bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends in Water Quality in LEASEQ Rivers and Streams (Northwestern Ohio), 1975–1995
Authors: Richards R. Peter , Baker David B.
Published: February 2014

Trends in water quality in four northwest Ohio rivers over the period 1975–1995 were identified using datasets of daily concentrations containing 4500 to 6800 observations per river during the study period. Concentrations were log‐transformed prior to analysis, and adjusted for flow using a locally weighted scatterplot smoother (LOWESS) fit between log(concentration) and log(flow). Seasonality was modeled using one‐ and two‐cycle sinusoidal oscillations and monthly additive constants. Substantial decreases in total and soluble reactive phosphorus were documented at all stations. Smaller but highly significant decreases in total Kjeldahl nitrogen were documented at all stations, and significant decreases in total suspended solids were documented at three of the four stations. Nitrate did not show significant trends at the two stations draining major watersheds, and showed significant trends in opposite directions at the two stations on smaller watersheds. Comparisons using nonparametric, nonlinear trend fits (LOWESS) suggest that changes in fertilizer and manure application rates are the most important cause of trends in phosphorus and total Kjeldahl nitrogen; point sources are insufficient to account for the phosphorus trends. The conflicting trends for nitrate are enigmatic, but may reflect diverging land use in the two smaller watersheds.
CFD analysis and flow model reduction for surfactant production in helix reactor
Authors: Nikacevic N.M. , Thielen L. , Twerda A. , Van Den
Published: February 2014

Flow pattern analysis in a spiral Helix reactor is conducted, for the
application in the commercial surfactant production. Step change response
curves (SCR) were obtained from numerical tracer experiments by
three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations.
Non-reactive flow is simulated, though viscosity is treated as variable in
the direction of flow, as it increases during the reaction. The design and
operating parameters (reactor diameter, number of coils and inlet velocity)
are varied in CFD simulations, in order to examine the effects on the flow
pattern. Given that 3D simulations are not practical for fast computations
needed for optimization, scale-up and control, CFD flow model is reduced to
one-dimensional axial dispersion (AD) model with spatially variable
dispersion coefficient. Dimensionless dispersion coefficient (Pe) is
estimated under different conditions and results are analyzed. Finally,
correlation which relates Pe number with Reynolds number and number of coils
from the reactor entrance is proposed for the particular reactor application
and conditions.
Design automation of ΔΣ switched capacitor modulators using spice and MATLAB
Authors: Mirkovic Dejan , Petkovic Predrag
Published: February 2014

Concerning the fact that the design of contemporary integrated circuits (IC)
is practically impossible without using sophisticated Electronic Design
Automation (EDA) software, this paper gives some interesting thoughts and
considerations about that issue. As technology processes advances on year
basis consequently EDA industry is forced to follow this trend as well. This,
on the other hand, requires IC designer to frequently and efficiently
accommodate to new working environments. Authors of this paper suggest a
method for high level circuit analysis that is based on using common (open
source or low cost) circuit simulators but precise and fast enough to meet
requirements imposed by demanding mixed-signal blocks. The paper demonstrates
the proposed EDA procedure on an example of second order ?? modulator design.
It illustrates considerable simulation time saving which is more than welcome
in a world of analogue and mixed-signal design.
Linearization of broadband microwave amplifier
Authors: Djoric Aleksandra , Males-Ilic Natasa , Atanaskovic Aleksandar , Milovanovic Bratislav
Published: February 2014

The linearization of broadband power amplifier for application in the
frequency range 0.9-1.3 GHz is considered in this paper. The amplifier is
designed for LDMOSFET characterized by the maximum output power 4W designing
the broadband lumped element matching circuits and matching circuits in
topologies that combines LC elements and transmission lines. The
linearization of the amplifier is carried out by the second harmonics of the
fundamental signals injected at the input and output of the amplifier
transistor. The effects of linearization are considered for the case of two
sinusoidal signals separated in frequency by different intervals up to 80 MHz
ranging input power levels to saturation.
Computation of Galois field expressions for quaternary logic functions on GPUs
Authors: Gajic Dusan
Published: February 2014

Galois field (GF) expressions are polynomials used as representations of
multiple-valued logic (MVL) functions. For this purpose, MVL functions are
considered as functions defined over a finite (Galois) field of order p -
GF(p). The problem of computing these functional expressions has an important
role in areas such as digital signal processing and logic design. Time needed
for computing GF-expressions increases exponentially with the number of
variables in MVL functions and, as a result, it often represents a limiting
factor in applications. This paper proposes a method for an accelerated
computation of GF(4)-expressions for quaternary (four-valued) logic functions
using graphics processing units (GPUs). The method is based on the spectral
interpretation of GF-expressions, permitting the use of fast Fourier
transform (FFT)-like algorithms for their computation. These algorithms are
then adapted for highly parallel processing on GPUs. The performance of the
proposed solutions is compared with referent C/C++ implementations of the
same algorithms processed on central processing units (CPUs). Experimental
results confirm that the presented approach leads to significant reduction in
processing times (up to 10.86 times when compared to CPU processing).
Therefore, the proposed approach widens the set of problem instances which
can be efficiently handled in practice.
Investigation of an Outbreak of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Patients With Skin Disease Using DNA Restriction Patterns
Authors: Venezia Richard A. , Harris Valerie , Miller Cynthia , Peck Hilary , Antonio Mara San
Published: February 2014

Objective:

To investigate an outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among patients using chromosomal typing of the isolates.

