bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the construct validity of a development assessment centre
Authors: Brits Nadia M. , Meiring Deon , Becker Jürgen R.
Published: November 2013

Orientation: The assessment centre (AC) is a prominent measurement tool for selection and development.Research purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the construct validity of a one-day development assessment centre (DAC) using a convenience sample of 202 managers in a large South African banking institution.Motivation for the study: Although the AC method is popular, it has been widely criticised as to whether it predominantly measures the dimensions it is designed to measure.Research design, approach and method: The fit of the measurement models implied by the dimensions measured was analysed in a quantitative study using an ex post facto correlation design and structural equation modelling.Main findings: Bi-factor confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess the relative contribution of higher-order exercise and dimension effects. Empirical under-identification stemming from the small number of exercises designed to reflect designated latent dimensions restricted the number of DAC dimensions that could be evaluated. Ultimately, only one global dimension had enough measurement points and was analysed. The results suggested that dimension effects explained the majority of variance in the post-exercise dimension ratings.Practical/managerial implications: Candidates’ proficiency on each dimension was used as the basis for development reports. The validity of inferences holds important implications for candidates’ career development and growth.Contribution/value-add: The authors found only one study on construct validity of AC dimensions in the South African context. The present study is the first use the bi-factor approach. This study will consequently contribute to the scarce AC literature in South Africa.
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Authors: Oregel Karlos Z. , Ramdial Jeremy , Glück Stefan
Published: November 2013

A 21-year-old male presented to the emergency department after a 5-day history of recurrent vomiting and decreased urine output. History revealed ingestion of ibuprofen. During the diagnostic workup, the following was identified: white blood cell count 13.4 (x10(3)/mcL), hemoglobin 11.9 (x10(6)/mcL) with an MCV of 73 fL, hematocrit 34% and platelets were 31,000/mcL, sodium of 130 mmol/L, potassium of 5.1 mmol/L, chloride of 83 mmol/L, bicarbonate of 21 mmol/L, blood urea nitrogen of 184 mg/dL and creatinine of 19.1 mg/dL. He was later diagnosed with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) based on the fact that he presented with most components of the TTP pentad (except for fever), which included altered mental status, acute kidney injury, thrombocytopenia, and evidence of red cell fragmentation and his ADAMTS13 level was found to be less than 10% prior to therapy. The patient then received plasma exchange, oral corticosteroids, and hemodialysis, which led to a full recovery of platelet count and renal function.
Information Extraction of High-Resolution Remotely Sensed Image based on Multiresolution Segmentation
Authors: Shao P. , Yang G.-D. , Niu X.-F. , Zhang X.-P. , Zhan F.-L. , Tang T.-Q.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. The principle of multiresolution segmentation was represented in detail in this study, and the canny algorithm was applied for edge-detection of remotely sensed image based on this principle. The target image was divided into regions based on objectoriented multiresolution segmentation and edge-detection. Further, object hierarchy was created, and a series of features (water bodies, vegetation, roads, residential areas, bare land and other information) were extracted by the spectral and geometrical features. The results indicates that edge-detection make a positive effect on multiresolution segmentation, and overall accuracy of information extraction reaches to 94.6% through confusion matrix.
The Design of Geo-Spatial Metadata Architecture for Digital Boundary
Authors: Zhao J.-X. , Zhang J. , Cao Y.-B.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. This paper analyzes the significance of geospatial metadata technology in the "Digital Boundary" project. In the study of boundary data types and characteristics, the architecture framework of geospatial metadata is designed. It lays foundation for establishing detailed content of all kinds of metadata as the next step.
Non-Traditional Security Threats in the Border Areas: Terrorism, Piracy, Environmental Degradation in Southeast Asian Maritime Domain
Authors: Dabova E. L.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. In addition to facilitating peaceful trade and economic development, sovereign territory, territorial waters and international waters are being used by various criminal groups that pose threats to governments, businesses and civilian population in Southeast Asia. Nonstate criminal maritime activities were not receiving appropriate attention as they were overshadowed by traditional military security challenges. Yet more and more frequently, the non-traditional actors challenge lines of communication, jeopardize access to strategic resources, complicate traditional defence tasks, and harm the environment. Understanding the nature of non-traditional threats, and the ways to combat them, requires international legal, historical and political science analysis within a united problem-oriented approach. A fair critique to pure interest, power and knowledge -based theories of regime formation was developed by E.K. Leonard’s1, who explained the evolution of the international system from the global governance perspective. The present study is based on the premise that pure nation-state approaches are incapable of providing a theoretical ground for addressing the growing influence of international criminal networks in South East Asia. From an international relations theory perspective, the author of this study agrees with D.Snidal2 that the hegemonic stability theory has "limits" and is insufficient in describing modern challenges to sustainable international security regime, including non-traditional threats, where collective action is more efficient from an interest and capability standpoint. At the same time the author of this study does not share the viewpoint on "marginalization"3 of international law in current international order due to its fragmentation and regionalization4 and "global power shifts"5 . The United Nations, as a global institution at the top of the vertical hierarchy of international legal order, and the EU as an example of "self-contained" regime along with other subsystems like South East Asia may have different approaches to global governance, international constitutional order, or particular cases such as the measure of infringement of human rights when targeting individuals suspected of terrorist links. Yet international law remains the key part of the Asian and global security regime. The hypothesis of this study is that the "void of governance" regime in territorial and international waters provides lucrative environment for developing terrorism, piracy, environmental degradation, and other criminal activities that pose untraditional threats to the regional security. This "void of governance" regime can be caused by either, or both, de jure or de facto insufficient control over particular marine territories.
Transcarpathia – Ukrainian border region at the edge of the EU. Internal and external representations
Authors: Jordan P.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. Starting from 1918, multiethnic Transcarpathia changed after centuries of being an integrated part of Hungary frequently its political affiliation and is since 2004 a Ukrainian border region to the European Union. Three of the four European Union neighbour countries belong since 21.12.2007 to the Schengen zone (Poland, Slovakia, Hungary), only the southern neighbour Romania is for the time being not yet a Schengen country. After a phase of relatively open borders and relatively intensive neighbourhood relations in the first transformation years, by the Schengen regime the situation for Transcarpathia changed again. The current situation, possibly still to be intensified by the Schengen entry of Romania, is likely to persist for some time. What does this mean for Transcarpathia as well as for the wider region in the northeast of the Pannonian basin? Which factors are determining the development in Transcarpathia? Which position maintains Transcarpathia within the Ukraine, how does it look at Kiev and how is it looked at by Kiev and the cis-Carpathian areas of the Ukraine? The paper deals under these aspects with economic development in Transcarpathia, the interest of foreign investors in the region, its role in the continental transportation network, the identity of the Slavonic population majority and regionalism, also with the position of the large Hungarian minority in the region and its relation to the motherland. The paper is based on a larger research project completed and published already in 2004 (Peter Jordan, Mladen Klemenčić: Transcarpathia – Bridgehead or Periphery?), but adopts also the results of a later diploma work of a student of the author (Berenike Ecker) as well as results of more recent research by the author himself. It is found that shaping by Hungarian history, borderland location and multiethnic structure can be defined as the essential components of Transcarpathian identity. Its economic potentials and perspectives rest mainly in richness in wood, its pleasant landscape and mineral waters, its location in the European traffic network, its border location and bridge function, the rich language skills of its population, the region's Central European character. By post-Communist industrialisation (wood processing, food industry, electrotechnical industry) and due to intense transborder relations of the Hungarian minority the region was able to make some progress during the transformation period, but could not yet escape its economically peripheric position. Major obstacles for a better development can be identified in an all but market-conform agriculture, in the Schengen regime cutting Transcarpathia off especially from Slovakia and Hungary as well as in Ukrainian regional governance structures enforcing centralist attitudes at the two levels of regional administration.
Path-integrated Lagrangian measures from the velocity gradient tensor
Authors: Pérez-Muñuzuri V. , Huhn F.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. Spatial maps of the finite-time Lyapunov exponent (FTLE) have been used extensively to study LCS in two-dimensional dynamical systems, in particular with application to transport in unsteady fluid flows. We use the time-periodic double-gyre model to compare spatial fields of FTLE and the path-integrated Eulerian Okubo–Weiss parameter (OW). Both fields correlate strongly, and by solving the dynamics of the deformation gradient tensor, a theoretical relationship between both magnitudes has been obtained. While for long integration times more and more FTLE ridges appear that do not seem to coincide with the stable manifold, ridges in the field of path-integrated OW represent fewer additional structures.
Psychocapital and Shangri-Las: How happiness became both a means and end to governmentality
Authors: Mckay F.
Published: November 2013

