bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Have you checked for charcoal? Assessment of soil condition using soil organic carbon
Authors: Vyšná V. , Dyer F. , Maher W. , Norris R. 
Published: February 2014

SummarySoil condition is commonly assessed by using soil organic carbon (SOC) as an indicator; however, a large proportion of the world's soils can contain charcoal, a biologically‐inert form of organic carbon. We investigated whether the presence of charcoal in soil could lead to an inaccurate assessment of soil condition when using SOC as an indicator. We sampled topsoil in a south‐east Australian catchment affected by severe fires in 2003. Samples (n = 100) were analysed for two SOC fractions: (i) total SOC (t‐SOC, loss on ignition), which included charcoal, and (ii) biologically‐active SOC (a‐SOC, persulphate‐oxidation), which did not contain charcoal. Using novel (boosted regression trees) and traditional (linear regression) modelling methods we compared the relative importance of abiotic (slope, aspect, elevation and soil texture) and biotic (land use and vegetation structure) factors as predictors of t‐SOC and a‐SOC concentration. A major difference between the two response variables was less relative importance of land use as a predictor when using t‐SOC as a response variable. Therefore, ignoring the presence of charcoal would have led to an under‐estimation of the effect of land‐use conversion on the biologically‐available SOC fraction. The presence of charcoal has important ramifications for routine assessments of soil condition given that (i) SOC is a commonly used indicator and charcoal and biologically‐active SOC differ in their effects on soil properties, (ii) fires historically occur on a large area of land, (iii) charcoal is a long‐lasting consequence of fires and (iv) charcoal can account for a large proportion of SOC and yet be unnoticed during sample preparation.
Clinical factors and self‐perceived oral health
Authors: Schützhold Svenja , Holtfreter Birte , Schiffner Ulrich , Hoffmann Thomas , Kocher Thomas , Micheelis Wolfgang 
Published: February 2014

Self‐perceived oral health is affected not only by awareness of the clinical status but also by comparisons with people of a similar age. This study explored the relative contributions of clinical variables assessing caries, periodontal status, and prosthetic status to self‐perceived oral health within two age groups. Data of 891 adults (35–44 yr of age) and 760 older people (65–74 yr of age) from the Fourth German Oral Health Study (DMS IV, 2005) were evaluated. Self‐perceived oral health was obtained from questionnaires. Numbers of decayed, filled, and unreplaced teeth, mean attachment loss, bleeding on probing (BOP), the presence of a fixed denture, and the presence of a removable denture were assessed. Multinomial logistic regression models were developed for both age groups, separately, using stepwise methods. For adults, unreplaced teeth, filled teeth, decayed teeth, the presence of a removable denture, and mean attachment loss were added to the final model. For older people, the presence of a removable denture, unreplaced teeth, decayed teeth, mean attachment loss, filled teeth, and BOP were included in the final model. Awareness of the relative contributions of clinical variables to self‐perceived oral health is important for obtaining a clearer understanding of patients' subjective and objective self‐perceptions of oral health.
Temperature‐induced changes in lipid biomarkers and mycosporine‐like amino acids in the psychrophilic dinoflagellate Peridinium aciculiferum
Authors: Flaim Giovanna , Obertegger Ulrike , Anesi Andrea , Guella Graziano 
Published: February 2014

Summary

Life at low temperature imposes many constraints linked to sustaining cellular functions. The cold‐adapted freshwater dinoflagellate Peridinium aciculiferum has overcome these barriers, often causing blooms in winter but forming resting cysts in spring. Little is known of the biochemical changes that accompany this temperature‐induced transformation from vegetative cells to resting cysts.

We investigated how the profiles of lipids and mycosporine‐like amino acids (MAAs) vary with temperature in vegetative cells and resting cysts of P. aciculiferum. The freshwater dinoflagellate was grown at four temperatures (2.7–7.7 °C), simulating the seasonal changes from winter to spring that also induce the transition from cells to cysts. Biochemical profiles were established by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry with the simultaneous detection of polar and non‐polar compounds. Data were analysed by non‐metric multidimensional scaling and ANOVA.

