bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conservation Agriculture Had a Poor Impact on the Soil Porosity of Veneto Low‐lying Plain Silty Soils after a 5‐year Transition Period
Authors: Piccoli I. , Camarotto C. , Lazzaro B. , Furlan L. , Morari F. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractConservation agriculture practices have been proposed as a set of techniques for improving soil structure properties and related ecosystem services. This study compared conservation agriculture (CA) practices (no‐tillage, cover crop and residue retention) and conventional intensive tillage system in order to evaluate their effects on total porosity, pore size distribution, pore architecture and morphology. The experiment was set up in 2010 on four farms of the low‐lying Veneto Region plain characterized by silty soils. Almost hundred soil samples were collected in 2015 at four depths down to 50‐cm layer and investigated for porosity from micrometre (0·0074 μm) to macrometre (2·5 mm) by coupling mercury intrusion porosimetry and X‐ray computed microtomography (μCT). Indices of soil morphology and architecture were derived by analysing 3D images and mercury intrusion porosimetry pore size curves. Results suggested that silty soils of Veneto plain are microstructured because much (82%) of the porosity ranged between 0·0074 and 30 μm. CA practices positively influenced the ultramicroporosity class (0·1–5 μm) (1·86E‐01 vs 1·67E‐01 μm3 μm−3) that is strictly linked to soil organic carbon stabilization while no effects were observed in X‐ray μCT porosity domain (> 26 μm). Silty soils of Veneto plain showed a slow reaction to CA because of the poor aggregate stability and low soil organic carbon. However, the positive response of the ultramicropore fraction indicates that a virtuous cycle was initiated between soil organic carbon and porosity, hopefully leading to well‐developed macropore systems and, in turn, enhanced soil functions and ecosystem services. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functional Enhancement by Forest Restoration: A Meta‐analysis in China
Authors: Ren Yanjiao , Lü Yihe , Fu Bojie , Zhang Kun 
Published: February 2017

AbstractLarge‐scale forest loss and degradation have dire consequences for biodiversity maintenance and provision of vital ecosystem services. Despite recent increasing efforts for forest restoration and sustainable management, there have been no comparative studies of biological taxonomy and multiple ecosystem functions to assess the effectiveness of forest restoration programmes, and how they vary through space and time. Here, we provided a quantitative assessment of the recovery of biodiversity and ecosystem functions by forest restoration in China using a meta‐analysis of 172 studies. We found that biodiversity and ecosystem functions were substantially increased in restored forests comparing with the degraded states. However, these restoration effects varied considerably by degradation origin, restoration approach, restoration age, ecological domains, taxonomic group and ecosystem function that is measured. Results also revealed that forest restoration from degraded states could not lead to full recovery of biodiversity and ecosystem functions, highlighting the irreplaceability of primary forests. We advocate allowing for natural or passive recovery, especially where biophysical conditions are favourable for spontaneous succession, or too harsh for human‐aided restoration, and choosing a combination of passive and active restoration measures based on adaptive management strategies. Our meta‐analysis provided fundamental insights into bridging the gap between small‐scale experiments and broad‐scale management needs towards highly effective and sustainable forest ecosystem restoration. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
H. Pylori as a predictor of marginal ulceration: A nationwide analysis
Authors: Schulman Allison R. , Abougergi Marwan S. , Thompson Christopher C. 
Published: February 2017

ObjectiveHelicobacter pylori has been implicated as a risk factor for development of marginal ulceration following gastric bypass, although studies have been small and yielded conflicting results. This study sought to determine the relationship between H. pylori infection and development of marginal ulceration following bariatric surgery in a nationwide analysis.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study using the 2012 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. Discharges with ICD‐9‐CM code indicating marginal ulceration and a secondary ICD‐9‐CM code for bariatric surgery were included. Primary outcome was incidence of marginal ulceration. A stepwise forward selection model was used to build the multivariate logistic regression model based on known risk factors. A P value of 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsThere were 253,765 patients who met inclusion criteria. Prevalence of marginal ulceration was 3.90%. Of those patients found to have marginal ulceration, 31.20% of patients were H. pylori‐positive. Final multivariate regression analysis revealed that H. pylori was the strongest independent predictor of marginal ulceration.ConclusionsH. pylori is an independent predictor of marginal ulceration using a large national database. Preoperative testing for and eradication of H. pylori prior to bariatric surgery may be an important preventive measure to reduce the incidence of ulcer development.
Oligofructose decreases serum lipopolysaccharide and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 in adults with overweight/obesity
Authors: Parnell Jill A. , Klancic Teja , Reimer Raylene A. 
Published: February 2017

