bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data Processing and Exchange Challenges in Video-Based Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Pescaru Dan , Curiac Daniel-Ioan
Published: May 2014

This chapter presents the main challenges in developing complex systems built around the core concept of Video-Based Wireless Sensor Networks. It summarizes some innovative solutions proposed in scientific literature on this field. Besides discussion on various issues related to such systems, the authors focus on two crucial aspects: video data processing and data exchange. A special attention is paid to localization algorithms in case of random deployment of nodes having no specific localization hardware installed. Solutions for data exchange are presented by highlighting the data compression and communication efficiency in terms of energy saving. In the end, some open research topics related with Video-Based Wireless Sensor Networks are identified and explained.
Simulation of Competition in NGNs with a Game Theory Model
Authors: Pereira João Paulo Ribeiro
Published: May 2014

Like in a real competitive market situation, Next Generation Networks (NGN) competitors need to adapt their strategy to face/react the strategies from other players. To better understand the effects of interaction between different players, the authors build a Game Theory model in which the profit of each operator will be dependent not only on their actions but also on the actions of the other operators in the market. This chapter analyzes the impact of the price (retail and wholesale) variations on several output results: players' profit, consumer surplus, welfare, costs, and service adoption. The authors assume that two competing FTTH networks (incumbent operator and new entrant) are deployed in two different areas. They also propose in this chapter an adoption model use in a way that reflects the competition between players and that the variation of the services prices of one player has an influence on the market share of all players. Finally, the model uses the Nash equilibrium to find the best strategies.
Metastatic mesothelioma to the thyroid
Authors: Rao Sarika N. , Swami Archana , Khan Ashraf , Toke Madhavi , Whalen Giles , Fischer Andrew , Torres Mira Sofia
Published: May 2014

A 69 year-old male patient with a history of malignant mesothelioma treated with chemotherapy and surgical resection with removal of the right lung and right pleural pneumonectomy was clinically in remission for 1 ½ years. A positron emission tomography (PET) scan revealed limited uptake in the right pleural space, thought to represent post-surgical changes, and uptake in the left thyroid lobe. Thyroid ultrasound revealed a solid left lobe nodule with peripheral vascularity and absent microcalcifications. Fine needle aspiration cytology showed a microfollicular arrangement of cytologically bland cells with variable Hürthle cell changes initially interpreted as suspicious for Hürthle cell neoplasm. Review at multidisciplinary conference raised the possibility of metastatic mesothelioma, supported by immunohistochemical studies in the cell block. The patient opted for left hemithyroidectomy with isthmusectomy which confirmed malignant mesothelioma. Repeat PET scan 6 months later revealed no further uptake in the thyroid bed, with limited uptake in the right pleural space. Metastatic tumors to the thyroid are uncommon with only one previous description of metastasis to the thyroid by mesothelioma. Metastasis of cytologically low grade tumors such as mesothelioma present problems for cytology due to the potential for overlap with the variable appearances of thyroid neoplasms. The value (if any) of ancillary tests, including mutation testing, expression profiling and immunohistochemistry is discussed.
Molecular testing guidelines for lung adenocarcinoma: Utility of cell blocks and concordance between fine-needle aspiration cytology and histology samples
Authors: Heymann Jonas J. , Bulman William A. , Maxfield Roger A. , Powell Charles A. , Halmos Balazs , Sonett Joshua , Beaubier Nike T. , Crapanzano John P. , Mansukhani Mahesh M. , Saqi Anjali
Published: May 2014

Background:

Lung cancer is a leading cause of mortality, and patients often present at a late stage. More recently, advances in screening, diagnosing, and treating lung cancer have been made. For instance, greater numbers of minimally invasive procedures are being performed, and identification of lung adenocarcinoma driver mutations has led to the implementation of targeted therapies. Advances in molecular techniques enable use of scant tissue, including cytology specimens. In addition, per recently published consensus guidelines, cytology-derived cell blocks (CBs) are preferred over direct smears. Yet, limited comparison of molecular testing of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) CBs and corresponding histology specimens has been performed. This study aimed to establish concordance of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) virus homolog testing between FNA CBs and histology samples from the same patients.

Materials and Methods:

Patients for whom molecular testing for EGFR or KRAS was performed on both FNA CBs and histology samples containing lung adenocarcinoma were identified retrospectively. Following microdissection, when necessary, concordance of EGFR and KRAS molecular testing results between FNA CBs and histology samples was evaluated.

