bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of nickel's sufficiency critical levels in cultivated soils, employing commonly used calibration techniques
Authors: Nikoli Thomai , Matsi Theodora , Barbayiannis Nikolaos 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAlthough Ni has been officially recognized as an essential micronutrient for all higher plants since 2004, research on assessing its sufficiency critical levels with different soil tests is missing in the literature. The objective of the study was to determine Ni critical levels in unpolluted cultivated soils utilizing four methods, employing three commonly used calibration techniques. Ten soils with different physical–chemical properties and low Ni content were treated with Ni at rates of 1, 2, 4, and 8 mg kg−1. After equilibration for one month, the soils were analyzed for extractable Ni by four methods, namely DTPA, AB‐DTPA, AAAc‐EDTA, and Mehlich‐3. Response to soil‐applied Ni was assessed by a greenhouse pot experiment, with the untreated and Ni‐treated soils in three replications, using ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). The aboveground biomass of ryegrass was harvested two months after sowing, dry weight of biomass was measured and relative biomass yield was calculated. Nickel's critical levels were determined employing the: (a) graphical technique of Brown and co‐workers, (b) Mitscherlich–Bray equation, and (c) Cate and Nelson graphical technique. According to the first technique, Ni critical levels were ≈ 2 mg kg−1 for the DTPA and AB‐DTPA methods, and 6.0 and 5.3 mg kg−1 for the AAAc‐EDTA and Mehlich‐3 methods, respectively. Similar levels were obtained by the Mitscherlich–Bray equation. However, the critical levels assessed by the Cate and Nelson technique were lower and ranged from 0.5 to 1.3 mg kg−1 for all four methods. Conclusively, Ni sufficiency critical levels for all four methods are expected to range at levels of a few mg Ni kg−1 of soil. As far as the three calibration techniques are concerned, a distinct boundary between Ni response and non‐response was accomplished by none. However, the fact that 60–74% of the soils were correctly separated into responsive and non‐responsive to added Ni by the graphical technique of Brown and co‐workers suggests that this is the most suitable technique.
The surgical anatomy of the supraclavicular lymph node flap: A basis for the free vascularized lymph node transfer
Authors: Steinbacher Johannes , Tinhofer Ines E. , Meng Stefan , Reissig Lukas F. , Placheta Eva , Roka‐Palkovits Julia , Rath Thomas , Cheng Ming‐Huei , Weninger Wolfgang J. , Tzou Chieh Han 
Published: June 2016

