bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen Mineralization as Affected by Temperature in Calcareous Soils Receiving Repeated Applications of Dairy Manure
Authors: Cassity-Duffey Kate B. , Moore Amber , Satterwhite Megan , Leytem April 
Published: January 2018

Core Ideas
Prediction of N mineralization is dependent on accurate rate correction factors and the ratio of the change of the rate coefficient of mineralization for every increase in temperature of 10°C (Q10) based on temperatures observed in the region.
Few studies have investigated N mineralization in soils receiving repeated applications of manures at low temperatures.
This study determined that manure additions may lead to larger Q10 values at low temperatures and growing degree‐days may aid in predicting N release from these soils.
There are currently no tools available to help predict N mineralization for the silty soils found in southern Idaho receiving repeated manure applications. This experiment aimed to determine the effect of temperature on N mineralization from control and manured soils, develop N mineralization rate correction factors for temperature [ratio of the change in the rate coefficient of mineralization for every 10°C increase (Q10) and temperature factors], and create a simple model for predicting N mineralization as a function of growing degree‐days. Manured and control soils underwent a 49‐d laboratory incubation at five temperatures (–14, 4, 10, 23, and 30°C); soil inorganic N concentration was determined at 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 13, 20, 28, 35, 42, and 49 d. Net N mineralization was fitted to a zero‐order model, where the rate coefficient (k) values for the manured soil ranged from 0.017 to 1.28 mg kg–1 soil d–1 over the five temperature treatments, whereas k in the control measured 0.028 to 0.53 mg kg–1 soil d–1. The calculated Q10 values from –14 to 30°C were 2.7 and 2.0 for the manured and control soils respectively. At low temperatures (–14 to 4°C), the Q10 for manured soil was 5.1 compared with 1.5 for the control. This suggests that manure additions may lower the temperature threshold for N mineralization under near frozen soil conditions. Manure treatment effects on the temperature factor were not observed, suggesting that manure application history may not need to be considered when developing temperature factor coefficients for N mineralization models.
Use of the USDA National Cooperative Soil Survey Soil Characterization Data to Detect Soil Change: A Cautionary Tale
Authors: Tomer M. D. , James D. E. , Schipper L. A. , Wills S. A. 
Published: January 2018

