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Reduction of CO2emissions will require a transition from fossil fuels to alternative energy sources. Expansion of Brazilian sugarcane ethanol provides one near-term scalable solution to reduce CO2emissions from the global transport sector. In contrast to corn ethanol, the Brazilian sugarcane ethanol system may offset 86% of CO2emissions compared to oil use, and emissions resulting from land-use change to sugarcane are paid back in just 2–8 years. But, it has been uncertain how much further expansion is possible given increasing demand for food and animal feed, climate change impacts and protection of natural ecosystems. We show that Brazilian sugarcane ethanol can provide the equivalent of 3.63–12.77 Mb d−1of crude oil by 2045 under projected climate change while protecting forests under conservation and accounting for future land demand for food and animal feed production. The corresponding range of CO2offsets is 0.55–2.0 Gigatons yr−1. This would displace 3.8–13.7% of crude oil consumption and 1.5–5.6% of net CO2emission globally relative to data for 2014.

The aim of the present study was to analyze the anatomical three-dimensional (3D) characteristics of masseter muscle in growing subjects with different vertical patterns by using an ultrasound (US) method. The sample comprised 60 prepuberal subjects (33 males, 27 females) with a mean age of 11.5 ± 1.6 years with late mixed or permanent dentition and Class I molar and skeletal relationship. For each subject, a lateral cephalogram was required, and according to the mandibular plane angle (Frankfort horizontal plane/mandibular plane angle [FMA]), the subjects were divided into three groups of different underlying vertical facial patterns: brachyfacial: FMA < 22°, mesofacial: 22° = FMA = 28°, and dolichofacial: FMA > 28°. For each subject, an US scan was carried out to analyze the width, the thickness, the cross-sectional area, and the volume of the masseter muscle. Mean differences in measurements between vertical facial subgroups were contrasted by means of analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey’s post hoc tests (p< 0.05). Measurements of the whole masseter in dolichofacial patients were significantly smaller when compared with brachyfacial and mesofacial individuals during relaxation and contraction. The volume of the masseter decreased significantly by 10% going from the brachyfacial group to the mesofacial group and from the mesofacial group to the dolichofacial group with no difference between the left and the right sides. A significant negative correlation was found between the US measurements and the divergency (FMA°). Ultrasound is a technique indicated in children for evaluating muscles of mastication in vivo. Growing patients with a dolichofacial vertical pattern present with a reduced dimension of the masseter when compared with brachyfacial and mesofacial subjects.

This paper examines a number of calculation methods of soil carbon stocks (CS) to best assess the effects of land use changes in Oxisols and to determine the CS in different agro‐ecosystems. The methods were fixed depth (FD), original equivalent soil mass (ESMO), equivalent soil layer (ESL), equivalent soil mass (ESM), fixed mass of 2500 Mg of soil (FM2500), cumulative mass coordinate system (CMC), material coordinate system (SCM), and direct carbon concentrations (CC). The soil sampling was performed in Oxisols in Misiones (Argentina). A randomized complete block design was used with four blocks, and the treatments were subtropical forest (S), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacumL.) (T), satsuma (Citrus unshiuMarc.) (Ci), and yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensisSt. Hil.) (Y). The soils were clayey, and the variables measured were soil bulk density (BD) and C concentrations. To assess the effect of BD changes on the CS calculated, one simulation was conducted based on averaged data for BD and original carbon situation without disturbance. When the calculation was performed per FD, CS overestimations were found in cultivated soils. Significant differences were observed among CS under different simulated BD situations when using the FD, ESMO, ESM, FM2500, and CMC methods. The ESL and SCM were the most appropriate methods for assessing CS because in the first case, CS are not influenced by changes in BD and in the second case, even if the CS has been slightly modified because of changes in the BD, it was more sensitive to changes in land use. Soils cultivation resulted in a 23 to 36% C loss as compared with the original CS, when the SCM was applied.