Design:

Comparison of epidemiological and clinical data to endonuclease restriction fragmentation analysis (RFA) of the MRSA isolates associated with an outbreak. Total DNA from the MRSA isolates was restricted with HINDIII and HAEIII for typing.

Setting:

Tertiary care academic medical center.

Methods:

An epidemiological investigation of an outbreak of MRSA among patients in private rooms was evaluated by routine infection control methods. The MRSA isolates from blood cultures of 7 patients and the nares of a nurse were collected during the outbreak. MRSA isolates from 23 patients not associated with the outbreak also were collected. The total DNA of the MRSA isolates were restricted with HINDIII and HAEIII and electrophoresed on 0.6% agarose gels.

Results:

MRSA from 4 of the 7 bacteremic patients and the nurse on the outbreak unit had the same endonuclease restriction pattern. The patients were linked in that they were compromised by severe psoriasis or skin ulcers, were on the unit during the same period, and had oatmeal baths in a common bathtub. Of 50 staff members screened, the nurse was the only person detected as colonized by the strain. The other 3 patients on the unit as well as the 23 patients in other locations not associated with the outbreak had MRSA isolates with different RFA patterns. The use of the bathtub was discontinued and further transmission of MRSA was stopped.

Conclusions:

A comparison of the relatedness of MRSA by RFA demonstrated the uniqueness of the epidemiologically linked isolates and the utility of the RFA technique in the performance of routine infection control investigations.
Cochlear implantation outcome for deaf children with additional disabilities
Authors: Palmieri Maria , Forli Francesca , Berrettini Stefano
Published: February 2014

Objective:

To investigate the improvement in different skills following cochlear implantation (CI) in deaf children with additional disabilities (AD), and present an overview of the different outcome measures and the corresponding tests used.

Methods:

The MEDLINE and Embase databases were searched for studies published in English, Italian, French, German, Spanish or Dutch, up to 4 December 2013, including studies published ahead of print. The search was directed toward studies with a clear diagnosis of additional disability. Only studies including a comparison with pre-CI data of the same group or with post-CI performance of a control group were retained. Two reviewers independently assessed methodological quality and extracted data from the studies by means of forms. Because of the heterogeneity of the study groups and the reported outcome measures, meta-analysis was not possible. Data were collected in tables and described by means of a structured review.

Results:

The initial search yielded 464 unique studies, of which 41 met the inclusion criteria. These studies show that children with AD improve on average in most of the outcome measures, although often to a lesser degree and more slowly than their peers with cochlear implants and no AD. However, in cases of mild AD, they may reach similar skills to normally developing peers. Many receive measurable benefit from CI that adds to their quality of life.

Conclusions:

There is a need for alternative tools for measuring those outcomes that are difficult to quantify. Early implantation appears to be beneficial and, over the last 13 years, the mean average age of CI in children with AD decreased from 45 to 30 months. There is ample consensus that cognitive and global developmental levels have significant implications for expectation of benefit and are accurate predictors of certain outcomes.
Patients with brain contusions: predictors of outcome and relationship between radiological and clinical evolution
Authors: Iaccarino Corrado , Schiavi Paolo , Picetti Edoardo , Goldoni Matteo , Cerasti Davide , Caspani Marialuisa , Servadei Franco
Published: February 2014

Object

Traumatic parenchymal mass lesions are common sequelae of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). They occur in up to 8.2% of all TBI cases and 13%–35% of severe TBI cases, and they account for up to 20% of surgical intracranial lesions. Controversy exists concerning the association between radiological and clinical evolution of brain contusions. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of unfavorable outcome, analyze the evolution of brain contusions, and evaluate specific indications for surgery.

Methods

In a retrospective, multicenter study, patients with brain contusions were identified in separate patient cohorts from 11 hospitals over a 4-year period (2008–2011). Data on clinical parameters and course of the contusion were collected. Radiological parameters were registered by using CT images taken at the time of hospital admission and at subsequent follow-up times. Patients who underwent surgical procedures were identified. Outcomes were evaluated 6 months after trauma by using the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended.

Results

Multivariate analysis revealed the following reliable predictors of unfavorable outcome: 1) increased patient age, 2) lower Glasgow Coma Scale score at first evaluation, 3) clinical deterioration in the first hours after trauma, and 4) onset or increase of midline shift on follow-up CT images. Further multivariate analysis identified the following as statistically significant predictors of clinical deterioration during the first hours after trauma: 1) onset of or increase in midline shift on follow-up CT images (p < 0.001) and 2) increased effacement of basal cisterns on follow-up CT images (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

In TBI patients with cerebral contusion, the onset of clinical deterioration is predictably associated with the onset or increase of midline shift and worsened status of basal cisterns but not with hematoma or edema volume increase. A combination of clinical deterioration and increased midline shift/basal cistern compression is the most reasonable indicator for surgery.
Segmental thoracic lipomatosis of nerve with nerve territory overgrowth
Authors: Mahan Mark A. , Amrami Kimberly K. , Howe B. Matthew , Spinner Robert J.
Published: February 2014

