bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing provenance of Upper Cretaceous siliciclastics using spectral γ-ray record
Authors: Šimíček Daniel , Bábek Ondřej
Published: August 2015

The relationship between contents of clay minerals/grain size and spectral γ-ray record (concentrations of K, U and Th) in sediments is used for interpretation of sedimentary facies in wire-line logs. However, this approach is often complicated by the multi-component nature of mineralogically immature siliciclastics. As mineralogy of the source material and grain-size sorting during transport both contribute to the detrital composition of the final sediment, a joint study of facies and outcrop γ-ray spectra can potentially make the latter an effective tool in provenance studies. This paper provides comparison of outcrop γ-ray data and detailed facies mapping with mineral and chemical composition of the rocks (modal composition; transparent heavy mineral assemblages; WDX SEM chemistry of minerals) and interprets them in terms of provenance changes. We studied the Upper Cretaceous, synorogenic siliciclastic sediments of the Mazák and Godula Formations (Silesian Unit of the Western Carpathians flysch belt). Decreasing mineral maturity of the studied sandstones is consistent with provenance change from craton interior – (Mazák Formation) to transitional continental and recycled orogen sources (Godula Formation). Two major phases of K, U and Th concentration shifts, which occurred close to the Mazák/Godula Formation and Middle/Upper Godula Members boundaries, are consistent with changes in main detrital modes. These trends indicate gradually accelerated influx of material derived from high-grade metamorphic and plutonic rocks during deposition of the Mazák and Godula Formations. These changes are interpreted as reflecting a gradual exhumation and erosion of deeper crustal levels of the source area, the Silesian ridge.
Phytosociological Description of Ostrya Carpinifolia and Fraxinus Ornus Communities in the Julian Alps and in the Northern Part of the Dinaric Alps (NW and W Slovenia, NE Italy)
Authors: Dakskobler Igor
Published: August 2015

Based on comparisons between similar communities in northeastern Italy, southern Austria, central and southeastern Slovenia, and western Croatia, we classified black hornbeam and flowering ash phytocoenoses on steep rocky sites in the beech forest belt in northwestern and western Slovenia into the association Fraxinio orni-Ostryetum Aichinger 1933 and described its new subassociation -phyteumatetosum columnae in the foothills of the Julian Alps and in the northern part of the Dinaric Alps. Black hornbeam and flowering ash stands on steep shady slopes with a higher proportion of diagnostic species of beech and spruce forests are classified into the new association Rhododendro hirsuti-Ostryetum Franz ex Dakskobler, ass. nov. hoc loco, new subassociation -mercurialietosum perennis and the provisional variant var. Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus whose stands are floristically rather similar to the stands of the association Hemerocallido-Ostryetum.
Validations and Typifications of Some South Europe an Syntaxa
Authors: Čarni Andraž , Mucina Ladislav
Published: August 2015

In the course of the compilation of a list of high-rank syntaxa of Europe, it appeared that some of syntaxa from south Europe were not validly described. In this paper, the following syntaxa have been either described or validated, such as the Potentillo montenegrinae-Festucion paniculatae (Festucetalia spadiceae, Juncetea trifidi), the Aquilegio nigricantis-Rhododendrion hirsuti (Rhododendro hirsuti-Ericetalia carneae, Rhododendro hirsuti-Ericetea carneae), the Hyperico grisebachii-Pinion mugo (Junipero-Pinetalia mugo, Roso pendulinae-Pinetea mugo), the Lathyro veneti-Taxion baccatae, Quercion petraeo-cerridis (both Quercetalia pubescentis, Quercetea pubescentis) and the Buxo- Syringion vulgaris (Paliuretalia, Rhamno-Prunetea).
Wall Vegetation in Old Royal Mining Towns in Central Slovakia
Authors: Kolbek Jiří , Valachovič Milan , Mišíková Katarína
Published: August 2015

During May, 2013, the vegetation on city walls has been studied in five old royal mining towns of Central Slovakia (Banská Belá, Banská Štiavnica, Kremnica, Nová Baňa, and Pukanec). In the four last-named towns, phytocoenological material was recorded according to the Braun-Blanquet method, providing 41 relevés. Analysis of data (Twinspan , DCA) grouped the relevés into four clusters: ass. Cymbalarietum muralis, Corydalidetum luteae, Asplenietum rutae-murarie-trichomanis, and the most hemerobic community dominated by Chelidonium majus. All communities are generally rather heterogeneous, with a large range of number of species and with frequent participation of accessory plants. In the observed localities, 22 epilithic mosses and 2 liverworts were recorded: the most common species appears Encalypta streptocarpa, Homalothecium sericeum, Tortula muralis, Hypnum cupressiforme, Schistidium apocarpum agg., and Bryum caespiticium.
Recovery of Spider Communities After a Spontaneous Summer Fire in the Forb-Bunchgrass Steppe of Eastern Ukraine
Authors: Polchaninova Nina
Published: August 2015

