bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Results of monitoring of the population of Blumeria graminis f.sp. hordei in Latvia in 2009-2010
Authors: Kokina Inese , Rashal Isaak
Published: June 2012

Results of monitoring of the population ofBlumeria graminisf.sp.hordeiin Latvia in 2009-2010

In 2009-2010, random samples of the causal agent of barley powdery mildew were collected in Daugavpils (south-eastern Latvia, Latgale region), Stende (north-western Latvia, Kurzeme region) and Priekuļi (north-eastern Latvia, Vidzeme region). Virulence frequency, complexity and pathotypes were calculated in the pathogen populations. Significant differences of virulence detected by the genesVa1, Va3and Va13occurred among samples of the pathogen population collected in different parts of Latvia. Nei index, Müller's index, Kosman index, Shannon index and Simpson index showed considerably higher diversity in Daugavpils and Stende during 2009-2010. In Daugavpils, the population ofBlumeria graminisf.sp.hordei was particularly characterised by high diversity.
Casting Routes for Porous Metals Production
Authors: Lichy P. , Bednarova V. , Elbel T.
Published: June 2012

Casting Routes for Porous Metals Production

The last decade has seen growing interest in professional public about applications of porous metallic materials. Porous metals represent a new type of materials with low densities, large specific surface, and novel physical and mechanical properties, characterized by low density and large specific surface. They are very suitable for specific applications due to good combination of physical and mechanical properties such as high specific strength and high energy absorption capability. Since the discovery of metal foams have been developed many methods and techniques of production in liquid, solid and gas phases. Condition for the use of metal foams - advanced materials with unique usability features, are inexpensive ways to manage their production. Mastering of production of metallic foams with defined structure and properties using gravity casting into sand or metallic foundry moulds will contribute to an expansion of the assortment produced in foundries by completely new type of material, which has unique service properties thanks to its structure, and which fulfils the current demanding ecological requirements. The aim of research conducted at the department of metallurgy and foundry of VSB-Technical University Ostrava is to verify the possibilities of production of metallic foams by conventional foundry processes, to study the process conditions and physical and mechanical properties of metal foam produced. Two procedures are used to create porous metal structures: Infiltration of liquid metal into the mold cavity filled with precursors or preforms and two stage investment casting.
Bioinformatic Analysis of Prophage Endolysins and Endolysin-Like Genes from the Order Lactobacillales
Authors: Maliničová Lenka , Pristaš Peter , Javorský Peter
Published: June 2012

Bioinformatic Analysis of Prophage Endolysins and Endolysin-Like Genes from the Order Lactobacillales

Endolysins belonging to the group of peptigoglycan hydrolases, which are able to cleave peptidoglycan in bacterial cell walls, become an extensively studied group of enzymes. Thanks to their narrow target specificity and low probability of resistance they are considered to be an appropriate alternative to conventional antibiotics. The present paper concerns the occurrence of endolysin and endolysin-like genes in genomes of bacteria belonging to the order Lactobacillales. Using bioinformatic programmes we compared and analysed protein sequences of catalytic and cell wall binding (CWB) domains of these enzymes, their preferred combinations, their phylogenetic relationship and potential occurence of natural "domain shuffling". The existence of this phenomenon in selected group of enzymes was confirmed only in limited range, so we assume that the natural trend is the distribution of "well-tried" combinations of catalytic and CWB domains of endolysin genes as a whole.
Predictors of Success in a UK Veterinary Medical Undergraduate Course
Authors: Muzyamba Morris Chivwaba , Goode Nigel , Kilyon Margaret , Brodbelt Dave
Published: June 2012

Admission procedures for veterinary undergraduate training programs often include an interview as well as assessment of previous academic performance. In addition to pre-course factors, within-course factors such as performance in earlier years may play a role in determining success in the veterinary course. This study investigated the relationship between pre-course factors and within-course factors as predictors of success within the course. The study population consisted of six first-year cohorts, five second-year cohorts, four third-year cohorts, three fourth-year cohorts, and two fifth-year cohorts. There were a total of 1,347 students from the five-year Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (BVetMed) program at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC). Data from these cohorts consisted of pre-entry demographic (sex, age, and nationality) and admission variables and within-course assessments. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between predictors and outcome. The study confirmed the value of previous academic performance in selecting students for the veterinary degree course but the value of interviews in the selection process was less clear. Within-course examination results were associated with later course outcome and high marks in continuous assessments were associated with overall success in the course. The study supports selection of students on the basis of previous academic performance but not interview scores. Continuous assessment and within-course examination results may be of value in identifying those students most likely to fail and therefore, those who need to be monitored and advised more closely.
Potential of mechanical surface treatment for mould and die production
Authors: Groche Peter , Engels Michael , Steitz Manuel , Müller Clemens , Scheil Jan , Heilmaier Martin
Published: June 2012