Lipomatosis of nerve (LN), or fibrolipomatous hamartoma, is a rare condition of fibrofatty enlargement of the peripheral nerves. It is associated with bony and soft tissue overgrowth in approximately one-third to two-thirds of cases. It most commonly affects the median nerve at the carpal tunnel or digital nerves in the hands and feet. The authors describe a patient with previously diagnosed hemihypertrophy of the trunk who had a history of large thoracic lipomas resected during infancy, a thoracic hump due to adipose proliferation within the thoracic paraspinal musculature, and scoliotic deformity. She had fatty infiltration in the thoracic spinal nerves on MRI, identical to findings pathognomonic of LN at better-known sites. Enlargement of the transverse processes at those levels and thickened ribs were also found. This case appears to be directly analogous to other instances of LN with overgrowth, except that this case involved axial nerves rather than the typical appendicular nerves.
In vivo 3D kinematics of the upper cervical spine during head rotation in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Sugiura Tsuyoshi , Nagamoto Yukitaka , Iwasaki Motoki , Kashii Masafumi , Kaito Takashi , Murase Tsuyoshi , Tomita Tetsuya , Yoshikawa Hideki , Sugamoto Kazuomi
Published: February 2014

Object

The upper cervical spine is commonly involved in persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although 2D measurements have long been used in the evaluation of cervical lesions caused by RA, 2D measurements are limited in their effectiveness for detecting subtle and complex morphological and kinematic changes. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the 3D kinematics of the upper cervical spine in RA and the relationship between 3D morphological changes and decreased segmental rotational motion.

Methods

Twenty-five consecutive patients (2 men and 23 women, mean age 63.5 years, range 42–77 years) with RA (the RA group) and 10 patients (5 men and 5 women, mean age 69.9 years, range 57–82 years) with cervical spondylosis and no involvement of the upper cervical spine (the control group) underwent 3D CT of the cervical spine in 3 positions (neutral, 45° head rotation to the left, and 45° head rotation to the right). The segmental rotation angle from the occiput (Oc) to C-2 was calculated for each participant using a voxel-based registration method, and the 3D destruction of articular facets was quantified using the authors' own parameter, the articular facet index.

Results

The segmental rotation angle was significantly smaller at C1–2 and larger at Oc–C1 in the RA group compared with the control group. The degree of the destruction of the articular facet at C-1 and C-2 correlated with the segmental rotation angle.

Conclusions

In vivo 3D kinematics of the upper cervical spine during head rotation in patients with RA were accurately measured, allowing quantification of the degree of joint destruction for the first time. Joint destruction may play an important role in decreasing segmental motion of the upper cervical spine in RA.
Male Infertility in Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
Authors: Muazzam MG
Published: February 2014

Male infertility is also an important social problem. 160 male subjects were examined in Libya. 90.00% subjects were between the age of 20-30 years. Out of 160 male, 60 (37.50%) were normospermic, 60 (37.53%) oligospermic, 28 (17.50%) azoospermic and 12 (7.5%) were necrospermic. So, 63.50% subjects had fertility problem.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329.bjms.v1i3.17910
First Chemist of the World
Authors: Editor The
Published: February 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329.bjms.v1i3.17912Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.1(3) 1994 pp.28-32
Extraction, separation and identification of compounds from leaves of Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav. (Solanaceae)
Authors: Elabbar Fakhri A. , Bozkeha Nawil M.A. , El-Tuonsia Ashraf T.M.
Published: February 2014

Aim of the present study was to identify some phenolic compounds isolated from the dried powder leaves of Solanum Elaeagnifolium Cav. (Solanaceae family) collected from Benghazi area, Libya originally native in the Americas. The extraction was carried out with methanol at room temperature and treated by acidification (H2SO4, pH = 4) & basification (NH4OH, pH = 10). The compounds were separated by chromatographic method through a wet glass silica gel column and purification by medium pressure liquid chromatography (MPLC). The experiment yielded one novel compound named 2-(2-hydroxyphenoxy)-3,6,8-trihydroxy-4H-chromen-4-one [A3] and three previously known phenolic which were isolated for the first time from this plant under study (Quercetin [A1], Rutin [A2] & Mangiferin [A4]). The structures were determined using modern spectroscopic techniques (IR, EI-mass, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, APT, HMQC & COSY) using DMSO-d6 solvent in magnetic resonance application.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v3i3.17890 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, February 2014, 3(3): 234-239
Effect of synthetic super disintegrants and natural polymers in the preparation of donepezil hydrochloride fast disintegration films
Authors: Lakshmi P.K. , Lavanya D. , Ali M.M. Husnien
Published: February 2014

The main aim of the present research was to develop a fast dissolving oral polymeric film with good mechanical properties, faster disintegration and dissolution when placed on tongue. Donepezil hydrochloride (DPH) is prescribed in the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimers disease (AD). The polymers selected for preparing films were sodium alginate (SA), poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) and guar gum (GG). Three batches of films were prepared by solvent casting method with sodium alginate, sodium alginate & PVA and with the combination of sodium alginate & guar gum. From these three batches, three optimized film formulations S3, SP7 and SG8 were selected based on disintegration time. To these three selected film formulations, superdisintegrants sodium starch glycolate (SSG), cross carmellose sodium (CCS) and cross povidone (CP) were added at a concentration of 4% w/w of polymer to improve the disintegration time. The films prepared with or without superdisintegrants were compared for fast releasing properties. Based on DT and in vitro dissolution data, S3CP was selected as the best formulation among the all formulations.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v3i3.17892 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, February 2014, 3(3): 243-246
Involvement of Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzyme E2C in Proliferation and Invasion of Prostate Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Shuliang Song , Lei Cui , Guangwu Jing , Changjie Liu
Published: February 2014

Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2C (UBE2C) has been found to participate in the process of several cancers. However, the role of UBE2C in prostate cancer has not been reported. To investigate the function of UBE2C in prostate cancer, several methods were used. UBE2C promoted the proliferation
and viability of prostate cancer cells through MTT and colony formation assay and increased the number of invaded or migrated cells in Matrigel or Transwell assay based on its function of inducing EMT. UBE2C also promoted tumor formation in vivo. Our results suggest that UBE2C acts as an oncogene
in prostate cancer progression and may be a candidate marker of diagnosis for this disease.
MicroRNA-210 Promotes Proliferation and Invasion of Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor Cells Targeting EFNA3
Authors: Wang Zhengguang , Yin Bangliang , Wang Bing , Ma Zemin , Liu Weidong , Lv Guohua
Published: February 2014

MicroRNA (miR) plays an important role in tumorigenesis including malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST). miR-210 downregulation is frequently observed in a variety of tumors. In this study, miR-210 was identified as downregulated in MPNST cells, and its potential target ephrin-A3
(EFNA3) was upregulated in them compared with neurofibroma cells using quantitative real-time (qRT)-PCR. Luciferase reporter assay further demonstrates that EFNA3 is a target of miR-210. Then it is confirmed that miR-210 can regulate EFNA3 mRNA and protein expression in MPNST ST88-14 (NF1
wild-type) and sNF96.2 (NF1 mutant type) cell lines. The functions of miR-210 in MPNST cells were investigated, and the results showed that overexpression of miR-210 increased cellular viability, colony formation, S phase percentage, and invasiveness of MPNST cells. Inversely, inhibition of
miR-210 expression induced suppression of proliferation and invasion of MPNST cells. These results suggest that miR-210-mediated EFNA3 promotion of proliferation and invasion of MPNST cells plays an important role in MPNST tumorigenesis and progression. miR-210 and EFNA3 may be candidate novel
therapeutic targets for MPNST.
The Sirtuin Inhibitor Tenovin-6 Upregulates Death Receptor 5 and Enhances Cytotoxic Effects of 5-Fluorouracil and Oxaliplatin in Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Ueno Takunori , Endo Shinji , Saito Rie , Hirose Mitsuaki , Hirai Sachiko , Suzuki Hideo , Yamato Kenji , Hyodo Ichinosuke
Published: February 2014

It has been reported that upregulated SIRT1 (NAD+-dependent class III histone deacetylase) deacetylates the p53 protein, represses its function, and allows for tumor cell growth in various cancers. Here we investigated antitumor effects of tenovin-6, a small-molecule inhibitor
of SIRT1 and SIRT2, in various colon cancer cell lines. Tenovin-6 induced apoptosis in all five colon cancer cell lines investigated (two cell lines with wild-type p53 and three with mutant p53) regardless of the p53 mutation status. This effect was accompanied by accumulation
of death receptor 5 (DR5) in most cell lines. DR5 silencing in HCT116 cells strongly attenuated tenovin-6-induced apoptosis. We investigated the effect of combining tenovin-6 with conventional anticancer agents 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), SN-38 (an active metabolite of irinotecan), and oxaliplatin.
Synergistic antitumor effects of tenovin-6 were observed in combination with either 5-FU or oxaliplatin in vitro. The combination of tenovin-6 and oxaliplatin exhibited potent growth inhibition of HCT116 xenograft tumors in vivo. In conclusion, tenovin-6 induced apoptosis in human colon
cancer cells through the activation of the DR5 signaling pathway and enhanced the antitumor properties of 5-FU and oxaliplatin. These results may help develop a novel treatment option for colorectal cancer using a SIRT inhibitor.
Clinical and laboratory features of 48 feline hyperthyroidism cases in Japan
Authors: Namba Shinichi , Matsubara Nami , Ishikawa Mayuko , Arase Yurie , Doi Akiko , Kujiraoka Masahiro , Befu Masahiko , Isaka Mitsuhiro
Published: February 2014

