bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Keystone XL Pipeline: Rhetoric vs. Economics
Authors: Pirrong Craig 
Published: June 2015

Tech 101
There are about 180,000 miles of oil pipeline in the United States, but all of this mileage put together has not generated 1% of the controversy as a pipeline that would add a mere 1% to the total— the Keystone XL Pipeline connecting Alberta’s oil sands to refineries in Texas and Louisiana. Since it crosses an international boundary, Keystone requires US State Department approval, which has not been forthcoming under the Obama administration.
Keystone has become a cause célèbre on both sides of the political aisle. President Obama has made numerous statements criticizing the pipeline and has vetoed the legislation mandating its approval. Conversely, Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell had promised to make Keystone the first legislative priority in Congress when he took office.
Many arguments have been advanced against Keystone. First and foremost, opposition to the pipeline rests on environmental objections. Environmentalists deem crude oil produced from Canadian oil sands to be uniquely damaging due to its carbon intensity when compared with other types of crude. When the environmental arguments failed to gain considerable traction, opponents shifted to economic arguments. These include assertions that Keystone will not reduce at-the-pump gas prices in the US, and that most Keystone oil will be exported.
Unfortunately, these political and environmental arguments have created more heat than light. A straightforward economic analysis of Keystone demonstrates that its benefits will not be as great as its advocates say, but they will be material. The environmental effects are likely modest and outweighed by the economic benefits.
The Economics of Keystone
The direct economic effect of Keystone is quite straightforward. It would reduce the cost of transporting crude oil from Canada to the US Gulf Coast. Without Keystone, rail is the most economical way to transport the oil to the Gulf refineries. US government reports estimate that rail shipment costs about USD 10/bbl more than transportation via Keystone. This means that the benefits in terms of reduced transportation costs are on the order of USD 8 million/day, which is USD 10/bbl multiplied by the 830,000 BOPD Keystone can transport in lieu of more expensive trains.
A Young Professional’s Guide to the Impact of Oil Price Volatility in Russia and China
Authors: Jahagirdar Shruti , Weyand Kristin , Haider Batool Arhamna , Zhang Li 
Published: June 2015

A Young Professional’s Guide
When the prices of oil and gas spiral upward or downward, the effects are felt around the world. Economies of some countries are affected more than the others, especially, if they are large oil-exporting and -importing countries. Four of the five largest oil-importing nations, China, Japan, India, and South Korea, are in Asia and collectively import more than 15 million B/D of oil, according to the CIA World Factbook 2013–14. Any shift in oil price results in huge adjustments to these countries’ national budgets. The world’s largest oil-exporting nations include Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, Iran, and Nigeria. Collectively, these nations have the capacity to dominate the global oil economy.
Let us take a closer look at the impact of changing oil and gas prices on Russia, one of the largest oil- and gas-exporting nations, and China, one of the largest oil- and gas-importing nations in the world.
Russia: Oil and Gas Exporter
Russia tops the chart as the largest country in the world by area, encompassing 6.6 million sq miles. It leads the political scene as one of the most powerful and developed countries in the world and maintains its innovative edge as a leader in nuclear power and space research. For a country with so much independent power, Russia’s economy remains hugely dependent upon the energy and mineral resources that it holds.
Blessed with abundant resources, Russia exerts huge geopolitical influence on its European neighbors. Of paramount importance to countries such as Ukraine, Russia supplies 25%–30% of natural gas needs in Europe, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Oil and gas fund about half of the Russian budget, reports CNN. So what happens when commodities prices fluctuate—either up or down?
Factors influencing patient-reported quality of life in pretreatment orthognathic surgery patients
Authors: Stagles Christopher , Popat Hashmat , Rogers Sheelagh 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACT

Objective:
To investigate the relationship between condition-specific quality of life (QoL) and occlusal/skeletal traits of pretreatment orthognathic surgery patients.

Materials and Methods:
Patients referred for orthognathic surgery during the 2012–2014 period were asked to complete the Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire (OQLQ) at consultation. Patient demographics, indices of treatment need, occlusal traits, and cephalometric variables were also recorded. Bivariate analyses were carried out between the OQLQ scores and the clinical measurements. Significant variables were added to a multivariate regression model to determine the effect of these predictive factors on OQLQ.

Results:
One hundred and two patients were recruited. Initial analyses showed that gender and overjet were significantly associated with the overall OQLQ score. Being female increased the overall OQLQ score by 15.6 points when compared to males (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.4–23.8). Females also had significant associations in the social and awareness domains of the OQLQ. The magnitude of overjet away from normal values was associated with poorer overall QoL, with significant relationships in the esthetic and functional domains. The Index of Orthognathic Functional Treatment Need was significantly associated with the functional domain of OQLQ, with patients in category 5 scoring a mean of 10.0 points more than patients in category 4 (95% CI, 2.1–17.8). The Index of Complexity, Outcome and Need and other cephalometric variables were not associated with the OQLQ.

