bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tillage and Irrigation Effects on Soil Aggregation and Carbon Pools in the Indian Sub‐Himalayas
Authors: Bhattacharyya Ranjan , Pandey S. C. , Bisht J. K. , Bhatt J. C. , Gupta H. S. , Tuti M. D. , Mahanta D. , Mina B. L. , Singh R. D. , Chandra S. , Srivastva A. K. , Kundu S.
Published: November 2012

Carbon retention is a critical issue in arable farming of the Indian Himalayas. This study, conducted from 2001 through 2010 on a sandy clay loam soil, evaluated the effect of tillage alterations (conventional tillage [CT] and zero tillage [ZT]) and selected irrigation treatments (I1: pre‐sowing, I2: pre‐sowing + active tillering or crown root initiation, I3: pre‐sowing + active tillering or crown root initiation + panicle initiation or flowering, and I4: pre‐sowing + active tillering or crown root initiation + panicle initiation or flowering + grain filling), applied at the critical growth stages to rice (Oryza sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) on soil organic C (SOC) retention and its pools, soil aggregation, and aggregate‐associated C contents in the 0‐ to 30‐cm soil layer. Results indicate that the plots under ZT had nearly 17 and 14% higher total SOC and particulate organic C contents compared with CT (∼9.8 and 3.6 g kg−1 soil) in the 0‐ to 5‐cm soil layer after 9 yr of cropping, despite similar mean aboveground biomass yields of both crops on both CT and ZT plots. Tillage had no effect on C pools in the subsurface layers. Irrigation had positive impact on SOC content in the 0‐ to 5‐ and 5‐ to 15‐cm layers. Although the labile pools of SOC were positively affected by ZT, the recalcitrant pool was not. Plots under ZT and I4 also had higher large and small macroaggregates and macroaggregate‐associated SOC. Thus, adoption of ZT is the better management option for soil C improvement than CT, and irrigation generally enhances the positive impacts.
Intravenous Cyclophosphamide and Plasmapheresis in Dialysis-Dependent ANCA-Associated Vasculitis
Authors: Pepper Ruth J. , Chanouzas Dimitrios , Tarzi Ruth , Little Mark A. , Casian Alina , Walsh Michael , Pusey Charles D. , Harper Lorraine , Salama Alan D.
Published: November 2012

Background and objectives

Induction therapy with oral cyclophosphamide (CYP) has been a mainstay of treatment in patients with severe renal failure secondary to ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). Recent evidence proposes using pulsed intravenous CYP in less severe disease to minimize adverse events. It is unclear if this can be translated to those with dialysis-dependent renal insufficiency.

Design, setting, participants, & methods

All AAV patients presenting between 2005 and 2010 requiring dialysis at presentation were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were treated with plasma exchange, corticosteroids, and intravenous CYP. Rate of dialysis independence at 3 and 12 months and adverse effects were assessed and compared with the outcome of the plasmapheresis, prednisolone, and oral CYP arm of the randomized MEPEX (methylprednisolone versus plasma exchange) trial.

Results

Forty-one patients were included. At 3 months, 3 (7.3%) patients had died on dialysis, 12 (29.3%) remained dialysis dependent, and 26 (63.4%) were dialysis independent (creatinine, 2.5 mg/dl; GFR, 26 ml/min per 1.73 m2). Four patients subsequently reached ESRD at a median time of 83 days. Thirty-seven (90%) patients reached 1 year follow-up, 13 (35%) remained dialysis dependent, and 24 (65%) had independent renal function. Eleven patients (27%) had episodes of leukopenia (white cell count <4×109/L) during CYP therapy and 17 (41%) experienced infectious complications. This compares favorably with the dialysis-dependent cohort treated with plasmapheresis in the MEPEX study in which 51% were alive with independent renal function at 1 year.

Conclusions

Intravenous CYP used with corticosteroids and plasmapheresis may be an effective alternative to oral CYP in patients with dialysis-dependent AAV.
Fungi and mycotoxins: Food contaminants
Authors: Kocic-Tanackov Suncica , Dimic Gordana
Published: November 2012

The growth of fungi on food causes physical and chemical changes which,
further affect negatively the sensory and nutritive quality of food. Species
from genera: Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, Alternari?, Cladosporium,
Mucor, Rhizopus, Eurotium and Emericella are usually found. Some of them are
potentially dangerous for humans and animals, due to possible synthesis and
excretion of toxic secondary metabolites - mycotoxins into the food. Their
toxic syndroms in animals and humans are known as mycotoxicoses. The
pathologic changes can be observed in parenhimatic organs, and in bones and
central nervous system also. Specific conditions are necessary for mycotoxin
producing fungi to synthetize sufficient quantities of these compounds for
demonstration of biologic effects. The main biochemical paths in the
formation of mycotoxins include the polyketide (aflatoxins, sterigmatocystin,
zearalenone, citrinine, patulin), terpenic (trichothecenes), aminoacid
(glicotoxins, ergotamines, sporidesmin, malformin C), and carbonic acids path
(rubratoxins). Aflatoxins are the most toxigenic metabolites of fungi,
produced mostly by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus species. Aflatoxins
appear more frequently in food in the tropic and subtropic regions, while the
food in Europe is more exposed to also very toxic ochratoxin A producing
fungi (A. ochraceus and some Penicillium species). The agricultural products
can be contaminated by fungi both before and after the harvest. The primary
mycotoxicoses in humans are the result of direct intake of vegetable products
contaminated by mycotoxins, while the secondary mycotoxicoses are caused by
products of animal origin. The risk of the presence of fungi and mycotoxin in
food is increasing, having in mind that some of them are highly
thermoresistent, and the temperatures of usual food sterilization is not
sufficient for their termination. The paper presents the review of most
important mycotoxins, their biologic effects, the condition of their
synthesis, occurence in food, permitted tolerant intake, as well as the
possibility of their degradation.
Sequential + separable vs sequentially separable and another variation on selective separability
Authors: Bella Angelo , Bonanzinga Maddalena , Matveev Mikhail
Published: November 2012

