bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling the elastic transmission of tidal stresses to great distances inland in channelized ice streams
Authors: Thompson J. , Simons M. , Tsai V. C.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Geodetic surveys suggest that ocean tides can modulate the motion of Antarctic ice streams, even at stations many tens of kilometers inland from the grounding line. These surveys suggest that ocean tidal stresses can perturb ice stream motion at distances about an order of magnitude farther inland than tidal flexure of the ice stream alone. Recent models exploring the role of tidal perturbations in basal shear stress are primarily one- or two-dimensional, with the impact of the ice stream margins either ignored or parameterized. Here, we use two- and three-dimensional finite-element modeling to investigate transmission of tidal stresses in ice streams and the impact of considering more realistic, three-dimensional ice stream geometries. Using Rutford Ice Stream as a real-world comparison, we demonstrate that the assumption that elastic tidal stresses in ice streams propagate large distances inland fails for channelized glaciers due to an intrinsic, exponential decay in the stress caused by resistance at the ice stream margins. This behavior is independent of basal conditions beneath the ice stream and cannot be fit to observations using either elastic or nonlinear viscoelastic rheologies without nearly complete decoupling of the ice stream from its lateral margins. Our results suggest that a mechanism external to the ice stream is necessary to explain the tidal modulation of stresses far upstream of the grounding line for narrow ice streams. We propose a hydrologic model based on time-dependent variability in till strength to explain transmission of tidal stresses inland of the grounding line. This conceptual model can reproduce observations from Rutford Ice Stream.
Simulating the Antarctic ice sheet in the Late-Pliocene warm period: PLISMIP-ANT, an ice-sheet model intercomparison project
Authors: de Boer B. , Dolan A. M. , Bernales J. , Gasson E. , Goelzer H. , Golledge N. R. , Sutter J. , Huybrechts P. , Lohmann G. , Rogozhina I. , Abe-Ouchi A. , Saito F. , van de Wal R. S. W.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. In the context of future climate change, understanding the nature and behaviour of ice sheets during warm intervals in Earth history is of fundamental importance. The Late-Pliocene warm period (also known as the PRISM interval: 3.264 to 3.025 million years before present) can serve as a potential analogue for projected future climates. Although Pliocene ice locations and extents are still poorly constrained, a significant contribution to sea-level rise should be expected from both the Greenland ice sheet and the West and East Antarctic ice sheets based on palaeo sea-level reconstructions. Here, we present results from simulations of the Antarctic ice sheet by means of an international Pliocene Ice Sheet Modeling Intercomparison Project (PLISMIP-ANT). For the experiments, ice-sheet models including the shallow ice and shelf approximations have been used to simulate the complete Antarctic domain (including grounded and floating ice). We compare the performance of six existing numerical ice-sheet models in simulating modern control and Pliocene ice sheets by a suite of four sensitivity experiments. Ice-sheet model forcing fields are taken from the HadCM3 atmosphere–ocean climate model runs for the pre-industrial and the Pliocene. We include an overview of the different ice-sheet models used and how specific model configurations influence the resulting Pliocene Antarctic ice sheet. The six ice-sheet models simulate a comparable present-day ice sheet, although the models are setup with their own parameter settings. For the Pliocene simulations using the Bedmap1 bedrock topography, some models show a small retreat of the East Antarctic ice sheet, which is thought to have happened during the Pliocene for the Wilkes and Aurora basins. This can be ascribed to either the surface mass balance, as the HadCM3 Pliocene climate shows a significant increase over the Wilkes and Aurora basin, or the initial bedrock topography. For the latter, our simulations with the recently published Bedmap2 bedrock topography indicate a significantly larger contribution to Pliocene sea-level rise from the East Antarctic ice sheet for all six models relative to the simulations with Bedmap1.
Strategy of valid 14C dates choice in syngenetic permafrost
Authors: Vasil'chuk Y. K. , Vasil'chuk A. C.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. The main problem of radiocarbon dating within permafrost is the uncertain reliability of the 14C dates. Syngenetic sediments contain allochthonous organic deposit that originated at a distance from its present position. Due to the very good preservation of organic materials in permafrost conditions and numerous re-burials of the fossils from ancient deposits into younger ones the dates could be both younger and older than the true age of dated material. The strategy for the most authentic radiocarbon date selection for dating of syncryogenic sediments is considered taking into account the fluvial origin of the syngenetic sediments. The re-deposition of organic material is discussed in terms of cyclic syncryogenic sedimentation and also the possible re-deposition of organic material in subaerial-subaqueous conditions. The advantages and the complications of dating organic micro-inclusions from ice wedges by the accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) method are discussed applying to true age of dated material search. Radiocarbon dates of different organic materials from the same samples are compared. The younger age of the yedoma from cross-sections of Duvanny Yar in Kolyma River and Mamontova Khayata in the mouth of Lena River is substantiated due to the principle of the choice of the youngest 14C date from the set.
De ambtenaar als professional?
Authors: Jansen Thijs , Janssen Luc , Kwakkelstein Tobias
Published: November 2014

The civil servant as a professional

The opening article introduces the topic of this special issue: civil servants. Changes in the context, role and legal status of civil servants in the Netherlands fuel the debate on the civil servant as a professional in academic and policy circles. This special issue reports on this debate, with contributions from legal, sociological, public administration and more applied perspectives.
Op weg naar een nieuwe ambtelijke status
Authors: Janssen Luc
Published: November 2014

Towards a new civil servant status

After years of debate, the discussion concerning the legal status of civil servants has reached its climax. The abolition of special civil servant status has never been closer. In February 2014 the Dutch Parliament approved a proposal that is based on the view that the particular legal status of civil servants has to be ‘normalized’, and that the terms and conditions of employment in the public sector could be regulated in line with market sector standards. In this article, both the discussion and the proposal are considered. In addition, we reflect on the extent to which and the way in which the proposal could have a positive impact on the development of the professional competence of civil servants.
Juridische status van een ethische code: waar plaats je zo’n code in de hiërarchie van de continentale normen?
Authors: de Becker Alexander
Published: November 2014

Legal status of a code of conduct for officials: where to place it in the hierarchy of rules in continental countries?

