bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of biochar application on soil greenhouse gas fluxes: a meta‐analysis
Authors: He Yanghui , Zhou Xuhui , Jiang Liling , Li Ming , Du Zhenggang , Zhou Guiyao , Shao Junjiong , Wang Xihua , Xu Zhihong , Hosseini Bai Shahla , Wallace Helen , Xu Chengyuan 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBiochar application to soils may increase carbon (C) sequestration due to the inputs of recalcitrant organic C. However, the effects of biochar application on the soil greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes appear variable among many case studies; therefore, the efficacy of biochar as a carbon sequestration agent for climate change mitigation remains uncertain. We performed a meta‐analysis of 91 published papers with 552 paired comparisons to obtain a central tendency of three main GHG fluxes (i.e., CO2, CH4, and N2O) in response to biochar application. Our results showed that biochar application significantly increased soil CO2 fluxes by 22.14%, but decreased N2O fluxes by 30.92% and did not affect CH4 fluxes. As a consequence, biochar application may significantly contribute to an increased global warming potential (GWP) of total soil GHG fluxes due to the large stimulation of CO2 fluxes. However, soil CO2 fluxes were suppressed when biochar was added to fertilized soils, indicating that biochar application is unlikely to stimulate CO2 fluxes in the agriculture sector, in which N fertilizer inputs are common. Responses of soil GHG fluxes mainly varied with biochar feedstock source and soil texture and the pyrolysis temperature of biochar. Soil and biochar pH, biochar applied rate, and latitude also influence soil GHG fluxes, but to a more limited extent. Our findings provide a scientific basis for developing more rational strategies toward widespread adoption of biochar as a soil amendment for climate change mitigation.
Comparing methods for measuring the digestibility of miscanthus in bioethanol or biogas processing
Authors: Frydendal‐Nielsen Susanne , Jørgensen Uffe , Hjorth Maibritt , Felby Claus , Gislum René 
Published: June 2016

AbstractLignocellulosic biomass is a candidate for future renewable energy resources. Choice of optimum biomass types and biological conversion techniques requires well‐founded assessment of the digestibility determining the conversion efficiency. The aim of this study was to investigate and evaluate the digestibility of miscanthus samples that were tested using three methods: 3,5‐dinitrosalicylic acid assay (DNS), anaerobic batch digestion test, and high‐throughput pretreatment and hydrolysis method, including a grinding and hydrothermal pretreatment prior to the analysis (HTPH). The miscanthus samples were expected to have different digestibilities due to maturity stage, dry matter content and the implementation of extrusion as a mechanical pretreatment. The results of the DNS and the biogas batch test methods were highly correlated (R2 between 0.75 and 0.92), but not with the results of the HTPH method. The DNS and biogas batch test showed that digestibility differed between samples, probably due to the degree of lignification and content of soluble sugars. For the HTPH method, the digestibility for biorefining was the same irrespective of the variation in the other analyses. The HTPH method had higher biomass use efficiency, closely followed by the biogas batch test running for 91 days on the mechanically pretreated biomass. The HTPH method provided information on the overall quantity of carbohydrates that can be made available from a given biomass. Additionally, DNS and biogas batch test visualize the variation in digestibility between biomass types caused by lignification and particle. The study concludes that the choice of evaluation method for miscanthus will depend on the bioenergy conversion method used and that important information on the interaction between physio‐chemical pretreatment and biological accessibility of the biomass can be obtained by comparing the methods. This information will enable sound decisions on the future choice of bioenergy conversion technologies.