Feline hyperthyroidism (HT) is a common endocrine disorder worldwide, but clinical and laboratory features might vary geographically. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate feline HT in Japan, and compare results to those of previous study for feline HT. We evaluated 48 feline HT cases clinical and laboratory features. Surprisingly, the youngest patient was 32 months of age (2 year 9 months). There was no significant difference among the study subjects in sex, but frequency of spayed/castrated cats was high (85.4%). Median age was 186 months (32-272 months). 91.3% (n=42) of subjects were over 10 years of age, and 8.7% (n=4) were under 10 years of age. Clinical symptoms included vomiting, 56.3% (n=27); diarrhea, 2.1% (n=1); hyperactivity, 12.5% (n=6); emaciation, 41.7% (n=20); polyuria and polydipsia, 22.9% (n=11); chronic weight loss, 60.4% (n=29); and palpated enlarged thyroid, 2.1% (n=1). Concurrent findings included chronic kidney disease, 20.8% (n=10); congestive heart failure, 20.8% (n=10); tachycardia (over 240 beats/min), 18.8% (n=9); gallop rhythm, 31.3% (n=15); neurological disorders such as hind-limb paralysis, 14.6% (n=7); cystitis, 8.7% (n=4); gingivitis, 4.2% (n=2); diabetes mellitus, 4.2% (n=2); and arterial thromboembolism, 6.3% (n=3). In addition, laboratory features (complete blood counts and biochemistry) differed from those of previous reports in certain respects. Our results show that it might be important for practitioners to comprehend epidemiologic differences regarding feline HT worldwide.
La divulgación de la información de salud: un reto entre sectores implicados
Authors: Peñafiel Saiz Carmen , Camacho Marquina Idoia , Aiestaran Yarza Alazne , Ronco-López Milagros , Echegaray Eizaguirre Lázaro
Published: February 2014

Este artículo presenta los resultados de una investigación financiada sobre información en salud y la responsabilidad de los diferentes sectores involucrados en la comunicación de este conocimiento. Objetivos. Los objetivos son conocer si se consigue información educativa con rigor y calidad en la prensa vasca, analizar la información sanitaria y examinar el trabajo de los periodistas en el ámbito sanitario y su relación con los médicos. Metodología. Se han implementado técnicas cuantitativas y cualitativas. Se realizó un análisis de los contenidos de la prensa vasca entre 2001-2010: El Correo, Noticias de Gipuzkoa, Noticias de Álava, Diario de Navarra y Berria. Un total de 30.311 periódicos publicados en las dos regiones en un período de diez años. Los datos se recopilaron según la técnica de la "semana compuesta". El estudio cualitativo se ha realizado mediante entrevistas en profundidad a expertos durante 2012: periodistas que publican habitualmente información sanitaria en los periódicos mencionados y directores de centros sanitarios del País Vasco y Navarra. Conclusión. Este estudio plantea el problema de que la información en salud carece de una perspectiva educativa; Se requiere una especialización profesional y médicos y periodistas deben fortalecer una mejor relación minimizando las diferencias que los separan.
Can a bog drained for forestry be a stronger carbon sink than a natural bog forest?
Authors: Hommeltenberg J. , Schmid H. P. , Droesler M. , Werle P.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. This study compares the CO2 exchange of a natural bog forest, and of a bog drained for forestry in the pre-alpine region of southern Germany. The sites are separated by only ten kilometers, they share the same formation history and are exposed to the same climate and weather conditions. In contrast, they differ in land use history: at the Schechenfilz site a natural bog-pine forest (Pinus mugo rotundata) grows on an undisturbed, about 5 m thick peat layer; at Mooseurach a planted spruce forest (Picea abies) grows on drained and degraded peat (3.4 m). The net ecosystem exchange of CO2 (NEE) at both sites has been investigated for two years (July 2010 to June 2012), using the eddy covariance technique. Our results indicate that the drained, forested bog at Mooseurach is a much stronger carbon dioxide sink (−130 ± 31 and −300 ± 66 g C m−2 a−1 in the first and second year respectively) than the natural bog forest at Schechenfilz (−53 ± 28 and −73±38 g C m−2 a−1). The strong net CO2 uptake can be explained by the high gross primary productivity of the spruces that over-compensates the two times stronger ecosystem respiration at the drained site. The larger productivity of the spruces can be clearly attributed to the larger LAI of the spruce site. However, even though current flux measurements indicate strong CO2 uptake of the drained spruce forest, the site is a strong net CO2 source, if the whole life-cycle, since forest planting is considered. We determined the difference between carbon fixation by the spruces and the carbon loss from the peat due to drainage since forest planting. The estimate resulted in a strong carbon release of +156 t C ha−1 within the last 44 yr, means the spruces would need to grow for another 100 yr, at the current rate, to compensate the peat loss of the former years. In contrast, the natural bog-pine ecosystem has likely been a small but consistent carbon sink for decades, which our results suggest is very robust regarding short-term changes of environmental factors.
Coagulation factor XIII deficiency
Authors: Ivaskevicius V. , Thomas A. , Oldenburg J. , Biswas A.
Published: February 2014

The plasma circulating zymogenic coagulation factor XIII (FXIII) is a protransglutaminase, which upon activation by thrombin and calcium cross-links preformed fibrin clots/fibrinolytic inhibitors making them mechanically stable and less susceptible to fibrinolysis. The zymogenic plasma FXIII molecule is a heterotetramer composed of two catalytic FXIII-A and two protective FXIII-B subunits. Factor XIII deficiency resulting from inherited or acquired causes can result in pathological bleeding episodes. A diverse spectrum of mutations have been reported in the F13A1 and F13B genes which cause inherited severe FXIII deficiency. The inherited severe FXIII deficiency, which is a rare coagulation disorder with a prevalence of 1 in 4 million has been the prime focus of clinical and genetic investigations owing to the severity of the bleeding phenotype associated with it. Recently however, with a growing understanding into the pleiotropic roles of FXIII, the fairly frequent milder form of FXIII deficiency caused by heterozygous mutations has become one of the subjects of investigative research. The acquired form of FXIII deficiency is usually caused by generation of autoantibodies or hyperconsumption in other disease states such as disseminated intravascular coagulation. Here, we update the knowledge about the pathophysiology of factor XIII deficiency and its therapeutic options.
Evaluative Studies on the Impact of an Extruded Soy-Cocoa Based Complementary Diet on Growth of the Undernourished Child
Authors: Arueya Gibson Lucky , Oyewole Oyediran Emmanuel , Osundahunsi Oluwatooyin Faramade
Published: February 2014

