bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Adaptive Strategy for an Optimized Collision-Free Slot Assignment in Multichannel Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Soua Ridha , Livolant Erwan , Minet Pascale
Published: July 2013

Convergecast is the transmission paradigm used by data gathering applications in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). For efficiency reasons, a collision-free slotted medium access is typically used: time slots are assigned to non-conflicting transmitters. Furthermore, in any slot, only the transmitters and the corresponding receivers are awake, the other nodes sleeping in order to save energy. Since a multichannel network increases the throughput available to the application and reduces interference, multichannel slot assignment is an emerging research domain in WSNs. First, we focus on a multichannel time slot assignment that minimizes the data gathering delays. We compute the optimal time needed for a raw data convergecast in various multichannel topologies. Then, we focus on how to adapt such an assignment to dynamic demands of transmissions (e.g., alarms, temporary additional application needs and retransmissions). We formalize the problem using linear programming, and we propose an incremental technique that operates on an optimized primary schedule to provide bonus slots to meet new transmission needs. We propose AMSA, an Adaptive Multichannel Slot Assignment algorithm, which takes advantage of bandwidth spatial reuse, and we evaluate its performances in terms of the number of slots required, slot reuse, throughput and the number of radio state switches.
Preparation and Characterization of New Geopolymer-Epoxy Resin Hybrid Mortars
Authors: Colangelo Francesco , Roviello Giuseppina , Ricciotti Laura , Ferone Claudio , Cioffi Raffaele
Published: July 2013

The preparation and characterization of metakaolin-based geopolymer mortars containing an organic epoxy resin are presented here for the first time. The specimens have been prepared by means of an innovative in situ co-reticulation process, in mild conditions, of commercial epoxy based organic resins and geopolymeric slurry. In this way, geopolymer based hybrid mortars characterized by a different content of normalized sand (up to 66% in weight) and by a homogeneous dispersion of the organic resin have been obtained. Once hardened, these new materials show improved compressive strength and toughness in respect to both the neat geopolymer and the hybrid pastes since the organic polymer provides a more cohesive microstructure, with a reduced amount of microcracks. The microstructural characterization allows to point out the presence of an Interfacial Transition Zone similar to that observed in cement based mortars and concretes. A correlation between microstructural features and mechanical properties has been studied too.
APS8, a Polymeric Alkylpyridinium Salt Blocks α7 nAChR and Induces Apoptosis in Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma
Authors: Zovko Ana , Viktorsson Kristina , Lewensohn Rolf , Kološa Katja , Filipič Metka , Xing Hong , Kem William , Paleari Laura , Turk Tom
Published: July 2013

Naturally occurring 3-alkylpyridinium polymers (poly-APS) from the marine sponge Reniera sarai, consisting of monomers containing polar pyridinium and nonpolar alkyl chain moieties, have been demonstrated to exert a wide range of biological activities, including a selective cytotoxicity against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. APS8, an analog of poly-APS with defined alkyl chain length and molecular size, non-competitively inhibits α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) at nanomolar concentrations that are too low to be acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory or generally cytotoxic. In the present study we show that APS8 inhibits NSCLC tumor cell growth and activates apoptotic pathways. APS8 was not toxic for normal lung fibroblasts. Furthermore, in NSCLC cells, APS8 reduced the adverse anti-apoptotic, proliferative effects of nicotine. Our results suggest that APS8 or similar compounds might be considered as lead compounds to develop antitumor therapeutic agents for at least certain types of lung cancer.
Separation and Identification of 1,2,4-Trihydroxynaphthalene-1-O-glucoside in Impatiens glandulifera Royle
Authors: Tříska Jan , Vrchotová Naděžda , Sýkora Jan , Moos Martin
Published: July 2013

Methanolic extract from lyophilized roots of Impatiens glandulifera Royle was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography using DAD and FLD detection and this revealed one dominant highly fluorescent very unstable substance. The stability of this derivative is strongly dependent on the plant material drying procedure and extraction procedure used. The structure of the substance was established as 1,2,4-trihydroxynaphthalene-1-O-glucoside (THNG) according LC-MS and NMR measurements. When lyophilized plant material was extracted with methanol an almost four times higher amount of THNG was found in the extract, compared to the amount of 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone obtained, while in the case of the same lyophilized plant material extracted with water there was no THNG in the extract. The main compounds in this case was 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone. In the plant material dried at the laboratory temperature and extracted by methanol there are only traces of THNG.
Dairy Products, Dietary Calcium and Bone Health: Possibility of Prevention of Osteoporosis in Women: The Polish Experience
Authors: Wadolowska Lidia , Sobas Kamila , Szczepanska Justyna , Slowinska Malgorzata , Czlapka-Matyasik Magdalena , Niedzwiedzka Ewa
Published: July 2013