Over 100 species of galactolipids, betaine lipids, phospholipids and triacylglycerols (TAGs) were found, and many were strong biomarkers for specific temperatures and life stage. Variations in galactolipids, betaine lipids and phospholipids were unidirectional, as shown by an overall decrease in the unsaturation index with temperature. In contrast, changes in TAGs were specific to life stages: short‐chain TAGs (cumulative acyl length of 44–52 carbon atoms) decreased in cysts with respect to vegetative cells, while long‐chain TAGs (54–62) showed the opposite pattern. The concentration of MAAs decreased with increasing temperature. Final cell yield, a measure of population fitness, also decreased with increasing temperature, confirming the psychrophilic status of P. aciculiferum.

We report the first detailed biochemical profiles of vegetative cells and resting cysts for a dinoflagellate and show how small‐scale temperature variations alter the biochemical make‐up within and between life stages, thus contributing to our understanding of seasonal succession of species.
Effect of physical weathering on the carbon sequestration potential of biochars and hydrochars in soil
Authors: Naisse Christophe , Girardin Cyril , Lefevre Romain , Pozzi Alessandro , Maas Robert , Stark Arne , Rumpel Cornelia 
Published: February 2014

AbstractPhysical weathering can modify the stability of biochar after field exposure. The aim of our study was to determine the potential carbon sequestration of the two chars at different timescales. We investigated the modification in composition and stability resulting from physical weathering of two different chars produced (i) at low temperature (250 °C) by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC); and (ii) at high temperature (1200 °C) by gasification (GS) using contrasting feedstocks. Physical weathering of HTC and GS placed on a water permeable canvas was performed through successive wetting/drying and freezing/thawing cycles. Carbon loss was assessed by mass balance. Chemical stability of the remaining material was evaluated as resistance to acid dichromate oxidation, and biological stability was assessed during laboratory incubation. Moreover, we assessed modification in potential priming effects due to physical weathering. Physical weathering induced a carbon loss ranging between 10 and 40% of the total C mass depending on the feedstock. This C loss is most probably related to leaching of small particulate and dissolved compounds. GS produced from maize silage showed the highest C loss. The chemical stability of HTC and GS was unaffected by physical weathering. In contrast, physical weathering strongly increased the biological stability of HTC and GS char produced from maize silage. After physical weathering, the half‐life (t1/2) of GS was doubled but only slight increase was noted for those of HTC. During the first weeks of incubation, HTC addition to soil stimulated native soil organic matter (SOM) mineralization (positive priming effect), while the GS addition led to protection of the native SOM against biologic degradation (negative priming effect). Physical weathering led to reduction in these priming effects. Model extrapolations based on our data showed that decadal C sequestration potential of GS and HTC is globally equivalent when all losses including those due to priming and physical weathering were taken into account. However, at century scale only GS may have the potential to increase soil C storage.
Utopian Visions and Real Estate Dreams: The Eco‐city Past, Present and Future
Authors: Rapoport Elizabeth 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis article traces the evolution of the eco‐city as a concept and an urban planning model over the last 40 years, outlining the various definitions, applications and critiques of the term historically and today. What distinguishes the eco‐city from work on sustainable urbanism more broadly, the article argues, is its attempt to create a comprehensive and transferable model of sustainable urban development. Over the years, the eco‐city, in both theory and application, has evolved along with broader trends in environmental thought. The idea of the eco‐city originally emerged out of counterculture movements of the 1960s and 1970s as an approach to urban development that would respect environmental limits. Contemporary eco‐city projects attempt to transcend these limits and are often driven as much by economic objectives as environmental ones. Although many eco‐city projects market themselves as models for future urban development, the article argues that they are better seen as sites of experimentation and innovation, helping drive broader socio‐technical transitions. The article concludes that the ability of eco‐cities to achieve their utopian ambitions may be limited by the realities of operating within a profit‐driven, entrepreneurial planning environment. However, they can still play a valuable role, providing a place to test new ideas and an ideal to aspire to.
Chinese Non‐Governmental Organisations and Civil Society: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Hsu Jennifer Y. J. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis article reviews the literature on Chinese non‐governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society and argues that to understand the transformative potential of Chinese NGOs we need to consider beyond macro‐level political change. By looking at the tactics and strategies of engagement between NGOs and the state, it becomes clear that Chinese NGOs are capable of affecting communities and change at the local level. Furthermore, to fully understand the capacity of Chinese NGOs, this article argues that we cannot insist on a state–society separation as we would in other jurisdictions because it would not lead to fruitful analysis. The state of the field is assessed through an interdisciplinary lens, characterised by four major themes: the linkage between the rise of NGOs and the expansion of civil society; the rise of NGOs as a reflection of state–society relations; NGO sectoral development; and, to a lesser extent, the development of theory and frameworks.
Effects of nano‐clay type and content on the physical properties of sesame seed meal protein composite films
Authors: Lee Ji‐Hyun , Song Nak‐Bum , Jo Wan‐Shin , Song Kyung Bin 
Published: February 2014

