bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tourists' Intention of Returning to a Visited Destination: Cruise Ship Passengers in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
Authors: Brida Juan Gabriel , Coletti Paolo
Published: November 2012

This study contributes to the growing literature on repeat visitation by examining the factors that affect a cruise ship passenger's stated likelihood of returning to a visited port as a stayover tourist. Results from a survey on cruise ship passengers that stopped in Cartagena de Indias
(Colombia) during the second semester of 2009 suggest that about one half of the respondents plan a return trip to the area. We show that the probability of returning to the destination depends positively on the residence geographic area, on the level of satisfaction declared by the passenger,
on the time spent out the ship, and especially on whether the tourist usually travels in cruises. The average visitor wanting to return as stayover tourist is thus male, lives in the Caribbean area, is highly educated, young, on his first cruise, on an self-organized visit, and has spend a
lot of time in port and experienced satisfactory services and security.
Promotion of Ecotourism Principles by Whale-Watching Companies' Marketing Efforts
Authors: Kur Nhial Tiitmamer , Hvenegaard Glen T.
Published: November 2012

For the whale-watching industry to be managed according to ecotourism principles, it should focus on nature-based attractions, provide environmental education, and promote environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Using 62 whale-watching brochures from 1998, 2005, and 2010,
the study analyzed how whale-watching companies on Vancouver Island, Canada, marketed their businesses in line with these three ecotourism principles. The results suggest that Vancouver Island whale-watching companies promote most ecotourism principles, primarily those orientated to nature-based
attractions and environmental education, but more attention could be paid to sustainability. The total number of environmental education activities and environmental sustainability initiatives increased over time, but most individual variables addressing the ecotourism principles did not change
over time.
Bioactive selaginellins from Selaginella tamariscina (Beauv.) Spring
Authors: Yang Chao , Shao Yutian , Li Kang , Xia Wujiong
Published: November 2012

A new selaginellin named selaginellin O (1), along with three other known selaginellins (2–4) were isolated from Selaginella tamariscina (Beauv.) Spring. On the basis of spectroscopic analysis, the structure of selaginellin O was demonstrated to be 4-[(4’-hydroxy-4-formyl-3-((4-hydroxyphenyl)ethynyl)biphenyl-2-yl)(4-hydroxyphenyl)methylene]cyclohexa-2,5-dien-1-one. Compound 1, 2 and 3 exhibited appreciable cytotoxic activity against cultured HeLa cells (human cervical carcinoma cells), as well as significant antioxidant activity.
Palliative Care in a Community Hospital: Educating Nurses to Embrace This New Initiative
Authors: Kazandjian Annie
Published: November 2012

Palliative care, often mistaken for hospice care, improves patients’ quality of life via symptom management of life-limiting illnesses. A community hospital began a palliative care team. Along with Nursing Education, this team educated a group of nurses to implement treatment modalities and offered ongoing education to prepare nurses to become certified in palliative and hospice nursing.
The Learner-Centered Syllabus
Authors: Robb Meigan
Published: November 2012

The Learner-Centered Syllabus (LCS) is a carefully constructed all-inclusive course guide. Using a LCS encourages and empowers students to take an active role in the learning process.
Novel Technique for Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction of the Elbow
Authors: Acevedo Daniel C. , Lee Brian , Mirzayan Raffy
Published: November 2012

Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction of the elbow has been shown to restore function in overhead athletes with valgus instability. Since the initial description of using bone tunnels for reconstruction, many modifications to the surgical technique have been introduced, including the modified Jobe technique, the docking technique, fixation with interference screws, and button fixation. The authors introduce a technique that uses a button on each of the humeral and ulnar sides for fixation. This method allows proper tensioning of the graft and provides immediate secure fixation that relies on metal implants as opposed to sutures over bone bridges alone.
Lower-extremity Weight-bearing Compliance Is Maintained Over Time After Biofeedback Training
Authors: Hustedt Joshua W. , Blizzard Daniel J. , Baumgaertner Michael R. , Leslie Michael P. , Grauer Jonathan N.
Published: November 2012

Previous studies have shown immediate compliance with weight-bearing instructions to be better after biofeedback training than after verbal or scale training. This study assessed retention of biofeedback training to determine potential clinical applicability.

Twelve participants were enrolled in a prospective clinical study at an academic orthopedic center. Participants were trained with a biofeedback device to comply with touch-down weight-bearing instructions (25 lb). Immediately following the training session, weight bearing was assessed for each participant. The retention of this training was then reassessed at 2 to 4, 6 to 8, and 22 to 24 hours. Two control participants were given no biofeedback training (verbal instructions only) and were followed similarly. Following initial biofeedback training at 25 lb, participants bore an average of 20.4±2.12 lb. Retention tests during the 24-hour period showed no significant difference from the original testing, with 2- to 4-hour retention of 19.98±4.75 lb, 6- to 8-hour retention of 25.07±6.60 lb, and 22- to 24-hour retention of 21.75±4.58 lb. Participants who only received verbal instructions consistently bore several-fold greater weight than instructed.