The article aims to compare the current legal status of codes of conduct (if any) in five different EU-countries. Its starting point is the recent legal initiative in the Netherlands to abolish the existing status for officials and to replace it with contracts of employment. The parliamentary initiators indicate ethical elements as crucial for the employment relation in the public sector. Does this imply that a code of conduct has to be established?

The article first focuses on the historical evolution of codes of conduct in different EU-Member States. Within the UK, integrity has always been considered a key stone of the civil service. However, it took until the nineties until a code of conduct was set out. The spread out of the importance of integrity for civil servants has spread out later in continental Europe. The impact of the theory of New Public Management, through the OECD, was therefore crucial. Consequently, Belgium and Germany developed codes of conduct while France and the Netherlands paid more attention to weight of ethical behavior in the public sector.

Currently, it stays beyond any doubt that the codes of conduct in the UK have got a binding legal value. This value has not yet been achieved by the Belgian and the German codes. The article defends the point of view that a binding code in the Netherlands can be a useful tool.
Verder op weg naar een professie voor de beleidsambtenaar?
Authors: Wilmink Hans
Published: November 2014

On the way to a professional status for the civil servant?

A profession can be defined as a group of workers with shared knowledge, skills and quality standards. To maintain its professional status, the professional community needs to be relatively autonomous. However, while performing their tasks, many pressures jeopardize the professional worker’s autonomous position. Here, the professional community can make a difference.

Subordination to the political principal characterizes the position of the civil servant. What margin of professional independence do political leaders allow their civil servants? Recent academic empirical reports in the Netherlands show conflicting outcomes.

This essay describes how civil servants from a Dutch ministry deal with their professional standards and argues that, in the process of professionalization, more clarity is required with regard to how autonomy and independence for civil servants are safeguarded. This is especially relevant in a contemporary context where new ways to account for the professional behavior of civil servants need to be sought.
Leiderschap is wat je teweegbrengt bij anderen
Authors: Kwakkelstein Tobias , Jansen Thijs
Published: November 2014

Interview with professor of public administration Paul ’t Hart

This is an interview with professor of public administration Paul ’t Hart, following the success of his Dutch essay ‘Civil Servant 3.0’. In the interview, ’t Hart addresses new demands on civil servants, challenges for leadership and the need to learn from international best practices in public sector reform.
Van eerste overheid naar eerst de burger, maar hoe?
Authors: Kleistra Yvonne , Walraven Guido
Published: November 2014

Citizens first instead of government first, but how? Review of the report ‘Citizens first instead of government first. On social advice that challenges local government’ by the Denktank VNG

The first report (2013) by the Association of Netherlands Municipalities think tank deals with the question of how local governments can improve their own performance regarding the current trend of social initiatives in which citizens organize themselves to tackle problems in their neighborhoods. Kleistra and Walraven discuss the method, content and findings of the report. They question the widely used citizen perspective that is adopted by the think tank as a starting point for further research on the topic; its uncritical stance with regard to the highly debated issue of citizen participation; the limited research effort that underpins its overall findings and conclusions; and in particular its unequivocal call for large scale municipal experimenting and improvising without further elaborating on the key question of ‘how to proceed’ for the benefit of municipal policymakers. This brings them to the conclusion that the report itself generates highly relevant questions, but that these questions should be addressed more effectively than has so far been the case, by connecting in-depth empirical research on municipal performance with regard to citizens initiatives to the large body of scientific knowledge on citizen participation.
Predicting the Motion of a Robot Manipulator with Unknown Trajectories Based on an Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Tang Sai Hong , Ang Chun Kit , Ariffin Mohd Khairol Anuar Bin Mohd , Mashohor Syamsiah Binti
Published: November 2014

Mathematically, the motion of a robot manipulator can be computed through the integration of kinematics, dynamics, and trajectories calculations. However, the calculations are complex and only can be applied if the configuration of the robot and the characteristics of the joint trajectories are known. This paper introduces the use of artificial neural networks (ANN) to overcome these shortcomings by solving nonlinear functions and adapting the characteristics of unknown trajectories. A virtual six-degree-of-freedom (DOF) robot manipulator is exploited as an example to show the robustness of the developed ANN topology.
Tryptophan-Assisted Synthesis Reduces Bimetallic Gold/Silver Nanoparticle Cytotoxicity and Improves Biological Activity
Authors: Shmarakov Igor O. , Mukha Iuliia P. , Karavan Volodymyr V. , Chunikhin Olexander Yu. , Marchenko Mykhailo M. , Smirnova Natalia P. , Eremenko Anna M.
Published: November 2014

