bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth, P accumulation, and physiological characteristics of two ecotypes of Polygonum hydropiper as affected by excess P supply
Authors: Huang Xia , Li Tingxuan , Zhang Xizhou , Zheng Zicheng , Yu Haiying
Published: March 2012

The use of suitable plants that can accumulate excess phosphorus (P) from contaminated soil may serve as an attractive method for phytoremediation. In this study, pot experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of P incorporation on P accumulation and physiological mechanisms of Polygonum hydropiper in a mining ecotype (ME) and nonmining ecotype (NME) from a phosphorus mining and a noncontaminated agricultural area, respectively. The results demonstrate that the ME of P. hydropiper growing in soil supplied with 0, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 mg P (kg soil)–1 showed a significantly higher biomass compared to the NME. Phosphorus accumulation of the ME was positively correlated with the soil P concentration. APase activity in roots of the ME significantly increased at 1600 mg P (kg soil)–1 and phytase activity of the ME increased with increasing P supply. APase activity of the ME was more than twice that of the NME on average. A significant increase of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was observed compared with the NME at all supplied P levels. Peroxidase (POD) activity of the ME was significantly higher at 200 and 400 mg P (kg soil)–1. No statistical differences in the catalase (CAT) activity of the ME were observed compared with the control. Activity of CAT in the NME was obviously induced after exposure to 100–800 mg P (kg soil)–1. Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in leaves of the ME decreased with increasing P supply to reach a minimum at 400 mg P (kg soil)–1. In the NME, an increase in MDA concentration compared to the control was observed at higher P levels. The APase and phytase induction and antioxidative defense allowed for the high P accumulation of the ME.
Nitrogen‐use efficiency of young citrus trees as influenced by the timing of fertilizer application
Authors: Martínez‐Alcántara Belén , Quiñones Ana , Legaz Francisco , Primo‐Millo Eduardo
Published: March 2012

The aim of this study was to improve the fertilizer‐nitrogen‐use efficiency (NUE) for a sustainable citrus production where yield, fruit quality, and environment are reconciled. A soil pot experiment was conducted using 5‐year‐old orange trees (Citrus sinensis cv. Navel Lane Late) to determine the response of NUE to timing of N‐fertilizer supply. An equal N rate (50 g tree–1) following two seasonal supply distributions was tested: (1) ENS (early supply from March to June of 75% of the N rate, with the remaining 25% administered between July and October) and (2) LNS (late supply of the bulk of the N rate with 25% between March and June and 75% between July and October). Labeled fertilizer (5 atom% 15N excess) was applied in order to accurately quantify N uptake, its partitioning among plant–soil compartments and NUE at the end of fruit drop and at fruit maturity. LNS resulted in a significant increase in NUE in both stages (up to 19% at the end of fruit drop and 9% at fruit maturity), while also increasing summer/autumn flush development. ENS showed lower fruit abscission, an enhanced final fruit load (up to 45%), and a more profuse development of spring flush. It is worth mentioning that LNS led to higher 15N content in the majority of the tree storage organs available for next spring growth resumption. The amount of 15N remaining in the soil of ENS trees at the end of the trial, which represented 16% of the supplied 15N, was 1.5‐fold higher than that of LNS trees as a result of the lower NUE of the former. Irrespective of the seasonal distribution of the fertilizer, mean 15N recovery in the soil–plant system at the end of the trial was about 71%. The results clearly confirm that the N seasonal distribution curve affects NUE in young citrus trees and NUE increases when the bulk of supply of the N rate is delayed to the summer months.
Combination of electromagnetic induction and gamma spectrometry using K‐means clustering: A study for evaluation of site partitioning
Authors: Altdorff Daniel , Dietrich Peter
Published: March 2012

Today rapid survey methods of proximal soil sensing (PSS) provide an increasing number of different and highly resolved data. These multidimensional data sets can lead to multilayered and complex maps of parameters which are only indirectly related to soil properties and soil functions. However, in applications usually just one clear elementary map is required. It is of increasing importance to tackle this problem utilizing a cluster algorithm for the synthesis and reduction of multidimensional input variables. The cluster algorithm provides a partitioning of the investigated site whereby the units are characterized by the statistics of the PSS data. Therefore, the question that arises is how suitable is the suggested partitioning in terms of the delineation of different soil units. In this study, we investigate the suitability of cluster partitioning through a case study at a medium‐scale test site (≈ 50 000 m2). Two common PSS methods: electromagnetic induction (EMI) and gamma spectrometry (GS) will be employed to create a data set for partitioning by a K‐means cluster. The result of the cluster analysis is a delineation of three different parts. In contrast to previous studies, we evaluate the generated partitions by independent soil properties such as grain size, horizon thickness, and color of stratified randomly taken soil samples. The soil analyses show that one of three clusters significantly differs from the others in terms of grain‐size distribution and horizon thickness. The partitioning of the other two clusters could not be confirmed by the considered soil parameters. Nevertheless, the case study demonstrates the combination of different PSS data by K‐means clustering as a potential approach for site partitioning. An evaluation of the results of the cluster analysis through the collection and analysis of soil samples is highly recommended.
Boron‐and‐salt interactions in wheat are affected by boron supply
Authors: Wimmer Monika A. , Goldbach Heiner E.
Published: March 2012