Carnitine dynamics and their effects on hyperammonemia in cirrhotic Japanese patients
Authors: Shiraki Makoto , Shimizu Masahito , Moriwaki Hisataka , Okita Kiwamu , Koike Kazuhiko 
Published: June 2016

AimSupplementation with levocarnitine preparations has been reported to improve hepatic encephalopathy, but no detailed investigations have addressed the dynamics of carnitine or its supplementation indication in cirrhosis patients. We studied carnitine dynamics in cirrhotic patients by measuring serum and liver tissue carnitine levels and tested the effects of levocarnitine supplementation on concurrent hyperammonemia.MethodsIn a pilot cohort of seven patients with liver cirrhosis and five patients without cirrhosis, the serum and liver carnitine concentrations were measured. Then the serum carnitine fractions were analyzed in 70 liver cirrhosis patients. Among them, a levocarnitine preparation (1800 mg/day) was supplemented orally for 3 months in 27 patients with refractory hyperammonemia, and the effects were evaluated.ResultsA significant correlation was observed between serum and liver tissue carnitine concentrations (r = 0.69, P < 0.05). The serum total carnitine concentration was 68.4 ± 4.7 μmol/L, the free carnitine concentration was 53.2 ± 2.6 μmol/L, and the acylcarnitine concentration was 13.2 ± 1.1 μmol/L in 70 cirrhotic patients (reference values are 45–91, 36–74, 6–23 μmol/L, respectively). There was no correlation between blood ammonia and serum carnitine concentrations. The serum carnitine concentration rose with levocarnitine supplementation, reaching steady state after 1 month and, in parallel, refractory hyperammonemia was significantly improved. The cut‐off level for a 20% decrease in blood ammonia was identified as 62.0 μmol/L total carnitine concentration by receiver–operating characteristic curve analysis, with an area under the curve of 0.69.ConclusionSerum carnitine concentrations were within standard levels in the majority of liver cirrhosis patients. In patients with concurrent hyperammonemia, the levocarnitine supplementation reduced blood ammonia levels.
The Greater Game: Qing China in Central Eurasia
Authors: Chan Ying‐kit 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThis article surveys Qing China's expansion into Central Eurasia in the context of “The Great Game,” a geopolitical contest between the British and Russian empires in that region. It argues that Manchu activities, policies, and roles in Tibet and Xinjiang made Qing China a significant third player in the struggle for regional dominance, which can be regarded as “The Greater Game.” This article specifically refers to the geopolitical concerns of Britain, China, and Russia in Asia and Europe in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries to explain their effects on this Greater Game.
The History of Critical Theory in China
Authors: He Weihua 
Published: June 2016

AbstractDue to the lack of theoretical resources for the ideological reconstruction during the New Era, Critical Theory was brought into China along with numerous other theoretical paradigms. During the 80s, many of the major works by critical theorists became available in China for the first time. With the consequent social transformation after the implementation of the reform and opening‐up policy, the emergence of popular culture constitutes one of the most noticeable events during the post‐Mao era. Thus, in order to map, interpret and fruitfully engage with the new cultural formation, to appropriate Critical Theory to talk about Chinese cultural reality actually developed into a fad among Chinese intellectuals in the 90s. With more thorough and more complete studies being carried out in this field in recent years, Chinese scholars gradually became more aware of the limitations of Critical Theory. However, given its influence in Chinese academia, Critical Theory will remain important theoretical resources when Chinese scholars talk about popular culture.
How Does Corporate Governance Affect Loan Collateral? Evidence from Chinese SOEs and Non‐SOEs
Authors: An Can , Pan Xiaofei , Tian Gary 
Published: June 2016

AbstractWe examine the effect of corporate governance on the collateral requirements for firms' bank loans in China. We find that firms with lower excess control rights and other large shareholders face lower collateral requirements, which is more pronounced in non‐state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) than in SOEs. Regarding board characteristics, we find that smaller board size, more independent directors, separation of the positions of CEO and chairman, and larger supervisory board size can reduce a firm's use of collateral; the effect of all the preceding characteristics is more pronounced in SOEs. Overall, our research suggests that, in China, corporate governance structures are able to affect bank‐lending decisions in respect of collateral requirements and that the influence depends on the controlling shareholder type and associated agency problems.