Aiming to reduce the potential in vivo hepato-and nephrotoxicity of Ag/Au bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) stabilized by sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), an approach involving a simultaneous reduction of silver nitrate and tetrachlorauratic acid using tryptophan (Trp) as a reducing/stabilizing agent was applied during NP synthesis. The obtained Ag/Au/Trp NPs (5–15 nm sized) were able to form stable aggregates with an average size of 370–450 nm and were potentially less toxic than Ag/Au/SDS in relation to a mouse model system based on clinical biochemical parameters and oxidative damage product estimation. Ag/Au/Trp NPs were shown to exhibit anticancer activity in relation to a Lewis lung carcinoma model. The data generated from the present study support the fact that the use of tryptophan in NP synthesis is effective in attenuating the potential hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity of NPs during their in vivo application.
Recorregut de recerca geològica i minera per les comarques del Bages i del Solsonès: des de Callús i Sant Mateu de Bages cap a Castelltallat, Prades de la Molsosa, Pinós y Matamargó
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: November 2014

Itinerari realitzat el dia 16 de gener del 2013. En aquesta ocasió, la totalitat del recorregut de l´itinerari discorrerà per la Depressió Geològica de l´Ebre (i més concretament, ho farà de forma totalment exclusiva per la denominada Depressió Central).Així, al llarg de tot el recorregut de l´itinerari s´aniran trobant afloraments dels materials cenozoics que reblen l´esmentada depressió. Molt sovint, aquests materials els veurem recoberts per terrenys quaternaris de caràcter eminentment detrític, formats majoritàriament a partir de l´erosió dels anteriors. Els materials que anirem trobant, es reparteixen entre la Formació Artés, la Formació Súria, la Formació Cardona i la Formació Solsona, fonamentalment. Totes elles pertanyen a l´Eocè; tot i que la primera es troba al trànsit entre aquest període i l´Oligocè.Per d´altra banda, la totalitat del recorregut discorrerà per les comarques del Bages i del Solsonès, integrades dintre de la Catalunya Central. Així, els primers trams del recorregut, entre Callús i les immediacions de Prades de la Molsosa, es realitzaran per la comarca del Bages. La resta del recorregut ja es farà per la comarca del Solsonès.
Recorregut de recerca geològica i geoambiental per la comarca del Solsonès: des de Solsona a la Llosa del Cavall, a Sant Llorenç de Morunys i al Port del Comte
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: November 2014

Itinerari realitzat el dia 23 de gener del 2013. En aquesta ocasió, el recorregut del present itinerari discorrerà per dues de les tres unitats geològiques que constitueixen Catalunya: concretament per la Depressió Geològica de l´Ebre, i pel Sistema Pirinenc.Així, dintre de la primera, ho farà en bona part per un dels sectors que la constitueixen (Mata-Perelló, 1985): concretament per la seva Depressió Central, tot i que també recalarà pels sectors corresponents als Altiplans Septentrionals. Tot i així, ho farà pels indrets centrals de la primera, pels indrets on es troba replegada per diferents alineacions que la creuen d´Est a Oest. Aquests sectors poden situar-se dintre de la denominada Zona de l´Avant-país Plegat. Per d´altra banda, dintre de la segona unitat geològica, pel Sistema Pirinenc, el recorregut del present itinerari discorrerà exclusivament pels sectors corresponent a la Zona Sudpirenenca, la seva sotsunitat més meridional.Així, el recorregut començarà a Solsona, seguint després cap al Nord, cap al Coll del Port, a tocar la comarca de l´Alt Urgell, om finalitzarà.
Recorregut de recerca geològica i geoambiental per les comarques del Bages del Solsonès i del Berguedà: des de Cardona a Sorba, Linyà, Navès, La Vall D´Ora i Llinars de L´Aigua d´Ora
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: November 2014

Itinerari 23b realitzat al gener de 2013. En aquesta ocasió, el recorregut del present itinerari discorrerà per dues de les tres unitats geològiques que constitueixen Catalunya: concretament per la Depressió Geològica de l´Ebre, i pel Sistema Pirinenc.Així, dintre de la primera, ho farà en bona part per un dels sectors que la constitueixen (MATA-PERELLÓ, 1985): concretament per la seva Depressió Central, tot i que també recalarà pels sectors corresponents als Altiplans Septentrionals. Tot i així, ho farà pels indrets centrals de la primera, pels indrets on es troba replegada per diferents alineacions que la creuen d´Est a Oest. Aquests sectors poden situar-se dintre de la denominada Zona de l´Avant-país Plegat.Per d´altra banda, dintre de la segona unitat geològica, pel Sistema Pirinenc, el recorregut del present itinerari discorrerà exclusivament pels sectors corresponent a la Zona Sudpirinenca, la seva sotsunitat més meridional.Així, el recorregut començarà a Solsona, dintre de la comarca del Bages, per on no es farà cap aturada. Tot seguit entrarà breument a la comarca del Berguedà (per on no farem cap aturada), per entrar tot seguit a la comarca del Solsonès. La major part del recorregut es farà per aquesta comarca. Finalment, tornarà a entrar a la del Berguedà, per on finalitzarà. Test resum en idioma original de l’article.
Recerca geològica i geoambiental per les comarques del Berguedà i del Solsonès: des de Berga i Capolat a: Trasserra, Taravill, Vilella i a l´Espunyola
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: November 2014