SummarySesame seed meal protein (SSMP)/nano‐clay composite films were prepared, and the physical properties of the films were determined. The SSMP film was prepared with 5 g of SSMP and 2 g of glycerol in 100 mL of film‐forming solution, and the tensile strength (TS), elongation (E) and water vapour permeability (WVP) of the SSMP film were 2.51 MP, 21.84% and 3.23 × 10−9 g m m−2s−1 Pa−1, respectively. Two types of nano‐clays were incorporated to enhance the physical properties of the SSMP film. The TSs of the SSMP film with 5% Cloisite Na+ and 7% Cloisite 10A were 6.32 and 5.76 MPa, respectively, and the WVPs of the SSMP nanocomposite films were 2.04 × 10−9 g m m−2s−1 Pa−1 compared with the SSMP film without nano‐clay, which was 3.23 × 10−9 g m m−2s−1 Pa−1. Therefore, these results indicate that the SSMP nanocomposite film can be applied in food packaging.
Melanoma cell lysate induces CCR7 expression and in vivo migration to draining lymph nodes of therapeutic human dendritic cells
Authors: González Fermín E. , Ortiz Carolina , Reyes Montserrat , Dutzan Nicolás , Patel Vyomesh , Pereda Cristián , Gleisner Maria A. , López Mercedes N. , Gutkind J. Silvio , Salazar‐Onfray Flavio 
Published: February 2014

