bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of sampling density on regional soil organic carbon estimation for cultivated soils
Authors: Sun Weixia , Zhao Yongcun , Huang Biao , Shi Xuezheng , Landon Darilek Jeremy , Yang Jinsong , Wang Zhigang , Zhang Beier 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAn extensive knowledge of how sampling density affects soil organic C (SOC) estimation at regional scale is imperative to reduce uncertainty to a meaningful confidence level and aid in the development of sampling schemes that are both rational and economical. Using kriging prediction, this paper examined the effect of sampling density on regional SOC‐concentration estimations in cultivated topsoils at six scales in a 990 km2 area of Yucheng County, a typical region in the N China Plain. Except the original data set (n = 394), five other sampling densities were recalculated using grids of 8 km × 8 km (n = 28), 8 km × 4 km (n = 44), 4 km × 4 km (n = 82), 4 km × 2 km (n = 142), and 2 km × 2 km (n = 257), respectively. Experimental SOC semivariances and kriging interpolations at six sampling density scales were calculated and modeled to estimate regional SOC variability. Accuracy of the effects of the five sampling densities on regional SOC estimations was assessed using the indices of mean error (ME) and root mean square error (RMSE) with 100 independent validation samples. By comparison with the kriged grid map derived from the 394 samples data set, the relative error (RE,%) was spatially calculated to highlight the spatial variability of prediction errors at five sampling‐density scales due to the intrinsic limitations of ME and RMSE in accuracy assessment. The results indicated that sampling density significantly affected the estimation of regional SOC concentration. Particularly when the sampling density was < 4 km × 4 km, the large spatial variation of SOC was concealed. Semivariance analysis indicated that different sampling density had significant effect on reasonable detection of the dominant factors which influenced SOC spatial variation. Greater sampling density could more exactly reveal regional SOC variation caused by human management. The prediction accuracy for regional SOC estimation increased with the increasing of sampling density. The critical areas with larger RE values should be intensified in the future sampling scheme, and the areas of lower RE values should be decreased relatively. A specific sampling scheme should be considered in accordance with the demand to the estimation accuracy of regional SOC stock at a certain confidence level. Our results will facilitate a better understanding of the effect of sampling density on regional SOC estimation for future sampling schemes by providing meaningful confidence levels.
Magnesium deficiency–induced impairment of photosynthesis in leaves of fruiting Citrus reticulata trees accompanied by up‐regulation of antioxidant metabolism to avoid photo‐oxidative damage
Authors: Tang Ning , Li Yan , Chen Li‐Song 
Published: July 2012

AbstractLimited data are available on the physiological responses of leaves from fruiting trees to magnesium (Mg) deficiency. Magnesium deficiency–induced effects on photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry in leaves of fruiting (Citrus reticulate cv. Ponkan) trees were assessed by the chlorophyll a fluorescence (OJIP) transient. Magnesium deficiency decreased leaf CO2 assimilation and carbohydrates, but had no effect on intercellular CO2 concentration. Activity of ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) and concentrations of Chlorophyll (Chl) and carotenoids (Car) decreased to a lesser extent than CO2 assimilation. Chlorophyll a fluorescence transient from Mg‐deficient leaves had increased O step and decreased P step, accompanied by positive ΔL, ΔK, ΔJ, and ΔI bands. Magnesium deficiency decreased maximum quantum yield of primary photochemistry (Fv/Fm), quantum yield of electron transport from Q<$>_A^‐<$> to the photosystem I (PSI) end electron acceptors (φR0), maximum amplitude of IP phase and total performance index (PItot, abs), but increased deactiviation of oxygen‐evolving complex (OEC) and energy dissipation. Magnesium‐deficient leaves had higher or similar activities of antioxidant enzymes except for lower catalase (CAT) activity, higher or similar concentrations of antioxidant metabolites, and a higher ratio of Car : Chl. Magnesium‐deficiency did not affect concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and ratios of ascorbate (ASC) to ASC + dehydroascorbate (DHA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) to GSH + oxidized glutathione (GSSG). In conclusion, Mg deficiency–induced impairment of the whole photosynthetic electron transport chain may be the main factor contributing to decreased CO2 assimilation. Enhanced energy dissipation and antioxidant metabolism provide sufficient protection to Mg‐deficient leaves against photo‐oxidative damage.