Itinerari realitzat el dia 23 de març del 2013. El recorregut del present l’itinerari discorrerà per la vorera septentrional de la Depressió Geològica de l´Ebre, tot i que molt prop del Pirinenc, pels trams inicials.Així, en els primers trams es circularà per la denominada zona de l´Avant-País Plegat (corresponent a la vorera septentrional de l´esmentada depressió). Concretament, s’hi circularà entre Berga i les immediacions de Capolat.Després, tot el recorregut es farà íntegrament per la Depressió Geològica de l´Ebre; i més concretament, als trams finals per la seva Depressió Central, especialment pels voltants de l´Espunyola. Per d´altra banda, el recorregut transitarà per dues de les comarques que formen part de la Catalunya Central, la del Berguedà i la del Solsonès (tot i que en el cas d´aquesta darrera serà molt puntual).
Recorregut de recerca geològica, geoambiental i mineralògica per la comarca del Baix Llobregat: des d’Esparreguera a la colònia Sedó i a Esparreguera
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: November 2014

Aquest itinerari es va fer el dia 5 d’abril del 2013. El recorregut del present itinerari discorre en la seva totalitat per una sola unitat geològica: pel Sistema Mediterrani, i més concretament ho farà per dues de les quatre sotsunitats que el constitueixen: per la Depressió Prelitoral Catalana (per on s’iniciarà i finalitzarà el recorregut, a Esparreguera) i per la Serralada Prelitoral Catalana (per on es desenvoluparà la major part del recorregut).Així, l´itinerari s’iniciarà a la localitat d’Esparreguera, d´on s´anirà cap als voltants de la Colònia Sedo, per a retornar finalment a Esparreguera. Així, l´haurem iniciat dintre de la Depressió Prelitoral Catalana, entrant després a la Serralada Prelitoral Catalana, per a finalitzar el trajecte de nou a la Depressió Prelitoral Catalana.Per d’altra banda, el recorregut de l´itinerari, s´haurà desenvolupat totalment dintre de la comarca del Baix Llobregat. I més concretament dintre del terme d´Esparreguera, exclusivament.
Itinerari geològic i geoambiental per les comarques del Baix Llobregat i del Vallès Occidental: des d´Olesa de Montserrat a Ribes Blaves, a Sant Pere Sacama, al Coll Ventós i a Olesa de Montserrat
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: November 2014

Itinerari realitzat el dia 20 d´abril del 2013. En aquesta ocasió, el recorregut del present itinerari discorre en la seva major part pel Sistema Mediterrani (una de les tres unitats geològiques que constitueixen el nostre país), i més concretament per dues de les seves sotsunitats més externes: la Serralada Prelitoral Catalana (per on discorrerà la major part del recorregut i on finalitzarà) i per la Depressió Prelitoral Catalana (per on s´iniciarà el recorregut). Tot i així, molt puntualment, també es passarà per la Depressió Geològica de l´Ebre.També cal dir, que el recorregut de l’itinerari s´efectuarà per les comarques del Vallès Occidental i la del Baix Llobregat principalment, ambdues de la Iª Regió (o Regió de Barcelona).Així, el recorregut s’iniciarà a la població d´Olesa de Montserrat i tot seguit el recorregut es desplaçarà cap als indrets de Ribes Blaves, Sant Pere Sacama, el Coll Ventós, per a retornar finalment cap a Olesa de Montserrat, per on finalitzarà.
Itinerari geològic i geoambiental per les comarques del Vallès Occidental i del Baix Llobregat: des del pont del Mimó i del pla del Fideuer al coll de la Papelusa i a Olesa de Montserrat
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: November 2014

Itinerari realitzat el 20 d’abril de 2013. En aquesta ocasió el recorregut del present itinerari discorre en la seva major part pel Sistema Mediterrani (una de les tres unitats geològiques que constitueixen el nostre país) i més concretament per la seva sotsunitat més externa: la Serralada Prelitoral Catalana. Tot i així, el recorregut s´iniciarà al contacte d´aquesta serralada amb la Depressió Geològica de l´Ebre (una altra de les unitats geològiques de Catalunya). També cal dir que el recorregut de l’itinerari s´efectuarà totalment per les comarques del Vallès Occidental (on començarà) i del Baix Llobregat (per on finalitzarà). Així, el recorregut s’iniciarà a l´indret del Pont del Mimó des d´on anirà al Pla del Fideuer, pel terme de Vacarisses, del Vallès Occidental, dintre de la Depressió Geològica de l´Ebre. Però de seguida ja s´entrarà a la Serralada Prelitoral Catalana, per a finalitzar dintre d´aquesta sotsunitat geològica, molt a prop d´Olesa de Montserrat.
Itinerari de recerca geològica per la comarca del Baix Llobregat: des de la Puda, a Sant Salvador de les Espases, al coll de Can Tobella i al Cairat
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: November 2014

Itinerari realitzat el 21 d’abril de 2013. En aquesta ocasió, aquest recorregut transita íntegrament per la zona de contacte entre dues de les unitats geològiques que constitueixen el nostre país; concretament entre el Sistema Mediterrani i la Depressió Geològica de l´Ebre. Tot i així, la major part del recorregut transitarà per la primera unitat geològica esmentada. Així, el recorregut s´iniciarà a la Serralada Prelitoral Catalana (ubicada dintre de la primera unitat geològica abans esmentada, el Sistema Mediterrani), per a finalitzar de nou a aquesta unitat geològica, després de transitar durant bona part del recorregut per la segona, per la Depressió Geològica de l´Ebre. Per d´altra banda, el recorregut discorrerà per una de les comarques que constitueixen la Regió de Barcelona: concretament per la del Baix Llobregat (pel terme d´Esparreguera, exclusivament).
Recorregut de recerca geològica i mineralògica per la subcomarca del Lluçanès (comarca d´Osona): des d´Alboquers a Olost, Albars, Prats de Lluçanès i a Santa Maria de Merlés
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: November 2014