Plants in arid or semiarid areas often experience simultaneous salt and boron (B) stress. Interactive effects on stress responses have been clearly established, but results are inconsistent and variably indicate antagonistic or synergistic interactions even within the same plant species. In this study, five differently B‐ and salt‐resistant wheat genotypes were grown hydroponically at low and high B supply. The effect of increasing NaCl salinity on plant growth, boron uptake rates, shoot B concentrations, and transpiration was determined under both B regimes. The interactive effect of salt and B was different under low and high B supply. Boron‐uptake rates were reduced with increasing salt concentration only under high B supply, and reductions correlated significantly with decreases in leaf area and shoot B concentrations. Under low B supply, however, salt‐induced effects on B‐uptake rates were variable and not significantly correlated with leaf‐area reductions. These results suggest that under high B supply, when B uptake is predominantly passive by diffusion or channel‐mediated via aquaporins, transpiration‐driven water flow is the dominant factor for B accumulation in arial plant parts. Under low B supply, when a significant portion of B can be taken up via active pathways, transpiration is not the decisive factor for B accumulation. Under these conditions, the salt sensitivity of a genotype is a modifying factor of salt–B interactions, because salt‐induced growth inhibition can result in a concentration effect, offset the reduction of B‐uptake rates, and result in increased shoot B concentrations. Contradictory reports on the nature of salt–B interactions might in part be related to low levels of B supply chosen as control treatments and concomittant differences in predominant B‐uptake pathways.
Indigenous Language Revitalization and Documentation in the United States: Collaboration Despite Colonialism
Authors: Hermes Mary
Published: March 2012

In this article, Hermes brings together literature from disparate areas to give a perspective of indigenous language revitalization and documentation efforts in the United States as situated in the context of global revitalization. Much of the narrative surrounding indigenous languages has been dominated by the idea of language death. In stark contrast to the picture of impending doom, the author brings attention to long‐standing efforts of change characterized by community building and collaboration with academics across disciplines, cultures, and ideologies. In this narrative of change, indigenous languages are central to a sustainable future rather than relics from a dying past.
Effect of surface finishing on the elastic contact area evaluation of austempered ductile iron
Authors: Pintaude Giuseppe , Brunetti Cristiano , Leite Mario V. , Montanez‐Calao Luis F.
Published: March 2012

The effect of surface finishing on the contact area evaluation of an austempered ductile iron (ADI) with 10% volume fraction of graphite nodules is presented. The nodules were scratched during the roughness measurement made using a stylus. A model based on two functional roughness parameters was used to evaluate the contact area, considering the deformation as elastic. Two sets of ADI specimens were prepared. In the first set, the surfaces were sanded up to 1200‐grit paper, whereas in the second set, the specimens were metallographic polished. The scratches were artificially removed using a specific routine. The results after this removal were compared with those determined for bearing steel, prepared under similar conditions. A reduction of approximately 93% in the contact area values was observed after the artificial removal of scratches caused by the stylus probe for the polished specimens, whereas for the sanded ones, this reduction was about 80%. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MR‐based Thermometry of Laser Induced Thermotherapy: Temperature Accuracy and Temporal Resolution In vitro at 0.2 and 1.5 T Magnetic Field Strengths
Authors: Vogl Thomas J. , Huebner Frank , Naguib Nagy N.N. , Bauer Ralf W. , Mack Martin G. , Nour‐Eldin Nour‐Eldin A. , Meister Dirk
Published: March 2012

Purpose

To evaluate MR‐thermometry using fast MR sequences for laser induced interstitial thermotherapy (LITT) at 0.2 and 1.5 T systems.

Methods & Materials

In‐vitro experiments were performed using Agarose gel mixture and lobes of porcine liver. MR‐thermometry was performed by means of longitudinal relaxation time (T1) and proton resonance frequency shift (PRF) methods under acquisition of amplitude and phase shift images. Four different sequences were used for T1 thermometry: A gradient‐echo (GRE), a True Fast Imaging with Steady Precession (TRUFI), a Saturation Recovery Turbo‐FLASH (SRTF), and an Inversion Recovery Turbo‐FLASH (IRTF) sequence (FLASH—Fast Low Angle Shot). PRF was measured with four sequences: Two fast‐spoiled GRE sequences (one as WIP sequence), a Turbo‐FLASH (TFL) sequence (WIP sequence), and a multiecho‐TrueFISP sequence. Temperature was controlled and verified using a fiber‐optic Luxtron device. The temperature was correlated with the MR measurement.

Results

All sequences showed a good linear correlation R2 = 0.97–0.99 between the measured temperature and the MR‐thermometry measurements. The only exception was the TRUFI sequence in the Agarose phantom that showed a non‐linear calibration curve R2 = 0.39–0.67. At 1.5 T, the Agarose experiments revealed similar temperature accuracies of 4–6°C for all sequences excluding TRUFI. During experiments with the liver, the PRF sequences showed better performance than the T1, with accuracies of 5–12°C, contrary to the T1 sequences at 14–18°C. The accuracy of the Siemens PRF‐FLASH sequence was 5.1°C. At 0.2 T, the Agarose experiments provided the highest accuracy of 3.3°C for PRF measurement. At the liver experiments the T1 sequences SRTF and FLASH revealed the best accuracies at 6.4 and 7.0°C.

