bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Household energy and recycling of nutrients and carbon to the soil in integrated crop‐livestock farming systems: a case study in Kumbursa village, Central Highlands of Ethiopia
Authors: Negash Dugassa , Abegaz Assefa , Smith Jo U. , Araya Hailu , Gelana Bogale 
Published: May 2017

AbstractSoil amendment with organic wastes in the Highlands of Ethiopia has been greatly reduced by widespread use of dung cakes and crop residues as fuels. This study assessed the interaction between household energy and recycling of nutrients and carbon to the soil using household survey, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, direct observations and measurements between 2014 and 2015 in Kumbursa village (Central Highlands of Ethiopia). All surveyed households were entirely dependent on biomass fuel for cooking, with production and consumption rates directly related to wealth status, which significantly varied (P < 0.001) among three farm wealth groups (poor, medium and rich). Crop residues and dung cakes accounted for 80(±3)% by energy content and 85(±4)% by dry mass weight of total biomass fuel consumption. Mean losses were 59(±2) kg ha−1 yr−1 nitrogen (109(±8) kg yr−1 per household), 13.9(±0.3) kg ha−1 yr−1 phosphorus (26(±2) kg yr−1 per household), 79(±2) kg ha−1 yr−1 potassium (150(±11) kg yr−1 per household) and 2100(±40) kg ha−1 yr−1 organic carbon (3000(±300) kg yr−1 per household). Rich farmers lost significantly more carbon and nutrients in fuel than farmers in other wealth groups. However, these losses were spread over a larger area, so losses per land area were significantly higher for medium and poor than for rich farmers. This means that the land of poorer farmers is likely to become degraded more rapidly due to fuel limitations than that of rich farmers, so increasing the poverty gap. The estimated financial loss per household due to not using dung and crop residues as organic fertilizer was 162(±8) US$ yr−1. However, this is less than their value as fuels, which was 490(±20) US$ yr−1. Therefore, farmers will only be persuaded to use these valuable assets as soil improvers if an alternative, cheaper fuel source can be found.
Fire and plant diversity at the global scale
Authors: Pausas Juli G. , Ribeiro Eloi 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAimUnderstanding the drivers of global diversity has challenged ecologists for decades. Drivers related to the environment, productivity and heterogeneity are considered primary factors, whereas disturbance has received less attention. Given that fire is a global factor that has been affecting many regions around the world over geological time scales, we hypothesize that the fire regime should explain a significant proportion of global coarse‐scale plant diversity.LocationAll terrestrial ecosystems, excluding Antarctica.Time periodData collected throughout the late 20th and early 21st century.TaxaSeed plants (= spermatophytes = phanerogamae).MethodsWe used available global plant diversity information at the ecoregion scale and compiled productivity, heterogeneity and fire information for each ecoregion using 15 years of remotely sensed data. We regressed plant diversity against environmental variables; thereafter, we tested whether fire activity still explained a significant proportion of the variance.ResultsEcoregional plant diversity was positively related to both productivity (R2 = .30) and fire activity (R2 = .38). Once productivity and other environmental variables were in the model (R2 = .50), fire regime still explained a significant proportion of the variability in plant diversity (overall model, R2 = .71). The results suggest that fire drives temporal and spatial variability in many ecosystems, providing opportunities for a diversity of plants.Main conclusionsFire regime is a primary factor explaining plant diversity around the globe, even after accounting for productivity. Fires delay competitive exclusion, increase landscape heterogeneity and generate new niches; thus, they provide opportunities for a large variety of species. Consequently, fire regime should be considered in order to understand global ecosystem distribution and diversity.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of SiC‐polycrystalline fiber and new defect‐controlling process
Authors: Oda Hiroshi , Ishikawa Toshihiro 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA stoichiometric SiC‐polycrystalline fiber (Tyranno SAR) shows excellent heat‐resistance up to 2000°C and relatively high strength around 3 GPa. However, presently, the higher strength has been eagerly required to extend the application field. To achieve increase in the strength, we have to perfectly understand the dominating factors of the strength. We specified the dominating factors (defects) by detecting the first fracture surface and the fracture origin. This type of fiber was found to contain several types of defects, and showed that the strength was decreased in inverse proportion to one‐half power of the defect size. The causes of the defects were clarified by an actual experimental analysis and calculation results. Tyranno SA was produced by a conversion process from an amorphous Si‐Al‐C‐O fiber to SiC polycrystalline structure accompanied by a release of CO gas. During the conversion process, undesirable change in the composition (vaporization of SiO gas), which causes an increase in the residual carbon (one of defects), occurs. To prevent the vaporization of SiO gas, we newly developed a favorable condition by shifting the equilibrium state of the conversion process, and then could remarkably reduce both an abnormal SiC grain growth and the residual carbon.