A space X is sequentially separable if there is a countable D ⊂ X such that every point of X is the limit of a sequence of points from D. Neither “sequential + separable” nor “sequentially separable” implies the other. Some examples of this are presented and some conditions under which one of the two implies the other are discussed. A selective version of sequential separability is also considered.
On some properties of Hamel bases and their applications to Marczewski measurable functions
Authors: Dorais François , Filipów Rafał , Natkaniec Tomasz
Published: November 2012

We introduce new properties of Hamel bases. We show that it is consistent with ZFC that such Hamel bases exist. Under the assumption that there exists a Hamel basis with one of these properties we construct a discontinuous and additive function that is Marczewski measurable. Moreover, we show that such a function can additionally have the intermediate value property (and even be an extendable function). Finally, we examine sums and limits of such functions.
An unusual cause of gastric extraluminal compression: fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Dilettoso Salvatore , Uccello Mario , Dilettoso Alessandra , Gelardi Salvatore , Dilettoso Benedetto
Published: November 2012

Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FLH) is a rare variant of hepatocellular carcinoma that typically occurs in adolescents or young subjects in an otherwise normal liver. Correct recognition of FLH is extremely important, because a complete resection of the tumor can confer an excellent prognosis. FLHs can become large, exerting mass effects on adjacent organs before diagnosis. Unfortunately, there are very few imaging reports describing external compression of the stomach caused by a FLH. We report the case of a young female suffering from dyspepsia and abdominal pain caused by stomach compression resulting from a large FLH.
Involvement of oxidative stress in liver injury after subchronic intoxication with low doses of chlorpyrifos — study on rats
Authors: Lukaszewicz-Hussain Anna
Published: November 2012

Organophosphate compounds are nowadays the most frequently used pesticides. For these insecticides, the primary target is acetylcholinesterase and for this reason the main clinical effect of acute intoxication with organophosphate insecticides involves an irreversible inhibition of the activity of this enzyme. However, in the chronic or subchronic exposition oxidative stress has been reported as the main mechanism of its toxicity. The present study investigated the effect of three low doses (0.2, 2, 5 mg/kg bw) of chlorpyrifos for 14 or 28 days on serum liver enzymes and on oxidative stress parameters in the liver of rats. Chlorpyrifos treatment resulted in aminotransferases and alkaline phosphatase increase after 14 days (higher doses) and 28 days (all doses) treatment together with changes of antioxidative enzymes activities and reduced glutathione and malonyldialdehyde level in the liver. The enhancement of lipid peroxidation is temporary, reaching a peak after 14 days and decreasing after 28 days of treatment. Based on the experimental findings of this study the temporary liver injury caused by oxidative stress has been shown. The disturbances in the liver antioxidative status and increased liver membrane permeability may appear in case of doses near to the accepted human daily intake.
Common variants of the mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptor genes may contribute to pregnancy-related anxiety: a pilot study
Authors: Chistiakova Natalia , Sergienko Elena , Savost’ianov Kirill
Published: November 2012

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis overactivity is thought to contribute to increased vulnerability to maternal stress. We hypothesize that functionally relevant polymorphic variants of the glucocorticoid (NR3C1) and mineralocorticoid (NR3C2) receptor genes mediating biological effects of cortisol, a major stress hormone, could also modulate the capacity to cope with pregnancy-related anxiety. Genomic DNA from the blood of 42 women with pregnancy-related anxiety and 42 age-matched women with normal pregnancy (5–6th months of gestation) were genotyped for markers rs6195 and rs10482605 of NR3C1 and two NR3C2 polymorphisms (rs5522 and rs2070951) using a Taqman allele discrimination assay. Serum total cortisol was measured using an ELISA technique. The allele Ser363 of rs6195 (the N363S polymorphism of NR3C1) was found to be associated with a higher risk of maternal stress (odds ratio (OR)=5.27; P=0.001). For NR3C2, the allele Val180 of rs5522 (I180V) also showed association with increased risk of neonatal stress (OR=1.97; P=0.038). Both predisposing gene variants were also associated with significantly elevated levels of cortisol in normally pregnant women and females with pregnancy-related anxiety. Our results suggest that pregnancy-related anxiety can be modulated by variants of NR3C1 and NR3C2 associated with increased basal cortisol levels. Thus, our findings provide evidence in support of the suggestion that elevated cortisol levels and HPA axis hyperactivity are implicated in pregnancy-related anxiety.
Performance analysis of first iteration koch curve fractal log periodic antenna of varying flare angles
Authors: Singh Ashutosh , Kabeer Reneez , Ali Z. , Singh V. , Shukla M.
Published: November 2012