Core Ideas
Long‐term databases are important for assessing soil change.
The USDA Soil Survey Characterization Database provides long‐term soil data.
Methods of analysis used have changed and soils were sampled only once.
Changes in methods must be accounted for in soil change studies and trends.
Recently, the USDA–NRCS National Cooperative Soil Survey Soil Characterization Database (NSCD) was reported to provide evidence that total nitrogen (TN) stocks of agricultural soils have increased across the Mississippi basin since 1985. Unfortunately, historical changes in methods used to measure TN were not fully accounted for in that report. We used NSCD archives to calibrate between wet (pre‐1995) and dry (post‐1995) digestion methods used in measuring TN and soil organic carbon (SOC), then evaluated temporal trends in SOC and TN stocks with data from 423 Alfisol and 900 Mollisol profiles representing the US Corn Belt. Data were grouped by moisture regime, farming history (presence of Ap horizon), and depth (0–20, 20–60, and 60–100 cm). Regressions showed geographic and textural influences on SOC, and that SOC increased with time among farmed soils, particularly at 20 to 60 cm. Soil TN was dependent on SOC, especially at the surface (R2 > 0.71), and decreasing TN trends with time were found among farmed soils above 60‐cm depth. Increases in C to N ratios further suggested TN has been slowly stabilizing within soils of the US Corn Belt. However, C to N ratios <9.0 were prevalent at 60–100 cm depth (>60% frequency), indicating large TN stores remain in these soils. An increasing trend in SOC, TN, and C to N ratios among non‐farmed, aquic Mollisols suggested SOC and TN accumulations in wet soils typically located below croplands. Results suggest slow improvement in agricultural soils. However, resampling has not been broadly undertaken for NSCD soil profiles, hence use of this database to detect soil change should be approached cautiously.
Removal of algal taste and odour compounds by granular and biological activated carbon in full-scale water treatment plants
Authors: Faruqi Aisha , Henderson Milann , Henderson Rita K. , Stuetz Richard , Gladman Brendan , McDowall Bridget , Zamyadi Arash 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
The occurrence and severity of cyanobacterial and algal blooms in water supplies has been increasing due to the effects of eutrophication and climate change, resulting in more frequent taste and odour (T&O) events. Conventional treatment processes have been found to be inefficient in removing the two most commonly detected algal T&O compounds, geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB), though granular activated carbon (GAC) and biological activated carbon (BAC) contactors have achieved high T&O removal rates. Literature on the performance of GAC and BAC for T&O removal in full-scale treatment plants, however, is limited. This review collates and assesses pilot-scale and full-scale studies which focus on removal of geosmin and MIB, with the aim of understanding the factors which influence T&O removal and determining knowledge gaps in the use of GAC and BAC. Age and empty bed contact time (EBCT) were found to have a significant impact on GAC performance, with removal efficiency decreasing with increased age and increasing with longer EBCTs. BAC contactors have achieved higher removal rates than non-biologically active GAC contactors and were not impacted by age, EBCT and/or carbon type. From these observations, implementation of BAC for T&O removal would be favourable; however, further investigations are required to understand full-scale performance of BAC and service life modelling.
Preparation and characterization and application of activated alumina (AA) from alum sludge for the adsorption of fluoride from aqueous solutions: new approach to alum sludge recycling
Authors: Aghapour Ali Ahmad , Khorsandi Hassan , Dehghani Anahita , Karimzade Sima 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Activated alumina (AA) prepared from alum sludge (AS) was used in removal of fluoride from aqueous solutions. The capacity of AA in the adsorption of fluoride from water was found to be 17.75 mg/g. The maximum efficiency of fluoride adsorption was 96% at the optimum condition (C = 5 mg/L, pH = 7, t = 20 min and adsorbent dosage = 5 g/L). Based on the results, it can be concluded that conversion of AS to AA can be a method for recycling of AS. Also AA can be used for adsorption of fluoride from aqueous solutions. So AS as a substance harmful to the environment turns into AA as a usable material in water treatment.
An Inflammation-related Nutrient Pattern is Associated with Both Brain and Cognitive Measures in a Multiethnic Elderly Population
Authors: Gu Yian , Manly Jennifer J. , Mayeux Richard P. , Brickman Adam M. 
Published: January 2018

Background:
Accumulating evidence suggests that dietary factors are associated with Alzheimer's
disease, cognition, and brain health in older adults. It is however unclear whether inflammation
explains this association.

Objective:
To examine whether an inflammation-related nutrient pattern (INP) was associated with neuroimaging
and cognitive measures of brain health.

Method:
The current cross-sectional study included 330 non-demented elderly (mean age 79 years at
MRI scan) participants in a multi-ethnic, community-based cohort study who had information on nutritional
intake (estimated from food frequency questionnaire), circulating C-reactive protein and interleukin-
6 (measured by ELISA), MRI scans, and cognition. Diet and blood samples were collected approximately
5.3 years prior to the MRI and cognitive test visit. We used a reduced rank regression
model to derive an INP based on 24 nutrients' relationship with CRP and interleukin-6. We examined
the association of the INP with brain and cognitive measures using regression models adjusted for age,
sex, race/ethnicity, education, caloric intake, APOE genotype, body mass index, and vascular burden, as
well as intracranial volume for the brain MRI measures.

Results:
The INP was characterized by low intake (effect loading <-0.15) of calcium, vitamins (D, E, A,
B1, B2, B3, B5, B6), folate, Ω-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids, and high intake (>0.15) of cholesterol. As
designed, this INP was positively correlated with CRP (Pearson's r=0.25 p=0.005) and interleukin-6
(r=0.30, p<0.0001). Each unit increase in INP was associated with 36.8 cm3 (p=0.023) smaller total
brain volume and 0.21 (p=0.038) lower visuospatial z-score. Mediation analysis showed that TGMV
(b=0.002, p=0.003) was associated with visuospatial cognitive function, and there was a significant mediation
effect by TGMV (indirect effect: -0.049, 95% CI: -0.1121 ~ -0.0131) for the association between
INP and visuospatial cognitive score.