ZrB2‐SiCw ceramic composites synthesized by in situ reaction and spark plasma sintering
Authors: Zhao Xiaotong , Shao Gang , Feng Lun , Wang Hailong , Fan Bingbing , Lu Hongxia , Xu Hongliang , Chen Deliang , Zhang Rui 
Published: May 2017

AbstractSiC whisker reinforced ZrB2‐SiCw composites were prepared by sol‐gel method and spark plasma sintering (SPS) with designed composition of 10‐30 vol% SiCw. The ZrB2‐SiCw composite powder was synthesized by sol‐gel method using zirconium diboride, tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), and activated carbon as starting materials, then densified by SPS at 1700°C under a pressure of 40 MPa for 5 minutes. The phase compositions and microstructures of ZrB2‐SiCw composites were investigated by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope, respectively. The relative density of ZrB2‐SiCw composites increased from 83% to 98.5% with increasing SiCw contents from 10 vol% to 30vol% after sintering at 1700°C without additional sintering additives. Meanwhile, the fracture toughness and flexural strength of as‐obtained composites exhibited a similar trend as relative density. ZrB2‐30vol% SiCw composite showed the highest fracture toughness of 6.1 MPa·m1/2 and flexural strength of 350 MPa, which were attributed to the formation of SiC whisker.
Microstructure and model solute transport properties of transglutaminase‐induced soya protein gels: effect of enzyme dosage, protein composition and solute size
Authors: Wu Chao , Hua Yufei , Chen Yeming , Kong Xiangzhen , Zhang Caimeng 
Published: May 2017

SummaryThe diffusion of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) in transglutaminase (TGase) cross‐linked soya protein gels as affected by enzyme dosage and protein composition was investigated. PEG with different molecular weights (Mw) varying from 6000 to 400 000 g mol−1 was selected. Results of this study revealed that the time‐related release of PEG from gel slices was found to be controlled by Fickian diffusion process. For PEG with Mw 6000 g mol−1, the diffusion coefficients (D) were independent on the enzyme dosage and protein composition. However, for PEG with Mw ≥ 20 000 g mol−1, there were strong dependences of diffusion on the solute size and on the gel network microstructure revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), where more density gel network with smaller pores resulted in lower D of PEG. Lower D values of PEG with Mw ≥ 20 000 g mol−1 were obtained in gels induced by 2 U g−1 TGase, and the D values increased with increasing 11S ratio in gels. Moreover, data also showed that the diffusion of PEG with larger size was more sensitive to the variation of gel network.