Miniaturization has always been a crucial challenge in the field of antenna engineering. In the recent past a number of researchers have shown that fractal geometry have potential to design smaller, broad band and multi band antennas. In this proposed work performances of log periodic fractal antennas of different flare angles have been investigated. Simulation results show that fractal log periodic antenna gives better performance in terms of gain, return loss and directivity. Performance of log periodic fractal antenna has also been investigated for flare angles 30°, 45°, 60°, 70° and 80°. In this proposed work fractal antenna gives best performance with 60° flare angle.
Sleep Deprivation Has No Effect on Dynamic Visual Acuity in Military Service Members Who Are Healthy
Authors: Scherer Matthew R. , Claro Pedro J. , Heaton Kristin J.
Published: November 2012

Background

The risk of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and comorbid posttraumatic dizziness is elevated in military operational environments. Sleep deprivation is known to affect a service member's performance while deployed, although little is known about its effects on vestibular function. Recent findings suggest that moderate acceleration step rotational stimuli may elicit a heightened angular vestibulo-ocular reflex (aVOR) response relative to low-frequency sinusoidal stimuli after 26 hours of sleep deprivation. There is concern that a sleep deprivation–mediated elevation in aVOR function could confound detection of comorbid vestibular pathology in service members with TBI. The term “dynamic visual acuity” (DVA) refers to an individual's ability to see clearly during head movement and is a behavioral measure of aVOR function. The Dynamic Visual Acuity Test (DVAT) assesses gaze instability by measuring the difference between head-stationary and head-moving visual acuity.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 26 hours of sleep deprivation on DVA as a surrogate for aVOR function.

Design

This observational study utilized a repeated-measures design.

Methods

Twenty soldiers with no history of vestibular insult or head trauma were assessed by means of the DVAT at angular head velocities of 120 to 180°/s. Active and passive yaw and pitch impulses were obtained before and after sleep deprivation.

Results

Yaw DVA remained unchanged as the result of sleep deprivation. Active pitch DVA diminished by −0.005 LogMAR (down) and −0.055 LogMAR (up); passive pitch DVA was degraded by −0.06 LogMAR (down) and −0.045 LogMAR (up).

Limitations

Sample homogeneity largely confounded accurate assessment of test-retest reliability in this study, resulting in intraclass correlation coefficients lower than those previously reported.

Conclusions

Dynamic visual acuity testing in soldiers who are healthy revealed no change in gaze stability after rapid yaw impulses and subclinical changes in pitch DVA after sleep deprivation. Findings suggest that DVA is not affected by short-term sleep deprivation under clinical conditions.
High-Speed Rail versus Air Transportation
Authors: Pagliara Francesca , Vassallo José Manuel , Román Concepción
Published: November 2012

Travel time savings, better quality of supplied services, greater comfort for users, and improved accessibility are the main factors of success for high-speed rail (HSR) links. In this paper, results are presented from a revealed and stated preference survey concerning HSR and air transport users in the Madrid–Barcelona, Spain, corridor. The data gathered from the stated preference survey were used to calibrate a modal choice model aimed at explaining competition between HSR and air transportation in the corridor. The major findings of the paper describe the demand response to different policy scenarios considering improvements in the level of transport services. From the model, prices and service frequency were found to be among the most important variables in competing with the other mode. In addition, it was found that check-in and security controls at the airport are a crucial variable for users in making their modal choices. Other policies, such as the improvement of parking facilities at train stations, play a secondary role.
High-Speed Route Improvement Optimizer
Authors: Lai Yung-Cheng (Rex) , Huang Po-Wen
Published: November 2012

The most common near-term approach to upgrading railway corridors to achieve high speeds is by incremental improvement. Existing infrastructure or rolling stock can be improved in various ways to allow for increasing speeds and reducing travel time along a route. Each track section has a characteristic set of opportunities for increasing speed and their corresponding effects on travel time reduction, along with an associated set of costs. Similarly, each type of rolling stock has the potential to increase operational speed and reduce travel time, corresponding to a specific price tag. This research focuses on developing a decision support process by using mathematical programming to identify the most cost-effective strategy for reducing corridor travel time given a prescribed performance goal and budget. This optimization process was implemented in a railway corridor in Taiwan, and the result showed that the best strategy was a combination of infrastructure upgrade and rolling stock acquisition. Using this tool can help states and railway agencies simultaneously maximize capital investment returns and maintain reliable services for their customers.
Role of Air Travel Demand Elasticities in Reducing Aviation's Carbon Dioxide Emissions
Authors: Molloy Jarlath , Melo Patricia C. , Graham Daniel J. , Majumdar Arnab , Ochieng Washington Y.
Published: November 2012

