bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of aerosol extinction between lidar and SAGE II over Gadanki, a tropical station in India
Authors: Kulkarni P. , Ramachandran S.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. An extensive comparison of aerosol extinction has been performed using lidar and Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment (SAGE) II data over Gadanki (13.5° N, 79.2° E), a tropical station in India, following coincident criteria during volcanically quiescent conditions from 1998 to 2005. The aerosol extinctions derived from lidar are higher than SAGE II during all seasons in the upper troposphere (UT), while in the lower-stratosphere (LS) values are closer. The seasonal mean percent differences between lidar and SAGE II aerosol extinctions are > 100% in the UT and < 50% above 25 km. Different techniques (point and limb observations) played the major role in producing the observed differences. SAGE II aerosol extinction in the UT increases as the longitudinal coverage is increased as the spatial aerosol extent increases, while similar extinction values in LS confirm the zonal homogeneity of LS aerosols. The study strongly emphasized that the best meteorological parameters close to the lidar measurement site in terms of space and time and Ba (sr−1), the ratio between aerosol backscattering and extinction, are needed for the tropics for a more accurate derivation of aerosol extinction.
Pyrogenic carbon from tropical savanna burning: production and stable isotope composition
Authors: Saiz G. , Wynn J. G. , Wurster C. M. , Goodrick I. , Nelson P. N. , Bird M. I.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Widespread burning of mixed tree–grass ecosystems represents the major natural locus of pyrogenic carbon (PyC) production. PyC is a significant, pervasive and yet poorly understood "slow-cycling" form of carbon present in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, soils and sediments. We conducted 16 experimental burns on a rainfall transect through northern Australian savannas with C4 grasses ranging from 35 to 99% of total biomass. Residues from each fire were partitioned into PyC and further into recalcitrant (HyPyC) components, with each of these fluxes also partitioned into proximal components (>125 μm), likely to remain close to the site of burning, and distal components (<125 μm), likely to be transported from the site of burning. The median (range) PyC production across all burns was 16.0 (11.5) % of total carbon exposed (TCE), with HyPyC accounting for 2.5 (4.9) % of TCE. Both PyC and HyPyC were dominantly partitioned into the proximal flux. Production of HyPyC was strongly related to fire residence time, with shorter duration fires resulting in higher HyPyC yields. The carbon isotope (δ13C) compositions of PyC and HyPyC were generally lower by 1–3‰ relative to the original biomass, with marked depletion up to 7‰ for grasslands dominated by C4 biomass. δ13C values of CO2 produced by combustion were computed by mass balance and ranged from ~0.4 to 1.3‰. The depletion of 13C in PyC and HyPyC relative to the original biomass has significant implications for the interpretation of δ13C values of savanna soil organic carbon and of ancient PyC preserved in the geologic record, as well as for global 13C isotopic disequilibria calculations.
The hydrothermal power of oceanic lithosphere
Authors: Grose C. J. , Afonso J. C.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. We have estimated the power of ventilated hydrothermal heat transport, and its spatial distribution, using a set of recently developed plate models which highlight the effects of hydrothermal circulation and thermal insulation by oceanic crust. Testing lithospheric cooling models with these two effects, we estimate that global advective heat transport is about 6.6 TW, significantly lower than previous estimates, and that the fraction of that extracted by vigorous circulation on the ridge axes (<1 Ma) is about 50% of the total, significantly higher than previous estimates. This low hydrothermal power estimate originates from the thermally insulating properties of oceanic crust in relation to the mantle. Since the crust is relatively insulating, the effective properties of the lithosphere are "crust dominated" near ridge axes (yielding lower heat flow), and gradually approach mantle values over time. Thus, cooling models with crustal insulation predict low heat flow over young seafloor, implying that the difference of modeled and measured heat flow is due to the heat transport properties of the lithosphere, in addition to ventilated hydrothermal circulation as generally accepted. These estimates may bear on important problems in the physics and chemistry of the Earth because the magnitude of hydrothermal power affects chemical exchanges between the oceans and the lithosphere, thereby affecting both thermal and chemical budgets in the oceanic crust and lithosphere, the subduction factory, and convective mantle.
A Different Third R: Radical Math
Authors: Frankenstein Marilyn
Published: March 2015

Mathematical literacy is more than the ability to calculate. It is the ability to reason quantitatively, the ability to use numbers to clarify issues and to support or refute opinions. Yet the proliferation of arithmetic courses at the college level is evidence that people are not learning even basic computation skills in school. Too many adults cannot use numbers effectively in their daily lives. This article will briefly examine the causes of this situation and will outline a basic arithmetic course that not only teaches adults math effectively, but raises their political consciousness and empowers them to analyze and question the status quo, and to fight back.
Comparison of the Lubricant Eyedrops Optive®, Vismed Multi®, and Cationorm® on the Corneal Healing Process in an Ex Vivo Model
Authors: Pinheiro Ralph , Panfil Claudia , Schrage Norbert , Dutescu Ralf Michael
Published: March 2015

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of lubricant eyedrops on the corneal healing process and corneal toxicity.

