bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In-vitro/In-vivo comparison of leuprolide acetate release from an in-situ forming plga system
Authors: Mashayekhi Roya , Mobedi Hamid , Najafi Jamal , Enayati Marjan
Published: July 2013

A poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) implant was used to control the release profile of leuprolide acetate (LA) drug. The system is an in-situ polymeric precipitation system. And the formulation consisted of PLGA polymer, LA drug and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidon solvent with no additives. First, the formulation was injected into PBS solution for in-vitro studies and then it was administered to the animal models (female rats) for in-vivo release studies. The release profiles of leuprolide acetate were measured by UV spectrophotometry for a period of 28 days. The initial burst release of LA was 14% in in-vitro whereas it was 7% in in-vivo. In-vitro and in-vivo release profiles of LA had similar trends after 72 hours. However, the rate of LA release was slower in-vivo. This might be attributed to the limited diffusion process of solvent and the drug molecules. This could be due to presence of an additional pressure caused by the surrounding tissue and also the presence of small amount of water between cells in the subcutaneous site. Cross-section and surface of the implants were studied via scanning electron microscopy. Morphology of both in-vitro and in-vivo implants confirmed the release behaviours. No toxicity effects were reported in the histopathological assay. Furthermore, the pharmacological analysis showed more inactive ovaries due to release of LA.
Impact of cognitive therapy on internalised stigma in people with at-risk mental states
Authors: Morrison Anthony P. , Birchwood Max , Pyle Melissa , Flach Clare , Stewart Suzanne L. K. , Byrne Rory , Patterson Paul , Jones Peter B. , Fowler David , Gumley Andrew I. , French Paul
Published: July 2013

Background

Internalised stigma in young people meeting criteria for at-risk mental states (ARMS) has been highlighted as an important issue, and it has been suggested that provision of cognitive therapy may increase such stigma.

Aims

To investigate the effects of cognitive therapy on internalised stigma using a secondary analysis of data from the EDIE-2 trial.

Method

Participants meeting criteria for ARMS were recruited as part of a multisite randomised controlled trial of cognitive therapy for prevention and amelioration of psychosis. Participants were assessed at baseline and at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months using measures of psychotic experiences, symptoms and internalised stigma.

Results

Negative appraisals of experiences were significantly reduced in the group assigned to cognitive therapy (estimated difference at 12 months was −1.36 (95% Cl −2.69 to −0.02), P = 0.047). There was no difference in social acceptability of experiences (estimated difference at 12 months was 0.46, 95% Cl −0.05 to 0.98, P = 0.079).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that, rather than increasing internalised stigma, cognitive therapy decreases negative appraisals of unusual experiences in young people at risk of psychosis; as such, it is a non-stigmatising intervention for this population.
NIVELES DE RAZONAMIENTO GEOMÉTRICO EN ESTUDIANTES DE ESTABLECIMIENTOS MUNICIPALIZADOS DE LA REGIÓN DEL MAULE. TALCA, CHILE
Authors: Aravena Díaz María
Published: July 2013

En esta investigación, que fue financiada por el Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico, FONDECYT 1090617, se analiza el nivel de razonamiento geométrico que presentan los alumnos de establecimientos municipalizados con altos índices de vulnerabilidad, de la Región del Maule, Chile. Para ello, se implementó un Diagnóstico considerando las temáticas de 6° Año Básico hasta 2° Año de Enseñanza Media, tomando como base el modelo de los Van-Hiele y los atributos distintivos en los procesos de razonamiento propuesto por Gutiérrez y Jaime (1998). La metodología fue de corte cuantitativa, donde se realizó un muestreo por conglomerados, con arranque probabilístico aleatorio de afijación proporcional. La muestra efectiva fue de 625 alumnos, representativos de la Región. A nivel de resultados, se coloca en evidencia que el alumnado se encuentra en el nivel más básico del razonamiento geométrico y con un grado de adquisición bajo respecto de los procesos de razonamiento.
LOS LIBROS DE TEXTO DE MATEMÁTICAS DEL BACHILLERATO EN EL PERIODO 1970 - 2005
Authors: Ruiz de Gauna Gorostiza Josu , Dávila Balsera Paulí , Etxeberria Murgiondo Juan , Sarasua Fernández Joxemari
Published: July 2013

En este artículo se aborda el análisis de un importante corpus documental de libros de texto de matemáticas nivel bachillerato publicados en España durante el periodo 1970-2005. Los autores recogen categorías de análisis de diversos modelos para proponer una metodología que considera el tratamiento didáctico del contenido matemático, el lenguaje gráfico-simbólico, los problemas y ejercicios y las innovaciones metodológicas y modelo de enseñanza - aprendizaje. Se establecen las características de los libros de texto de cada una de las tres etapas en las que se divide el periodo analizado. En las conclusiones se resalta la evolución del tratamiento de estos aspectos desde el punto de vista formal, formativo y de contenido.
‘Without U, it’s just kulele’: Expressions of leisure and ‘ohana in an intergenerational
ukulele club
Authors: Kruse Nathan B.
Published: July 2013