BackgroundVascularized lymph node transfer is an effective surgical method in reducing lymphedema. This study provides the first detailed description of the surgical anatomy of the supraclavicular lymph node flap in regard to pedicle length, pedicle diameter, and the number of lymph nodes and their exact location inside the flap.MethodsBilateral supraclavicular dissections of nine fresh cadavers (five female) were performed. Before the dissection, the exact number of lymph nodes was determined sonographically by an experienced radiologist, and their distance from the jugular notch was measured. After anatomic dissection, the vascular pedicle's diameter and length were measured.ResultsThe mean number of lymph nodes was 1.5 ± 1.85 on the right side and 3 ± 2.26 on the left. Their mean distance from the jugular notch was 8.29 ± 2.15 cm on the right and 6.10 ± 1.21 cm on the left. The pedicle's length was 4.72 ± 1.03 cm on the right and 4.86 ± 0.99 cm on the left, and its diameter 2.03 ± 0.83 on the right and 1.80 ± 0.77 on the left.ConclusionThe pedicle length and diameter of the supraclavicular lymph node flap are suitable for a microvascular tissue transfer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2017;115:60–62. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transition from Forest‐based to Cereal‐based Agricultural Systems: A Review of the Drivers of Land use Change and Degradation in Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Kassa Henok , Dondeyne Stefaan , Poesen Jean , Frankl Amaury , Nyssen Jan 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe southwestern Ethiopian montane forests are one of the most species‐rich ecosystems and are recognised globally as a priority area for the conservation of biodiversity. Particularly, in contrast to the drier central and northern Ethiopian highlands, they have received little attention by researchers. Here, we review changes to agricultural systems in and around these forests that are known as the genetic home of coffee (Coffea arabicaL.) and that are important to the livelihoods of many rural people who have developed traditional management practices based on agro‐ecological knowledge, religious taboos and customary tenure rights. We explored the impacts of conversions to agroforestry and cereal‐based cropping systems on biodiversity, soil fertility, soil loss and the socio‐economic conditions and culture. The increasing trend of cereal cropping, resettlement and commercial agriculture causes the deterioration of natural forest cover in the region and threatens biodiversity, land quality, sustainable, traditional farming practices and the livelihood of the local community. Large‐scale plantations of tea, coffee, soapberry locally known asendod(Phytolacca dodecandraL'Hér.) and cereals have resulted in biodiversity loss. Following the conversion of forests, cultivated fields exhibit a significant decline in soil fertility and an increase in soil loss as compared with the traditional agroforestry system. The establishment of a sustainable agricultural system will require a change in paradigm, whereby the intrinsic values of the traditional forest‐based agricultural system are recognised, rather than the ongoing mimicking of agricultural policies that were developed for the open fields of central Ethiopia. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
FolC2‐mediated folate metabolism contributes to suppression of inflammation by probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri
Authors: Thomas Carissa M. , Saulnier Delphine M. A. , Spinler Jennifer K. , Hemarajata Peera , Gao Chunxu , Jones Sara E. , Grimm Ashley , Balderas Miriam A. , Burstein Matthew D. , Morra Christina , Roeth Daniel , Kalkum Markus , Versalovic James 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBacterial‐derived compounds from the intestinal microbiome modulate host mucosal immunity. Identification and mechanistic studies of these compounds provide insights into host–microbial mutualism. Specific Lactobacillus reuteri strains suppress production of the proinflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and are protective in a mouse model of colitis. Human‐derived L. reuteri strain ATCC PTA 6475 suppresses intestinal inflammation and produces 5,10‐methenyltetrahydrofolic acid polyglutamates. Insertional mutagenesis identified the bifunctional dihydrofolate synthase/folylpolyglutamate synthase type 2 (folC2) gene as essential for 5,10‐methenyltetrahydrofolic acid polyglutamate biosynthesis, as well as for suppression of TNF production by activated human monocytes, and for the anti‐inflammatory effect of L. reuteri 6475 in a trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid‐induced mouse model of acute colitis. In contrast, folC encodes the enzyme responsible for folate polyglutamylation but does not impact TNF suppression by L. reuteri. Comparative transcriptomics between wild‐type and mutant L. reuteri strains revealed additional genes involved in immunomodulation, including previously identified hdc genes involved in histidine to histamine conversion. The folC2 mutant yielded diminished hdc gene cluster expression and diminished histamine production, suggesting a link between folate and histadine/histamine metabolism. The identification of genes and gene networks regulating production of bacterial‐derived immunoregulatory molecules may lead to improved anti‐inflammatory strategies for digestive diseases.
Trajectories of body mass indices and development of frailty: Evidence from the health and retirement study
Authors: Mezuk Briana , Lohman Matthew C. , Rock Andrew K. , Payne Martha E. 
Published: June 2016