The use of mechanical surface treatment methods can extraordinarily increase the productivity in mould and die making processes. The present paper shows how deep rolling and machine hammer peening can smoothen machined surfaces in order to substitute manual polishing processes. Initial roughness of R
a > 3 μm can be smoothed to R
a < 1 μm, independent from the treated material. For a further improvement of the surface quality, a closer look is given to the influence of geometric effects in hammer peening. Both procedures also increase the surface hardness by work hardening. The influence on the attainable work hardening depth is examined in detail. When combined with thermal hardening operations, hardness and smoothness are still influenced positively, although this combination may be constrained by crack nucleation beneath.
Bioplastics from Blends of Cassava and Rice Flours: The Effect of Blend Composition
Authors: Lopattananon N. , Thongpin C. , Sombatsompop N.
Published: June 2012

Bioplastics from melt-mixing of cassava flour, rice flour and their blends with compositions of between 0/100 and 100/0 %wt were successfully obtained using twin-screw extrusion and compression molding processes. The influence of blend composition on the bioplastic's properties was studied. It was found that the flour blends were uniformly mixed. The tensile properties and dynamic properties of the flour bioplastics were examined. The tensile strength and storage modulus of compression molded bioplastics based on rice flour was greater than those of the cassava flour, but their flexibility was lower. The tensile strength and storage modulus of the flour blend bioplastics increased with increasing rice flour content. The flour bioplastics showed two glass transitions, one corresponding to glycerol rich phase and the other corresponding to plasticized starch. For plasticized flour blends, the glass transitions were not affected by the blend composition. The improvement in the mechanical properties of the bioplastics produced from the cassava/rice flour blend could be explained by an increase in the crystallinity level resulting from the higher concentration of rice flour. Using flour blends derived from cassava and rice flours, the bioplastics developed in this study offer a greater performance while maintaining environmental compatibility and sustainability, which allows for a substitution of tradition bioplastics from cassava starch.
Stretch-Blow Molding of PET Copolymers – Influence of Molecular Architecture
Authors: Déloye E. , Haudin J.-M. , Billon N.
Published: June 2012

The purpose of the paper is to study the influence of molecular architecture of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) on its ability to be processed by stretch-blow molding, which is not well documented in the literature. To evaluate this process ability, it proposes an original strategy combining laboratory analyses and experiments on a prototype machine. PET copolymers were prepared from three types of comonomers: diethylene glycol (DEG), isophthalic acid (IPA) and trimethylolpropane (TMP). It is first shown, through laboratory experiments, that the nature of the polymer in terms of chain constitution (copolymerization), chain length (intrinsic viscosity) and purity (catalytic residues) greatly affects many properties: melt crystallization, thermal properties, polymer rigidity and drawability. These different properties obviously induce very different behaviours at the different steps of the stretch-blow molding process: injection-molding of the preform (quenchability), heating (IR absorption), stretch-blow (rigidity and drawability). The stretch-blow step has been simulated on a prototype apparatus designed in our laboratory. It has been shown that free blowing can be used to characterize the process ability of the polymer. A statistical analysis has confirmed the great differences between the materials investigated and pointed out the complexity of the material response during blowing.
Standardizing cost-utility analysis in neurosurgery
Authors: Ament Jared D. , Kim Kee D.
Published: June 2012

This review seeks to introduce the concept of cost-utility analysis in neurosurgery and to highlight its essential components. It also includes a suggested approach to standardization, which would help bring more credence to this research and potentially affect management choices, reimbursement, and policy.
Reengineering acute episodic and chronic care delivery: the Geisinger Health System experience
Authors: Slotkin Jonathan R. , Casale Alfred S. , Steele Glenn D. , Toms Steven A.
Published: June 2012

Comparative effectiveness research (CER) represents an evolution in clinical decision-making research that allows for the study of heterogeneous groups of patients with complex diseases processes. It has foundations in decision science, reliability science, and health care policy research. Health care finance will increasingly rely on CER for guidance in the coming years. There is increasing awareness of the importance of decreasing unwarranted variation in health care delivery. In the past 7 years, Geisinger Health System has performed broad reengineering of its acute episodic and chronic care delivery models utilizing macrosystem-level application of CER principles. These provider-driven process initiatives have resulted in significant improvement across all segments of care delivery, improved patient outcomes, and notable cost containment. These programs have led to the creation of novel pricing models, and when “hardwired” throughout a care delivery system, they can lead to correct medical decision making by 100% of providers in all patient encounters. Neurosurgery as a specialty faces unique challenges and opportunities with respect to broad adoption and application of CER techniques.
Interrupted intracarotid artery cold saline infusion as an alternative method for neuroprotection after ischemic stroke
Authors: Ji Ya-Bin , Wu Yong-Ming , Ji Zhong , Song Wei , Xu Sui-Yi , Wang Yao , Pan Su-Yue
Published: June 2012

Object

Intracarotid artery cold saline infusion (ICSI) is an effective method for protecting brain tissue, but its use is limited because of undesirable secondary effects, such as severe decreases in hematocrit levels, as well as its relatively brief duration. In this study, the authors describe and investigate the effects of a novel ICSI pattern (interrupted ICSI) relative to the traditional method (uninterrupted ICSI).