The objective of the study was to analyze the consumption of dairy products and dietary calcium by women in the context of bone mineral density and to assess opportunities to prevent osteoporosis in a dietary manner. The study was carried out with 712 Polish women. In 170 women aged 32 to 59 bone mineral density (BMD) was measured. The data on the consumption of dairy products and dietary calcium and some other osteoporosis risk factors was collected from 712 women. The average calcium intake from a diet was 507 mg/day. Only 2% of the women met Polish calcium intake recommendations. During adulthood, dairy product consumption or dietary calcium intake did not differ significantly between women with low BMD (below −1 SD) and women with regular BMD (≥−1 SD) (47.4 vs. 44.3 servings/week and 459 vs. 510 mg/day, respectively, p > 0.05). The odds ratios adjusted for age, menstruation and BMI in women with upper BMD tercile in comparison to the reference group (bottom tercile) was 2.73 (95% CI: 1.14, 6.55; p < 0.05) for the daily consumption of dairy products during the pre-school period and 2.40 (95% CI: 1.01, 5.70; p < 0.05) for the daily consumption of dairy products during the school period. Two clusters of women were established. In the S1 cluster, low BMD (below −1 SD) was associated with older age (≥50 years), lack of menstrual cycle. In the S2 cluster, regular BMD (≥−1 SD) was related to younger aged women (<50 years), presence of menstrual cycle, consumption of higher level of dairy products (≥28 servings/week) during adulthood and daily intake of dairy products during childhood and adolescence. The results indicate that good bone health to the large extent depended upon the combined impact of dietary factors and some non-modifiable risk factors of osteoporosis such as age and the presence of menstruation. Consumption of dairy products in childhood and adolescence may improve bone mineral density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis in adult women.
Obesity and Dyslipidemia in South Asians
Authors: Misra Anoop , Shrivastava Usha
Published: July 2013

Obesity and dyslipidemia are emerging as major public health challenges in South Asian countries. The prevalence of obesity is more in urban areas than rural, and women are more affected than men. Further, obesity in childhood and adolescents is rising rapidly. Obesity in South Asians has characteristic features: high prevalence of abdominal obesity, with more intra-abdominal and truncal subcutaneous adiposity than white Caucasians. In addition, there is greater accumulation of fat at “ectopic” sites, namely the liver and skeletal muscles. All these features lead to higher magnitude of insulin resistance, and its concomitant metabolic disorders (the metabolic syndrome) including atherogenic dyslipidemia. Because of the occurrence of type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia and other cardiovascular morbidities at a lower range of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), it is proposed that cut-offs for both measures of obesity should be lower (BMI 23–24.9 kg/m2 for overweight and ≥25 kg/m2 for obesity, WC ≥80 cm for women and ≥90 cm for men for abdominal obesity) for South Asians, and a consensus guideline for these revised measures has been developed for Asian Indians. Increasing obesity and dyslipidemia in South Asians is primarily driven by nutrition, lifestyle and demographic transitions, increasingly faulty diets and physical inactivity, in the background of genetic predisposition. Dietary guidelines for prevention of obesity and diabetes, and physical activity guidelines for Asian Indians are now available. Intervention programs with emphasis on improving knowledge, attitude and practices regarding healthy nutrition, physical activity and stress management need to be implemented. Evidence for successful intervention program for prevention of childhood obesity and for prevention of diabetes is available for Asian Indians, and could be applied to all South Asian countries with similar cultural and lifestyle profiles. Finally, more research on pathophysiology, guidelines for cut-offs, and culturally-specific lifestyle management of obesity, dyslipidemia and the metabolic syndrome are needed for South Asians.
An Early Underwater Artificial Vision Model in Ocean Investigations via Independent Component Analysis
Authors: Nian Rui , Liu Fang , He Bo
Published: July 2013

Underwater vision is one of the dominant senses and has shown great prospects in ocean investigations. In this paper, a hierarchical Independent Component Analysis (ICA) framework has been established to explore and understand the functional roles of the higher order statistical structures towards the visual stimulus in the underwater artificial vision system. The model is inspired by characteristics such as the modality, the redundancy reduction, the sparseness and the independence in the early human vision system, which seems to respectively capture the Gabor-like basis functions, the shape contours or the complicated textures in the multiple layer implementations. The simulation results have shown good performance in the effectiveness and the consistence of the approach proposed for the underwater images collected by autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs).
Critical Overview on Organic Legislation for Animal Production: Towards Conventionalization of the System?
Authors: Zoiopoulos Pantelis , Hadjigeorgiou Ioannis
Published: July 2013

Adoption of organic animal production legislation, particularly at the Community level, is done with a spirit of compromise and an attempt to reach consensus. In this sense, legal tools are used to solve technical problems so that an appreciable number of derogations (exceptions) are introduced. These may allow the use of certain feed additives, tethered animals or even application of castration. However, derogations should be avoided in legislation where harmonization is pursued, since they bring about distortion in the marketing of organic products. The validity of these derogations has expiry dates. However, at least the EU was hesitant to proceed with the necessary amendments to lift these derogations so that eliminate ambiguities and block loopholes. In turn, mention is made to geographical issues raised from the exceptions question posed again with the new EU Regulations. Furthermore some thoughts are expressed concerning the relationship between setting standards and the crucial role of values in agriculture, organic in particular, social aspects and pursued policy. Finally, the essential feature of this work is that derogations in legislation inevitably lead to conventionalization of organic animal production, which necessitates the clear definition of “organic”. To substantiate this, relevant arguments are put forward.
What Do We Need to Know to Enhance the Environmental Sustainability of Agricultural Production? A Prioritisation of Knowledge Needs for the UK Food System
Authors: Dicks Lynn , Bardgett Richard , Bell Jenny , Benton Tim , Booth Angela , Bouwman Jan , Brown Chris , Bruce Ann , Burgess Paul , Butler Simon , Crute Ian , Dixon Frances , Drummond Caroline , Freckleton Robert , Gill Maggie , Graham Andrea , Hails Rosie , Hallett James , Hart Beth , Hillier Jon , Holland John , Huxley Jonathan , Ingram John , King Vanessa , MacMillan Tom , McGonigle Daniel , McQuaid Carmel , Nevard Tim , Norman Steve , Norris Ken , Pazderka Catherine , Poonaji Inder , Quinn Claire , Ramsden Stephen , Sinclair Duncan , Siriwardena Gavin , Vickery Juliet , Whitmore Andrew , Wolmer William , Sutherland William
Published: July 2013