KBG syndrome is a rare disease characterized by typical facial dysmorphism, macrodontia of upper central incisors, skeletal abnormalities, and developmental delay. Recently, mutations in ANKRD11gene have been identified in a subset of patients with KBG syndrome, while a contiguous gene deletion syndrome involving 16q24.3 region (including ANKRD11) was delineated in patients with facial dysmorphism, autism, intellectual disability, and brain abnormalities. Although numerous evidences point to a central causative role of ANKRD11in the neurologic features of these patients, their neurocognitive and behavior phenotypes are still poorly characterized. Herein, we report the complete neurological and psychiatric features observed in two patients with KBG syndrome due to ANKRD11mutations. Both patients show intellectual disabilities, severe impairment in communication skills, deficits in several aspects of executive functions and working memory and anxious traits. Their features are compared with those of previously reported patients with KBG syndrome aiding in the delineation of neurocognitive phenotype associated to ANKRD11mutations. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Miscanthus× giganteusGreef and Deuter ex Hodkinson and Renvoize is a perennial C4 grass being studied as a potential bioenergy feedstock in the United States. It is a triploid, sterile hybrid with high biomass potential. Adoption of a perennial crop is likely to be met with skepticism unless methods of controlling the crop are established. Proposed methods of controlling M.× giganteustypically require at least one full growing season, thus excluding the possibility for revenue from the field for a year. An experiment was conducted from 2007 to 2010 to examine the feasibility of controlling M.× giganteusby planting glyphosate‐resistant soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] followed by glyphosate‐resistant corn (Zea maysL.) directly into a mature (4‐yr old) field of M.× giganteuswith typical agronomic practices without significant crop yield loss. Results showed that soybean yields were not significantly reduced with two sequential glyphosate (N‐(phosphonomethyl)glycine) in‐crop applications compared with a weed‐free control, but were generally reduced with one glyphosate application (6.2 and 14.0%, respectively). Corn yields also were not significantly reduced with two sequential glyphosate applications, but were generally reduced with one glyphosate application (0.3 and 7.0%, respectively). Miscanthus× giganteusshoot numbers were reduced by as much as 85.8 and 94.3% over the course of the experiment in plots receiving one and two glyphosate applications per season, respectively. Complete control, however, was not achieved indicating treatments will likely need to be employed for more than two growing seasons to completely control M.× giganteus.

Central giant cell granuloma was classified by the World Health Organization in 2005 as a rarely aggressive idiopathic benign intraosseous lesion that occurs almost exclusively in the jaws. It occurs most frequently in young women (aged <30 y). This osteolytic lesion histologically consists of proliferation of fibrous tissue, hemorrhagic focuses, hemosiderin deposits, osteoclast-like giant cells, and reactive bone formation. Differential diagnosis has to be made with other osteolytic neoformations of the jaws, both unicystic and multicystic (odontogenic tumors, fibrous dysplasia, cysts, etc). From 2002 to 2008, we surgically treated 8 cases of giant cell granuloma. Our article focuses on a 59-year-old woman who came to our department with a swelling on the right side of the face. Computed tomography examination showed an osteolytic and expansive neoformation spreading up from the lateral wall of the nose to the anterior wall of maxillary sinus and above up to the inferior margin of the eye socket. Besides, it was contiguous to the canine root apex, the first and second bicuspids. Intraoral incisional biopsy confirmed the histologic picture of central giant cell granuloma. After a few days, she underwent surgical excision of the neoformation, preserving the lateral wall of the nose, the anterior wall of maxillary sinus, the eye socket, and the dental elements, respectively. Results of the histopathologic examination confirmed the previous biopsy. A follow-up at 30 months excluded any relapse.

Compared with traditional cropping systems, integrated crop–livestock systems have shown greater efficiency in improving soil quality and crop yield. The objective of this study was to determine how an integrated crop–livestock system affected soil properties and corn (Zea maysL.) yield when compared with continuous corn (CC). The study was conducted from 2004–2008 on a large‐scale research farm located near Pana, IL, USA. We evaluated the following soil and crop variables: soil organic matter (SOM) fractions, total nitrogen (TN) and total organic carbon (TC), soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), water aggregate stability, soil penetration resistance (PR), and corn yield. Three treatments were used in this study: winter cover crops (WCCs) and cool‐season pastures (CSP), considered integrated system treatments and a nonintegrated CC monoculture. In the integrated system, CSP and WCC treatments combined, had significantly higher TN (P= 0.0926) than CC. Water aggregate stability was also higher in the integrated system (P= 0.0039). Greater percentages of TC and TN were represented by particulate organic matter (POM) POM‐N and POM‐C in the WCC treatment, followed by CSP, and CC. The PR for CSP (928 kPa) was not significantly different than WCC (921 kPa). However, both were significantly different than CC (655 kPa). Averaged across years, corn grain yield for WCC (11.5 Mg ha−1) was significantly higher than CC (10.8 Mg ha−1) (P= 0.0780). These results confirm that WCC and CSP used within integrated crop–livestock systems should improve soil quality, SOM dynamics, and crop yield despite moderate soil compaction caused from cattle presence.

The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the response of bone tissue after osteotomy carried out with either rotating cutters or with piezoelectric terminals.