Biofeedback training has previously been shown to have a strong immediate effect on partial weight-bearing compliance. This study demonstrated that this effect lasts up to 24 hours. This maintained weight-bearing compliance after biofeedback training suggests that this method may be an effective way to train patients to comply with given instructions for limited weight bearing.
Recurrent Posterior Shoulder Instability After Rifle Shooting
Authors: Cho Jae-Ho , Chung Nam-Su , Song Hyung-Keun , Lee Doo-Hyung
Published: November 2012

Rifle shooting produces a sudden counterforce against the body thorough the anterior shoulder, which may produce a traumatic injury in soldiers. Posterior instability of the shoulder can occur in soldiers who practice rifle shooting. To the authors’ knowledge, few reports have examined shooting-related injuries in soldiers.

This article describes the case of a 27-year-old male soldier who presented with left shoulder pain and instability after rifle training. He developed symptoms, and presented radiographic findings consistent with a posterior Bankart lesion. Intraoperatively, while in the lateral decubitus position, a posterior portal was created 3 cm inferior and 2 cm lateral to the posterolateral corner of acromion for making a proper angle for inserting anchors. A reverse bony Bankart lesion and adjacent cartilage breakdown at the glenoid rim were noted. An arthroscopic capsulolabral repair was performed with 3-mm bioabsorbable anchors to the glenoid rim. No gross reverse Hill-Sachs lesion or hyaline cartilage lesion was noted. Postoperatively, the arm was supported in a sling with an abduction pillow for 5 weeks. Codman’s exercises, scapular protraction exercises, and elbow and wrist exercises were started. Physical therapy focused on reestablishing glenohumeral range of motion and rotator cuff and periscapular muscle strength. Six months postoperatively, the patient had normal scapular kinesis and reported no shoulder pain or symptoms of instability associated with a reverse bony Bankart lesion.
Participation Patterns of Urban Preschoolers Attending Head Start
Authors: Gronski Meredith P. , Niemann Ann , Berg Christine
Published: November 2012

Awareness of the impact of poverty on early childhood participation is crucial in providing adequate and effective services for young children and their families. Through a university—community partnership to support Head Start teachers to broaden their developmental evaluations, the Preschool Activity Card Sort (PACS) was administered to the parents of 81 preschoolers in a semi-structured interview format. Fifty-two (64%) of the children were served by a Head Start program and 29 (36%) were a convenience sample control group. Results from the PACS demonstrate that all of the preschoolers participate in a range of age-appropriate activities. Comparison between the Head Start and control groups revealed differences, with Bonferroni correction, in participation in community mobility ( p = .000). It is imperative to provide opportunities for early childhood participation because many community activities are implicitly tied to school readiness. To fully meet the needs of families in impoverished communities, occupational therapists need to seek out the voice of parents and focus on learning opportunities arising naturally in the context of daily living and community experiences.
Spontaneous Malignant Glaucoma in a Longstanding Hypotonous Eye
Authors: Park Sang Woo , Ahn Jae Kyoun , Heo Hwan
Published: November 2012

A 38-year-old man with longstanding low intraocular pressure (IOP) in his right aphakic eye presented with severe pain and high IOP (35 mm Hg). On examination, visual acuity was light perception. The central and peripheral portions of the iris were directly opposed to the posterior corneal surface and synechial closure of the pupil margin. B-scan ultrasonography showed posterior vitreous detachment. The patient was treated with topical cycloplegics, a topical beta-blocker, and a systemic hyperosmotic agent. After 1 week, the anterior chamber was deep centrally, with peripheral synechiae between the iris and the cornea. The IOP of the right eye was 4 mm Hg. This case is an unusual spontaneous malignant glaucoma occurring in a longstanding hypotonous eye.
Legislación y justicia contra blasfemos. (Cataluña, siglos XV-XVII)
Authors: Gelabertó Vilagrán Martí
Published: November 2012

La represión contra los pecados de la lengua es importante objeto de atención por parte de la legislación y los tribunales de justicia en Europa desde la Baja Edad Media. En España se promulgaron severas leyes civiles y religiosas contra el delito de blasfemia con una desigual aplicación. En Cataluña los jueces laicos y eclesiásticos participaron de la política represiva privilegiando los resortes disuasorios de la coacción moral sin apenas recurrir a la coerción física.
Formas de religiosidad de la nobleza navarra en la Edad Moderna
Authors: Orduna Portús Pablo
Published: November 2012

Durante el Antiguo Régimen, la religión impregnaba todos los actos de mayor trascendencia social, comunitaria y cultural. A este respecto, nada era improvisado por la nobleza navarra. Se ponía un especial cuidado en los detalles de cada ritual funerario y en las disposiciones de última voluntad. Se tenía presente la necesidad de buscar ayuda en la tierra para la expiación en el Purgatorio de aquellos pecados cometidos a lo largo de su vida terrenal. En ese sentido jugaron un papel sumamente importante la fundación de capellanías y las mandas pías dispuestas en los testamentos.
Presence of Pheophytin and its Formation as a Chlorophyll Derivative in Selected Crop Species
Authors: Dissanayake PK , Yamauchi N , Shigyo M
Published: November 2012