ObjectiveTo estimate trajectories of body mass index (BMI) and determine their association with incident frailty in later life.MethodsData come from the 2004 to 2012 waves of the Health and Retirement Study, a longitudinal survey of older adults. Analysis was restricted to respondents who were not frail at baseline (n = 10,827). BMI (kg/m2) was calculated from self‐reported weight and height. Incident frailty was assessed using the Frailty Index. Longitudinal growth mixture modeling was used to estimate the relationship between BMI trajectories and incident frailty over a 10‐year period.ResultsFour trajectory classes were identified: weight gain (n = 162 [1.4%], mean final BMI = 42 kg/m2), weight loss (n = 171 [1.7%], mean final BMI = 25.0 kg/m2), consistent obesity (n = 640 [6.8%], mean final BMI = 34.7 kg/m2), and consistent overweight (n = 9,864 [90.1%] mean final BMI = 26.0 kg/m2). Cumulative incidence of frailty was 19.9%. Relative to the consistent overweight class, the weight gain class had the highest likelihood of incident frailty (odds ratio, OR: 3.61, 95% confidence interval, CI: 2.39–5.46). The consistent obesity (OR: 2.72, 95% CI: 2.06–3.58) and weight loss (OR: 2.81, 95% CI: 1.84–4.30) classes had similarly elevated risk of frailty.ConclusionsWeight change and obesity are associated with risk of frailty.
The Productivity Costs of Inefficient Hiring Practices: Evidence From Late Teacher Hiring
Authors: Papay John P. , Kraft Matthew A. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractWe use matched employee–employer records from the teacher labor market to explore the effects of late teacher hiring on student achievement. Hiring teachers after the school year starts reduces student achievement by 0.042 SD in mathematics and 0.026 SD in reading. This reflects, in part, a temporary disruption effect in the first year. In mathematics, but not in reading, late‐hired teachers remain persistently less effective, evidence of negative selection in the teacher labor market. Late hiring concentrates in schools that disproportionately serve disadvantaged student populations, contributing to challenges in ensuring an equitable distribution of educational resources for all students.
Thioetherphenolate group 4 metal complexes in the ring opening polymerization of rac‐β‐Butyrolactone
Authors: Luciano Ermanno , Buonerba Antonio , Grassi Alfonso , Milione Stefano , Capacchione Carmine 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACTGroup 4 complexes 1–3 [1 = (t‐BuOS)2Ti(O‐i‐Pr)2; 2 = (t‐BuOS)2Zr(O‐t‐Bu)2; 3 = (t‐BuOS)2Hf(O‐t‐Bu)2] supported by two phenolate bidentate ligands (t‐BuOS‐H = 4,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2‐phenylsulfanylphenol) promote the well‐controlled ring opening polymerization of rac‐β‐butyrolactone. In presence of isopropanol, low dispersities and molecular weights proportional to the equivalents of isopropanol are achieved. Moreover, the zirconium complex is effective in the copolymerization of rac‐β‐butyrolactone with rac‐lactide. The C nuclear magnetic resonance analysis revealed that the obtained copolymers have a tapered diblock microstructure consisting of an initial block composed of lactide sequences and a terminal block composed of butyrolactone sequences. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 3132–3139
SAFE Medication Management for Patients With Physical Impairments of Stroke, Part Two
Authors: Yetzer Elizabeth , Blake Karen , Goetsch Nancy , Shook Mary , St. Paul Marilyn 
Published: June 2016

Abstract

Purpose:
Part one of this series addressed impairments of stroke affecting motor skills. This second article focuses on the sensory impairments of stroke as they affect medication management: vision, hearing, memory and thinking, communication, and emotional disturbances.

Design:
Each impairment is discussed, and possible interventions are proposed. Every patient is an individual and requires variable care plans.

Method:
Interventions and strategies, such as tools for assessment, practice tips, and assistive devices, aid patients, families, and their caregivers in practicing safe medication management.

Findings:
Development of a comprehensive care plan will assist the patient to return as close to previous capabilities as possible. Patient outcomes and successes are variable.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance:
The rehabilitation nurse uses observation, skills, and experience to assess stroke patients’ needs and develop strategies to assist the patient in managing their medications. Involving patient, family, and caregivers in the teaching of SAFE (Systematic, Accurate, Functional, Effective) medication management increases safety, decreases the number of adverse drug events, and prevents hospitalizations.
Effects of Sling Exercise on Flexibility, Balance Ability, Body Form, and Pain in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Park Haejin , Jeong Tchaewon , Lee Junwoo 
Published: June 2016

Abstract

Purpose:
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sling exercise on pain, balance, flexibility, and body form in patients with chronic low back pain (LBP).

Design:
The pretest–posttest control group design.

