bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The potential impact of second‐generation biofuel landscapes on at‐risk species in the US
Authors: Evans Samuel G. , Kelley Lisa C. , Potts Matthew D. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe recent increase in corn ethanol production has drawn attention to the environmental sustainability of biofuel production. Environmental assessments of second‐generation biofuel crops (SGBC) have focused primarily on greenhouse gas emissions and water quality. However, expanding the production of cellulosic biomass resources, especially those that require dedicated agricultural land, is also likely to have impacts on biodiversity. We developed an optimization framework for projecting the spatial pattern ofSGBCexpansion in the United States and intersected these predictions with occurrence data for at‐risk species. In particular, we focused on two candidate perennial grass feedstocks,Panicum virgatum(switchgrass), andMiscanthus × giganteus(Miscanthus). Tradeoffs between biodiversity and economic profitability are assessed using county level data sets ofSGBCyield, agricultural land availability, land rents, and at‐risk species occurrences. Results show that futureSGBCexpansion is likely to occur outside of the Corn Belt, where conventional biofuel feedstocks are currently grown. The set of at‐risk species that could potentially be impacted is therefore likely to be different from the at‐risk species prevalent in the agroecological landscapes of the Upper Midwest that are dominated by corn and soy production. The total number and type of potentially impacted taxa is influenced by several factors, including the total demand for cellulosic biomass, the type of agricultural land used for production, and the method for defining at‐risk species.SGBCproduction is also concentrated in fewer counties when a national species conservation constraint is combined with a biofuel production mandate. This analysis provides a foundation for future research on species conservation in bioenergy production landscapes and highlights the importance of incorporating biodiversity into broader environmental assessments of biofuel sustainability.
Effect of two additives on the fermentation, in vitro digestibility and aerobic security of Sorghum–sudangrass hybrid silages
Authors: Han L. Y. , Li J. , Na R. S. , Yu Z. , Zhou H. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractTwo additives (Silo Guard (SG) and propionic acid (PA)) were tested for their effects on the quality and aerobic security of sorghum–sudangrass hybrid silages (JC‐1 and WC‐2). Two sorghum–sudangrass hybrid varieties were harvested for ensiling without additives (CK) or after the following treatments: SG at 0·5% of fresh forage or PA at 0·5% of fresh forage, with three replicates per treatment. The addition of SG and PA both affected the fermentation quality and chemical composition of the silages by lowering pH and NH3‐N/TN and increasing lactic acid, the LA/TA ratio, WSC and CP concentrations compared with the untreated silages. In vitro DM digestibility (IVDMD), in vitro NDF digestibility (IVNDFD) and in vitro CP digestibility (IVCPD) were increased by SG in the JC‐1 silages and WC‐2 silages. Both additives improved the aerobic stability of sorghum–sudangrass hybrid silages. Furthermore, the additives reduced the mould counts and the aflatoxin and zearalenone levels compared with the untreated silages following aerobic exposure. Therefore, ensiling two sorghum–sudangrass hybrid varieties resulted in high‐quality silages. The addition of SG and PA improved silage quality, in vitro digestibility and aerobic security.
Regrowth patterns of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum) subjected to strategies of intermittent stocking management
Authors: Pereira L. E. T. , Paiva A. J. , Geremia E. V. , da Silva S. C. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe morphogenetic responses of individual tillers and the composition of tiller populations throughout regrowth in response to all combinations of two post‐grazing heights (35 and 45 cm) and two pre‐grazing conditions (95% and maximum canopy light interception during regrowth – LI95% and LIMax) were studied in swards of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum. cv. Napier) from November 2011 to April 2012. Swards were subjected to the same treatments from January 2011 until measurements began, to enable them to adapt to the defoliation regimes. Treatments were allocated to experimental units (850 m2 paddocks) according to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design, with four replications. The total number of tillers (basal + aerial) was similar for both LI pre‐grazing targets. However, there was a change in the preferential growth pathway used by plants characterized by modification in the proportion of tiller classes in plant population. Swards managed with the LIMax target had a smaller population density of basal tillers and used the recruitment of aerial tillers as the main growth pathway. Although effective for maintaining stable rates of leaf elongation and senescence, such a strategy resulted in greater tiller death. Additionally, stem elongation, a consequence of the competition for light under those circumstances, resulted in differences in sward herbage mass and morphological composition with potential implications for herbage feeding value.
Comparison of feed intake, body weight gain, enteric methane emission and relative abundance of rumen microbes in steers fed sainfoin and lucerne silages under western Canadian conditions
Authors: Bouchard K. , Wittenberg K. M. , Legesse G. , Krause D. O. , Khafipour E. , Buckley K. E. , Ominski K. H. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBeef cattle are major contributors of enteric methane (CH4) emissions in Canada. Feeding forages containing condensed tannins (CT) has been suggested as a means of reducing enteric CH4 emissions and improving production efficiency. Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) is one of the CT‐containing legumes, which has also been recognized to have several additional beneficial properties. This study compared sainfoin silage (SS) and lucerne (Medicago sativa) silage (LS) with respect to animal performance, enteric CH4 production, abundance of selected rumen microbes and selected serum parameters in yearling steers during a Canadian winter. Sainfoin silage in our study contained approximately 12 g CT kg−1 dry matter (DM), a level which did not adversely affect silage palatability as steers fed SS experienced higher DM intake. However, animals fed LS and SS had similar body weight gain over the course of the trial. Feeding SS resulted in lower blood urea nitrogen concentrations and relative abundance of methanogenic archaea in rumen fluid. Yet, microbial population shifts fell short of exerting significant influence on enteric CH4 emissions. This study suggests that under western Canadian growing and animal‐rearing conditions, sainfoin is not yet competitive with lucerne forage with respect to enteric CH4 emissions or animal productivity warranting further research and development.
Oral prophylaxis and its effects on halitosis‐associated and inflammatory parameters in patients with chronic periodontitis
Authors: Guentsch A , Pfister W , Cachovan G , Raschke G , Kuepper H , Schaefer O , Eick S 
Published: December 2013