The purpose of this intrinsic case study was to examine the musical and social underpinnings of the Dallas Ukulele Headquarters (DUH). Specifically, this research explored the impetus and evolution of DUH, the appeal of ukulele culture as expressed by club members and the members’ perceived sense of identity within a diverse community group. Data were collected over a seven-month period through participant observations, interviews with six participants, photography and e-mail correspondence. Findings revealed that DUH served as an inclusive and accepting family (‘ohana), which engendered a sense of nostalgia and therapeutic value of music among members. While the Internet most likely served as the conduit that allowed DUH to flourish, rehearsal venues were not always fulfilling due to growing membership in limited spaces. Future considerations for research include the potential in facilitating ‘ohana in community music settings, the therapeutic attributes of the ukulele and the longevity of the current ukulele renaissance.
Book Review
Authors: Ndlela Martin Nkosi
Published: July 2013

Radio in Africa. Public, Cultures, Communities, Gunner, L., Ligaga, D. and Moyo, D. (eds) (2011) Johannesburg: Wits University Press, 320 pp.,hardback, £45. ISBN: 978-1-84701-061-2
Using narrative communication in a mass-produced youth magazine as an HIV prevention intervention
Authors: Etkin Esther
Published: July 2013

With young people at the epicentre of the HIV epidemic, we need to build upon and find ways of sustaining interventions that place youth at the centre of prevention. This article argues that narrative communication is one such strategy, provided it is part of a comprehensive HIV prevention plan. Narrative communication in the form of autobiographical and role model stories in loveLife’s youth magazine, UNCUT, provides an effective mechanism not only for disseminating young people’s experiences of the individual, social and cultural determinants driving the HIV epidemic in South Africa at scale, but also for young people to learn from their experiences through role modelling and identification so they can better negotiate these determinants in their own lives.
The media’s reporting of war crimes trials and its impact on post-conflict democracy in Sierra Leone and Liberia
Authors: Cole Bernadette , Silverman Jon
Published: July 2013

The application of international humanitarian law (IHL) to conflicts in Africa has been the subject of some scholarly and much journalistic discourse about the ending of ‘impunity’ and an extension of the normative principles of transitional justice. The trials conducted by the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL) were brought to audiences in both countries by a media that has had scant experience in grappling with such weighty jurisprudential concepts. A research project is examining attitudes towards the reporting of two of those trials. This article discusses preliminary findings from the research and argues that the media is performing a wider role in legitimizing post-conflict governance by providing a platform for civil society organizations.
Exhibition Histories and New Media Behaviours
Authors: Graham Beryl
Published: July 2013

How can a history of exhibitions inform curators on the challenges of exhibiting new media art? How can histories of exhibitions dealing with interaction and participation inform the curation of new media art involving these behaviours? Exhibitions of broadly conceptual or immaterial work such as Information (1970) and Les Immatériaux (1985) lead to an examination of exhibitions where participation is key, including Bodyspacemotionthings (1971 and 2009), Serious Games (1996), 010101 (2001), The Art of Participation (2008), and Current (2011). New media artworks including Talkaoke, www_hack, and Random Information Exchange help to establish critical categories for different kinds of participatory systems. For future critical art histories of participatory art exhibitions, I propose that an effective method would include a combination of documentary sources, such as installation images, audience data, and crowd-sourced documentation.
The radio as good object: An object relational perspective on the curative and protective factors of a BBC public service broadcast for young people
Authors: Balick Aaron
Published: July 2013

Contemporary young people inhabit an environment that is saturated with a variety of new media platforms competing for their attention. While as a demographic they tend to listen to traditional radio broadcasting less and less, under certain conditions the traditional radio transmission can provide an oasis of consistent positive influence on the emotional well-being of its listeners. Drawing on personal experience as the mental health contributor to BBC Radio 1’s public service phone-in advice show The Surgery with Aled, the author reflects on the ways in which this programming may shed light on the curative and protective factors implicit in its broadcast. Using both personal reflective experiences alongside the application of object relations theory, the nature of this public service advice broadcast is critically examined for the unconscious psychodynamic components that underlie the more obvious conscious role the advice itself provides. It is proposed that traditional radio programmes that meet some basic criteria including regularity, authenticity and a ‘listener-centric’ approach can enable an ‘object constancy’, which ultimately creates the overall curative effect for its listeners.
The reparative spaces of radio
Authors: Bainbridge Caroline , Yates Candida
Published: July 2013

This introduction contextualizes the work included in this special edition in terms of the activities of the Media and the Inner World research network. Drawing on object relations psychoanalysis, it signals the importance of the reparative, emotional work of radio past and present. As we discuss, the emotional resonance of the medium holds a special significance for individuals, for whom radio listening often goes hand in hand with reflective experiences of selfhood and identity. The role of radio is also discussed in relation to our emotionalized experience of popular culture and the world at large and the shaping of shared identities and ‘imagined communities’. We argue that the social and political function of radio arguably hinges on the psychological power it has because of its status as an important internal object of the mind.
Passive and Active Opportunism in Interorganizational Exchange
Authors: Seggie Steven H. , Griffith David A. , Jap Sandy D.
Published: July 2013