Recently, anthropogenic fires in protected areas have become more frequent. I studied the response of the spider community after an extensive summer fire in the ‘Striltsivskyi Steppe’ Reserve in eastern Ukraine. A total of 117 spider species was found in the pre-fire period, 40 species were registered in the first and 89 species in the third post-fire year. Herb-dwelling spiders began to colonize burnt plots in July, when juveniles of the new generation began dispersing. In September, their abundance was similar to that of undisturbed steppe and within three years, the spider assemblages recovered almost completely. Cursorial ground-dwellers in the first post-fire year decreased in species richness and increased in activity density. In the third year, their species diversity and activity density became much higher than in control plots. Some xerophilous species benefited from the fire. Litter dwellers are extremely vulnerable. During the three post-fire years, their numbers and diversity did not recover. Some rare species with a patchy geographical distribution disappeared from the local fauna. Such a reaction of endangered species is the main restriction on the use of fire as a conservation management. The prerequisite for its implementation is maintaining relevant refuges for threatened species.
Conservation Value, Management and Restoration of Europe’S Semi‑Natural Open Landscapes
Authors: Carboni Marta , Dengler Jürgen , Mantilla-Contreras Jasmin , Venn Stephen , Török Péter
Published: August 2015

Most semi-natural open habitats in Europe have been traditionally maintained by anthropogenic activities, such as grazing or mowing, preventing the establishment of woody vegetation. These habitats harbour a remarkably rich biodiversity in terms of both plant and animal species, but are also highly threatened, mainly by agricultural intensification and land abandonment. With this Editorial we introduce a Special Issue initiated by the European Dry Grassland Group (EDGG) at the Open Landscapes Conference (Hildesheim, 2013) and the 11th European Dry Grassland Meeting (Kulikovo Pole, 2014). We aim to give a short introduction to the current conservation status, significance and research of semi-natural open habitats in Europe and present the collected articles of the Special Issue. These papers cover a wide range of different semi-natural open habitats, including wood-pastures, heathlands, steppes, semi-dry and dry grasslands across the Palearctic region and address issues related to the assessment methods, threats, management and restoration of these habitats. We conclude that, in order to ensure their conservation and to monitor the changes in open habitats, integrative approaches are needed that take into account not only vegetation records, but also multiple animal taxa, abiotic factors, management practices, ecosystem services and modelling simulations for anticipating possible future scenarios. We also recommend that decision-makers should support actions to conserve open habitats in Europe by addressing such major challenges as the encroachment of woody vegetation. We are convinced that the present Special Issue will contribute to a better understanding of ecosystem functions and support the biodiversity conservation and management of semi-natural open habitats.
Reproducibility of an assay to measure serum progesterone metabolites that may be related to breast cancer risk using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Trabert Britton , Falk Roni T. , Stanczyk Frank Z. , McGlynn Katherine A. , Brinton Louise A. , Xu Xia
Published: August 2015

Recent data suggest a novel role of progesterone in breast cancer etiology involving the progesterone metabolites 3α-dihydroprogesterone (3αHP), 5α-dihydroprogesterone (5αP), and 20α-dihydroprogesterone (20αHP). Accurate and precise measures of progesterone metabolites are needed for etiologic studies of hormonally related cancers. We have developed a high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method to measure five hormones, including progesterone, its precursor pregnenolone, and three progesterone metabolites, 5αP, 3αHP, and 20αHP. Hormone levels were measured in serum from 20 healthy volunteers (7 men, 5 premenopausal women, and 8 postmenopausal women). Two blinded, randomized aliquots per individual were assayed in each of four batches. The coefficients of variation (CV) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated from the individual components of variance. The overall laboratory CVs were <3% and ICCs were uniformly high (>98%) for all hormones measured across sex/menopausal status groups. Our HPLC-MS/MS assay of progesterone metabolites demonstrated excellent sensitivity, laboratory reproducibility, and interindividual variation, suggesting that this serum assay is suitable for epidemiologic research. The high sensitivity of the assay, and thus the ability to quantify concentrations among postmenopausal women and men, further supports that this novel assay is suitable for studies of serum progesterone metabolite concentrations and risk of breast cancer or other hormonally related cancer.
Performance diagnostic in cross-country skiing
Authors: Gasser Benedikt A. , Hoppeler Hans H.
Published: August 2015

Purpose

Recreational cross-country skiers can benefit from a performance diagnostic when planning a training program. The aim of this study was to establish a simple test protocol to measure endurance capacity and provide training recommendations.

Methods

The relationship between endurance performance and cross-country skiing technique was assessed using two tests. First, a lactate threshold test whereby running speed was determined on a treadmill at 4 mmol/l blood lactate concentration. Second, participants completed a variation of the Cooper test using skating technique on flat terrain to determine the distance covered in 12 min and maximum heart rate.

Results

There was a correlative (r = 0.18 respectivelly R2 = 0.43) relationship of between the distance covered in the Cooper test and treadmill running speed at 4 mmol/l blood lactate concentration.