Dialysis Nanoprecipitation of Polystyrene Nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Chuan , Chung Jae Woo , Priestley Rodney D. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractUsing a facile dialysis nanoprecipitation method, nanoparticles of several hundred nanometers have been successfully generated from a “traditional,” non‐biodegradable polymer, that is, polystyrene. The effect of initial polymer concentration inside the dialysis membrane, as well as the polymer/solvent system and the ionic strength (electrolyte concentration) of the dialysis solution, on nanoparticle size is examined. A nucleation‐aggregation mechanism has been provided to explain the observed trends. Furthermore, we determine the zeta potential as a function of ionic strength for the generated nanoparticles and show that anionic charging may be present in the system.
Modeling three‐dimensional hydraulic fracture propagation using virtual multidimensional internal bonds
Authors: Huang K. , Zhang Z. , Ghassemi Ahmad 
Published: July 2012

SUMMARYPropagation of fractures, especially those emanating from wellbores and closed natural fractures, often involves Mode I and Mode II, and at times Mode III, posing significant challenges to its numerical simulation. When an embedded inclined fracture is subjected to compression, the fracture edge is constrained by the surrounding materials so that its true propagation pattern cannot be simulated by 2D models. In this article, a virtual multidimensional internal bond (VMIB) model is presented to simulate three‐dimensional (3D) fracture propagation. The VMIB model bridges the processes of macro fracture and micro bond rupture. The macro 3D constitutive relation in VMIB is derived from the 1D bond in the micro scale and is implemented in a 3D finite element method. To represent the contact and friction between fracture surfaces, a 3D element partition method is employed. The model is applied to simulate fracture propagation and coalescence in typical laboratory experiments and is used to analyze the propagation of an embedded fracture. Simulation results for single and multiple fractures illustrate 3D features of the tensile and compressive fracture propagation, especially the propagation of a Mode III fracture. The results match well with the experimental observation, suggesting that the presented method can capture the main features of 3D fracture propagation and coalescence. Moreover, by developing an algorithm for applying pressure on the fracture surfaces, propagation of a natural fracture is also simulated. The result illustrates an interesting and important phenomenon of Mode III fracture propagation, namely the fracture front segmentation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Less conservative results on stability for linear systems with a time‐varying delay
Authors: Zeng Hong‐Bing , He Yong , Wu Min , Xiao Shen‐Ping 
Published: July 2012

SUMMARYThis paper is focused on the problem of stability for linear systems with a time‐varying delay. A novel Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional that decomposed the delay in all integral terms is proposed. As a result, some less conservative stability criteria are derived by considering the relationship between time‐varying delay and its intervals, which have wider application than the existing ones because independent upper bounds of the delay derivative in the various delay intervals are taken into account. Some numerical examples are finally given to show the effectiveness and the benefits of the proposed method. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) integrated pest management programs for fruiting vegetables in Florida
Authors: Demirozer Ozan , Tyler‐Julian Kara , Funderburk Joe , Leppla Norm , Reitz Stuart 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: The spread of the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), resulted in the worldwide destabilization of established integrated pest management programs for many crops. Efforts to control the pest and the thrips‐vectored tospoviruses with calendar applications of broad‐spectrum insecticides have been unsuccessful. The result has been a classic ‘3‐R’ situation: resistance to numerous insecticides; resurgence of the western flower thrips populations as a result of natural predators and native competitor thrips being eliminated; replacement by various other pests. This paper reports on integrated pest management programs for fruiting vegetables that are effective, economical, ecologically sound and sustainable.RESULTS: The components include the following: define pest status (economic thresholds); increase biotic resistance (natural enemies and competition); integrate preventive and therapeutic tactics (scouting, ultraviolet‐reflective technologies, biological control, compatible insecticides, companion plants and fertility); vertically integrate the programs with other pests; continually communicate latest science‐based management tactics with end‐users.CONCLUSION: These programs have been widely implemented in Florida and have significantly improved the management of western flower thrips and thrips‐transmitted viruses. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