Methods

Optive® and Cationorm® were tested regarding corneal irritability against Vismed Multi® and 0.01% benzalkonium chloride as negative and positive control, respectively. Formulas were applied on rabbit corneas (n = 5) cultured on artificial anterior chambers (EVEIT system) hourly over 3 days. Initially, 4 corneal abrasions (2–5.4 mm2) were induced. All defects were monitored during drug application by fluorescein stains and photographs. To ensure corneal vitality, glucose and lactate concentrations were determined photometrically in artificial anterior chamber fluids. Corneal fluorescein sodium permeability was tested as an indicator of the corneal barrier function.

Results

Optive® and Vismed Multi® showed a complete corneal healing on day 2. In one cornea (Optive®), erosion reoccurred on day 3. Erosion sizes of Cationorm®-treated corneas increased significantly from 12.20 mm2 to a subtotal erosion of 51.89 mm2 on day 3. Histology revealed epithelial loss and severe alterations of the superficial stroma for Cationorm®. Glucose and lactate concentrations did not change after application of Optive® and Vismed Multi®. In contrast, Cationorm®- and BAC-treated corneas showed a significant increase in lactate concentrations.

Conclusions

Vismed Multi® application resulted in rapid corneal healing. Whether the toxicity seen for Optive® in one cornea is a valid result should be examined further. Cationorm® showed considerable corneal toxicity that could be caused by its additive, cetalkonium chloride. Otherwise, the electrostatic properties of Cationorm® led to a drug film on the area of epithelial loss that could hinder epithelial cell migration and adhesion in order to heal the lesion.
Flank-Suspended versus Prone Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: Changes of Haemodynamics, Arterial Blood Gases and Subjective Feelings
Authors: Pan Tiejun , Liu Bo , Wei Shiping , Li Gongcheng , Wen Handong , Shen Guoqiu , Yang Jiarong , Tu Zhong
Published: March 2015

Background

The flank-suspended position was adopted in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), and haemodynamics, blood gas variables and subjective feelings were examined with an attempt to explore the effect of the operative position in PCNL on the body's inner environment and patient comfort.

Objective

The influence of the flank-suspended and prone position on haemodynamics, arterial blood gases and subjective feelings in patients receiving PCNL was examined.

Design, Setting and Participants

A total of 100 patients with kidney stones who underwent PCNL during January 2010 to January 2011 were divided into flank-suspended groups ( n = 50) and prone groups ( n = 50) at random in terms of the operative position. The blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory frequency and oxyhaemoglobin saturation and blood gas variables were determined at different time points (before the operation, after position change, 30 min after the start the operation and immediately after the operation). Visual analogue scale (VAS) scoring system was employed to define the posture comfort, dyspnoea and puncture-site pain 24 h postoperation in the patients. All the measures were compared between patients in different positions at different time points.

Statistical analysis

Paired t-test was employed in the comparison of measures detected at different time points in the same group. Two-group comparison was subjected to t-test. A p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results and Limitations

The blood pressure was decreased within and after the operation in both groups, substantially in the prone group, significantly lower than that before the operation (p<0.05). No significant differences in the heart rate, respiratory frequency and oxyhaemoglobin saturation were noted among the different time points in the same group. Blood gas analysis showed that pH value and base excess were profoundly reduced within and after the operation in the two groups, significantly lower than those before the operation, and the decrease was most manifest in the prone group. There was no difference in the blood sodium and potassium among the different time points in each group. The flank-suspended group was superior to the prone group with regard to posture comfort and dyspnoea degree but not puncture-site pain 24 h postoperation.

Conclusions

Flank-suspended and prone PCNL affects the haemodynamics, blood gas variables and subjective feelings of patients to a varying degree. The flank-suspended PCNL possesses advantages over prone PCNL such as little influence on haemodynamics and blood gas variables, satisfactory posture comfort, less dyspnoea and easy access to vital sign observation.
Animating Christ in Late Medieval and Early Modern Poland
Authors: Kopania Kamil
Published: March 2015

This article will continue the line of inquiry suggested by the previous contribution, but focus on animated sculptures of Christ created on the former territory of the medieval Kingdom of Poland, as well as in Silesia and Pomerania, and in the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. Articulated sculptures were a common sight in east-central Europe during the Middle Ages: they held an important place in liturgical and paraliturgical ceremonies, and were used during various theatrical religious activities connected to the main feasts of the liturgical year. Their elaborate construction enabled movements of specific body parts of the depicted person, and they had a powerful impact on the participants of these events. The tradition of using such sculptures in Poland is not commonly known, yet evidence for their use is vast. This article discusses a broad spectrum of recently discovered animated sculptures of Christ within the context of various texts and archival references concerning liturgical ceremonies that featured such articulated objects. I will finally argue that the tradition of engaging with medieval animated sculptures in Poland lasted long after the decrees of the Council of Trent were passed, and I will trace their survival and use well into the nineteenth century.
Killing the Enviropigs
Authors: Clark Jonathan L.
Published: March 2015