Conclusions

The two tests allow recreational athletes to rank themselves with regards to their endurance capacity within a population. The relationship between distance covered and maximum heart rate can indicate whether future training should focus on technical or physical improvement.
Power Quality Improvement Using an Enhanced Network-Side-Shunt-Connected Dynamic Voltage Restorer
Authors: Fereidouni Alireza , Masoum Mohammad A. S. , Moghbel Moayed
Published: August 2015

Among the four basic dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) topologies, the network-side shunt-connected DVR (NSSC-DVR) has a relatively poor performance and is investigated in this paper. A new configuration is proposed and implemented for NSSC-DVR to enhance its performance in compensating (un)symmetrical deep and long voltage sags and mitigate voltage harmonics. The enhanced NSSC-DVR model includes a three-phase half-bridge semi-controlled network-side-shunt-connected rectifier and a three-phase full-bridge series-connected inverter implemented with a back-to-back configuration through a bidirectional buck-boost converter. The network-side-shunt-connected rectifier is employed to inject/draw the required energy by NSSC-DVR to restore the load voltage to its pre-fault value under sag/swell conditions. The buck-boost converter is responsible for maintaining the DC-link voltage of the series-connected inverter at its designated value in order to improve the NSSC-DVR capability in compensating deep and long voltage sags/swells. The full-bridge series-connected inverter permits to compensate unbalance voltage sags containing zero-sequence component. The harmonic compensation of the load voltage is achieved by extracting harmonics from the distorted network voltage using an artificial neural network (ANN) method called adaptive linear neuron (Adaline) strategy. Detailed simulations are performed by SIMULINK/MATLAB software for six case studies to verify the highly robustness of the proposed NSSC-DVR model under various conditions.
Density and complexity of oral production in interaction: The interactionist approach and an alternative
Authors: Sato Masatoshi
Published: August 2015

This study examined conversational interaction between second language (L2) learners and native speakers (NSs). While L2 interaction research has traditionally quantified interactional moves – the interactionist approach, the present study examined various surface linguistic indices (e.g., MLUs, number of verb and noun types, and TTRs) and compared learner-learner vs. learner-NS interaction. The results indicated that learners and NSs were comparable in terms of the amount of production but the NSs’ speech contained more grammatical and lexical variability with a larger mean proportion of copula omissions. This foreigner talk was found to be correlated with learners’ errors. When learners’ output in the two conditions was compared, it was found that learners produced more verb (but not noun) types with larger MLUs and TTRs in the peer interaction context.
Recognition of Acoustic Signals of Synchronous Motors with the Use of MoFS and Selected Classifiers
Authors: Glowacz Adam
Published: August 2015

This paper proposes an approach based on acoustic signals for detecting faults appearing in synchronous motors. Acoustic signals of a machine were used for fault detection. These faults contained: broken coils and shorted stator coils. Acoustic signals were used to assess the usefulness of early fault diagnostic of synchronous motors. The acoustic signal recognition system was based on methods of data processing: normalization of the amplitude, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), method of frequency selection (MoFS), backpropagation neural network, classifier based on words coding, and Nearest Neighbor classifier. A plan of study of acoustic signals of synchronous motors was proposed. Software of acoustic signal recognition of synchronous motors was implemented. Four states of a synchronous motor were used in analysis. A pattern creation process was carried out for 28 training samples of noise. An identification process was carried out for 60 test samples. This system can be used to diagnose synchronous motors and other electrical machines.
Mahatma Gandhi: Sein Leben und Denken
Authors: Pöhlmann Horst Georg
Published: August 2015

Dieser Artikel unternimmt eine konzentrierte Gesamtdarstellung von Mahatma Gandhis Leben, Wirken und Denken und skizziert seine bleibende Bedeutung.
Can Decoupling Punitive Damages Deter an Injurer’s Harmful Activity?
Authors: Ikeda Yasuhiro , Mori Daisuke
Published: August 2015

This study theoretically analyzes the effect of decoupling punitive damages under the adversarial system. Decoupling means taking punitive award windfalls away from plaintiffs and placing them into state-administered funds. In particular, it aims to reveal the incentive structure of decoupling and examine how this affects human behaviors. Although some commentators argue that decoupling punitive damages effectively disgorges plaintiffs of any potential windfall without diminishing the deterrent effect of punitive damages, we demonstrate that decoupling actually reduces the deterrence effect under the adversarial system.
The Evaluation of the Initial Shear Modulus of Selected Cohesive Soils
Authors: Gabryś Katarzyna , Szymański Alojzy
Published: August 2015