Most of the green leaf vegetable and fruits lose their postharvest quality mainly due to yellowing as a consequence of chlorophyll (Chl) degradation. The study of Chl degradation of many plants have been revealed that the Chl degradation mainly progress through formation of chlorophyllide (Chlide) a. Recent studies have revealed that the Chl degradation could be progressing through formation of pheophytin (Phy) a as a Chl derivative. Present study was conducted to investigate the presence and formation of Phy a as Chl a derivative in selected stored plant species. Green tea leaves, bell pepper, parsley and Japanese bunching onion were used in the study. Presence of Chl a derivatives of 80% acetone extract of green tea leaves and Japanese bunching onion were detected using HPLC at the wave length of 663nm. Formation of Chl a derivatives were studied by incubating crude enzyme extract of bellpepper, parsley and bunching onion with Chl a and buffer solution. After one hour of incubation reaction was stopped by adding 80% acetone. Chl a derivatives were studied using HPLC at 663nm. Phy a level of processed green tea leaves was very high when compared to other plants. In parsley, bellpepper and Japanese bunching onion formation of Phy a was prominent. All these indicated that early studies of Chl degradation need further study to elucidate the mechanism of Chl degradation in green plants. The Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2012, vol.7, no3, page 127-134 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jas.v7i3.4876
Farmers' Perception of Simple Mechanized Farm Implements used in Crop Production in Abia State, Nigeria
Authors: Nwaobiala CU , Ezeh CI
Published: November 2012

Farmers’ Perception of simple mechanized farm implements (Knapsack Sprayer, Watering Can and Sickle) used in crop production in Abia State, Nigeria were analyzed in 2009. A multistage random sampling technique was used to select 180 crop farmers. The probit regression model result showed that the critical determinants of farmers Perception include such attributes as labour saving advantage and improvement of product quality of Knapsack, which were significant at 5% probability level, while time saving advantage influenced the use of watering can at 5% risk level of probability. Also, attributes such as simplicity of implement and accessibility of implement encouraged farmers perception in the use of sickle at 5% and 1.0% level of probability respectively. It is therefore recommended that fabricators should produce implements that have the attributes of time and labour saving advantages. The Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2012, vol.7, no3, page 159-162 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jas.v7i3.4879
Evaluation of ‘white-spotted kidneys’ associated with leptospirosis by polymerase chain reaction based LipL32 gene in slaughtered cows
Authors: Azizi Shahrzad , Tajbakhsh Elahe , Hajimirzaei Mohammad R. , Gholami Varnamkhast Mohssen , Sadeghian Hossein , Oryan Ahmad
Published: November 2012

The presence of white spots in the kidneys of cattle at slaughter (so-called white-spotted kidneys) can be an indication of infection with Leptospira, a spirochaete of public health concern because it causes zoonotic disease. In this study, 24 kidneys of 180 slaughtered cows (13.3%) showed focal to multifocal white spots at inspection. These kidneys, together with matching urine (n = 18) and blood (n = 24) samples, were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the LipL32 gene. Leptospiral deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was detected in 19 (79.2%) out of 24 kidneys, as well as 7 (29.2%) blood and 10 (55.5%) urine samples of cows with white spots in their kidneys. Histopathological findings revealed multifocal infiltration of mononuclear cells, including lymphocytes and a few plasma cells in the renal interstitial tissues. In addition, 14 apparently normal kidneys and associated urine and blood samples were similarly examined by PCR but did not provide any positive results. In this study, high detection of leptospirosis in kidneys with interstitial nephritis suggests that Leptospira spp. are associated with white spotted kidneys. The present findings indicate that white spotted kidneys can be due to leptospirosis in this region in southwestern Iran, which indicates an increased risk of zoonotic disease. The data show that LipL32-based primers are useful for PCR-based diagnosis of leptospirosis.
Storm Dissolved Organic Carbon Dynamics in an Artificially Drained Watershed of the US Midwest
Authors: Vidon Philippe G. , Hubbard Hilary A , Cuadra Pilar E. , Hennessy Matthew L.
Published: November 2012

This study investigates changes in the nature, concentrations, and fluxes of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in tile drains (aka subsurface drains), overland flow, and stream flow for 6 spring storms in an artificially drained agricultural watershed. For moderate size storms, DOC concentrations are primarily affected by variations in antecedent moisture conditions. Generally, DOC concentrations and aromaticity increase with flow, especially for storms associated with high antecedent moisture conditions. A shift in the source of DOC to the stream and tile drains from low aromaticity DOC at baseflow, to more aromatic DOC during storms was observed. Data indicates that increases in the frequency and intensity of large precipitation events as well as wetter conditions in spring would likely lead not only to an increase in DOC fluxes (simply because of higher discharge) but also to an increase in the amount of DOC exported for every unit of flow.
Clinical Management of Localized Colon Cancer with Capecitabine
Authors: Quidde J. , Arnold D. , Stein A.
Published: November 2012

