bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Competing Vegetation Effects on Soil Carbon and Nitrogen in a Douglas‐fir Plantation
Authors: Knight Erika , Footen Paul , Harrison Robert , Terry Thomas , Holub Scott
Published: May 2014

Application of herbicides to control competing vegetation and improve crop tree growth is a common silvicultural practice. Vegetation control has the potential to change pools of soil C and N and thus affect soil quality and C sequestration. In this study, the effects of vegetation control (primarily for herbaceous vegetation) on soil C and N were compared for a bole‐only harvest with and without 5 yr of annual herbicide application (+VC and −VC, respectively). Soil C and N were measured in six depth increments (forest floor and 0–15, 15–30, 30–45, 45–60, and 60–100 cm) in a 12‐yr‐old Douglas‐fir [Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco] plantation at the Fall River Long‐Term Soil Productivity site in western Washington. Deep‐soil (60–100‐cm) C concentration was significantly higher (α = 0.10) with vegetation control (14.7 g kg−1 for +VC, 10.4 g kg−1 for −VC). Nitrogen concentration was significantly higher in the forest floor treatment without vegetation control (11.2 g kg−1 N for +VC, 12.7 g kg−1 N for −VC); however, the N content of the −VC 0‐ to 15‐cm mineral soil was significantly lower than the +VC (2920 kg N ha−1 for +VC, 2720 kg N ha−1 for −VC). The root concentration (kg roots kg soil−1) was higher in the +VC treatment at both the 30‐ to 45‐ and 45‐ to 60‐cm depth intervals. Despite these differences, there were no significant differences in total C or N content to 100 cm with and without vegetation control. The longer term impact of the greater root concentration at 30 to 60 cm on soil C and N pools needs to be assessed.
Biomass Harvesting and Soil Productivity: Is the Science Meeting our Policy Needs?
Authors: Vance Eric D. , Aust W. Michael , Strahm Brian D. , Froese Robert E. , Harrison Robert B. , Morris Larry A.
Published: May 2014

Biomass harvesting and associated management practices increase the availability of forest‐based feedstocks for emerging bioproduct and energy markets. Concerns about the sustainability of these practices have led to the development of biomass harvesting guidelines (BHGs) by state, national, and international agencies and nongovernmental organizations. Site productivity BHG provisions include retaining specific proportions of harvested residues and restricting biomass harvesting on some sites. Field experiments have shown that forest responses to biomass harvesting vary widely and are often counterintuitive. With site‐specific data lacking, BHGs tend to rely on default assumptions supported by best professional judgment. These include (i) the natural or unmanaged state is an ideal frame of reference, (ii) conventional harvesting retains and distributes most residues across the site, (iii) biomass harvesting removes virtually all residues, (iv) decomposing residues always enhance soil C and site productivity, (v) biomass harvesting is conducted in the absence of operational practices that alleviate site deficiencies and sustain productivity, and (vi) changes in forest state are equivalent to changes in forest function. Effective BHGs are science based, operationally feasible, and protect values of interest while allowing managers the flexibility to prevent or mitigate potential impacts within constraints imposed by best management practices and forest certification provisions. While harvesting‐induced nutrient deficiencies can be prevented or corrected with fertilizers or other soil amendments, soil disturbance and exposure may warrant greater attention. Policy‐relevant field studies should incorporate operational practices, examine linkages between indicators and values of interest, and evaluate and improve prevention and mitigation options.
Circadian Secretion of the Intestinal Hormone GLP-1 by the Rodent L Cell
Authors: Gil-Lozano Manuel , Mingomataj Erli L. , Wu W. Kelly , Ridout Sean A. , Brubaker Patricia L.
Published: May 2014

Peripheral clocks are known to modulate circadian patterns of insulin secretion. GLP-1 is an incretin hormone produced by the intestinal L cell that acts as a link between the gut and pancreatic β-cell. Herein, we demonstrate the existence of a diurnal rhythm in GLP-1 secretory responses to an oral glucose load in rats, with increased release immediately preceding the normal feeding period. This profile of GLP-1 release correlated with the pattern in insulin secretion, and both rhythms were completely inverted in animals subjected to a 12-h feeding cycle disruption and abolished in rats maintained under constant light conditions. A daily variation in the insulin response to exogenous GLP-1 was also found. Consistent with these in vivo findings, we demonstrated a circadian pattern in the GLP-1 secretory response to different secretagogues in murine GLUTag L cells, as well as in the mRNA levels of several canonical clock genes. Furthermore, significant changes in the expression of several genes were demonstrated by microarray and knockdown of two of them, thyrotroph embryonic factor and protein tyrosine phosphatase 4a1, resulted in altered GLP-1 secretion. Collectively, these results indicate that an independent peripheral clock in the L cell drives a circadian rhythm in GLP-1 secretory responses.
Depressive Symptoms, Antidepressant Use, and the Incidence of Diabetes in the Black Women’s Health Study
Authors: Vimalananda Varsha G. , Palmer Julie R. , Gerlovin Hanna , Wise Lauren A. , Rosenzweig James L. , Rosenberg Lynn , Ruiz-Narváez Edward A.
Published: May 2014

OBJECTIVE

To assess the relationship of depressive symptoms and use of antidepressants with incident type 2 diabetes in prospective data from a large cohort of U.S. African American women.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The Black Women’s Health Study (BWHS) is an ongoing prospective cohort study. We followed 35,898 women from 1999 through 2011 who were without a diagnosis of diabetes and who had completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) in 1999. CES-D scores were categorized as <16, 16–22, 23–32, and ≥33, which reflected increasingly more depressive symptoms. We estimated incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% CIs for incident diabetes using Cox proportional hazards models. The basic multivariable model included age, time period, family history of diabetes, and education. In further models, we controlled for lifestyle factors and BMI. We also assessed the association of antidepressant use with incident diabetes.