Methods

Ischemic strokes were induced in 85 male Sprague-Dawley rats by occluding the middle cerebral artery for 3 hours using an intraluminal filament. Uninterrupted infusion groups received an infusion at 15 ml/hour for 30 minutes continuously. The same infusion speed was used in the interrupted infusion groups, but the whole duration was divided into trisections, and there was a 20-minute interval without infusion between sections. Forty-eight hours after reperfusion, H & E and silver nitrate staining were utilized for morphological assessment. Infarct sizes and brain water contents were determined using H & E staining and the dry-wet weight method, respectively. Levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE), S100β protein, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in the serum were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Neurological deficits were also evaluated.

Results

Histology showed that interrupted ICSI did not affect neurons or fibers in rat brains, which suggests that this method is safe for brain tissues with ischemia. The duration of hypothermia induced by interrupted ICSI was longer than that induced via the traditional method, and the decrease in hematocrit levels was less pronounced. There were no differences in infarct size or brain water content between uninterrupted and interrupted ICSI groups, but neuron-specific enolase and matrix metalloproteinase 9 serum levels were more reduced after interrupted ICSI than after the traditional method.

Conclusions

Interrupted ICSI is a safe method. Compared with traditional ICSI, the interrupted method has a longer duration of hypothermia and less effect on hematocrit and offers more potentially improved neuroprotection, thereby making it more attractive as an infusion technique in the clinic.
Publication patterns of comparative effectiveness research in spine neurosurgery
Authors: Hueng Dueng-Yuan , Tsai Chia-Lin , Hsu Shih-Wei , Ma Hsin-I
Published: June 2012

Object

The purpose of this study was to investigate publication patterns for comparative effectiveness research (CER) on spine neurosurgery.

Methods

The authors searched the PubMed database for the period 1980–2012 using the key words “cost analysis,” “utility analysis,” “cost-utility,” “outcomes research,” “practical clinical research,” “comparator trial,” and “comparative effectiveness research,” linked with “effectiveness” and “spine neurosurgery.”

Results

From 1980 through April 9, 2012, neurosurgery CER publications accounted for 1.38% of worldwide CER publications (8657 of 626,330 articles). Spine neurosurgery CER accounted for only 0.02%, with 132 articles. The journal with the greatest number of publications on spine neurosurgery CER was Spine, followed by the Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine. The average annual publication rate for spine neurosurgery CER during this period was 4 articles (132 articles in 33 years), with 68 (51.52%) of the 132 articles being published within the past 5 years and a rising trend beginning in 2008. The top 3 contributing countries were the US, Turkey, and Japan, with 68, 8, and 7 articles, respectively. Only 8 regular articles (6.06%) focused on cost analysis.

Conclusions

There is a paucity of publications using CER methodology in spine neurosurgery. Few articles address the issue of cost analysis. The promotion of continuing medical education in CER methodology is warranted. Further investigations to address cost analysis in comparative effectiveness studies of spine neurosurgery are crucial to expand the application of CER in public health.
Gate-Induced Thermally Stimulated Current on the Ferroelectric-like Dielectric Properties of (BEDT-TTF)(TCNQ) Crystalline Field Effect Transistor
Authors: Sakai Masatoshi , Hanada Mitsutoshi , Kuniyoshi Shigekazu , Yamauchi Hiroshi , Nakamura Masakazu , Kudo Kazuhiro
Published: June 2012

A gate-induced thermally stimulated current (TSC) on β′-(BEDT-TTF)(TCNQ) crystalline FET were conducted to elucidate the previously observed ferroelectric-like behaviors. TSC which is symmetric for the polarization of an applied VPG and has a peak at around 285 K was assigned as a pyroelectric current. By integrating the pyroelectric current, temperature dependence of the remnant polarization charge was obtained and the existence of the ferroelectric phase transition at 285 K was clearly demonstrated. We have tentatively concluded that the phase transition between dimer Mott insulator and charge ordered phase occurred at around the interface of organic crystal and substrate.
WEB-BASED CONTRACTOR EVALUATION SYSTEM FOR MASS-HOUSING PROJECTS IN TURKEY
Authors: Arslan Gokhan
Published: June 2012

Determining the most appropriate contractor for a construction project is a highly critical issue. Selecting the right contractor for the right job can significantly influence the overall project performance. In the selection process, construction clients have to know all financial, technical and general information about the contractors to determine the most appropriate one for the project. Within this context, clients should consider several criteria that may include quality of production, adequacy of technical staff and financial stability. In this study, a survey was carried out among 52 construction professionals working at the Public Housing Development Administration (PHDA) in Turkey. The objective of this survey is to examine the relative weights of the criteria that have been using by this owner in the construction contractor selection process. Afterwards, a web-based contractor evaluation system, WEB-CONTEST, by which the contractors can be evaluated based on a combined criterion, is proposed. The system facilitates the contractor selection process and enables the construction owner to select the most correct contractors for its relevant projects.
THE INFLUENCE OF THE TYPE OF ANTI-FOAMING ADMIXTURE AND SUPERPLASTICIZER ON THE PROPERTIES OF SELF-COMPACTING MORTAR AND CONCRETE
Authors: Łazniewska-Piekarczyk Beata , Szwabowski Janusz
Published: June 2012