This article examines how firms in interorganizational relationships respond differently to active and passive opportunism and observes how these opportunism forms erode satisfaction with the performance of these relationships. The multimethod approach of two experiments and one longitudinal field study demonstrate that firms tolerate more passive opportunism than active opportunism (Study 1) and that transaction costs play a mediating role between opportunism form and satisfaction with performance of the relationship (Study 2). Finally, the field study reveals that, over time, passive opportunism has a more corrosive impact on satisfaction with performance than active opportunism (Study 3). Together, the findings underscore the importance of distinguishing passive and active opportunism and the need to develop a better understanding of its management and consequences.
How Images of Other Consumers Influence Subsequent Taste Perceptions
Authors: Poor Morgan , Duhachek Adam , Krishnan H. Shanker
Published: July 2013

Images of food are seemingly everywhere, and yet the influence that such images have on important consumer outcomes is not well understood. The authors propose that the effect that image exposure has on taste perceptions largely depends on the interaction between the type of food (healthy vs. unhealthy) and whether the image shows the food alone (food image) or the food being consumed by a person (consummatory image). Specifically, the authors show that exposure to consummatory images of unhealthy (vs. healthy) foods increases taste perceptions relative to food images. To explain this effect, the authors argue that seeing an image of someone else indulging in an unhealthy food serves as social proof of the appropriateness and acceptability of indulgent consumption. As such, images of consumers eating act as a justification agent for real consumers, thereby reducing the conflict associated with the subsequent indulgent consumption experience and, in effect, increasing taste perceptions. The authors test this effect across five studies and eliminate rival explanations pertaining to emotional contagion, goal contagion, and source attractiveness.
Are G3 ENETS neuroendocrine neoplasms heterogeneous?
Authors: Vélayoudom-Céphise Fritz-Line , Duvillard Pierre , Foucan Lydia , Hadoux Julien , Chougnet Cecile N , Leboulleux Sophie , Malka David , Guigay Joël , Goere Diane , Debaere Thierry , Caramella Caroline , Schlumberger Martin , Planchard David , Elias Dominique , Ducreux Michel , Scoazec Jean-Yves , Baudin Eric
Published: July 2013

The new WHO classification of gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) neuroendocrine tumors (NET) implies that G3 neoplasms with mitotic index >20 and/or Ki67 index >20% are neuroendocrine carcinomas (NEC), described as poorly differentiated, small or large cell types, by analogy with lung NEC. To characterize the subgroup of non-small-cell-type GEP and thoracic NET with mitotic index >20 and/or Ki67 >20% according to their pathological features, response to cisplatin and overall survival (OS). We reviewed pathological and clinical presentation of G3 non-small-cell-type NET referred to our institution for 5 years. Data from 166 patients with metastatic thoracic and GEP-NET were collected. Twenty-eight patients (17%) fulfill the inclusion criteria. Tumors were classified as well-differentiated NET (G3-WDNET) in 42.8% of cases and poorly differentiated, large-cell NEC (G3-LCNEC) in 57.2% of cases. Plasma chromogranin A or neuron-specific enolase were elevated in 42 and 25% respectively of G3-WDNET and 31 and 50% of G3-LCNEC. Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy was positive in 88 and 50% of G3-WDNET or G3-LCNEC respectively. Complete or partial response to cisplatin was observed in 31% of cases, all classified as G3-LCNEC. The median OS was 41 months for G3-WDNET but 17 months for G3-LCNEC (P=0.34). Short survival was observed in 25% of G3-WDNET but 62.5% of G3-LCNEC patients (P=0.049). G3 ENETS GEP and thoracic neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) could constitute a heterogeneous subgroup of NEN as regards diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. If confirmed, future classifications may consider splitting them into two groups according to their morphological differentiation.
Serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels correlate with infrarenal aortic diameter in healthy older men: is AMH a cardiovascular hormone?
Authors: Dennis Nicola A , Jones Gregory T , Chong Yih Harng , van Rij Andre M , McLennan Ian S
Published: July 2013

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a gonadal hormone present in the blood in men and pre-menopausal women. AMH regulates male sexual differentiation but has no putative function in adulthood. In recent studies, high AMH levels are associated with absence of cardiovascular disease in men and smaller atherosclerotic burden in monkeys. Mechanistically, AMH has downstream convergence with known regulators of the cardiovascular system, while the specific receptor for AMH is present in murine aorta and the human heart. Our primary objective was to examine whether AMH levels in healthy men correlated with the physical characteristics of their aorta. Our secondary aim was to document whether men with distinct vascular disorders expressed different levels of AMH. Serum AMH assayed by ELISA in 153 men (54–93 years) free from vascular disease inversely correlated with the ultrasonographic diameters of the distal- (r=−0.22, P=0.006) and mid-infrarenal aorta (r=−0.26, P=0.008). This association was similar in magnitude but opposite to that of body surface area (largest known determinant of aortic diameter) and independent of known cardiovascular risk factors. This relationship is specific to AMH, as inhibin B, a Sertoli cell hormone-like AMH, did not correlate with aortic diameter (r=−0.04, P=0.66) despite partially correlating with AMH. Among men with known vascular disease, higher AMH levels were associated with varicose vein disease, while men with higher levels of AMH were under-represented in the abdominal aortic aneurysm relative to the healthy cohort. These findings identify AMH as a novel putative regulator of the cardiovascular system.
Atrazine-induced elevation or attenuation of the LH surge in the ovariectomized, estrogen-primed female rat: role of adrenal progesterone
Authors: Goldman Jerome M , Davis Lori K , Murr Ashley S , Cooper Ralph L
Published: July 2013