The paper concerns the evaluation of the initial stiffness of selected cohesive soils based on laboratory tests. The research materials used in this study were clayey soils taken from the area of the road embankment No. WD-18, on the 464th km of the S2 express-way, Konotopa-Airport route, Warsaw. The initial stiffness is represented here by the shear modulus (Gmax) determined during resonant column tests. In the article, a number of literature empirical formulas for defining initial value of the shear modulus of soils being examined were adopted from the literature in order to analyze the data set. However, a large discrepancy between laboratory test results and the values of Gmax calculated from empirical relationships resulted in the rejection of these proposals. They are inaccurate and do not allow for an exact evaluation of soil stiffness for selected cohesive soils. Hence, the authors proposed their own empirical formula that enables the evaluation of the test soils’ Gmax in an easy and uncomplicated way. This unique formula describes mathematically the effect of certain soil parameters, namely mean effective stress ( p′) and void ratio (e), on the initial soil stiffness.
Theoretical Analysis of Model Seabed Behavior under Water Wave Excitation
Authors: Sawicki Andrzej , Mierczyński Jacek , Smyczyński Marcin
Published: August 2015

Theoretical analysis of the behavior of a model seabed subjected to water wave excitation is presented. The experiments were performed in the wave flume at the Danish Technological University in Lyngby. Such experiments are unique in engineering sciences and therefore provide unique empirical data for testing various models of the seabed. A controversial explanation of the experiments is presented in the literature. The goal of this research was to study pore pressure changes caused by water waves and the subsequent liquefaction of the seabed. The authors of the present contribution offer their own theoretical explanation of the wave flume experiments and discuss errors found in the literature cited. The analysis is based on the classical soil mechanics, including the Biot type approach
Assessment of Shear Strength in Silty Soils
Authors: Stefaniak Katarzyna
Published: August 2015

The article presents a comparison of shear strength values in silty soils from the area of Poznań, determined based on selected Nkt values recommended in literature, with values of shear strength established on the basis of Nkt values recommended by the author. Analysed silty soils are characterized by the carbonate cementation zone, which made it possible to compare selected empirical coefficients both in normally consolidated and overconsolidated soils
Slope Stability Estimation of the Kościuszko Mound in Cracow
Authors: Wrana Bogumił , Pietrzak Natalia
Published: August 2015

In the paper, the slope stability problem of the Kościuszko Mound in Cracow, Poland is considered. The slope stability analysis was performed using Plaxis FEM program. The outer surface of the mound has complex geometry. The slope of the cone is not uniform in all directions, on the surface of the cone are pedestrian paths. Due to its complicated geometry it was impossible to do computing by Plaxis input pre-procesor. The initial element mesh was generated using Autodesk Autocad 3D and next it was updated by Plaxis program. The soil parameters were adopted in accordance with the detailed geological soil testing performed in 2012. Calculating model includes geogrids. The upper part was covered by MacMat geogrid, while the lower part of the Mound was reinforced using Terramesh Matt geogrid. The slope analysis was performed by successives reduction of φ /c parameters. The total multiplayer ΣMsf is used to define the value of the soil strength parameters. The article presents the results of slope stability before and after the rainfall during 33 days of precipitation in flood of 2010.
In VivoTwo-Photon Imaging of Dendritic Spines in Marmoset Neocortex
Authors: Sadakane Osamu , Watakabe Akiya , Ohtsuka Masanari , Takaji Masafumi , Sasaki Tetsuya , Kasai Masatoshi , Isa Tadashi , Kato Go , Nabekura Junichi , Mizukami Hiroaki , Ozawa Keiya , Kawasaki Hiroshi , Yamamori Tetsuo
Published: August 2015

Two-photon microscopy in combination with a technique involving the artificial expression of fluorescent protein has enabled the direct observation of dendritic spines in living brains. However, the application of this method to primate brains has been hindered by the lack of appropriate labeling techniques for visualizing dendritic spines. Here, we developed an adeno-associated virus vector-based fluorescent protein expression system for visualizing dendritic spinesin vivoin the marmoset neocortex. For the clear visualization of each spine, the expression of reporter fluorescent protein should be both sparse and strong. To fulfill these requirements, we amplified fluorescent signals using the tetracycline transactivator (tTA)–tetracycline-responsive element system and by titrating down the amount of Thy1S promoter-driven tTA for sparse expression. By this method, we were able to visualize dendritic spines in the marmoset cortex by two-photon microscopyin vivoand analyze the turnover of spines in the prefrontal cortex. Our results demonstrated that short spines in the marmoset cortex tend to change more frequently than long spines. The comparison ofin vivosamples with fixed samples showed that we did not detect all existing spines by our method. Although we found glial cell proliferation, the damage of tissues caused by window construction was relatively small, judging from the comparison of spine length between samples with or without window construction. Our new labeling technique for two-photon imaging to visualizein vivodendritic spines of the marmoset neocortex can be applicable to examining circuit reorganization and synaptic plasticity in primates.
Age-Related Changes in the Circadian System Unmasked by Constant Conditions
Authors: Nakamura Takahiro J. , Nakamura Wataru , Tokuda Isao T. , Ishikawa Takahiro , Kudo Takashi , Colwell Christopher S. , Block Gene D.
Published: August 2015