To prevent excessive air entrainment, superplasticizers (SPs) should not only be compatible with cement, but also should not create the air-entraining effect in mortar. In order to counteract excessive air entrainment, anti-foaming admixtures (AFAs) can be used to prevent the formation of air bubbles. This paper investigates the influence of the type, amount and time of introduction of AFAs on air-entrainment, rheological properties and workability loss of self-compacting mortar. The research results prove that AFAs decrease air-content in mortar. Mortar containing an AFA does not undergo segregation, as is the case with mortars of a similar degree of fluidity with no AFA and incorporating an SP only. Moreover, mortar with an AFA keeps initial consistency for longer in comparison to mortar with a SP only. The properties of hardened mortar mixes are also investigated. The research results show that AFAs do not have a significant influence on the compressive strength of mortar mixtures. The compressive strength of mortar mixtures incorporating an AFA is similar to mortar with a non-air-entraining SP. Moreover, AFAs increase significantly the flexural strength of mortar. In most cases, AFAs do not decrease the absorbability of mortar. Only two types of AFAs increase slightly the absorbability of mortar. In order to explain this phenomenon, a research was performed investigating the porosity structure according to the EN 480-11 (1999) and SEM analyses of two types of self-compacting concrete (SCC): one made of mortar with an AFA and the other without AFA. The freeze-proof resistance of SCC (made of the same mortar mixes) was also investigated according to PN-88/B-06250 (2003). The results show that the type of AFA and SP significantly influences porosity characteristics and frost-resistance of SCC.
CAUSES OF DELAYS IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN TURKEY
Authors: Kazaz Aynur , Ulubeyli Serdar , Tuncbilekli Nihan Avcioglu
Published: June 2012

In both developing and industrialized countries, deviation from a planned time schedule is one of the most frequently encountered problems in construction investments. Various factors faced with during construction period prevent systematic flow of work, which causes time-based anomalies as a conclusion. Considering the vital importance of the construction industry on the macro-economic structure of a country, it is inevitable to be aware of considerable effect of the timely completion on the allocated project budget. In this study, causes of time extensions in the Turkish construction industry and levels of their importance were examined together. In total, 34 factors affecting project duration were taken into account. A questionnaire survey, including these factors, was then applied to 71 construction companies in Turkey, and the outcomes were evaluated by means of statistical analyses. According to the results, “design and material changes” was found to be the most predominant factor, followed by “delay of payments” and “cash flow problems”. In terms of importance levels of factor groups, financial factors were found to be the first group, while environmental factors were the least effective group. It should be also noted that managerial causes of time extensions are encountered in developed and developing countries, whereas financial causes are experienced in developing countries only.
LITHUANIAN CASE STUDY OF MASONRY BUILDINGS FROM THE SOVIET PERIOD
Authors: Brauers Willem Karel M. , Kracka Modestas , Zavadskas Edmundas Kazimieras
Published: June 2012

This paper presents the process of effective selection of building elements for renovation important for energy saving in buildings. A large part of energy is lost in non-effective buildings. Therefore, in renovation of buildings, it is important to select effective structural improvements. Building insulation could not only save energy but also time, money and materials, which means that different objectives expressed in different units have to be fulfilled. Although different methods exist for the application of Multi Objective Optimisation, MULTIMOORA, which is composed of three sub-methods – Ratio System, Reference Point Method that uses ratios from the ratio system, and the Full Multiplicative Form – was preferred. Consequently, different solutions for building envelope renovation were ranked by MULTIMOORA as applied for masonry buildings from the Soviet period.
USING SOFT PRECEDENCE RELATIONS FOR REDUCTION OF THE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT DURATION
Authors: Jaskowski Piotr , Sobotka Anna
Published: June 2012

Current network techniques used for project scheduling presume that there is only one logical sequence of activities. However, in reality, the precedence logic of activities is not necessarily unchangeable. There are two types of relations between activities: fixed (hard) and soft. Current scheduling methods do not differentiate between these two types of relations and require a planner to choose one particular logical sequence based on some assumptions. The paper presents a model that allows for “weakening” the links between activities, i.e. that permits concurrent execution of activities or reversing their order, but this may require additional resource-consuming works or expenditures. The model involves two subtypes of soft logic: REVERSED and CANCELED to represent the soft relations between activities. Its mathematical form is a mixed linear integer programming model of minimizing the project duration without exceeding the allowed budget. The paper presents an example of practical application of the method to scheduling interior finishing works. The results support the argument that using soft logic relations between construction activities provides more flexibility in reducing project duration, activities timing and resource allocation.
MICRO-NETWORK CREATION IN INDUSTRIAL SURVEYING
Authors: Pospíšilová Lucie , Pospíšil Jiří , Staňková Hana
Published: June 2012

Industrial surveying is special field of work within engineering surveying. In this article we have documented some procedures and principles which are very special in industrial surveying.