Results:

EGFR and/or KRAS testing was performed on samples obtained from 26 patients. Concordant results were obtained for all EGFR (22/22) and KRAS (17/17) mutation analyses performed.

Conclusions:

Identification of mutations in lung adenocarcinomas affects clinical decision-making, and it is important that results from small samples be accurate. This study demonstrates that molecular testing on cytology CBs is as sensitive and specific as that on histology.
Impact of : ratio and nitrogen supply on nitrogen remobilization in potted chrysanthemum grown in a subirrigation system
Authors: MacDonald William N. , Tsujita M. James , Blom Theo J. , Shelp Barry J.
Published: May 2014

MacDonald, W. N., Tsujita, M. J., Blom, T. J. and Shelp, B. J. 2014. Impact of [Formula: see text]:[Formula: see text] ratio and nitrogen supply on nitrogen remobilization in potted chrysanthemum grown in a subirrigation system. Can. J. Plant Sci. 94: 867–880. Subirrigation is being adopted as an environmentally friendly strategy for managing the nutrition of potted greenhouse plants. Here, we investigated two strategies for enhancing the remobilization of N during the development of the inflorescence in subirrigated potted chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) in an attempt to improve nitrogen (N) use efficiency. (1) The replacement of a portion of the nitrate in the nutrient solution with ammonium decreased the nitrate content, especially in the stem plus petioles, and increased the reduced N content early in the growth cycle, but did not improve N use efficiency. (2) The use of a lower N supply (200 vs. 400 mg total N per pot delivered over 3 and 5 wk, respectively), either as nitrate or ammonium nitrate, eliminated nitrate accumulation prior to inflorescence development, thereby improving N use efficiency. Inflorescence quality was unaffected; however, at the lower N level there was some evidence of chlorosis on the oldest leaves. Thus, there may be considerable potential to reduce the N supply in a commercial greenhouse setting as long as an adequate supply is provided early in the growing period.
Planetary wave seasonality from meteor wind measurements at 7.4° S and 22.7° S
Authors: Araújo L. R. , Lima L. M. , Batista P. P. , Clemesha B. R. , Takahashi H.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. In this study we have used wind observation data from the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) region, obtained from meteor radar measurements in São João do Cariri (7.4° S, 36.5° W) from July 2004 to December 2008 and in Cachoeira Paulista (22.7° S, 45.0° W) from January 2002 to July 2006 and from September 2007 to November 2008. From the spectral analysis it was possible to identify the presence of planetary-scale oscillations in the hourly winds for the two latitudes and to study their transient character, which allowed elaboration of a climatology of planetary oscillation signatures. Planetary waves with periods near 2-days, 6–7 days, and 16 days were focussed on in this study. The quasi-2-day waves in the meteoric winds showed a seasonal cycle, with intense amplitudes occurring after the austral summer solstice and extending until the end of the season. The vertical wavelengths of the 2-day wave over Cachoeira Paulista were larger than those at São João do Cariri. A possible modulation of the quasi-2-day wave amplitudes by the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) has been observed only at São João do Cariri. The 6–7 day oscillations presented more intense amplitudes during August–November but were present with lower amplitudes during March–April at both sites. The 6–7 day vertical wavelengths over São João do Cariri were larger than at Cachoeira Paulista. The 6–7 day amplitudes exhibited intra-seasonal and annual behavior, however, there was no clear evidence of QBO modulation. The 16-day oscillations showed a seasonal cycle at São João do Cariri, with amplifications from austral spring to mid-summer and weaker amplitudes from autumn until early winter, however, there was no clear seasonality over Cachoeira Paulista. The 16-day vertical wavelengths have assumed values of λz ~ 45–85 km over both sites. 16-day wave amplitudes at the two sites showed different long-term behaviors.
A global radiosonde and tracked balloon archive on 16 pressure levels (GRASP) back to 1905 – Part 1: Merging and interpolation to 00:00 and 12:00 GMT
Authors: Ramella Pralungo L. , Haimberger L. , Stickler A. , Brönnimann S.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. Many observed time series of the global radiosonde or PILOT networks exist as fragments distributed over different archives. Identifying and merging these fragments can enhance their value for studies on the three-dimensional spatial structure of climate change. The Comprehensive Historical Upper-Air Network (CHUAN version 1.7), which was substantially extended in 2013, and the Integrated Global Radiosonde Archive (IGRA) are the most important collections of upper-air measurements taken before 1958. CHUAN (tracked) balloon data start in 1900, with higher numbers from the late 1920s onward, whereas IGRA data start in 1937. However, a substantial fraction of those measurements have not been taken at synoptic times (preferably 00:00 or 12:00 GMT) and on altitude levels instead of standard pressure levels. To make them comparable with more recent data, the records have been brought to synoptic times and standard pressure levels using state-of-the-art interpolation techniques, employing geopotential information from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 20th Century Reanalysis (NOAA 20CR). From 1958 onward the European Re-Analysis archives (ERA-40 and ERA-Interim) available at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) are the main data sources. These are easier to use, but pilot data still have to be interpolated to standard pressure levels. Fractions of the same records distributed over different archives have been merged, if necessary, taking care that the data remain traceable back to their original sources. If possible, station IDs assigned by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have been allocated to the station records. For some records which have never been identified by a WMO ID, a local ID above 100 000 has been assigned. The merged data set contains 37 wind records longer than 70 years and 139 temperature records longer than 60 years. It can be seen as a useful basis for further data processing steps, most notably homogenization and gridding, after which it should be a valuable resource for climatological studies. Homogeneity adjustments for wind using the NOAA-20CR as a reference are described in Ramella Pralungo and Haimberger (2014). Reliable homogeneity adjustments for temperature beyond 1958 using a surface-data-only reanalysis such as NOAA-20CR as a reference have yet to be created. All the archives and metadata files are available in ASCII and netCDF format in the PANGAEA archive doi:10.1594/PANGAEA.823617.
Observation of a local gravity potential isosurface by airborne lidar of Lake Balaton, Hungary
Authors: Zlinszky A. , Timár G. , Weber R. , Székely B. , Briese C. , Ressl C. , Pfeifer N.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. Airborne lidar is a remote sensing method commonly used for mapping surface topography in high resolution. A water surface in hydrostatic equilibrium theoretically represents a gravity potential isosurface. Here we compare lidar-based ellipsoidal water surface height measurements all around the shore of a major lake with a local high-resolution quasi-geoid model. The ellipsoidal heights of the 87 km2 we sampled all around the shore of the 597 km2 lake surface vary by 0.8 m and strong spatial correlation with the quasi-geoid undulation was calculated (R2 = 0.91). After subtraction of the local geoid undulation from the measured ellipsoidal water surface heights, their variation was considerably reduced. Based on a network of water gauge measurements, dynamic water surface heights were also successfully corrected for. This demonstrates that the water surface heights of the lake were truly determined by the local gravity potential. We conclude that both the level of hydrostatic equilibrium of the lake and the accuracy of airborne lidar were sufficient for identifying the spatial variations of gravity potential.
Comenius, the Unity of Brethren, and Correspondence Networks
Authors: Urbánek Vladimír
Published: May 2014

