bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Life Cycle Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emission Analysis of Groundwater‐Based Irrigation Systems
Authors: Acharya Sharmila , George Biju , Aye Lu , Nair Sudeep , Nawarathna Bandara , Malano Hector 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe reliance on groundwater for irrigation is increasing in Australia and India, which is causing concerns to policy makers about energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Therefore, it is important to quantify the GHG emissions of all components of the groundwater‐based irrigation systems, over the entire life cycle to develop more environmentally friendly groundwater management strategies. This study identified and analysed energy use and GHG emissions associated with different components in the supply chain of groundwater‐based irrigation systems. An existing GHG emissions and energy‐accounting framework was adapted to enhance its capabilities by considering drilling techniques, water distribution and irrigation application methods. The results of this study highlighted that embodied and direct GHG emissions from drilling tube wells were higher in the Musi catchment, India, compared to South Australia. The study also highlighted that GHG emissions associated with water conveyance were higher for concrete and plastic‐lined channels than unlined channels. Drip irrigation systems in both countries were found to have more GHG emissions than gravity‐fed systems. Centre pivot systems were found to be emitting more than the drip systems in South Australia. We conclude that different components of the system have an impact on total GHG emissions and energy consumption for both countries. Any change in the most commonly used methods of drilling bore wells, water distribution in channels, and the irrigation methods, will have distinct impacts on energy consumption rates and GHG emissions. The developed conceptual framework provided a systematic complete analysis of the energy‐consuming and GHG‐emitting components associated with groundwater‐based irrigation systems. Policy makers and decision makers may use the developed framework to compare different system components to develop strategies that have minimal impact on the environment. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Environmental Benefits of Improved Water and Nitrogen Management in Irrigated Sugar Cane: A Combined Crop Modelling and Life Cycle Assessment Approach
Authors: van der Laan M. , Jumman A. , Perret S. R. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe application of irrigation water and nitrogen (N) fertilizer in excess of crop demand reduces profitability and has multiple detrimental impacts on the environment. N dynamics in agro‐ecosystems are extremely complex, and mechanistic crop models are most often required to quantify the impact of improved management practices on reducing fertilizer N losses. In this study, life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology and mechanistic modelling were used to quantify the environmental benefits of improved management of water and fertilizer N by sugar cane farmers in a case study in Pongola, South Africa. A baseline scenario, representing farmer intuition‐based irrigation scheduling management, and two additional scenarios in which water, and water and N were more rationally managed, were compared. Results show that improved water and N management can lead to a 20% reduction in non‐renewable energy consumption per functional unit (FU), with sustained or even increased yields. Total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions can potentially be reduced by 25% through more efficient water and N management. Limiting the rates of fertilizer N applied, made possible by decreasing N leaching through improved irrigation scheduling, resulted in the highest reductions for both impact categories. While total water consumption was very similar between the scenarios, more efficient use of rainfall was achieved through accurate scheduling, reducing blue water requirements. Through the simultaneous consideration of multiple environmental impacts, combining mechanistic crop modelling and LCA shows potential to identify improved management practices as well as to establish environmental stewardship incentives. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication of the Monolithic Fiber for the Solid Phase Micro‐extraction of Malachite Green
Authors: Hu Mei , Chen Jin , Yang Jing‐Hua , Zhang Yu‐Ping , Zhou Xiao‐Mao , Bai Lian‐Yang 
Published: March 2015

AbstractA monolithic fiber of molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was prepared by in situ polymerization within the capillary with an inner diameter of 530 µm. It was carried out in 8 min by microwave irradiation using malachite green (MG) as a template molecule, α‐methacrylic acid (MAA) as a functional monomer, acetonitrile (ACN) as a porogenic solvent, ethylene dimethacrylate (EDMA) as a crosslinker, azodiiso‐butyronitrile (AIBN) as a thermal initiator. The resulted MIP fibers were pushed out from the capillary, eluted and inserted in the capillary again, which successfully used for the solid phase microextraction (SPME) procedure. The factors affecting the extraction of MG, such as the molar ratio of template/monomer (MG/MAA), concentration of NaCl, extraction and desorption time, and extraction and desorption solvents were investigated in detail. The selectivity of the MIP fibers was compared using MG analogues crystal violet (CV) and non‐analogue Sudan II. It was also employed for the pretreatment of trace MG in the fish feed followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) detection. Under the optimal conditions, the linear range of MG was 10‐600 μg/L, the detection limit (LOD) was 1.23 μg/L and the recovery of spiked fish feed sample was 88.7∼113.9%.