RESULTS

Over 12 years of follow-up, there were 3,372 incident diabetes cases. Relative to CES-D score <16, IRRs (95% CI) of diabetes for CES-D scores 16–22, 23–32, and ≥33 were 1.23 (1.12–1.35), 1.26 (1.12–1.41), and 1.45 (1.24–1.69), respectively, in the basic multivariate model. Multiple adjustment for lifestyle factors and BMI attenuated the IRRs to 1.11 (1.01–1.22), 1.08 (0.96–1.22), and 1.22 (1.04–1.43). The adjusted IRR for antidepressant use was 1.26 (1.11–1.43). Results were similar among obese women.

CONCLUSIONS

Both depressive symptoms and antidepressant use are associated with incident diabetes among African American women. These associations are mediated in part, but not entirely, through lifestyle factors and BMI.
Measurement Properties of Gait-Related Outcomes in Youth With Neuromuscular Diagnoses: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ammann-Reiffer Corinne , Bastiaenen Caroline H.G. , de Bie Rob A. , van Hedel Hubertus J.A.
Published: May 2014

Background

Sound measurement properties of outcome tools are essential when evaluating outcomes of an intervention, in clinical practice and in research.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to review the evidence on reliability, measurement error, and responsiveness of measures of gait function in children with neuromuscular diagnoses.

Data Sources

The MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases were searched up to June 15, 2012.

Study Selection

Studies evaluating reliability, measurement error, or responsiveness of measures of gait function in 1- to 18-year-old children and youth with neuromuscular diagnoses were included.

Data Extraction

Quality of the studies was independently rated by 2 raters using a modified COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist. Studies with a fair quality rating or better were considered for best evidence synthesis.

Data Synthesis

Regarding the methodological quality, 32 out of 35 reliability studies, all of the 13 measurement error studies, and 5 out of 10 responsiveness studies were of fair or good quality. Best evidence synthesis revealed moderate to strong evidence for reliability for several measures in children and youth with cerebral palsy (CP) but was limited or unknown in other diagnoses. The Functional Mobility Scale (FMS) and the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) dimension E showed limited positive evidence for responsiveness in children with CP, but it was unknown or controversial in other diagnoses. No information was reported on the minimal important change; thus, evidence on measurement error remained undetermined.

Limitations

As studies on validity were not included in the review, a comprehensive appraisal of the best available gait-related outcome measure per diagnosis is not possible.

Conclusions

There is moderate to strong evidence on reliability for several measures of gait function in children and youth with CP, whereas evidence on responsiveness exists only for the FMS and the GMFM dimension E.
Response to Pediatric Physical Therapy in Infants With Positional Preference and Skull Deformation
Authors: van Wijk Renske M. , Pelsma Maaike , Groothuis-Oudshoorn Catharina G.M. , IJzerman Maarten J. , van Vlimmeren Leo A. , Boere-Boonekamp Magda M.
Published: May 2014

Background

Pediatric physical therapy seems to reduce skull deformation in infants with positional preference. However, not all infants show improvement.

Objective

The study objective was to determine which infant and parent characteristics were related to responses to pediatric physical therapy in infants who were 2 to 4 months old and had positional preference, skull deformation, or both.

Design

This was a prospective cohort study.

Methods

Infants who were 2 to 4 months old and had positional preference, skull deformation, or both were recruited by pediatric physical therapists at the start of pediatric physical therapy. The primary outcome was a good response or a poor response (moderate or severe skull deformation) at 4.5 to 6.5 months of age. Potential predictors for responses to pediatric physical therapy were assessed at baseline with questionnaires, plagiocephalometry, and the Alberta Infant Motor Scale. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses with a stepwise backward elimination method were performed.

Results

A total of 657 infants participated in the study. At follow-up, 364 infants (55.4%) showed a good response to therapy, and 293 infants (44.6%) showed a poor response. Multiple logistic regression analysis resulted in the identification of several significant predictors for a poor response to pediatric physical therapy at baseline: starting therapy after 3 months of age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=1.50, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]=1.04–2.17), skull deformation (plagiocephaly [aOR=2.64, 95% CI=1.67–4.17] or brachycephaly [aOR=3.07, 95% CI=2.09–4.52]), and a low parental satisfaction score (aOR=2.64, 95% CI=1.67–4.17). A low parental satisfaction score indicates low parental satisfaction with the infant's head shape.

Limitations

Information about pediatric physical therapy was collected retrospectively and included general therapy characteristics. Because data were collected retrospectively, no adjustment in therapy for individual participants could be made.