This paper develops a new set of European air travel demand elasticities with data from the International Civil Aviation Organization; a new database was constructed in the context of examining the role for dynamic demand management in reducing aviation carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The results indicate that air travel demand appears to be fairly price inelastic, with a fare elasticity of 20.29% in the short run and 20.44% in the long run. As a result, demand management strategies focused solely on increasing air fares may do little to curb demand growth. In contrast, supply restrictions in the form of reduced service frequencies may offer a more effective means of reducing aviation CO2 emissions—a 10% reduction in frequency levels is found to reduce passenger demand by 5% in the short run and 7.6% in the long run—although such restrictions can create negative economic consequences. A combination of supply restrictions and pricing may offer a more balanced solution.
Load Transfer Efficiency of Rigid Airfield Pavement
Authors: Joshi Akshay P. , Mehta Yusuf A. , Cleary Douglas , Henry Samuel , Cunliffe Charles
Published: November 2012

FAA uses a mechanistic design procedure, FAA Rigid and Flexible Iterative Elastic Layer Design (FAARFIELD), for the design of rigid airport pavements. FAARFIELD does not consider curling stresses in determining the portland cement concrete (PCC) layer thickness and assumes constant stress-based load transfer efficiency [LTE (S)] of 0.25 at the joints. Recently completed studies have shown that LTE (S) values under moving aircraft loads can be significantly higher than 0.25. In addition, the curling stresses, induced because of the temperature differentials at the top and bottom of the PCC slab, can affect the load transfer efficiency at the joint. Higher curling stresses can lead to higher combined stresses (loading plus curling) in pavements. The objective of this study is to analyze the effect of load transfer efficiency and loading intensity on PCC design thickness and the effect of PCC temperature gradient on LTE (S) and critical edge stresses. The results indicate that for a slab that shows no curling, an increase in LTE (S) value by 0.10 would reduce the PCC design thickness by 1.3 in. (33 mm) under FAA design procedures. In addition, when the top of the slab has a higher temperature than does the bottom of the slab, higher stresses at the joint and higher LTE (S) are observed. The variations in temperature gradient induce curling stresses in the slab and affect the LTE (S) at the joints.
Challenges in Managing Centralized Taxi Dispatching at High-Volume Airports
Authors: Conway Alison , Kamga Camille , Yazici Anil , Singhal Abhishek
Published: November 2012

This paper provides an evaluation of taxi dispatching procedures at New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Curbside data collection and interviews with airport stakeholders were conducted to describe and quantify conditions for taxi drivers and passengers at JFK. A literature review was performed to identify operational similarities and differences between JFK and other high-volume airports with centralized taxi dispatching and to identify potential solutions for application at JFK. The outcomes of this study include (a) characterization of relationships between airportwide and terminal-level passenger demands and available taxi supply at JFK, (b) identification of sources of inefficiency in existing taxi dispatching procedures and taxi operations, and (c) identification of approaches for addressing supply–demand imbalances and next steps in evaluating those approaches.
Designing Efficient Taxi Pickup Operations at Airports
Authors: Da Costa David Carvalho Teixeira , De Neufville Richard
Published: November 2012

This paper provides a practical procedure for designing efficient taxi pickup operations at airports. How to do this effectively is an open question. Solutions are not available, and practices vary. They reflect different approaches to and lack of research on the subject. The solutions are often unsatisfactory. At many airports, passengers routinely suffer long waits outdoors, exposed to the elements, after a tiring journey. Such disagreeable experiences are avoidable. Designing efficient taxi pickup operations at airports is problematic. The peculiarities of the process preclude easy solutions. First, the process involves queuing, so system performance is a nonlinear function of the loads. Second, it features unstable transient situations, since travelers typically arrive in bulk over short periods. Third, traffic is significantly differentiated and consists of a wide variety of groups implying different service characteristics. Standard results from queuing theory thus do not have a useful application to this problem. The design process uses simulation that is based on detailed observation of local practices. It involves four steps: (a) detailed local measurements of the arrival of both travelers and taxis, and the service rates provided by taxis in different queuing positions; (b) creation and validation of a simulation model sufficiently detailed to account for these realities; (c) exploration of design alternatives to estimate the characteristics of the service they would provide; and (d) selection of a preferred design that properly balances efforts to minimize average and extreme wait times. The paper demonstrates the procedure through application to Lisbon International Airport, Portugal.
Vacuum-assisted closure for complex cranial wounds involving the loss of dura mater
Authors: Powers Alexander K. , Neal Matthew T. , Argenta Louis C. , Wilson John A. , DeFranzo Anthony J. , Tatter Stephen B.
Published: November 2012