AbstractObjectiveA controlled clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of oral prophylaxis on halitosis‐associated, immunological and microbiological parameters.MethodsThirty subjects were included in this controlled clinical trial (patients with generalized chronic periodontitis and controls without clinical attachment loss; each n = 15). Before oral prophylaxis and 14 days after (including tongue cleaning) volatile sulphur compounds (VSC), organoleptic scores and a tongue coating index were evaluated. The levels of IL‐1β, IL‐8, IL‐10 and MMP‐8 were measured in GCF, and also major periodontal pathogens were detected. Data were statistically analysed using anova and paired t‐test.ResultsSupragingival plaque and calculus removal with combined tongue cleaning was able to reduce significantly (P < 0.05) the VSC values in both groups (no significant differences between both groups). Two weeks after periodontal debridement, the VSC values were observed in the periodontitis group, but not in the control group, similar to the baseline values. The difference between the groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Only a repeated prophylaxis session in the periodontitis group was able to reduce VSC values significantly in comparison with baseline (P < 0.05). Organoleptic scores (10 and 30 cm) were significantly different (P < 0.05) between both groups before and after the treatment. Periodontal pathogens and host‐derived markers were not significantly affected by a single prophylaxis session.ConclusionsOral prophylaxis may result in a significant decrease in VSC values. However, in periodontal diseases, a more complex treatment seems to be necessary.
Chitosan/tripolyphosphate‐nanoliposomes core‐shell nanocomplexes as vitamin E carriers: shelf‐life and thermal properties
Authors: Xia Shuqin , Tan Chen , Xue Jin , Lou Xiaowei , Zhang Xiaoming , Feng Biao 
Published: December 2013