Conclusions

Several predictors for responses to pediatric physical therapy in infants who were 2 to 4 months old and had positional preference, skull deformation, or both were identified. Health care professionals can use these predictors in daily practice to provide infants with more individualized therapy, resulting in a better chance for a good outcome.
Clinical Experience Using a 5-Week Treadmill Training Program With Virtual Reality to Enhance Gait in an Ambulatory Physical Therapy Service
Authors: Shema Shirley Roth , Brozgol Marina , Dorfman Moran , Maidan Inbal , Sharaby-Yeshayahu Lior , Malik-Kozuch Hila , Wachsler Yannai Orly , Giladi Nir , Hausdorff Jeffrey M. , Mirelman Anat
Published: May 2014

Background

Current literature views safe gait as a complex task, relying on motor and cognitive resources. The use of virtual reality (VR) in gait training offers a multifactorial approach, showing positive effects on mobility, balance, and fall risk in elderly people and individuals with neurological disorders. This form of training has been described as a viable research tool; however, it has not been applied routinely in clinical practice. Recently, VR was used to develop an adjunct training method for use by physical therapists in an ambulatory clinical setting.

Objective

The aim of this article is to describe the initial clinical experience of applying a 5-week VR clinical service to improve gait and mobility in people with a history of falls, poor mobility, or postural instability.

Design

A retrospective data analysis was conducted.

Methods

The clinical records of the first 60 patients who completed the VR gait training program were examined. Training was provided 3 times per week for 5 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 1 hour and consisting of walking on a treadmill while negotiating virtual obstacles. Main outcome measures were compared across time and included the Timed “Up & Go” Test (TUG), the Two-Minute Walk Test (2MWT), and the Four Square Step Test (FSST).

Results

After 5 weeks of training, time to complete the TUG decreased by 10.3%, the distance walked during the 2MWT increased by 9.5%, and performance on the FSST improved by 13%.

Limitations

Limitations of the study include the use of a retrospective analysis with no control group and the lack of objective cognitive assessment.

Conclusions

Treadmill training with VR appears to be an effective and practical tool that can be applied in an outpatient physical therapy clinic. This training apparently leads to improvements in gait, mobility, and postural control. It, perhaps, also may augment cognitive and functional aspects.
Investigation of an association between onset of narcolepsy and vaccination with pandemic influenza vaccine, Ireland April 2009-December 2010
Authors: O’Flanagan D , Barret A S , Foley M , Cotter S , Bonner C , Crowe C , Lynch B , Sweeney B , Johnson H , McCoy B , Purcell E
Published: May 2014

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
The Impact of Topic Selection on Writing Fluency: Making a Case for Freedom
Authors: Cohen Joshua
Published: May 2014

This study sought to test the hypothesis that topic-selection control influences fluency in writing. A total of 29 second-year university students (9 men, 20 women) in two separate classrooms engaged in a free writing activity using different topics (both teacher-selected and self-selected) in order to determine which approach was more likely to increase writing fluency. Participants’ written output was then textually analyzed for fluency using a type/token formula. A total of 116 samples written by participants over four weeks were examined to measure their writing fluency by counting the total number of unique words produced in a free writing task. Participants’ writing samples were then analyzed by conducting a correlated-samples t-test. The results showed the effect of topic-selection had a statistically significant influence on increasing students’ writing fluency. The results also support the claim that fluency development deserves a prominent role in second and foreign language classrooms and curriculums. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nelta.v18i1-2.10328 Journal of NELTA, Vol 18 No. 1-2, December 2013; 31-40
Three Hurdles to Technology Integration: A Case Study of Technology Integration in Bungamati
Authors: Lee Jeffrey Chih-Yih , Sparks Paul
Published: May 2014

Integrating technology in education is an extraordinary challenge in rural villages of developing countries like Nepal. Since greater understandings of the circumstances surrounding teachers and schools could illuminate issues and opportunities for positive change, a case study of the telecenter in Bungamati, Nepal was conducted. Data, in the form of interviews, observations and related documents, were gathered and analyzed to highlight and understand the local hurdles for integrating technology in teaching. Findings were threefold: teachers lack technology integration skills; informal learning was the preferred way to learn technology; and males had greater access to technology. In this study, the researcher has drawn the following conclusions: a) teachers need technology access and training, b) administrators need a framework for integration, c) informal learning should be considered and promoted and d) there is a clear need for gender equity. Furthermore, suggestions for future studies include a need for informal learning, the use of the TPACK (Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge)framework for integration technology and more research in the area of teacher training with technology in other developing countries. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nelta.v18i1-2.10334   Journal of NELTA, Vol 18 No. 1-2, December 2013; 105-114
A Critical Analysis of English Language Learning Guidebooks in Bangladesh
Authors: Saha Shuvo
Published: May 2014

The English language learning guidebooks (ELLGs), among many other available materials for learning English in Bangladesh, seems to be unique as well as worthy of investigation for they claim to teach English in 30 days. In fact, they are marketed with such discourse that these guidebooks are panacea for learning English without even the assistance of any teacher, text book, or other means. One major point to be marked here is these ELLGs mainly (often solely) focus on the speaking skill and tend to claim that learning the spoken aspect of a language is equivalent to learning the language. Being moved by such anomalous discourses and facts, this qualitative study critically looks at the discourses of ELLGs available in Bangladesh to unveil their actual purpose as well as to be informed about their educational philosophy. The findings suggest that the ELLGs are utterly business oriented products (rather than ELT materials), which instrumentally promote the ‘product approach based traditional form of education’ (Dewey, 1938). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nelta.v18i1-2.10336 Journal of NELTA, Vol 18 No. 1-2, December 2013; 133-147
A Handbook for Teaching English at the Secondary School
Authors: Yadav Praveen Kumar
Published: May 2014