A Selective Colorimetric and Fluorescent Chemodosimeter for Fe(III) Ion Based on Hydrolysis of Schiff Base
Authors: Tsai Haw‐Tyng , Bhorge Yeshwant Ramchandra , Pape Albert J. , Janaki Sudhakar Narasimha , Yen Yao‐Pin 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAn efficient colorimetric and fluorescent chemodosimeter for Fe3+ ions has been developed. The visual and fluorescent behaviors of the receptor toward various metal ions were investigated. The receptor shows exclusive response toward Fe3+ ions and also distinguishes Fe3+ from other cations by color change and unusual fluorescence enhancement in aqueous solution (DMSO/H2O = 4/1, v/v). Thus, the receptor can be used as a colorimetric and fluorescent sensor for the determination of Fe3+ ion. The visual color detection limit and the fluorescence detection limit of the receptor towards Fe3+ are (1.42 ± 0.01) × 10‐6 M and (7.57 ± 0.04) × 10‐8 M, respectively. The fluorescence microscopy experiments showed that the receptor is efficient for detection of Fe3+ in vitro, developing a good image of the biological organelles. The sensing mechanism is proven to be a hydrolysis process
Choroidal thickness and retinal vascular caliber correlations with internal carotid artery Doppler variables
Authors: Agladioglu Kadir , Pekel Gökhan , Citisli Veli , Yagci Ramazan 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTPurposeDecreased retinal arteriolar caliber and increased retinal venular caliber have been associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. This study aimed to evaluate correlations of choroidal thickness and retinal vascular caliber measurements with internal carotid artery (ICA) Doppler ultrasound variables.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional and observational study, 43 eyes and ICAs of 43 healthy volunteers were examined. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography was used to measure subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) and retinal vascular caliber. The ICA Doppler ultrasonographic parameters were diameter, flow volume, peak‐systolic velocity, end‐diastolic velocity, resistance index (RI), and pulsatility index (PI).ResultsNegative correlations emerged between ICA RI and SFCT (p = 0.017, r = −0.36) as well as between ICA PI and retinal arteriolar caliber (p = 0.015, r = −0.37). A negative linear correlation appeared between ICA diameter and SFCT (p = 0.005, r = −0.42), although ICA diameter and flow volume showed no association with retinal vessel caliber (p > 0.05).ConclusionsChoroidal thickness is negatively correlated with ICA diameter and ICA RI, while retinal arteriolar caliber is inversely related with ICA PI in normal volunteers. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 43:567–572, 2015
Intermittent Pringle maneuver is unlikely to induce bacterial translocation to the portal vein: a study using bacterium‐specific ribosomal RNA‐targeted reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Yamaguchi Naoya , Yokoyama Yukihiro , Ebata Tomoki , Igami Tsuyoshi , Sugawara Gen , Asahara Takashi , Nomoto Koji , Nagino Masato 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe occurrence of bacterial translocation (BT) to the mesenteric lymph nodes following the Pringle maneuver is well established; however, the incidence of BT to the portal circulation remains unclear.MethodsPortal blood of patients with suspected hilar malignancy who underwent major hepatobiliary resection with cholangiojejunostomy was sampled three times during surgery: immediately after laparotomy (PV‐1); before liver transection and after skeletonization of the hepatoduodenal ligament (PV‐2); and after completion of the liver transection (PV‐3). The samples were analyzed for microbes with a bacterium‐specific ribosomal RNA‐targeted reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction method.ResultsFifty patients were enrolled in the study, with a mean total Pringle time of 86 min. Microbes in the portal blood were detected in 11 (22%) of the 50 patients. The occurrence of microbes was not different among the PV‐1 samples (8% = 4/50), PV‐2 samples (14% = 7/50), and PV‐3 samples (14% = 7/50) (P = 0.567). Obligate anaerobes were predominantly detected. The positivity of the PV‐3 samples showed no correlation with the total Pringle time or with the occurrence of postoperative infectious complications. The total Pringle time did not affect the surgical outcomes, including infectious complications, liver failure, or mortality. The concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase on postoperative day 1 significantly correlated with the total Pringle time.ConclusionsThe intermittent Pringle maneuver is unlikely to induce BT to the portal circulation and is safe, even in difficult, complicated hepatobiliary resections requiring long clamping times.
