide. © 2016 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
What Do Young Science Students Need to Learn About Variables?
Authors: KUHN DEANNA
Published: January 2016

Have the Next Generation Science Standards fulfilled a goal of specifying the objectives of precollege science education in clear and exact enough terms to make them readily implementable? Using students’ understanding of the concept of a variable as a case in point, the author suggests that the standards, despite their seeming precision and clarity, leave critical questions not fully answered regarding what K–12 students need to master to be judged knowledgeable regarding scientific practices. This is especially the case given that scientific practices entail not only procedural knowledge but also epistemic understanding, i.e., the purposes and ends toward which practices are conducted. If the teacher does not fully appreciate the epistemic component and lacks deep understanding of procedures, engaging students in related activities is less likely to seem worthwhile to the teacher and in turn to students, leaving teachers tempted to focus attention on content‐defined learning, where goals are clearer.
Entry, exit, and the potential for resource redeployment
Authors: Lieberman Marvin B. , Lee Gwendolyn K. , Folta Timothy B.
Published: January 2016

Research summary: Combining the concept of resource relatedness with the economic notion of sunk costs, we assess how the potential for resource redeployment affects market entry and exit by multi‐business firms. If the performance of a new business falls below expectations, a diversified firm may be able to redeploy its resources back into related businesses. In effect, relatedness reduces the sunk costs associated with a new business, which facilitates exit. This, in turn, has implications for entry: By decreasing the cost of failure, the potential for redeployment justifies the undertaking of riskier entries and greater experimentation. These dynamic benefits of relatedness are distinct from standard notions of “synergy.” To show support for this idea, we provide a mathematical model, descriptive data, and company examples.

Managerial summary: The ability to redeploy resources inside the firm reduces the cost of entry “mistakes.” If a new business turns out to have poor profitability, the ability to redeploy more of its resources back into the firm's other businesses allows recycling of investment and can speed up the retreat. This reduces not only the cost of exit, but also the cost of entry. Managers should therefore be more willing to experiment and take risks in developing businesses that are more related to the firm's existing businesses, whereas if redeployment is likely to be difficult, managers should be cautious about entering. New businesses should be chosen in ways that facilitate redeployment, and managers should consider the implications of redeployment when setting the performance thresholds that justify entry and exit. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
When the target may know better: Effects of experience and information asymmetries on value from mergers and acquisitions
Authors: Cuypers Ilya R. P. , Cuypers Youtha , Martin Xavier
Published: January 2016

Research summary: Extending research on the effect of experience on acquisition outcomes, we examine how the differential in previous M&A experience between the target and the acquirer affects the value they, respectively, obtain when the acquirer takes over the target. Drawing on literature about organizational learning, negotiation, and information economics, we theorize that the party with greater experience will be able to obtain more value. Furthermore, we theorize that the effect of differential M&A experience on value obtained is contingent on the level of information asymmetry the acquirer faces with respect to the target, specifically as a function of the target's product‐market scope and whether the deal is friendly. We test and find support for these predictions in a sample of 1,241 M&As over a 30‐year period.

Managerial summary: Corporate strategy is about a firm's scope and development decisions and outcomes, but corporate strategizing is incomplete unless managers anticipate the moves of other economic actors. We demonstrate the importance of these points when it comes to learning to make acquisitions. Using an innovative research design and theory that enables comparison between acquirer and target gains, we show that whatever their firm's acquisition history and capabilities, acquisitive managers should mind the negotiation and other pitfalls that arise when target firms possess ample acquisition experience of their own. We also demonstrate that the effect of experience advantage, whereby the more experienced party benefits, depends on the target firm's scope and whether the deal is friendly—two dimensions that acquirers can and should take into account. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Strategic Management Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Mathematical Simulation on Blast Furnace Operation of Coke Oven Gas Injection in Combination with Top Gas Recycling
Authors: Wang Hongtao , Chu Mansheng , Guo Tonglai , Zhao Wei , Feng Cong , Liu Zhenggen , Tang Jue
Published: January 2016