Conclusion

The accuracy and speed of MR temperature measurements are sufficient for controlling the temperature‐based tumor destruction. For 0.2 T systems SRTF and FLASH sequences are recommended. For 1.5 T systems SRTF and FLASH are the most accurate. Lasers Surg. Med. 44:257–265, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A multicenter randomized placebo‐controlled clinical trial of pramipexole for Tourette's syndrome
Authors: Kurlan Roger , Crespi Giovanna , Coffey Barbara , Mueller‐Vahl Kirsten , Koval Stephen , Wunderlich Glen ,   on behalf of the Pramipexole for TS Trial Investigators
Published: March 2012

Background:

Dopamine agonists could theoretically normalize the suspected central dopamine hypersensitivity in Tourette's syndrome.

Methods:

There was a multicenter randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind clinical trial of pramipexole given for 6 weeks in 63 children and adolescents with Tourette's syndrome.

Results:

There were no significant differences in the adjusted mean change in the Total Tic Score of the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale for patients treated with pramipexole (−7.16) and placebo (−7.17). There were no significant treatment effects on change from baseline in the Global Severity score of the Yale Scale and parent‐ and investigator‐scored Clinical Global Impression of Improvement. In patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, there was improvement in DuPaul ADHD scale scores for patients receiving pramipexole compared with placebo.

Conclusions:

There was no evidence that pramipexole has efficacy in suppressing tics. Pramipexole may decrease symptoms of associated attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Phenomenology of psychogenic movement disorders in children
Authors: Canavese Carlotta , Ciano Claudia , Zibordi Federica , Zorzi Giovanna , Cavallera Vanessa , Nardocci Nardo
Published: March 2012

Psychogenic movement disorders are heterogeneous and diagnostically challenging. Despite the growing literature on adult forms, clinical features in children have received relatively little attention. We retrospectively reviewed medical records and video of patients <18 years diagnosed with a psychogenic movement disorder at our institute between 2007 and 2010. We identified 14 patients (6 males and 8 females) with a mean onset age of 11.5 years. Levels of diagnostic confidence were documented (2 patients), clinically established (8 patients), and probable (4 patients). A single movement disorder was present in 10 patients (71%); 4 patients (29%) presented an association of two or more movement disorders. Eleven patients presented other medically unexplained symptoms associated with their movement disorders. Five patients, among 6 with chronic occurrence, performed a polymyographic study showing significant modifications of frequency, amplitude, and distribution of electromyographic activity, related to distracting maneuvers. The present series represents 5% of all movement disorders observed in the considered period and 32% of nonorganic neurological manifestations. The most frequent movement disorders were tremor (36%) and dystonia (29%). We describe two phenotypes not previously reported among psychogenic movement disorders: myoclonus and association of myoclonus with dystonia. We remark on the presence of psychogenic symptoms associated with movement disorders (79%) as being one of the most useful clinical clues as well as on the value of polymyographic study in chronic psychogenic movement disorders, which provide evidence of the inconsistency of movement disorders. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Cranial nerve palsies in childhood parameningeal rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Zorzi Alexandra P. , Grant Ronald , Gupta Abha A. , Hodgson David C. , Nathan Paul C.
Published: March 2012

Background

Children with parameningeal rhabdomyosarcoma (PM RMS) and cranial nerve palsy (CNP) are at risk for permanent neurologic dysfunction. Clinicians often consider the use of emergent therapies such as expedited radiation and/or corticosteroids; however, there is a paucity of information describing the natural history of CNP in PM RMS. We sought to describe the clinical features of patients with PM RMS plus associated CNP and to evaluate the patient, disease, and treatment‐related factors that impacted neurologic recovery.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of PM RMS cases treated at the Hospital for Sick Children between 1985 and 2010.

Results

Thirty‐five children were treated for PM RMS, 19 (54%) of whom presented with CNP. Children with CNP were nine times more likely to have other high‐risk features (cranial base bony erosion and/or intracranial extension) at the time of presentation than children without CNP (OR 9.6, 95% CI 1.69, 54.79, P = 0.013). In addition to commencing chemotherapy, 13 patients (68%) received expedited RT and corticosteroids, four (21%) corticosteroids alone, and two (11%) received only standard chemotherapy and RT. At last follow up of the 11 survivors, neurologic recovery was complete in five (45%), partial in five (45%), and absent in one (9%).