Conclusions:
Females are more aware of their facial deformity and report a greater social detriment when compared to males. Patients with a higher orthognathic treatment need report greater functional disadvantage.
Effects of oxymorphone hydrochloride or hydromorphone hydrochloride on minimal alveolar concentration of desflurane in sheep
Authors: Sayre Rebecca S. , Lepiz Mauricio A. , Horsley Kristen T. , Pashmakova Medora B. , Barr James W. , Washburn Shannon E. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of desflurane and evaluate the effects of 2 opioids on MAC in sheep.
ANIMALS 8 adult nulliparous mixed-breed sheep.
PROCEDURES A randomized crossover design was used. Each sheep was evaluated individually on 2 occasions (to allow assessment of the effects of each of 2 opioids), separated by a minimum of 10 days. On each occasion, sheep were anesthetized with desflurane in 100% oxygen, MAC of desflurane was determined, oxymorphone (0.05 mg/kg) or hydromorphone (0.10 mg/kg) was administered IV, and MAC was redetermined. Physiologic variables and arterial blood gas and electrolyte concentrations were measured at baseline (before MAC determination, with end-tidal desflurane concentration maintained at 10%) and each time MAC was determined. Timing of various stages of anesthesia was recorded for both occasions.
RESULTS Mean ± SEM MAC of desflurane was 8.6 ± 0.2%. Oxymorphone or hydromorphone administration resulted in significantly lower MAC (7.6 ± 0.4% and 7.9 ± 0.2%, respectively). Cardiac output at MAC determination for desflurane alone and for desflurane with opioid administration was higher than that at baseline. No difference was identified among hematologic values at any point. Effects of oxymorphone and hydromorphone on durations of various stages of anesthesia did not differ significantly.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE MAC of desflurane in nulliparous adult sheep was established. Intravenous administration of oxymorphone or hydromorphone led to a decrease in MAC; however, the clinical importance of that decrease was minor relative to the effect in other species.
Cardiovascular effects of equipotent doses of isoflurane alone and isoflurane plus fentanyl in New Zealand White rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Authors: Tearney Caitlin C. , Barter Linda S. , Pypendop Bruno H. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine effects of equipotent concentrations of fentanyl and isoflurane, compared with isoflurane alone, on cardiovascular variables in New Zealand White rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).
ANIMALS 6 adult female New Zealand White rabbits.
PROCEDURES Rabbits were anesthetized with isoflurane, and lungs were mechanically ventilated. The minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of isoflurane alone (baseline) and with fentanyl administered IV to achieve 3 targeted plasma concentrations was determined for each rabbit by means of an electrical stimulus. Cardiovascular variables were measured in a separate experiment at 1.3X isoflurane MAC and equipotent doses of isoflurane plus fentanyl at the same 3 targeted plasma concentrations. Blood samples were collected for measurement of blood gas variables and plasma fentanyl concentrations. Treatment effects were evaluated by repeated-measures ANOVA followed by 2-tailed paired t tests with sequentially rejective Bonferroni correction.
RESULTS Mean ± SD MAC of isoflurane was 1.95 ± 0.27%. Mean measured plasma fentanyl concentrations of 4.97, 8.93, and 17.19 ng/mL reduced isoflurane MAC by 17%, 37%, and 56%, respectively. Mean measured plasma fentanyl concentrations during cardiovascular measurements were 5.49, 10.26, and 18.40 ng/mL. Compared with baseline measurements, heart rate was significantly lower at all 3 plasma fentanyl concentrations, mean arterial blood pressure and systemic vascular resistance were significantly higher at mean fentanyl concentrations of 10.26 and 18.40 ng/mL, and cardiac output was significantly higher at 18.40 ng of fentanyl/mL.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Administration of fentanyl in isoflurane-anesthetized rabbits resulted in improved mean arterial blood pressure and cardiac output, compared with isoflurane alone. This balanced anesthesia technique may prove useful in the management of clinical cases in this species.
Effects of nitric oxide on blood-brain barrier permeability in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)
Authors: Kovacić Sanja , Rumora Lada , Gjurcevic Emil , Klaric Maja Šegvic , Ivkic Goran 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine in vivo effects of nitric oxide (NO) on blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.).
ANIMALS 148 carp.
PROCEDURES Carp received glyceryl trinitrate (1 mg/kg) as an NO donor or received no treatment (control group). Nitrite and nitrate concentrations in carp sera were determined 0.25, 1, 3, 6, 8, 12, and 24 hours after treatment. In control and treatment groups, BBB permeability was analyzed by assessment of leakage of Evans blue dye into various brain areas at 6, 12, and 24 hours after glyceryl trinitrate treatment. Brain edema was determined by means of the wet-dry weight method and assessed with light microscopy on H&E-stained preparations of tissues obtained 6 and 24 hours after glyceryl trinitrate treatment.
RESULTS Treatment with glyceryl trinitrate induced endogenous synthesis of NO, which was upregulated 6 and 8 hours after treatment. Increased NO synthesis was associated with increased permeability of the BBB, which developed 6 hours after treatment with the NO donor. Although the BBB became impermeable again by 12 hours after glycerol trinitrate treatment, brain edema still persisted 24 hours after treatment.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In this study, treatment with an NO donor caused reversible opening of the BBB and brain edema in common carp. An intact BBB is important to prevent influx of potentially harmful substances into the brain. This investigation highlighted the possibility of BBB disarrangement caused by NO, a substance found in the CNS of all vertebrates evaluated.
Comparison of axillary and rectal temperatures for healthy Beagles in a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment
Authors: Mathis Justin C. , Campbell Vicki L. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare axillary and rectal temperature measurements obtained with a digital thermometer for Beagles in a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment.
ANIMALS 26 healthy Beagles (17 sexually intact males and 9 sexually intact females).
PROCEDURES Dogs were maintained in a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment for 56 days before rectal and axillary temperatures were measured. Axillary and rectal temperatures were obtained in triplicate for each dog by use of a single commercially available manufacturer-calibrated digital thermometer.
RESULTS Mean rectal and axillary temperatures of Beagles maintained in a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment were significantly different, with a median ± SD difference of 1.4° ± 0.15°C (range, 0.7° to 2.1°C). Mean rectal and axillary temperatures were 38.7°C (range, 37.6° to 39.5°C) and 37.2°C (range, 36.6° to 38.3°C), respectively.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results of this study indicated that the historical reference of a 0.55°C gradient between rectal and axillary temperatures that has been clinically used for veterinary patients was inaccurate for healthy Beagles in a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment. Rectal and axillary temperatures can be measured in veterinary patients. Reliable interpretation of axillary temperatures may accommodate patient comfort and reduce patient anxiety when serial measurement of temperatures is necessary. Further clinical studies will be needed.
In vitro comparison of leakage pressure and leakage location for various staple line offset configurations in functional end-to-end stapled small intestinal anastomoses of canine tissues
Authors: Hansen Lane A. , Smeak Daniel D. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare intraluminal pressure at initial leakage (leakage pressure), leakage location, and maximum intraluminal pressure (MIP) for various staple line offset configurations of functional end-to-end stapled anastomosis (FEESA).
SAMPLE Grossly normal jejunal segments from 4 canine cadavers.
PROCEDURES 52 jejunal segments (4 control and 24 anastomosis constructs [2 segments/standard FEESA construct]) were prepared for testing. Segments were assigned to three 8-segment gastrointestinal anastomosis staple line offset groups: complete offset (CSO group), partial gastrointestinal anastomosis offset (PSO group), and no gastrointestinal anastomosis offset (NSO group). Results for leakage pressure, leakage location, and MIP were compared.
RESULTS Mean ± SD leakage pressure differed significantly among all groups and was highest for the PSO group (34.4 ± 3.7 mm Hg), followed by the CSO group (25.9 ± 4.1 mm Hg) and the NSO group (18.8 ± 1.5 mm Hg). Leakage location did not differ significantly among groups but was most commonly associated with the thoracoabdominal staple line. The MIP did not differ significantly among groups (PSO, 83.1 ± 9.4 mm Hg; CSO, 81.7 ± 6.7 mm Hg; and NSO, 58.5 ± 7.7 mm Hg).
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In this study, partial staple line offset leaked at a significantly higher pressure, which represented the greatest leakage protection of tested constructs. The thoracoabdominal staple line was more susceptible to leakage than was the gastrointestinal anastomosis staple line. Results suggested that surgeons should avoid FEESA with no staple line offset, strive for partial offset of the gastrointestinal anastomosis staples, and provide precise placement of the thoracoabdominal staple line.
Photographic assessment of overstory and understory leaf area index in beech forests under different management regimes in Central Italy
Authors: Chianucci Francesco , Puletti Nicola , Venturi Ernesto , Cutini Andrea , Chiavetta Ugo 
Published: June 2015