Rai. V. S. (Eds.). (2013). A Handbook for Teaching English at the Secondary School: NELTA Birgunj DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nelta.v18i1-2.10338 Journal of NELTA, Vol 18 No. 1-2, December 2013; 164-166
Fibrin sealant to prevent subdural electrode migration during intracranial electroencephalographic monitoring in a patient with a large arachnoid cyst
Authors: Hoyt Alastair T. , LaViolette Peter S. , Lew Sean M.
Published: May 2014

Ensuring a stable position of intracranial electrode grids with good proximity to the cortical surface can be a technical challenge in patients with complex anomalous cerebral anatomy. This report illustrates the use of fibrin sealant to secure subdural electrodes to concave cortical surfaces during intracranial electroencephalographic monitoring for localization-related medically intractable epilepsy in a patient with a large arachnoid cyst.
Fixation with C-2 laminar screws in occipitocervical or C1–2 constructs in children 5 years of age or younger: a series of 18 patients
Authors: Savage Jennifer G. , Fulkerson Daniel H. , Sen Anish N. , Thomas Jonathan G. , Jea Andrew
Published: May 2014

Object

There are rare indications for upper cervical spine fusion in young children. Compared with nonrigid constructs, rigid instrumentation with screw fixation increases the fusion rate and reduces the need for halo fixation. Instrumentation may be technically challenging in younger children. A number of screw placement techniques have been described. Use of C-2 translaminar screws has been shown to be anatomically feasible, even in the youngest of children. However, there are few data detailing the clinical outcome. In this study, the authors describe the clinical and radiographic follow-up of 18 children 5 years of age or younger who had at least one C-2 translaminar screw as part of an occipitocervical or C1–2 fusion construct.

Methods

A retrospective review of all children treated with instrumented occipitocervical or C1–2 fusion between July 1, 2007, and June 30, 2013, at Riley Children's Hospital and Texas Children's Hospital was performed. All children 5 years of age or younger with incorporation of at least one C-2 translaminar screw were identified.

Results

Eighteen children were studied (7 boys and 11 girls). The mean age at surgery was 38.1 months (range 10–68 months). Indications for surgery included traumatic instability (6), os odontoideum (3), destructive processes (2), and congenital instability (7). A total of 24 C-2 translaminar screws were placed; 23 (95.8%) of 24 were satisfactorily placed (completely contained within the cortical walls). There was one medial cortex breach without neurological impingement. There were no complications with screw placement. Three patients required wound revisions. Two patients died as a result of their original condition (trauma, malignant tumor). The mean follow-up duration for the surviving patients was 17.5 months (range 3–60 months). Eleven (91.7%) of the 12 patients followed for 6 months or longer showed radiographic stability or completed fusion.

Conclusions

Use of C-2 translaminar screws provides an effective anchor for internal fixation of the upper cervical spine. In this study of children 5 years of age or younger, the authors found a high rate of radiographic fusion with a low rate of complications.
A Simulation Framework for Optimal Energy Storage Sizing
Authors: Suazo-Martínez Carlos , Pereira-Bonvallet Eduardo , Palma-Behnke Rodrigo
Published: May 2014

Despite the increasing interest in Energy Storage Systems (ESS), quantification of their technical and economical benefits remains a challenge. To assess the use of ESS, a simulation approach for ESS optimal sizing is presented. The algorithm is based on an adapted Unit Commitment, including ESS operational constraints, and the use of high performance computing (HPC). Multiple short-term simulations are carried out within a multiple year horizon. Evaluation is performed for Chile's Northern Interconnected Power System (SING). The authors show that a single year evaluation could lead to sub-optimal results when evaluating optimal ESS size. Hence, it is advisable to perform long-term evaluations of ESS. Additionally, the importance of detailed simulation for adequate assessment of ESS contributions and to fully capture storage value is also discussed. Furthermore, the robustness of the optimal sizing approach is evaluated by means of a sensitivity analyses. The results suggest that regulatory frameworks should recognize multiple value streams from storage in order to encourage greater ESS integration.
The Lingering Anomalous Secular Increase of the Eccentricity of the Orbit of the Moon: Further Attempts of Explanations of Cosmological Origin
Authors: Iorio Lorenzo
Published: May 2014

New analyses of extended data records collected with the Lunar Laser Ranging (LLR) technique performed with improved tidal models were not able to resolve the issue of the anomalous rate e ˙ of the eccentricity e of the orbit of the Moon, which is still in place with a magnitude of e ˙ =(5±2)×10 −12 y r −1 . Some possible cosmological explanations are offered in terms of the post-Newtonian effects of the cosmological expansion and of the slow temporal variation of the relative acceleration rate S ¨ S −1 of the cosmic scale factor S. None of them is successful since their predicted secular rates of the lunar eccentricity are too small by several orders of magnitude.
3D Radiation Therapy Boost Improves the Outcome of Whole Brain Radiation Therapy Treated RPA II Patients with One or Two Brain Metastases
Authors: Antoni Delphine , Clavier Jean-Baptiste , Pop Marius , Schumacher Catherine , Lefebvre François , Noël Georges
Published: May 2014