Increasing concerns about global environmental change and food security have focused attention on the need for environmentally sustainable agriculture. This is agriculture that makes efficient use of natural resources and does not degrade the environmental systems that underpin it, or deplete natural capital stocks. We convened a group of 29 ‘practitioners’ and 17 environmental scientists with direct involvement or expertise in the environmental sustainability of agriculture. The practitioners included representatives from UK industry, non-government organizations and government agencies. We collaboratively developed a long list of 264 knowledge needs to help enhance the environmental sustainability of agriculture within the UK or for the UK market. We refined and selected the most important knowledge needs through a three-stage process of voting, discussion and scoring. Scientists and practitioners identified similar priorities. We present the 26 highest priority knowledge needs. Many of them demand integration of knowledge from different disciplines to inform policy and practice. The top five are about sustainability of livestock feed, trade-offs between ecosystem services at farm or landscape scale, phosphorus recycling and metrics to measure sustainability. The outcomes will be used to guide on-going knowledge exchange work, future science policy and funding.
The Use of Feed Additives to Reduce the Effects of Aflatoxin and Deoxynivalenol on Pig Growth, Organ Health and Immune Status during Chronic Exposure
Authors: Weaver Alexandra , See M. , Hansen Jeff , Kim Yong , De Souza Anna , Middleton Teena , Kim Sung
Published: July 2013

Three feed additives were tested to improve the growth and health of pigs chronically challenged with aflatoxin (AF) and deoxynivalenol (DON). Gilts (n = 225, 8.8 ± 0.4 kg) were allotted to five treatments: CON (uncontaminated control); MT (contaminated with 150 µg/kg AF and 1100 µg/kg DON); A (MT + a clay additive); B (MT + a clay and dried yeast additive); and C (MT + a clay and yeast culture additive). Average daily gain (ADG) and feed intake (ADFI) were recorded for 42 days, blood collected for immune analysis and tissue samples to measure damage. Feeding mycotoxins tended to decrease ADG and altered the immune system through a tendency to increase monocytes and immunoglobulins. Mycotoxins caused tissue damage in the form of liver bile ductule hyperplasia and karyomegaly. The additives in diets A and B reduced mycotoxin effects on the immune system and the liver and showed some ability to improve growth. The diet C additive played a role in reducing liver damage. Collectively, we conclude that AF and DON can be harmful to the growth and health of pigs consuming mycotoxins chronically. The selected feed additives improved pig health and may play a role in pig growth.
Complete Nucleotide Sequence of a South African Isolate of Grapevine Fanleaf Virus and Its Associated Satellite RNA
Authors: Lamprecht Renate , Spaltman Monique , Stephan Dirk , Wetzel Thierry , Burger Johan
Published: July 2013

The complete sequences of RNA1, RNA2 and satellite RNA have been determined for a South African isolate of Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV-SACH44). The two RNAs of GFLV-SACH44 are 7,341 nucleotides (nt) and 3,816 nt in length, respectively, and its satellite RNA (satRNA) is 1,104 nt in length, all excluding the poly(A) tail. Multiple sequence alignment of these sequences showed that GFLV-SACH44 RNA1 and RNA2 were the closest to the South African isolate, GFLV-SAPCS3 (98.2% and 98.6% nt identity, respectively), followed by the French isolate, GFLV-F13 (87.3% and 90.1% nt identity, respectively). Interestingly, the GFLV-SACH44 satRNA is more similar to three Arabis mosaic virus satRNAs (85%–87.4% nt identity) than to the satRNA of GFLV-F13 (81.8% nt identity) and was most distantly related to the satRNA of GFLV-R2 (71.0% nt identity). Full-length infectious clones of GFLV-SACH44 satRNA were constructed. The infectivity of the clones was tested with three nepovirus isolates, GFLV-NW, Arabis mosaic virus (ArMV)-NW and GFLV-SAPCS3. The clones were mechanically inoculated in Chenopodium quinoa and were infectious when co-inoculated with the two GFLV helper viruses, but not when co-inoculated with ArMV-NW.
Synthesis and thermoelectric properties of Re3As6.6In0.4 with Ir3Ge7 crystal structure
Authors: Verchenko Valeriy Y , Vasiliev Anton S , Tsirlin Alexander A , Kulbachinskii Vladimir A , Kytin Vladimir G , Shevelkov Andrei V
Published: July 2013