Large randomized trials demonstrated a benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy after resection of the primary colon cancer. It improves overall survival and reduces the risk of death, by 5% in UICC (Union Internationale Contre le Cancer) stage II and approximately 15%–20% in stage III. Fluoropyrimidines have been the standard drugs for the treatment of colon cancer since large randomized controlled trials demonstrated their efficacy and safety in treating patients suffering from this disease. Capecitabine is an orally administered fluoropyrimidine, which is preferably activated in tumor tissue to the active moiety 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and is cytotoxic through inhibition of DNA synthesis. It has proven equivalent efficacy and tolerability despite a changed toxicity profile compared to 5FU with less myelosuppression but more hand-and-foot syndrome. Capecitabine is well tolerated in elderly patients. The oral route of administration avoids frequent clinical visits as well as insertion of central venous catheters. The impact of the particular drug features on daily clinical practice is discussed in this review.
Mannose Binding Lectin Deficiency: More than Meets the Eye
Authors: Haibrich Michelle , Ben-Shoshan Moshe , Mccusker Christine
Published: November 2012

This case report describes a 5-year-old boy who presented to the emergency department with clinical symptoms and chest X-ray findings suggestive of pneumonia. Further history revealed multiple other infections, and workup for immunodeficiency revealed a deficiency of mannose-binding lectin (MBL), a pattern recognition receptor involved in activation of the complement system. Innate immunodeficiency may be more common than currently appreciated, with mutations of MBL affecting up to 50% of individuals in some populations. While pneumonia is a common presentation in the Pediatric Emergency Department, clinical presentations of children with defects of innate immunity can be unpredictable. Children may initially appear well with sudden deterioration. These cases pose particular challenges to physicians, and the level of suspicion for innate defects must remain high. It is crucial to identify patients with such impairments to better manage and prevent future complications.
Ensemble filter based estimation of spatially distributed parameters in a mesoscale dust model: experiments with simulated and real data
Authors: Khade V. M. , Hansen J. A. , Reid J. S. , Westphal D. L.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. The Ensemble Adjustment Kalman Filter (EAKF) is used to estimate the erodibility fraction parameter field in a coupled meteorology and dust aerosol model (Coupled Ocean Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System-COAMPS) over the Sahara desert. Erodibility is often employed as the key parameter to map dust source. It is used along with surface winds (or surface wind stress) to calculate dust emissions. Using the Saharan desert as a test bed, a perfect model Observation System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs) with 40 ensemble members, and observations of aerosol optical depth (AOD), the EAKF is shown to recover correct values of erodibility at about 80% of the points in the domain. It is found that dust advected from upstream grid points acts as noise and complicates erodibility estimation. It is also found that the rate of convergence is significantly impacted by the structure of the initial distribution of erodibility estimates; isotropic initial distributions exhibit slow convergence while initial distributions with geographically localized structure converge more quickly. Experiments using observations of Deep Blue AOD retrievals from the MODIS satellite sensor result in erodibility estimates that are considerably lower than the values used operationally. Verification shows that the use of the tuned erodibility field results in better predictions of AOD over the Western Sahara and Arabia.
Mimicking floodplain reconnection and disconnection using 15N mesocosm incubations
Authors: Welti N. , Bondar-Kunze E. , Mair M. , Bonin P. , Wanek W. , Pinay G. , Hein T.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. Floodplain restoration changes the nitrate delivery pattern and dissolved organic matter pool in backwaters, though the effects these changes have are not yet well known. We performed two mesocosm experiments on floodplain sediments to quantify the nitrate metabolism in two types of floodplains. Rates of denitrification, dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) and anammox were measured using 15N-NO3 tracer additions in mesocosms of undisturbed floodplain sediments originating from (1) restored and (2) disconnected sites in the Alluvial Zone National Park on the Danube River downstream of Vienna, Austria. DNRA rates were an order of magnitude lower than denitrification and neither rate was affected by changes in nitrate delivery pattern or organic matter quality. Anammox was not detected at any of the sites. Denitrification was out-competed by assimilation, which was estimated to use up to 70% of the available nitrate. Overall, denitrification was higher in the restored sites, with mean rates of 5.7 ± 2.8 mmol N m−2 h−1 compared to the disconnected site (0.6 ± 0.5 mmol N m−2 h−1). In addition, ratios of N2O : N2 were lower in the restored site indicating a more complete denitrification. Nitrate addition had neither an effect on denitrification, nor on the N2O : N2 ratio. However, DOM (dissolved organic matter) quality significantly changed the N2O : N2 ratio in both sites. Addition of riverine-derived organic matter lowered the N2O : N2 ratio in the disconnected site, whereas addition of floodplain-derived organic matter increased the N2O : N2 ratio in the restored site. These results demonstrate that increasing floodplains hydrological connection to the main river channel increases nitrogen retention and decreases nitrous oxide emissions.
Groundwater and porewater as a major source of alkalinity to a fringing coral reef lagoon (Muri Lagoon, Cook Islands)
Authors: Cyronak T. , Santos I. R. , Erler D. V. , Eyre B. D.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. To better predict how ocean acidification will affect coral reefs, it is important to understand how biogeochemical cycles on reefs alter carbonate chemistry over various temporal and spatial scales. This study quantifies the contribution of fresh groundwater discharge (as traced by radon) and shallow porewater exchange (as quantified from advective chamber incubations) to total alkalinity (TA) dynamics on a fringing coral reef lagoon along the southern Pacific island of Rarotonga over a tidal and diel cycle. Benthic alkalinity fluxes were affected by the advective circulation of water through permeable sediments, with net daily flux rates of carbonate alkalinity ranging from −1.55 to 7.76 mmol m−2 d−1, depending on the advection rate. Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) was a source of TA to the lagoon, with the highest flux rates measured at low tide, and an average daily TA flux of 1080 mmol m−2 d−1. Both sources of TA were important on a reef wide basis, although SGD acted solely as a delivery mechanism of TA to the lagoon, while porewater advection was either a sink or source of TA dependant on the time of day. On a daily basis, groundwater can contribute approximately 70% to 80% of the TA taken up by corals within the lagoon. This study describes overlooked sources of TA to coral reef ecosystems that can potentially alter water-column carbonate chemistry. We suggest that porewater and groundwater fluxes of TA should be taken into account in ocean acidification models in order to properly address changing carbonate chemistry within coral reef ecosystems.
Amplified bioproductivity during Transition IV (332 000–342 000 yr ago): evidence from the geochemical record of Lake El'gygytgyn
Authors: Cunningham L. , Vogel H. , Wennrich V. , Juschus O. , Nowaczyk N. , Rosén P.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. To date, terrestrial archives of long-term climatic change within the arctic region have widely been restricted to ice cores from Greenland and, more recently, sediments from Lake El'gygytgyn in Northeast Arctic Russia. Sediments from this lake contain a paleoclimate record of glacial-interglacial cycles during the last three million years. Low resolution studies at this lake have suggested that changes observed during Transition IV are of greater amplitude than any observed since. In this study, geochemical parameters are used to infer past climatic conditions thus providing the first high resolution analyses of Transition IV from a terrestrial arctic setting. These results demonstrate that a significant shift in climate was subsequently followed by a rapid increase in biogenic silica production. Following this sharp increase, bioproductivity remained high, but variable, for over a thousand years. This study reveals differences in the timing and magnitude of change within the ratio of silica to titanium (Si/Ti) and biogenic silica (BSi) records that would not be apparent in lower resolution studies. This has significant implications for the increasingly common use of Si/Ti data as an alternative to traditional BSi measurements.