Spatio‐temporal characteristics of the recent rainfall recovery in West Africa
Authors: Sanogo Souleymane , Fink Andreas H. , Omotosho Jerome A. , Ba Abdramane , Redl Robert , Ermert Volker 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTUsing daily (monthly) rainfall data from 167 (254) stations across West Africa with at least 80% data availability for the 31‐year period 1980–2010 and the gridded African Rainfall Climatology Version 2 (ARC2) for the period 1983–2010, linear trends in yearly and monthly rainfall totals were investigated. Measures of the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices (ETCCDI) and two rainy season onset and retreat definitions were employed to assess the corresponding trends in frequency and intensity of daily rainfall and changes to monsoon season length. A rotated Empirical Orthogonal Function analysis yielded two homogeneous rainfall regions, the Sahel and Guinea Coast, in terms of interannual to decadal rainfall variability, and this led to analysis of station data and Standardised Precipitation Index for the two regions. Results show that the majority of stations in the Sahel between the West Coast and 15°E shows a statistically significant positive rainfall trend for annual totals. The August–October period exhibits the largest rainfall recovery in the Sahel and the date of the retreat of the rainy season significantly moved later into the year by 2 days decade−1. The recovery is reflected both in more rainy days associated with longer wet spell duration and more extreme rainfall events. Trends along the Guinea Coast are weak and non‐significant except for extreme rainfall related indices. This missing significance is partly related to the hiatus in rainfall increase in the 1990s, but also to the larger interannual rainfall variability. However, the tendency towards a more intense second rainy season suggests a later withdrawal of rains from the West African subcontinent. ARC2 trends are broadly consistent where ground calibration was undertaken, but are dubious for Nigeria and Ghana, and especially for the Guinea, Jos and Cameroon Line highlands due to missing gauge data.
Effects of honey on oral mucositis in patients with head and neck Cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Cho Hye Kyung , Jeong Yeon Min , Lee Ho Seok , Lee Yeon Ji , Hwang Se Hwan 
Published: March 2015

Objectives/HypothesisThe objective of this study was to perform a meta‐analysis of the efficacy of honey in the management of oral mucositis during radiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer.Study DesignMeta‐analysis using MEDLINE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library as data sources.MethodsTwo authors independently searched the databases for relevant studies from inception to June 2014. Included in the meta‐analysis were randomized controlled studies published in English comparing the oral administration of honey (honey group) with placebo or no treatment (control group) in patients with head and neck cancer who were undergoing radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. Excluded studies failed to report quantifiable outcome measures regarding oral mucositis. Outcomes of interest included the degree and incidence of mucositis, incidence of microbial colonization, and weight loss.ResultsNine studies comprising 476 patients were included in the meta‐analysis. The incidence of moderate to severe mucositis and the mean mucositis grade during the first 3 weeks of therapy were significantly lower in the honey group than the control group. Additionally, the onset of mucositis was significantly later in the honey group than the control. Although there were no significant differences in the incidences of microbial colonization and pain experienced between the two groups, the incidence of weight loss was significantly lower in the honey group than control group.ConclusionsOral administration of honey after radiotherapy could prevent moderate to severe mucositis and associated weight loss. However, because our results were based on an analysis of a small number of trials, further trials are required to confirm these results.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 125:2085–2092, 2015
Long‐term in vivo electromechanical reshaping for auricular reconstruction in the New Zealand white rabbit model
Authors: Badran Karam W. , Manuel Cyrus T. , Loy Anthony Chin , Conderman Christian , Yau Yuk Yee , Lin Jennifer , Tjoa Tjoson , Su Erica , Protsenko Dmitriy , Wong Brian J. F. 