In this paper a paradox is revealed in the politics of well-being over the means and ends of happiness. That paradox, in brief, is that although happiness is argued to be the ultimate end of all governmentality, in order to serve as that end, it first needs to be translated into a means for bolstering the economy, for only that way can a teleology of happiness gain a foothold in a world which prioritizes economic growth as an end in itself. To show this the paper gives a history of subjective well-being (SWB) research, and contrasts it with the politics of happiness in the UK, where SWB has in the past decade been translated into a discourse around the psychological wealth of the nation via the concepts of mental capital (MC) and mental well-being (MWB).
Alterity In/Of Happiness: Reflecting on the radical possibilities of unruly bodies
Authors: Chandler E. , Rice C.
Published: November 2013

This paper examines how fat and disabled subjects may be taught to appear as happy through biopedagogies in order to manage shame and disgust evoked by their unruly, non-conforming bodies. We begin by articulating what we mean by “biopedagogies”. We then unpack how the requirement to be happy feeds directly into a neoliberal agenda, which demands we must take care of ourselves both economically and emotionally in order to be considered good citizens. We explore how, in the midst of the requirement to be happy while living in bodies not recognised as inhabitable, we create and find moments of alterity in/of happiness. Through analysing art by disabled and fat activists and artists, we examine how disabled and fat people find happiness in difference, rather than in spite of it while at the same time, hanging on to rage and dull pain within this alterity of happiness.
The impact of weight matrices on parameter estimation and inference: A case study of binary response using land-use data
Authors: Wang Yiyi , Kockelman Kara M. , Wang Xiaokun (Cara)
Published: November 2013

This paper develops two new models and evaluates the impact of using different weight matrices on parameter estimates and inference in three distinct spatial specifications for discrete response. These specifications rely on a conventional, sparse, inverse-distance weight matrix for a spatial auto-regressive probit (SARP), a spatial autoregressive approach where the weight matrix includes an endogenous distance-decay parameter (SARPα), and a matrix exponential spatial specification for probit (MESSP). These are applied in a binary choice setting using both simulated data and parcel-level land-use data. Parameters of all models are estimated using Bayesian methods.