Abstract.
Forest understory may be strongly affected by silvicultural practices such as thinning, which simultaneously modulates the overstory canopy cover and influences the availability of light. However, the understory layer is rarely considered in management decisions, partly because methods to estimate understory leaf area index are poorly developed. In this study we used two different restricted view angle photographic methods to estimate overstory plant area index LO (zenith cover photography), understory leaf area index LU (nadir cover photography) and their related canopy attributes (foliage clumping, foliage cover, crown cover, crown porosity). These measurements were performed in beech stands under different management regime. Results from photography indicated that not only overstory but also understory canopy attributes were significantly influenced by forest management. In addition, a significant negative correlation was found between LO and LU. We conclude that the photographic methods are effective for monitoring (overstory and understory) canopy status in managed stands, on account of their rapid and not destructive procedures, which allows large scale implementation of the methods.
Biomass allocation in natural regeneration of Fagus sylvatica and Picea abies trees in Italian Alps
Authors: Pastorella Fabio , Paletto Alessandro 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Biomass allocation in seedlings and saplings at different stages of growth is important information for studying the response of species to site conditions. The objectives of the paper are: (a) to analyse the relationship between height and biomass in young Norway spruce and European beech trees, (b) to study the influence of the leaf area on ontogenetic growth stages and biomass sequestration capacity on the regeneration of these two species. 96 seedlings (H < 30 cm) and saplings (31 < H < 130 cm) were collected in different light conditions in a case study in the Alps (Trentino province, Italy). Leaf Area Index and shoot/root ratio were used as indicators of the ecological conditions (e.g. light, soil moisture, nutrient status) able to influence the seedlings and saplings growth. Two non-linear regressions were fitted to analyse the relationship between height and biomass and to develop the aboveground and below-ground allometric equations. Non-linear regressions show that sapling or seedling height is a good predictor of above-ground and below-ground biomass with a R2
aj above 0.8 for all equations and a R2
aj above 0.9 for above-ground biomass of Norway spruce. The results show that silvicultural practices may influence the regeneration patterns and increase the biomass allocation rate influencing stand density and canopy cover.
Estimation of standing wood volume and species composition in managed nemoral multi-layer mixed forests by using nearest neighbour classifier, multispectral satellite images and airborne lidar data / Puistute liigilise koosseisu ja tüvemahu hindamine k-lähima naabri meetodil mitmerindelistes majandatavates segametsades
Authors: Lang Mait , Arumäe Tauri , Lükk Tõnu , Sims Allan 
Published: June 2015