In spring 2012, after losing the main source of funding for its Enviropig project, the University of Guelph killed its last remaining Enviropigs. Or, as a university spokesperson put it, the pigs were "humanely euthanized." Through an engagement with this particular case, I examine the ethical implications of using the term euthanasia to describe the killing of perfectly healthy animals who were bred for research but are no longer needed for this purpose. Given the ethical shortcut that terms like euthanasia provide, I call on research institutions, and the institutions that regulate them, to attempt to justify the killing of these animals without recourse to such terms.
Attending to Artists’ Voices: A Review of Artist/Animal by Steve Baker
Authors: Corman Lauren
Published: March 2015

Steve Baker’s Artist/Animal focuses on a collection of interviews with contemporary artists whose work engages with nonhuman animal life. The text centralizes artists+ voices regarding their interpretations and interactions with animals and their art. Through a mix of both interviews and posthumanist theory, Baker provides context for artists who use animals in their work, either figuratively or literally, or both. Against reactivity and moralizing, Baker+s thesis concentrates on the key importance of attention in relation to art.
Orobanche elatior and O. kochii (Orobanchaceae) in Poland: distribution, taxonomy, plant communities and seed micromorphology
Authors: Piwowarczyk Renata , Krajewski Łukasz
Published: March 2015

Species of the genus Orobanche (Orobanchaceae), parasitic on Centaurea in Central Europe, were previously considered to belong to the O. elatior group. At present, the taxon is differentiated into two species, O. elatior Sutton and O. kochii F.W. Schultz. The paper presents for the first time the distribution of O. elatior and O. kochii in Poland based on a critical revision of herbarium and the literature data, as well as the results of field studies conducted between 1999 and 2014. The majority of the species’ localities are in south Poland: Silesia-Cracow, Małopolska and the Lublin Uplands. The distribution of both species in Poland is mapped and chronologically organized, and is thus the most recent in Europe. The taxonomy, host preferences, and ecology are also discussed. Seeds of both species were also investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy, which resulted in the designation of diagnostic features. The new color form of O. kochii f. citrina is described and illustrated. An account of all revised herbarium specimens collected from Poland, deposited in Poland and neighboring countries, is presented.
Fixing the Future of Wastewater Systems With Smart Water Network Modeling
Authors: Boulos Paul F. , Walker Andrew T.
Published: March 2015

Implementing smart water network modeling with advanced features such as real‐time surveillance can optimize wastewater operations and serve as a smart alternative to relying solely on costly capital improvements to address spillage dangers within aging wastewater systems.
If You're Not Mobile, You're Behind
Authors: Schultz Steve
Published: March 2015

Mobile devices (smartphones and tablets) have completely changed consumer behavior during the past five years, and water utilities now need to care about mobile payments.
Three Rivers Water Filtration Plant: Architectural Beauty and Operations Optimization
Authors: Yavich Alex , Shastri Chet , Zehr Vicky , Schipper Andrew , Wirtz Matthew
Published: March 2015

The Three Rivers Water Filtration Plant, which faces the challenge of extremely variable raw water conditions, combines operational effectiveness with architectural beauty. The plant's history includes several physical additions and an innovative, multiyear process‐improvement project that included implementing computer modeling for the management and optimization of its entire treatment operation.
Philadelphia's One‐Water Approach Starts With Source Water Protection
Authors: Couillard Elizabeth , Hesson Molly D. , Anderson Kelly , Crockett Chris , McCarty Mary Ellen
Published: March 2015

Philadelphia Water Department's source water assessment led to a carefully developed, multifaceted plan that extends into two key watersheds and ensures protection of the region's water supply.
Looking Ahead at 2015 From Inside the Beltway
Authors: Roberson J. Alan
Published: March 2015

At the start of a new year, it's always good to look ahead and think about where Congress and the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) are going and how their respective actions might affect water and wastewater systems in the coming year and beyond. Keep in mind that I am writing this column around the holidays in 2014 and it will be published in the April 2015 issue, so some actions may have already happened in the time between my writing and publication. However, given how things typically move Inside the Beltway, I don't think we will see anything earth‐shaking in that window of time.
The Tao of Water
Authors: Bernosky Joseph
Published: March 2015

As water industry professionals, we are often challenged to read, analyze, and act on an enormous amount of written communications: budget reports, operations updates, regulatory submittals, design specifications, and the ever‐increasing flood of daily e‐mails. Adding to this load are the monthly professional journals covering regulatory updates, the latest technical research, infrastructure topics, or industry financial issues. I routinely read at least four major journals (including the one you're holding in your hands or viewing on‐screen right now) every month as well as the numerous trade and industry publications that wend their way into my in‐basket. That's a lot of written material to process, and it certainly places a demand on time ‐ precious time that's needed away from the office to relax and decompress with family, friends, or hobbies. But I'm going to suggest ‐ and recommend ‐ that there's even more we should be reading.
The Three-Bite Technique: A Novel Method of Dog Ear Correction
Authors: Jaber Omar , Vischio Marta , Faga Angela , Nicoletti Giovanni
Published: March 2015