Comparison of long‐term outcomes of bare‐metal and paclitaxel‐eluting stents in New York
Authors: Qian Feng , Zhong Ye , Kheocha‐on Tammie , Hannan Edward 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAimsBare‐metal stents (BMS) as the first‐generation coronary stent and paclitaxel‐eluting stents (PES) as a first‐generation drug‐eluting stent have been employed in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, the long‐term comparative effectiveness of BMS versus PES in real practice remains unclear. To assess long‐term outcomes for patients undergoing PCI with either BMS or PES placement and to determine comparative effectiveness of BMS versus PES in six ‘off‐label’ and two ‘high‐risk’ patient subgroups.Methods and resultsA longitudinal database was created by linking the New York State cardiac registries, statewide hospital discharge data, the National Death Index and the US Census file (2010) for patients undergoing PCI with BMS or PES placement in 2006 and 2007. Outcomes included all‐cause mortality, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), target vessel PCI (TVPCI) and target vessel coronary artery bypass graft (TVCABG) surgery for a 5.5‐year follow‐up period. A total of 13 879 propensity score matched pairs were compared with respect to outcomes using Kaplan–Meier method with further adjustment using Cox proportional hazards regression. At 5.5 years, PES use was associated with significantly lower mortality (adjusted hazard ratio (AHR): 0.73, 95% confidence interval < CI>: 0.69–0.77), AMI (AHR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.83–0.98), TVPCI (AHR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.86–0.99) and TVCABG (AHR, 0.63, 95% CI: 0.53–0.74). For ‘off‐label’ and ‘high‐risk’ subgroups, PES was associated with lower mortality and improved/similar AMI, TVPCI and TVCABG rates relative to BMS.ConclusionsCompared with BMS, PES was associated with improved mortality and better or comparable AMI, TVPCI and TVCABG outcomes at 5.5 years.
Trichocysts—Paramecium's Projectile‐like Secretory Organelles
Authors: Plattner Helmut 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThis review summarizes biogenesis, composition, intracellular transport, and possible functions of trichocysts. Trichocyst release by Paramecium is the fastest dense core‐secretory vesicle exocytosis known. This is enabled by the crystalline nature of the trichocyst “body” whose matrix proteins (tmp), upon contact with extracellular Ca2+, undergo explosive recrystallization that propagates cooperatively throughout the organelle. Membrane fusion during stimulated trichocyst exocytosis involves Ca2+ mobilization from alveolar sacs and tightly coupled store‐operated Ca2+‐influx, initiated by activation of ryanodine receptor‐like Ca2+‐release channels. Particularly, aminoethyldextran perfectly mimics a physiological function of trichocysts, i.e. defense against predators, by vigorous, local trichocyst discharge. The tmp's contained in the main “body” of a trichocyst are arranged in a defined pattern, resulting in crossstriation, whose period expands upon expulsion. The second part of a trichocyst, the “tip”, contains secretory lectins which diffuse upon discharge. Repulsion from predators may not be the only function of trichocysts. We consider ciliary reversal accompanying stimulated trichocyst exocytosis (also in mutants devoid of depolarization‐activated Ca2+ channels) a second, automatically superimposed defense mechanism. A third defensive mechanism may be effectuated by the secretory lectins of the trichocyst tip; they may inhibit toxicyst exocytosis in Dileptus by crosslinking surface proteins (an effect mimicked in Paramecium by antibodies against cell surface components). Some of the proteins, body and tip, are glycosylated as visualized by binding of exogenous lectins. This reflects the biogenetic pathway, from the endoplasmic reticulum via the Golgi apparatus, which is also supported by details from molecular biology. There are fragile links connecting the matrix of a trichocyst with its membrane; these may signal the filling state, full or empty, before and after tmp release upon exocytosis, respectively. This is supported by experimentally produced “frustrated exocytosis”, i.e. membrane fusion without contents release, followed by membrane resealing and entry in a new cycle of reattachment for stimulated exocytosis. There are some more puzzles to be solved: Considering the absence of any detectable Ca2+ and of acidity in the organelle, what causes the striking effects of silencing the genes of some specific Ca2+‐release channels and of subunits of the H+‐ATPase? What determines the inherent polarity of a trichocyst? What precisely causes the inability of trichocyst mutants to dock at the cell membrane? Many details now call for further experimental work to unravel more secrets about these fascinating organelles.
Healing Families: Outcomes from a Family Drug Treatment Court
Authors: van Wormer Jacqueline , Hsieh Ming‐Li 
Published: June 2016

AbstractFamily drug treatment courts (FDTC) have been acknowledged as a promising intervention for substance‐abusing parents involved in the child welfare system. Over the past decade, the number of FDTC programs has grown substantially, yet questions remain regarding the efficacy of these courts. This study examines the ability of the Snohomish County (WA) FDTC to address the three main goals of the Adoption and Safe Families Act. Utilizing propensity score matching, this study found that participants were more likely to have their children returned, experienced stronger treatment completion rates, and had less use of foster care. Implications for replication and further analysis are discussed.