A micro-network consists of net points which are set as a base for all surveying in the industry. These points create coordinate system for all measured parts of the machine. For realization of micro-network are used well known geodetic methods such as triangulation, trilateration, levelling or trigonometric high. As horizontal and vertical controls do not exist in a factory hall, a surveyor has to find some different method to start working.
A Cognitive Approach to Scientific Data Mining for Syndrome Discovery
Authors: Gagliardi Francesco
Published: June 2012

The author introduces a machine learning system for cluster analysis to take on the problem of syndrome discovery in the clinical domain. A syndrome is a set of typical clinical features (a prototype) that appear together often enough to suggest they may represent a single, unknown, disease. The discovery of syndromes and relative taxonomy formation is therefore the critical early phase of the process of scientific discovery in the medical domain. The system proposed discovers syndromes following Eleanor Rosch’s prototype theory on how the human mind categorizes and forms taxonomies, and thereby to understand how humans perform these activities and to automate or assist the process of scientific discovery. The system implemented can be considered a scientific discovery support system as it can discover unknown syndromes to the advantage of subsequent clinical practices and research activities.
Record management practices in labour organisations in Botswana
Authors: Kalusopa Trywell , Ngulube Patrick
Published: June 2012

Background: This article is part of a doctoral research study that, amongst others, assessed e-records readiness and examined the current records management practices in labour organisations in Botswana.Objective: The main objective of the study was to examine records management practices in labour organisations in Botswana.Methods: A quantitative paradigm largely guided this study. The researchers used a survey research strategy. Methodological triangulation of both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods complemented the strategy. The researchers surveyed all of the 50 registered labour organisations in Botswana. Of these, 45 responded. This is a response rate of 90%. The researchers obtained their data through structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, document reviews and observations.Results: The study showed that labour organisations in Botswana had some form of records management function. However, the management of both paper-based and electronic records was not satisfactory and fell short of the best-recognised records management standards and practices.Conclusion: Although the researchers limited the study to labour organisations, it sheds light on the challenges of managing records that most organisations in Botswana face. Its results provide useful strategic recommendations to promote effective records management in labour organisations in Botswana and elsewhere in Africa.
Cytomorphology of unusual infectious entities in the Pap test
Authors: Khalbuss Walid E. , Michelow Pam , Benedict Cynthia , Monaco Sara E. , Pantanowitz Liron
Published: June 2012

Rare entities in the Pap test, including neoplastic and non-neoplastic conditions, pose challenges due to their infrequent occurrence in the daily practice of cytology. Furthermore, these conditions give rise to important diagnostic pitfalls. Infections such as tuberculosis cervicitis may be erroneously diagnosed as carcinoma, whereas others, such as schistosomiasis, are associated with squamous cell carcinoma. These cases include granuloma inguinale (donovanosis), tuberculosis, coccidioidomycosis, schistosomiasis, taeniasis, and molluscum contagiosum diagnosed in Pap tests. Granuloma inguinale shows histiocytes that contain intracytoplasmic bacteria (Donovan bodies). Tuberculosis is characterized by necrotizing granulomatous inflammation with Langhans-multinucleated giant cells. Coccidioidomycosis may show large intact or ruptured fungal spherules associated with endospores. Schistosoma haematobium is diagnosed by finding characteristic ova with a terminal spine. Molluscum contagiosum is characterized by the appearance of squamous cells with molluscum bodies. This article reviews the cytomorphology of selected rare infections and focuses on their cytomorphology, differential diagnosis, and role of ancillary diagnostic studies.
An unusual case of Primary Effusion Lymphoma with aberrant T-cell phenotype in a HIV-negative, HBV-positive, cirrhotic patient, and review of the literature
Authors: Nepka Charitini , Kanakis Dimitrios , Samara Maria , Kapsoritakis Andreas , Potamianos Spyridon , Karantana Maria , Koukoulis Georgios
Published: June 2012

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is an unusual, human herpes virus-8 (HHV-8)–associated type of lymphoma, presenting as lymphomatous effusion in body cavities, without a detectable tumor mass. It primarily affects human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients, but has also been described in other immunocompromised individuals. Although PEL is a B-cell lymphoma, the neoplastic cells are usually of the ‘null’ phenotype by immunocytochemistry. This report describes a case of PEL with T-cell phenotype in a HIV-negative patient and reviews all the relevant cases published until now. Our patient suffered from cirrhosis associated with Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and presented with a large ascitic effusion, in the absence of peripheral lymphadenopathy or solid mass within either the abdomen or the thorax. Paracentesis disclosed large lymphoma cells with anaplastic features consisting of moderate cytoplasm and single or occasionally multiple irregular nuclei with single or multiple prominent nucleoli. Immunocytochemically, these cells were negative for both CD3 and CD20, but showed a positive reaction for T-cell markers CD43 and CD45RO (VCHL-1). Furthermore, the neoplastic cells revealed strong positivity for EMA and CD30, but they lacked expression of ALK-1, TIA-1, and Perforin. The immune status for both HHV-8 and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was evaluated and showed positive immunostaining only for the former. The combination of the immunohistochemistry results with the existence of a clonal rearrangement in the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene (identified by PCR), were compatible with the diagnosis of PEL. The presence of T-cell markers was consistent with the diagnosis of PEL with an aberrant T-cell phenotype.
Training for Rural Radiology and Imaging in Sub-Saharan Africa: Addressing the Mismatch Between Services and Population
Authors: Kawooya Michael G.
Published: June 2012