ObjectiveTo determine the effect of prebiotic supplementation on metabolic endotoxemia and systemic inflammation in adults with overweight and obesity.MethodsSamples from a previously conducted randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial were used for analysis. Participants were randomized to 21 g of oligofructose (n = 20; BMI 30.4 kg/m2) or a maltodextrin placebo (n = 17; BMI 29.5 kg/m2) for 12 weeks. A total of 37 participants had samples available for the current analysis. Resistin, adiponectin, plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and macrophage chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) were quantified using MILLIPLEX® assays. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was measured using PyroGene™ Recombinant Factor C Assay.ResultsPlasma LPS concentrations were reduced by 40% in the oligofructose group over 12 weeks compared to a 48% increase in the placebo group (P = 0.04). PAI‐1, a risk factor for thrombosis, was reduced to a greater extent in the oligofructose group (−17.3 ± 2.6 ng/ml) compared to the placebo group (−9.7 ± 1.8 ng/ml; P = 0.03). Oligofructose did not affect IL‐6, TNF‐α, MCP‐1, adiponectin, or resistin.ConclusionsOligofructose reduces metabolic endotoxemia and PAI‐1. Incorporating prebiotics into the diet through supplements or functional foods may help mitigate some markers of obesity‐associated inflammation.
Biological control of appetite: A daunting complexity
Authors: MacLean Paul S. , Blundell John E. , Mennella Julie A. , Batterham Rachel L. 
Published: February 2017