Circadian timing systems, like most physiological processes, cannot escape the effects of aging. With age, humans experience decreased duration and quality of sleep. Aged mice exhibit decreased amplitude and increased fragmentation of the activity rhythm, and lengthened circadian free-running period in both light-dark (LD) and constant dark (DD) conditions. Several studies have shown that aging impacts neural activity rhythms in the central circadian clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). However, evidence for age-related disruption of circadian oscillations of clock genes in the SCN has been equivocal. We hypothesized that daily exposure to LD cycles masks the full impact of aging on molecular rhythms in the SCN. We performedex vivobioluminescent imaging of cultured SCN slices of young and aged PER2::luciferase knock-in (PER2::LUC) mice housed under LD or prolonged DD conditions. Under LD conditions, the amplitude of PER2::LUC rhythms differed only slightly between SCN explants from young and aged animals; under DD conditions, the PER2::LUC rhythms of aged animals showed markedly lower amplitudes and longer circadian periods than those of young animals. Recordings of PER2::LUC rhythms in individual SCN cells using an electron multiplying charge-coupled device camera revealed that aged SCN cells showed longer circadian periods and that the rhythms of individual cells rapidly became desynchronized. These data suggest that aging degrades the SCN circadian ensemble, but that recurrent LD cycles mask these effects. We propose that these changes reflect a decline in pacemaker robustness that could increase vulnerability to environmental challenges, and partly explain age-related sleep and circadian disturbances.
Thyroid function and autoimmunity in Danish pregnant women after an iodine fortification program and associations with obstetric outcomes
Authors: Bliddal Sofie , Boas Malene , Hilsted Linda , Friis-Hansen Lennart , Tabor Ann , Feldt-Rasmussen Ulla
Published: August 2015

Objective

Aberrations in maternal thyroid function and autoimmunity during pregnancy have been associated with negative obstetric outcome. In Denmark, a national iodine fortification program was implemented in the year 2000 with the aim to alleviate the mild-moderate iodine deficiency. Following the iodine implementation, there has been an increase in thyroid autoimmunity in the background population. This study investigates the thyroid status of pregnant Danish women following the iodine fortification program, and a possible association with preterm delivery.

Design

Historical cohort study of 1278 randomly selected pregnant Danish women attending the national Down's syndrome screening program.

Methods

The main outcome measures were thyroid status according to laboratory- and gestational-age-specific reference intervals, and association with risk of abnormal obstetric outcome. Antibody-positivity was defined as an antibody-level (thyroid peroxidase and/or thyroglobulin antibodies) above 60 U/ml.

Results

Establishing laboratory-specific gestational-age-dependent reference intervals, we found a prevalence of maternal thyroid dysfunction of 10%–15.8% by use of the cut-off suggested by the American Thyroid Association. Thyroid dysfunction was significantly associated with antibody-positivity (P<0.05). No associations were found between preterm delivery and thyroid dysfunction (adjusted OR 0.6, 95% CI: 0.1–2.3) or autoimmunity (adjusted OR 1.1, 95% CI: 0.4–2.7).

Conclusions

After the implementation of the Danish iodine fortification program, the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and autoimmunity in Danish pregnant women is high – even higher by use of pre-established reference intervals from international consensus guidelines. However, no associations were found with abnormal obstetric outcome. Large randomized controlled trials are needed to clarify the benefit of treating slight aberrations in pregnant women's thyroid function.
Diffusion Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the Classification of Focal Liver Lesions as Benign or Malignant
Authors: Caraiani Cosmin , Chiorean Liliana , Fenesan Diana-Ioana , Lebovici Andrei , Feier Diana , Gersak Mirela , Calin Adriana Mirela , Dan Marian , Militaru Claudia , Mare Codruta , Ciobanu Lidia , Badea Radu
Published: August 2015

Background & Aims: To assess the role of diffusion weighted imaging sequence (DWI), routinely used in hepatic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the differentiation of focal liver lesions (FLLs) as benign or malignant.

Method: 99 FLLs assessed by liver MRI in 80 patients were included in the present study. All lesions were retrospectively analyzed by two experienced radiologists, independent from each other, who were not aware of the previous results obtained by using different imaging techniques. All included FLLs had a final histological diagnosis or a final diagnosis based on consensus reading by two experienced radiologists and follow-up at 6 months. The FLLs signal was qualitatively appreciated on the b-800 sequences and on the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map. The ADC value of each FLL was measured and the ADC ratio between the ADC value of the assessed FLL and that of the surrounding liver parenchyma were calculated.

Results: The mean ADC value for benign FLLs as assessed by the two independent readers was 1.78 x 10¯³ and 1.72 x 10¯³, respectively. The mean ADC value for malignant FLLs was 0.92 x 10¯³ for the first reader and 0.95 x 10¯³ for the second reader. The mean ADC ratio for benign FLLs was 1.91 and 1.85 for the two readers and for malignant FLLs was 0.91 and 0.94, respectively. Using an ADC value lower than 1.024 x 10¯³ offers a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 62.5% for the diagnosis of malignant FLLs. The ADC value is an indicator which is less prone to interobserver variability (correlation of 0.919→1). The ADC ratio has, as the analysis of the ROC curve shows, the best predictive value for differentiation between benign and malignant FLLs. Analysis of the signal intensity on the DWI b-800 image alone is of no significance in differentiating benign from malignant FLLs (p>0.05).