Multiple pregnancy is the leading contributor to cesarean sections in in vitro fertilization pregnancies: An analysis using the Robson 10‐group classification system
Authors: Tan Jarrod Kah Hwee , Tan Eng Loy , Kanagalingam Devendra , Yu Su Ling , Tan Lay Kok 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAimIn vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancy is an important contributor to rising cesarean section (CS) rates. The profile of CS in this group is not well documented. This study sought to identify leading patient categories of the Robson 10‐Group Classification System (TGCS) contributing to the high IVF CS rate.MethodsWe carried out a prospective study of IVF patients who delivered in the Singapore General Hospital from January 2010 to July 2012. Parity, singleton/multiple pregnancy, previous CS, mode of labor onset and gestational age at delivery were collected based on the TGCS. All other deliveries during the study period served as control.ResultsThere were a total of 215 IVF deliveries, of which 114 (54.4%) were CS. Group 8 (all multiple pregnancies) was the greatest contributor to the overall CS rate (43.0%). Group 2 (term nulliparous singleton cephalic pregnancies with induction of labor or planned CS) was the second largest contributor to overall CS rate (12.3%). The third and fourth leading contributors were Group 10 (preterm singleton pregnancies) and Group 5 (pregnancies with previous CS), respectively. In contrast, these two groups were top contributors to the overall CS rate for the control group.ConclusionMultiple pregnancy is the principal contributor to CS in our IVF population, and reducing its incidence may reduce its CS rate. Among singleton pregnancies, planned CS and failed induction for cephalic term pregnancies and preterm singleton pregnancies were the next largest contributors, suggesting a higher prevalence of maternal request and high‐risk obstetric indications requiring interventions at preterm gestations.
C‐peptide antioxidant adaptive pathways in β cells and diabetes
Authors: Luppi P. , Drain P. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIn this review, we present findings that support autocrine cell protection by C‐peptide in the context of clinical studies of type 1 diabetes (T1D), which universally measure C‐peptide serum levels as a surrogate for β cell functional mass. Over the last decade, evidence has accumulated that supports models in which C‐peptide, cosecreted with insulin by pancreatic β cells, acts on peripheral targets including the vascular endothelium to reduce oxidative stress and apoptosis subsequent to exposure to diabetic insults. In parallel, as assays have become more sensitive, C‐peptide has been detected in the circulation of most subjects with T1D where higher C‐peptide levels are associated with fewer and slower development of diabetic microvascular complications, consistent with antioxidant protection by C‐peptide. Clinical trials investigating C‐peptide‐replacement therapy effects have demonstrated amelioration of T1D nephropathy and neuropathy. Recently, the antioxidant action of C‐peptide was extended to the β cells secreting it, that is an autocrine mechanism. Autocrine protection has major implications for the treatment of diabetes because the more C‐peptide secreted, the more protection provided to the same β cells resulting in a slower decay in β cell functional mass over the time course of disease. Why β cells evolved to cosecrete an antioxidant C‐peptide hormone together with the glycaemia‐lowering insulin hormone is explored in the context of proposed evolutionary advantages of physiologically transient oxidative stress and insulin resistance as an adaptation for survival through times of fuel scarcity. The importance of recognizing autocrine C‐peptide protection of functional β cell mass in observational clinical studies, and its therapeutic implications in interventional C‐peptide‐replacement studies, will be discussed.
Diagnostic accuracy of two point‐of‐care kits for the diagnosis of Giardia species infection in dogs
Authors: Costa M. , Clarke C. , Mitchell S. , Papasouliotis K. 