The Re3As7−xInx solid solution was prepared for x ≤ 0.5 by heating the elements in stoichiometric ratios in evacuated silica tubes at 1073 K. It crystallizes with the Ir3Ge7 crystal structure, space group Im−3m, with a unit-cell parameter a ranging from 8.716 to 8.747 Å. The crystal structure and properties were investigated for a composition with x = 0.4. It is shown that indium substitutes arsenic exclusively at one crystallographic site, such that the As–As dumbbells with dAs–As = 2.54 Å remain intact. Re3As6.6In0.4 behaves as a bad metal or heavily doped semiconductor, with electrons being the dominant charge carriers. It possesses high values of Seebeck coefficient and low thermal conductivity, but relatively low electrical conductivity, which leads to rather low values of the thermoelectric figure of merit.
Dios ayuda a aquellos que se ayudan a sí mismos: la negociación de un milagro en la canonización de Delphine de Puimichel (siglo XIV)
Authors: Archambeau Nicole
Published: July 2013

Si bien sabemos que los enfermos medievales tenían opciones de atención médica y sabían cómo acceder a ellas, una evidencia “desde la base” es poco frecuente. Utilizando como fuente el testimonio de los testigos del proceso de canonización de la condesa Delphine de Puimichel, este artículo trata sobre cómo la gente buscó la curación milagrosa a través de una mujer santa reacia a sanar. Las fuentes revelan cómo los testigos utilizaron la falta de acceso a la atención médica, el fracaso de la misma, el peligro inmediato y el sufrimiento de larga duración como vías para acceder al contacto sanador de la condesa Delphine o de sus reliquias.
Alimentación y salud en la Valencia medieval. Teorías y prácticas
Authors: García Marsilla Juan Vicente
Published: July 2013

Se pretende aquí un acercamiento a la relación entre los hábitos alimentarios y la salud en una ciudad mediterránea de la baja Edad Media a partir de la confrontación entre los tratados médicos, los recetarios gastronómicos y las fuentes de archivo que atestiguan los gastos reales en alimentos. A través de esa comparación, y utilizando registros contables de casas nobiliarias, empresas mercantiles, conventos y hospitales, se observan las pautas alimenticias que se aplicaban, y su mayor o menor concordancia con los principios galénicos de la medicina universitaria. Además, se intenta valorar cuáles eran los factores clave en la evolución de esas pautas, y hasta qué punto las teorías no venían más bien a sancionar los comportamientos de las elites sociales de la época.
Historias entrecruzadas: el período de la lactancia de niñas y niños abandonados en el mundo femenino de las nodrizas durante la primera mitad del siglo XV
Authors: Illanes Zubieta Ximena
Published: July 2013

El artículo trata sobre las niñas y niños abandonados en el hospital de la Santa Creu de Barcelona y las nodrizas que los amamantan durante el siglo XV. Se abordan tres temáticas centrales: las amas de leche y sus principales labores para con las criaturas abandonadas, las fronteras de la marginación producto de la inestabilidad en el proceso de lactancia y los posibles lazos afectivos establecidos entre las nodrizas y los niños a cargo.
Les usages du sucre dans le manuel de pharmacie de Cohen al-‘Aṭṭār médecin juif du Caire au XIIIe siècle
Authors: Ouerfelli Mohamed
Published: July 2013

[fr] Face à l’absence d’un guide pharmaceutique à l’usage des apothicaires et des marchands de drogues et de boissons, qui tient compte de l’évolution de la pharmacie et du développement de la matière médicale, Cohen al-‘Aṭṭār propose un nouveau manuel dans lequel il rappelle non seulement les écrits de ses prédécesseurs, mais il livre également les points de vue de ses contemporains, et surtout ses propres expériences, qu’il mène dans sa boutique du Caire, pour la confection des médicaments et les moyens de les conserver. Ce manuel pharmaceutique, le plus riche en formules médicamenteuses, se distingue également par l’usage massif du sucre dans l’élaboration des recettes. Ce produit, disponible en grandes quantités en Égypte et en Syrie pendant la seconde moitié du XIIIe siècle, se substitue progressivement au miel et devient l’ingrédient principal dans l’élaboration des médicaments et des boissons. Par cette voie et par un effet de mode, il perce le domaine alimentaire et devient l’apanage des cours princières, qui en font un élément indispensable à leurs réjouissances.
Testicular Fibroma of Gonadal Stromal Origin with Minor Sex Cord Elements, Presenting with Hydrocele
Authors: Datta Saikat , Dey Soumit , Mukherjee Sumana , Chandra Paul Prabir , Bhattacharyya Aparna , Biswas Sukdeb , Tudu Balaram
Published: July 2013