In order to further improve blast furnace operational performance, reduce carbon emission, and increase gas utilization efficiency under only coke oven gas (COG) injection, a blast furnace process of COG injection together with top gas recycling through tuyere injection (TI) and/or shaft injection (SI) had been mathematically simulated in this study. The effects of this new process on in‐furnace status, operation parameters, and energy utilization are investigated by means of multi‐fluid blast furnace model. The results show that compared with only COG injection, solid temperature slightly decreases and cohesive zone tends to move downward and narrow under simultaneous COG injection and top gas recycling. Meanwhile, the reduction degree of iron‐bearing burdens evidently increases before entering cohesive zone due to more involvement of hydrogen into indirect reduction. Furthermore, the operation of COG injection combined with top gas recycling can achieve blast furnace ironmaking with low carbon emission, low energy consumption, and high efficiency. For example, hot metal productivity and corrected CO utilization efficiency under COG injection and TI increase by 13.87 and 6.95%, respectively. Additionally, carbon emission ratio and energy consumption decrease by 39.57 and 15.78%, respectively. Taking into account in‐furnace status, operational parameters, and energy consumption, the operation of COG injection and top gas recycling through TI is recommended as more feasible choice for the possible practical application.
The Surgical Workforce and Surgical Provider Productivity in Sierra Leone: A Countrywide Inventory
Authors: Bolkan Håkon A. , Hagander Lars , von Schreeb Johan , Bash‐Taqi Donald , Kamara Thaim B. , Salvesen Øyvind , Wibe Arne
Published: January 2016

Background

Limited data exist on surgical providers and their scope of practice in low‐income countries (LICs). The aim of this study was to assess the distribution and productivity of all surgical providers in an LIC, and to evaluate correlations between the surgical workforce availability, productivity, rates, and volume of surgery at the district and hospital levels.

Methods

Data on surgeries and surgical providers from 56 (93.3 %) out of 60 healthcare facilities providing surgery in Sierra Leone in 2012 were retrieved between January and May 2013 from operation theater logbooks and through interviews with key informants.

Results

The Sierra Leonean surgical workforce consisted of 164 full‐time positions, equal to 2.7 surgical providers/100,000 inhabitants. Non‐specialists performed 52.8 % of all surgeries. In rural areas, the densities of specialists and physicians were 26.8 and 6.3 times lower, respectively, compared with urban areas. The average individual productivity was 2.8 surgeries per week, and varied considerably between the cadres of surgical providers and locations. When excluding four centers that only performed ophthalmic surgery, there was a positive correlation between a facility’s volume of surgery and the productivity of its surgical providers (rs = 0.642, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Less than half of all of the surgery in Sierra Leone is performed by specialists. Surgical providers were significantly more productive in healthcare facilities with higher volumes of surgery. If all surgical providers were as productive as specialists in the private non‐profit sector (5.1 procedures/week), the national volume of surgery would increase by 85 %.
Surgical Treatment of NEN of Small Bowel: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Watzka F. M. , Fottner C. , Miederer M. , Weber M. M. , Schad A. , Lang H. , Musholt T. J.
Published: January 2016

Background

Neuroendocrine Neoplasms of the small intestine have been noticed more frequently over the past 35 years. They constitute about 25 % of all NENs and 29 % of all tumors of the small intestine. Due to the predominantly indolent nature and overall good prognosis, the benefit of surgical treatment is still debated.

Methods

In a retrospective study, data of 83 surgically treated patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms of the small intestine, 48 males and 35 females with a median age of 62 years (range 25–86 years) were analyzed. Patient data were documented in the MaDoc database for neuroendocrine tumors of the University Medical Center of Mainz. IBM SPSS Statistics 20 was used for statistical analysis. Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Log‐Rank tests, censoring patients at the time of last follow‐up, were used to compare the overall survival depending on potential prognostic factors (stage, grade, surgical treatment).