In simulated tests, adding a distance-decay parameter term to the spatial weight matrix improved the quality of estimation and inference, as reflected by a lower deviance information criteriaon (DIC) value, but the added sampling loop required to estimate the distance-decay parameter substantially increased computing times. In contrast, the MESSP model’s obvious advantage is its fast computing time, thanks to elimination of a log-determinant calculation for the weight matrix. In the model tests using actual land-use data, the MESSP approach emerged as the clear winner, in terms of fit and computing times. Results from all three models offer consistent interpretation of parameter estimates, with locations farther away from the regional central business district (CBD) and closer to roadways being more prone to (mostly residential) development (as expected). Again, the MESSP model offered the greatest computing-time savings benefits, but all three specifications yielded similar marginal effects estimates, showing how a focus on the spatial interactions and net (direct plus indirect) effects across observational units is more important than a focus on slope-parameter estimates when properly analyzing spatial data.
The implications of and institutional barriers to compact land development for transportation: Evidence from Bejing
Authors: Zhao Pengjun
Published: November 2013

Land use patterns are believed to affect transportation, while low-capacity land-use management is often seen as one of the primary institutional barriers to sustainable transport. Examining the case of Beijing, this paper aims to contribute more evidence in relation to these issues. Over the past decades China’s megacities have witnessed a dramatic transition in land use from traditional compact development to sprawling development due to rapid urbanization. This study found that this transition has tended to increase car usage and thus worsen the emission of pollutants by transport in Beijing when growth of income and other socioeconomic factors are taken into account. It is apparent that compact land-use policies need to be reintroduced to reduce car use. However, there are several institutional barriers related to the reintroduction of compact development in the current context of transition from a centrally planned system to a market system in China’s cities. In particular, increasing fragmentation in the realm of land-development management has created serious challenges to the implementation of compact land-development policies. Therefore, institutional capacity building is needed to enable compact land-use policies to control local sprawl and promote sustainable transport.
Intrabreed variability and relationships for 41 carcass and meat traits in Pirenaica cattle
Authors: Panea B. , Albertí P. , Olleta J.L. , Campo M.M. , Ripoll G. , Altarriba J. , Sañudo Astiz C.
Published: November 2013

A total of 125 13-month-old, entire males of the Pirenaica breed were selected from among the progeny of nine different sires. They were used to study the intrabreed variability of 41 carcass and meat traits, including weights, lengths, diameters and perimeters, grading parameters, dissection of the sixth rib, pH, colour and meat texture variables, and sensory attributes. Pearson correlations were also calculated. Coefficients of variation ranged from 3.5% for dressing percentage to 47.0% for fat red index, and all of the values could be considered within the normal range for cattle. Carcass traits showed lower variability (11.7% on average) than meat variables (14.8% on average). Hence, to achieve a standardised product, it would be desirable to include in the breeding selection programme a variable that could be measured on the carcass and that can predict meat quality. Nevertheless, from the results of the present study, none of the variables studied fulfil this requirement, and further studies would be necessary to widen our knowledge on this subject.
Effect of floor type on the growth performance and health status of growing-finishing pigs
Authors: Garcimartín M.A. , Ovejero I. , Vázquez Minguela J. , Daza A.
Published: November 2013

Using a factorial design: two full floor types, concrete vs. concrete waterproofed with resin (resin floor) and two slat types, concrete vs. metal, were used to house 72 pigs in four rooms (18 pigs/room). During the experimental period which lasted from 22.9 kg to 112.7 kg live weight the four groups of pigs received the same feed. Growth, water consumption and health status of the pigs as well as subjective odour level inside the rooms were studied. The resin floor with metal slats tended (P
Wine absorption by cork stoppers
Authors: González-Adrados J.R. , González-Hernández F. , García de Ceca J.L. , Cáceres-Esteban M.J. , García-Vallejo M.C.
Published: November 2013

To evaluate the magnitude of wine absorption by cork under conditions as close to reality as possible and its evolution in time, ready-to-use natural cork stoppers and "1+1" cork stoppers were used to close bottles filled with red wine. Stoppers were removed after 3, 6, 12 and 24 months of contact to determine absorption of liquid and liquid progression along the lateral surface of the cork stopper.Variation of absorption with contact time was studied by adjusting the model Absorption = a square root of t(R2 : 82.19 - 93.63%). A scheme of the evolution of wine absorption with time is proposed, differentiating liquid flow along cork-glass interface, diffusion in cell walls and liquid flow through the cell lumens. In conditions of use, a value of 4.48 x 10E-13 square m/s was obtained for non-radial diffusion coefficient (D).
Identification and characterization of fungi associated with esca in vineyards of the Comunidad Valenciana (Spain)
Authors: Sánchez-Torres P. , Hinarejos R. , González V. , Tuset J.J.
Published: November 2013