Testicular fibroma of gonadal stromal origin is a rare benign tumor of testis which usually presents as a slow growing testicular mass. Only 25 cases of testicular fibroma have been reported in the literature. Presence of minor sex cord elements in this tumor is even rarer. We report a case of testicular fibroma with minor sex cord elements that involved almost the entire testis and tunica vaginalis. The patient presented with hydrocele, a rare presentation for this entity. The rarity of the diagnosis and the clinical presentation prompted this case report.
The European Alps as an interrupter of the Earth's conductivity structures
Authors: Al-Halbouni D.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. Joint interpretation of magnetotelluric and geomagnetic depth sounding results in the period range of 10–105 s in the Western European Alps offer new insights into the conductivity structure of the Earth's crust and mantle. This first large scale electromagnetic study in the Alps covers a cross-section from Germany to northern Italy and shows the importance of the alpine mountain chain as an interrupter of continuous conductors. Poor data quality due to the highly crystalline underground is overcome by Remote Reference and Robust Processing techniques and the combination of both electromagnetic methods. 3-D forward modeling reveals on the one hand interrupted dipping crustal conductors with maximum conductances of 4960 S and on the other hand a lithosphere thickening up to 208 km beneath the central Western Alps. Graphite networks arising from Palaeozoic sedimentary deposits are considered to be accountable for the occurrence of high conductivity and the distribution pattern of crustal conductors. The influence of huge sedimentary Molasse basins on the electromagnetic data is suggested to be minor compared with the influence of crustal conductors. Dipping direction (S–SE) and maximum angle (10.1°) of the northern crustal conductor reveal the main thrusting conditions beneath the Helvetic Alps whereas the existence of a crustal conductor in the Briançonnais supports theses about its belonging to the Iberian Peninsula. In conclusion the proposed model arisen from combined 3-D modeling of noise corrected electromagnetic data is able to explain the geophysical influence of various structural features in and around the Western European Alps and serves as a background for further upcoming studies.
Effects of Ampicillin/Sulbactam and Enrofloxacin on the Blood Pressure of Isoflurane Anesthetized Dogs
Authors: Moorer Jeremiah D. , Towle-Millard Heather A. , Gross Marjorie E. , Payton Mark E.
Published: July 2013

A blinded, prospective, randomized crossover study was performed to determine the effects of ampicillin Na/sulbactam Na and enrofloxacin on the blood pressure (BP) of healthy anesthetized dogs. Eight dogs were anesthetized three different times. They randomly received enrofloxacin, ampicillin Na/sulbactam Na, and saline. Systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial BPs (SAP, DAP, and MAP, respectively), heart rate (HR), O2 saturation of hemoglobin, end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) concentration, inspired isoflurane concentration, end-tidal isoflurane (ETiso) concentration, respiratory rate, electrocardiogram, and body temperature were measured for 20 min prior to administration of treatment, during administration over 30 min, and for 30 min after administration. There was no significant difference in the SAP or ETiso. There was no significant change in the arterial pressure values over time in the enrofloxacin and ampicillin Na/sulbactam Na groups. The control group’s MAP increased over time and was increased compared with the enrofloxacin group at times 25, 35, 45, and 55. The statistical difference between the enrofloxacin and the control groups was due to an increase in the MAP in the control group, not a decrease in the enrofloxacin group’s BP. Neither enrofloxacin nor ampicillin Na/sulbactam Na caused hypotension in healthy dogs anesthetized with isoflurane and fentanyl.
Reirradiation of Canine Nasal Carcinomas Treated with Coarsely Fractionated Radiation Protocols: 37 Cases
Authors: Gieger Tracy , Siegel Sheri , Rosen Kari , Jackson Dorothy , Ware Kevin , Kiselow Michael , Shiomitsu Keijiro
Published: July 2013

Data from 37 dogs with nasal carcinomas treated with two or more coarsely fractionated courses of radiation therapy (RT) were retrospectively reviewed. The median radiation dose for the first course of RT was 24 Gray (Gy). All dogs clinically responded, and 11 had complete resolution of signs for a median of 114 days. Dogs were retreated at relapse, with a median dose of 20 Gy, and 26 of 37 dogs (70%) had clinical responses. The second course of RT was initiated at a median of 150 days following completion of the first course. Side effects were mild: four dogs had chronic ocular conditions necessitating medication, one of which required enucleation. Median survival time (ST) from the first dose of RT was 453 days and 180 days from the first dose of the second course of RT. The following factors were examined but were not significant for survival: total RT dose, dose of the first course of RT, complete resolution of clinical signs, use of either chemotherapy or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and stage (T1/T2 versus T3/T4). Dogs responded well to reirradiation with a subset experiencing chronic ocular side effects.
Brainstem Oligodendroglioma in a Puppy
Authors: Mateo Isidro , Orlandi Rocio , Vazquez Fernando , Muñoz Alberto
Published: July 2013

A 5 mo old male golden retriever presented for evaluation of an acute onset, progressive neurologic disease. Although computed tomography (CT) was unremarkable, MRI identified an ill-defined mass located in the medulla, which was considered likely responsible for the clinical signs. The imaging features closely resembled the classic features of human brainstem gliomas in the pediatric population. Histopathologic examination confirmed the lesion to be an anaplastic oligodendroglioma.
Deconstructing Deleuze and Guattari’s A Thousand Plateaus for Music Education
Authors: Jorgensen Estelle R. , Yob Iris M.
Published: July 2013

In this essay, Deleuze and Guattari’s ideas as discussed in their book, A Thousand Plateaus: Capitalism and Schizophrenia, are critically examined with a view to determining the merits of their ideas as a basis for a philosophy of music education. Three principal questions are at the heart of this analysis: What are Deleuze and Guattari asking us to believe? What is our assessment of their contributions and detractions? What are the implications of our analysis for music education? Our approach is dialogical in juxtaposing an analysis of their ideas construed more broadly with an examination of selected metaphors that they use, and thereby combining literal and figurative thought. While their thinking constitutes a limited and flawed basis for a philosophy of music education, they prompt insights that are valuable for music education thought and practice.
Dance as Portrayed in the Media
Authors: Misirhiralall Sabrina D.
Published: July 2013