Conclusions: The ADC value and the ADC ratio assessed on liver DWI are useful diagnostic tools in the differential diagnosis of benign vs. malignant FLLs. Quantitative methods such as calculating the ADC value or ADC ratio have better diagnostic value than the qualitative techniques.
The Onset of de novo Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Liver Transplantation can be both of Donor and Recipient origin. A Case Report
Authors: Tamè Mariarosa , Calvanese Claudio , Cucchetti Alessandro , Gruppioni Elisa , Colecchia Antonio , Bazzoli Franco
Published: August 2015

The occurrence of de novo hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation is a rare event with only few cases reported in the literature. In a post liver transplantation setting distinguishing between a de novo hepatocellular carcinoma from recurrence should be tested with molecular analysis such as fluorescent in situ hybridization (for sex chromosomes) or microsatellite analysis. Nevertheless, a certain degree of epithelial chimerism between recipient and donor tissues could be responsible for the development of de novo hepatocellular carcinoma of recipient origin. We report two cases of de novo hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation. The first one occurred in a patient receiving transplantation for hepatitis C related cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. A de novo hepatocellular carcinoma developed five years after transplantation and microsatellite analysis revealed the donor origin of the neoplasia. The second one occurred in a patient who received transplantation for secondary sclerosing cholangitis. Hepatocellular carcinoma was found six years after transplantation. Both microsatellite analysis and fluorescent in situ hybridization revealed the recipient origin of the tumor, potentially due to tissue chimerism.
The Relationship of Serum Hemojuvelin and Hepcidin Levels with Iron Overload in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Boga Salih , Alkim Huseyin , Alkim Canan , Koksal Ali Riza , Bayram Mehmet , Ozguven Muveddet Banu Yilmaz , Neijmann Sebnem Tekin
Published: August 2015

Background & Aims: Mild iron overload is frequently reported in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Hepcidin is the master iron-regulatory peptide and hemojuvelin (HJV) is the key regulator of iron-dependent secretion of hepcidin. The aims of this study were to evaluate serum HJV and hepcidin levels in patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD with and without hepatic iron overload, and to identify potential associations of HJV and hepcidin with the clinical characteristics of the patients enrolled.

Methods: Serum levels of HJV and hepcidin were measured in 66 NAFLD patients with (n=12) and without (n=54) iron overload, and controls (n=35) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hemojuvelin and hepcidin levels were assessed in relation to clinical characteristics and liver histologic evaluation of the participants.

Results: Significantly lower serum HJV (281.1 [239.2-353.6] vs. 584.8 [440.3-661] ng/ml, p<0.001) and similar serum hepcidin levels (60.5±31.1 vs. 55.8±11.9 ng/ml, p=0.285) were found in NAFLD patients when compared to controls. İron-overloaded NAFLD patients had significantly lower HJV (249.9 [187.6-296.3] vs. 292.9 [243-435] ng/ml, p=0.032) and significantly higher hepcidin (78.4±35.5 vs. 56.5±28.9ng/ml, p=0.027) levels than NAFLD patients without iron overload. Fibrosis stage was significantly higher in iron overloaded NAFLD group (p<0.001). Ferritin levels correlated significantly both with HOMA-IR (r=0.368, p=0.002) and fibrosis stage (r=0.571, p<0.001).

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that HJV levels are low in NAFLD and even lower in iron overloaded NAFLD, while hepcidin levels are higher in NAFLD with iron overload. The gradually decreased HJV and increased hepcidin concentrations in our patients most likely reflect the physiological response to iron accumulation in the liver.
Glycosylation-related Diagnostic and Therapeutic Drug Target Markers in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Watson Michel E. , Diepeveen Luke A. , Stubbs Keith A. , Yeoh George C.
Published: August 2015

Glycosylation of cell surface proteins regulate critical cellular functions including migration, growth, proliferation, adhesion and apoptosis. Tumorigenic cells possess gene mutations that alter glycosylation enzyme and substrate quantities resulting in glycosylation changes on the surface of the malignant cell. This may lead to metastasis, uncontrolled proliferation and the inhibition of apoptosis all of which are the hallmarks of cancer. The prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing worldwide, and as a consequence there is a need for improved diagnostic, prognostic and treatment strategies. Currently, the diagnosis of HCC utilises specific glycosylation markers in the serum of patients; however, the efficacy of diagnosis would be further enhanced by including cancer stem cell-specific and novel HCC-associated glycosylation markers. Their application will facilitate earlier, more sensitive diagnoses and reliable staging of the cancer leading to a more effective treatment.
Evaluating Students’ Agency and Development of Ownership in a Collaborative Playmaking Project
Authors: Lehtonen Anna E. A.
Published: August 2015