Methods:
Thirty participants with chronic lumbar pain were divided into three groups (Sling only, Sling + Swing stick flexible bar, and Sling + Ball cushion) and exercised for 12 weeks.

Findings:
All types of sling exercises provided significant positive effects on pain scale, body balance, flexibility, and body form. In particular, the sling exercise with swing stick flexible bar or ball cushion was more effective on body form, flexibility, and balance than a sling alone.

Conclusions:
In conclusion, sling exercises over a period of 12 weeks had positive effects on flexibility, balance, pain, and body form in patients with chronic lumbar pain.

Clinical Relevance:
This study has generated effects of sling exercise, which will assist nursing practitioners in prescribing the beneficial physical rehabilitation for patients with chronic LBP.
First‐Language Longitudinal Predictors of Second‐Language Literacy in Young L2 Learners
Authors: Shum Kathy Kar‐man , Ho Connie Suk‐Han , Siegel Linda S. , Au Terry Kit‐fong 
Published: June 2016

AbstractCan young students’ early reading abilities in their first language (L1) predict later literacy development in a second language (L2)? The cross‐language relationships between Chinese (L1) and English (L2) among 87 Hong Kong students were explored in a longitudinal study. Chinese word‐reading fluency, Chinese rapid digit naming, and Chinese rhyme awareness at age 7 (grade 1), with age and IQ taken into account, were significant concurrent and longitudinal predictors of English word reading, and text‐level reading and writing skills across ages 7–10. These three Chinese measures together accounted for 16–28% of unique variance in the English literacy tasks across the three‐year period. Students who showed word‐reading difficulties in Chinese in grade 1 also performed more poorly than average Chinese readers in English reading and related cognitive tasks later on, especially on phonological tasks. The results provided evidence for the cross‐language transfer of cognitive‐linguistic abilities between two distinctly different orthographies. L1 markers underlying reading difficulties in both L1 and L2 can serve as early indicators of possible reading problems that may arise later in L2. These findings have clinical, educational, and theoretical implications.
Earth observation archives for plant conservation: 50 years monitoring of Itigi‐Sumbu thicket
Authors: Baena Susana , Boyd Doreen S. , Smith Paul , Moat Justin , Foody Giles M. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractItigi thicket is a spatially restricted ecosystem only present in Zambia and Tanzania. It is thought to be highly threatened and therefore we need to urgently assess the threats to this ecosystem as well as extent and rates of change to derive its true conservation status. In this study we focus on the Itigi‐Sumbu thicket surrounding Lake Mweru Wantipa in Zambia, which occurs both inside and outside a National Park (IUCN category II). Earth observation data archives provide the means to assist the conservation assessment process by allowing the monitoring of the ecosystem over time. In particular, the Landsat archive offers over 40 years of imagery at a resolution suited to the distribution of this ecosystem. In this study we exploit this archive and extend it back 50 years using historical aerial photography. The remote‐sensing data were classified according to presence of thicket at five dates across a 50‐year period and these outputs were combined to produce a deforestation map. Crucially, this map was assessed for accuracy using a novel approach to expert knowledge, which shows that the resultant map is highly accurate (93% overall accuracy). A confusion matrix was used to provide a confidence interval to the deforestation figures. Results indicate that 64% of the Itigi‐Sumbu thicket around Lake Mweru Wantipa has been cleared over the last 50 years and that the largest area of remaining thicket is currently situated within the Mweru Wantipa National Park. This deforestation figure provides the means to assess the conservation status of Itigi‐Sumbu thicket as part of the Red List of Ecosystem as Endangered (EN).
Rational Development as a Sustainable Progress Welfare Vector: A Cross‐Country Analysis
Authors: Momete Daniela Cristina 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThis paper aims to incorporate welfare into sustainable development by arguing that sustainability should be scaled on rationality and safety premises. The paper describes the manner in which sustainable development principles have been distorted over time and the need for an enrichment of the concept with original ideas based on safety and rationality in development that would lead to an actual consideration of individual welfare. To this end, safety and rationality components are described, as they are regarded as requirements of sustainable development, and the rationality component is further analyzed. The methodology allows the building of an index of rationality for the 2007–2013 research interval, which attempts to capture the complexity of the rationality dimension of sustainability. The index of rationality is applied to specific circumstances from different countries and is used on a cross‐country analysis to determine the progress of the member states of the European Union on the sustainability road. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Optimized design procedure for coupling panels in steel plate shear walls
Authors: Sadeghi Eshkevari Soheil , Dolatshahi Kiarash M. , Mofid Massood 
Published: June 2016