Abstract.
Nearest neighbour techniques are useful for constructing maps of forest inventory variables based on sample plot and auxiliary data from remote sensing. The most problematic issue of the nearest neighbour technique is possible systematic bias in the estimated values. In this study a 15 by 15 km test site in nemoral multilayer mixed forests was established in Laeva, Estonia. A set of 444 circular sample plots was used as reference set. Airborne lidar data and Landsat-8 Operational Land Imager image were used to construct five different feature variable sets consisting of original variables and alternatively principal components. The response variables were wood volume of first tree layer, wood volume of the second tree layer and main species code. A special test was carried out where a substantial amount of Silver birch dominated plots were removed from the reference set. The wood volume prediction validation was carried out on 89 forest growth sample plots and on 2290 forest stands. Species composition prediction was validated on 986 forest stands. As in many previous studies the results confirmed superiority of airborne lidar variables over spectral variables for wood volume estimation. The first three principal components of airborne lidar variables and first five principal components of all possible original feature variables contained over 99% of the information and performed well in imputations. The imputed wood volume at small values was overestimated and underestimated at large values regardless of used reference set. The feature variable sets containing spectral data performed better for species composition imputation. There was a forest age dependent discrepancy in predicted species proportions: birch and spruce proportions were underestimated in young stands and overestimated in older stands while proportion of aspen had exactly the opposite errors. The lack of fit depended slightly on the feature variable sets. The birch dominated plot partial removal from the reference set changed the predicted proportion of species but did not remove the forest age dependent lack of fit. The result can be important for the studies in which bootstrap samples are used to estimate error statistics for nearest neighbour technique based forest inventory variable maps.
Use of forest inventory data as a new method for cadastral valuation of forestlands in North-West Russia
Authors: Romanchikov Aleksey , Kovyazin Vassily , Belyaev Victor 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Cadastral valuation of forestlands is poorly developed in Russia. Current methods of evaluation either depend on the probability of harvesting or do not differentiate forest areas by forest stand properties. In this study authors propose to use forest inventory data as a basis for cadastral evaluation of forestlands. At first, forest inventory data is reviewed and variables making the largest contribution to evaluation are determined using correlation matrix. Second, forest inventory data is brought to common comparison year using regression equations of stand development. After that, graphic presentation of cadastral value dependence on inventory data is visually analysed. Results of analysis allow calculating of relative value of forestland and get to absolute value using average regional cost index. Evaluation results correlate with Faustmann method.