Tropical vegetation response to Heinrich Event 1 as simulated with the UVic ESCM and CCSM3
Authors: Handiani D. , Paul A. , Zhang X. , Prange M. , Merkel U. , Dupont L.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. We investigated changes in tropical climate and vegetation cover associated with abrupt climate change during Heinrich Event 1 (HE1) using two different global climate models: the University of Victoria Earth System-Climate Model (UVic ESCM) and the Community Climate System Model version 3 (CCSM3). Tropical South American and African pollen records suggest that the cooling of the North Atlantic Ocean during HE1 influenced the tropics through a southward shift of the rainbelt. In this study, we simulated the HE1 by applying a freshwater perturbation to the North Atlantic Ocean. The resulting slowdown of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation was followed by a temperature seesaw between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, as well as a southward shift of the tropical rainbelt. The shift was more pronounced in the CCSM3 than in the UVic ESCM simulation. Nevertheless, both models suggested a similar response of the vegetation patterns in the tropics around the Atlantic Ocean, where the grass cover increased and the tree cover decreased, specifically in tropical North Africa around 15° N in the UVic ESCM simulation and around 10° N in CCSM3. In the CCSM3 model, the tree and grass cover in tropical Southeast Asia responded to the abrupt climate change during the HE1, which could not be found in the UVic ESCM. The biome distributions derived from both models corroborate findings from pollen records in Southwestern and equatorial Western Africa as well as Northeastern Brazil.
Direct linking of Greenland and Antarctic ice cores at the Toba eruption (74 kyr BP)
Authors: Svensson A. , Bigler M. , Blunier T. , Clausen H. B. , Dahl-Jensen D. , Fischer H. , Fujita S. , Goto-Azuma K. , Johnsen S. J. , Kawamura K. , Kipfstuhl S. , Kohno M. , Parrenin F. , Popp T. , Rasmussen S. O. , Schwander J. , Seierstad I. , Severi M. , Steffensen J. P. , Udisti R. , Uemura R. , Vallelonga P. , Vinther B. M. , Wegner A. , Wilhelms F. , Winstrup M.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. The Toba eruption that occurred some 74 kyr ago in Sumatra, Indonesia, is among the largest volcanic events on Earth over the last 2 million years. Tephra from this eruption has been spread over vast areas in Asia where it constitutes a major time marker close to the Marine Isotope Stage 4/5 boundary. As yet, no tephra associated with Toba has been identified in Greenland or Antarctic ice cores. Based on new accurate dating of Toba tephra from Malaysia and on accurately dated European stalagmites the Toba event is known to occur between the onsets of Greenland Interstadials (GI) 19 and 20. Furthermore, the existing linking of Greenland and Antarctic ice cores by gas records and by the bipolar seesaw hypothesis suggests that the Antarctic counterpart is situated between Antarctic Isotope Maxima (AIM) 19 and 20. In this work we suggest a direct synchronization of Greenland (NGRIP) and Antarctic (EDML) ice cores at the Toba eruption based on matching of a pattern of bipolar volcanic spikes. Annual layer counting between volcanic spikes in both cores allows for a unique match. We first demonstrate this bipolar matching technique at the already synchronized Laschamp geomagnetic excursion (41 kyr BP) before we apply it to the suggested Toba interval. The Toba synchronization pattern covers some 2000 yr in GI-20 and AIM 19/20 and includes nine acidity peaks that are recognized in both ice cores. The suggested bipolar Toba synchronization has decadal precision. It thus allows a determination of the exact phasing of inter-hemispheric climate in a time interval of poorly constrained ice core records, and it allows for a discussion of the climatic impact of the Toba eruption in a global perspective. Furthermore, our bipolar match provides a way to place paleo-environmental records other than ice cores into a precise climatic context.
A custom acoustic emission monitoring system for harsh environments: application to freezing-induced damage in alpine rock walls
Authors: Girard L. , Beutel J. , Gruber S. , Hunziker J. , Lim R. , Weber S.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. We present a custom acoustic emission (AE) monitoring system designed to perform long-term measurements on high-alpine rock walls. AE monitoring is a common technique for characterizing damage evolution in solid materials. The system is based on a two-channel AE sensor node (AE-node) integrated into a wireless sensor network (WSN) customized for operation in harsh environments. This wireless architecture offers flexibility in the deployment of AE-nodes at any position of the rock wall that needs to be monitored, within a range of a few hundred meters from a core station connected to the internet. The system achieves near real-time data delivery and allows the user to remotely control the AE detection threshold. In order to protect AE sensors and capture acoustic signals from specific depths of the rock wall, a special casing was developed. The monitoring system is completed by two probes that measure rock temperature and liquid water content, both probes being also integrated into the WSN. We report a first deployment of the monitoring system on a rock wall at Jungfraujoch, 3500 m a.s.l., Switzerland. While this first deployment of the monitoring system aims to support fundamental research on processes that damage rock under cold climate, the system could serve a number of other applications, including rock fall hazard surveillance or structural monitoring of concrete structures.
Geomorphology-based index for detecting minimal flood stages in arid alluvial streams
Authors: Shamir E. , Ben-Moshe L. , Ronen A. , Grodek T. , Enzel Y. , Georgakakos K. , Morin E.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. Identification of a geomorphic index to represent lower thresholds for minor flows in ephemeral, alluvial streams in arid environments is an essential step in reliable flash flood hazard estimations and establishing flood warning systems. An index, termed Alluvial wadi Flood Incipient Geomorphologic Index (AFIG), is presented. Analysis of data from an extensive field survey in the arid ephemeral streams in Southern and Eastern Israel was conducted to investigate the AFIG and the control over its value across the region. During the survey we identified distinguishable flow marks in the lower parts of streams' banks, such as niches, vegetation line, and change in bank material, which are indicative of low flows. The cross-sectional characteristics of the AFIG were studied in relationship with contributing drainage basin characteristics such as lithology, topography, and precipitation. Drainage area and hardness of the exposed lithology (presented as a basin-wide index) are the preferred descriptors to be used in estimating a specific AFIG in un-surveyed sites. Analyses of discharge records from seven hydrometric stations indicate that the recurrence interval of the determined AFIG is equal to or more frequent than 0.5 yr.
Melting of Northern Greenland during the last interglaciation
Authors: Born A. , Nisancioglu K. H.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. Using simulated climate data from the comprehensive coupled climate model IPSL CM4, we simulate the Greenland ice sheet (GrIS) during the Eemian interglaciation with the three-dimensional ice sheet model SICOPOLIS. The Eemian is a period 126 000 yr before present (126 ka) with Arctic temperatures comparable to projections for the end of this century. In our simulation, the northeastern part of the GrIS is unstable and retreats significantly, despite moderate melt rates. This result is found to be robust to perturbations within a wide parameter space of key parameters of the ice sheet model, the choice of initial ice temperature, and has been reproduced with climate forcing from a second coupled climate model, the CCSM3. It is shown that the northeast GrIS is the most vulnerable. Even a small increase in melt removes many years of ice accumulation, giving a large mass imbalance and triggering the strong ice-elevation feedback. Unlike the south and west, melting in the northeast is not compensated by high accumulation. The analogy with modern warming suggests that in coming decades, positive feedbacks could increase the rate of mass loss of the northeastern GrIS, exceeding the recent observed thinning rates in the south.
Public Health Challenges and Priorities for Kazakhstan
Authors: Aringazina Altyn , Gulis Gabriel , Allegrante John P.
Published: November 2012