The aim in this study was to describe the safety and efficacy of vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) in patients with complex cranial wounds with extensive scalp, bone, and dural defects who were not candidates for immediate free tissue transfer. Five patients (4 men and 1 woman) ages 24–73 years with complex cranial wounds were treated with VAC at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. Etiologies included trauma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant meningioma. Cutaneous wound defects measured as large as 15 cm in diameter. Four of the 5 patients had open skull defects with concomitant dural defects, and 1 patient had dural dehiscence. After surgical debridement, all 5 patients were treated with the direct application of a VAC device to a reapproximated dura mater (1 patient), to a pericranial flap (1 patient), or to a regenerative tissue matrix overlying CNS tissue (3 patients). In all cases involving open cranial wounds, the VAC device promoted granulation tissue formation over the dural substitute, prevented CSF leakage, and kept the wounds free from local infection. The duration of VAC therapy ranged from 16 to 91 days. Although VAC therapy was intended as a temporary measure until these patients could be stabilized for larger tissue transfer procedures or they succumbed to their primary pathology, 1 patient had a successful skin graft following VAC therapy. Hydrocephalus requiring shunt placement developed in 2 patients during VAC therapy. The VAC dressings applied to a tissue matrix or other barrier over brain tissue in extensive cranial wounds are safe and well tolerated, providing a functional barrier and preventing infection.
Meconium staining of the brainstem with open myelomeningocele
Authors: Lam Sandi , Grandhi Ramesh , Greene Stephanie
Published: November 2012

Meconium staining of open myelomeningoceles has been reported to occur both prenatally and postnatally, but meconium staining of the brainstem has not been previously documented. The authors present a case of meconium staining of the brainstem in an infant with a meconium-stained myelomeningocele, Chiari malformation Type II, and hydrocephalus and discuss possible implications for prenatal and perinatal care.
Differentiating minimum clinically important difference for primary and revision lumbar fusion surgeries
Authors: Carreon Leah Y. , Bratcher Kelly R. , Canan Chelsea E. , Burke Lauren O. , Djurasovic Mladen , Glassman Steven D.
Published: November 2012

Object

Previous studies have reported on the minimum clinically important difference (MCID), a threshold of improvement that is clinically relevant for lumbar degenerative disorders. Recent studies have shown that pre- and postoperative health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measures vary among patients with different diagnostic etiologies. There is also concern that a patient's previous care experience may affect his or her perception of clinical improvement. This study determined if MCID values for the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), and back and leg pain are different between patients undergoing primary or revision lumbar fusion.

Methods

Prospectively collected preoperative and 1-year postoperative patient-reported HRQOLs, including the ODI, SF-36 physical component summary (PCS), and numeric rating scales (0–10) for back and leg pain, in patients undergoing lumbar spine fusion were analyzed. Patients were grouped into either the primary surgery or revision group. As the most widely accepted MCID values were calculated from the minimum detectable change, this method was used to determine the MCID.

Results

A total of 722 patients underwent primary procedures and 333 patients underwent revisions. There was no statistically significant difference in demographics between the groups. Each group had a statistically significant improvement at 1 year postoperatively compared with baseline. The minimum detectable change–derived MCID values for the primary group were 1.16 for back pain, 1.36 for leg pain, 12.40 for ODI, and 5.21 for SF-36 PCS. The MCID values for the revision group were 1.21 for back pain, 1.28 for leg pain, 11.79 for ODI, and 4.90 for SF-36 PCS. These values are very similar to those previously reported in the literature.

Conclusions

The MCID values were similar for the revision and primary lumbar fusion groups, even when subgroup analysis was done for different diagnostic etiologies, simplifying interpretation of clinical improvement. The results of this study further validate the use of patient-reported HRQOLs to measure clinical effectiveness, as a patient's previous experience with care does not seem to substantially alter an individual's perception of clinical improvement.
Mapungubwe: Interpretation of the Gold Content of the Original Gold Burial M1, A620
Authors: Duffey Alex
Published: November 2012

This paper is an attempt to give a credible interpretation of the many gold foil fragments found in a single grave on the summit of Mapungubwe Hill in January 1933. While carefully studying the many fragments of gold foil and the restored rhino, bovine and feline from the Mapungubwe collection at the University of Pretoria, the author noticed that the same type of images, symbols and shapes are found on the rim and base of an old divining bowl at present at Groote Schuur in Cape Town, as well as on more recent BaVenda divining bowls. It was also apparent that the Mapungubwe gold rhino, bovine and feline are all relatively of the same size, that they all have curved bodies and that all have flared feet with small tack holes at their bases, indicating that they were likely once attached to a flat round wooden surface. Along with the remains of a crocodile once in Dr Marc Smalle’s collection in Polokwane, all these figurines came from a single grave on Mapungubwe Hill, referred to as the Original Gold Burial M1, A620. It is argued that all the fragments were once attached to a single object, namely an elaborately carved wooden divining bowl which had disintegrated over time. While the complete collection of gold foil fragments recovered in the 1930s may have allowed a relatively accurate reconstruction of the appearance of the vessel which they originally covered, many of these are missing and therefore this is unfortunately not possible. Enough fragments remain, however, to give a credible partial reconstruction of the bowl based on careful iconographic observation.
Intravital Microscopy Reveals Differences in the Kinetics of Endocytic Pathways between Cell Cultures and Live Animals
Authors: Masedunskas Andrius , Porat-Shliom Natalie , Rechache Kamil , Aye Myo-Pale' , Weigert Roberto
Published: November 2012