Multiple exposures to the herbicide atrazine (ATRZ) were shown to suppress the LH surge in both cycling female rats and those ovariectomized (OVX) and primed with estradiol (E2). A single ATRZ administration was found to induce a prompt and marked increase in progesterone (P4). As exogenous P4is known to have a differential effect on the LH surge depending on its temporal relationship with the surge, it was hypothesized that a single treatment in an OVX, E2-primed rat would augment the surge, whereas several exposures would cause a decrease. Following four daily treatments with 100 mg/kg, LH surge was suppressed. In contrast, a single ATRZ exposure elevated the surge. Two treatments were without effect. The single administration caused a large increase in P4at 30 and 60 min that was likely attributable to adrenal secretion. Four exposures also elevated P4after the final treatment, although the duration of the increase was shortened. A single treatment with 0, 10, 30, and 100 mg/kg ATRZ showed similar elevations at the highest concentration in P4, the LH peak, and area under the curve (AUC), whereas four exposures reduced the AUC. An increase at 1 h in the expression ofKiss1in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus suggests that this regional kisspeptin neuronal population has a role in the ATRZ augmentation of the surge. These data support the hypothesis that ATRZ-induced changes in adrenal P4can either augment or attenuate the surge depending on the temporal proximity of exposure to the rise in LH.
Species-specific differences in X chromosome inactivation in mammals
Authors: Sado Takashi , Sakaguchi Takehisa
Published: July 2013

In female mammals, the dosage difference in X-linked genes between XX females and XY males is compensated for by inactivating one of the two X chromosomes during early development. Since the discovery of the X inactive-specific transcript (XIST) gene in humans and its subsequent isolation of the mouse homolog,Xist, in the early 1990s, the molecular basis of X chromosome inactivation (X-inactivation) has been more fully elucidated using genetically manipulated mouse embryos and embryonic stem cells. Studies on X-inactivation in other mammals, although limited when compared with those in the mice, have revealed that, while their inactive X chromosome shares many features with those in the mice, there are marked differences in not only some epigenetic modifications of the inactive X chromosome but also when and how X-inactivation is initiated during early embryonic development. Such differences raise the issue about what extent of the molecular basis of X-inactivation in the mice is commonly shared among others. Recognizing similarities and differences in X-inactivation among mammals may provide further insight into our understanding of not only the evolutionary but also the molecular aspects for the mechanism of X-inactivation. Here, we reviewed species-specific differences in X-inactivation and discussed what these differences may reveal.
In-situ preparation of metal oxide thin films by inkjet printing acetates solutions
Authors: Fang Mei , Voit Wolfgang , Wu Yan , Belova Lyubov , Rao K.V.
Published: July 2013

Direct printing of functional oxide thin films could provide a new route to low-cost, efficient and scalable fabrications of electronic devices. One challenge that remains open is to design the inks with long term stability for effective deposition of specific oxide materials of industrial importance. In this paper, we introduce a reliable method of producing stable inks for ‘in-situ’ deposition of oxide thin films by inkjet printing. The inks were prepared from metal-acetates solutions and printed on a variety of substrates. The acetate precursors were decomposed into oxide films during the subsequent calcination process to achieve the ‘in-situ’ deposition of the desired oxide films directly on the substrate. By this procedure we have obtained room temperature contamination free ferromagnetic spintronic materials like Fe doped MgO and ZnO films from their acetate(s) solutions. We find that the origin of magnetism in ZnO, MgO and their Fe-doped films to be intrinsic. For a 28 nm thick film of Fe-doped ZnO we observe an enhanced magnetic moment of 16.0 emu/cm3 while it is 5.5 emu/cm3 for the doped MgO film of single pass printed. The origin of magnetism is attributed to cat-ion vacancies. We have also fabricated highly transparent indium tin oxide films with a transparency >95% both in the visible and IR range which is rather unique compared to films grown by any other technique. The films have a nano-porous structure, an added bonus from inkjetting that makes such films advantageous for a broad range of applications.
Precisão experimental de ensaios de trigo em regiões homogêneas de adaptação
Authors: Benin Giovani , Storck Lindolfo , Marchioro Volmir Sérgio , Franco Francisco de Assis , Schuster Ivan
Published: July 2013