SummaryWe have previously reported a novel method for the production of tumour‐antigen‐presenting cells (referred to as TAPCells) that are currently being used in cancer therapy, using an allogeneic melanoma‐derived cell lysate (referred to as TRIMEL) as an antigen provider and activation factor. It was recently demonstrated that TAPCell‐based immunotherapy induces T‐cell‐mediated immune responses resulting in improved long‐term survival of stage IV melanoma patients. Clinically, dendritic cell (DC) migration from injected sites to lymph nodes is an important requirement for an effective anti‐tumour immunization. This mobilization of DCs is mainly driven by the C‐C chemokine receptor type 7 (CCR7), which is up‐regulated on mature DCs. Using flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry, we investigated if TRIMEL was capable of inducing the expression of the CCR7 on TAPCells and enhancing their migration in vitro, as well as their in vivo relocation to lymph nodes in an ectopic xenograft animal model. Our results confirmed that TRIMEL induces a phenotypic maturation and increases the expression of surface CCR7 on melanoma patient‐derived DCs, and also on the monocytic/macrophage cell line THP‐1. Moreover, in vitro assays showed that TRIMEL‐stimulated DCs and THP‐1 cells were capable of migrating specifically in the presence of the CCR7 ligand CCL19. Finally, we demonstrated that TAPCells could migrate in vivo from the injection site into the draining lymph nodes. This work contributes to an increased understanding of the biology of DCs produced ex vivo allowing the design of new strategies for effective DC‐based vaccines for treating aggressive melanomas.
Effect of renal impairment on cognitive function during a 3‐year follow up in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes: Association with microinflammation
Authors: Kawamura Takahiko , Umemura Toshitaka , Umegaki Hiroyuki , Imamine Rui , Kawano Naoko , Tanaka Chiai , Kawai Mariko , Minatoguchi Makiko , Kusama Minoru , Kouchi Yu , Watarai Atsuko , Kanai Akio , Nakashima Eitaro , Hotta Nigishi 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAims/IntroductionWe investigated the effect of renal impairment on cognitive function during a 3‐year follow up in elderly type 2 diabetic patients, and an association with microinflammation.Materials and MethodsFour cognitive function tests – Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), word recall, Digit Symbol Substitution (DSS) and Stroop Color Word – were carried out in 67 patients. Renal impairment was defined as the presence of albuminuria and a decline in estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Inflammatory markers, such as highly sensitive C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), tumor necrotizing factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐6, were measured at baseline.ResultsAt baseline, cognitive decline was found in patients with renal impairment. The DSS test was independently associated with eGFR decline, whereas MMSE tended to be associated with albuminuria after adjusting for confounding factors. Regarding changes in cognitive function and renal impairment, changes in urinary albumin to creatinine ratios were strongly and independently associated with changes in word recall scores. In patients with persistent eGFR decline, there was a tendency toward a greater decrease in MMSE and DSS scores, whereas in those with newly detected albuminuria, there was a tendency toward a greater decrease in word recall scores. Increased baseline levels of hs‐CRP, TNF‐α and IL‐6 were associated with renal impairment and cognitive function, especially DSS tests, respectively. However, the increased levels were not independent predictors for cognitive decline.ConclusionsThe present study showed a reciprocal relationship between cognitive decline and renal impairment, especially progression of albuminuria. Thus, monitoring treatment using renal biomarkers will be important for preserving both renal and cognitive function.
Trypanosoma brucei gambiense infection in vervet monkeys: a potential model for early‐stage disease
Authors: Gachie B.M. , Kagira J.M. , Karanja S.M. , Waema M.W. , Ngotho J.M. , Maina N.W.N. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundNon‐human primates are important experimental models for human African trypanosomiasis.MethodsSix monkeys were intravenously inoculated with 105 trypanosomes of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense IL 3253. They were monitored for 180 days for parasitemia, hematology, clinical and biochemical profiles.ResultsThe pre‐patent period was 2–3 days. From 33 to 123 dpi, the parasitemia was low and only detectable by the hematocrit centrifugation technique. Thereafter, to the end of the experimental period, the parasitemia was undetectable by parasitological methods. Clinical signs observed were lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly. Hematological changes included a decline in hemoglobin occurring between 14 and 56 dpi and a significant decline in platelet counts after infection. The levels of total protein, albumin and globulins increased from 26 dpi for the rest of the experimental period. No parasites were detected in cerebrospinal spinal fluid, and no brain pathology was observed.ConclusionThis vervet monkey model can only be used for early‐stage disease Gambian sleeping sickness.
Vibrio spp. Control at Brine Shrimp, Artemia, Hatching and Enrichment
Authors: Interaminense Juliana Aguiar , Ferreira Calazans Nathalia , do Valle Bruna Cáritas , Lyra Vogeley Joana , Peixoto Sílvio , Soares Roberta , Lima Filho José Vitor 
Published: February 2014

AbstractExperiments were conducted to evaluate different prophylactic methods to control the bacterial load in brine shrimp, Artemia, hatching. The first experiment evaluated three treatments to control Vibrio spp. during the Artemia hatching: microalgae (Chaetoceros calcitrans), probiotic (Bacillus spp.), and antibiotic (Florfenicol). In the second experiment, Artemia metanauplius were enriched in distinct treatments with C. calcitrans, probiotic, and emulsion rich in docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic fatty acids. Enriched Artemia metanauplius and nauplii (control) were offered to white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, postlarvae (PL7–PL19). Presumptive Vibrio were quantified in Artemia, PL, and rearing water. Microalgae and probiotic were effective to control Vibrio spp. in Artemia nauplii. The enrichment process increased the Artemia bacterial load but did not affect Vibrio load in L. vannamei.
Partial Identification and Bound Estimation of the Average Treatment Effect of Education on Earnings for South Africa
Authors: Mariotti Martine , Meinecke Juergen 
Published: February 2014