The closure of any circular or asymmetric wound can result in puckering or an excess of tissue known as a 'dog ear'. Understanding the mechanism of dog ear formation is a fundamental requirement necessary to facilitate an appropriate treatment. Many solutions have been reported in the literature, but in all cases, the correction entails the extension of the scar and the sacrifice of the dermal plexus. Here, we propose a novel technique of dog ear correction by using a three-bite suture that sequentially pierces the deep fascial plane and each dog ear's margin, thus allowing for flattening the dog ear by anchoring the over-projecting tissue to the deep plane. The three-bite technique proved to be a fast, easy, and versatile method of immediate dog ear correction without extending the scar, while maintaining a full and complete local skin blood supply.
Specifinių antikūnų prieš B. pertussis titrai gimdyvių ir virkštelių kraujyje
Authors: Ivaškevičius Rimvydas , Ivaškevičienė Inga , Usonis Vytautas
Published: March 2015

Įvadas. Lietuvoje, kaip ir daugelyje pasaulio šalių, sergamumas kokliušu plečiasi, nors skiepijimų apimtys nuo šios infekcijos ir yra didelės. Kokliušu serga įvairaus amžiaus asmenys, tačiau jis pavojingiausias naujagimiams ir pirmųjų gyvenimo mėnesių kūdikiams. Šiai vaikų amžiaus grupei apsaugą nuo kokliušo galėtų užtikrinti transplacentaliai gauti specifiniai antikūnai iš mamos organizmo. Tyrimo tikslas  –  nustatyti specifinių antikūnų prieš B. pertussis toksiną (anti–PT IgG) titrus gimdyvių ir kūdikių virkštelių kraujyje bei įvertinti tikėtiną naujagimių imlumą B. pertussis infekcijai.
Tiriamieji ir tyrimo metodika. Siekiant įvertinti mamos ir naujagimio imunitetą kokliušui, buvo tiriamas gimdyvės ir virkštelės kraujas, jame nustatomi G klasės antikūnai prieš B. pertussis toksiną.
Rezultatai. Iš viso išanalizuota 400 kraujo mėginių (200 gimdyvių ir 200 virkštelių), juose nustatytas anti–PT IgG kiekis. Beveik 87 % nėščiųjų buvo seronegatyvios, anti–PT IgG kiekis jų kraujyje siekė
Platelet function and indices in Lithuanian men with dyslipidemia: associations with inflammatory biomarkers
Authors: Banys Valdas , Andrejevaitė Viktorija , Šapoka Virginijus , Kučinskienė Zita Aušrelė
Published: March 2015

Introduction. Platelet function, platelet volume indices, traditional markers of lipid metabolism, inflammatory markers and a novel biomarker, cyclophilin A (CyPA), are related as far as they have implications in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate interrelations among these factors, correlation between platelet function and inflammatory factors, also a function of CyPA.
Materials and methods. 160 male patients with high risk of atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome were included in the study. Inclusion criteria were as follows: disturbances in lipids profile, increased weight, smoking, acute or chronic stress, no previous or current acute cardiovascular disease (CVD), high risk and presence of stress confirmed by physician. CRP, vWF, fibrinogen, CyPA levels were measured. Platelet function was assessed by aggregation and flow cytometry.
Results. Increasing number of risk factors gave statistically significant elevation in fibrinogen, thrombin receptors activating peptide, CRP, glucose, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet large cell ratio, lipids and their ratios with extremely significant linearity. MPV correlated positively with CD42a (r = 0.605; p
Ektopinės pridėtinės viršdiafragminės kepenys: klinikinio atvejo aprašymas bei literatūros apžvalga
Authors: Navickas Gediminas , Rutkauskaitė Dileta , Jovaišas Vytautas
Published: March 2015

Pristatome klinikinį atvejį – 32 metų vyras kreipėsi į gydytojus dėl kosulio ir karščiavimo. Įtariant pneumoniją buvo atlikta tiesinė ir šoninė rentgenogramos, rastas inkapsuliuotas skystis arba darinys. Tikslesnei radinio diagnozei patvirtinti atlikta kompiuterinė tomografija su kontrastine medžiaga. Krūtinės ląstoje rastas aiškių ribų kepenų audinio tankio darinys, įsiterpęs per diafragmos defektą į dešiniojo plaučio didįjį tarpskiltinį tarpą apatinėje dalyje.
Pateikiame literatūros apžvalgą apie dažniausiai su ektopininėmis pridėtinėmis viršdiafragminėmis kepenimis asocijuotus simptomus, anomalijas, patologinio audinio išsidėstymo lokalizacijas bei šios patologijos priežastis.
Tai unikalus atvejis, nes tiksli diagnozė nustatyta kompiuterinės tomografijos tyrimo metu išvengiant intervencijų.
La tradition romaniste, une espèce menacée ? Libre propos sur le mythe du droit civil inutile et abstrait
Authors: Debruche Anne-Françoise
Published: March 2015