Development and psychometric validation of PUKAT 2·0, a knowledge assessment tool for pressure ulcer prevention
Authors: Manderlier Bénédicte , Van Damme Nele , Vanderwee Katrien , Verhaeghe Sofie , Van Hecke Ann , Beeckman Dimitri 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe aim of this study was to develop a tool to measure the knowledge of nurses on pressure ulcer prevention. PUKAT 2·0 is a revised and updated version of the Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Assessment Tool (PUKAT) developed in 2010 at Ghent University, Belgium. The updated version was developed using state‐of‐the‐art techniques to establish evidence concerning validity and reliability. Face and content validity were determined through a Delphi procedure including both experts from the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP) and the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) (n = 15). A subsequent psychometric evaluation of 342 nurses and nursing students evaluated the item difficulty, discriminating power and quality of the response alternatives. Furthermore, construct validity was established through a test–retest procedure and the known‐groups technique. The content validity was good and the difficulty level moderate. The discernment was found to be excellent: all groups with a (theoretically expected) higher level of expertise had a significantly higher score than the groups with a (theoretically expected) lower level of expertise. The stability of the tool is sufficient (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient = 0·69). The PUKAT 2·0 demonstrated good psychometric properties and can be used and disseminated internationally to assess knowledge about pressure ulcer prevention.
An exploratory genetic analysis: Associations between parent depression symptoms, child temperament, and the serotonin transporter gene polymorphism (5HTTLPR)
Authors: Gazor Afsoon , Fang Haolei , Gagne Jeffrey R. 
Published: May 2017

Child temperament has been shown to be biologically based and heritable; however, genetic association studies of temperament have been fairly inconclusive, and the role that parental depressive symptoms play is largely unexplored in this context. The relationship between parent depressive symptoms and the child temperament dimensions of fear and activity level (AL) were examined in 100 sibling pairs 2.5–5.5 years of age and their mothers. Parent reports of child temperament and parent self‐reports of depressive symptoms were obtained from families, as well as DNA samples from each child during their lab visit. Associations between the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) polymorphism 5‐HTTLPR/rs25531 and the phenotypic variables were also explored. Parent depressive symptoms were significantly related to higher child AL, but minimally associated with fear outcomes. More powerful regression analyses revealed that parent depressive symptoms, child gender, and child age predicted child AL, but only child gender and age predicted child fear. In our exploratory candidate gene analyses, the low‐expressing genotypes of the 5‐HTTLPR/rs25531 polymorphism predicted child fearfulness, but not child AL. Our phenotypic findings indicate that a child with at least one parent with depressive symptoms is more likely to have higher AL, and results of the initial genetic analyses show that the 5‐HTTLPR/rs25531 polymorphism is associated with child fearfulness. Future research employing larger samples, observational assessments, and related child behavioral maladjustment measures will further clarify these findings.
Hydrazine reduction of LaNiO3 for active materials in supercapacitors
Authors: Ho Kuan‐Hung , Wang John 
Published: May 2017

AbstractTo improve the electric conductivity and overall performance of active materials in pseudocapacitors, we have established a novel hydrazine reduction process to transform perovskite oxides into active materials with the desired electrical conductivity and electrochemical behavior. Taking LaNiO3 (LNO) produced from chemical solution as the starting material, different durations of hydrazine reduction (e.g. from 3, 6 to 12 hours) leads to a significant increase in specific capacitance, from ~70 F·g−1 at 1 A·g−1 (LNO) to ~280 F·g−1 at 1 A·g−1 (after 12 hours reduction). The desired electrical conductivity of LNO has been retained, as shown by the overall resistance of less than 0.3 Ω in the aqueous electrolyte. The hydrazined LNO demonstrated the desired stability as electrode, where the porous structure provides better accessibility for electrolytes, which is helpful in enhancing the overall electrochemical behaviors.
Self‐limited crystallization‐mediated removal of hydroxyl in glass
Authors: Mao Qiannan , Zheng Binbin , Yu Yongze , Chen Jiejie , Zhang Jianwang , Luo Hao , Wen Shaofei , Zhou Shifeng 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe effective removal of hydroxyl groups (OH) is receiving the attention of scientists interested in developing high‐performance photonic glass. Previous approaches rely on stringent control of the various drying techniques which meet with limited success in silicate glass obtained by the sol‐gel method. Here, we present a novel in situ strategy to remove structural OH groups, based on the self‐limited nanocrystallization‐triggered local chemical reaction between OH and F− in the glassy phase. The experimental data revealed that a more than 100‐fold increase in the emission intensity can be realized. Moreover, the mechanism was discussed and it can be attributed to the effective removal of structural OH with especially strong binding energy. The results suggest an innovative avenue for the development of photonic glasses with efficient luminescence, excellent optical transmission, and improved reliability.