Conclusions

In our cohort, recovery of PM RMS associated CNP was often incomplete despite multi‐modal therapy. A larger cohort of patients is required to determine the utility of emergent initiation of radiation or corticosteroids. This study will facilitate the counseling of future families on the long‐term neurologic recovery CNP in PM RMS. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 59: 1211–1214. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Approach for Al2O3 rear surface passivation of industrial p‐type Si PERC above 19%
Authors: Vermang Bart , Goverde Hans , Tous Loic , Lorenz Anne , Choulat Patrick , Horzel Jorg , John Joachim , Poortmans Jef , Mertens Robert
Published: March 2012

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) of thin Al2O3 (≤10 nm) films is used to improve the rear surface passivation of large‐area screen‐printed p‐type Si passivated emitter and rear cells (PERC). A blister‐free stack of Al2O3/SiOx/SiNx is developed, leading to an improved back reflection and a rear recombination current (J0,rear) of 92 ± 6 fA/cm2. The Al2O3/SiOx/SiNx stack is blister‐free if a 700°C anneal in N2 is performed after the Al2O3 deposition and prior to the SiOx/SiNx capping. A clear relationship between blistering density and lower open‐circuit voltage (VOC) due to increased rear contacting area is shown. In case of the blister‐free Al2O3/SiOx/SiNx rear surface passivation stack, an average cell efficiency of 19.0% is reached and independently confirmed by FhG‐ISE CalLab. Compared with SiOx/SiNx‐passivated PERC, there is an obvious gain in VOC and short‐circuit current (JSC) of 5 mV and 0.2 mA/cm2, respectively, thanks to improved rear surface passivation and rear internal reflection. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
All the fundamental massless bosonic fields in superstring theory
Authors: Manoukian E.B.
Published: March 2012

A systematic analysis of all the massless bosonic fields in superstring theory is carried out. Emphasis is put on the derivation of their propagators, their polarization aspects and the investigation of their underlying constraints as well as their number of degrees of freedom. The treatment is given in the presence of external sources, in the celebrated Coulomb gauge, ensuring the positivity of the formalism ‐ a result which is also established in the process. The challenge here is the investigation involved in the self‐dual fourth rank anti‐symmetric tensor field. No constraints are imposed on the external sources so that their components may be varied independently, thus the complete expressions of the propagators may be obtained. As emphasized in our earlier work, the latter condition is an important one in dynamical theories with constraints giving rise to modifications as Faddeev‐Popov factors. The analysis is carried out in 10 dimensions, not only because of the consistency requirement by the superstrings, but also in order to take into account of the self‐duality character of the fourth rank anti‐symmetric tensor field as spelled out in the paper.
Completing the web of ℤ3‐quotients of complete intersection Calabi‐Yau manifolds
Authors: Candelas P. , Constantin A.
Published: March 2012

We complete the study [1] of smooth ℤ3‐quotients of complete intersection Calabi‐Yau threefolds by discussing the six new manifolds that admit free ℤ3 actions that were discovered in [2]. These manifolds were missed in [1] and complete the web of smooth ℤ3‐quotients in a nice way. We discuss the transitions between these manifolds and include also the other manifolds of the web. This leads to the conclusion that the web of ℤ3‐free quotients of complete intersection Calabi‐Yau threefolds is connected by conifold transitions.
Enhanced thermoelectric performance of Ag0.8Pb18SbTe20 alloyed with Se
Authors: Su Taichao , Zhou Youmo , Li Hongtao , Li Shangsheng , Li Xiaolei , Deng Le , Su Yantao , Liu Jian , Sui Yu , Ma Hongan , Jia Xiaopeng
Published: March 2012

Thermoelectric materials Ag0.8Pb18SbTe20 alloyed with Se in the composition of Ag0.8Pb18SbTe20–x Sex (x = 0, 5, 10, 15) were prepared by a high‐pressure method. The composition dependence of transport properties was studied from 100 K to room temperature. The thermal conductivity of Ag0.8Pb18SbTe20 was depressed sharply by alloying with Se, and the Seebeck coefficient and resistivity were tuned effectively by adjusting the Se content. The maximum figure of merit ZT = 0.43 was obtained at x = 10, which is about 70% higher than that of the unalloyed sample.
Ru‐doped TiO2 nanotubes: Improved performance in dye‐sensitized solar cells
Authors: So Seulgi , Lee Kiyoung , Schmuki Patrik
Published: March 2012

In the present work we use a series of Ti–Ru alloys, with minor amounts of Ru (0.01, 0.02, 0.05 and 0.2 at%) to grow anodic self‐organized Ru‐doped TiO2 nanotube layers. When used in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), the nanotube layers with an optimum amount of Ru (0.02 at% Ru in the alloy) show a considerable increase in solar cell efficiency (η = 5.2%) under AM1.5 (100 mW/cm2) conditions compared with non‐doped TiO2 nanotubes (η = 4.3%).

magnified image

(© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Study of matrix‐induced effects in multi‐residue determination of pesticides by online gel permeation chromatography‐gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Yu Sha , Xu Xiao‐min
Published: March 2012

RATIONALE

Multi‐residue determination of pesticides in a complex matrix by online gel permeation chromatography‐gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GPC‐GC/MS) is increasingly concerned for its high throughput, efficiency and accuracy. Study of matrix‐induced suppression or enhancement of the instrument signals is important for the application of this technique.

METHODS

Matrix suppression and enhancement effects for 176 pesticides were studied by online GPC‐GC/MS and post‐extraction addition. Suppression effects induced by co‐eluted compounds were examined in the matrices tea and human breast milk. The prepared matrix was studied to confirm the results by deliberate addition of phthalates or caffeine to the matrix of Chinese cabbage.

RESULTS

Both suppression and enhancement effects induced by co‐eluted matrix were found. The different results may depend on the concentration of the matrix. Enhancement effects for carbamate and polar pesticides were found because of the blocking of active sites in the instrument by the large volume injection (LVI) technique combined with on‐column and programmed temperature vaporization (PTV) mode. The results can explain the significant difference in instrument signals between isomers or native and isotope labels in some matrices.