Results

At the time of diagnoses, the most common clinical symptoms were abdominal pain (n = 31, 37.3 %), bowel obstruction (n = 11, 13.3 %), bowel perforation and peritonitis (n = 3, 3.6 %), gastrointestinal bleeding (n = 9, 10.8 %), weight loss (n = 11, 13.3 %), and carcinoid syndrome (n = 27, 32.5 %). 65 patients (78.3 %) had lymph node metastasis and in 58 patients (69.9 %) distant metastasis were present. Segmental bowel resection (44) was the most common surgical procedure, followed by right hemi‐colectomy (32) and explorative laparotomy (7). In most patients (78.9 %), lymphadenectomy (systematic/selective) was performed. The 5‐year survival of patients who underwent a systematic or a selective lymphadenectomy differed significantly (82.2 vs. 40.0 %). The overall 3‐, 5‐, and 10‐year survival rates were 88.2, 80.3, and 71.0 %, respectively.

Conclusion

Mesenteric lymph node metastases are almost invariably present and have significant impact on patients’ prognosis. Systematic lymphadenectomy prevents complications and improves the survival. Early surgical treatment should be the goal in order to prevent complications.
Undergraduate medical education programme renewal: a longitudinal context, input, process and product evaluation study
Authors: Mirzazadeh Azim , Gandomkar Roghayeh , Hejri Sara Mortaz , Hassanzadeh Gholamreza , Koochak Hamid Emadi , Golestani Abolfazl , Jafarian Ali , Jalili Mohammad , Nayeri Fatemeh , Saleh Narges , Shahi Farhad , Razavi Seyed Hasan Emami
Published: January 2016

The purpose of this study was to utilize the Context, Input, Process and Product (CIPP) evaluation model as a comprehensive framework to guide initiating, planning, implementing and evaluating a revised undergraduate medical education programme. The eight-year longitudinal evaluation study consisted of four phases compatible with the four components of the CIPP model. In the first phase, we explored the strengths and weaknesses of the traditional programme as well as contextual needs, assets, and resources. For the second phase, we proposed a model for the programme considering contextual features. During the process phase, we provided formative information for revisions and adjustments. Finally, in the fourth phase, we evaluated the outcomes of the new undergraduate medical education programme in the basic sciences phase. Information was collected from different sources such as medical students, faculty members, administrators, and graduates, using various qualitative and quantitative methods including focus groups, questionnaires, and performance measures. The CIPP model has the potential to guide policy makers to systematically collect evaluation data and to manage stakeholders’ reactions at each stage of the reform in order to make informed decisions. However, the model may result in evaluation burden and fail to address some unplanned evaluation questions.
Intravaginal practices among HIV‐negative female sex workers along the US–Mexico border and their implications for emerging HIV prevention interventions
Authors: Seidman Dominika , Rusch Melanie , Abramovitz Daniela , Stockman Jamila K. , Martinez Gustavo , Rangel Gudelia , Vera Alicia , Ulibarri Monica D. , Strathdee Steffanie A.
Published: January 2016

Objective

To describe intravaginal practices (IVPs) among female sex workers (FSWs) who inject drugs in two cities—Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez—on the border between the USA and Mexico.

Methods

Data for a secondary analysis were obtained from interviews conducted as part of a randomized controlled trial in FSWs who injected drugs between October 28, 2008, and May 31, 2010. Eligible individuals were aged at least 18 years and reported sharing injection equipment and having unprotected sex with clients in the previous month. Descriptive statistics were used to assess frequency and type of IVPs. Logistic regression was used to assess correlates of IVPs.

Results

Among 529 FSWs who completed both surveys, 229 (43.3%) had performed IVPs in the previous 6 months. Factors independently associated with IVPs were reporting any sexually transmitted infection in the previous 6 months (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–3.1; P = 0.03), three or more pregnancies (aOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1–3.2; P = 0.02), and having clients who became violent when proposing condom use (aOR 5.8, 95% CI 1.0–34.3; P = 0.05), which are all factors related to inconsistent condom use.