Grapevines sampled in the Comunidad Valenciana in Spain were examined for esca symptoms, and the different vine parts (trunk, cane and young vine) were surveyed for the presence of esca-related fungi. The fungal species most frequently identified were the mitosporic fungi Diplodia mutila (Dmu), Phaeoacremonium aleophilum (Pal), Phaeomoniella chlamydospora (Pch) and Phomopsis viticola (Pvi) and the basidiomycetes Fomitiporia mediterranea (Fm) and Stereum hirsutum (Shi). PCR and sequencing using the universal pair primers ITS1-ITS4 confirmed the identification, these techniques proved very useful, particularly in cases where fruiting was not evident and/or pure cultures did not display enough diagnostic traits. Dmu and both basidiomycetes were the most frequent fungi associated with esca in this region. Dmu was the only fungal species found in all vine parts studied, being significantly more present in canes (82%) than in trunks (58%) or shoots (28%). Moreover, both basidiomycetes (50% Fm and 56% Shi) and Pch (32%) were most frequently found in trunks.
Soil chemical properties and maize yield after application of organic and inorganic amendments to an acidic soil in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Busari M.A. , Salako F.K. , Adetunji M.T.
Published: November 2013

A factorial experiment with a randomised complete block design (three replicates) was performed to determine the effects of poultry manure (PM), lime (L) and NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer on soil chemical properties, and to determine the effects of their combinations on soil productivity and maize yield. The factors were PM (0, 5 and 10 Mg/ha), L as CaCO3 (0 and 250 kg/ha) and NPK 15-15-15 (0 and 100 kg/ha). The soil had a loamy sand texture. The application of L and PM increased the surface soil pH in a similar fashion. In both years of the experiment, the effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC) of the soil after the combined application of 10 Mg/ha PM, L and NPK was significantly higher than after the individual application of L or NPK or their combination (5.75-7.65 cmol/kg compared to 3.36-4.57 cmol/kg). The application of 10 Mg/ha PM with L and/or NPK reduced the possibility of Mn toxicity, with soil levels ranging from 108 to 136 mg/kg. The combined use of the three amendments gave the highest leaf nutrient concentrations. The highest maize grain yield (4.62 Mg/ha) was obtained with L + 10 Mg/ha PM; with no amendment the grain yield was 1.9 Mg/ha. The application of PM enhanced the effects of L and NPK in improving soil productivity. However, separate applications of 5 and 10 Mg ha-1 PM similarly affected soil productivity; the sandy nature of the soil at depths of 0-20 cm seems to have prevented differences between the two rates from becoming manifested.
Short communication. Evaluation of presumptive caudal fin blastema cells as candidate donors in intraspecies zebrafish (Danio rerio) chimaeras
Authors: Perez Camps M. , Simao M.F. , Cardona Costa J. , García-Ximénez F.
Published: November 2013

The blastema is a regenerative tissue with remarkable pluripotency. The aim of this work done on zebrafish (Danio rerio) was to define technical procedures required for obtaining and integrating blastema cells into embryos at the mid blastula transition stage (MBT) and the effect on survival, as well as the capacity to produce pigmented chimaeras. Wild type blastema cells were injected into gold type MBT embryos (E). Wild MBT blastomere cells were also injected into gold type MBT embryos as a control (C1). A second control group, C2, was not subjected to any manipulation. Survival was evaluated at 24, 48 and 72 h after performing the chimaerism, and the rate of adult chimaeras evaluated. The results showed significant differences in embryo survival between the E and C1 groups in embryo survival at 24 and 48 h postchimaerism (24 h: E-83.49% vs C1-54.8%, p
Effect of shading with aluminised screens on fruit production and quality in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) under greenhouse conditions
Authors: Callejón-Ferre A.J. , Manzano-Agugliaro F. , Díaz-Pérez M. , Carreño-Ortega A. , Pérez-Alonso J.
Published: November 2013

The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of using aluminised screens offering different degrees of shading on the production and quality of tomato cv Atlético crops grown under greenhouse conditions. The study was performed in an Almería-type "raspa and amagado" commercial greenhouse with an area of 10,000 square m. The covering material was heat-insulating polyethylene (200 microm thick). The passive ventilation area of the greenhouse was 14%. Transplantation of the plantlets into the sandy mulch soil of the greenhouse was performed to leave a density of 1.78 plants/square m. Plants were grown under extendable aluminised screens offering 40% (T40), 50% (T50) and 60% (T60) shading, as well as under traditional whitewashing conditions (control). The screens were used during the middle hours of the day in summer with a view to reducing radiation, and at night in autumn and winter to prevent the loss of heat via outgoing long-wave infrared radiation. Only the T60 treatment returned significantly different results compared to the control: the T60 fruit had a lower deg Brix but were firmer in both growing seasons.
Body composition in mature Parda de Montaña and Pirenaica suckler cows
Authors: Álvarez-Rodríguez J. , Blanco M. , Ripoll G. , Sanz A. , Casasús I.
Published: November 2013