Published: June 2016

OBJECTIVESThe objective of this study was to compare results obtained by ZnSO4 Flotation and SNAP ®Giardia to those generated by the new point‐of‐care tests Single and Triple Rapid.METHODSProspective study evaluating 51 canine faecal samples submitted at a reference laboratory for the presence of Giardia spp. Kappa statistics, specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated by comparing the new tests to the combined results of ZnSO4 and SNAP tests.RESULTSThere was fair (Single Rapid, j=0·434) to good (Triple Rapid, j =0·797) agreement with the reference tests. At this study's prevalence (59 to 61%), specificities and PPV were high (1·00) with both Rapid tests, but sensitivities and NPV were lower for the Single than for the Triple (0·48 vs 0·83 and 0·55 vs 0·80) tests. At lower prevalence rates, both tests exhibited a high PPV (1·00), but the NPV were higher with the Triple (0·96 to 0·99) than the Single (0·88 to 0·96) Rapid test.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEBoth tests exhibited excellent PPV values at all prevalence rates but an excellent NPV only at low prevalence. As the prevalence is likely to be low (<15%) in clinical settings, we propose that these tests may be helpful in the in‐house diagnosis of Giardia spp infection. However, they exhibit lower sensitivity than the combined sensitivity of ZnSO4 and SNAP tests, particularly in high prevalence settings.
Prevalence and progression of pectinate ligament dysplasia in the Welsh springer spaniel
Authors: Oliver J. A. C. , Ekiri A. , Mellersh C. S. 
Published: June 2016

OBJECTIVESTo determine the prevalence of pectinate ligament dysplasia in a large group of Welsh springer spaniels; to investigate associations between pectinate ligament dysplasia and age, sex and intraocular pressure and between intraocular pressure and age and sex; and to investigate progression of pectinate ligament dysplasia in individual dogs.METHODSIn a prospective study, gonioscopy was performed in both eyes of 227 Welsh springer spaniels and intraocular pressure measured by rebound tonometry. Eyes were classified as “unaffected” if 0% of the iridocorneal angle was affected with pectinate ligament dysplasia (grade 0), “mildly affected” if <20% was affected (grade 1), “moderately affected” if 20 to 90% was affected (grade 2) and “severely affected” if >90% was affected (grade 3). In a retrospective study, progression of pectinate ligament dysplasia over time was investigated for 65 dogs.RESULTSOne hundred and thirty‐nine of 227 dogs (61·2%) were affected by pectinate ligament dysplasia (grades 1 to 3) and 82/227 (36·2%) were moderately or severely affected. There was a significant association between pectinate ligament dysplasia and age. There were no associations between pectinate ligament dysplasia and intraocular pressure or pectinate ligament dysplasia and sex. Thirty‐five of 65 dogs (53·8%) demonstrated progression of pectinate ligament dysplasia.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEPrevalence of pectinate ligament dysplasia was high despite widespread screening and selection against the condition. Our data indicate that gonioscopic features of pectinate ligament dysplasia can progress in the Welsh springer spaniel. Dogs deemed unaffected at an early age may subsequently be diagnosed with pectinate ligament dysplasia.
Vinblastine as a second rescue for the treatment of canine multicentric lymphoma in 39 cases (2005 to 2014)
Authors: Lenz J. A. , Robat C. S. , Stein T. J. 
Published: June 2016

OBJECTIVESThe objective of this study was to retrospectively evaluate response and outcome of dogs with multicentric lymphoma treated with single‐agent vinblastine as a second rescue.METHODSMedical records from 39 client‐owned dogs receiving vinblastine rescue treatment (having relapsed on or following completion of UW‐Madison and CCNU/L‐asparaginase protocols), between 2005 and 2014, were reviewed for information regarding clinical presentation, diagnostic testing, drug dosage, number of treatments, side effects, response and outcome.RESULTSThe median starting dose of vinblastine was 2·6 mg/m2 (1·7 to 2·8 mg/m2), administered weekly until disease progression. Of the 39 dogs treated, 3 dogs (7·7%) achieved a complete remission, 7 dogs (17·9%) achieved a partial response, 18 dogs (46·2%) maintained stable disease and 11 (28·2%) had progressive disease. Ten dogs (25·6%) developed a grade III or IV neutropenia, and 4 dogs (10·3%) developed grade III or IV thrombocytopenia (one dog in both categories). After starting vinblastine, the median progression‐free survival was 29·5 days (0 to 77 days) and overall median survival time was 46 days (4 to 250 days). Duration of first remission was identified as a positive predictor of outcome.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCESingle‐agent vinblastine is well tolerated in dogs with relapsed or refractory lymphoma. Responses were incomplete and short‐lasting.