ObjectiveThis review summarizes a portion of the discussions of an NIH Workshop (Bethesda, MD, 2015) titled “Self‐Regulation of Appetite—It's Complicated,” which focused on the biological aspects of appetite regulation.MethodsThis review summarizes the key biological inputs of appetite regulation and their implications for body weight regulation.ResultsThese discussions offer an update of the long‐held, rigid perspective of an “adipocentric” biological control, taking a broader view that also includes important inputs from the digestive tract, from lean mass, and from the chemical sensory systems underlying taste and smell. It is only beginning to be understood how these biological systems are integrated and how this integrated input influences appetite and food eating behaviors. The relevance of these biological inputs was discussed primarily in the context of obesity and the problem of weight regain, touching on topics related to the biological predisposition for obesity and the impact that obesity treatments (dieting, exercise, bariatric surgery, etc.) might have on appetite and weight loss maintenance. Finally considered is a common theme that pervaded the workshop discussions, which was individual variability.ConclusionsIt is this individual variability in the predisposition for obesity and in the biological response to weight loss that makes the biological component of appetite regulation so complicated. When this individual biological variability is placed in the context of the diverse environmental and behavioral pressures that also influence food eating behaviors, it is easy to appreciate the daunting complexities that arise with the self‐regulation of appetite.
Effect of Stimulants on Growth of ADHD Children: A Critical Review
Authors: Ptacek Radek , Kuzelova Hana , Paclt Ivo 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed childhood psychiatric disorders manifested in almost every part of children’s behavior. The most common treatment of ADHD is medication with stimulants, by specific amphetamine and methylphenidate. It is known that the treatment by stimulants may be accompanied by side effects from among decrease of appetite or changes in development as growth suppression and loss of weight which may present very serious phenomenon. Although many studies have monitored changes in growth and weight during medication, they did not provide definite results that the growth and weight suppression are caused by medication or not. According to many studies the height deficit is approximately amounted to 1 cm/year during the first 3 years of the treatment and can be clinically serious. Contrary to these findings some authors reported that the growth or weight changes can be a natural symptom of ADHD and not just a consequence of medication. The present article reviews key studies monitoring changes in parameters of growth in medicated children with ADHD, compares their results and suggest methodology improvements for further studies.
The Scoring and Interpretation of the SDQ-20 and SDQ-5
Authors: Nijenhuis Ellert R. S. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
The 20-item Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire (SDQ-20; Nijenhuis, Spinhoven, Van Dyck, Van der Hart, & Van-derlinden, 1996) evaluates the severity of somatoform dissociation. The SDQ-20 items were derived from a pool of 75 items describing clinically observed somatoform dissociative symptoms that in clinical settings had appeared upon reactivation of particular dissociative parts of the personality and that could not be medically explained. The SDQ-20 scores were best predicted by self-reported physical and sexual traumatization in patients with dissociative disorders and psychiatric controls (Nijenhuis et al., 1998c), even after statistically controlling for self-reported emotional traumatization (emotional neglect and emotional abuse). These traumatization scores were composed of four factors, i.e. presence of trauma, duration of trauma, relationship to perpetrator, and subjectively rated impact of trauma.
Implications of a Fundamental Consciousness
Authors: Macdonald Copthorne 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
The author postulates a universe in which mentality is as fundamental as physicality, explores the implications of that, and presents hypotheses concerning the evolution and functioning of human cognitive systems in such an environment. Of the several interpretations of reality which consider the physical and the mental to be equally real and equally fundamental, two compatible interpretations are discussed in detail. These are Ervin Laszlo’s biperspectival system theory, and an elaboration of the perennial philosophy view which incorporates the concepts of algorithm, information, informational modulation, and evolution. In this latter view, reality comprises an enduring protophysical, protomental medium modulated by transient informational patterns. Chance-and-necessity evolution, guided by intrinsic “laws-of-nature” algorithms, produces systems that may be non-functional, physically functional, or physically and mentally functional. Given such a reality, the author concludes that human mentality evolved in bottom-up fashion, with mind-associated neuronal systems not so much creating mind as organizing a pre-existing propensity for awareness into useful, functional awareness, and providing for its modulation by useful information.
The author hypothesizes that discrete, localized occurrences of awareness accompany the functioning of relatively simple neuronal systems within the columnar structure of the brain’s sensory cortex, and that each of these systems informationally modulates its associated awareness to create an elemental quale. Together, the awareness elements of a given sensory modality constitute a subjective field which, through brain activity not yet fully understood, becomes topologically related to the body image. The several superposed fields simulate a unified, multi-modal consciousness and constitute a global workspace. Selective attention to the qualia in these superposed fields activates neural correlates which facilitate situation evaluation and decision making.
Objective Signs of Consciousness
Authors: Reinis Stanislav 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe human mind and consciousness under normal circumstances likely can be considered, as a unified phenomenon involving the whole brain or at least a major part of it. As suggested by some authors, the problem of consciousness cannot be solved without considering quantum mechanics. For this reason, I would like to draw on a general knowledge on quantum fields, if and how they function in the brain. What I would like to emphasize is proposal based on free electrons released during the electrophysiological events such as postsynaptic potentials, depolarization and hyperpolarization of the neuronal membrane and action potentials moving along the axons. The quantum systems form a quantum electron field in which the electrons are able to communicate one with another by means of the Pauli principle. This communication may be a carrier of the subjective consciousness which integrates and unifies functions of various parts of the brain. The output of these processes arising from the neuronal activities in various parts of the cerebral cortex and other brain areas likely may produce the content of consciousness.
Neuroscience Implications of Using Hypnoanalysis: Two Case Studies
Authors: Clark Jeanne 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Neuroscience is providing growing evidence that psychopathology is related to neural integration and amygdala-based implicit memories. Understanding the brain provides psychotherapists a guide for treatment, and neuroscience points to hypnosis as a potent treatment tool. Hypnosis affects functional areas of the brain, including the amygdaloid memory system and neural integration. Hypnosis in itself is not curative. Neuroscience, more recent psychotherapy models, and modern understandings of hypnoanalysis appear to confirm Freud’s early observations of hypnosis effectiveness and, for his objection that hypnosis works well for some clients but not for others, explain why. Neuroscience’s understanding of the development of psychopathology and psychotherapy models give us tools and models Freud did not have. Using age regression (abreaction) in hypnosis in the context of psychotherapy appear to provide direct access to amygdala-based implicit memories during which the content of implicit memories can be explored for the unconscious meaning and for the responses conditioned during traumatic events. With the skilled use of psychotherapy treatment models while a client is in hypnosis, new patterns can be created through neurologically vividly experiences. These vivid experiences create new, reconditioned patterns that appear to reflect direct changes in the amygdala-based implicit memories and neural integration, evidenced by clients’new, automatic responses in previously difficult circumstances. Two case studies illustrate the use of Ego Psychology, Self Psychology, Attachment and Narrative psychotherapy models during hypnotic age regressions to disconnect stimulus-response patterns in a phobia client and provide vivid experiences of attachment and guidance for a borderline client.
Cross Section Case Control Study for Clinical Correlates of Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Midlife Early Hypertension: Differential Effect of Antihypertensives
Authors: Elmassry Hatem , Nagy Nahla , Shorab Iman , Eid Maissa 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
High blood pressure (BP) is considered a risk factor for cerebrovascular disease, including stroke. Little is known about the importance of BP on the progression of microvascular disease of the brain, and cognitive impairment. In this study 85 patients (45 women and 40 men; age range 40–55) were assessed for blood pressure with the mean value of the 2 measurements of 2 visits that were calculated and analysed. Cognitive testing was performed using a combination of 4 well-validated standardized tests: the Mini Mental State Examination, Trail Making Test (TMT) A, (TMT) B, and a verbal fluency test. The control group of 60 normal volunteers matched for age, sex and education without changes in blood pressure were compared for cognitive changes. Result show significant difference between patients and controls in cognitive tests (p=0.000) and positive correlation between hypertension and cognitive impairment, that was more associated with elevated systolic blood pressure, older age, male sex and early onset hypertension. Positive correlation was also found with improved cognitive functions in hypertensive patients using diuretics, angiotensin II inhibitors and antihypertensive combination. The results indicate that midlife early high BP levels increase the risk for cognitive impairment and dementia. This association may be modified by antihypertensive medication.
Infant Mortality Rate as a Measure of a Country’s Health: A Robust Method to Improve Reliability and Comparability
Authors: Gonzalez Robert M. , Gilleskie Donna 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Researchers and policymakers often rely on the infant mortality rate as an indicator of a country’s health. Despite arguments about its relevance, uniform measurement of infant mortality is necessary to guarantee its use as a valid measure of population health. Using important socioeconomic indicators, we develop a novel method to adjust country-specific reported infant mortality figures. We conclude that an augmented measure of mortality that includes both infant and late fetal deaths should be considered when assessing levels of social welfare in a country. In addition, mortality statistics that exhibit a substantially high ratio of late fetal to early neonatal deaths should be more closely scrutinized.
The Stefan problem in heterogeneous media
Authors: Roubíček Tomáš 
Published: February 2017