Two experiments were conducted to study the body composition of mature females from two breeds of suckler cattle (Parda de Montaña and Pirenaica) with different origin and purpose. In Exp. 1, body condition score (BCS) and subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) were measured in 64 cows in a 2x2 factorial arrangement (Parda de Montaña vs. Pirenaica breed and dry vs. lactating cows). SFT was similar across genotypes (P>0.05) but physiological stage affected this trait (P0.05). Carcass weights (hot and cold) and dressing percentages (slaughter and commercial) as well as the weight of some metabolically active organs (liver, spleen and kidney) and hide were similar across breeds (P>0.05). The previous traits revealed no differences in the body composition of Parda de Montaña and Pirenaica cattle breeds, highlighting the parallel trajectory of selection for meat production in both genotypes over the last years.
Application of mycorrhizae to ornamental horticultural crops:lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum) as a test case
Authors: Pivonia S. , Levita R. , Dori I. , Ganot L. , Meir S. , Salim S. , Resnick N. , Wininger S. , Shlomo E. , Koltai H.
Published: November 2013

Ornamental crops are high-cash crops, grown under greenhouse conditions in semi-arid regions in Israel where a reduction in the native population of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) is expected due to routine soil disinfection. The application of AMF inoculum to the soil has been shown to be effective at improving plant growth and enhancing plant resilience to abiotic and biotic stresses. One of our aims is to introduce mycorrhizal application to ornamental crops, and a test case is presented here for two cultivars of lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum), one of the major ornamental crops grown in Israel. Several different methods of AMF application and their effects on growth, yield and vase life were examined in lisianthus grown in two different semi-arid locations in southern Israel. AMF enhanced lisianthus growth and yield, especially when introduced to the growth medium during seeding and to the pit hole during planting. Significantly enhanced growth and yield parameters included flowering stem length (58 ± 0.7 and 65.1 ± 0.7 cm for control and AMF treated, respectively) and number of flowering stems per square meter (73 ± 9 and 106 ± 6 for control and AMF treated, respectively); positive but non-significant effects were recorded on stem weight, number of flowers per stem and vase life of cut flowers. Yield enhancement was recorded under both low and regular phosphorus conditions. Although not significant, higher resilience against two pathogenic fungi was also recorded following AMF inoculation (23 ± 13 and 41 ± 10 surviving plants for control and AMF treated, respectively). Hence, AMF is suggested to be a useful growth amendment for promotion of lisianthus commercial production, and may potentially be applied to additional ornamental crops.
Review. Deficit irrigation in fruit trees and vines in Spain
Authors: Ruiz-Sanchez M. C. , Domingo R. , Castel J. R.
Published: November 2013

Water has become the most precious of natural resources in many areas of Spain and, since agriculture is the major consumer of water, improvements in water use efficiency are increasingly sought. Regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) is an irrigation strategy based on applying only a fraction of the plant water requirements during certain periods of plant development. The paper reviews the available information on RDI strategies, in woody tree crops and vines based on studies by Spanish research groups. Both the promising results obtained and the drawbacks are covered.
Effect of saline conditions on the maturation process of Clementine Clemenules fruits on two different rootstocks
Authors: Navarro J. M. , Gomez-Gomez A. , Perez-Perez J. G. , Botia P.
Published: November 2013

The production of mandarins is important in the Mediterranean area, where the continued use of saline water reduces fruit yield and modifies fruit quality. Grafted trees of Clemenules mandarin scion on Carrizo citrange and Cleopatra mandarin rootstocks, two of the most common citrus rootstocks employed in this area, were irrigated with two saline treatments (control and 30 mM NaCl). The fruit quality was studied through the last two months before the fruit harvest. Salinity reduced both the fruit number and the mean fruit weight on Carrizo trees whereas no fruit weight reduction was observed on Cleopatra. The decrease of fruit weight on Carrizo trees is probably due to the lower water content and consequently the lower juice percentage. Although the saline treatment produced significant differences in some fruit quality variables (shape and thickness indices) throughout the maturation process, they were minimal at the harvest time. Total soluble solids (TSS) were significantly higher in fruits from the saline treatments, probably due to a passive dehydration. It is also possible thatde novo synthesis of sugars occurred, since fruits from Cleopatra trees receiving the saline treatment had similar water contents but higher TSS than control fruits. The external fruit colour indicated that the saline treatment accelerated the maturation process; however, the maturity index showed that the high acidity of these fruits delayed the internal maturation with respect to the control fruits.
Experimental assessment of shade-cloth covers on agricultural reservoirs for irrigation in south-eastern Spain
Authors: Martinez-Alvarez V. , Maestre-Valero J. F. , Martin-Gorriz B. , Gallego-Elvira B.
Published: November 2013