SummaryThe aim of this study was to prepare the new core‐shell nanocomplexes as vitamin E (VE) carriers through chitosan (CS) coating onto the liposomal membrane surface in combination with sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) cross‐linking, and investigated their storage and thermal properties by dynamic light scattering, ζ potential and fluorescence. Results showed that no obvious aggregation of nanocomplexes particles appeared and the VE retention rate was over 80% during the 30‐day storage. Thermal experiments demonstrated that the modification of polymers enhanced the stability of liposomes against temperature, including suppressing particle aggregation, ζ potential inversion and membrane fluidity. Compared with the great leakage of VE from uncovered liposomes, the retention rate of VE loaded into nanocomplexes remained around 92% and 97% after heated at 65 °C for 30 min and 80 °C for 16 s, respectively. The findings proved that these nanocomplexes can be employed to protect VE for extending shelf‐life and enhancing thermostability, and provide feasibility for commercial usage.
Effects of A1/A2‐Sites Occupancy upon Ferroelectric Transition in (SrxBa1−x)Nb2O6 Tungsten Bronze Ceramics
Authors: Huang C. J. , Li K. , Liu X. Q. , Zhu X. L. , Chen X. M. 
Published: December 2013

The dielectric and ferroelectric characteristics of (SrxBa1−x)Nb2O6 unfilled tungsten bronze ceramics have been investigated together with the structure. The dielectric and ferroelectric characteristics of the present ceramics vary significantly with x, and the A1/A2‐sites occupancy has been determined as the primary parameter governing this variation tendency. Ba ions tend to occupy A2‐sites, Sr ions tend to occupy A1‐sites, and one A1‐site is empty. When the ratio of Sr/Ba is close to 1:4 (where four A2‐sites are just occupied by Ba ions, and one A1‐site is occupied by Sr ion while another A1‐site is empty), the normal ferroelectric transition is observed with one anomaly in the tanδ–T curve (x = 0.25). When the ratio of Sr/Ba is far away from 1:4, the typical relaxor behavior is indicated together with three anomalies in the tanδ–T curve (x = 0.75). The incommensurate oxygen octahedral tilting and A‐site random distribution are considered to be the structure origins for the relaxor ferroelectricity and low temperature dielectric relaxations.
Novel Visible Emission and Mechanism Investigation from PbS Nanoclusters‐Doped Borosilicate Glasses
Authors: Fan Shaohua , Wu Guobo , Zhang Yuanhao , Chai Guanqi , Ma Zhijun , Qiu Jianrong , Dong Guoping 
Published: December 2013

Borosilicate glasses doped with PbO, ZnS, or PbS were fabricated to investigate the visible emissions (one located at 370 nm and another at 550 nm) observed in the PbO and ZnS codoped glass. Several series of glassy systems were designed to investigate the mechanism of above visible emissions. The absorption, photoluminescence (PL), photoluminescence excitation (PLE) spectra, and lifetime measurements were used to characterize all the emissions. The nanosecond level lifetimes for all the samples' 370 nm emissions ascribed the 370 nm emission to the glass defects. Measured lifetimes for the PbS quantum dots (QDs) in the glasses with an emission in the near‐infrared region which was about 8 μs was close to the values for the yellow emission, which confirmed the formation of PbS nanoclusters in the codoped glass was responsible for the yellow emission.
Kinetics and Activation Energy of Magnesium Oxide Hydration
Authors: Thomas Jeffrey J. , Musso Simone , Prestini Ivan 
Published: December 2013

The kinetics of hydration of magnesium oxide (MgO) powder to form magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) were measured using isothermal calorimetry at different temperatures, and the morphology of the powders before and after hydration were examined. The hydration kinetics of light‐burned MgO exhibit a hydration rate peak similar to that of portland cement hydration, whereas the hydration kinetics of hard‐burned MgO are comparatively slower at the same temperature, and exhibit a continuously declining hydration rate after the first several minutes of reaction. The hydration kinetics of both light‐burned and hard‐burned MgO can be fit using a boundary nucleation and growth model that has previously been applied to the hydration of portland cement and tricalcium silicate. Activation energy values for MgO hydration were determined from the fitted rate constants and were also measured directly using small temperature excursions according to a recently proposed method. For light‐burned MgO the resulting values are in good agreement and indicate a value of 77 kJ/mol. For the hard‐burned MgO the activation energy values vary considerably depending on temperature and how the activation energy is measured, but are always lower than the value obtained for the light‐burned MgO.
Phase Evolution and Microstructural Studies in CaZrTi2O7–Nd2Ti2O7 System
Authors: Jafar Mohsin , Sengupta Pranesh , Achary Srungarpu N. , Tyagi Avesh K. 
Published: December 2013