La culture juridique romaniste, dite aussi de « droit civil », conçoit traditionnellement le droit comme une science (humaine ou autre) à part entière. Le modèle de recherche qui en découle se caractérise par une certaine forme d’indépendance, à la fois par rapport aux retombées concrètes attendues de la recherche, mais aussi par rapport aux autres sciences. Or, cette culture juridique romaniste est implicitement méconnue et désavouée en Amérique du Nord, y compris au Québec qui subit ici l’influence d’une culture juridique profondément différente, celle de la common law, où le droit n’est jamais devenu une science proprement dite et est toujours demeuré lié de façon organique à l’activité judiciaire. Par suite, la recherche en droit dans les pays de common law est toujours en quête de justifications, tant quant à son utilité concrète immédiate que sur son propre objet. Un texte étonnant de John Merryman permettra d’illustrer ce malentendu persistant et de contraster ces deux modèles de recherche.
Reference Ranges for the Pulsatility Index of the Fetal Aortic Isthmus in Singleton and Twin Pregnancies
Authors: Gámez Francisco , Rodríguez María José , Tenías José María , García Javier , Pintado Pilar , Martín Raquel , Pérez Ricardo , Ortiz-Quintana Luis , De León-Luis Juan
Published: March 2015

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to estimate reference ranges for the pulsatility index (PI) of the fetal aortic isthmus in uncomplicated singleton and twin pregnancies during the second half of pregnancy.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional observational study involving 543 healthy fetuses: 361 singleton pregnancies and 182 twin pregnancies between 19 and 36 weeks' gestation. The aortic isthmus PI was measured in 2 sonographic planes: the longitudinal aortic arch view and the 3‐vessel and trachea view. We evaluated the reproducibility of aortic isthmus PI measurements between these planes by calculating intraclass correlation coefficients and limits of agreement. Scans were performed by 2 physicians, and intraobserver agreement was also measured. Regression analysis was used to estimate gestational age reference values for the aortic isthmus PI.

Results

The aortic isthmus PI was significantly correlated with gestational age in singletons and twins during the second half of pregnancy (P < .01). We did not find significant differences between reference ranges in singletons and twins or between the sonographic views.

Conclusions

This study offers reference ranges for the aortic isthmus PI during the second half of gestation in singleton and twin pregnancies. Mean aortic isthmus PI values were similar in both types of gestations as well as both sonographic views. The aortic isthmus PI may be reliably obtained from either sonographic view.
A Case of Recurrent Cronkhite-Canada Syndrome Containing Colon Cancer
Authors: Zhu Xi , Shi Haiyun , Zhou Xiaona , Zong Ye , Wang Jin , Xiao Jing , Zhang Yanning , Tian Ye
Published: March 2015

Cronkhite-Canada syndrome (CCS) is a very rare disease which may cause malignant transformation. A combination regimen including corticosteroids are common therapy for CCS, however the decrease of medicine may lead to CCS relapse and also may contribute to malignant transformation of the polyps in gastrointestinal tract. We retrospectively analyze one case of recurrent CCS from the first time of treatment after resection of colon cancer and readjust the usage of corticoids, the patient recovered well. The nine months follow-up showed non gastrointestinal tumor occurred or relapsed. We believe close follow-up should be taken when CCS patients are making medicine dosage alteration and tumor marker such as CEA may be included in the surveillance examination. When improvement using conservative treatment can be neither obtained nor is expected, the use of surgery should be considered.
Quantification of Pancreatic Stiffness on Intraoperative Ultrasound Elastography and Evaluation of its Relationship With Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula
Authors: Hatano Masahide , Watanabe Jota , Kushihata Fumiki , Tohyama Taiji , Kuroda Taira , Koizumi Mitsuhito , Kumagi Teru , Hisano Yoshiko , Sugita Atsuro , Takada Yasutsugu
Published: March 2015

“Soft pancreas” has often been reported as a predictive factor for postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after pancreatectomy. However, pancreatic stiffness is judged subjectively by surgeons, without objective criteria. In the present study, pancreatic stiffness was quantified using intraoperative ultrasound elastography, and its relevance to POPF and histopathology was investigated. Forty-one patients (pancreatoduodenectomy, 30; distal pancreatectomy, 11) who underwent intraoperative elastography during pancreatectomy were included. The elastic ratio was determined at the pancreatic resection site (just above the portal vein) and at the remnant pancreas (head or tail). Correlations between the incidence of POPF and patient characteristics, operative variables, and the elastic ratio were examined. In addition, the relationship between the elastic ratio and the percentage of the exocrine gland at the resection stump was investigated. For pancreatoduodenectomy patients, main pancreatic duct diameter < 3.2 mm and elastic ratio < 2.09 were significant risk factors for POPF. In addition, the elastic ratio, but not main pancreatic duct diameter, was significantly associated with the percentage of exocrine gland area at the pancreatic resection stump. Pancreatic stiffness can be quantified using intraoperative elastography. Elastography can be used to diagnose “soft pancreas” and may thus be useful in predicting the occurrence of POPF.
Pseudosarcoma of the Thigh: A Rare Case of Massive Localized Lymphedema
Authors: Bahrami Arash , Ronaghan Joseph Edward , O-Yurvati A.H.
Published: March 2015