Purpose: to evaluate the role of whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) and radiation boost (RB) for 208 patients recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) II with 1 or 2 brain metastases (BM) at a single institution. Methods and Materials: the dose of WBRT was 30 Gy (10 fractions of 3 Gy). One hundred thirty-two patients (63.5%) benefited from RB of 9 Gy in 3 fractions of 3 Gy at the metastatic site. Patients had 1 or 2 BM in 122 (58.7%) and 86 cases (41.3%), respectively. Results: patients with one or two metastases had similar survival (4.6 and 5.1 months, respectively) (p = 0.4). Median overall survival (OS) for patients treated with WBRT and RB, and with WBRT alone was 5.9 and 3.7 months, respectively (p = 0.03). The 6-, 12- and 24-month OS rates after WBRT and RB were 48.5%, 25% and 10.6%, respectively, while WBRT alone resulted in OS rates of 34%, 22.4% and 3.2%, respectively (p = 0.03). After WBRT and RB, the 6-, 12- and 24-month local control rates were 92%, 82% and 67%, respectively, while they were 81.2%, 75% and 37.5%, respectively, after WBRT alone (p = 0.03). The 6-, 12- and 24-month brain control rates after WBRT and RB were 88.7%, 75.8% and 62%, respectively, and after WBRT alone they were 78.5%, 59% and 37.7%, respectively (p = 0.03). Conclusion: additional boost delivered with 3D conformal radiotherapy improves local and brain control rates significantly as well as overall survival for RPA II patients with 1 or 2 unresectable BM.
Topical N-Acetylcysteine Accelerates Wound Healing in Vitro and in Vivo via the PKC/Stat3 Pathway
Authors: Tsai Min-Ling , Huang Hui-Pei , Hsu Jeng-Dong , Lai Yung-Rung , Hsiao Yu-Ping , Lu Fung-Jou , Chang Horng-Rong
Published: May 2014

N-Acetylcysteine (Nac) is an antioxidant administered in both oral and injectable forms. In this study, we used Nac topically to treat burn wounds in vitro and in vivo to investigate mechanisms of action. In vitro, we monitored glutathione levels, cell proliferation, migration, scratch-wound healing activities and the epithelialization-related proteins, matrixmetalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and proteins involved in regulating the expression of MMP-1 in CCD-966SK cells treated with Nac. Various Nac concentrations (0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mM) increased glutathione levels, cell viability, scratch-wound healing activities and migration abilities of CCD-966SK cells in a dose-dependent manner. The MMP-1 expression of CCD-966SK cells treated with 1.0 mM Nac for 24 h was significantly increased. Levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase C (PKC), janus kinase 1 (Jak1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3), c-Fos and Jun, but not extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (Erk1/2), were also significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner compared to the controls. In addition, Nac induced collagenous expression of MMP-1 via the PKC/Stat3 signaling pathway. In vivo, a burn wound healing rat model was applied to assess the stimulation activity and histopathological effects of Nac, with 3.0% Nac-treated wounds being found to show better characteristics on re-epithelialization. Our results demonstrated that Nac can potentially promote wound healing activity, and may be a promising drug to accelerate burn wound healing.
Synthesis and Thermotropic Studies of Two Novel Series of Kinked Liquid Crystals: 2-(4'-Alkoxybiphen-4-yl)-6-methylquinolines and 2-(6-Alkoxynaphthalen-2-yl)-6-methylquinolines
Authors: Chia Win-Long , Kuo Ker-Non , Lin Shao-Hsun
Published: May 2014

Two novel homologous series of kinked (Z-shaped) liquid crystalline compounds were synthesized using a short two-step reaction. Yields of 30%–40% and 51%–57% were obtained for 2-(4'-alkoxybiphen-4-yl)-6-methylquinolines (nO-PPQMe, n = 3–8) and 2-(6-alkoxynaphthalen-2-yl)-6-methylquinolines (iO-NpQMe, i = 3–7), respectively. Spectral analyses agreed with the expected structures. The thermotropic behaviors of these compounds were investigated using polarized optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. An enantiotropic nematic phase appeared to be the main mesophase in these two series of kinked liquid crystalline compounds, and an additional enantiotropic smectic C phase appeared when n = 8.
Frequency and Temperature Dependence of Fabrication Parameters in Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal Devices
Authors: Torres Juan , Vergaz Ricardo , Barrios David , Sánchez-Pena José , Viñuales Ana , Grande Hans , Cabañero Germán
Published: May 2014

A series of polymer dispersed liquid crystal devices using glass substrates have been fabricated and investigated focusing on their electrical properties. The devices have been studied in terms of impedance as a function of frequency. An electric equivalent circuit has been proposed, including the influence of the temperature on the elements into it. In addition, a relevant effect of temperature on electrical measurements has been observed.
Natural Products from Mangrove Actinomycetes
Authors: Xu Dong-Bo , Ye Wan-Wan , Han Ying , Deng Zi-Xin , Hong Kui
Published: May 2014