Agricultural water reservoirs (AWRs) are commonly used to guarantee water supply throughout the whole irrigation season in arid and semiarid areas. An important fraction of the total stored water is lost through evaporation, substantially decreasing overall irrigation efficiency. In this study, the effects of suspended shade cloth covers (SSCCs) on reducing evaporation and on the quality of the stored water have been experimentally assessed. To this aim, an AWR located in south-eastern Spain was monitored during two consecutive years. During the first year, the AWR remained uncovered, while during the second year it was covered with a black polyethylene SSCC. The evaporation rate, the water temperature profile and the driving meteorological variables determining evaporation were measured to assess the technical viability of the cover. Evaporation measurements for covered conditions were compared with estimations obtained from an openwater evaporation model which was validated during the first year of experimentation. A reduction close to 85% in the evaporation rate was found. To assess the effects on water quality, water samples and measurements with a multiparametric instrument were monthly collected during the two-year experimental period. Electrical conductivity, chlorophyll concentration and turbidity were measured using this equipment. Results indicate that the reduction in solar radiation (1% transmission through the cover) dramatically reduced the photosynthetic activity; hence algal bloom was highly limited. Finally, the main benefits and costs associated with the cover installation were identified in order to analyse economic viability under different scenarios representative of the current irrigated farming situation in south-eastern Spain.
Adult Intussusception of Appendicular Mucinous Cystoadenoma
Authors: Feliu Francesc , Rueda Juan C. , Escuder Jorge , Gris Fernando , Jiménez Andrea , Vicente Vicente
Published: November 2013

Intussusception is a rare cause of adult intestinal obstruction. Clinical manifestations are not specific, which makes a preoperative diagnosis difficult to establish and often causes delay. We report a case of acute intestinal obstruction due to ileocolic intussusception. An emergency laparoscopy was performed revealing an obstructive mass at the ileocecal region resulting from an appendicular tumor. A right hemicolectomy was conducted. The pathologic examination of the resected sample concluded the mass comprised an appendicular mucinous cystoadenoma. We discuss the clinical features, preoperative diagnosis, and surgical strategies of adult intussusception, as well as the uncommon finding of an appendicular mucinous tumor as its causative lesion, with a review of the available literature.
Hemoptysis and Acute Respiratory Syndrome (ARDS) as Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity After FOLFOX4 Plus Bevacizumab Treatment
Authors: Kobayashi Takaaki , Masaki Tadahiko , Kogawa Koji , Matsuoka Hiroyoshi , Sugiyama Masanori
Published: November 2013

As there have been many multidrug regimens introduced in colorectal cancer treatment, hypersensitivity is more often encountered than in the past. Though most allergic adverse events of oxaliplatin are mainly classified as type I reaction, a limited number of case reports of type IV reaction (delayed-type hypersensitivity) have been reported. A 73-year-old man was hospitalized for receiving the third cycle of FOLFOX4 plus bevacizumab. Forty-two hours after administration, he had dyspnea and hemoptysis. Acute respiratory distress syndrome was suspected, and the patient underwent mechanical ventilation and steroid pulse therapy. Delayed-type hypersensitivity is induced by induction of inflammation via IL-1, TNF-α and IL-6. The serum level of IL-6 in patients with advanced colorectal cancers is usually greater than the normal range. Therefore, delayed-type hypersensitivity may be easily induced in those patients. We should pay special attention to delayed-type hypersensitivity in advanced colorectal cancer patients undergoing FOLFOX treatment.
Favorable Response After Gemcitabine-Radiotherapy for Invasive Pancreatic Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm: A Case Report
Authors: Ochiai Takanori , Igari Kimihiro , Furuyama Takaki , Ito Hiromitsu , Mitsunori Yusuke , Aihara Arihiro , Kumagai Yoichi , Iida Michio , Odajima Hajime , Tanaka Shinji , Arii Shigeki , Yamazaki Shigeru
Published: November 2013

The efficacy of chemoradiotherapy for invasive pancreatic ductal carcinoma derived from an intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) has not been established. The subject of the present report was a 53-year-old man admitted for the treatment of IPMN. The tumor, located in the pancreatic body, was of the mixed type of IPMN, and it involved the branch duct, where it was 38 mm in diameter, and the main duct, where it was 6 mm in diameter. Distal pancreatectomy was performed and the postoperative course was uneventful; however, histopathologic diagnosis revealed invasive ductal carcinoma with a positive surgical margin in the pancreatic duct. Although total pancreatectomy was recommended, chemoradiotherapy (50.4-Gy irradiation and gemcitabine) was preferred by the patient. At 9-month follow up, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a cystic mass at the surgical margin of the pancreas. Endoscopic ultrasonography showed a 44-mm cystic lesion with nodules in the remnant pancreas, on the basis of which he underwent total pancreatectomy. Pathologic examination of the resected specimen revealed absence of the epithelium at the surgical margin of the main pancreatic duct, and malignant cells were not detected.
Port Site Metastasis After Laparoscopic-Assisted Distal Gastrectomy (LADG)
Authors: Sakurai Katsunobu , Tanaka Hiroaki , Lee Tomohiro , Muguruma Kazuya , Kubo Naoshi , Yashiro Masakazu , Ohira Masaichi , Hirakawa Kosei
Published: November 2013