Developing minimum clinical standards for physiotherapy in South African ICUs: A qualitative study
Authors: van Aswegen Heleen , Patman Shane , Plani Natascha , Hanekom Susan 
Published: May 2017

AbstractRationale, aims, and objectivesPhysiotherapists are integral members of the intensive care unit (ICU) team. Clinicians working in ICU are dependent on their own experience when making decisions regarding individual patient management thus resulting in variation in clinical practice. No formalized clinical practice guidelines or standards exist for the educational profile or scope of practice requirements for ICU physiotherapy. This study explored perceptions of physiotherapists on minimum clinical standards that ICU physiotherapists should adhere to for delivering safe, effective physiotherapy services to critically ill patients.MethodExperienced physiotherapists offering a service to South African ICUs were purposively sampled. Three focus group sessions were held in different parts of the country to ensure national participation. Each was audio recorded. The stimulus question posed was “What is the minimum standard of clinical practice needed by physiotherapists to ensure safe and independent practice in South African ICUs?” Three categories were explored, namely, knowledge, skill, and attributes. Themes and subthemes were developed using the codes identified. An inductive approach to data analysis was used to perform conventional content analysis.ResultsTwenty‐five physiotherapists participated in 1 of 3 focus group sessions. Mean years of ICU experience was 10.8 years (±7.0; range, 3‐33). Three themes emerged from the data namely, integrated medical knowledge, multidisciplinary teamwork, and physiotherapy practice. Integrated medical knowledge related to anatomy and physiology, conditions that patients present with in ICU, the ICU environment, pathology and pathophysiology, and pharmacology. Multidisciplinary teamwork encompassed elements related to communication, continuous professional development, cultural sensitivity, documentation, ethics, professionalism, safety in ICU, and technology. Components related to physiotherapy practice included clinical reasoning, handling skills, interventions, and patient care.ConclusionsThe information obtained will be used to inform the development of a list of standards to be presented to the wider national physiotherapy and ICU communities for further consensus‐building activities.
Microsporidians xenomas of anglerfish from NE Atlantic waters
Authors: Llarena‐Reino M , Abollo E , Pascual S 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe presence of emergent visible parasites at commercial valuable fish species is increasingly causing problems at fisheries and seafood industries. Microsporidians have been previously reported to appear forming apparent xenomas complexes in anglerfish species, but no effort has been carried out to simultaneously integrate epidemiological data, phenotypic, genotypic and fine structural characterizations in the same parasite sample. In this work, specimens of Lophius budegassa and Lophius piscatorius from NE Atlantic waters were sampled and examined to provide information about specific site of infection and demographic data of two groups of different sizes of xenomas present at both fish species. Histological descriptions and scanning and transmission electron microscopy were carried out on fresh spores of Lophius budegassa for ultrastructural studies. In both types of xenomas, it was observed simultaneously the microsporidian genus Spraguea in the form of two different types of spores. Molecular analyses of both xenomas from the two fish species, based on the small subunit ribosomal DNA gene, were also performed to genetically support the morphological diagnostic provided.
Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) immune response towards a recombinant vaccine targeting the parasitic ciliate Ichthyophthirius multifiliis
Authors: von Gersdorff Jørgensen L , Kania P W , Rasmussen K J , Mattsson A H , Schmidt J , Al‐Jubury A , Sander A , Salanti A , Buchmann K 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe protective effect in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) of an experimental subunit vaccine targeting antigens in the parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis has been evaluated and compared to effects elicited by a classical parasite homogenate vaccine. Three recombinant parasite proteins (two produced in E. coli and one in insect cells) were combined and injected i.p., and subsequently, protection and antibody responses were analysed. Both the experimental and the benchmark vaccine induced partial but significant protection against I. multifiliis when compared to control fish. Specific antibody responses of vaccinated trout (subunit vaccine) were raised against one neurohypophysial n‐terminal domain protein #10 of three recombinant proteins, whereas the benchmark vaccine group showed specific antibody production against all three recombinant proteins. The immunogenic parasite protein #10 may be a potential vaccine candidate supplementing the protective I‐antigen in future vaccine trials.
Bone Turnover with Venlafaxine Treatment in Older Adults with Depression
Authors: Rawson Kerri S. , Dixon David , Civitelli Roberto , Peterson Tim R. , Mulsant Benoit H. , Reynolds Charles F. , Lenze Eric J. 
Published: May 2017

ObjectivesEpidemiologic data suggest older adults receiving serotonergic antidepressants may have accelerated bone loss. We examined bone turnover marker changes and patient‐level variables associated with these changes in older adults receiving protocolized antidepressant treatment.DesignOpen‐label, protocolized treatment study.SettingMedical centers in Pittsburgh, St Louis, and Toronto.ParticipantsOlder adults with major depression (N = 168).MeasurementsSerum levels of the bone resorption marker C‐terminal cross‐linking telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX) and the bone formation marker procollagen type 1 N propeptide (P1NP) were assayed before and after 12 weeks of treatment with venlafaxine. Whether CTX and P1NP changes were associated with depression remission and duration of depression and genetic polymorphisms in the serotonin transporter (5HTTLPR) and 1B receptor (HTR1B) were also examined.ResultsCTX increased and P1NP decreased during venlafaxine treatment, a profile consistent with accelerated bone loss. Two individual‐level clinical variables were correlated with bone turnover; participants whose depression did not go into remission had higher CTX levels, and those with chronic depression had lower P1NP levels. HTR1B genotype predicted P1NP change, whereas 5HTTLPR genotype was unrelated to either biomarker.ConclusionBone turnover markers change with antidepressant treatment in a pattern that suggests accelerated bone loss, although the clinical significance of these changes is unclear. These data are preliminary and argue for a larger, controlled study to confirm whether antidepressants are harmful to bone metabolism and whether certain individuals might be at increased risk.
Local photocurrent mapping and cell performance behaviour on a nanometre scale for monolithically interconnected Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells
Authors: HAGGUI M. , REINHOLD B. , ANDRAE P. , GREINER D. , SCHMID M. , FUMAGALLI P. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryThe local efficiency of lamellar shaped Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells has been investigated using scanning near‐field optical microscopy (SNOM). Topographic and photocurrent measurements have been performed simultaneously with a 100 nm tip aperture. The lamellar shaped solar cell with monolithic interconnects (P scribe) has been investigated on a nanometre scale for the first time at different regions using SNOM. It was found that, the cell region between P1 and P2 significantly contributes to the solar cells overall photocurrent generation. The photocurrent produced depends locally on the sample topography and it is concluded that it is mainly due to roughness changes of the ZnO:Al/i‐ZnO top electrode. Regions lying under large grains of ZnO produce significantly less current than regions under small granules. The observed photocurrent features were allocated primarily to the ZnO:Al/i‐ZnO top electrode. They were found to be independent of the wavelength of the light used (532 nm and 633 nm).
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura related to ADAMTS13 deficiency, and successful treatment in a chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus)
Authors: van Bolhuis Hester , Wolters Marno , de Boer Mark , Fijnheer Rob , van Zijll Langhout Martine , Niphuis Henk , Eckmann Carel 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA 27‐year‐old male chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) developed signs of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). ADAMTS13 deficiency appeared to be the cause of disease. After treatment with high‐dose prednisone, haematological values and clinical signs recovered. This is the first description of spontaneous TTP associated with ADAMTS13 deficiency in a non‐human primate.