In drama education theories of agency and ownership are implicit, as active participation is a central condition of drama action. In this article a teacher-researcher examines students’ individual and collective agency in collaboration during one playmaking project with an international group of 13–14-year-old students. Research question: How does students’ agency develop, and ownership strengthen in the collective teacher-student collaboration process during the playmaking project? The chronological and narrative analyses were based on the teacher-researchers’ observation, the playmaking material and video or audio-recorded lessons. Discussions with the teachers and the students participating in the project compiled the data. The student’s agency was analysed and classified during playmaking sessions by applying analytical tool of Rainio (2008), which was based on sociocultural theory. The development of the students’ agency is illustrated as a diagram showing emergence of the students’ passive, constructive and resisting initiative behaviour during the performance-making process. The teacher-researcher’s narrative describes the crucial events of the process and reflects on the student/teacher interaction and challenges of teaching. By resistance and critical attitude, the students tested their power and possibilities to influence in the project. Simultaneously the students’ ownership strengthened and initiative and responsibility taking increased. Conducting an ensemble in creating demanded a special pedagogical orientation: readiness for an open dialogue with students, transformation of the teacher’s role and a willingness to adjust to the process of learning.
Development of Practical Inter-Subject Competence Application by Future Teachers of Natural Science and Mathematics
Authors: Cibulskaitė Nijolė , Kurienė Almeda
Published: August 2015

The paper tries to analyse what impact of didactics studies and pedagogical practice has on such abilities of prospective teachers as link sciences and mathematics teaching in practice. The aim of the research is to investigate the inter-subject links applying abilities of prospective sciences and mathematics teachers and to figure out characteristics of their vocational training in the context of the development of competencies to plan subject content and control teaching process. The general opinion of surveyed students was that application of inter-subject links in educational practice is important in order to engage pupils in sciences and mathematics as well as develop their creativity. Students also thought that the best way to implement links between subjects is to use problem-oriented education method which encourages pupils to both collaborate and individually solve given tasks. The research also revealed that students feel a lack of versatile readiness for science subjects’ integration in their practical work. The connection between sciences and mathematics subjects is tight. Processing of data achieved via experiments and solutions to exercises in natural science classes give sense to mathematics and enriches its learning and teaching experience. Such situation implies that more focus should be given for sciences and mathematical education of students.
Message on Child’s Disability and Perspectives of Development: Parents’ Experiences
Authors: Ustilaitė Stasė , Kuginytė-Arlauskienė Ieva , Cvetkova Leticija , Kalinkevičienė Aušra
Published: August 2015

The article reveals experiences of parents experienced after receiving the first information on child’s disability. Data collection of qualitative phenomenological research was performed using the interview in which 12 families took part. Content analysis was applied to the data analysis. Experiences of parents reveal that professionally presented information helps a family to put up with the child’s disability providing hope for the future of the child and has the influence on family’s purposefulness, on the other hand, the information provided without using the principles of medical ethics, insensitively and unintelligibly to parents causes negative experiences. Unawareness of the true situation, lack of information on assistance resources do not create conditions for parents to become equivalent partners of specialists when providing assistance to the child. The data analysis of qualitative research reveals the need of families rearing children with disabilities for psychosocial assistance which is recognized by the informants as cooperation with specialists, families having similar experience and individual psychological support. Family counseling, the communication and cooperation of the family with various specialists and other families having similar experience is a prerequisite guaranteeing a better quality of life for children with disability and their parents.
First record of the camboatá Megalechis picta (Müller & Troschel, 1849) (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae) for the Pantanal, Brazil
Authors: Tencatt Luiz , Severo-Neto Francisco , Froehlich Otávio
Published: August 2015

Herein we report the first record of Megalechis picta in the Brazilian Pantanal based in a single specimen captured in a tributary to the rio Miranda, municipality of Corumbá, rio Paraguay basin, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Additional discussion about its co-occurrence with M. thoracata is also provided.
Bilateral Alveolar Distraction for Large Alveolar Defects: Case Report
Authors: Aravindaksha Shyam Prasad , Batra Puneet , Sadhu Partha
Published: August 2015

Distraction osteogenesis has become a very popular technique, as the ability to reconstruct combined deficiencies in bone and soft tissue makes this process unique and invaluable to all types of reconstructive surgeons. We document a case in which an intraoral tooth-borne distractor was designed and segmental alveolar distraction was performed in a large alveolar defect in a patient with bilateral cleft lip and palate. Cosmetic dentistry was performed to attain a pleasing result. This article aims at highlighting the use of distraction in large defects in which bone grafting only is not a suitable procedure.
Bridging the Gap: Sella Turcica in Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Patients
Authors: Sundareswaran Shobha , Nipun C. A.
Published: August 2015

Objectives

The aims of this study were to analyze the prevalence of sella turcica bridging and to measure the size of the sella turcica on profile cephalograms in a homogenous group of surgically repaired unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) patients.

Setting

Tertiary care center.

Design

Retrospective cross-sectional study.

Patients

Preorthodontic lateral cephalometric radiographs of 64 UCLP individuals between the ages of 16 and 29 years along with an equal number of age- and sex-matched skeletal Class I controls.