Massive localized lymphedema, also called pseudosarcoma, is a rare condition associated with morbid obesity. Accurate identification of this entity helps the physician make the distinction between this condition and other soft tissue tumors, especially with the increasing rate of obesity worldwide. Obesity and increased caloric intake lead to storage of the excess energy in the form of adipose tissue. The excess adipose tissue disturbs the lymphatic vessels, leading to massive edema localized mostly in the lower extremity, reaching a substantial size and weight that interferes with the quality of life of the individual in question. The mass can cause cosmetic but more importantly functional and structural defects, leading to altered biomechanics with increased risk of deep vein thromboembolism. Below is a presentation of a patient presenting with complaint of a massive medial thigh mass. After much investigation, consultation, and use of diagnostic radiologic modalities it was diagnosed as what is referred to in the literature as massive localized lymphedema, or pseudosarcoma. This mass was managed by surgical excision and the diagnosis was further confirmed by pathologic analysis. After the excision, our patient regained his ability to ambulate on his own, with the help of a rehabilitation program and physical therapy. Massive localized lymphedema needs to be on the differential diagnosis of any morbidly obese patient presenting with mass, especially in the lower extremities. Adequate knowledge about this condition enables the physician to make the distinction between pseudosarcoma and true soft tissue sarcomas.
Complete Abdominal Wall Disruption With Herniation Following Blunt Injury: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Suhardja Thomas Surya , Atalla Mohamed Anwar , Rozen Warren Matthew
Published: March 2015

Acute traumatic abdominal wall hernia (TAWH) is a rare type of hernia that occurs after a low- or high-velocity impact of the abdominal wall against a blunt object. With few cases reported, a consensus in diagnosis and management has not been established in the literature. A systematic review of the literature for adult cases of traumatic abdominal wall hernia due to blunt abdominal trauma was undertaken. All original articles were reviewed and data were compiled and tabulated qualitatively. Diagnostic imaging modalities and their reported description of the abdominal wall hernia were detailed correlated with the laparotomy findings. We also report a case of TAWH following blunt abdominal trauma, and describe integration of this management into clinical practice. Fifty-five cases of adult TAWH were found in the English literature. Most hernias contained either small bowel (69%) or large bowel (36%), with 16% of TAWH containing both. Concurrent intra-abdominal injuries were seen in 60% of cases, with an almost equal number of associated bowel (44%) and solid organ (35%) injuries. Twenty percent of diagnosis of TAWH was delayed, ranging from 2 days to 9 years. While TAWH is uncommon, a high index of suspicion is required in patients who present with blunt abdominal trauma. A staging system for TAWH can facilitate appropriate management priorities and treatment. CT scanning is crucial in the diagnosis of TAWH, and aids in definitive management of these patients. The literature supports immediate surgical exploration for most TAWH.
Clozapine underutilization in treatment-resistant schizophrenia
Authors: Stanton Robert J. , Paxos Chris , Geldenhuys Werner J. , Pharm B , Boss Jessica L. , Munetz Mark , Darvesh Altaf S. , Pharm M
Published: March 2015

It has been shown that up to one third of patients with schizophrenia do not respond to antipsychotic therapy. Thus, treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) remains a major mental health care challenge.

Clozapine has been shown to provide superior therapeutic benefits and is approved as first-line therapy for TRS. These benefits include improvement in both positive and negative symptoms, and reduction of suicidal behavior in patients with schizophrenia. Clozapine, however, remains significantly underused for TRS. A major reason for clozapine's underuse is its substantial adverse effect profile, mainly the risk of life-threatening agranulocytosis which necessitates regular hematologic monitoring. Another factor contributing to reduced clozapine prescribing is the increased use of other second-generation antipsychotics. In TRS patients, there is often a considerable delay in clozapine use, which is prescribed only after other unsuccessful second-generation antipsychotic trials. To combat this trend, there is a push for increased awareness to optimize clozapine prescribing. An important aspect in improving the use of clozapine therapy is physician and patient education. Furthermore, pharmacist involvement can improve clozapine prescription trends in TRS.
Indicators of response to clozapine treatment
Authors: Kim Dongmi
Published: March 2015

Since its initial landmark trial against chlorpromazine in 1988, clozapine has been the drug of choice for the treatment of refractory schizophrenia. However, variability in clinical response to clozapine treatment is unequivocal. In an effort to preselect patients who are most likely to benefit from clozapine, a number of patient and disease variables and select genetic differences have been studied for their association with positive treatment response to clozapine. Because of small trial sizes and the heterogeneity of study design, findings have resulted in no generalizable conclusion. Future pharmacogenetic studies hold the promise of antipsychotic treatment personalization.
Observation of the surface horizontal thermohaline variability at mesoscale to submesoscale in the north‐eastern subtropical Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Kolodziejczyk Nicolas , Reverdin Gilles , Boutin Jacqueline , Hernandez Olga
Published: March 2015