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a adequação de estatísticas de precisão experimental em conjuntos de ensaios de competição de genótipos de trigo (Triticum aestivum), realizados em regiões homogêneas de adaptação. As estatísticas herdabilidade, coeficiente de determinação, valor do teste F para genótipo, índice de diferenciação de Fasoulas, acurácia seletiva e coeficiente de repetibilidade foram calculadas a partir de resultados de produtividade de grãos de trigo de 572 ensaios de competição com 25 genótipos, em quatro regiões homogêneas de adaptação, nas safras de 2007 a 2011. Foram estimadas as correlações lineares entre as estatísticas e realizada a análise de trilha. As estatísticas foram agrupadas pelo método hierárquico de Ward. As médias das estatísticas de cada região de adaptação foram comparadas pelo teste t "bootstrap". As estatísticas acurácia seletiva, coeficiente de determinação, coeficiente de herdabilidade e coeficiente de repetibilidade apresentam relação algébrica e são adequadas para avaliar a precisão experimental de ensaios de competição de trigo em diferentes regiões de adaptação. As regiões utilizadas para avaliação do valor de cultivo e uso do trigo diferem quanto à acurácia seletiva e ao coeficiente de repetibilidade.
Seismic performance evaluation of staggered wall structures using Fema P695 procedure
Authors: Lee Joonho , Kim Jinkoo
Published: July 2013

In this study the seismic performance of six and 12-storey staggered wall structures with a middle corridor is evaluated based on the Fema P695 procedure. The validity of the seismic response factors used for seismic design of the model structures is also evaluated following the procedure. The analysis results of the prototype structures are compared with those of structures with increased coupling beam depth or increased rebar ratio of coupling beams. The adjusted collapse margin ratios of the model structures obtained from incremental dynamic analyses turn out to be larger than the limit states specified in the Fema P695, which implies that the analysis model structures have enough safety margin for collapse against design level earthquakes. It is also concluded that the response modification factor used in the design of the model structures is valid.
Effect of transverse reinforcement on short structural wall behaviour
Authors: Zygouris Nick St , Kotsovos Gerasimos M. , Kotsovos Michael D.
Published: July 2013

This paper reports on an investigation of the effect of the transverse reinforcement arrangement on the effective ductility of short structural walls. The work described is based on a comparative study of the behaviour of three pairs of specimens, with different transverse reinforcement arrangements, tested under cyclic loading. Two of the reinforcement arrangements investigated are those specified by Eurocode 8 (EC8) for medium and high ductility levels and the third is that resulting from application of the compressive force path method, with the latter method, unlike EC8, not specifying confining reinforcement within the critical regions. The results obtained indicate that, in spite of the significant differences in the reinforcement arrangement, all specimens exhibited similar behaviour as regards ductility, load-carrying capacity and mode of failure, the latter being characterised by crushing of concrete and buckling of the flexural bars within the compressive zone at the base of the specimens.
Seismic performance of ductile connections between precast beams and roof elements
Authors: Belleri Andrea , Torquati Mauro , Riva Paolo
Published: July 2013

The seismic vulnerability of precast reinforced concrete buildings is often governed by the performance of mechanical connections between precast elements. This aspect was highlighted by recent seismic events in Italy, where several collapses were registered among industrial buildings typical of Italian practice. The building damage was related to failure of connections between beams and columns and between beams and roof elements, which led to the loss of support of the structural elements. Starting from the results of an experimental campaign, the present work investigates the use of ductile connections between precast beams and roof elements suitable for both new structures and as a retrofit measure of existing ones. These connections are able to transfer the horizontal inertial loads and to accommodate deformations arising from seismic displacement compatibility. The relative rotation between the end of the roof elements and the beam, owing to seismic displacement demand, could lead to their contact. This leads to a load increase in rigid connections, which can cause their premature failure, or to horizontal relative displacements as in the ductile connections considered herein. Moreover, the connections investigated could be used to dissipate seismic energy.
Tree recruitment in relation to climate and fire in northern Mexico
Authors: Meunier Jed , Brown Peter M. , Romme William H.
Published: July 2013

Extensive changes in montane forest structure have occurred throughout the U.S. Southwest following Euro‐American settlement. These changes are a product of confounding effects of disturbance, climate variability, species competition, and modern land use changes. Pronounced forest reproduction events in the Southwest have generally occurred in climatically wet periods but have also followed widespread fire exclusion. Understanding the ecological processes driving such events has important implications for forest restoration, although these efforts remain difficult due to confounding factors. Separation of these interacting factors was possible in the Sierra San Luis of northern Mexico where we investigated climate, fire, and tree recruitment in areas with continued frequent fires or where fire exclusion came relatively late (1940s). Fires were strongly tied to interannual wet–dry cycles of climate, whereas recruitment peaks were more closely tied to local processes, namely, fire‐free periods, than to broad‐scale climatically wet conditions. The greatest pulse of tree recruitment coincided with a pronounced mid‐century drought (1942–1957) and a period of reduced fire frequency. The second largest pulse of recruitment (ca. 1900) preceded a well‐documented period of recruitment (and an anomalously wet period) elsewhere across the Southwest in the 1910s–1920s, and also coincided with specific fire‐free periods during below‐average precipitation. We also found greater spatial dependence and clustering in older age classes of trees. This spatial pattern indicates a legacy of fire‐induced mortality in shaping stand structure, underscoring the importance of frequent fire effects on spatial variability in forests.
Realistic diversity loss and variation in soil depth independently affect community‐level plant nitrogen use
Authors: Selmants Paul C. , Zavaleta Erika S. , Wolf Amelia A.
Published: July 2013