Main Outcome Measures

The extent of calcification of the interclinoid ligament was quantified (completely calcified, partially calcified, no calcification) and mean values compared. Length, depth, and diameter of the sella turcica were also measured. The results were statistically analyzed using paired t test and Wilcoxon signed ranks test.

Results

Complete sella bridging of both type A (4.6%) and type B (21.7%) was significantly higher in UCLP patients. This has not been reported previously. Partial sella bridging was also higher in cleft patients as evaluated by two methods (42.18%, 39.06%). This study demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in all dimensions of sella turcica in UCLP patients.

Conclusions

The UCLP patients apparently had higher predilection for sella turcica bridging. The dimensions of sella turcica were also seen to be significantly smaller than the control group. Defective proliferation and deviated pathways of neural crest cell migration as well as premature rupture of contact between neuroepithelium and oral ectoderm as postulated causes are discussed.
Summer issue 2015
Authors: Lal Hamish
Published: August 2015

Expertise, experts and expert evidence are key aspects of dispute avoidance and dispute resolution in complex construction matters, and so I have focused some attention on these topics. I am grateful to Roger Gibson and Gerry Lagerberg for their respective contributions. Mr Gibson is a wellrespected delay expert, and his article covers how best one can assess the impact of disruption and so-called ‘loss of productivity’. Mr Lagerberg’s paper deals with the so-called ‘hot tubbing’ of experts and the co-mingling of expert evidence.

We have also chosen to look at case law dealing with the ‘battle of the forms’; engineers’ decisions as a precursor to arbitration or litigation; and the problems of letting another party handle or borrow your name for the purposes of litigation or arbitration. These are all important topics, and ones that I hope readers will also find to be of interest, use and a reference point.
Demineralized Dentin as a Semi‐Rigid Barrier for Guiding Periodontal Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Qin Xu , Zou Fang , Chen Weimin , Xu Yiwen , Ma Bo , Huang Zhibin , Zhu Guangxun , Zhou Bin
Published: August 2015

Background: Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) is an accepted approach in the correction of periodontal bone loss. Nonetheless, the deficiencies of commonly applied absorbable membrane, such as flexibility and limited osteoconductive and osteoinductive capability, still leave much room for improvement. Thus, the feasibility of applying demineralized dentin tissue to improve the therapeutic effect of GTR in periodontal regeneration was explored.

Methods: Demineralized dentin was harvested after acid treatment, and its physiochemical properties were assessed in terms of mineralization density, contact angle, three‐point test, and cell attachment. Because of its similar characteristics with bone tissue, dentin that had been acid‐treated for 6 hours was chosen to repair a periodontal defect using an induced‐periodontitis canine model. Histologic measurements were taken to compare its therapeutic effects to an absorbable membrane group and an untreated group.

Results: The demineralized dentin displayed continually decreased hardness and density as the acid etching time was prolonged. Enhanced attachment and spreading of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were observed on the 6‐hour processed dentin. Furthermore, in the demineralized dentin group, more periodontal tissues were newly formed compared with the biomembrane and untreated groups.

Conclusion: Acid etching represents an easy and promising approach to obtain demineralized dentin with desirable properties, similar to bone, for clinical application to promote periodontal tissue regeneration.
Robust Fully-Implicit Coupled Multiphase-Flow and Geomechanics Simulation
Authors: Alpak Faruk O.
Published: August 2015

Material nonlinearity, boundary and arching constraints, nonuniform reservoir flows, sliding along material interfaces, or faults are among the causes of shear deformation or changes in the total stresses and the resulting stress redistribution in hydrocarbon reservoirs. Previous studies have demonstrated that shear or nonuniform deformation and stress redistribution in subsurface formations may have significant effects on reservoir fluid flows. Thus, a two-way coupled analysis is the required approach under circumstances where the shear deformation or changes in total stresses in the reservoir cannot be neglected.

A coupled multiphysics simulator is developed for the dynamic modeling of multiphase thermal/compositional flow, and poroelastoplastic geomechanical deformation. The equations that govern multiphase flow in permeable media, heat transport, and poroelastoplastic geomechanics together lead to a highly nonlinear system. Finite-volume and Galerkin finite-element methods are used for the numerical solution of thermal/compositional multiphase fluid-flow and geomechanics equations on general hexahedral grids, respectively. Because of its improved stability and rapid convergence characteristics, the resulting multiphysics system of equations is solved with a fully-implicit formulation by use of an effective implementation of the Newton-Raphson method in the default mode.

The coupled simulator is by design maximally modular with self-contained flow and geomechanics modules that can be operated in a two-way coupled mode with explicit-, iterative-, and fully-implicit-coupling options. The coupled-modeling system lends itself naturally not only to near-wellbore coupled flow and geomechanical deformation problems where poroplasticity may play a more prominent role, but also to reservoir-scale simulations where both poroelasticity and poroplasticity are relevant. The coupled simulator is validated against analytical solutions for simple cases, by use of published data in the open literature. Validation results demonstrate the robust, fast, and accurate predictive capabilities of the multiphysics modeling protocol.