Intravital microscopy has enabled imaging of the dynamics of subcellular structures in live animals, thus opening the door to investigating membrane trafficking under physiological conditions. Here, we sought to determine whether the architecture and the environment of a fully developed tissue influences the dynamics of endocytic processes. To this aim, we imaged endocytosis in the stromal cells of rat salivary glands both in situ and after they were isolated and cultured on a solid surface. We found that the internalization of transferrin and dextran, two molecules that traffic via distinct mechanisms, is substantially altered in cultured cells, supporting the idea that the three dimensional organization of the tissue and the cues generated by the surrounding environment strongly affect membrane trafficking events.
Detection of Glycomic Alterations Induced by Overexpression of P-Glycoprotein on the Surfaces of L1210 Cells Using Sialic Acid Binding Lectins
Authors: Bubencíkova Tatiana , Cholujová Dana , Messingerová Lucia , Mislovicova Danica , Seres Mario , Breier Albert , Sulova Zdena
Published: November 2012

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) overexpression is the most frequently observed cause of multidrug resistance in neoplastic cells. In our experiments, P-gp was expressed in L1210 mice leukemia cells (S cells) by selection with vincristine (R cells) or transfection with the gene encoding human P-gp (T cells). Remodeling of cell surface sugars is associated with P-gp expression in L1210 cells as a secondary cellular response. In this study, we monitored the alteration of cell surface saccharides by Sambucus nigra agglutinin (SNA), wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) and Maackia amurensis agglutinin (MAA). Sialic acid is predominantly linked to the surface of S, R and T cells via α-2,6 branched sugars that tightly bind SNA. The presence of sialic acid linked to the cell surface via α-2,3 branched sugars was negligible, and the binding of MAA (recognizing this branch) was much less pronounced than SNA. WGA induced greater cell death than SNA, which was bound to the cell surface and agglutinated all three L1210 cell-variants more effectively than WGA. Thus, the ability of lectins to induce cell death did not correlate with their binding efficiency and agglutination potency. Compared to S cells, P-gp positive R and T cells contain a higher amount of N-acetyl-glucosamine on their cell surface, which is associated with improved WGA binding. Both P-gp positive variants of L1210 cells are strongly resistant to vincristine as P-gp prototypical drug. This resistance could not be altered by liberalization of terminal sialyl residues from the cell surface by sialidase.
The Logical Dynamics of Information; Deacon’s “Incomplete Nature”
Authors: Brenner Joseph
Published: November 2012

In his Incomplete Nature, Deacon extends a thermodynamic concept of energy to yield a description of complex processes in which absence plays a critical role in their emergence and evolution. Starting from a quantum-mechanical picture of energy as an energy-matter duality, the critical role of potential as well as actual properties of processes is also described in the new extension of logic to real phenomena, Logic in Reality (LIR), which I have proposed. Deacon shows how an interactive operation of both Shannon entropy and Boltzmann entropy must be taken into account in information. Here, I demonstrate the complementarity of our two approaches to what is not, or not fully, present for an understanding of the dynamics of complex phenomena, especially, of intentionality, information and meaning. Deacon shows that the hallmark of information is its absent content, and LIR shows that presence (actuality) and absence (potentiality) in such processes are related dynamically. Deacon’s approach and LIR ground and extend Logan’s concepts of biotic information and the relativity of information vs. meaning. Their conjunction constitutes a new conceptual structure for exploring the relationship of information to materiality, that is, to the matter-energy that constitutes it as its carrier and/or substrate.
Myosin Gene Expression and Protein Abundance in Different Castes of the Formosan Subterranean Termite (Coptotermes formosanus)
Authors: Tarver Matthew R. , Florane Christopher B. , Mattison Christopher P. , Holloway Beth A. , Lax Alan
Published: November 2012

The Formosan subterranean termite (Coptotermes formosanus) is an important worldwide pest, each year causing millions of dollars in structural damage and control costs. Termite colonies are composed of several phenotypically distinct castes. Termites utilize these multiple castes to efficiently perform unique roles within the colony. During the molting/caste differentiation process, multiple genes are believed to be involved in the massive reorganization of the body plan. The objective of this research was to analyze the muscle gene, myosin, to further understand the role it plays in C. formosanus development. We find that comparing worker vs. solider caste myosin gene expression is up-regulated in the soldier and a myosin antibody-reactive protein suggests changes in splicing. Comparison of body regions of mature soldier and worker castes indicates a greater level of myosin transcript in the heads. The differential expression of this important muscle-related gene is anticipated considering the large amount of body plan reorganization and muscle found in the soldier caste. These results have a direct impact on our understanding of the downstream genes in the caste differentiation process and may lead to new targets for termite control.
Time-Dependent Behavior of Reinforced Polymer Concrete Columns under Eccentric Axial Loading
Authors: Berardi Valentino , Mancusi Geminiano
Published: November 2012