Itinerari realitzat el 27 d’abril de 2013.  En aquesta ocasió, el recorregut de d’itinerari discorrerà, en la seva totalitat per la Depressió Geològica de l´Ebre (i més concretament, ho farà pel seu sector corresponent a la seva Depressió Central). Tot i així, d’itinerari passarà per les proximitats d’alguns indrets més o menys replegats de l´esmentada depressió, tot i que en general aquests plecs no tenen gran desenvolupament. Malgrat això, cal fer esment del Sinclinal d´Olost, Cap a ponent, trobarem també l´Anticlinal de Puig – reig i el Sinclinal de Gironella, entre altres elements Així, des del seu inici a la petita d´Alboquers (del municipi de Sant Bertomeu del Grau, al Lluçanès osonenc) fins a la seva fi, pels voltants de la localitat de santa Maria de Merlès, igualment situada a la subcomarca del Lluçanès (però en aquest cas dintre del Berguedà), totes les aturades del recorregut de d’itinerari, es trobaran ubicades dintre d’aquesta unitat geològica anteriorment esmentada. Per d’altra banda, i com ja s’entreveu al títol, el recorregut de d’itinerari discorrerà per íntegrament per la subcomarca del Lluçanès, iniciant-se als sectors osonencs, per a finalitzar als situats dintre de l´actual comarca del Berguedà.
Portada
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria
Published: November 2014

Portada i editorial
Recorregut de recerca geològica i mineralògica per la comarca d´Osona (i per les subcomarques del Voltegranès i del Lluçanès): des de Torelló, al Santuari de Bellmunt, a Sant Hipòlit de Voltregà, Sant Boi de Lluçanès i als Munts
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: November 2014

Itinerari realitzat el 5 de maig del 2013. Durant el recorregut de l´itinerari efectuarà un tall geològic per diverses sectors de la Catalunya Central (en concret per la comarca d´Osona), per una banda entre la població de Torelló i el Santuari de Bellmunt; i per d´altra entre l´esmentada població de Torelló, Sant Boi de Lluçanès i el Santuari de la Mare de Deu dels Munts. Així, aquest itinerari discorrerà sempre per la Depressió Geològica de l´Ebre (i en concret per la seva Depressió Central) on es troba situada la comarca d´Osona, y especialment els indrets osonencs per on discorrerà el present itinerari. Així, en aquest recorregut anirem trobant diversos afloraments dels materials cenozoics que reblen l’esmenta-la Depressió Geològica de l´Ebre. Aquests materials, dintre del recorregut seran fonamentalment de l´Eocè i de l´Oligocè.En aquest recorregut, s’efectuaran diverses aturades. Unes de caràcter geomorfològic i altres de caràcter tectònic. Tot i així, també es faran altres aturades de caràcter geològico-ambiental. Tot i així, predominaran les primeres
Recorregut de recerca geològica i mineralògica per les comarques de la Garrotxa (Alta Garrotxa) i del Ripollès: des de Castellfollit de la Roca a Oix, Bestrecà, Beget, Rocabruna i a Camprodon
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: November 2014

Itinerari realitzat l’1 de juny del 20131. El recorregut del present itinerari, es desenvoluparà íntegrament pel Sistema Pirinenc; i més concretament ho farà per diversos sectors del mateix. Així, s´iniciarà a la denominada Zona Sudpirenenca, per on es faran les primeres aturades, entre Castellfollit de la Roca i Oix. En aquest tram, haurem trobat afloraments cenozoics fonamentalment.Després, el recorregut transitarà entre afloraments mesozoics del Cretàcic, dintre del denominat Prepìrineu Meridional. Això succeirà fonamentalment entre les poblacions d´Oix i de Beget. Aquests darrers materials s´inclouen dintre del Mantell del Cadí, en la seva major part; tot i així, també haurem trobat afloraments mesozoics, que s´inclouen dintre del Mantell del Castell de Bac Grillera. I finalment, ja prop del darrer poble esmentat, començarem a trobar afloraments paleozoic, especialment del Carbonífer i del Devonià. Aquests materials també pertanyen al Mantell del Cadí. Aquests materials els trobarem fonamentalment entre Rocabruna, la Mina de les Ferreres i Camprodon. Al Nord d´aquests, es troba l´Encavalcament de Ribes de Fresser, que no arribarem a trobar. Aquest es situa entre el Mantell del Cadí (al Sud) i el Mantell del Canigó (al Nord, del nostre recorregut).Per d´altra banda, també cal dir que aquest recorregut s´efectuarà, íntegrament per les comarques pirinenques. Així, discorrerà quasi totalment per la comarca de la Garrotxa (i més concretament de l´Alta Garrotxa), però fent un recorregut final per la comarca del Ripollès, per on finalitzarà el recorregut de l´Itinerari.
Recorregut de recerca geològica i mineralògica per les comarques de la Garrotxa (Alta Garrotxa) i del Ripollès: des de Castellfollit de la Roca a Oix, Beget, Rocabruna i a Camprodon
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: November 2014