Conclusions:
Among older adults, a diet with high inflammatory potential is associated with less favorable
brain and cognitive health.
Fisetin Attenuates AKT Associated Growth Promoting Events in AflatoxinB1 Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Maurya Brajesh K. , Trigun Surendra K. 
Published: January 2018

Background:
Recently, we have reported that Fisetin, a natural flavonol, is able to regress Aflatoxin-
B1 (AFB1) induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by suppressing reactive oxygen species (ROS) led proinflammatory
factors in rats. In the current study, we aimed to delineate whether Fisetin does so by modulating
the cell growth promoting signaling cascade in HCC. The reciprocal interplay of 3-phosphoinositol kinase
(PI3K) vs phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) displays Akt, a protein kinase
B, to get phosphorylated at Thr308 by a 3-phosphoinositol dependent kinase 1 (PDK1). This commits cells of
neoplastic niche to undergo rapid proliferation by p-Aktthr308 dependent phosphorylation of glycogen synthase
kinase 3β (GSK3β) at Ser 9 position.

Method:
In this study, the effect of in vivo treatment of 20 mg/kg b.w. Fisetin on relative profile of all these
factors were studied in the liver from the HCC rats induced by two doses of 1mg/kg b.w. AFB1 i.p.

Result:
As compared to the untreated HCC liver, liver from Fisetin treated HCC group rats showed a significant
decline in the activity and level of p-Aktthr308 which was consistent with a similar decline in PDK1 level. Concordantly,
the level of p-GSK3βSer 9 was also found to be declined significantly in those Fisetin-treated HCC
livers.

Conclusion:
A concomitant decline in immunohistochemically detected number of the proliferating cell nuclear
antigen (PCNA), a cell proliferation marker, in the HCC liver, further confirmed anti-cell proliferative role of
Fisetin during HCC growth in vivo. These findings suggest that Fisetin is able to suppress Akt dependent cell
growth signaling mechanisms in HCC mainly by down regulating PDK1 dependent Akt phosphorylation.
Risk Factors of Orofacial Pain: A Population-Based Study in West Java Province, Indonesia
Authors: Rikmasari Rasmi , Yubiliana Gilang , Maulina Tantry 
Published: January 2018

Background:The management of orofacial pain in Indonesia has not been well performed, which consequently led to an increase in the orofacial pain occurrences and a decreased quality of life. One of the possible reasons for this particular matter is the lack of evaluation on the risk factors that might induce orofacial pain in some individuals.Objective:The objective of the current study was to evaluate the risk factors of orofacial pain on productive age population in West Java province, Indonesia.Methods:One thousand and fifty-six participants (522 males; 534 females) were recruited for the study. A questionnaire that consists of demographic questions and questions evaluating several assumed risk factors for orofacial pain was used in a single interview. All data was analyzed by using Chi Square test to test the significance, Odds Ratio (OR), as well as Relative Risk (RR) by usingSPSSversion 23 (IBM Statistic, USA).Results:The result of the current study revealed that bruxism (p<0.01), daytime clenching (p<0.01), and unilateral chewing (p<0.01) were significantly related to the occurrence of orofacial pain. It was also found that participants who performed multitude of heavy liftings at work have an increased risk (RR=1.19: 95% CI: 1.04 – 1.35) of having orofacial pain compared to those who do not.Conclusion:Risk factors for the occurrence of orofacial pain on productive age population in Indonesian sample consisted of oral parafunctional habits and non-parafunctional habits, such as heavy lifting. Further study in this particular topic is of importance.
Epidemiology of Clostridium Difficile Infection in a Large Hospital in Northern Italy: Questioning the Ward-Based Transmission
Authors: Piatti Gabriella , Bruzzone Marco , Fontana Vincenzo , Mannini Alessandro , Ceppi Marcello 
Published: January 2018