Numerous experiments have demonstrated that diverse plant communities use nitrogen (N) more completely and efficiently, with implications for how species conservation efforts might influence N cycling and retention in terrestrial ecosystems. However, most such experiments have randomly manipulated species richness and minimized environmental heterogeneity, two design aspects that may reduce applicability to real ecosystems. Here we present results from an experiment directly comparing how realistic and randomized plant species losses affect plant N use across a gradient of soil depth in a native‐dominated serpentine grassland in California. We found that the strength of the species richness effect on plant N use did not increase with soil depth in either the realistic or randomized species loss scenarios, indicating that the increased vertical heterogeneity conferred by deeper soils did not lead to greater complementarity among species in this ecosystem. Realistic species losses significantly reduced plant N uptake and altered N‐use efficiency, while randomized species losses had no effect on plant N use. Increasing soil depth positively affected plant N uptake in both loss order scenarios but had a weaker effect on plant N use than did realistic species losses. Our results illustrate that realistic species losses can have functional consequences that differ distinctly from randomized losses, and that species diversity effects can be independent of and outweigh those of environmental heterogeneity on ecosystem functioning. Our findings also support the value of conservation efforts aimed at maintaining biodiversity to help buffer ecosystems against increasing anthropogenic N loading.
Impacts of Fall Nitrogen Application on Seed Production in Leymus chinensis, a Rhizomatous Perennial Grass
Authors: Wang Junfeng , Li Xiaoyu , Gao Song , Li Zhuolin , Mu Chunsheng
Published: July 2013

Understanding how the seed production of rhizomatous, perennial grasses responds to fall N application is important for agronomic practices. In this study, a split‐plot design with three replicates was used to determine the impacts of time of N application in fall (early‐vegetative stage, mid‐vegetative stage, or end of the growing season) and the N application rate (0, 28, and 56 kg N ha–1) on seed production in Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvel. In contrast to N applied at the end of the growing season, N application at the early‐vegetative stage significantly increased the inflorescence number (28%) but had little influence on the seed number per inflorescence and 1000‐seed weight. Compared with the 0 kg N ha–1 treatment, the highest N application rate significantly increased the inflorescence number (118%), the seed number per inflorescence (65%), the 1000‐seed weight (9%), and the fall tiller density (121%). The increased inflorescence number was closely associated with the increased number of fall tillers and the ratio of reproductive growth to vegetative growth in these tillers. All fall tillers had the ability to head in the following year if there was enough precipitation at the end of the growing season and during the winter. The results suggest that the method of first applying N during the early fall and then watering at the end of the growing season will greatly improve the seed yield in L. chinensis.
Estimation of Leaf Water Content in Winter Wheat Using Grey Relational Analysis–Partial Least Squares Modeling with Hyperspectral Data
Authors: Jin Xiuliang , Xu Xingang , Song Xiaoyu , Li Zhenhai , Wang Jihua , Guo Wenshan
Published: July 2013

Water availability limits wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production in many areas of the world. It may be possible to use crop reflectance to estimate leaf water content (LWC). The objectives of this study were (i) to develop and test a model for assessing water stress in winter wheat, where the regression models, grey relational analysis–partial least squares (GRA‐PLS), the optimal band ratio normalized difference, and three bands algorithms were tested, and (ii) to compare the performance of the proposed models using GRA‐PLS and the three‐band algorithm. Spectral variables and concurrent LWC parameters of samples were acquired in Tongzhou and Shunyi districts, Beijing, China, during 2008 and 2009 winter wheat growth seasons. The GRA‐PLS model was established to estimate LWC. In the combined model, GRA was used to select sensitive spectral variables and PLS was used to perform regression analysis. The widely used three‐band algorithm was applied for LWC estimation to compare model performances. Both the three‐band algorithm and GRA‐PLS resulted in robust LWC estimation (R2 = 0.60 and 0.74, RMSE = 13.15 and 9.82%, respectively). Our results indicated that the GRA‐PLS model has great potential for LWC estimation in winter wheat; however, the three‐band algorithm also has merit, particularly when taking into consideration the simplicity of its application. This method may provide a guideline for improving the estimation of wheat LWC at the regional scale by combining different algorithms. We will further simplify the GRA‐PLS model to apply widely different satellite data in the future.
Ecophysiological Factors on Phytic Acid Concentration in Soybean Seed
Authors: Li Haichao , Wang Xian , Ma Ying , Wen Zixiang , Li Jinying , Zhang Hui , Wu Yongkang , Lei Chenfang , Wang Shufeng , Wang Jinshe , Geng Zhen , Yang Caiyun , Li Weidong , Lu Weiguo
Published: July 2013

Phytic acid is the major form of P in crop seeds. To reveal the correlations between phytic acid concentration (PAC) in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seed and ecophysiological factors, the soybean cultivar Yudou25 was planted at five locations of Henan, China, on 13 different sowing dates in 2009 and 2010. Results showed that six ecophysiological factors were highly correlated with PAC, including four soil nutrition factors (available K [AK], available P [AP], hydrolyzable N [HN], and S in soil) and two meteorological factors (diurnal temperature range at blooming and podding [DTRBP] and mean temperature at seed filling and maturity [MTFM]) from high to low in the contribution to the PAC difference. Phytic acid concentration was negatively correlated with AK and HN but positively correlated with AP and available S, DTRBP, and MTFM. These results have potentially wide applications for the production of lower PAC soybean seeds.
Within‐Seed Distribution of Selected Mineral Elements among Soybean Genotypes that Vary in Iron Efficiency
Authors: Wiersma John V. , Moraghan John T.
Published: July 2013