Polymer concretes (PCs) represent a promising alternative to traditional cementitious materials in the field of new construction. In fact, PCs exhibit high compressive strength and ultimate compressive strain values, as well as good chemical resistance. Within the context of these benefits, this paper presents a study on the time-dependent behavior of polymer concrete columns reinforced with different bar types using a mechanical model recently developed by the authors. Balanced internal reinforcements are considered (i.e., two bars at both the top and bottom of the cross-section). The investigation highlights relevant stress and strain variations over time and, consequently, the emergence of a significant decrease in concrete’s stiffness and strength over time. Therefore, the results indicate that deferred effects due to viscous flow may significantly affect the reliability of reinforced polymer concrete elements over time.
Carbon Nanotube Electron Emitter for X-ray Imaging
Authors: Ryu Je , Kang Jung , Park Kyu
Published: November 2012

The carbon nanotube field emitter array was grown on silicon substrate through a resist-assisted patterning (RAP) process. The shape of the carbon nanotube array is elliptical with 2.0 × 0.5 mm2 for an isotropic focal spot size at anode target. The field emission properties with triode electrodes show a gate turn-on field of 3 V/µm at an anode emission current of 0.1 mA. The author demonstrated the X-ray source with triode electrode structure utilizing the carbon nanotube emitter, and the transmitted X-ray image was of high resolution.
Organophosphorus Chemistry for the Synthesis of Dendrimers
Authors: Caminade Anne-Marie , Laurent Régis , Zablocka Maria , Majoral Jean-Pierre
Published: November 2012

Dendrimers are multifunctional, hyperbranched and perfectly defined macromolecules, synthesized layer after layer in an iterative manner. Besides the nature of the terminal groups responsible for most of the properties, the nature of the internal structure, and more precisely of the branching points, is also of crucial importance. For more than 15 years, we have demonstrated that the presence of phosphorus atom(s) at each branching point of the dendrimeric structure is particularly important and highly valuable for three main reasons: (i) the versatility of phosphorus chemistry that allows diversified organochemistry for the synthesis of dendrimers; (ii) the use of 31P-NMR, which is a highly valuable tool for the characterization of dendrimers; (iii) some properties (in the fields of catalysis, materials, and especially biology), that are directly connected to the nature of the internal structure and of the branching points. This review will give an overview of the methods of synthesis of phosphorus-containing dendrimers, as well on the ways to graft phosphorus derivatives as terminal groups, with emphasis on the various roles played by the chemistry of phosphorus.
Two Dimensional Array of Piezoresistive Nanomechanical Membrane-Type Surface Stress Sensor (MSS) with Improved Sensitivity
Authors: Yoshikawa Genki , Akiyama Terunobu , Loizeau Frederic , Shiba Kota , Gautsch Sebastian , Nakayama Tomonobu , Vettiger Peter , Rooij Nico F. de , Aono Masakazu
Published: November 2012

We present a new generation of piezoresistive nanomechanical Membrane-type Surface stress Sensor (MSS) chips, which consist of a two dimensional array of MSS on a single chip. The implementation of several optimization techniques in the design and microfabrication improved the piezoresistive sensitivity by 3~4 times compared to the first generation MSS chip, resulting in a sensitivity about ~100 times better than a standard cantilever-type sensor and a few times better than optical read-out methods in terms of experimental signal-to-noise ratio. Since the integrated piezoresistive read-out of the MSS can meet practical requirements, such as compactness and not requiring bulky and expensive peripheral devices, the MSS is a promising transducer for nanomechanical sensing in the rapidly growing application fields in medicine, biology, security, and the environment. Specifically, its system compactness due to the integrated piezoresistive sensing makes the MSS concept attractive for the instruments used in mobile applications. In addition, the MSS can operate in opaque liquids, such as blood, where optical read-out techniques cannot be applied.
A Presence-Based Context-Aware Chronic Stress Recognition System
Authors: Peternel Klemen , Pogačnik Matevž , Tavčar Rudi , Kos Andrej
Published: November 2012

Stressors encountered in daily life may play an important role in personal well-being. Chronic stress can have a serious long-term impact on our physical as well as our psychological health, due to ongoing increased levels of the chemicals released in the ‘fight or flight’ response. The currently available stress assessment methods are usually not suitable for daily chronic stress measurement. The paper presents a context-aware chronic stress recognition system that addresses this problem. The proposed system obtains contextual data from various mobile sensors and other external sources in order to calculate the impact of ongoing stress. By identifying and visualizing ongoing stress situations of an individual user, he/she is able to modify his/her behavior in order to successfully avoid them. Clinical evaluation of the proposed methodology has been made in parallel by using electrodermal activity sensor. To the best of our knowledge, the system presented herein is the first one that enables recognition of chronic stress situations on the basis of user context.
Perspectives on Sustainable Resource Conservation in Community Nature Reserves: A Case Study from Senegal
Authors: Pacheco Liliana , Fraixedas Sara , Fernández-Llamazares Álvaro , Estela Neus , Mominee Robert , Guallar Ferran
Published: November 2012