This report describes a case of port site metastasis after laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer. A 57-year-old man with clinical cTNM stage II (T2 N0 M0) gastric cancer was admitted to our hospital. After administration of an oral fluoropyrimidine drug (S-1) for 2 weeks, he underwent laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG). On hematoxylin and eosin staining, the pTNM stage was IA (T1b N0 M0). Eighteen months later, the patient developed a subcutaneous metastasis at the trocar site. A second operation was performed, and the abdominal wall mass was resected. The histological finding confirmed a diagnosis of metastatic gastric carcinoma. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed micrometastasis in fat tissue adjacent to the lymph node near the left gastric artery. Surgeons should be aware that port site metastasis can occur in patients undergoing LADG for gastric cancer with lymphatic micrometastasis, which is undetectable on routine hematoxylin and eosin staining.
A New Technique in Management of Pilonidal Sinus, a University Teaching Hospital Experience
Authors: Aldaqal Saleh M. , Kensarah Ahmed A. , Alhabboubi Mostafa , Ashy Abdulrahman A.
Published: November 2013

This paper evaluates a new technique that can lead to excision of pilonidal sinus with less healing time and low recurrence rate. A prospective randomized double-blind controlled study on 142 patients with pilonidal sinus conducted during the period from September 2008 to March 2012. The patients were prospectively randomized to be operated with one of four surgical techniques, excision and primary closure, or excision after using hydrogen peroxide (H202) and primary closure, or excision without closure, or excision after injection of H202 without closure. The main outcome measures were the healing time and the recurrence rate. Out of 142 patients, 118 patients were males (83%), and 24 were females (17%). The mean age was 24.5 years. The recurrence rate in patients treated with excision after injection of H202 without closure was the lowest (1.8%) with P-value < 0.005, and the mean duration of healing was 30.7 days with P-value < 0.005. We recommend using excision after injection of H202 without closure in management of PNS. Injection of H202 into the pilonidal tracts can give a precise delineation of the affected tracts, which can be excised with minimal amount of surrounding normal tissues and hence lead to a quicker recovery and low recurrence rate.
Hepatic Inflammatory Pseudotumor With Elevated Serum CA19-9 Level Mimicking Liver Metastasis From Rectal Cancer: Report of a Case
Authors: Shirai Yoshihiro , Shiba Hiroaki , Fujiwara Yuki , Eto Ken , Misawa Takeyuki , Yanaga Katsuhiko
Published: November 2013

Inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) of the liver is rare, and differential diagnosis from malignant tumors is difficult. We herein report a case of IPT of the liver with marked elevation of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9). A 72-year-old woman, who underwent low anterior resection for rectal cancer, had low-grade fever and epigastric pain. The patient has well-controlled idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) with steroid maintenance treatment. Abnormal laboratory findings included serum carcinoembryonic antigen of 15.9 ng/mL and CA19-9 up to 14,632 U/mL. Computed tomography revealed a low-density lesion, and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a high intensity lesion on T1, T2-weighted, and diffusion-weighted images (55 × 22 mm in the Couinaud's segment 4 of the liver). However, 1 month after the appearance of the symptom, serum level of CA19-9 suddenly decreased to 37 U/mL. The tumor decreased spontaneously to 20 × 10 mm. Seven months later, the tumor had reduced to 18 × 11 mm. With a diagnosis of IPT, the patient remains well without regrowth of the tumor at 1 year follow-up after CA19-9 decrease to normal limits.
Seasonally different carbon flux changes in the Southern Ocean in response to the southern annular mode
Authors: Hauck J. , Völker C. , Wang T. , Hoppema M. , Losch M. , Wolf‐Gladrow D. A.
Published: November 2013

Stratospheric ozone depletion and emission of greenhouse gases lead to a trend of the southern annular mode (SAM) toward its high‐index polarity. The positive phase of the SAM is characterized by stronger than usual westerly winds that induce changes in the physical carbon transport. Changes in the natural carbon budget of the upper 100 m of the Southern Ocean in response to a positive SAM phase are explored with a coupled ecosystem‐general circulation model and regression analysis. Previously overlooked processes that are important for the upper ocean carbon budget during a positive SAM period are identified, namely, export production and downward transport of carbon north of the polar front (PF) as large as the upwelling in the south. The limiting micronutrient iron is brought into the surface layer by upwelling and stimulates phytoplankton growth and export production but only in summer. This leads to a drawdown of carbon and less summertime outgassing (or more uptake) of natural CO2. In winter, biological mechanisms are inactive, and the surface ocean equilibrates with the atmosphere by releasing CO2. In the annual mean, the upper ocean region south of the PF loses more carbon by additional export production than by the release of CO2 into the atmosphere, highlighting the role of the biological carbon pump in response to a positive SAM event.
Temperature‐dependent remineralization in a warming ocean increases surface pCO2 through changes in marine ecosystem composition
Authors: Segschneider Joachim , Bendtsen Jørgen
Published: November 2013