Conclusion

Screening for IVPs could help to identify FSW at increased risk of HIV, and facilitate conversations about specific risk‐reduction methods.
Contraception usage and timing of pregnancy among pregnant teenagers in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Vollmer Linda R. , van der Spuy Zephne M.
Published: January 2016

Objective

To evaluate knowledge and use of contraception among pregnant teenagers in the Cape Town metropolitan area.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study enrolled women aged 16 to 19 years who were pregnant and attending prenatal clinics, and prenatal and labor wards at regional hospitals and midwife‐run obstetric clinics in the Cape Town area between March 1, 2011 and September 30, 2011. Data were collected using an administered questionnaire.

Results

The study enrolled 314 participants. Of the participants, 240 (76.4%) felt their pregnancies had occurred at the “wrong time” but only 38 (12.1%) were using contraception at the time of conception. The form of contraception that participants most commonly had knowledge of was injectable hormonal contraception (274 [87.3%]). Contraception use was low, with 126 (40.1%) participants having never used contraception. The forms of contraception used most commonly were the male condom (106 [33.8%]) and injectable contraception (98 [31.2%]). The majority of participants found it easy to get contraception (192 [61.1%]) and felt that information regarding contraception was readily available (233 [74.2%]).

Conclusion

Contraception use is suboptimal but this may not simply be a reflection of ineffective family‐planning services. Further research is needed to fully explain the lack of contraceptive use in this population.
Flexible bronchoscopy in children
Authors: Terkawi Rayan S. , Altirkawi Khaild A. , Terkawi Abdullah S. , Mukhtar Gawahir , Al-Shamrani Abdullah
Published: January 2016

Background and objectives:

The flexible bronchoscope has become widely used by pediatric pulmonologists as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. Nevertheless, there are several gaps in our knowledge to help refine its use and reduce its complications. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the utility and complications of pediatric bronchoscopy.

Design and setting:

We conducted a retrospective review of bronchoscopy cases between March 2006 and April 2015 at a tertiary care medical center (King Fahad Medical City). One-hundred forty nine patients were studied.

Patients and methods:

We evaluated how bronchoscopy contributed to the patients’ diagnosis, assessed the accuracy of bronchoalveolar lavage white blood cell count (BAL WBC) to differentiate between infectious and non-infectious conditions, assessed the ability of clinical factors to predict high risk of desaturation during bronchoscopy, and finally summarized the reported procedural complications.

Results:

We found pediatric bronchoscopy was a crucial diagnostic (confirming, ruling out, and discovering unexpected diagnosis) and therapeutic tool. The accuracy of BAL WBC counts is poor (AUC (95% CI) = 0.609 (0.497-0.712)); however, using two cutoff values (<10 WBCs (sensitivity = 84.44% and specificity = 29.27%) to rule out, and >400 WBCs (sensitivity = 33.33% and specificity 81.49%) to rule in infection) helped in early differentiation between infectious and non-infectious conditions. From the factors that we test, none we found predictive of desaturation. The most common procedural complication was desaturation (pooled incidence (95% CI) = 13 (8—19)%) followed by cough, mild airway bleeding, and spasm.

Conclusions:

Flexible bronchoscopy is an important and relatively safe diagnostic and therapeutic tool in pediatric medicine, and utilization of this service should be encouraged after a careful consideration of which patient needs this procedure and a rigorous estimate of its pros and cons.
Channel Choice in the 21st Century: The Hidden Role of Distribution Services
Authors: Betancourt Roger R. , Chocarro Raquel , Cortiñas Monica , Elorz Margarita , Mugica Jose Miguel
Published: January 2016

A fundamental distinction between goods and services is that in the retailing of goods and some services the costs of production and distribution are clearly separable in a non-arbitrary fashion, usually identified as costs of goods sold. They have type I separability. Distribution services, which are also known as attributes, marketing mix or output variables, are produced, distributed and consumed just as goods or physical products or core services sold directly to consumers at an explicit price. When online settings generate separability of production distribution and consumption of all these distribution services in space and time we have strong type II separability, which has not been identified in the literature. The latter plays an essential role in the emergence, sustainability and sometimes dominance of online channels. It has profound implications for both the demand side and the supply side of firms in online channels.

We develop implications of this result with respect to potential maximum levels of these services in electronic channels and for a broad range of other important topics relevant for marketing and economics.