CONCLUSIONS

Online GPC‐GC/MS with combined PTV and on‐column LVI mode is presumed to be applicable for the multi‐residue method including the studied pesticides if calibrated by matrix‐matched standards. However, further cleanup steps should be deloped to remove co‐eluted matrix if remarkable suppression effects are found. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robotic totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting for spontaneous coronary artery dissection
Authors: Wehman Brody , Lehr Eric Joseph , Mukherjee Ratnakar , Grigore Alina , Griffith Bartley , Bonatti Johannes
Published: March 2012

Background

Patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection may require surgical revascularization. Reports on the surgical management of this pathology are primarily limited to classic coronary artery bypass grafting via sternotomy on cardiopulmonary bypass, although a limited number of reports of alternatives also exist.

Methods

We describe a case of robotic completely endoscopic coronary surgery using the daVinci® Si™ system in a patient with spontaneous coronary artery dissection.

Results

Robotically assisted single left internal mammary artery grafting to the left coronary artery system was carried out successfully in a completely endoscopic fashion.

Conclusions

Selected patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection may benefit from a totally endoscopic approach to surgical coronary revascularization. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Discrete‐time output feedback for Markov jump systems with uncertain transition probabilities
Authors: Fioravanti André R. , Gonçalves Alim P.C. , Geromel José C.
Published: March 2012

This article addresses the output feedback control for discrete‐time Markov jump linear systems. With fully known transition probability, sufficient conditions for an internal model based controller design are obtained. For the case where the transition probabilities are uncertain and belong to a convex polytope with known vertices, we provide a sufficient LMI condition that guarantees the norm of the closed‐loop system is below a prescribed level. That condition can be improved through an iterative procedure. Additionally, we are able to deal with the case of cluster availability of the Markov mode, provided that some system matrices do not vary within a given cluster, an assumption that is suitable to deal with packet dropout models for networked control systems. A numerical example shows the applicability of the design and compares it with previous results. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the interference from space research service uplink transmissions into the inter‐satellite links of a non‐GSO system operating in the 22‐GHz band
Authors: Fortes José Mauro P. , Goicochea Juan Otalora
Published: March 2012

This paper presents a compatibility analysis involving space research service lunar mission uplink transmissions and the inter‐satellite links of non‐geostationary orbit systems operating in the 22‐GHz band. Three points differentiate this analysis from the currently available studies: (1) the mathematical model used here allows for the consideration of the time varying nature of the inclination of the Moon orbital plane; (2) besides the usual unconditional interference cumulative distribution functions, this analysis also considers the conditional cumulative distribution functions given that the victim satellite is receiving interference, important to characterize the interference affecting users that, because of their location, are most of the time using satellites, which are under interference; and (3) instead of dynamic time simulation, the analytical method in Recommendation ITU‐R S.1529 is used to determine the various cumulative distribution functions involved. Four scenarios are examined in the paper. Their main differences concern the number and location of the space research service transmitting Earth stations and the strategy under which they are active (transmitting). In all scenarios, cumulative distribution functions of the ratio I/N were determined for both the in‐band and the out‐of‐band interference cases. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study on the security of the extended version for the ISO/IEC international standardized block cipher SEED
Authors: Kim Jongsung
Published: March 2012

In this paper, we analyze the block cipher SEED‐192, which is an extended version of the ISO/IEC block cipher SEED. According to the result of this paper, there exist weak keys in 8 out of the 20 rounds of SEED‐192 against related‐key differential attacks, and there exist weak keys in 16 out of the 20 rounds of SEED‐192 against related‐key rectangle/boomerang attacks. This is the first cryptanalytic result for the key schedule of SEED‐192. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Birth Weight and Perceived Stress Reactivity in Older Age
Authors: Schlotz Wolff , Phillips David I. W. ,   Hertfordshire Cohort Study Group
Published: March 2012

Stress reactivity is a disposition that underlies individual differences in stress responses, thereby affecting vulnerability for the development of disease. Besides genetic and early postnatal environmental factors, stress reactivity has been shown to be influenced by an adverse prenatal developmental environment, but it is unclear if such effects persist into older age. We tested associations between fetal growth and perceived stress reactivity in 421 participants from the Hertfordshire Cohort at age 66–75 years. Regression analysis showed a U‐shaped association between birth weight and perceived stress reactivity with increased levels of stress reactivity at the lower and upper end of the birth weight distribution. These effects were stable after adjustment for markers of early adversity and recent adversity and chronic stress. Although the effects were small, they are consistent with findings from studies in younger cohorts, and demonstrate that such effects can persist into older age. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence analysis of archeological metal artifacts from the Final Bronze Age
Authors: Bottaini C. E. , Silva A. L. M. , Covita D. S. , Moutinho L. M. , Veloso J. F. C. A.
Published: March 2012

Energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF) is widely used in the study of archeological metal artifacts, heritage and art history, where the fragile nature of the objects requires the use of noninvasive techniques such as the EDXRF, which in addition, is fast and very affordable.

An EDXRF analysis of copper‐based artifacts from Late Bronze Age metal hoards from Central Portugal is presented.