The Republic of Kazakhstan is one of the largest and fastest growing post-Soviet economies in Central Asia. Despite recent improvements in health care in response to Kazakhstan 2030 and other state-mandated policy reforms, Kazakhstan still lags behind other members of the Commonwealth of Independent States of the European Region on key indicators of health and economic development. Although cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality among adults, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and blood-borne infectious diseases are of increasing public health concern. Recent data suggest that while Kazakhstan has improved on some measures of population health status, many environmental and public health challenges remain. These include the need to improve public health infrastructure, address the social determinants of health, and implement better health impact assessments to inform health policies and public health practice. In addition, more than three decades after the Declaration of Alma-Ata, which was adopted at the International Conference on Primary Health Care convened in Kazakhstan in 1978, facilitating population-wide lifestyle and behavioral change to reduce risk factors for chronic and communicable diseases, as well as injuries, remains a high priority for emerging health care reforms and the new public health. This paper reviews the current public health challenges in Kazakhstan and describes five priorities for building public health capacity that are now being developed and undertaken at the Kazakhstan School of Public Health to strengthen population health in the country and the Central Asian Region.
Expression of Beclin 1 in Bladder Cancer and Its Clinical Significance
Authors: Liu Gui-hong , Zhong Qian , Ye Yun-lin , Wang Hong-bo , Hu Li-juan , Qin Zi-ke , Zeng Mu-sheng , Zeng Bo-hang
Published: November 2012