The evaluation of CT urography in the haematuria clinic
Authors: Bromage Stephen J , Liew Matthew , Moore Katie , Raju Baskar , Shackley Dave 
Published: July 2012

Objective: We set out to evaluate the diagnostic yield of a haematuria clinic that utilised CT Urography (CTU) as the primary imaging modality in order to provide some guidance on imaging in this setting. Patients and methods: Records of 1000 consecutive patients attending a haematuria clinic over a 2-year period were analysed. Patients aged over 40 years with either visible (VH) or non-visible haematuria (NVH) underwent CTU & cystoscopy unless contraindicated. Results: 560 males and 440 females (median age 62 years; range 17–98) were assessed. 130 malignancies related to the urinary tract were identified from the clinic; 17% for men and 8% for women. There were no upper tract urothelial tumours in patients under the age of 50 years, yet 4 were identified in patients over 50 years who presented with NVH. 28 patients who were found to have a positive MSU were diagnosed with an underlying malignancy, all over the age of 50 and 22 of these with VH. Conclusion: Our results aid in the development of an evidence-based protocol for the use of CTU in haematuria assessment. We also suggest full investigation of patients presenting with VH over the age of 50 and a positive MSU.
Novel Adaptors of Amyloid Precursor Protein Intracellular Domain and Their Functional Implications
Authors: Chakrabarti Arunabha , Mukhopadhyay Debashis 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Amyloid precursor protein intracellular domain (AICD) is one of the potential candidates in deciphering the complexity of Alzheimer’s disease. It plays important roles in determining cell fate and neurodegeneration through its interactions with several adaptors. The presence or absence of phosphorylation at specific sites determines the choice of partners. In this study, we identified 20 novel AICD-interacting proteins by in vitro pull down experiments followed by 2D gel electrophoresis and MALDI-MS analysis. The identified proteins can be grouped into different functional classes including molecular chaperones, structural proteins, signaling and transport molecules, adaptors, motor proteins and apoptosis determinants. Interactions of nine proteins were further validated either by colocalization using confocal imaging or by co-immunoprecipitation followed by immunoblotting. The cellular functions of most of the proteins can be correlated with AD. Hence, illustration of their interactions with AICD may shed some light on the disease pathophysiology.
Adoption and continuation of contraception following medical or surgical abortion in Bihar and Jharkhand, India
Authors: Kalyanwala Shveta , Acharya Rajib , Francis Zavier A.J. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractObjectiveThis study was carried out to explore whether the rates of postabortion adoption of a contraceptive method, and continuation of contraception over 6 months, differ among women undergoing medical abortion (MA) or surgical abortion by manual vacuum aspiration (MVA).MethodsThe study was conducted in Bihar and Jharkhand, 2 of the least‐developed states of India. The analysis focused on 679 married women who were followed up 6 months after they underwent MA (n = 308) or MVA (n = 371) at clinics run by Janani, a nonprofit organization.ResultsThe rates of adoption and continuation of contraception were similar in the 2 groups, although with some notable distinctions in the timing of adoption of contraception and the method of contraception adopted. While the women who underwent MA were significantly less likely to adopt contraception in the month following abortion (58% vs 86%), this difference had narrowed considerably by the end of the second month (82% vs 91%); and by the end of the sixth month (89% vs 94%), respectively. There were no significant differences between the MA and the MVA groups with respect to the continuation of reversible contraception.ConclusionsThe findings indicate that, in a setting that offers comprehensive counseling and a range of contraceptive methods, and where adoption of contraception is voluntary, a large majority of women will adopt and continue to use a method of contraception after an abortion even in these less developed parts of India.