The portrayal of dance in the media is of a current educational interest for dancers, dance educators, as well as the viewers of the performance. I seek to determine how knowledge construction of dance develops within the public sphere. With the knowledge construction of dance epistemologically and ethically in mind, this research focuses on the way the ideology of written language is used to describe dance in the western world in the media. The media is a form of literacy that helps the public sphere access knowledge and build their knowledge of dance. Yet, the public sphere has the potential to influence the media’s knowledge construction of dance. This article attempts to answer a question that many dancers and non-dancers have. What is dance according to the media? How does the written word portray dance in the media? To answer these questions, the research focuses on the role that the discourse of dance in the media plays in the public sphere’s knowledge construction of dance. This is important to study because the public sphere’s meaning of dance will determine whether or not dance education is promoted or banned in schools and in society.
Decade of climate extremes
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: July 2013

The first decade of the 21st century was the warmest decade recorded since modern measurements began around 1850, according to a 3 July report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). In addition, a pronounced increase in the global temperature occurred over the 4 decades between 1971 and 2010.
Further Comment on “AGU Statement Regarding the Conviction of Italian Seismologists”
Authors: Amato Alessandro , Cocco Massimo , Cultrera Giovanna , Galadini Fabrizio , Margheriti Lucia , Nostro Concetta , Pantosti Daniela
Published: July 2013

In the opinion of the undersigned, AGU's position statement regarding the conviction of Italian seismologists, issued following the 22 October 2012 conviction of six Italian scientists and one government official related to the 2009 L'Aquila earthquake (see Eos, 93(44), 444, 10.1029/2012EO440013), is absolutely right and correct. We believe that Franco Marenco's opinion disagreeing with AGU's position (Eos, 94(6), 63, doi:10.1002/2013EO060006) is misleading because it is based only on biased information gathered from the media. We invite Marenco and anyone who is interested in better understanding the L'Aquila trial and related issues to retrieve and read original documents and information from http://processoaquila.wordpress.com/.
Berkner Travel Fellowship Winner Attends 2013 Meeting of the Americas
Authors: Smedley Kara
Published: July 2013

Attending an AGU meeting can be a formative experience for any student or early‐career scientist, but attending the 2013 Meeting of the Americas was career‐ and life‐changing for at least one young Berkner Travel Fellowship recipient.
Isotope variability in water vapor over Southern California
Authors: Balcerak Ernie
Published: July 2013

Variations in the ratios of different isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen in water have long been used to trace water cycle processes, and the isotopic composition of water vapor in the atmosphere is known to change with weather events. Farlin et al. measured the isotopic composition of atmospheric water vapor in San Diego, Calif., at hourly intervals during February 2011 using a ground‐based sensor. The time period included severe rainstorms and Santa Ana winds. They also used a general circulation model that included simulation of isotope variability to investigate how atmospheric and hydrologic processes affect isotope composition of water vapor near the surface.
Southern California ozone pollution declining and changing
Authors: Balcerak Ernie
Published: July 2013

Many studies have documented the decline in ozone pollution and its precursors in the Los Angeles air basin over the past several decades. Now Pollack et al. have analyzed new data from research aircraft, along with archived data from roadside monitors and ground‐based instruments, to provide a synthesis of concentrations and emissions ratios of ozone, other secondary pollutants, and their precursors from 1960 to 2010.
Psychological Profiles and Pain Characteristics of Older Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Cruz‐Almeida Yenisel , King Christopher D. , Goodin Burel R. , Sibille Kimberly T. , Glover Toni L. , Riley Joseph L. , Sotolongo Adriana , Herbert Matthew S. , Schmidt Jessica , Fessler Barri J. , Redden David T. , Staud Roland , Bradley Laurence A. , Fillingim Roger B.
Published: July 2013

Objective

To identify psychological profiles in persons with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and to determine the relationship between these profiles and specific pain and sensory characteristics, including temporal summation and conditioned pain modulation.

Methods

Individuals with knee OA (n = 194) completed psychological, health, and sensory assessments. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to derive psychological profiles that were compared across several clinical pain/disability and experimental pain responses.

Results

Cluster 1 had high optimism with low negative affect, pain vigilance, anger, and depression, along with the lowest self‐reported pain/disability and the lowest sensitivity to mechanical, pressure, and thermal pain (P < 0.01 for all). Cluster 2 had low positive affect with high somatic reactivity, while cluster 3 showed high pain vigilance with low optimism. Clusters 2 and 3 had intermediate levels of self‐reported pain/disability and cluster 3 experienced central sensitization to mechanical stimuli. Participants in cluster 3 also displayed significant pain facilitation (P < 0.05). Cluster 4 exhibited the highest pain vigilance, reactivity, negative affect, anger, and depression. These individuals experienced the highest self‐reported pain/disability, including widespread pain (P < 0.001 for all). Cluster 4 was most sensitive to mechanical, pressure, and thermal stimuli, and showed significant central sensitization to mechanical and thermal stimuli (P < 0.001 for all).