The coalescing of development and conservation has recently given rise to community-based conservation. Under this framework, sustainable livelihood strategies are incorporated into conservation goals on the basis that the integration of local priorities into management guidelines benefits rather than impedes conservation efforts. Consistent with this approach, the Community Nature Reserve of Dindéfélo in Kédougou, Senegal endeavors to protect biodiversity without jeopardizing local people’s reliance on natural resources. In this article we provide evidence that sustainable resource conservation is a very powerful mechanism in redirecting labor and capital away from ecosystem-degrading activities. To do this, we present three examples of projects, aiming to illustrate different ways in which local people’s management and sustainable use of natural resources can be beneficial in terms of biodiversity conservation, socioeconomic development, and human well-being.
The effect of locked screw angulation on the biomechanical properties of the S.P.S. Free-Block plate
Authors: Merino M. K. A. , Ribeiro C. R. , Padovani C. R. , Rahal S. C.
Published: November 2012

Objectives: Among the locked internal fixators is one denominated S.P.S. (Synthesis Pengo System) Free-Block, which was designed with a locking ring that allows the screw to be locked and positioned obliquely. Due to the paucity of biomechanical studies on this system, the present work aimed to evaluate the influence of locked screw angulation on the resistance of the S.P.S. Free-Block plate.

Methods: Forty synthetic bone cylinders with 10 mm fracture gap were used. Forty seven-hole 3.5 mm stainless steel plates (two AO-like dynamic compression holes and five locked holes) were assembled according to the orientation of the locked screws: monocortical screws were positioned at 90° to the long axis of the cylinder (Group 1), and monocortical screws were positioned at 70° to its cylinder long axis (Group 2). In both groups, AO-like dynamic compression hole screws were positioned bicortically and neutrally. For each group, six specimens were tested until failure, three in bending and three in compression, to determine the loads for fatigue testing. Subsequently, for each group, 14 specimens were tested for failure - seven by bending and seven in compression.

Results: No significant failure differences were observed between Groups 1 and 2 under static-loading or fatigue test.

Clinical significance: In a fracture gap model the orientation of the locked monocortical screws did not show any influence on the mechanical performance of the S.P.S. Free-Block to tests of axial compression and four-point bending.
Synovial osteochondromatosis and sclerosing osteosarcoma in a cat
Authors: De Cock H. , Lemmens P. , Pool R. R. , Tas O.
Published: November 2012

The clinical, radiographic and histological features of synovial osteochondromatosis in multiple joints and an unrelated sclerosing osteosarcoma of the left tibia in a cat are reported. Radiographic evaluation showed signs of several nodular radiopacities in both stifles and both shoulders. Pathologic transverse fractures of the left tibia and fibula were also present. A midfemoral amputation of the left hindlimb was performed and treatment consisted of lifelong administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Histological evaluation confirmed synovial osteochondromatosis of the left stifle and sclerosing osteosarcoma of the left tibia. This is the first report of a feline patient with bilateral synovial osteochondromatosis that describes the clinical, radiographic and histological aspects of this disease.
Ready to Face the Future: Brain Mechanisms for Cognitive Flexibility and Exploration
Authors: Charron Sylvain , Collette Sven
Published: November 2012

Résumé Dans un environnement incertain et changeant, il est fondamental pour un organisme vivant de résoudre le compromis exploration/exploitation. Cette revue d’articles décrit comment une série d’études en neurosciences cognitives a associé le comportement exploratoire à certaines structures du cortex préfrontal humain, puis a identifié les mécanismes cérébraux impliqués dans l’adaptation du comportement par rapport aux altérations des récompenses et enfin a mis en évidence des limites fondamentales dans le traitement des informations au niveau préfrontal. Les expériences et les résultats que nous présentons peuvent particulièrement intéresser les économistes qui souhaitent comprendre comment les neurosciences cognitives identifient des processus clés à l’ œuvre dans le cerveau humain et façonnent notre compréhension de la prise de décision. Classification JEL : D87, D81, D83, C91.
Optimización del proceso de soldadura GMAW de uniones a tope de la aleación AA 6063-T5 basada en la metodología de superficie de respuesta y en la geometría del cordón de soldadura
Authors: Miguel V. , Martínez-Conesa E. J. , Segura F. , Manjabacas M. C. , Abellán E.
Published: November 2012

La geometría de los cordones de soldadura es caracterizada por el sobreespesor, la anchura y la penetración. Estos valores son indicadores del comportamiento de la unión soldada por lo que pueden considerarse como factores de control del proceso. En el presente trabajo se efectúa la optimización del proceso de soldadura por arco GMAW de la aleación AA 6063-T5 mediante la metodología de la superficie de respuesta (MSR). Las variables consideradas son la tensión del arco, la velocidad de soldeo, la velocidad de alimentación del electrodo y la separación de las superficies a unir. Las funciones de respuesta consideradas son el sobreespesor, anchura, penetración y el ángulo del cordón. Los resultados obtenidos mediante MSR se ajustan muy bien a los valores experimentales. El procedimiento es validado experimentalmente mediante el soldeo, para las condiciones tecnológicas optimizadas obtenidas de forma teórica, existiendo una gran concordancia entre los valores teóricos y los experimentales.