AbstractWe partially identify the average treatment effect of education on earnings and non‐parametrically estimate its upper bound for African, Coloured (mixed race) and White males in South Africa. We address endogenous selection into education, cohort effects and endogenous selection into work. Using the September 2007 South African Labour Force Survey, the upper bound estimates are considerably lower than existing parametric point estimates of the return to education. As a lesson, policy makers should focus less on increasing the amount of education obtained by Africans and Coloureds, but rather on measures that can grow the return to existing levels of education.
Score Associated with the Outcome after Multiple Ablation Procedures in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: WÓJCIK MACIEJ , BERKOWITSCH ALEXANDER , ZALTSBERG SERGEY , HAMM CHRISTIAN W. , PITSCHNER HEINZ F. , KUNISS MALTE , NEUMANN THOMAS 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundCatheter ablation (CA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) is now established therapeutic option. Multiple procedures (MPs) are often needed to achieve the satisfactory outcome. The aim of the study was to assess the outcome after MPs in AF patients categorized to risk‐score groups.MethodsWe followed a cohort of consecutive 911 (69% male; median 59 years) patients with AF (58% paroxysmal) who had CAAF performed. ALARMEC (Atrial fibrillation type, Left Atrium size, Renal insufficiency, MEtabolic syndrome, cardiomyopathy) risk score was calculated for each patient. The end point was maintenance of sinus rhythm at the follow‐up of 60 months.ResultsWe performed 1,199 CAAF procedures. One, two, and three procedures were performed in 663 (73%), 208 (23%), and 40 (4%) patients, respectively. Outcome after the first procedure (56%) was improved with MPs (76%). MPs > 2 were performed in 1%, 3%, 5%, 6%, and 10% patients with ALARMEC score of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. MPs were successful in 89%, 86%, 81%, 65%, and 43% of patients with ALARMEC score of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Outcome in 174 (19%) patients on antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) was 85%, 68%, 75%, 44%, and 39% in ALARMEC score: 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Outcome in 737 (81%) patients without AAD was 90%, 85%, 80%, 77%, and 69% in ALARMEC score of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively.ConclusionThe moderate success rate after index procedure of CAAF can be further improved with multiple ones and AAD.
The Rise and Fall of Access Blood Flow Surveillance in Arteriovenous Fistulas
Authors: Tessitore Nicola , Bedogna Valeria , Verlato Giuseppe , Poli Albino 
Published: February 2014

AbstractVascular access blood flow (Qa) surveillance has been described as a typical false paradigm, an example of how new tests are sometimes adopted even without good‐quality evidence of their benefits. This may be true for grafts, but not necessarily for arteriovenous fistulas. We reviewed the literature on Qa surveillance in fistulas to see whether it complies with the World Health Organization's criteria for screening tests. Measuring Qa has a fairly good reproducibility. Qa shows an excellent‐to‐good accuracy for stenosis being the only bedside screening test that achieves a very high sensitivity while retaining a fair‐to‐good positive predictive value for Qa thresholds of 600 ml/minute or higher associated with a >25% drop in Qa, or findings suggesting stenosis on physical examination. The accuracy of Qa in predicting thrombosis is hard to establish because of the heterogeneity of published studies, though a Qa of 300 ml/minute seems the most reliable cutoff. Qa surveillance affords a significant 2‐ to 3‐fold reduction in the risk of thrombosis by comparison with clinical monitoring alone when Qa criteria highly sensitive to stenosis are considered, regardless of the study design (randomized controlled trials, cohort studies with concurrent or historic controls). Using highly sensitive Qa screening criteria also halves the risk of access loss, although this effect is not statistically significant. Our analysis strongly suggests that Qa surveillance is an effective method for screening mature fistulas, though further, appropriately designed studies are needed to fully elucidate its benefits and cost effectiveness.