Factors associated with choice of medical or surgical abortion among women in Nepal
Authors: Tamang Anand , Tuladhar Shareen , Tamang Jyotsna , Ganatra Bela , Dulal Bishnu 
Published: July 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate factors associated with women's choice of medical abortion (MA) or manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) in Nepal, where the government recently began offering MA services.MethodsStructured exit interviews were conducted between January 19 and May 21, 2010, with women with a pregnancy of 63 days or less who underwent abortions at 7 clinics in 3 districts of Nepal. All those who accepted MA, and 1 in each 4 or 5 of those who underwent MVA, were invited for an interview. Of those interviewed, 499 chose MA and 542 underwent MVA.ResultsMany women were not aware of both abortion methods before they came to the clinic. The odds of choosing MA were more than 3 times as high among those who knew about both methods as among those who did not. Of those who had decided on MVA prior to receiving information at the clinic, 29% chose MA. In contrast, only 10% of those who intended to accept MA opted for MVA after receiving information and counseling. Women who had more education, were of the upper Hindu caste, or resided in urban areas were more likely to choose MA.ConclusionInformation and counseling have a large impact on the women's choice of an abortion method. To expand access to MA and to ensure that women can make an informed choice, it is essential that the government of Nepal create positions for trained counselors at all public abortion clinics.
Introducing medical abortion in Turkey: Perspectives of physicians
Authors: Akin Ayşe , Doğan Bahar G. , Özvaris Şevkat B. , Mihçiokur Sare 
Published: July 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo better understand the knowledge, attitudes, and perspectives on medical abortion (MA) held by physicians in Turkey.MethodsThe study was conducted in 4 provinces. Pretested, structured, self‐administered questionnaires were answered by 187 obstetricians‐gynecologists (ob‐gyns) and 268 general physicians (GPs).ResultsAlthough MA is not yet available at reproductive health facilities in Turkey, 96% of the ob‐gyns and 82% of the GPs said they had heard about it. Moreover, 60% of the former and 5% of the latter said they had performed MAs, most commonly using misoprostol alone. More than 90% of the ob‐gyns and 13% of the GPs had performed surgical abortions, and most (71% and 78%) thought that MA should be offered in the country.ConclusionMost physicians in Turkey are aware of MA, with a large majority supporting its wider use. However, their concerns about the method and the incorrect understanding of its risks and possible complications may explain the reluctance of some physicians to provide MA services. These issues should be covered in physician training programs before the formal introduction of MA, while advocacy efforts press for registering mifepristone and misoprostol for its use.
THE BEGINNING (OR END) OF MOROCCAN HISTORY: HISTORIOGRAPHY, TRANSLATION, AND MODERNITY IN AHMAD B. KHALID AL-NASIRI AND CLEMENTE CERDEIRA
Authors: Calderwood Eric 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThis article analyzes two accounts of the Hispano-Moroccan War of 1859–60 in light of scholarly debates about historiography, translation, and modernity in the colonial context. The first text is Ahmad b. Khalid al-Nasiri'sKitab al-Istiqsa(1895), which explores the organization of the Spanish army in an effort to understand the military technology and state apparatus behind colonial domination. The second text, Clemente Cerdeira'sVersión árabe de la Guerra de África(1917), is framed as an annotated Spanish translation of al-Nasiri's text, but Cerdeira suppresses key passages from al-Nasiri's account in order to undermine any hint that the Moroccan historian's thinking is reformist or modern. By comparing these two accounts of the same war, the article aims to situate al-Nasiri's text within the reform movements that spread through the Muslim Mediterranean in the 19th century and to use al-Nasiri's historical thinking as a model for theorizing Moroccan modernity.
THE “JEWISH QUESTION” IN POSTCOLONIAL MOROCCAN CINEMA
Authors: Kosansky Oren , Boum Aomar 
Published: July 2012

AbstractIn this historically and anthropologically oriented article, we situate the recent wave of Jewish-themed Moroccan films within the context of the liberalizing transformations and associated nationalist narratives promoted by the current Moroccan regime. Reflecting Mohammed VI's commitment to widening the space of civil society, the task of enacting these transformations and producing these narratives devolves increasingly to nonstate agents in the public sphere. Previously monopolized and managed more comprehensively by the state, the “Jewish Question”—that is, contestations over representations of Jews as authentic members of the Moroccan body politic—is now taken up in a range of public media less subject to direct government control. We demonstrate that the role of cinema in this process reflects the shifting relationship between state and civil society in the late postcolonial period. More specifically, we argue that the production, circulation, and reception of Jewish-themed films is diagnostic of the state's ability to open new spaces of public representation and debate that foster precisely those images of the state and nation promoted by the current regime in regional and global contexts.