Genotype, severity of iron (Fe) deficiency, and interactions of Fe with Zn or Mn are important factors related to production of soybeans (Glycine max. L.) grown on high‐pH, highly calcareous soils. We studied the within seed distribution (whole seed, seed coat, and embryo) of major and minor elements in 21 soybean genotypes (G)s characterized as susceptible (S), moderately resistant (MR), and resistant (R) to Fe deficiency based on planting seed [Fe]. Trials were grown at three locations (Loc) in northwest MN (Ada, Crookston, and Fisher) during 2003. Differences among Locs in within seed distribution of N, P, K, Ca, and Mg concentrations were generally quite small, although often statistically significant. Differences among genotypes involving macronutrient contents highlighted large differences among S, MR, and R genotypes. Zinc and Mn, but not Fe, concentrations varied markedly with location, whereas [Fe]s were considerably higher in genotypes categorized as more resistant to Fe deficiency. Seed size declined, whereas seed [Fe]s and contents increased as resistance to Fe deficiency increased. Seed coat [Fe]s were greater than embryo [Fe]s within each genotypic classification, whereas seed tissue [Fe]s were greater in R and MR genotypes than in S ones. As seed tissue Fe increased, Mn decreased, and their sum remained nearly constant. Planting seed [Fe] and published visual chlorosis scores were quite similar in their association with measures of resistance.
Performance of Wheat/Maize Intercropping is a Function of Belowground Interspecies Interactions
Authors: Mu Yanpin , Chai Qiang , Yu Aizhong , Yang Caihong , Qi Wanhai , Feng Fuxue , Kong Xuefu
Published: July 2013

Intercropping is shown to have yield advantages over sole cropping, but it is unknown how much yield increase is due to belowground interspecies interactions. This study determined land equivalent ratio (LER) and water use efficiency (WUE) of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)/maize (Zea mays L.) intercropping and quantified the magnitude of yield increases due to belowground interspecies interactions. Field experiments, conducted at Wuwei (37°96′N, 102°64′E) in 2008 to 2010, included sole wheat (W), sole maize (M), wheat/maize intercropping with no root‐barrier (W/M), with a plastic sheet barrier (PW/M), or with a nylon mesh barrier (NW/M), vertically placed to one meter deep between the intercrops. Wheat/maize intercropping increased grain yields by 46% in 2008, 26% in 2009, and 64% in 2010, and improved WUE by 49, 30, and 20% in the respective years, compared with the corresponding sole cropping. The LER values ranged from 1.24 to 1.60 for W/M, suggesting that the grain yield of intercropping per hectare is equivalent to the yield that sole wheat or sole maize would produce on 1.24 and 1.60 ha. The W/M system had total yield of 10.6, 11.1, and 16.9 t ha−1 in 2008, 2009, and 2010, respectively; they were 20, 14, and 15% greater compared with the PW/M system; belowground interspecies interactions contributed 32% of the increased yield in 2008, 29% in 2009, and 40% in 2010. With the large, positive belowground interspecies interactions, wheat/maize intercropping is shown to be a promising farming practice for improving crop productivity and WUE in arid irrigation areas.
Transient Seed Bank of Camelina Contributes to a Low Weedy Propensity in Western Canadian Cropping Systems
Authors: Walsh Kimberly D. , Raatz Lisa L. , Topinka Keith C. , Hall Linda M.
Published: July 2013

Camelina [Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz.] is an oilseed currently being developed for production of industrial bioproducts. To determine whether camelina is persistent or weedy in agricultural areas experiments were conducted in 2008 through 2011. A three‐part study quantified camelina seed loss at the time of harvest, persistence of seed in the soil, and density and persistence of volunteer populations in subsequent crops. In this small‐seeded crop, seed losses at harvest ranged from 1202 to 43,430 viable seeds m−2 (12.0 to 434.3 kg ha−1). Viable seed persisted less than 15 mo at all depths, sites, and years. Seeds persisted longer on the soil surface while seed buried at 3 and 10 cm depleted more rapidly. The days to 50% seed extinction (EX50) ranged from 25 d for all burial depths at one site in 2009 to 66 d for surface seeds in 2008. Eleven commercial fields planted to camelina in 2009 were surveyed for the presence and persistence of volunteer populations throughout the 2010 and 2011 growing seasons. Initial surveys showed variable densities (9 to 4839 plants m−2); however, populations sharply declined over time and were nearly extinct after 2 yr under conventional production practices. While camelina has high fecundity and large seed losses at harvest, it has limited seed bank persistence and is unlikely to become a weed of agricultural areas.
Bayesian Posterior Predictive Distributions for Assessing Soil Aggregation in Undisturbed Semiarid Grasslands
Authors: Huzurbazar S. V. , Wick A. F. , Gasch C. K. , Stahl P.D.
Published: July 2013