The EDXRF measurements were carried out by using an X‐ray tube with a Mo anode and a commercial Si‐PIN detector. The data acquisition was performed by keeping small distances between the X‐ray window, the sample and the detector. Both patinated and polished areas were analyzed: the relative composition of the artifacts was inferred from the fluorescence spectra obtained. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Postoperative Hungry Bone Syndrome in Patients with Secondary Hyperparathyroidism of Renal Origin
Authors: Goldfarb Melanie , Gondek Stephan S. , Lim Susan M. , Farra Josephina C. , Nose Vania , Lew John I.
Published: March 2012

Background

Hungry bone syndrome (HBS) is a postoperative condition of severe hypocalcemia that can be seen in patients who have undergone parathyroidectomy (PTX) for secondary hyperparathyroidism (2HPT) of renal origin. This study examines HBS in patients after PTX for 2HPT.

Methods

Prospectively collected data was retrospectively reviewed in patients who underwent PTX for 2HPT of renal origin at a single institution. HBS was defined as the need for additional days of hospitalization or readmission for intravenous calcium supplementation due to clinical symptoms of hypocalcemia, including tingling, muscle spasms, and bone pain and/or immediate postoperative low serum calcium ≤7.5 mg/dl.

Results

Of 79 patients who underwent PTX for 2HPT, 27.8% (n = 22) experienced HBS. Young age (≤45 years, p = 0.02) was the only preoperative variable that predicted HBS. Most patients developed HBS within 18 h after surgery and required a prolonged hospital stay (19/22) compared to those requiring hospital readmission within the first 7 days (3/22). Initial postoperative serum calcium levels within 18 h of surgery were significantly lower in those patients who developed HBS (7.1 vs. 8.3 mg/dl, p = 0.001), and those patients also had a greater absolute decrease in serum calcium (2.8 vs. 3.5 mg/dl, p = 0.04).

Conclusion

HBS develops in a significant proportion of patients generally within the first 18 h after subtotal PTX for 2HPT. The only identifiable preoperative risk factor for HBS was young age. Additionally, low initial calcium levels and greater absolute decrease in serum calcium may help identify those patients that will develop HBS requiring judicious calcium supplementation.
A Prospective Evaluation of Quick Intraoperative Parathyroid Hormone Assay at the Time of Skin Closure in Predicting Clinically Relevant Hypocalcemia after Thyroidectomy
Authors: Lang Brian Hung‐Hin , Yih Patricia Chun‐Ling , Ng Ka Kin
Published: March 2012

Background

Post‐thyroidectomy hypocalcemia is a major contributing factor in delayed hospital discharge and dissuading surgeons from ambulatory thyroidectomy. We prospectively evaluated the accuracy and reliability of quick parathyroid hormone level measurement at skin closure (PTH‐SC) in predicting clinically relevant hypocalcemia (i.e., patients requiring calcium ± calcitriol supplements on hospital discharge).

Methods

Of the 117 patients who underwent a total or completion total thyroidectomy and PTH‐SC, 17 (14.5 %) had hypocalcemic symptoms or adjusted calcium <1.90 mmol/L requiring calcium and/or calcitriol supplements on discharge. Serum calcium was checked regularly in the perioperative period until stabilization and an additional quick PTH was checked on the following morning (PTH‐D1). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate potential preoperative clinicopathologic factors and postoperative day 0 biochemical indicators. Youden’s index and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) were used to determine the best cutoff value and predictability of significant variables or criteria, respectively.

Results

In the multivariate analysis, low preoperative adjusted calcium (p = 0.041) and low PTH‐SC (p = 0.001) were the two independent variables associated with hypocalcemia. PTH‐SC (≤1 or >1 pmol/L) had a higher specificity (95.0 %) and AUC (0.887) than serial calcium monitoring or PTH‐D1 alone. Although 3/98 of patients with PTH‐SC >1 pmol/L required calcium supplements on discharge, they required only the minimum amount to maintain normocalcemia.

Conclusion

PTH‐SC is an accurate and reliable means of predicting clinically relevant hypocalcemia. It would be reasonable to discharge those with PTH‐SC >1 pmol/L on the same operative day as the risk of life‐threatening hypocalcemia would seem unlikely.
Novel endophytic yeast Rhodotorula mucilaginosa strain PTD3 I: production of xylitol and ethanol
Authors: Bura Renata , Vajzovic Azra , Doty Sharon L
Published: March 2012