A series of compositions with general stoichiometry Ca1−xZr1−xNd2xTi2O7 has been prepared by high‐temperature solid‐state reaction of component oxides and characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction and electron probe for microanalyses (EPMA). The phase fields in CaZrTi2O7–Nd2Ti2O7 system and distribution of ions in different phases have been determined. Four different phase fields, namely monoclinic zirconolite, cubic perovskite, cubic pyrochlore, and monoclinic Nd2Ti2O7 structure types are observed in this system. The 4M‐polytype of zirconolite structure is stabilized by substitution of Nd3+ ion. The addition of Nd3+ ions form a cubic perovskite structure‐type phase and thus observed in all the compositions with 0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.80. Cubic pyrochlore structure‐type phase is observed as a coexisting phase in the nominal composition with 0.20 ≤ x ≤ 0.90. Only a subtle amounts of Ca2+ and Zr4+ are incorporated into the perovskite‐type Nd2Ti2O7 structure. EPMA analyses on different coexisting phases revealed that the pyrochlore and perovskite phases have Nd3+‐rich compositions.
Improving the High‐Temperature Oxidation Resistance of Nb4AlC3 by Silicon Pack Cementation
Authors: Zheng Liya , Wang Jingyang , Zhou Yanchun 
Published: December 2013

Niobium aluminum carbide (Nb4AlC3), as a member of the MAX phases, can retain its stiffness and strength up to over 1400°C. However, its applications are limited due to its poor oxidation resistance at high temperatures. In this work, silicon pack cementation has been applied to improve the oxidation resistance of Nb4AlC3. After Si pack cementation at 1200°C for 6 h, a dense and uniform silicide coating which was mainly composed of NbSi2 and SiC and well bonded to the matrix was successfully formed on the surface of Nb4AlC3. The Si pack cemented Nb4AlC3 shows excellent oxidation resistance up to 1200°C due to the formation of protective Al2O3 layer. The oxidation kinetics of the cemented Nb4AlC3 obey parabolic law all the way to up to 1200°C, and the parabolic rate constants of cemented Nb4AlC3 are in the same order of magnitude as those of Ti3AlC2 in the temperature range 1000°C–1200°C. However, the oxidation of the cemented Nb4AlC3 was accelerated after oxidation at 1300°C for about 15 h due to the formation of NbAlO4.
Ball Impact Response of Unstrengthened and Chemically Strengthened Glass Bars
Authors: Jannotti Phillip , Subhash Ghatu , Varshneya Arun K. 
Published: December 2013

Ball impact experiments were conducted at impact velocities of 52–345 m/s on unstrengthened and chemically strengthened lithium aluminosilicate glass bars to assess the damage propagation characteristics. The damage was captured by high‐speed imaging at frame rates up to 500 000 frames per second (fps). Upon impact, the damage front in the unstrengthened glass reached a maximum velocity of 1626–2135 m/s, and rapidly fell to zero within a short distance. On the contrary, the damage front in the strengthened glass reached an initial velocity of 1791–2275 m/s, but then stabilized to a constant velocity of 1920 m/s until the entire glass bar was consumed. In addition, the cascading release of stored energy due to strengthening led to self‐sustained damage propagation preferentially within the outer layers of the glass bar (predominantly within the compressive zones) at a higher rate than in the interior region (dominated by residual tension). This is counter to what has been traditionally reported in the literature. Stress wave reflection from the rear of the unstrengthened bar caused tensile cracking (i.e., spallation), but the ultrahigh residual compression in the strengthened bar prevented similar damage initiation. Finally, it is suggested that strengthened glasses are most suitable as intermediate layers in laminate window panels for impact applications.
An Exploration of the Self‐Advocacy Support Role Through Collaborative Research: ‘There Should Never be a Them and Us’
Authors: Chapman Rohhss 
Published: December 2013