Background

The aim of this study is to explore the expression of beclin 1, an autophagy gene, in bladder cancer and to evaluate its clinical and prognostic significance in patients with bladder cancer.

Methods

Beclin 1 expression was examined at mRNA and protein levels by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry in bladder cancer tissues and adjacent normal bladder tissues. The relationship between the expression of beclin 1 and clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis was statistically analyzed.

Results

mRNA level, protein expression and immunoreactivity of beclin 1 were decreased in bladder cancer tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. Downregulation of beclin 1 was more frequent in tumors with higher histological grades (the expression of beclin 1 was reduced by 49.0% in G1 and G2, and by 71.8% in G3, p=0.010), and was also reduced by 69.5% in the muscle invasive type and by 51.1% in the non-muscle invasive type (p=0.04). Reduced beclin 1 expression was positively associated with higher histological grade and more advanced clinical stage (p<0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that patients exhibiting lower beclin 1 expression experienced a shorter survival than those with higher expression (p=0.006). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that beclin 1 protein is an independent predictor of survival (p=0.005).

Conclusion

Beclin 1 has an influence on the progression of bladder cancer and might serve as a potential prognostic factor for patients with bladder cancer.
Stochastic Citizenship:
Authors: Von Burg Alessandra Beasley
Published: November 2012

The disconnection between the idea of nation-based citizenship and the current practices of migrants presents the opportunity to reconceptualize and redefine the idea of citizenship and thereby grasp the realities of movement. I employ Giambattista Vico's theories of universal rights and his history of civilizations to interrogate rhetorically national origins and expand on what I call a renovation of citizenship. This is a process that embraces daily practices of nation-based citizenship and encourages us to imagine new ways to express citizenship, ways that comport with the realities of a mobile world, specifically the human right of freedom of movement. In formulating this renovation of citizenship based on mobility, I introduce the metaphor of stochastic citizenship to resolve the tension between the legal structures governing citizenship and the promotion of mobility as a human right. The Roma people in Europe serve as a test for stochastic citizenship.
Orator-Machine:
Authors: May Matthew S.
Published: November 2012

Oratorical practice may be viewed as the material enactment of a philosophy of class struggle. Drawing on the work of Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari, I propose “orator-machine” as a concept-term to describe speech making in the context of the open exterior of interconnected human and nonhuman machinic assemblages in capitalist modernity. My argument is based on a reconsideration of a single address, delivered by William D. “Big Bill” Haywood in 1911 at the Cooper Union in New York City. Reading Haywood against the grain—as a conceptual innovator—allows me to demonstrate a mode of analysis that affirms the philosophical quality and ontological politics of oratorical performance.
Performance Investigation of a Chimney-Dependent Solar Crop Dryer for Different Inlet Areas with a Fixed Outlet Area
Authors: Afriyie J. K. , Bart-Plange A.
Published: November 2012

The paper describes the performance of a direct-mode solar crop dryer with a solar chimney. Tests were performed for three differently inclined drying-chamber roofs, each with three inlet areas for a given exit area. Cassava was used as the test crop. The results show that the increase in the inlet area for a given exit area can improve the ventilation in the dryer. However, this does not necessarily improve the drying performance of the direct-mode dryer. A wide inlet area for a given exit area can only improve the drying performance of the direct-mode dryer in a geographical location of low relative humidity. It is therefore not advisable to just copy the design of a direct-mode dryer from one location to another without regard to the ambient relative humidity. The designer and builder of the dryer must consider the relative humidity as a prime factor in the design and construction of direct-mode dryers, which are highly sensitive to the ambient relative humidity.
Formation of 5-Hydroxy-3-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone and 8-Hydroxy-4-methoxy-1,2-naphthoquinone from Juglone
Authors: Blauenburg Bastian , Metsä-Ketelä Mikko , Klika Karel D.
Published: November 2012

From the treatment of 5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (juglone) with acetic anhydride and H2SO4 followed subsequently by treatment with methanolic HCl, 5-hydroxy-3-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (3-methoxy juglone) and 8-hydroxy-4-methoxy-1,2-naphthoquinone were obtained as products rather than the anticipated product 2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (2-hydroxy juglone). The reaction and the identification of the products are discussed in terms of NMR and DFT calculations.
Sexual and Asexual Reproduction of Salix sitchensis and the Influence of Beaver (Castor canadensis) Herbivory on Reproductive Success
Authors: Gerwing Travis G. , Allen Gerwing Alyssa M. , Rapaport Eric , Alström-Rapaport Cecilia
Published: November 2012