Undernutrition among children under five remains widespread culminating predominantly in linear growth deficits (? -2SD Units) with its attendant setbacks. Food-based interventions aimed at completely reversing this phenomenon have not had significant impact. Exploring novel dietary interventions has therefore become necessary.

A standard centrally processed food (soyflour + cocoa + corn starch) was subjected to efficacy trial. Using a pretest-posttest controlled experimental design, the impact of the diet was determined on 30 (randomly selected) undernourished children (aged 6-24 months) at the Nutrition Rehabilitation Clinic, Oni Memorial children’s Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Anthropometric, Biochemical and haematological measurements were conducted over a two month duration including follow-up observations according to standard methods.

Results of mean values (cm/month) of linear growth velocity observed for intervention (2.59 ± 2.2) was higher and significantly different from control (0.94 ± 0.08) (p ? 0.05). Elimination of linear growth deficits (? - 2SD units) was successful in 75% and 30% of test subjects aged 6-12 months and 12-24 months respectively using WHO (2006) child growth standard as reference. These outcomes were at variance from the control (p ? 0.05) where deficits persisted. Serum Albumin normalized, having risen by 21.8% in the intervention from 35.5 g/L but contrasted sharply with control’s 4.4% rise from 33.9g/L. Haemoglobin values attained 6.96 mmol/L (Intervention) and 6.14 mmol/L (control) following a similar trend.

The impact of an extruded soy-cocoa based complementary diet has been evaluated and found to be effective in reducing linear growth deficits in children under age two especially those between 6-12 months. Its use for Nutrition rehabilitation is recommended.
Improved Laser Manipulation for On-chip Fabricated Microstructures Based on Solution Replacement and Its Application in Single Cell Analysis
Authors: Yue Tao , Nakajima Masahiro , Takeuchi Masaru , Fukuda Toshio
Published: February 2014

In this paper, we present the fabrication and assembly of microstructures inside a microfluidic device based on a photocrosslinkable resin and optical tweezers. We also report a method of solution replacement inside the microfluidic channel in order to improve the manipulation performance and apply the assembled microstructures for single cell cultivation. By the illumination of patterned ultraviolet (UV) through a microscope, microstructures of arbitrary shape were fabricated by the photocrosslinkable resin inside a microfluidic channel. Based on the microfluidic channel with both glass and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surfaces, immovable and movable microstructures were fabricated and manipulated. The microstructures were fabricated at the desired places and manipulated by the optical tweezers. A rotational microstructure including a microgear and a rotation axis was assembled and rotated in demonstrating this technique. The improved laser manipulation of microstructures was achieved based on the on-chip solution replacement method. The manipulation speed of the microstructures increased when the viscosity of the solvent decreased. The movement efficiency of the fabricated microstructures inside the lower viscosity solvent was evaluated and compared with those microstructures inside the former high viscosity solvent. A novel cell cage was fabricated and the cultivation of a single yeast cell ( w303) was demonstrated in the cell cage, inside the microfluidic device.
Effect of Dopants on Epitaxial Growth of Silicon Nanowires
Authors: Chung Sung Hwan , Ramadurgam Sarath , Yang Chen
Published: February 2014

We investigated the effects of dopants on epitaxial growth of Si NWs, with an emphasis on synthesizing vertical epitaxial Si NW arrays on Si (111) substrates. We found that addition of boron with a B:Si feed-in atomic ratio greater than 1:1000 improved the percentage of Si NWs grown along the vertical <111> direction to more than 90%, compared to 38% for i-Si NWs. We also demonstrated a stemmed growth strategy and achieved a 93% percentage of i-Si NW segments along the vertical <111> direction on Si substrates. In summary, our study opens up potential for using chemical synthesized vertical Si NW arrays integrated on Si substrates for large-scale applications.
Triple negative breast cancer: 5-year results of combined treatment
Authors: Ostapenko Valerijus , Pipirienė Želvienė Teresė , Smailytė Giedrė , Ostapenko Andrej , Meškauskas Raimundas
Published: February 2014