The seasonal variability of the surface horizontal thermohaline structure is investigated in the north‐eastern Atlantic Surface Salinity Maximum (SSM) at length scales from five to hundreds of kilometers, i.e., at submesoscale to mesoscale. The near‐surface temperature and salinity data from merchant ship thermosalinograph (TSG) transects across the Atlantic are used to compute the horizontal temperature, salinity and density fluctuations, and the density ratio. During late winter in the north‐eastern SSM, thermohaline compensation is observed for wavelengths from 5 km to more than 200 km; in spite of large and sharp surface thermohaline fronts, a weak density surface horizontal gradient is observed. Temperature and salinity exhibit an energetic spectra in k−2 slope scale between 20–100 km scale and a steeper slope at shorter wavelengths, while density spectra exhibit lower energy level with a clear k−3 slope below 20 km, consistent with interior quasigeostrophic turbulence. During summer in the north‐eastern SSM, salinity and temperature gradients are no longer compensated due to strong atmospheric heating of the upper ocean. In comparison with winter, the surface density spectrum is enhanced with a flatter slope between k−2 and k−1 between 5 and 20 km.
Persistent organic pollutants in ocean sediments from the North Pacific to the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Ma Yuxin , Halsall Crispin J. , Crosse John D. , Graf Carola , Cai Minghong , He Jianfeng , Gao Guoping , Jones Kevin
Published: March 2015

Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OC pesticides), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are reported in surficial sediments sampled along cruise transects from the Bering Sea to the central Arctic Ocean. OCs and PCBs all had significantly higher concentrations in the relatively shallow water (<500 m depth) of the Bering‐Chukchi shelf areas (e.g., ΣPCB 286 ± 265 pg g−1 dw) compared to the deeper water regions (>500 m) of the Bering Sea and Arctic Ocean (e.g., Canada Basin ΣPCB 149 ± 102 pg g−1 dw). Concentrations were similar to, or slightly lower than, studies from the 1990s, indicating a lack of a declining trend. PBDEs (excluding BDE‐209) displayed very low concentrations (e.g., range of median values, 3.5–6.6 pg/g dw). In the shelf areas, the sediments comprised similar proportions of silt and clay, whereas the deep basin sediments were dominated by clay, with a lower total organic carbon (TOC) content. While significant positive correlations were observed between persistent organic pollutant (POP) concentrations and TOC (Pearson correlation, r = 0.66–0.75, p <0.05), the lack of strong correlations, combined with differing chemical profiles between the sediments and technical formulations (and/or marine surface waters), indicate substantial chemical processing during transfer to the benthic environment. Marked differences in sedimentation rates between the shallow and deeper water regions are apparent (the ∼5 cm‐depth grab samples collected here representing ∼100 years of accumulation for the shelf sediments and ∼1000 years for the deeper ocean regions), which may bias any comparisons. Nonetheless, the sediments of the shallower coastal arctic seas appear to serve as significant repositories for POPs deposited from surface waters.
Interdecadal change of Eurasian snow, surface temperature, and atmospheric circulation in the late 1980s
Authors: Ye Kunhui , Wu Renguang , Liu Yong
Published: March 2015

Boreal winter and spring snow cover extent and snow water equivalent over Eurasia experienced an obvious decrease in late 1980s. A concurrent surface warming is observed over the North Atlantic and Eurasia. The present study documents the relationship among the interdecadal changes in snow, surface air temperature, and wind and the plausible reason for this change. Analysis shows that the snow decrease contributes to the temperature increase only in some limited regions and that the surface warming is largely related to the change in atmospheric circulation. The effect of atmospheric circulation change on surface warming is manifested in wind‐induced heat advection and cloud‐radiation changes. The wind changes over the North Atlantic and Eurasia feature a wave train with an anomalous anticyclone over Europe and anomalous southerly winds over midlatitude east Europe and Asia. The anomalous southerly winds contribute to surface warming through advection of warmer air from lower latitudes. The anomalous anticyclone contributes to surface warming over Europe through anomalous warm advection by bringing warmer air from ocean and enhanced downward shortwave radiation by suppressing upward motion. The wave pattern appears to be connected to equatorial Atlantic warming. Warmer sea surface temperature (SST) in the equatorial Atlantic Ocean enhances convection and induces a lower level anomalous cyclone to the northwest of the SST warming. The role of equatorial North Atlantic SST increase in the formation of the wave train over Eurasia is supported by numerical experiments with an atmospheric general circulation model.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Bieri Franziska
Published: March 2015

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) refers to business activities that take into account their social and environmental impacts. Socially responsible companies adopt voluntary codes of conduct and promote business practices that are sustainable with regard to nature and the social fabric of local communities. CSR requires the corporation to consider its impact on, and responsibility toward, a more broadly defined stakeholder group, adding to owners or shareholders, workers, consumers, the concern for the larger public, and the planet.
Shear‐Band Dynamics in Metallic Glasses
Authors: Maaß Robert , Löffler Jörg F.
Published: March 2015