SummaryCoupling beams have had a widespread application as performance enhancing devices within concrete structures and more recently also in steel structures. However, the conventional coupling beams are not so efficient in coupling distant walls. In this paper, a novel form of coupling members, namely, coupling panels is proposed and, then, the application for a nine‐story building is investigated. Coupling panels are steel plates which are exerted in the intermediate spans between adjacent shear walls and act as a mega‐coupling beam. First, a verified finite element model is constructed to demonstrate coupling panel behavior along with its global structural mechanism. Subsequently, a nine story building is designed and retrofitted as a new and existing building, using coupling panels. Moreover, an innovative optimization algorithm is proposed in order to achieve the best plate configuration to improve the structural performance using Nonlinear Static Analysis, Modal Pushover Analysis and Time History Analysis and the corresponding results are compared. In summary, it is shown that coupling panels can considerably control structural deformation demands toward a uniform pattern and reduce demands of main shear walls. The optimized design method also leads to a more economical design in comparison with force‐based design approaches. In addition, the proposed coupling panels are shown to be significantly effective, regarding to energy dissipation during earthquakes, and can enhance the structural resiliency. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationship between the Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment
Authors: Durant January , Leger Gabriel C. , Banks Sarah J. , Miller Justin B. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIntroductionThe Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire (ADL‐Q) is an informant report questionnaire assessing functional impairment in daily living skills. Previous research has demonstrated correlations between ADL‐Q and cognitive screening measures among patients with dementia. This study examined the relationship between ADL‐Q and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a brief cognitive screening.MethodsRecords of 448 individuals from an outpatient neurology clinic were reviewed. Pearson correlations were calculated between ADL‐Q scores and MoCA scores. Linear regression models were fit using demographic information to predict ADL‐Q scores. MoCA scores were then added to the models to determine the increase in predictive value of the MoCA.ResultsLower MoCA scores were associated with higher levels of functional impairment. For each model, adding the MoCA significantly improved model fit.DiscussionLow scores on the MoCA, among patient's presenting for memory complaints, should raise concerns about functional decline and prompt for further assessment of functional ability.
Apathy associated with neurocognitive disorders: Recent progress and future directions
Authors: Lanctôt Krista L. , Agüera‐Ortiz Luis , Brodaty Henry , Francis Paul T. , Geda Yonas E. , Ismail Zahinoor , Marshall Gad A. , Mortby Moyra E. , Onyike Chiadi U. , Padala Prasad R. , Politis Antonios M. , Rosenberg Paul B. , Siegel Emma , Sultzer David L. , Abraham Eleenor H. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIntroductionApathy is common in neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) such as Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment. Although the definition of apathy is inconsistent in the literature, apathy is primarily defined as a loss of motivation and decreased interest in daily activities.MethodsThe Alzheimer's Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment (ISTAART) Neuropsychiatric Syndromes Professional Interest Area (NPS‐PIA) Apathy workgroup reviewed the latest research regarding apathy in NCDs.ResultsProgress has recently been made in three areas relevant to apathy: (1) phenomenology, including the use of diagnostic criteria and novel instruments for measurement, (2) neurobiology, including neuroimaging, neuropathological and biomarker correlates, and (3) interventions, including pharmacologic, nonpharmacologic, and noninvasive neuromodulatory approaches.DiscussionRecent progress confirms that apathy has a significant impact on those with major NCD and those with mild NCDs. As such, it is an important target for research and intervention.