Published: March 2015

Objectives/HypothesisTo demonstrate the dosimetry effect of electromechanical reshaping (EMR) on cartilage shape change, structural integrity, cellular viability, and remodeling of grafts in an in vivo long‐term animal model.Study DesignAnimal study.MethodsA subperichondrial cartilaginous defect was created within the base of the pinna of 31 New Zealand white rabbits. Autologous costal cartilage grafts were electromechanically reshaped to resemble the rabbit auricular base framework and mechanically secured into the pinna base defect. Forty‐nine costal cartilage specimens (four control and 45 experimental) successfully underwent EMR using a paired set of voltage‐time combinations and survived for 6 or 12 weeks. Shape change was measured, and specimens were analyzed using digital imaging, tissue histology, and confocal microscopy with LIVE‐DEAD viability assays.ResultsShape change was proportional to charge transfer in all experimental specimens (P < .01) and increased with voltage. All experimental specimens contoured to the auricular base. Focal cartilage degeneration and fibrosis was observed where needle electrodes were inserted, ranging from 2.2 to 3.9 mm. The response to injury increased with increasing charge transfer and survival duration.ConclusionsEMR results in appropriate shape change in cartilage grafts with chondrocyte injury highly localized. These studies suggest that elements of auricular reconstruction may be feasible using EMR. Extended survival periods and further optimization of voltage‐time pairs are necessary to evaluate the long‐term effects and shape‐change potential of EMR.Levels of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 125:2058–2066, 2015
Impact of educational intervention on the interrater agreement of nasal endoscopy interpretation
Authors: Colley Patrick , Mace Jess C. , Schaberg Madeleine R. , Smith Timothy L. , Tabaee Abtin 
Published: March 2015

ObjectiveNasal endoscopy is integral to the evaluation of sinonasal disorders. However, prior studies have shown significant variability in the interrater agreement of nasal endoscopy interpretation among practicing rhinologists. The objective of the current study is to evaluate the interrater agreement of nasal endoscopy among otolaryngology residents from a single training program at baseline and following an educational intervention.MethodsEleven otolaryngology residents completed nasal endoscopy grading forms for eight digitally recorded nasal endoscopic examinations. An instructional lecture reviewing nasal endoscopy interpretation was subsequently provided. The residents then completed grading forms for eight different nasal endoscopic examinations. Interrater agreement among residents for the pre‐ and postlecture videos was calculated using the unweighted Fleiss' kappa (Kf) statistic and intraclass correlation agreement (ICC).ResultsInterrater agreement improved from a baseline level of fair (Kf range 0.268–0.383) to a posteducational level of moderate (Kf range 0.401–0.547) for nasal endoscopy findings of middle meatus mucosa, middle turbinate mucosa, middle meatus discharge, sphenoethmoid recess mucosa, sphenoethmoid recess discharge, and atypical lesions (ICC, P < 0.001). The baseline level of agreement for evaluation of nasal septum deviation was poor/fair and did not improve following educational intervention.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates a limited baseline level of interrater agreement of nasal endoscopy interpretation among otolaryngology residents. The interrater agreement for the majority of the characteristics that were evaluated improved after educational intervention. Further study is needed to improve nasal endoscopy interpretation.Level of EvidenceN/A. Laryngoscope, 125:2259–2265, 2015
Gene expression demonstrates an immunological capacity of the human endolymphatic sac
Authors: Møller Martin Nue , Kirkeby Svend , Vikeså Jonas , Nielsen Finn Cilius , Cayé‐Thomasen Per 
Published: March 2015