Background:Clostridium Difficileinfection (CDI) is considered a ward-based nosocomial infection, due to contagion among patients. Molecular studies recently questioned ward-based contact for disease spread.Objective:To investigate whether it is plausible that CDI spread in San Martino Hospital of Genoa was due to a ward-based contact and patient-to-patient diffusion.Methods:We conducted a retrospective cohort study of CDI cases from April 2010 to March 2015. We referred to Hospital data set and Admission Service. Multilevel modelling approach and ecological analysis were used to assessC. difficileinfection risk according to wards and time of occurrence. Six representative CD strains were ribotyped to assess a possible equivalence.Results:The assessment of 514 CDI cases showed that the risk of disease and rate of incidence in wards were independent, while frequency of cases and number of wards involved exhibited a positive relationship, excluding the typical epidemic pattern of contagious diffusion,i.e., many cases in few wards. The extra-binomial variability due to ward clustering was not significant, indicating homogeneity in the probability of CDI occurrence across all wards. Three hundred sixty-eight patients changed ward, without showing connection between the frequency of cases in new wards and incidence among new subjects. Trigonometric components described a significant contribution of seasonality, with excess of CDI cases during the winter months. Molecular analysis showed different ribotypes of CD strains from the same ward.Conclusion:From our results it seems unlikely that in our institution CDI occurrence is due to ward-based contact and inter-human contagion of the organism.
The Effect of Ranibizumab on Normal Neurosensory Retina in the Eyes of Patients with Exudative Age Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Makri Olga E. , Vavvas Demetrios , Plotas Panagiotis , Pallikari Athina , Georgakopoulos Constantine D. 
Published: January 2018

Background:Anti-vascular endothelial growth factors have become the mainstay treatment for neovascular age related macular degeneration. Prolonged suppression of vascular endothelial growth factor raises concerns as it may result in harmful effects on retina.Objective:The purpose of this retrospective chart review is to evaluate the 1-year effect of treatment with intravitreal injections of ranibizumab on normal neurosensory retinal tissue of patients with exudative age related macular degeneration using the Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).Method:The study includedsixty five eyes of 62 patients (32 male and 30 female; mean age 74.97±8.5 years) with exudative age related macular degeneration treated with intravitreal injections of ranibizumab with apro re natatreatment regimen over a period of 1 year. The MM5 thickness maps acquired with the Optovue RTVue-100 Fourier-domain OCT at baseline, at 3 months, after the 3 loading doses of ranibizumab, and at the 1 year follow-up visit were used for analysis. Changes of inner and outer retinal thickness in four selected points of normal retina on the MM5 scan were evaluated.Results:The patients received a mean of 6.4 ± 1.8 (median 6, range 3-11) intravitreal injections of ranibizumab over a period of 12 months. No significant change was observed in inner and outer retinal thickness at pre-selected spots of normal retina during the first year of intravitreal administration of ranibizumab.Conclusion:One year treatment with ranibizumab on an individualized, according to need dosing regimen does not seem to induce any detectable structural damage in the unaffected, normal retina.
Challenges of Obtaining Informed Consent in Emergency Ward: A Qualitative Study in One Iranian Hospital
Authors: Davoudi Nayyereh , Nayeri Nahid Dehghan , Zokaei Mohammad Saeed , Fazeli Nematallah 
Published: January 2018