Mangroves are woody plants located in tropical and subtropical intertidal coastal regions. The mangrove ecosystem is becoming a hot spot for natural product discovery and bioactivity survey. Diverse mangrove actinomycetes as promising and productive sources are worth being explored and uncovered. At the time of writing, we report 73 novel compounds and 49 known compounds isolated from mangrove actinomycetes including alkaloids, benzene derivatives, cyclopentenone derivatives, dilactones, macrolides, 2-pyranones and sesquiterpenes. Attractive structures such as salinosporamides, xiamycins and novel indolocarbazoles are highlighted. Many exciting compounds have been proven as potential new antibiotics, antitumor and antiviral agents, anti-fibrotic agents and antioxidants. Furthermore, some of their biosynthetic pathways have also been revealed. This review is an attempt to consolidate and summarize the past and the latest studies on mangrove actinomycetes natural product discovery and to draw attention to their immense potential as novel and bioactive compounds for marine drugs discovery.
Ethnic Variation in Breastfeeding and Complimentary Feeding in the Republic of Ireland
Authors: Castro Patricia , Layte Richard , Kearney John
Published: May 2014

Early nutrition plays a pivotal role in long-term health. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life, with the gradual introduction of solids after this period. However, studies in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) have shown poor compliance with guidelines. The ROI continues to have one of the lowest breastfeeding rates worldwide. Our objective was to analyse differences in breastfeeding and complimentary feeding behaviours between Irish and non-Irish mothers residing in the ROI, as well as the role of acculturation on these behaviours, using the national longitudinal study, Growing Up in Ireland (GUI). Mothers (n = 11,134) residing in the ROI were interviewed when their infants were nine months of age. The percentage of Irish mothers who initiated breastfeeding was 49.5%, as opposed to 88.1% among the non-Irish cohort (p < 0.001). Breastfeeding initiation reduced from 89.4% of non-Irish mothers who had arrived within the last year to five years ago to 67.5% for those who had arrived 11 to >20 years ago (p < 0.001). Our results indicate that cultural differences are an important factor in shaping patterns of infant feeding in the ROI. Reviewing existing support and education policies for parents is required to achieve the implementation of desirable infant feeding practices.
Automated Training Sample Extraction for Global Land Cover Mapping
Authors: Radoux Julien , Lamarche Céline , Van Bogaert Eric , Bontemps Sophie , Brockmann Carsten , Defourny Pierre
Published: May 2014

Land cover is one of the essential climate variables of the ESA Climate Change Initiative (CCI). In this context, the Land Cover CCI (LC CCI) project aims at building global land cover maps suitable for climate modeling based on Earth observation by satellite sensors. The challenge is to generate a set of successive maps that are both accurate and consistent over time. To do so, operational methods for the automated classiﬁcation of optical images are investigated. The proposed approach consists of a locally trained classiﬁcation using an automated selection of training samples from existing, but outdated land cover information. Combinations of local extraction (based on spatial criteria) and self-cleaning of training samples (based on spectral criteria) are quantitatively assessed. Two large study areas, one in Eurasia and the other in South America, are considered. The proposed morphological cleaning of the training samples leads to higher accuracies than the statistical outlier removal in the spectral domain. An optimal neighborhood has been identiﬁed for the local sample extraction. The results are coherent for the two test areas, showing an improvement of the overall accuracy compared with the original reference datasets and a signiﬁcant reduction of macroscopic errors. More importantly, the proposed method partly controls the reliability of existing land cover maps as sources of training samples for supervised classiﬁcation.
Spatial Co-Registration of Ultra-High Resolution Visible, Multispectral and Thermal Images Acquired with a Micro-UAV over Antarctic Moss Beds
Authors: Turner Darren , Lucieer Arko , Malenovský Zbyněk , King Diana , Robinson Sharon
Published: May 2014

In recent times, the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) as tools for environmental remote sensing has become more commonplace. Compared to traditional airborne remote sensing, UAVs can provide finer spatial resolution data (up to 1 cm/pixel) and higher temporal resolution data. For the purposes of vegetation monitoring, the use of multiple sensors such as near infrared and thermal infrared cameras are of benefit. Collecting data with multiple sensors, however, requires an accurate spatial co-registration of the various UAV image datasets. In this study, we used an Oktokopter UAV to investigate the physiological state of Antarctic moss ecosystems using three sensors: (i) a visible camera (1 cm/pixel), (ii) a 6 band multispectral camera (3 cm/pixel), and (iii) a thermal infrared camera (10 cm/pixel). Imagery from each sensor was geo-referenced and mosaicked with a combination of commercially available software and our own algorithms based on the Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT). The validation of the mosaic’s spatial co-registration revealed a mean root mean squared error (RMSE) of 1.78 pixels. A thematic map of moss health, derived from the multispectral mosaic using a Modified Triangular Vegetation Index (MTVI2), and an indicative map of moss surface temperature were then combined to demonstrate sufficient accuracy of our co-registration methodology for UAV-based monitoring of Antarctic moss beds.
Calibrated Full-Waveform Airborne Laser Scanning for 3D Object Segmentation
Authors: Abed Fanar , Mills Jon , Miller Pauline
Published: May 2014