The influence of beaver (Castor canadensis Kuhl) herbivory on Salix reproduction, specifically the stimulation of asexual reproduction via browsed stem fragments, is relatively unknown. This study aimed to determine if beaver herbivory stimulates asexual reproduction of riparian willows and results in mature populations dominated by clones. The survival of seedlings and asexual propagules produced by beaver browse in populations of the riparian willow Salix sitchensis (Sanson in Bongard) were quantified to determine overwinter survival at 6 experimental sites. Salix sitchensis clonal diversity, using five microsatellite markers and the polymerase chain reaction, was calculated to detect if asexual reproduction had been stimulated by beaver herbivory. No sexual propagules survived overwinter in any of our study sites. Numerous asexual propagules were observed and 0–41% survived overwinter. Each sampled individual possessed a unique multilocus genotype, and clonal diversity was 1.0. Beaver herbivory did not create current willow populations dominated by clones. Beaver herbivory and asexual reproduction appeared to have played a minor role in the reproductive strategies of S. sitchensis at our sites in central British Columbia, Canada.
Primary Closure without Diversion in Management of Operative Blunt Duodenal Trauma in Children
Authors: Smiley Katherine , Wright Tiffany , Skinner Sean , Iocono Joseph A. , Draus John M.
Published: November 2012

Background. Operative blunt duodenal trauma is rare in pediatric patients. Management is controversial with some recommending pyloric exclusion for complex cases. We hypothesized that primary closure without diversion may be safe even in complex (Grade II-III) injuries. Methods. A retrospective review of the American College of Surgeons’ Trauma Center database for the years 2003–2011 was performed to identify operative blunt duodenal trauma at our Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center. Inclusion criteria included ages years and duodenal injury requiring operative intervention. Duodenal hematomas not requiring intervention and other small bowel injuries were excluded. Results. A total of 3,283 hospital records were reviewed. Forty patients with operative hollow viscous injuries and seven with operative duodenal injuries were identified. The mean Injury Severity Score was 10.4, with injuries ranging from Grades I–IV and involving all duodenal segments. All injuries were closed primarily with drain placement and assessed for leakage via fluoroscopy between postoperative days 4 and 6. The average length of stay was 11 days; average time to full feeds was 7 days. No complications were encountered. Conclusion. Blunt abdominal trauma is an uncommon mechanism of pediatric duodenal injuries. Primary repair with drain placement is safe even in more complex injuries.
Some New Results on Global Dominating Sets
Authors: Vaidya S. K. , Pandit R. M.
Published: November 2012

A dominating set is called a global dominating set if it is a dominating set of a graph G and its complement G¯. A natural question arises: are there any graphs for which it is possible to relate the domination number and the global domination number? We have found an affirmative answer to this question and obtained some graphs having such characteristic.
An Analysis of the Vegetables Supply Chain in Swaziland
Authors: Xaba Bongiwe G. , Masuku Micah B.
Published: November 2012

The total consumption of fresh vegetables in Swaziland is estimated around 40,000 tonnes per year and this translate into 40 kg per capita consumption per year. Individuals who are not economically challenged consume above the annual per capita of 40 kg in contrast to a poor individuals living in rural areas, who consume less than the per capita vegetables. The study sought to describe the performance of vegetable vegetables supply chain in Swaziland. A descriptive research design was used in the study and data were collected using personal interviews from 100 randomly selected vegetable farmers. Data were analysed using market margins and marketing channel analysis to identify existing marketing channels used by vegetable farmers. The revealed marketing channels that producers used to obtain attractive prices and a higher share of the consumer price. The largest producer’s share was obtained through direct sale to consumers. Channels that included restaurants had high total gross margins and low producer’s share of the consumer price. The concern for issues on post-harvest and marketing should form an integral part of policy development and research programmes and also the public and private sectors should facilitate contractual arrangements for vegetables farmers. Commercialising vegetable production should not be overemphasised because it encourages farmers to be market oriented as opposed to production oriented. Farmers need to form cooperatives in order to assist in bargaining of prices within the vegetable supply chain.
Horror and the Horror Film
Authors: Kawin Bruce F.
Published: November 2012

Horror films can be profound fables of human nature and important works of art, yet many people dismiss them out of hand. Horror and the Horror Film conveys a mature appreciation for horror films along with a comprehensive view of their narrative strategies, their relations to reality and fantasy and their cinematic power. The volume covers the horror film and its subgenres  such as the vampire movie  from 1896 to the present. It covers the entire genre by considering every kind of monster in it, including the human.
Becoming - An Anthropological Approach to Understandings of the Person in Java
Authors: Retsikas Konstantinos
Published: November 2012

Becoming  An Anthropological Approach to Understandings of the Person in Java is an ethnographic monograph that examines the ways in which the peoples of a peri-urban locality in East Java, Indonesia conceive of the person, by looking at how their everyday practices relate to understandings of ethnicity, kinship, Islam and gender. The volume is also a thought experiment that aims to make a theoretical contribution to the discipline of anthropology by proposing the concept of the diaphoron person and re-deploying the method of total ethnography.