íntegrament pel Sistema Pirinenc; i més concretament ho farà per diversos sectors del mateix. Així, s´iniciarà a la denominada Zona Sudpirenenca, per on es faran les primeres aturades, entre Castellfollit de la Roca i Oix. En aquest tram, haurem trobat afloraments cenozoics fonamentalment.Després, el recorregut transitarà entre afloraments mesozoics del Cretàcic, dintre del denominat Prepìrineu Meridional. Això succeirà fonamentalment entre les poblacions d´Oix i de Beget. Aquests darrers materials s´inclouen dintre del Mantell del Cadí, en la seva major part; tot i així, també haurem trobat afloraments mesozoics, que s´inclouen dintre del Mantell del Castell de Bac Grillera. I finalment, ja prop del darrer poble esmentat, començarem a trobar afloraments paleozoic, especialment del Carbonífer i del Devonià. Aquests materials també pertanyen al Mantell del Cadí. Aquests materials els trobarem fonamentalment entre Rocabruna, la Mina de les Ferreres i Camprodon. Al Nord d´aquests, es troba l´Encavalcament de Ribes de Fresser, que no arribarem a trobar. Aquest es situa entre el Mantell del Cadí (al Sud) i el Mantell del Canigó (al Nord, del nostre recorregut).Per d´altra banda, també cal dir que aquest recorregut s´efectuarà, íntegrament per les comarques pirinenques. Així, discorrerà quasi totalment per la comarca de la Garrotxa (i més concretament de l´Alta Garrotxa), però fent un recorregut final per la comarca del Ripollès, per on finalitzarà el recorregut de l´Itinerari.
Recerca geològica i mineralògica per la comarca del Ripollès: des de Ribes de Freser a Planoles, Espinosa i a Toses
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: November 2014

Itinerari realitzat el 2 de juny de 2013. En aquesta ocasió, el recorregut de l´itinerari discorrerà en la totalitat pel Sistema Pirinenc, i més concretament pel sector dels Pirineus Orientals. Dintre d´aquests, deambularà per tres dels seus sectors més representatius: en concret per la zona dels anomenats Apilaments Antiformes del Freser i també per la Zona Axial, pròpiament dita. Així, el recorregut s´iniciarà dintre de l´esmentada zona dels Apilaments Antiforms del Freser, la qual es transitarà fins poc després de Ribes, en arribar a l´Encavalcament de Ribes-Camprodon. Finalment, els darrers trams del recorregut de l´itinerari, ja s’efectuaran per la Zona Axial, en la qual clourà el recorregut, en arribar a Planès de Rigart i a Toses.També cal dir, per d´altra banda, que la totalitat del recorregut, del present itinerari, es desenvoluparà per dintre de la superfície ocupada per la comarca del Ripollès, la qual pertany a la Regió de Vic.
Recorregut de recerca geològica i mineralògica per la comarca del Ripollès: des de Ribes de Freser, a Rialb, al Serrat, Vilamanya i a Queralbs
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: November 2014

Itinerari realitzat el 2 de juny de 2013. En aquesta ocasió, el recorregut de l´itinerari discorrerà en la totalitat pel Sistema Pirinenc, i més concretament pel sector dels Pirineus Orientals. Dintre d´aquests, deambularà per dos dels seus sectors més representatius: en concret per la zona dels anomenats Apilaments Antiformes del Freser, i també per la Zona Axial, pròpiament dita.Així, el recorregut s´iniciarà dintre dels Apilaments Antiformes del Freser, pels voltants del poble de Ribes de Freser. Finalment, els darrers trams del recorregut de l´itinerari, ja s’afectaran per la Zona Axial, en la qual clourà el recorregut, en arribar a la Mina Saragossa, del municipi de Queralt.També cal dir, per d´altra banda, que la totalitat del recorregut, del present itinerari, es desenvoluparà per dintre de la superfície ocupada per la comarca del Ripollès, la qual pertany a la Regió de Vic.
Recorregut de recerca mineralògica i geològica a través del patrimoni miner de la Vall Ferrera (Pallars Sobirà): des d´Alins al Coll de la Màniga
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: November 2014

Itinerari realitzat el 16 de juliol de 2013. En aquesta ocasió, el recorregut de l´itinerari discorrerà íntegrament pel Sistema Pirinenc; i més concretament per la denominada Unitat dels Apilaments de la Zona Axial, (és a dir, per l´antigament denominada "Zona Axial Pirinenca"). Així, es travessarà aquesta zona en el present recorregut. Així, al llarg del recorregut, sols es trobaran afloraments dels materials paleozoics, generalment de l´Ordovicià.Per d´altra banda, el recorregut de l´itinerari íntegrament per una sola comarca: per la del Pallars Sobirà (una de les que constitueixen la Regió de Tremp – la Seu d´Urgell). Per d´altra banda, tot l´itinerari es situarà a la vall de la Noguera de Vall Ferrera, tributària de la Noguera Pallaresa.
Bio-Conjugated Polycaprolactone Membranes: A Novel Wound Dressing
Authors: Cai Elijah Zhengyang , Teo Erin Yiling , Jing Lim , Koh Yun Pei , Qian Tan Si , Wen Feng , Lee James Wai Kit , Hing Eileen Chor Hoong , Yap Yan Lin , Lee Hanjing , Lee Chuen Neng , Teoh Swee-Hin , Lim Jane , Lim Thiam Chye
Published: November 2014

Background The combination of polycaprolactone and hyaluronic acid creates an ideal environment for wound healing. Hyaluronic acid maintains a moist wound environment and accelerates the in-growth of granulation tissue. Polycaprolactone has excellent mechanical strength, limits inflammation and is biocompatible. This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of bio-conjugated polycaprolactone membranes (BPM) as a wound dressing.