Background. Breast cancer is the most common female cancer worldwide. It is a heterogeneous disease with regard to biological behaviour, responses to treatment and prognosis. The term “triple negative breast cancer” (TNBC), namely, refers to the immunohistochemical classification of breast tumours lacking ER, PgR, and HER2 protein expression. TNBC does not respond to endocrine therapy and chemotherapy remains the main systemic therapeutic option in the adjuvant and metastatic setting of TNBC.
The aim of this study was a retrospective analysis of the results of combined treatment for TNBC.
Patient and methods. In our retrospective analysis, we analized 431 patients with TNBC treated with combination therapy from March 2005 until December 2009 at the Institute of Oncology, Vilnius University. 52.20% of the whole group of patients were women older than 50 years. Stage I was diagnosed in 23.9%, stage II in 49.65%, stage III in 22.74%, stage IV in 3.71% of cases. According to pathological types of the tumour ductal invasive carcinoma was diagnosed in 376 patients (87.24%) and tumour grade G3 was determined in 330 patients (76.57%). All 431 patients underwent surgical treatment, 239 patients had chemotherapy (55.45%). The disease-free survival and overall survival were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. The Log-rank test was used for survival comparison between the groups. P
Five-year survival after sigmoid resection and low vascular ligation versus left hemicolectomy and high ligation for stage I–III sigmoid carcinoma: a retrospective study
Authors: Vitkauskas Vytautas , Samalavičius Narimantas Evaldas , Vitkauskienė Marija
Published: February 2014

Background. There is still a discussion whether or not high ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery and vein during surgery for sigmoid cancer has survival benefit compared to low ligation. Both operations are used today. The aim of our study was to evaluate retrospectively 5-year survival after low ligation in comparison with high ligation for stage I–III sigmoid cancer.
Materials and methods. We reviewed 127 patients who were operated on for stage I–III sigmoid cancer during the period of 5 years (1 January 2003 – 31 December 2007) at the Oncology Institute of Vilnius University. Left hemicolectomy was performed in 20 cases (Group 1), whereas sigmoid resection was performed in 107 cases (Group  2). In Group  1 there were 10 men and 10 women, mean age was 66.4 (std. dev. 7.816, range 50–78). In Group 2 there were 46 men and 61 women, mean age was 66.71 (std. dev. 9.964, range 40–82).
Results. Mean hospital stay was 15.8  days (std.  dev.  4.895, min.  10, max. 30) in Group 1 and 17.47 days (std. dev. 4.995, min. 7, max. 37) in Group 2 (p > 0.005). There were 2 postoperative complications in Group 1 (10%) and 27 in Group 2 (25.2%) (p > 0.005). 5-year survival in Group 1 was 70%, in Group 2 it was 72.9% (p > 0.005).
Conclusions. In our study there was no significant difference in oper­ating time and other variables between the groups, but higher postoperative complication rate and a longer hospital stay was observed after sigmoid resection with low ligation in comparison with left hemicolectomy with high ligation. However, five-year survival rate was not different between the groups. In conclusion, our findings conclude that both techniques give adequate oncological results in cases of sigmoid cancer.
Physiognomonie de l’Autre : des caricatures de la nature à la ségrégation sociale
Authors: Guédron Martial
Published: February 2014

À la fin du xviiie et au début du xixe siècle, bien que discréditée par de nombreux scientifiques et par de nombreux philosophes, la physiognomonie a eu un remarquable impact sur les nouvelles sciences que constituaient alors l’anthropologie, la psychiatrie et la criminologie. Cette influence des théories physiognomoniques est manifeste dans la manière dont les descriptions du visage privilégièrent des protocoles servant à classer les types raciaux, les malades mentaux, les déviants et les criminels. Dans le même temps, la physiognomonie a favorisé, à travers l’interaction entre les images et les discours, une fusion, ou une confusion, entre les critères scientifiques et les critères esthétiques. À une date où le profil grec représentait la plus parfaite incarnation de l’humanité, on peut imaginer que l’hypothèse suivant laquelle la beauté physique était un indice de valeur morale ou de santé mentale a pu avoir des conséquences notables dans la discrimination de certains groupes humains. En fait, l’interférence de préjugés esthétiques sur les savants de l’époque les a conduits à percevoir certains représentants de l’espèce humaine comme des caricatures, c’est-à-dire comme des contre-modèles de la beauté idéale. Par la suite, les préjugés esthétiques ont continué d’interférer largement dans les théories raciales. Or le fait est que cette confusion n’a pas seulement influencé les diverses théories sur la hiérarchie des races, mais aussi celles concernant les différentes classes sociales. C’est pourquoi cet article partira de l’hypothèse de Michel Foucault suivant qui les métaphores de la lutte des races furent souvent transposées dans celles de la lutte des classes.
Firm Earnings Persistence over the Business Cycle: Evidence from Listed Companies in China1
Authors: Li Qingyuan , Wang Hongjian , Rong Xin
Published: February 2014

On the basis of the analytical framework of Tomy (2012) and utilising the 2008 financial crisis as a natural experiment, this paper empirically examines the relationship between earnings persistence and the business cycle. First, compared with earnings persistence during expansion periods, earnings persistence significantly declines when the economic climate worsens. Moreover, the cash component of earnings is more sensitive to the business cycle than the accrual component. Second, compared with the earnings persistence of companies audited by non-Big-Four firms, the earnings persistence of companies audited by the Big Four is more susceptible to the business cycle. Third, compared with the earnings persistence of companies with a highly concentrated shareholding, the earnings persistence of companies with a low degree of ownership concentration is more susceptible to the business cycle. The results demonstrate that economic cyclical fluctuations, as the basic economic operation in the macroeconomy, can exert a direct influence on the earnings persistence of enterprises (micro economy) by affecting firm fundamentals as well as earnings management. In addition, the effect of firm fundamentals on earnings persistence is pro-cyclical, while the effect of earnings management on earnings persistence is counter-cyclical. Therefore, the higher the quality of accounting information and corporate governance, the more susceptible earnings persistence is to the business cycle. Our study contributes evidence that will help to determine how, and in what direction, earnings management affects earnings persistence over the business cycle and provides empirical evidence to enhance our understanding of the mechanism through which the business cycle can influence earnings persistence.
Socio‐hydrology: Use‐inspired water sustainability science for the Anthropocene
Authors: Sivapalan M. , Konar M. , Srinivasan V. , Chhatre A. , Wutich A. , Scott C. A. , Wescoat J. L. , Rodríguez‐Iturbe I.
Published: February 2014