The nonlinear heat-transfer equation with a nonlinear boundary flux condition is investigated. The medium is assumed heterogeneous (
i.e.
the coefficients may depend on space variables) but piecewise homogeneous. The enthalpy formulation is employed. Existence of a weak solution is demonstrated, using an approximation by the Rothe method and a certain regularization of the contact conditions between the homogeneous subdomains. Phase transitions described as multiphase Stefan problems in some subdomains are also admitted, and a degeneration of the parabolic type of the equation is covered, too.

Résumé
Dans cet article le problème de la conduction de chaleur dans un milieu hétérogène (avec des parts homogènes) est étudié. L’équation parabolique, formulée en version enthalpique, et la condition aux limites sont non linéaires. On prouve l’existence de la solution faible en utilisant la méthode de Rothe et une certaine régularisation de la condition du contact entre des subdomaines homogènes. Un problème multiphase de Stefan et une dégénération de la parabolicité sont aussi considérés.
Mitigating the negative effect of perceived organizational politics on organizational citizenship behavior: Moderating roles of contextual and personal resources
Authors: De Clercq Dirk , Belausteguigoitia Imanol 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBased on the job demands–resources model, this study considers how employees’ perceptions of organizational politics might reduce their engagement in organizational citizenship behavior. It also considers the moderating role of two contextual resources and one personal resource (i.e., supervisor transformational leadership, knowledge sharing with peers, and resilience) and argues that they buffer the negative relationship between perceptions of organizational politics and organizational citizenship behavior. Data from a Mexican-based manufacturing organization reveal that perceptions of organizational politics reduce organizational citizenship behavior, but the effect is weaker with higher levels of transformational leadership, knowledge sharing, and resilience. The buffering role of resilience is particularly strong when transformational leadership is low, thus suggesting a three-way interaction among perceptions of organizational politics, resilience, and transformational leadership. These findings indicate that organizations marked by strongly politicized internal environments can counter the resulting stress by developing adequate contextual and personal resources within their ranks.
UNIT-REGULAR MODULES
Authors: CHEN H. , NICHOLSON W. K. , ZHOU Y. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIn 2014, the first two authors proved an extension to modules of a theorem of Camillo and Yu that an exchange ring has stable range 1 if and only if every regular element is unit-regular. Here, we give a Morita context version of a stronger theorem. The definition of regular elements in a module goes back to Zelmanowitz in 1972, but the notion of a unit-regular element in a module is new. In this paper, we study unit-regular elements and give several characterizations of them in terms of “stable” elements and “lifting” elements. Along the way, we give natural extensions to the module case of many results about unit-regular rings. The paper concludes with a discussion of when the endomorphism ring of a unit-regular module is a unit-regular ring.
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE? ADDRESSING NON-EXECUTION THROUGH INFRINGEMENT PROCEEDINGS IN THE EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS
Authors: de Londras Fiona , Dzehtsiarou Kanstantsin 
Published: February 2017

AbstractNon-execution of the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights is a matter of serious concern. In order to address it, the reasons for and dynamics of non-execution need to be fully considered. This paper engages with non-execution by sketching the underpinning issues that help to explain it and, we argue, must shape our responses to it. Through this engagement, we conclude that non-execution is properly understood as a phenomenon that requires political rather than legal responses. This calls into question the usefulness of the infringement proceedings contained in Article 46(4) of the Convention and which it has recently been suggested ought to be embraced in attempts to address non-execution. We argue that, even if the practical difficulties of triggering Article 46(4) proceedings could somehow be overcome, the dynamics of non-execution suggest that such proceedings would be both futile and counterproductive, likely to lead to backlash against the Court and unlikely to improve States’ execution of its judgments.