Biomass based bioenergy is promoted as a major sustainable energy source which can simultaneously decrease net greenhouse gas emissions. Miscanthus×giganteus(M.×giganteus), a C4perennial grass with high nitrogen, water, and light use efficiencies, is regarded as a promising energy crop for biomass production. Mathematical models which can accurately predict M.×giganteusbiomass production potential under different conditions are critical to evaluate the feasibility of its production in different environments. Although previous models based on light‐conversion efficiency have been shown to provide good predictions of yield, they cannot easily be used in assessing the value of physiological trait improvement or ecosystem processes. Here, we described in detail the physical and physiological processes of a previously published generic mechanistic eco‐physiological model, WIMOVAC, adapted and parameterized for M.×giganteus. Parameterized for one location in England, the model was able to realistically predict daily field diurnal photosynthesis and seasonal biomass at a range of other sites from European studies. The model provides a framework that will allow incorporation of further mechanistic information as it is developed for this new crop.

Among several candidate perennial taxa, Miscanthus×giganteushas been evaluated and promoted as a promising bioenergy crop. Owing to several limitations, however, of the sterile hybrid, both at the taxon and agronomic production levels, other options need to be explored to not only improve M. ×giganteus, which was originally collected in Japan, but to also consider the development of other members of its genus, including Miscanthus sinensis, as bioenergy crops. Indeed, there is likely much to be learned and applied to Miscanthusas a bioenergy crop from the long history of intensive interaction between humans and M. sinensisin Japan, which in some regions of the country spans several thousand years. Combined with its high amount of genetic variation, stress tolerance, biotic interactions with fauna, and function as a keystone species in diverse grasslands and other ecosystems within its native range, the unique and extensive management of M. sinensisin Japan as a forage grass and building material provides agronomists, agroecologists, and plant breeders with the capability of better understanding this species in terms of potential contribution to bioenergy crop development. Moreover, the studies described in this review may serve as a platform for future research of Miscanthusas a bioenergy crop in other parts of the world.

Molybdenum Mo films were deposited onto Kapton®substrates with different thickness by dcmagnetron sputtering in order to be used as back contact layer in flexible solar cells. The morphology, electrical resistance and reflectance of the films have been studied as a function of the deposition parameters and the thickness of the polymer films. The lowest resistivity and highest reflectance have been obtained for those films deposited at a reduced working gas pressure of 0.6 Pa. The evolution of these properties is shown to be strongly dependent on the microstructure of the films. © 2009 WILEYVCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim

OBJECTIVE To describe the clinical characteristics of postburn scars and determine the independent risk factors specific to these patients. While burns may generate widespread and disfiguring scars and have a dramatic influence on patient quality of life, the prevalence of postburn pathologic scarring is not well documented, and the impact of certain risk factors is poorly understood. METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted of the clinical records of 703 patients (2440 anatomic burn sites) treated at the Turin Burn Outpatient Clinic between January 1994 and May 15, 2006. Prevalence and evolution time of postburn pathologic scarring were analyzed with univariate and multivariate risk factor analysis by sex, age, burn surface and full-thickness area, cause of the burn, wound healing time, type of burn treatment, number of surgical procedures, type of surgery, type of skin graft, and excision and graft timing. RESULTS Pathologic scarring was diagnosed in 540 patients (77%): 310 had hypertrophic scars (44%); 34, contractures (5%); and 196, hypertrophic-contracted scars (28%). The hypertrophic induction was assessed at a median of 23 days after reepithelialization and lasted 15 months (median). A nomogram, based on the multivariate regression model, showed that female sex, young age, burn sites on the neck and/or upper limbs, multiple surgical procedures, and meshed skin grafts were independent risk factors for postburn pathologic scarring (Dxy 0.30). CONCLUSION The identification of the principal risk factors for postburn pathologic scarring not only would be a valuable aid in early risk stratification but also might help in assessing outcomes adjusted for patient risk.arch facial plast surg. 2008;10(2):93-102--

The occurrence of sudden death syndrome (SDS), caused by the fungus Fusarium solani(Mart.) Sacc. f. sp. glycines(FSG) (syn. Fusarium virguliformeAkoi, O'Donnell, Homma and Lattanzi), is unpredictable in soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] field trials making it difficult to evaluate soybean for resistance to the pathogen. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of field inoculation, soil compaction, and irrigation on the occurrence and severity of SDS symptoms. Six inoculation treatments were tested which included applications of FSG‐infested grain planted in the furrow with the soybean seed, broadcasted and incorporated into the soil before planting, or placed below the soybean seed just before planting. Soil was compacted by driving a tractor across the field once in early spring. Irrigation treatments were applied at combinations of growth stages V3, V7, R3, R4, and/or R5. Significant increases in foliar SDS severity were observed from inoculation and irrigation treatments (P< 0.05), but not from compaction treatments. The inoculation treatments that placed inoculum close to the seed resulted in the greatest foliar severity. Irrigation treatments during mid to late reproductive growth stages resulted in significant increases in SDS foliar symptom development. These results increase our understanding of what environmental conditions increase SDS field symptoms and will be useful to researchers establishing SDS field nurseries.