Segmentation of urban features is considered a major research challenge in the fields of photogrammetry and remote sensing. However, the dense datasets now readily available through airborne laser scanning (ALS) offer increased potential for 3D object segmentation. Such potential is further augmented by the availability of full-waveform (FWF) ALS data. FWF ALS has demonstrated enhanced performance in segmentation and classification through the additional physical observables which can be provided alongside standard geometric information. However, use of FWF information is not recommended without prior radiometric calibration, taking into account all parameters affecting the backscatter energy. This paper reports the implementation of a radiometric calibration workflow for FWF ALS data, and demonstrates how the resultant FWF information can be used to improve segmentation of an urban area. The developed segmentation algorithm presents a novel approach which uses the calibrated backscatter cross-section as a weighting function to estimate the segmentation similarity measure. The normal vector and the local Euclidian distance are used as criteria to segment the point clouds through a region growing approach. The paper demonstrates the potential to enhance 3D object segmentation in urban areas by integrating the FWF physical backscattered energy alongside geometric information. The method is demonstrated through application to an interest area sampled from a relatively dense FWF ALS dataset. The results are assessed through comparison to those delivered from utilising only geometric information. Validation against a manual segmentation demonstrates a successful automatic implementation, achieving a segmentation accuracy of 82%, and out-performs a purely geometric approach.
Carbon Emissions Abatement Cost in China: Provincial Panel Data Analysis
Authors: Wang Jianjun , Li Li , Zhang Fan , Xu Qiannan
Published: May 2014

This paper employs the quadratic directional output distance function to derive shadow prices of China’s aggregate carbon emissions at the province level between 1997 and 2010. The empirical results indicate that the national weighted average shadow price presents an “N-shape” curve across the sample period, experiencing the initial phase of growth followed by a phase of deterioration, and then a further increase. This change trend implies that the cost of carbon emissions reduction is increasing. In addition, the shadow price varies significantly across provinces, which means that China should uphold the principal of “common but differentiated responsibilities” in regional carbon emissions reduction. Generally, the shadow price of the east provinces with high economic development is markedly higher than that of the west provinces with low economic development. The OLS regression results indicate that the shadow price positively connected with the regional economic development levels. Moreover, an inflection point exists in the relation curve between the shadow price and GDP per capita, that is, the increase rate of the shadow price becomes small when the GDP per capita is less than 18.1 thousand Yuan, while it becomes large when the GDP per capita surpasses 18.1 thousand Yuan. With the economic growth, the cost of carbon emissions reduction would be significantly increased. The empirical results can provide more insight for policymakers.
Hairy suckers: the surface microstructure and its possible functional significance in the Octopus vulgaris sucker
Authors: Tramacere Francesca , Appel Esther , Mazzolai Barbara , Gorb Stanislav N
Published: May 2014

Octopus suckers are able to attach to any smooth surface and many rough surfaces. Here, we have discovered that the sucker surface, which has been hypothesised to be responsible for sealing the orifice during adhesion, is not smooth as previously assumed, but is completely covered by a dense network of hair-like micro-outgrowths. This finding is particularly important because it provides another demonstration of the role of hair-structures in a sealing mechanism in water, similar to that previously described for clingfish and abalones. Moreover, the discovered hairs may provide an additional adhesive mechanism that works in concert with suction. The discovered surface structures might be potentially interesting for biomimetics of novel technical suction cups with improved adhesion capabilities on non-smooth surfaces.
Interleukin 18: A Biomarker for Differential Diagnosis Between Adult-onset Still’s Disease and Sepsis
Authors: Priori Roberta , Colafrancesco Serena , Alessandri Cristiano , Minniti Antonina , Perricone Carlo , Iaiani Giancarlo , Palazzo Donatella , Valesini Guido
Published: May 2014

Objective.

The differential diagnosis between rheumatic diseases and infectious conditions is a great challenge in clinical practice. Adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) is a rare systemic inflammatory syndrome that shares several clinical and laboratory variables with sepsis. Interleukin (IL)-18 is overexpressed in AOSD, suggesting a possible role as a disease biomarker. The aim of our study was to detect IL-18 serum levels in a cohort of patients with AOSD and sepsis and to address its possible role as a biomarker for differential diagnosis.

Methods.

A group of unselected patients with AOSD diagnosed according to the Yamaguchi criteria and consecutive patients with sepsis diagnosed according to the American College of Chest Physicians/Society of Critical Care Medicine Consensus Conference criteria were enrolled. The clinical and laboratory data were collected. In the AOSD group, disease activity was assessed by Pouchot’s and Rau’s criteria. IL-18 serum levels were detected by ELISA.

Results.

Thirty-nine patients with AOSD and 18 patients with sepsis were enrolled. Two out of 18 patients with sepsis (11.1%) also fulfilled the Yamaguchi criteria. A significant difference was found in IL-18 serum levels between patients with active and inactive disease (p < 0.001), and it positively correlated with disease activity (p = 0.0003), ferritin serum level (p = 0.016), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p = 0.041). IL-18 was significantly increased in patients with AOSD when compared with sepsis (p = 0.014). For a cutoff of 148.9 pg/ml, this test had a specificity of 78.3% and a sensitivity of 88.6%.

Conclusion.

We have demonstrated that IL-18 can be a biomarker for differential diagnosis between AOSD and sepsis.
Discrepancy Between Clinical and Radiological Responses to Tocilizumab Treatment in Patients with Systemic-onset Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Aoki Chie , Inaba Yutaka , Choe Hyonmin , Kaneko Utako , Hara Ryoki , Miyamae Takako , Imagawa Tomoyuki , Mori Masaaki , Oba Mari S. , Yokota Shumpei , Saito Tomoyuki
Published: May 2014

Objective.