The future of metallic glasses as an advanced structural and functional material will to a great extent depend on the understanding and control of their mesoscopic flow defects called shear bands. These defects are sweet‐and‐sour; sweet because they mediate macroscopic plasticity at room temperature, and sour because they quickly promote failure. In the past decade, fundamental research generated great progress in characterizing the role that shear bands play during plastic deformation of disordered systems, including metallic glasses. Similar to those in many other materials, shear bands in metallic glasses are only active for a very short time, which directed research focus towards topological, structural, chemical, and thermal properties of formed, but inactive shear bands. In this paper, recent progress in directly characterizing the shear‐band dynamics in situ during straining experiments is presented. Various shear‐banding stages are outlined, including formation, propagation, and arrest, as well as shear‐band creep and aging. The results are discussed in a more general context of disordered materials, concluding with a summarizing overview of time‐scales involved in shear banding, and describing future research directions that may lead to controlled shear‐band plasticity in metallic glasses.
Transcrystallinity and relevant interfacial strength induced by carbon nanotube fibers in a polypropylene matrix
Authors: Gao Yao , Wu Yi , Liang Maoqing , Fu Qiang
Published: March 2015

For polymer composites, interfacial crystalline structures retain an important role in the macroscopic properties and are significantly affected by the processing conditions, such as the temperature, time, and external field. In this study, the transcrystallization behavior of the carbon nanotube fiber and isotactic polypropylene composite was investigated by polarizing light microscopy. The influence of the formation of the transcrystalline layer on the interfacial adhesion was evaluated by a single‐fiber fragmentation test. The results show that the growth rate of the transcrystalline layer was strongly influenced by the isothermal crystallization temperature, and the interfacial shear strength was markedly enhanced by the formation of the layer. The interfacial adhesion was further increased with the gradual perfection and growth of transcrystallinity. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42119.
Guideline references and academic citations as evidence of the clinical value of health research
Authors: Thelwall Mike , Maflahi Nabeil
Published: March 2015

This article introduces a new source of evidence of the value of medical‐related research: citations from clinical guidelines. These give evidence that research findings have been used to inform the day‐to‐day practice of medical staff. To identify whether citations from guidelines can give different information from that of traditional citation counts, this article assesses the extent to which references in clinical guidelines tend to be highly cited in the academic literature and highly read in Mendeley. Using evidence from the United Kingdom, references associated with the UK's National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines tended to be substantially more cited than comparable articles, unless they had been published in the most recent 3 years. Citation counts also seemed to be stronger indicators than Mendeley readership altmetrics. Hence, although presence in guidelines may be particularly useful to highlight the contributions of recently published articles, for older articles citation counts may already be sufficient to recognize their contributions to health in society.
Cooperative Adaptive Fuzzy Output Feedback Control for Synchronization of Nonlinear Multi‐Agent Systems in the Presence of Input Saturation
Authors: Wang Wei , Wang Dan , Peng Zhouhua , Wang Hao
Published: March 2015

This paper considers the leader‐following synchronization problem of nonlinear multi‐agent systems with unmeasurable states in the presence of input saturation. Each follower is governed by a class of strict‐feedback systems with unknown nonlinearities and the information of the leader can be accessed by only a small fraction of followers. An auxiliary system is introduced and its states are used to design the cooperative controllers for counteracting the effect of input saturation. By using fuzzy logic systems to approximate the unknown nonlinearities, local adaptive fuzzy observers are designed to estimate the unmeasurable states. Dynamic surface control (DSC) is employed to design distributed adaptive fuzzy output feedback controllers. The developed controllers guarantee that the outputs of all followers synchronize to that of the leader under directed communication graphs. Based on Lyapunov stability theory, it is proved that all signals in the closed‐loop systems are semiglobally uniformly ultimately bounded (SGUUB), and the tracking error converges to a small neighborhood of the origin. An example is provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed control approach.
Identification and characterization of a novel citrate synthase from Streptomyces diastaticus No. 7 strain M1033
Authors: Ge Yadong , Cao Zhengyu , Song Ping , Zhu Guoping
Published: March 2015

Citrate synthase (CS) is a key enzyme of the tricarboxylic acid cycle and is widely distributed among prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Here, we report for the first time, the cloning, expression, and characterization of a novel CS from Streptomyces diastaticus No. 7 strain M1033 (SdCS). Gel filtration chromatography and matrix‐assisted laser‐desorption ionization–time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS) analyses indicate that SdCS forms homodimers with a molecular mass of approximately 100.0 kDa. The predicted amino acid sequence of SdCS is highly similar to those of bacterial homodimeric type I CSs. The pH and temperature optima for SdCS activity were 8.0 and 35 °C, respectively. The half‐life (t1/2) of SdCS was 10 Min at 50 °C and was increased to 210 Min in the presence of oxaloacetate. The kinetic parameters of SdCS (kcat = 262.8 and 230.7 s−1; Km = 58.4 and 11.2 µM for acetyl‐CoA and oxaloacetate, respectively) were comparable to those of dimeric CSs isolated from Gram‐positive bacteria and eukaryotes. Moreover, SdCS activity was inhibited by ATP and ADP and stimulated by AMP. These findings provide a foundation for further investigations on the three‐dimensional structure and mechanism of catalysis of SdCS.