The objectives of this review are to outline the needs, challenges, and training interventions for rural radiology (RR) training in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Rural radiology may be defined as imaging requirements of the rural communities. In SSA, over 80% of the population is rural. The literature was reviewed to determine the need for imaging in rural Africa, the challenges, and training interventions. Up to 50% of the patients in the rural health facilities in Uganda may require imaging, largely ultrasound and plain radiography. In Uganda, imaging is performed, on an average, in 50% of the deserving patients in the urban areas, compared to 10–13 % in the rural areas. Imaging has been shown to increase the utilization of facility-based rural health services and to impact management decisions. The challenges in the rural areas are different from those in the urban areas. These are related to disease spectrum, human resource, and socio-economic, socio-cultural, infrastructural, and academic disparities. Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, for which information on training intervention was available, included: Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Ghana, Malawi, and Sudan. Favorable national policies had been instrumental in implementing these interventions. The interventions had been made by public, private-for-profit (PFP), private-not-for profit (PNFP), local, and international academic institutions, personal initiatives, and professional societies. Ultrasound and plain radiography were the main focus. Despite these efforts, there were still gross disparities in the RR services for SSA. In conclusion, there have been training interventions targeted toward RR in Africa. However, gross disparities in RR provision persist, requiring an effective policy, plus a more organized, focused, and sustainable approach, by the stakeholders.
Primary Endobronchial Leiomyosarcoma of the Lung: Clinical, Gross and Microscopic Findings of Two Cases
Authors: Elouazzani Hafsa , Zouaidia Fouad , Jahid Ahmed , Bernoussi Zakiya , Mahassini Najat
Published: June 2012

Primary leiomyosarcoma of the lung is an unusual malignant tumor. Among this entity, the endobronchial form is very rare and the preoperative diagnosis is extremely difficult. We present two different presentations and outcomes of primary endobronchial leiomyosarcoma of the lung. In both cases, the histological study and the immunohistochemical stain, of the surgical resection, provided the final diagnosis. Through those cases we present the diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties encountered.
“Knot Stent”: An Unusual Cause of Acute Renal Failure in Solitary Kidney
Authors: Moufid Kamal , Touiti Driss , Mohamed Lezrek
Published: June 2012