An endophytic yeast, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa strain PTD3, that was isolated from stems of hybrid poplar was found to be capable of production of xylitol from xylose, of ethanol from glucose, galactose, and mannose, and of arabitol from arabinose. The utilization of 30 g/L of each of the five sugars during fermentation by PTD3 was studied in liquid batch cultures. Glucose-acclimated PTD3 produced enhanced yields of xylitol (67% of theoretical yield) from xylose and of ethanol (84, 86, and 94% of theoretical yield, respectively) from glucose, galactose, and mannose. Additionally, this yeast was capable of metabolizing high concentrations of mixed sugars (150 g/L), with high yields of xylitol (61% of theoretical yield) and ethanol (83% of theoretical yield). A 1:1 glucose:xylose ratio with 30 g/L of each during double sugar fermentation did not affect PTD3’s ability to produce high yields of xylitol (65% of theoretical yield) and ethanol (92% of theoretical yield). Surprisingly, the highest yields of xylitol (76% of theoretical yield) and ethanol (100% of theoretical yield) were observed during fermentation of sugars present in the lignocellulosic hydrolysate obtained after steam pretreatment of a mixture of hybrid poplar and Douglas fir. PTD3 demonstrated an exceptional ability to ferment the hydrolysate, overcome hexose repression of xylose utilization with a short lag period of 10 h, and tolerate sugar degradation products. In direct comparison, PTD3 had higher xylitol yields from the mixed sugar hydrolysate compared with the widely studied and used xylitol producer Candida guilliermondii.
Butyrylcholinesterase genotype and gender influence Alzheimer's disease phenotype
Authors: Lane Roger M. , He Yunsheng
Published: March 2012

Retrospective data are presented to support a spectrum of early Alzheimer's disease (AD) along a continuum defined by gender and genotype. The putative neurodegenerative mechanisms driving distinct phenotypes at each end of the spectrum are glial hypoactivity associated with early failure of synaptic cholinergic neurotransmission and glial overactivation associated with loss of neural network connectivity due to accelerated age‐related breakdown of myelin. In early AD, male butyrylcholinesterase K‐variant carriers with one or two apolipoprotein &4 alleles have prominent medial temporal atrophy, synaptic failure, cognitive decline, and accumulation of aggregated beta‐amyloid peptide. Increasing synaptic acetylcholine in damaged but still functional cholinergic synapses improves cognitive symptoms, whereas increasing the ability of glia to support synapses and to clear beta‐amyloid peptide might be disease‐modifying. Conversely, chronic glial overactivation can also drive degenerative processes and in butyrylcholinesterase K‐variant negative females generalized glial overactivation may be the main driver from mild cognitive impairment to AD. Females are more likely than males to have accelerated age‐related myelin breakdown, more widespread white matter loss, loss of neural network connectivity, whole brain atrophy, and functional decline. Increasing extracellular acetylcholine levels blocks glial activation, reduces myelin loss and damage to neural network connectivity, and is disease‐modifying. Between extremes characterized by gender, genotype, and age, pathophysiology may be mixed and this spectrum may explain much of the heterogeneity of amnestic mild cognitive impairment. Preservation of the functional integrity of the neural network may be an important component of strengthening cognitive reserve and significantly delaying the onset and progression of dementia, particularly in females. Prospective confirmation of these hypotheses is required. Implications for future research and therapeutic opportunities are discussed.
Exercise Recommendations in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Fibromyalgia
Authors: Wilson Brad , Spencer Horace , Kortebein Patrick
Published: March 2012

Objective

To evaluate exercise recommendations in patients newly diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

Design

A retrospective chart review.

Setting

A public university rheumatology clinic.

Patients

Patients newly diagnosed with fibromyalgia (N = 122).

Main Outcome Measurements

Frequency and type of exercise recommendations.

Results

The mean (standard deviation) age of these patients with fibromyalgia was 45 ± 12 years; 91% were women. Exercise was recommended as part of the documented treatment plan in 47% of these patients (57/122); only 3 patients had a documented contraindication for exercise. Aquatic exercise was most frequently recommended (56% [32/57]), followed by combined aquatic‐aerobic exercise (26% [15/57]), and, infrequently, aerobic exercise only (5% [3/57]); only 7% of these patients (4/57) were referred for physical therapy. The primary method of communication was verbal discussion (94% [54/57]).

Conclusions

Although there is well‐documented evidence that exercise is beneficial for patients with fibromyalgia, we found that less than half of patients with newly diagnosed fibromyalgia in our study were provided recommendations to initiate an exercise program as part of their treatment plan. Further investigation of these findings are warranted, including evaluation of other university and community rheumatology practices as well as that of other physicians caring for patients with fibromyalgia. However, our findings indicate that there appears to be an opportunity to provide more specific and practical education regarding the implementation of an exercise regimen for patients with newly diagnosed fibromyalgia. Physiatrists may be particularly well suited to manage the exercise component of patients with fibromyalgia because of their specialized training in exercise prescription.
Posteroanterior Spinal Stiffness at T5, T10, and L3 Levels in Normal Subjects
Authors: Kumar Shrawan
Published: March 2012

Objective

To measure, by using standardized device and protocol, posteroanterior (PA) spinal stiffness at the 5th and 10th thoracic (T5 and T10) and 3rd lumbar (L3) vertebral levels in asymptomatic adult volunteers.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Osteopathic Heritage Foundation Physical Medicine Core Research Laboratory where the Therapeutic Spinal Mobilizer was fabricated to standardize the testing protocol.

Participants

Sixteen asymptomatic adult volunteers.

Methods

Volunteers were in the prone position on the treatment plinth and the loading block of the loading piston was placed at T5, T10, and L3. The subjects were instructed to remain still, to not contract any muscle, and to stop breathing mid cycle for 15 seconds when the data acquisition was initiated for a 10‐second test cycle. The force was measured by using the load cell, and the spinal deformation was measured by the linear variable differential transducer. The data were extracted and subjected to descriptive statistics and analysis of variance to determine the effect of independent variables on spinal stiffness.