Methods 16 New Zealand white rabbits were sedated and local anaesthesia was administered. Two 3.0×3.0 cm full-thickness wounds were created on the dorsum of each rabbit, between the lowest rib and the pelvic bone. The wounds were dressed with either BPM (n=12) or Mepitel (n=12) (control), a polyamide-silicon wound dressing. These were evaluated macroscopically on the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th postoperative days for granulation, re-epithelialization, infection, and wound size, and histologically for epidermal and dermal regeneration.

Results Both groups showed a comparable extent of granulation and re-epithelialization. No signs of infection were observed. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in wound size between the two groups. BPM (n=6): 8.33 cm2, 4.90 cm2, 3.12 cm2, 1.84 cm2; Mepitel (n=6): 10.29 cm2, 5.53 cm2, 3.63 cm2, 2.02 cm2; at the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th postoperative days. The extents of epidermal and dermal regeneration were comparable between the two groups.

Conclusions BPM is comparable to Mepitel as a safe and efficacious wound dressing.
Expression of Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2 Protein in Malignant Cutaneous Tumors
Authors: Choi Chang Yong , Kim Jin Young , Wee Seo Yeong , Lee Jang Hyun , Nam Doo Hyun , Kim Chul Han , Cho Moon Kyun , Lee Yoon Jin , Nam Hae Seon , Lee Sang Han , Cho Sung Woo
Published: November 2014

Background Reactive oxygen species (ROS) damages cell molecules, and modifies cell signaling. The nuclear factor E2-related factor (Nrf2) is a critical transcription regulator, which protects cells against oxidative damage. Nrf2 expression is increased in a large number of cancers. However, little information has been reported regarding the expression of Nrf2 in skin cancers. Hence, we explored the expression of Nrf2 protein in skin cancers.

Methods The Nrf2 protein expression in 24 specimens, including 6 malignant melanomas (MM), 6 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), 6 basal cell carcinomas (BCC), and 6 normal skin tissues, was evaluated by western blotting. Immunohistochemical staining was performed. The expression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), the key regulator of Nrf2, was also analyzed by western blotting.

Results Small interfering RNA transfection to the melanoma cell line G361 confirmed that an approximately 66 kDa band was the true Nrf2 band. The western blot revealed that the Nrf2 protein was definitely expressed in normal skin tissues, but the Nrf2 expression was decreased in MM, SCC, and BCC. Immunohistochemical examination showed that expression of Nrf2 was decreased in all skin cancer tissues compared to the normal skin tissues. Keap1 was not expressed in all malignant skin tumors and normal skin tissues by western blot.

Conclusions ROS was increased in various types of cancers which proteins were highly expressed or underexpressed. This study demonstrated that the expression of Nrf2 protein was down-regulated in human malignant skin tumors. We suggest that decreased expression of Nrf2 is related to skin cancers.
Applicability and Safety of in Vitro Skin Expansion Using a Skin Bioreactor: A Clinical Trial
Authors: Jeong Cheol , Chung Ho Yun , Lim Hyun Ju , Lee Jeong Woo , Choi Kang Young , Yang Jung Dug , Cho Byung Chae , Lim Jeong Ok , Yoo James J , Lee Sang Jin , Atala Anthony J
Published: November 2014

Background Tissue expansion is an effective and valuable technique for the reconstruction of large skin lesions and scars. This study aimed to evaluate the applicability and safety of a newly designed skin expanding bioreactor system for maximizing the graft area and minimizing the donor site area.

Methods A computer-controlled biaxial skin bioreactor system was used to expand skin in two directions while the culture media was changed daily. The aim was to achieve an expansion speed that enabled the skin to reach twice its original area in two weeks or less. Skin expansion and subsequent grafting were performed for 10 patients, and each patient was followed for 6 months postoperatively for clinical evaluation. Scar evaluation was performed through visual assessment and by using photos.

Results The average skin expansion rate was 10.54%±6.25%; take rate, 88.89%±11.39%; and contraction rate, 4.2%±2.28% after 6 months. Evaluation of the donor and recipient sites by medical specialists resulted in an average score of 3.5 (out of a potential maximum of 5) at 3 months, and 3.9 at 6 months. The average score for patient satisfaction of the donor site was 6.2 (out of a potential maximum of 10), and an average score of 5.2 was noted for the recipient site. Histological examination performed before and after the skin expansion revealed an increase in porosity of the dermal layer.

Conclusions This study confirmed the safety and applicability of the in vitro skin bioreactor, and further studies are needed to develop methods for increasing the skin expansion rate.
Subbrow Approach as a Minimally Invasive Reduction Technique in the Management of Frontal Sinus Fractures
Authors: Lee Yewon , Choi Hyun Gon , Shin Dong Hyeok , Uhm Ki Il , Kim Soon Heum , Kim Cheol Keun , Jo Dong In
Published: November 2014

Background Frontal sinus fractures, particularly anterior sinus fractures, are relatively common facial fractures. Many agree on the general principles of frontal fracture management; however, the optimal methods of reduction are still controversial. In this article, we suggest a simple reduction method using a subbrow incision as a treatment for isolated anterior sinus fractures.

Methods Between March 2011 and March 2014, 13 patients with isolated frontal sinus fractures were treated by open reduction and internal fixation through a subbrow incision. The subbrow incision line was designed to be precisely at the lower margin of the brow in order to obtain an inconspicuous scar. A periosteal incision was made at 3 mm above the superior orbital rim. The fracture site of the frontal bone was reduced, and bone fixation was performed using an absorbable plate and screws.