Background and Objective:Regarding the fact that emergency ward has unique characteristics, whose uniqueness affects informed consent processes by creating specific challenges. Hence, it seems necessary to identify the process and challenges of informed consent in the emergency ward through a qualitative study to understand actual patients’ and health care providers’ experiences, beliefs, values, and feelings about the informed consent in the emergency ward. Through such studies, new insight can be gained on the process of informed consent and its challenges with the hope that the resulting knowledge will enable the promotion of ethical, legal as well as effective health services to the patients in the emergency ward.Method:In this qualitative study, research field was one of the emergency wards of educational and public hospitals in Iran. Field work and participant observation were carried out for 515 hours from June 2014 to March 2016. Also, conversations and semi-structured interviews based on the observations were conducted. The participants of the study were nurses and physicians working in the emergency ward, as well as patients and their attendants who were involved in the process of obtaining informed consent.Results:Three main categories were extracted from the data: a sense of frustration; reverse protection; and culture of paternalism in consent process.Conclusion:Findings of this study can be utilized in correcting the structures and processes of obtaining informed consent together with promotion of patients' ethical and legal care in emergency ward. In this way, the approaches in consent process will be changed from paternalistic approach to patient-centered care which concomitantly protects patient’s autonomy.
An emotion assessment model for Elementary School students
Authors: Herwin Herwin , Mardapi Djemari 
Published: January 2018

This study aims to produce an emotion assessment model for elementary school students, identify the characteristics of the quality of the emotion assessment instrument, and obtain information about the results of emotion assessment. The study employed the design and development (D&D) approach. The study was conducted at 9 elementary schools. The data were collected through questionnaires, observations, and interviews. The data analysis techniques were Cohen’s Kappa Inter-Rater analysis and Goodness of Fit analysis using Mokken Scalability Analysis. The results of the study show that the emotion assessment model for students consists of six aspects of emotion, i.e.: fear, anger, sadness, boredom, joy, and curiosity. The model consists of 16 indicators and 60 observed items. The emotion assessment model consists of instrument grids, a user’s guide, a scoring rubric, and a guide for result interpretation. The emotion assessment model is valid and reliable based on the in inter-rater testing through Cohen’s Kappa statistics with an average Kappa coefficient of 0.82 (almost perfect). The results of emotion assessment by teachers are: the fear of elementary school students ranging from high, medium and low category. The anger of students ranges from high, medium and low. The sadness of students ranges from moderate to low category. Boredom of students ranges from medium to low category. The joy of the students is in the high category. The curiosity of students ranges from high and medium category.
Adoption of Culture in Bugis houses in Johor, Malaysia
Authors: Wan Ismail Wan Hashimah 
Published: January 2018

As elaborated by scholars the built environment is influenced by culture, belief and past experiences. The paper intends to elaborate on the adoption of culture in the design of the Bugis traditional houses in Johor, Malaysia. The methodology involved two main instruments namely literature review and field observation. The studies suggest that even though the houses were built away from their homeland in Sulawesi, Indonesia the culture of the Bugis descendants remains intact. This was revealed in their behaviour and the forms of the plans and elevations of their traditional houses.
Malay Traditional Therapy (MTT) : A complementary treatment among Malays
Authors: Othman Che Noriah , Farooqui Maryam 
Published: January 2018

Research background: Malay Traditional Therapy (MTT) has gained popularity among patients diagnosed with various types of chronic diseases. Objective: This study was to determine the prevalence of use of MTT among Malays for their related diseases and the effectiveness of the treatment in reducing pain. Methodology: Questionnaires, patient's records files and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores were used to obtain data and to evaluate the treatment progress. Result: Patients visit the centre for various types of chronic diseases and treatments. VAS scores showed positive progress for majority of patients. Summary: MTT was commonly used as a complementary treatment among Malays for various types of chronic diseases to reduce pain and proven to be effective.
Reflexões sobre a constitucionalização do sistema de poder mundial
Authors: Teubner Gunther 
Published: January 2018

elementos da sociedade atual evidenciam a impossibilidade se compreender o direito que está em curso diante da crise do direito estatal se se insiste em manter o constitucionalismo sob as vestes do direito estatal. Instituições sociais públicas e privadas, corporações transnacionais, agrupamentos financeiros, ONGs têm promovido influências na prática do direito sem precedentes na história. Para lidar com a multiplicidade de constituições civis, proponho o constitucionalismo societário transnacional.