Traditionally, data on soil properties collected across experimental treatments are analyzed via analysis of variance comparisons of their mean values, with such comparisons usually requiring similar variances. This study focused on changing the analysis to center on the soil properties themselves instead of concentrating on parameters such as means. Such analysis on variables or observables can be accomplished by computation of Bayesian posterior predictive distributions, namely, distributions of observables conditional on the observed data. These distributions incorporate the mean and variance structure of the variables, a useful feature for including the variability inherent in natural systems. We built on a previous introduction to the use of Bayesian models for analysis of soil texture, aggregation, and organic matter storage to demonstrate the use of posterior predictive distributions for these variables of interest. Examining these distributions may provide more informative inferences when comparing soil properties between two treatments and these methods are easy to interpret.
Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) in the Kingdom of
Bahrain: Efficacy, Patient Satisfaction and Cost Effectiveness
Authors: Ansari Ahmed Al , Alawi Samah Al , Qahtani Manaf Al , Darwish Abdulla
Published: July 2013

Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) is an alternative method to deliver intravenous
antimicrobial agents to patients requiring parenteral therapy without an overnight hospital stay. The aim of this study was
to review the OPAT services, to explore patient satisfaction with the services provided, and to determine cost
effectiveness. A retrospective review for the raw data collected in the OPAT clinic between February 2012 and January
2013 was included. Patients’ variables including age, sex, type of infection, and service costs were analyzed with
descriptive statistics. Each patient’s eligibility was assessed by an infectious disease physician (ID), and a family
physician. Patient's satisfaction was measured by a modified short version patient satisfaction questionnaire. Cost was
calculated for each patient in the OPAT clinic and compared to the actual cost if the same patient was admitted and treated
in the hospital. During the last 12 months, 101 patients, 92 adults, and nine children were treated in our OPAT clinic. Half
(50%) of the patients were referred from general practitioner services and our emergency department. Ceftriaxone was the
most frequently used antibiotic, prescribed to 76% of the patients. Successful cure was achieved in 97 treated patients.
Patients were highly satisfied with the OPAT service with the mean rating of 4.41 SD + 0.31. Cost was reduced from $75,
000 to $30, 000 over one year. This retrospective study suggested that OPAT service is safe and potentially a cost saving
approach for the health care system. OPAT service is acceptable and well tolerated among patients receiving intravenous
antimicrobial agents.
Cement-Implant Interface Contamination: Possible Reason of Inferior Clinical Outcomes for Rough Surface Cemented Stems
Authors: Wang Tian , Pelletier Matthew H , Bertollo Nicky , Crosky Alan , Walsh William R
Published: July 2013

Background:

Shape-closed cemented implants rely on a stronger bond and have displayed inferior clinical outcomes when compared to force-closed designs. Implant contamination such as saline, bone marrow and blood prior to cement application has the potential to affect the cement-implant bond. The consequences of implant contamination were investigated in this study.

Methods:

Fifty Titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) dowels were separated into ten groups based on surface roughness and contaminant, and then cemented in polyvinyl chloride tubes. Push-out testing was performed at 1mm per minute. The roughness of the dowel surface was measured before and after the testing. The dowel surface and cement mantel were analyzed using a Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to determine the distribution and characteristics of any debris and contaminants on the surface.

Results:

Contaminants largely decreased stem-cement interfacial shear strength, especially for rough surfaces. Saline produced the greatest decrease, followed by blood. The effect of bone marrow was less pronounced and similar to that of oil. Increasing surface roughness increased the interfacial bonding strength, even with contaminants. There was a non-significant increase in mean bonding strength for smooth surfaces with bone marrow and oil contamination. SEM showed that contaminants influence the interfacial bond by different mechanisms. More debris was found on rough samples following testing.

Conclusions:

The results of this study underscore the importance of keeping an implant free from contamination, and suggest if contamination does occur, a saline rinse may further decrease the stability of an implant. The deleterious effects of contamination on rough surface cement bonding were considerable, and indicate that contamination at the time of surgery may, in part, contribute to inferior clinical outcomes for rough surfaced cemented stems.
Disc Height and Sagittal Alignment in Operated and Non-Operated Levels in the Lumbar Spine at Long-Term Follow-Up: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Froholdt Anne , Brox Jens Ivar , Reikerås Olav , Leivseth Gunnar
Published: July 2013

Purpose:

To compare lumbar disc degeneration at 9-year follow-up in patients with chronic low back pain who had instrumented lumbar fusion or no fusion.

Material and methodology:

The main outcomes were disc height and sagittal alignment measured by Distortion Compensated Roentgen Analysis (DCRA). Secondary outcome included the Oswestry Disability Index and VAS back pain.

Results:

Forty-eight patients with baseline and 9-year radiographs from L2- S1 were included. Twenty-three had lumbar fusion and 25 had no fusion. Disc height was reduced at all levels independent of fusion. No difference in disc height and sagittal alignment was observed between patients fused and not fused. There were weak correlations, ranging from 0.04 to 0.36, between clinical and radiological parameters.

Conclusion:

Lumbar disc degeneration increased at all measured levels independent of fusion and correlated poorly with clinical outcome.