Results

The PA spinal stiffness at 3 spinal levels was significantly different (P < .0001). The spinal stiffness was significantly affected by the testing load, age, gender, and body weight of the subjects (P < .0001). The PA stiffness of the entire sample at 3 spinal levels ranged from 4.8‐8.8 N/mm. The spinal stiffness values could be predicted as the function of testing load and body weight (P < .01).

Conclusions

Results of this experiment suggest that the standardized and repeatable methodology will result in reliable stiffness values. Because the spinal stiffness is an indicator of patient's symptoms and it is an important variable in selection of treatment regimen, it is important to be able to measure this variable with a standardized protocol. Values from asymptomatic subjects can be used to study and to compare the symptomatic patients.
Turbulence and internal waves in stably-stratified channel flow with temperature-dependent fluid properties
Authors: Zonta Francesco , Onorato Miguel , Soldati Alfredo
Published: March 2012

Direct numerical simulation (DNS) is used to study the behaviour of stably-stratified turbulent channel flow with temperature-dependent fluid properties: specifically, viscosity ($\ensuremath{\mu} $) and thermal expansion coefficient ($\ensuremath{\beta} $). The governing equations are solved using a pseudo-spectral method for the case of turbulent water flow in a channel. A systematic campaign of simulations is performed in the shear Richardson number parameter space (${\mathit{Ri}}_{\tau } = \mathit{Gr}/ {\mathit{Re}}_{\tau } $, where $\mathit{Gr}$ is the Grashof number and ${\mathit{Re}}_{\tau } $ the shear Reynolds number), imposing constant-temperature boundary conditions. Variations of ${\mathit{Ri}}_{\tau } $ are obtained by changing ${\mathit{Re}}_{\tau } $ and keeping $\mathit{Gr}$ constant. Independently of the value of ${\mathit{Ri}}_{\tau } $, all cases exhibit an initial transition from turbulent to laminar flow. A return transition to turbulence is observed only if ${\mathit{Ri}}_{\tau } $ is below a threshold value (which depends also on the flow Reynolds number). After the transient evolution of the flow, a statistically-stationary condition occurs, in which active turbulence and internal gravity waves (IGW) coexist. In this condition, the transport efficiency of momentum and heat is reduced considerably compared to the condition of non-stratified turbulence. The crucial role of temperature-dependent viscosity and thermal expansion coefficient is directly demonstrated. The most striking feature produced by the temperature dependence of viscosity is flow relaminarization in the cold side of the channel (where viscosity is higher). The opposite behaviour, with flow relaminarization occurring in the hot side of the channel, is observed when a temperature-dependent thermal expansion coefficient is considered. We observe qualitative and quantitative modifications of structure and wall-normal position of internal waves compared to previous results obtained for uniform or quasi-uniform fluid properties. From the trend we observe in the investigated low-Reynolds-number range, we can hypothesize that, whereas the effects of temperature-dependent viscosity may be masked at higher Reynolds number, the effects of temperature-dependent thermal expansion coefficient will persist.
Life cycle assessment of three bull-fattening systems: effect of impact categories on ranking
Authors: NGUYEN T. T. H. , VAN DER WERF H. M. G. , DOREAU M.
Published: March 2012

The aim of the current study was to analyse the environmental impacts of fattening bull systems using life cycle assessment (LCA). Three contrasting bull-fattening systems practised in France were compared. Diets H, MS and C differed by the nature of the forage consumed (hay, maize silage and wheat straw, respectively) and the proportion of concentrate, i.e. ground maize grain and soybean meal (0·51, 0·37 and 0·86, respectively) in the diets. Diet MS resulted in the lowest cumulative energy demand and in the highest acidification potential per kg of body weight gain (BWG). Eutrophication potential per kg of BWG was highest for diet C and the lowest for diet H. The relative contribution of eutrophication and acidification impacts by feeds and manure varied according to diet. The system using a hay-based diet resulted in the highest land occupation per kg of BWG and in the lowest impact per ha of land occupied for all impacts. It was found that the use of LCA, involving a multi-criteria assessment allowing the expression of results according to several functional units (kg of BWG and ha of land occupied) is essential to analyse the effectiveness of a pollution reduction strategy.
The Glory on the Mountain: The Episode of the Transfiguration of Jesus
Authors: Puig i Tàrrech Armand
Published: March 2012

The starting point of the transfiguration of Jesus is the choice of Jesus himself. He had announced a destiny of suffering and death and, then, was faced with rejection of his words by his disciples, especially Peter. Now, they must know by themselves what ‘God's views’ are. The fundamental issue is whether Jesus' announcement really corresponds to the divine will. The answer will come from heaven: the disciples will be the privileged witnesses of the transfiguration granted to Jesus. He will appear as a heavenly figure, flanked by Moses and Elijah and thus preceding them. Peter would like to honour the three figures and prolong the wonderful vision making three dwelling-places, which recall the heavenly dwellings. But he does not realize that Jesus had announced a tragic destiny that falls within God's design. So, God has to speak. After the cloud will cover the three heavenly figures, the divine voice will address the disciples making it clear to them who Jesus is (God's Son) and what they must do (listen to Jesus, namely, accept his announcement of suffering and death).