Tocilizumab (TCZ), an antiinterleukin-6 receptor monoclonal antibody, is clinically beneficial in patients with systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA). We investigated the clinical and radiological outcomes of TCZ therapy in patients with sJIA.

Methods.

We retrospectively evaluated 2 clinical trials (NCT00144599 and NCT00144612) involving 40 patients with sJIA who received intravenous TCZ (8 mg/kg) every 2 weeks. Clinical data and radiographs of the hands and large joints were assessed before and during TCZ treatment. The Poznanski score, modified Larsen scores of the hands and large joints, and Childhood Arthritis Radiographic Score of the Hip (CARSH) were recorded.

Results.

After a mean duration of 4.5 years of TCZ treatment, clinical data had improved significantly, the mean Poznanski score improved from −1.5 to −1.1, the mean Larsen score of the hands deteriorated from 7.0 to 10.0, the mean Larsen score for the large joints deteriorated from 5.9 to 6.8, and the CARSH worsened from 3.9 to 6.2. The Larsen score for the large joints improved in 11 cases (28%), remained unchanged in 8 cases (20%), and worsened in 21 cases (52%). Matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3) levels remained significantly higher (278 mg/dl) in patients with worsened Larsen scores than in patients with improved or unchanged scores (65 mg/dl). Logistic regression analysis showed that older age at disease onset was a significant risk factor for radiographic progression.

Conclusion.

The modified Larsen score of the large joints deteriorated in half the patients who had high MMP-3 levels during TCZ treatment and who were significantly older at disease onset.
Childhood-onset Takayasu Arteritis — Experience from a Tertiary Care Center in South India
Authors: Goel Ruchika , Kumar T. Sathish , Danda Debashish , Joseph George , Jeyaseelan Visali , Surin Ajith Kumar , Bacon Paul
Published: May 2014

Objective.

To study the clinical profile and outcome of Asian Indian children with childhood-onset Takayasu arteritis (c-TA).

Methods.

Records were studied of patients with c-TA onset prior to age 16. Disease Extent Index-Takayasu (DEI.TAK), Indian Takayasu Arteritis Score 2010, and Takayasu Arteritis Damage Score (TADS) were calculated retrospectively from electronic records. Cumulative incidence of sustained remission was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier curve.

Results.

There were 40 patients with c-TA, with median age of onset of 12.5 years (range 1–16) and median diagnostic delay of 11.3 months (range 1–60). The most common presenting features were hypertension, headache, malaise, and fever. Pulseless disease was observed in 25 cases (62.5%). The majority (n = 28) had active disease with raised inflammatory markers, high baseline median DEI.TAK score of 10 (range 3–24), and high median TADS of 7 (range 1–14). Of the 34 patients followed for 21.5 months (range 3–192), remission was attained in 30. However, cumulative sustained remission was achieved in only 29% of them at 5 years. Median period of sustained remission was 22.5 months (95% CI 17.1–26.8). New areas of vessel involvement were observed in 13 patients (38%). Disease progression was arrested in the majority (n = 22, 66%) through aggressive medical management and endovascular intervention. All 11 patients with an increment in TADS of ≥ 4 during followup had persistently active or relapsing disease. There was a single fatality.

Conclusion.

Despite aggressive immunosuppression, damage progressed in one-third of patients with c-TA in association with persistent inflammation, warranting surveillance with clinical instruments and followup imaging.
Arthritis in Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy: Clinical Features and Autoantibody Associations
Authors: Klein Martin , Mann Heřman , Pleštilová Lenka , Betteridge Zoe , McHugh Neil , Remáková Martina , Novota Peter , Vencovský Jiří
Published: May 2014

Objective.

To determine the prevalence, distribution, and clinical manifestations of arthritis in a cohort of patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM). Associations with autoantibody status and HLA genetic background were also explored.

Methods.

Consecutive patients with IIM treated in a single center were included in this cross-sectional study (n = 106). History of arthritis, 68-joint and 66-joint tender and swollen joint index, clinical features of IIM, and autoantibody profiles were obtained by clinical examination, personal interview, and review of patient records. High-resolution genotyping in HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1 loci was performed in 71 and 73 patients, respectively.

Results.

A combination of patients’ medical history and cross-sectional physical examination revealed that arthritis at any time during the disease course had occurred in 56 patients (53%). It was present at the beginning of the disease in 39 patients (37%) including 23 cases (22%) with arthritis preceding the onset of muscle weakness. On physical examination, 29% of patients had at least 1 swollen joint. The most frequently affected areas were wrists, and metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints. Twenty-seven out of the 29 anti-Jo1-positive patients had arthritis at any time during the course of their illness; this prevalence was significantly higher compared to patients without the anti-Jo1 autoantibody (p < 0.0001). No association of arthritis with individual HLA alleles was found.

Conclusion.

Our data suggest that arthritis is a common feature of myositis. It is frequently present at the onset of disease and it may even precede muscular manifestations of IIM. The most common presentation is a symmetrical, nonerosive polyarthritis affecting particularly the wrists, shoulders, and small joints of the hands. We have confirmed a strong association of arthritis with the presence of the anti-Jo1 antibody.