Water is at the core of the most difficult sustainability challenges facing humans in the modern era, involving feedbacks across multiple scales, sectors, and agents. We suggest that a transformative new discipline is necessary to address many and varied water‐related challenges in the Anthropocene. Specifically, we propose socio‐hydrology as a use‐inspired scientific discipline to focus on understanding, interpretation, and scenario development of the flows and stocks in the human‐modified water cycle across time and space scales. A key aspect of socio‐hydrology is explicit inclusion of two‐way feedbacks between human and water systems, which differentiates socio‐hydrology from other inter‐disciplinary disciplines dealing with water. We illustrate the potential of socio‐hydrology through three examples of water sustainability problems, defined as paradoxes, which can only be fully resolved within a new socio‐hydrologic framework that encompasses such two‐way coupling between human and water systems.
Earth's future in the Anthropocene: Technological interventions between piecemeal and utopian social engineering
Authors: Schäfer Stefan , Stelzer Harald , Maas Achim , Lawrence Mark G.
Published: February 2014

An extensive discussion in the academic and policy communities is developing around the possibility of climate engineering through stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI). In this contribution, we develop a perspective on this issue in the context of the wider setting of societal development in the Anthropocene. We draw on Karl Popper's concepts of piecemeal and utopian social engineering to examine how different visions of societal development relate to SAI. Based on this reflection, we argue that the debate on SAI is fueled not only by the inequitable distribution of its effects and potential atmospheric and climatic side effects, as disconcerting as some of these effects and side effects may be, but also, and perhaps primarily, by its apparent privileging of the status quo and incremental change over a more immediate and radical change in societal organization. Although differing ideological orientations might thus help explain the intensity of parts of the debate, the understanding from which they follow, in which societal development is deduced from postulated technological characteristics and assumptions about a technology's use, hides from view a more subtle understanding of the relationship between technology and politics.
Improving InSAR geodesy using Global Atmospheric Models
Authors: Jolivet Romain , Agram Piyush Shanker , Lin Nina Y. , Simons Mark , Doin Marie‐Pierre , Peltzer Gilles , Li Zhenhong
Published: February 2014

Spatial and temporal variations of pressure, temperature, and water vapor content in the atmosphere introduce significant confounding delays in interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) observations of ground deformation and bias estimates of regional strain rates. Producing robust estimates of tropospheric delays remains one of the key challenges in increasing the accuracy of ground deformation measurements using InSAR. Recent studies revealed the efficiency of global atmospheric reanalysis to mitigate the impact of tropospheric delays, motivating further exploration of their potential. Here we explore the effectiveness of these models in several geographic and tectonic settings on both single interferograms and time series analysis products. Both hydrostatic and wet contributions to the phase delay are important to account for. We validate these path delay corrections by comparing with estimates of vertically integrated atmospheric water vapor content derived from the passive multispectral imager Medium‐Resolution Imaging Spectrometer, onboard the Envisat satellite. Generally, the performance of the prediction depends on the vigor of atmospheric turbulence. We discuss (1) how separating atmospheric and orbital contributions allows one to better measure long‐wavelength deformation and (2) how atmospheric delays affect measurements of surface deformation following earthquakes, and (3) how such a method allows us to reduce biases in multiyear strain rate estimates by reducing the influence of unevenly sampled seasonal oscillations of the tropospheric delay.
Impact of wind waves on the air‐sea fluxes: A coupled model
Authors: Kudryavtsev V. , Chapron B. , Makin V.
Published: February 2014

A revised wind‐over‐wave‐coupling model is developed to provide a consistent description of the sea surface drag and heat/moister transfer coefficients, and associated wind velocity and temperature profiles. The spectral distribution of short wind waves in the decimeter to a few millimeters range of wavelengths is introduced based on the wave action balance equation constrained using the Yurovskaya et al. (2013) optical field wave measurements. The model is capable to reproduce fundamental statistical properties of the sea surface, such as the mean square slope and the spectral distribution of breaking crests length. The surface stress accounts for the effect of airflow separation due to wave breaking, which enables a better fit of simulated form drag to observations. The wave breaking controls the overall energy losses for the gravity waves, but also the generation of shorter waves including the parasitic capillaries, thus enhancing the form drag. Breaking wave contribution to the form drag increases rapidly at winds above 15 m/s where it exceeds the nonbreaking wave contribution. The overall impact of wind waves (breaking and nonbreaking) leads to a sheltering of the near‐surface layer where the turbulent mixing is suppressed. Accordingly, the air temperature gradient in this sheltered layer increases to maintain the heat flux constant. The resulting deformation of the air temperature profile tends to lower the roughness scale for temperature compared to its value over the smooth surface.