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate the existence of homogeneous psychological profiles displaying unique sets of clinical and somatosensory characteristics. Multidisciplinary treatment approaches consistent with the biopsychosocial model of pain should provide significant advantages if targeted to profiles such as those in our OA sample.
Exercise/Physical Activity and Weight Management Efforts in Canadians With Self‐Reported Arthritis
Authors: O'Donnell Siobhan , Rusu Corneliu , Bernatsky Sasha , Hawker Gillian , Canizares Mayilee , MacKay Crystal , Badley Elizabeth
Published: July 2013

Objective

To describe the exercise/physical activity and weight management efforts of Canadians with self‐reported arthritis, to examine factors associated with their engagement in these strategies to help manage their arthritis, and to explore reasons for lack of engagement.

Methods

Data were from the arthritis component of the 2009 Survey on Living with Chronic Diseases in Canada. The responses (78% response rate; n = 4,565) were weighted to be representative of Canadians (ages ≥20 years) with arthritis. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine factors associated with engaging in exercise/physical activity and weight control/loss (among overweight/obese respondents) for arthritis management purposes.

Results

Individuals with arthritis were mostly women (63%), ages ≥45 years (89%), overweight/obese (67%), married (68%), and white (87%), with postsecondary education (69%). Sixty‐three percent were exercising and of those who were overweight or obese, 68% were trying to control/lose weight; only 46% were engaged in both. Having received a clinical recommendation was the factor most strongly associated with engaging in exercise/physical activity and/or controlling/losing weight. The most common reason for not exercising was a coexisting health condition/problem (22%), while the most common reason for not controlling/losing weight among those who were overweight/obese was that it was felt not to be necessary (51%).

Conclusion

The provision of clinical recommendations from a health professional, providing advice on safe and suitable exercises/physical activities, as well as addressing misperceptions of the need to lose weight among the overweight/obese, may facilitate engagement in these health behaviors and ultimately reduce the consequences of arthritis.
Association of Planus Foot Posture and Pronated Foot Function With Foot Pain: The Framingham Foot Study
Authors: Menz Hylton B. , Dufour Alyssa B. , Riskowski Jody L. , Hillstrom Howard J. , Hannan Marian T.
Published: July 2013

Objective

To examine the associations of foot posture and foot function to foot pain.

Methods

Data were collected on 3,378 members of the Framingham Study cohort who completed foot examinations in 2002–2008. Foot pain (generalized and at 6 locations) was based on the response to the following question: “On most days, do you have pain, aching or stiffness in either foot?” Foot posture was categorized as normal, planus, or cavus using static pressure measurements of the arch index. Foot function was categorized as normal, pronated, or supinated using the center of pressure excursion index from dynamic pressure measurements. Sex‐specific multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the effect of foot posture and function on generalized and location‐specific foot pain, adjusting for age and weight.

Results

Planus foot posture was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of arch pain in men (odds ratio [OR] 1.38, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.01–1.90), while cavus foot posture was protective against ball of foot pain (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.55–1.00) and arch pain (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.48–0.85) in women. Pronated foot function was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of generalized foot pain (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.04–1.56) and heel pain (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.04–2.27) in men, while supinated foot function was protective against hindfoot pain in women (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.55–1.00).

Conclusion

Planus foot posture and pronated foot function are associated with foot symptoms. Interventions that modify abnormal foot posture and function may therefore have a role in the prevention and treatment of foot pain.
Femto‐Second Laser‐Based Free Writing of 3D Protein Microstructures and Micropatterns with Sub‐Micrometer Features: A Study on Voxels, Porosity, and Cytocompatibility
Authors: Chan Barbara Pui , Ma Jiao Ni , Xu Jin Ye , Li Chuen Wai , Cheng Jin Ping , Cheng Shuk Han
Published: July 2013

Femto‐second laser‐based free‐writing of complex protein microstructures and micropatterns, with sub‐micrometer features and controllability over voxel dimension, morphology, and porosity, is reported. Protein voxels including lines, spots, and micropillars are fabricated. Laser power, exposure time, z‐position, protein and photosensitizer concentrations, but not scanning speed, are important controlling parameters. A lateral fabrication resolution of ≈200 nm is demonstrated in 2D line voxels. 3D spot voxels are ellipsoids with 400 nm lateral and 1.5 μm axial dimensions. An ascending z‐stack scanning method to verify the theoretical axial optical resolution, delineate and enhance the axial fabrication resolution of 3D structures, including square prism and cylinder micropillars, is also reported. The micropillar array presents a simple “write‐and‐seed” and table platform for cell niche studies. Fibroblasts attach to, grow on, and express adhesion to molecules on micropillar arrays without the need of matrix coating. They exhibit a more “3D” morphology comparing with that in 2D monolayer cultures and physiological functions such as matrix deposition. This work presents an important milestone in engineering complex protein microstructures and micropatterns with sub‐micrometer topological features to mimic the native matrix niche for cell‐matrix interaction studies.
Ruthenium Oxide Hydrogen Evolution Catalysis on Composite Cuprous Oxide Water‐Splitting Photocathodes
Authors: Tilley S. David , Schreier Marcel , Azevedo João , Stefik Morgan , Graetzel Michael
Published: July 2013