The insertion of indwelling ureteric stents is a routine procedure in urology practice. Complications secondary to the insertion of these stents have also increased, such as stent encrustation, stent fragmentation, stone formation, and recurrent urinary tract infections. Knot formation within the renal pelvis or in the coiled portion of the ureteral stent is an extremely rare condition, with less than 15 cases reported in literature. The authors report a rare case of knotted stent, complicated by an obstructive acute renal failure and urosepsis, in a patient with a solitary functioning kidney.
Topological skeleton of the 2-D slightly non-ideal MHD system close to X-type magnetic null points – an analysis of the general solution for the generic case
Authors: Nickeler D. H. , Karlický M. , Bárta M.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. The appearance of eruptive space plasma processes, e.g. in eruptive flares as observed in the solar atmosphere, is usually assumed to be caused by magnetic reconnection, often connected with singular points of the magnetic field. We are interested in the general relation between the eigenvalues of the Jacobians of the plasma velocity and the magnetic field and their relation to the shape of a spatially varying, localized non-idealness or resistivity, i.e. we are searching for the general solution. We perform a local analysis of almost all regular, generic, structurally stable non-ideal or resistive MHD solutions. Therefore we use Taylor expansions of the magnetic field, the velocity field and all other physical quantities, including the non-idealness, and with the method of comparison of coefficients, the non-linear resistive MHD system is solved analytically, locally in a close vicinity of the null point. We get a parameterised general solution that provides us with the topological and geometrical skeleton of the resistive MHD fields. These local solutions provide us with the "roots" of field and streamlines around the null points of basically all possible 2-D reconnection solutions. We prove mathematically that necessarily, the flow close to the magnetic X-point must also be of X-point type to guarantee positive dissipation of energy and annihilation of magnetic flux. We also prove that, if the non-idealness has only a one-dimensional, sheet-like structure, only one separatrix line can be crossed by the plasma flow, similar to known reconnective annihilation solutions.
Spatial distribution of rolled up Kelvin-Helmholtz vortices at Earth's dayside and flank magnetopause
Authors: Taylor M. G. G. T. , Hasegawa H. , Lavraud B. , Phan T. , Escoubet C. P. , Dunlop M. W. , Bogdanova Y. V. , Borg A. L. , Volwerk M. , Berchem J. , Constantinescu O. D. , Eastwood J. P. , Masson A. , Laakso H. , Soucek J. , Fazakerley A. N. , Frey H. U. , Panov E. V. , Shen C. , Shi J. K. , Sibeck D. G. , Pu Z. Y. , Wang J. , Wild J. A.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. The Kelvin-Helmholtz Instability (KHI) can drive waves at the magnetopause. These waves can grow to form rolled-up vortices and facilitate transfer of plasma into the magnetosphere. To investigate the persistence and frequency of such waves at the magnetopause we have carried out a survey of all Double Star 1 magnetopause crossings, using a combination of ion and magnetic field measurements. Using criteria originally used in a Geotail study made by Hasegawa et al. (2006) (forthwith referred to as H2006), 17 candidate events were identified from the entire TC-1 mission (covering ~623 orbits where the magnetopause was sampled), a majority of which were on the dayside of the terminator. The relationship between density and shear velocity was then investigated, to identify the predicted signature of a rolled up vortex from H2006 and all 17 events exhibited some level of rolled up behavior. The location of the events had a clear dawn-dusk asymmetry, with 12 (71%) on the post noon, dusk flank suggesting preferential growth in this region.
Ranges of moisture-source temperature estimated from Antarctic ice cores stable isotope records over glacial–interglacial cycles
Authors: Uemura R. , Masson-Delmotte V. , Jouzel J. , Landais A. , Motoyama H. , Stenni B.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. A single isotope ratio (δD or δ18O) of water is widely used as an air-temperature proxy in Antarctic ice core records. These isotope ratios, however, do not solely depend on air-temperature but also on the extent of distillation of heavy isotopes out of atmospheric water vapor from an oceanic moisture source to a precipitation site. The temperature changes at the oceanic moisture source (Δ Tsource) and at the precipitation site (Δ Tsite) can be retrieved by using deuterium-excess (d) data. A new d record from Dome Fuji, Antarctica spanning the past 360 000 yr is presented and compared with records from Vostok and EPICA Dome C ice cores. In previous studies, to retrieve Δ Tsource and Δ Tsite information, different linear regression equations were proposed using theoretical isotope distillation models. A major source of uncertainty lies in the coefficient of regression, βsite which is related to the sensitivity of d to Δ Tsite. We show that different ranges of temperature and selections of isotopic model outputs may increase the value of βsite by more than a factor of two. To explore the impacts of this coefficient on reconstructed temperatures, we apply for the first time the exact same methodology to the isotope records from the three Antarctica ice cores. We show that uncertainties in the βsite coefficient strongly affect (i) the glacial–interglacial magnitude of Δ Tsource; (ii) the imprint of obliquity in Δ Tsource and in the site-source temperature gradient. By contrast, we highlight the robustness of Δ Tsite reconstruction using water isotopes records.
Investigating patterns and controls of groundwater up-welling in a lowland river by combining Fibre-optic Distributed Temperature Sensing with observations of vertical hydraulic gradients
Authors: Krause S. , Blume T. , Cassidy N. J.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. This paper investigates the patterns and controls of aquifer–river exchange in a fast-flowing lowland river by the conjunctive use of streambed temperature anomalies identified with Fibre-optic Distributed Temperature Sensing (FO-DTS) and observations of vertical hydraulic gradients (VHG). FO-DTS temperature traces along this lowland river reach reveal discrete patterns with "cold spots" indicating groundwater up-welling. In contrast to previous studies using FO-DTS for investigation of groundwater–surface water exchange, the fibre-optic cable in this study was buried in the streambed sediments, ensuring clear signals despite fast flow and high discharges. During the observed summer baseflow period, streambed temperatures in groundwater up-welling locations were found to be up to 1.5 °C lower than ambient streambed temperatures. Due to the high river flows, the cold spots were sharp and distinctly localized without measurable impact on down-stream surface water temperature. VHG patterns along the stream reach were highly variable in space, revealing strong differences even at small scales. VHG patterns alone are indicators of both, structural heterogeneity of the stream bed as well as of the spatial heterogeneity of the groundwater–surface water exchange fluxes and are thus not conclusive in their interpretation. However, in combination with the high spatial resolution FO-DTS data we were able to separate these two influences and clearly identify locations of enhanced exchange, while also obtaining information on the complex small-scale streambed transmissivity patterns responsible for the very discrete exchange patterns. The validation of the combined VHG and FO-DTS approach provides an effective strategy for analysing drivers and controls of groundwater–surface water exchange, with implications for the quantification of biogeochemical cycling and contaminant transport at aquifer–river interfaces.
Retention and radiative forcing of black carbon in Eastern Sierra Nevada snow
Authors: Sterle K. M. , McConnell J. R. , Dozier J. , Edwards R. , Flanner M. G.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. Snow and glacier melt water contribute water resources to a fifth of Earth's population. Snow melt processes are sensitive not only to temperature changes, but also changes in albedo caused by deposition of particles such as refractory black carbon (rBC) and continental dust. The concentrations, sources, and fate of rBC particles in seasonal snow and its surface layers are uncertain, and thus an understanding of rBC's effect on snow albedo, melt processes, and radiation balance is critical for water management in a changing climate. Measurements of rBC in a sequence of snow pits and surface snow samples in the Eastern Sierra Nevada of California during the snow accumulation and melt seasons of 2009 show that concentrations of rBC were enhanced seven fold in surface snow (~25 ng g−1) compared to bulk values in the snow pack (~3 ng g−1). Unlike major ions which are preferentially released during initial melt, rBC and continental dust are retained in the snow, enhancing concentrations late into spring, until a final flush well into the melt period. We estimate a combined rBC and continental dust surface radiative forcing of 20 to 40 W m−2 during April and May, with dust likely contributing a greater share of the forcing than rBC.
Micro‐Supercapacitors Based on Interdigital Electrodes of Reduced Graphene Oxide and Carbon Nanotube Composites with Ultrahigh Power Handling Performance
Authors: Beidaghi Majid , Wang Chunlei
Published: June 2012