The use of winter cover crops (WCC) such as hairy vetch (Vicia villosaRoth) and cereal rye (Secale cerealeL.), in a corn (Zea maysL.)–soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] rotation provides long‐term benefits that are generally overlooked. There is a particular lack of information regarding the effects of WCC on soil physical and chemical properties. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of four crop sequences (C/S, corn‐fallow/soybean‐fallow; C‐R/S‐R, corn‐rye/soybean‐rye; C‐R/S‐V, corn‐rye/soybean‐vetch; and C‐R/S‐VR, corn‐rye/soybean‐vetch and rye) under no‐till on several soil physical and chemical properties. Soil chemical properties included soil organic matter (SOM), pH, total nitrogen (TN), nitrates (NO3–N), and available phosphorus (P). The analyzed soil physical properties analyzed were: water‐aggregate stability (WAS), bulk density (Db), penetration resistance (PR), total porosity (TP), pore‐size distribution, water retention properties, and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat). The experimental design was a split‐split‐plot where whole‐plot treatments (sampling period) had a Latin square design and subplot treatments (crop sequences) were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Compared with winter fallow, crop sequences that included WCC provided substantial benefits from the soil productivity standpoint. Specifically, the use of the C‐R/S‐V or C‐R/S‐VR increased SOM down to 30 cm. All WCC sequences improved WAS with increases of 9, 13, and 17% for C‐R/S‐R, C‐R/S‐V, and C‐R/S‐VR, respectively. Winter cover crop sequences reduced Dband PR of the soil surface and increased total and storage porosity along with plant available water. While the C‐R/S‐V sequence was the most effective in reducing soil NO3–N, the C‐R/S‐R sequence was the most effective in fixing soil P.

Understanding ecophysiological characteristics of corn (Zea maysL.) under winter cover crops (WCCs) can improve management and farmers' acceptance by increasing the positive effects and decreasing the negative effects associated with their use. This study was conducted to quantify the effects of WCC on corn development, growth, and yield through the evaluation of ecophysiological characteristics. No‐till corn planted after hairy vetch (Vicia villosaRoth), cereal rye (Secale cerealeL.), and hairy vetch–cereal rye biculture and with four levels of N fertilizer (0, 90, 180, and 270 kg ha−1) was evaluated in 2002 and 2003 at Urbana, IL. Number of leaves, height, leaf area, chlorophyll meter readings (CMRs), light interception (LI), leaf carbon dioxide exchange rate (CER), grain yield, and yield components were measured. At 0 kg ha−1, rye had significant detrimental effects on corn ecophysiological characteristics. However, most of the detrimental effects were overcome by adding 90 kg N ha−1Overall, hairy vetch provided benefits to corn that resulted in higher corn grain yield and was significantly better than all other treatments when no N fertilizer was used. Corn yield following hairy vetch–rye was intermediate between no cover and rye. As long as N rates are at least 90 kg ha−1, incorporating WCC in a corn–soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] rotation in Illinois does not affect corn ecophysiological characteristics and yield potential.

Extensive research on the use of winter cover crops (WCC) under different agricultural practices in the USA and Canada has shown both negative and positive effects on subsequent corn (Zea maysL.) yield. These contrasting results determine the need for a comprehensive quantitative review. The objective of this study was to use meta‐analytic methods to summarize and quantitatively describe the effects of WCC on corn yield based on peer‐reviewed published research. Thirty‐six studies were included in the analysis representing different regions of the USA and Canada under different agricultural practices (i.e., species, fertilization, kill date, tillage, etc.). The effect‐size used to compare studies was the response ratio, calculated as yield of corn following WCC over yield of corn following no cover. Biculture WCC increased corn yield by 21%, but there is greater variation due to the small number of studies in this group. Overall, grass WCC neither increased nor decreased corn yields and this response was not dependent on the use of N fertilizer. Legume WCC increased corn yield by 37% when no nitrogen (N) fertilizer was applied and this benefit decreased with application of N fertilizer.