Photocathodes based on cuprous oxide (Cu2O) are promising materials for large scale and widespread solar fuel generation due to the abundance of copper, suitable bandgap, and favorable band alignments for reducing water and carbon dioxide. A protective overlayer is required to stabilize the Cu2O in aqueous media under illumination, and the interface between this overlayer and the catalyst nanoparticles was previously identified as a key source of instability. Here, the properties of the protective titanium dioxide overlayer of composite cuprous oxide photocathodes are further investigated, as well as an oxide‐based hydrogen evolution catalyst, ruthenium oxide (RuO2). The RuO2‐catalyzed photoelectrodes exhibit much improved stability versus platinum nanoparticles, with 94% stability after 8 h of light‐chopping chronoamperometry. Faradaic efficiencies of ∼100% are obtained as determined by measurement of the evolved hydrogen gas. The sustained photocurrents of close to 5 mA cm−2 obtained with this electrode during the chronoamperometry measurement (at 0 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode, pH 5, and simulated 1 sun illumination) would correspond to greater than 6% solar‐to‐hydrogen conversion efficiency in a tandem photoelectrochemical cell, where the bias is provided by a photovoltaic device such as a dye‐sensitized solar cell.
An Efficient Solution‐Processed Intermediate Layer for Facilitating Fabrication of Organic Multi‐Junction Solar Cells
Authors: Li Ning , Baran Derya , Forberich Karen , Turbiez Mathieu , Ameri Tayebeh , Krebs Frederik C. , Brabec Christoph J.
Published: July 2013

Photovoltaic tandem technology has the potential to boost the power conversion efficiency of organic photovoltaic devices. Here, a reliable and efficient fully solution‐processed intermediate layer (IML) consisting of ZnO and neutralized poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is demonstrated for series‐connected multi‐junction organic solar cells (OSCs). Drying at 80 °C in air is sufficient for this solution‐processed IML to obtain excellent functionality and reliability, which allow the use of most of high performance donor materials in the tandem structure. An open circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.56 V is obtained for single‐junction OSCs based on a low band‐gap polymer, while multi‐junction OSCs based on the same absorber material deliver promising fill factor values along with fully additive Voc as the number of junctions increase. Optical and electrical simulations, which are reliable and promising guidelines for the design and investigation of multi‐junction OSCs, are discussed. The outcome of optical and electrical simulations is in excellent agreement with the experimental data, indicating the outstanding efficiency and functionality of this solution‐processed IML. The demonstration of this efficient, solution‐processed IML represents a convenient way for facilitating fabrication of multi‐junction OSCs to achieve high power conversion efficiency.
Work‐related injuries among union drywall carpenters in Washington State, 1989–2008
Authors: Schoenfisch Ashley L. , Lipscomb Hester , Marshall Steve , Cameron Wilfred , Richardson David , Casteel Carri
Published: July 2013

Background

Drywall installers are at high‐risk of work‐related injury. Comprehensive descriptive epidemiology of injuries among drywall installers, particularly over time, is lacking.

Methods

We identified worker‐hours and reported and accepted workers' compensation (WC) claims for a 20‐year (1989–2008) cohort of 24,830 Washington State union carpenters. Stratified by predominant type of work (drywall installation, other carpentry), work‐related injury rates were examined over calendar time and by worker characteristics. Expert interviews provided contextual details.

Results

Drywall installers' injury rates, higher than those of other carpenters, declined substantially over this period by 73.6%. Common injury mechanisms were struck by/against, overexertion and falls. Drywall material was considered a contributing factor in 19.7% of injuries. One‐third of these drywall material‐related injuries resulted in paid lost time, compared to 19.4% of injuries from other sources. Rates of injury were particularly high among workers with 2 to <4 years in the union. Notable declines over time in rates of overexertion injury in which drywall material was a contributing factor were still observed after controlling for secular temporal trends. Experts highlighted changes over the past 20 years that improved both work safety and, in some cases, production.

Conclusions

Declines in drywall installers' injury rates over time likely reflect, in part, enhanced workplace safety, including efforts to reduce overexertion hazards associated with handling drywall. Continued injury prevention efforts are needed, particularly for less tenured workers. Given the potential for under‐reporting to WC, additional sources of health outcomes data may provide a more complete picture of workers' health. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:1137–1148, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Relationships between organizational workplace characteristics and perceived workplace strain in call‐centers in France
Authors: Boini Stéphanie , Chouanière Dominique , Colin Régis , Wild Pascal
Published: July 2013

Background

Our objective was to study the associations between organizational workplace characteristics (OC) reported by call‐center (CC) managers and workplace stressors reported by call‐handlers.

Methods

The managers of 107 CCs were interviewed by their occupational physicians using a questionnaire designed to specifically explore OC in the CCs. Four thousand two call‐handlers from these CCs completed a self‐report questionnaire including the Karasek and Siegrist work stressor questionnaires and two specific items on other workplace stressors.

Results

Around one‐third of the OC examined were associated with the demand/control ratio, the perception of demanding work and ethical conflicts, however, far fewer OC were associated with the effort/reward ratio. Most OC were associated with higher levels of job stressors. Some had strong, systematic negative associations with stressors (e.g., highly formatted instructions for the client relationship).

Conclusions

These findings could help in targeting job stressor prevention and health improvement strategies in CCs. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:1317–1328, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.