A novel method for fabricating micro‐patterned interdigitated electrodes based on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and carbon nanotube (CNT) composites for ultra‐high power handling micro‐supercapacitor application is reported. The binder‐free microelectrodes were developed by combining electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) and photolithography lift‐off methods. Without typically used thermal or chemical reduction, GO sheets are readily reduced to rGO during the ESD deposition. Electrochemical measurements show that the in‐plane interdigital design of the microelectrodes is effective in increasing accessibility of electrolyte ions in‐between stacked rGO sheets through an electro‐activation process. Addition of CNTs results in reduced restacking of rGO sheets and improved energy and power density. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements show that the specific capacitance of the micro‐supercapacitor based on rGO–CNT composites is 6.1 mF cm−2 at 0.01 V s−1. At a very high scan rate of 50 V s−1, a specific capacitance of 2.8 mF cm−2 (stack capacitance of 3.1 F cm−3) is recorded, which is an unprecedented performance for supercapacitors. The addition of CNT, electrolyte‐accessible and binder‐free microelectrodes, as well as an interdigitated in‐plane design result in a high‐frequency response of the micro‐supercapacitors with resistive‐capacitive time constants as low as 4.8 ms. These characteristics suggest that interdigitated rGO–CNT composite electrodes are promising for on‐chip energy storage application with high power demands.
Asymmetric Domino Nitro‐Michael/Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons Reaction for Disubstituted Cyclohexenecarboxylate Annulation: Efficient Synthesis of Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV Inhibitor ABT‐341 and Influenza Neuraminidase Inhibitor
Authors: Weng Jiang , Li Jun‐Ming , Li Feng‐Quan , Xie Zhi‐Sheng , Lu Gui
Published: June 2012

An asymmetric domino nitro‐Michael/Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons (HWE) reaction involving α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes and nitro phosphonates has been developed, which gave 4,5‐disubstituted cyclohexenecarboxylates with high stereoselectivities (dr up to >20:1, ee 83–92%) in good yields (44–76%). Furthermore, using this methodology as a key step, a short and practical synthesis of pharmaceutically useful compounds (such as the dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor ABT‐341 and an influenza neuraminidase inhibitor) has also been accomplished.
Palladium(II)‐Catalyzed Cycloamidination via C(sp2)H Activation and Isocyanide Insertion
Authors: Wang Yong , Zhu Qiang
Published: June 2012

An efficient method for the synthesis of nitrogen heterocycles containing a cyclic amidine moiety has been developed. The process involves palladium‐catalyzed C(sp2)H activation and isocyanide insertion starting with readily accessible ortho‐heteroarene‐substituted aniline derivatives under mild conditions.
Highly Selective Palladium‐Catalysed Aminocarbonylation of Aryl Iodides using a Bulky Diphosphine Ligand
Authors: de la Fuente Verónica , Godard Cyril , Claver Carmen , Castillón Sergio
Published: June 2012

An efficient methodology for the synthesis of amides via palladium‐catalysed aminocarbonylation of aryl iodides is reported using the bulky cis‐1,2‐bis[(di‐tert‐butylphosphino)methyl]cyclohexane ligand under atmospheric pressure of carbon monoxide. Excellent conversions (up to 99%) and chemoselectivities (up to 99%) were obtained for a range of aryl iodides and amine nucleophiles. The effect of the substituents on the substrate and nucleophiles on the catalytic performance was investigated. An NMR study was also carried out and key intermediates of the catalytic cycle were detected and characterised.
Chemical Modification of Amberlite XAD‐2 by Immobilization of Calcein Blue for Extractive Concentration of Lead(II) Ion in Environmental Samples
Authors: Moniri Elham , Panahi Homayon Ahmad , Karimi Meghdad , Rajabi Nasir Ahmad , Faridi Mohammad
Published: June 2012

A chelating resin is produced by coupling a dye calcein blue to Amberlite XAD‐2 through an azo spacer. The resulting resin has been characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis and studied for the preconcentration and determination of trace Pb(II) from solution samples. The optimum pH for adsorption of lead ions was 6.5. The sorption capacity of functionalized resin is 40.22 mg g−1. The chelating resin can be reused for 10 cycles without any significant changes in the sorption capacity. A recovery of 100% was obtained for Pb(II) when eluted with 0.5 M nitric acid. Scatchard analysis revealed that homogeneous binding sites were formed in the resin. The equilibrium adsorption data of Pb(II) on a modified resin were analyzed using the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin models. Based on equilibrium adsorption data, the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin constants were determined as 0.044, 4.127, and 0.540 , respectively, at pH 6.5 and 20°C. The method was applied for the Pb(II) assay in environmental samples. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 32: E462–E473, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21293