Temperature‐dependent remineralization of organic matter is, in general, not included in marine biogeochemistry models currently used for Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) climate projections. Associated feedbacks have therefore not been quantified. In this study we aim at investigating how temperature‐dependent remineralization rates (Q10 = 2) in a warming ocean impact on the marine carbon cycle, and if this may weaken the oceanic sink for anthropogenic CO2. We perturb an Earth system model used for CMIP5 with temperature‐dependent remineralization rates of organic matter using representative concentration pathway (RCP)8.5‐derived temperature anomalies for 2100. The result is a modest change of organic carbon export but also derived effects associated with feedback processes between changed nutrient concentrations and ecosystem structure. As more nutrients are recycled in the euphotic layer, increased primary production causes a depletion of silicate in the surface layer as opal is exported to depth more efficiently than particulate organic carbon. Shifts in the ecosystem occur as diatoms find less favorable conditions. Export production of calcite shells increases causing a decrease in alkalinity and higher surface pCO2. With regard to future climate projections, the results indicate a reduction of oceanic uptake of anthropogenic CO2 of about 0.2 PgC yr−1 toward the end of the 21st century in addition to reductions caused by already identified climate‐carbon cycle feedbacks. Similar shifts in the ecosystem as identified here, but driven by external forcing, have been proposed to drive glacial/interglacial changes in atmospheric pCO2. We propose a similar positive feedback between climate perturbations and the global carbon cycle but driven solely by internal biogeochemical processes.
Changes in the atmospheric helium isotope ratio over the past 40 years
Authors: Lupton J. , Evans L.
Published: November 2013

We have compared the helium isotope ratio in five samples of Pacific marine air spanning the 40 year period between 1973 and 2013 against a secondary gas standard. In a separate experiment we directly compared the 3He/4He ratio in air samples collected in 1973 and 2013 at the same location in La Jolla, California, eliminating any geographical bias. Both experiments are consistent with zero time rate of change for atmospheric 3He/4He. Our best estimate for the rate of change of the 3He/4He ratio in Pacific marine air is −0.0014 ± 0.0045%/yr (2σ), indicating that air helium is still a valid standard for terrestrial helium isotope measurements.
Contributions to twentieth century total column ozone change from halocarbons, tropospheric ozone precursors, and climate change
Authors: Reader M. C. , Plummer D. A. , Scinocca J. F. , Shepherd T. G.
Published: November 2013

We investigate ozone changes from preindustrial times to the present using a chemistry‐climate model. The influence of changes in physical climate, ozone‐depleting substances, N2O, and tropospheric ozone precursors is estimated using equilibrium simulations with these different factors set at either preindustrial or present‐day values. When these effects are combined, the entire decrease in total column ozone from preindustrial to present day is very small (−1.8 DU) in the global annual average, though with significant decreases in total column ozone over large parts of the Southern Hemisphere during austral spring and widespread increases in column ozone over the Northern Hemisphere during boreal summer. A significant contribution to the total ozone column change is the increase in lower stratospheric ozone associated with the increase in ozone precursors (5.9 DU). Also noteworthy is the near cancelation of the global average climate change effect on ozone (3.5 DU) by the increase in N2O (−3.9 DU).
Similarity and difference of the two successive V6 and V7 TRMM multisatellite precipitation analysis performance over China
Authors: Chen Sheng , Hong Yang , Cao Qing , Gourley Jonathan J. , Kirstetter Pierre‐Emmanuel , Yong Bin , Tian Yudong , Zhang Zengxin , Shen Yan , Hu Junjun , Hardy Jill
Published: November 2013

Similarities and differences of spatial error structures of surface precipitation estimated with successive version 6 (V6) and version 7 (V7) Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Multisatellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) algorithms are systematically analyzed through comparison with the China Meteorological Administration's national daily precipitation analysis from June 2008 to May 2011. The TMPA products include V6 and V7 real‐time products 3B42RTV6 and 3B42RTV7 and research products 3B42V6 and 3B42V7. Both versions of research products outperform their respective real‐time counterparts. 3B42V7 clearly improves upon 3B42V6 over China in terms of daily mean precipitation; the correlation coefficient (CC) increases from 0.89 to 0.93, the relative bias (RB) improves from −4.91% to −0.05%, and the root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) improves from 0.69 mm to 0.54 mm. When considering 3 year mean precipitation, 3B42V7 shows similar spatial patterns and statistical performance to 3B42V6. Both 3B42RTV7 and 3B42RTV6 demonstrate similar bias patterns in most regions of China with overestimation by 20% in arid regions (i.e., the north and west of China) and slight underestimation in humid regions (e.g., −5.82% in southern China). However, 3B42RTV7 overestimates precipitation more than 3B42RTV6 in the cold Qinghai‐Tibetan plateau, resulting in a much higher RB of 139.95% (128.69%, 136.09%, and 121.11%) in terms of 3 year annual (spring, summer, and autumn) daily mean precipitation and an even worse performance during winter. In this region, 3B42RTV7 shows an overall slightly degraded performance than 3B42RTV6 with CC decreasing from 0.81 to 0.73 and RB (RMSE) increasing from 21.22% (0.95 mm) to 35.84% (1.27 mm) in terms of daily precipitation.