Results Contour deformities were completely restored in all patients, and all patients were satisfied with the results. Scars were barely visible in the long-term follow-up. No complications related to the procedure, such as infection, uncontrolled sinus bleeding, hematoma, paresthesia, mucocele, or posterior wall and brain injury were observed.

Conclusions The subbrow approach allowed for an accurate reduction and internal fixation of the fractures in the anterior table of the frontal sinus by providing a direct visualization of the fracture. Considering the surgical success of the reduction and the rigid fixation, patient satisfaction, and aesthetic problems, this transcutaneous approach through a subbrow incision is concluded to be superior to the other reduction techniques used in the case of an anterior table frontal sinus fracture.
The Superficial Inferior Epigastric Artery Flap and its Relevant Vascular Anatomy in Korean Women
Authors: Kim Byung Jun , Choi Jun Ho , Kim Tae Hoon , Jin Ung Sik , Minn Kyung Won , Chang Hak
Published: November 2014

Background Lower abdominal soft tissue transfer is the standard procedure for breast reconstruction. However, abdominal wall weakness and herniation commonly occur postoperatively at the donor site. To reduce the morbidities of the donor site, the superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap was introduced, but inconsistent anatomy of the SIEA has reduced its utility. In the present study, the anatomy of the superficial inferior epigastric vessels in Korean women was determined with regards to breast reconstructive surgery.

Methods The vascular anatomies of the SIEA and superficial inferior epigastric vein (SIEV) were evaluated on 32 breast cancer patients receiving free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap reconstruction after mastectomy. The existence, pulsation, location, external diameter, and depth of the SIEA and SIEV were measured at the lower abdominal incision level.

Results SIEA and SIEV were present in 48/64 (75.00%) and 63/64 (98.44%) hemi-abdomens, respectively. Pulsation of the SIEA was found in 44/48 (91.67%) cases. The mean locations of SIEA and SIEV were +5.79 (±12.87) mm, and -8.14 (±15.24) mm from the midpoint between the anterior superior iliac spine and symphysis pubis, respectively. The mean external diameters of SIEA and SIEV were 1.20 (±0.39) mm and 1.37 (±0.33) mm, and they were found at a mean depth of 9.75 (±2.67) mm and 8.33 (±2.65) mm, respectively.

Conclusions The SIEA was absent in 25% of Korean women and had a relatively small caliber. Therefore, careful preoperative assessment of the lower abdominal vasculature is required to achieve successful breast reconstruction using SIEA flaps.
Distally Based Sural Artery Adipofascial Flap based on a Single Sural Nerve Branch: Anatomy and Clinical Applications
Authors: Mok Wan Loong James , Por Yong Chen , Tan Bien Keem
Published: November 2014

Background The distally based sural artery flap is a reliable, local reconstructive option for small soft tissue defects of the distal third of the leg. The purpose of this study is to describe an adipofascial flap based on a single sural nerve branch without sacrificing the entire sural nerve, thereby preserving sensibility of the lateral foot.

Methods The posterior aspect of the lower limb was dissected in 15 cadaveric limbs. Four patients with soft tissue defects over the tendo-achilles and ankle underwent reconstruction using the adipofascial flap, which incorporated the distal peroneal perforator, short saphenous vein, and a single branch of the sural nerve.

Results From the anatomical study, the distal peroneal perforator was situated at an average of 6.2 cm (2.5-12 cm) from the distal tip of the lateral malleolus. The medial and lateral sural nerve branches ran subfascially and pierced the muscle fascia 16 cm (14-19 cm) proximal to the lateral malleolus to enter the subcutaneous plane. They merged 1-2 cm distal to the subcutaneous entry point to form the common sural nerve at a mean distance of 14.5 cm (11.5-18 cm) proximal to the lateral malleolus. This merging point determined the pivot point of the flap. In the clinical cases, all patients reported near complete recovery of sensation over the lateral foot six months after surgery. All donor sites healed well with a full range of motion over the foot and ankle.

Conclusions The distally based sural artery adipofascial flap allowed for minimal sensory loss, a good range of motion, an aesthetically acceptable outcome and can be performed by a single surgeon in under 2 hours.
Periareolar Augmentation Mastopexy with Interlocking Gore-Tex Suture, Retrospective Review of 50 Consecutive Patients
Authors: Franco Johnny , Kelly Emma , Kelly Michael
Published: November 2014

Background Periareolar Augmentation Mastopexy is one of the most challenging operations in plastic surgery. Problems with scar quality, areolar widening, and distortion are frequent problems that interfere with a predictable result.

Methods A retrospective review was performed on fifty consecutive patients who underwent a periareolar augmentation mastopexy with the interlocking approach. Of the 50 patients, 30 had both preoperative and postoperative photographs and were the basis of the study.

Results The age of the patients ranged from 19 to 56 years with the average age being 39 years. The postoperative follow-up averaged 9.5 months and the implants averaged 316 mL. There were no deaths, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, or infected implants. Four patients had complications following surgery for an overall complication rate of 13%. Two patients developed an infected Gore-Tex suture. Two of these complications were treated with revision surgery. Five patients required reoperation for an overall reoperative rate of 16% (one patient was converted to a full mastopexy).

Conclusions As a result of this retrospective study, we have found the interlocking approach to periareolar augmentation/mastopexy to be a safe and reliable operation.