THEORIZING FROM THE PERIPHERY: THE INTELLECTUAL PROJECT OF MAHDI ʿAMIL
Authors: Frangie Samer 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe paper will draw the contours of the intellectual project of Mahdi ʿAmil (1936–87), a prominent Lebanese Marxist. It will start by relocating ʿAmil's work in the generalproblématiqueof the adaptation and adoption of theories in the periphery, looking at the process of translation he deploys in his construction of an “Arab Marxism.” After presenting his project, the paper will focus on its diachronic dimension, by presenting two developments that threatened ʿAmil's overarching project, namely, the Lebanese civil war in the 1970s and the rise of a new register of critique in the 1980s, epitomized by the work of Edward Said. The paper will conclude with a discussion of the contemporary relevance of ʿAmil's work to the historiography of modern Arab political thought.
Masai and Kikuyu Responses to the Establishment of British Administration in the East Africa Protectorate
Authors: Mungeam G. H. 
Published: July 2012

This paper attempts to study the contrasting responses of two Kenya tribes, the Masai and the Kikuyu, to the establishment of British administration. It suggests that neither reacted in the way expected of them by early British officials, who anticipated that the Masai would forcefully oppose the British entry, while little or no resistance was expected from the Kikuyu.Instead, the Masai actively co-operated with the British, through the support of a laibon, Lenana, and the provision of levies who accompanied British punitive expeditions. Although twice removed from their lands, the Masai still did not fight, but appealed to the law courts. When this failed, they showed little or no interest in further opposition. Although apparently having some cause to resent treatment received at the hands of the British, they showed virtually no interest in the protest movements of the twenties.By contrast the Kikuyu, far from standing aside as had been expected, opposed the British entry in a series of short engagements, in which they suffered considerable casualties. Soon, however, collaborators began to emerge and ‘chiefs’ such as Kinyanjui—created by the British and beholden to them–benefited considerably from the connexion. Despite this co-operation, the earlier resentments continued and were reinforced by losses of land to European settlers, and by the unsettling effects upon tribal life of the proximity of Nairobi and the teaching of the missions. When, after the acute sufferings of the war years, further demands were made by the government, the Kikuyu responded by active participation in organized political protest.Possible reasons are put forward for these contrasting responses, and the suggestion is made that differing attitudes to the protest movements of the twenties can be more fully appreciated when the history of these earlier years is taken into account.
Coping strategies and social support-seeking behaviour among Chinese caring for older people with dementia
Authors: AU ALMA , SHARDLOW STEVEN M. , TENG YUE , TSIEN TERESA , CHAN CHARLES 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTThe study reviewed coping and help-seeking behaviour among Hong Kong Chinese family care-givers of older people diagnosed with dementia. A convenience sample of those caring for family members with dementia (N=11) was recruited in Hong Kong. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, transcribed and analysed using NVivo. The study found evidence of distinct Chinese coping strategies that focused upon internal self-regulation, forbearance and family obligations. In terms of help-seeking behaviour, these care-givers expressed great concern about bothering their family members. When there is a desperate need for help, they turn to community services. Results are discussed in the context of both traditional Chinese cultural values as well as the modern transformations of the Chinese society. In particular, Eastern philosophical teachings tend to focus on changing personal inner perception and thoughts rather than attempting to change the environment. Although family obligations have been traditionally upheld, many modern Chinese societies are undergoing social and demographic changes, resulting in marked decline in multi-generational households. Our findings can have applications not only for Chinese cities but also may have implications to the West as strong well-established Chinese communities are widespread.