Objectives/HypothesisThe purpose of the present study is to explore, demonstrate, and describe the expression of genes related to the innate immune system in the human endolymphatic sac. It is hypothesized that the endolymphatic sac has a significant immunological function in the human inner ear.Study DesignDNA microarrays and immunohistochemistry were used for analyses of fresh human endolymphatic‐sac tissue samples.MethodsTwelve tissue samples from the human endolymphatic sac were obtained during translabyrinthine surgery for vestibular schwannoma. Microarray technology was used to investigate tissue sample gene expression using adjacent dura mater as control. The expression of genes specific for the innate immune system was determined and results for selected key molecules verified by immunohistochemistry.ResultsA comprehensive overview of expressed genes of the innate immune system was obtained. Multiple key elements of both the cellular and humoral innate immune system were expressed, including Toll‐like receptors 4 and 7, as well as beta‐defensin and lactoferrin.ConclusionsThe present data provides the first direct evidence of an immunological capacity of the human endolymphatic sac. At the molecular level, the endolymphatic sac is capable of antigen recognition and processing for initiation of an immune response. In addition, potent molecules directly toxic to invading pathogens are expressed by the sac epithelium.This evidence strongly supports the endolymphatic sac as a significant immunological entity of the inner ear.Level of EvidenceN/A.Laryngoscope, 125:E269–E275, 2015
The effects of alterations in the osseous external auditory canal on perceived sound quality
Authors: van Spronsen Erik , Brienesse Patrick , Ebbens Fenna A. , Waterval Jerome J. , Dreschler Wouter A. 
Published: March 2015

Objectives/HypothesisTo evaluate the perceptual effect of the altered shape of the osseous external auditory canal (OEAC) on sound quality.Study DesignProspective study.MethodsTwenty subjects with normal hearing were presented with six simulated sound conditions representing the acoustic properties of six different ear canals (three normal ears and three cavities). The six different real ear unaided responses of these ear canals were used to filter Dutch sentences, resulting in six simulated sound conditions. A seventh unfiltered reference condition was used for comparison. Sound quality was evaluated using paired comparison ratings and a visual analog scale (VAS).ResultsSignificant differences in sound quality were found between the normal and cavity conditions (all P < .001) using both the seven‐point paired comparison rating and the VAS. No significant differences were found between the reference and normal conditions. Sound quality deteriorates when the OEAC is altered into a cavity.ConclusionsThis proof of concept study shows that the altered acoustic quality of the OEAC after radical cavity surgery may lead to a clearly perceived deterioration in sound quality. Nevertheless, some questions remain about the extent to which these changes are affected by habituation and by other changes in middle ear anatomy and functionality.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 125:2362–2365, 2015
Surveillance direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy in children with tracheostomies
Authors: Richter Amy , Chen Diane Wenhua , Ongkasuwan Julina 
Published: March 2015

Objectives/HypothesisTo determine utility of surveillance direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy (DLB) in children with chronic tracheostomies by examining the frequency of operative intervention in children undergoing an annual DLB.Study DesignRetrospective medical record review and analysis of operative findings and interventions.MethodsA retrospective chart review was conducted of all children with tracheostomies who underwent surveillance DLB between 2003 and 2012 at a tertiary children's hospital. Charts were reviewed for demographics, indication for tracheotomy, symptoms prior to DLB, dates of DLB, and operative findings and interventions.ResultsA total of 489 patients underwent 1,094 DLBs. Two hundred fifty‐three DLBs (23%) were accompanied by preprocedural symptoms including bleeding; increased secretions; infection; and changes in ventilation requirement, swallow, or voice. Six hundred nineteen procedures (58%) required 817 interventions. Common interventions performed included debridement of granulation tissue (41%), tracheostomy tube exchange (27%), and subglottic dilation (10%). The presence of preprocedural symptoms and indication for tracheostomy did not predict need for intervention during DLB (P > .05).ConclusionsIn pediatric tracheostomy patients undergoing surveillance DLB, most procedures (58%) required operative intervention for airway optimization. These data support our current practice of yearly surveillance DLB in asymptomatic pediatric tracheostomy patients and aim to facilitate the development of clinical practice guidelines regarding chronic tracheostomy care in pediatric patients.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 125:2393–2397, 2015