BackgroundThe role of the support worker in self‐advocacy groups for people with intellectual disability is pivotal in setting the scene for empowerment. However, despite the growing importance of the role, it has attracted very little scrutiny.MethodThe study developed an inclusive team approach working alongside researchers labelled with learning difficulties. Emphasis was placed on making all aspects of the research cycle accessible to the team. A variety of qualitative methods were used.ResultsDespite supporters’ allegiances to disability equality and their emphasis on reflexivity, many crucial aspects of organizational practice and support remained hidden. However, an emerging shared narrative about the potential of people first implied the possibility of increased collaboration. This was evidenced in some of the groups.ConclusionsWhere problematic practice was discussed, supporters were open to developing alternative approaches. Acknowledging members contributions alongside the work of their supporters helped nurture more collaborative relationships.Accessible AbstractA lot of accessible methods were used to find out what was happening. Much support work is hidden away and not listed by organisations. The supporter role is very complex where supporters are managed by members. Supporters may find ways to hold on to power even when they say they try not to. There were some good ways seen for members and supporters to work together fairly. The writer talks about working in a team with researchers with learning difficulties. The study concludes that we can all learn from each other.
Prediction of periodontal disease: modelling and validation in different general German populations
Authors: Zhan Yiqiang , Holtfreter Birte , Meisel Peter , Hoffmann Thomas , Micheelis Wolfgang , Dietrich Thomas , Kocher Thomas 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimTo develop models for periodontitis using self‐reported questions and to validate them externally.MethodsThe Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP‐0) was used for model development. Periodontitis was defined according to the definitions of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention‐American Academy of Periodontology, the 5th European Workshop in Periodontology, and Dietrich et al. (≥2 teeth with inter‐proximal clinical attachment loss of ≥4 mm and 6 mm as moderate and severe periodontitis) respectively. These models were validated in SHIP‐Trend and the Fourth German Oral Health Study (DMS IV).ResultsFinal models included age, gender, education, smoking, bleeding on brushing and self‐reported presence of mobile teeth. Concordance‐statistics (C‐statistics) of the final models from SHIP‐0 were 0.84, 0.82 and 0.85 for the three definitions respectively. Validation in SHIP‐Trend revealed C‐statistics of 0.82, 0.81 and 0.82 respectively. As bleeding on brushing and presence of mobile teeth were unavailable in DMS IV, reduced models were developed. C‐statistics of reduced models were 0.82, 0.81 and 0.83 respectively. Validation in DMS IV revealed C‐statistics of 0.72, 0.78 and 0.72 for the three definitions respectively. All p values of the goodness‐of‐fit tests were >0.05.ConclusionsThe models yielded a moderate usefulness for prediction of periodontitis.
All eggs are made equal: meta‐analysis of egg sexual size dimorphism in birds
Authors: Rutkowska J. , Dubiec A. , Nakagawa S. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractSex‐biased resource allocation in avian eggs has gained increasing interest. The adaptive explanations of such allocation are often related to life‐history strategies of the studied species. In some species, egg sexual size dimorphism (SSD) was suggested to promote future size differences between adults of each sex. In other species, egg SSD was invoked as an adaptive means by which a mother balances sex‐specific nestling mortality. According to the first scenario, mothers should produce bigger eggs for the bigger sex, thus across species, adult SSD should be a significant positive predictor of egg SSD. Under the second scenario, mothers should produce bigger eggs for the smaller sex. If different species use contrasting strategies, then a universal expectation is that there should be a significant relationship between the magnitude of adult SSD and the magnitude of egg SSD, irrespective of the direction of those differences. Our aim was to examine whether the direction of egg SSD is predicted by the direction of adult SSD or whether degree of egg SSD is related to degree of adult SSD. To answer that question, we performed meta‐analysis of 63 studies, which included information on egg SSD of 65 effect sizes from 51 avian species. We found that across species, adult SSD does not predict egg SSD. More importantly, the observed variation in effect sizes in our data set was largely explained by sampling error (variance). Although adult SSD is undoubtedly a prominent feature of birds, there is little evidence for egg SSD across avian species.