This article examines Comenius's extensive correspondence network of which 560 sent and received letters survive. The first aim is to look closer at the letters from the early period of Comenius's life with special regard to his position within the communication network of the Unity of Brethren and to his fundraising activities. Second, it shows how Comenius's correspondence network expanded beyond the structures of the Unity and became a part of the international network of learned correspondence. It also discusses how this network was used in favor of the Unity and how it provided a new type of patronage for the Brethren. It demonstrates that Comenius's didactic and pansophic agenda was often in conflict with his ecclesiastical duties and sometimes with the efforts of his correspondence partners. Finally, the article focuses on two examples of personal correspondence networks of two important recipients of Comenius's letters: Petr Figulus and Mikuláš Drabík. Both of them were ministers of the Unity, both were close to Comenius, and their networks were built with his help but with very different purposes.
Differential pressure as a control parameter for ventilation in poultry houses: effect on air velocity in the zone occupied by animals
Authors: Blanes-Vidal V. , Fitas V. , Torres A. , Torres A. , Torres A.
Published: May 2014

Differential pressure between indoor and outdoor air is the parameter most commonly used to adjust the opening of inlets in mechanically ventilated poultry houses, to get a suitable air velocity at the animals' level. The aim of this work was to measure and statistically analyse the influence of differential pressure on the indoor air velocity at different locations of a transverse section of a typical broiler house. The results showed that the pressure difference (20, 30, 38 and 45 Pa) had no significant effect (p >/= 0.05) on indoor air velocity at the animals' level. The work showed that, in all cases tested, the air velocity at level of the animals was significantly higher (p < 0.001) at the centreline of the building (1.31 m sE-1) than at points located 1.5 m from the walls (0.32 m sE-1). These results question the efficacy of using differential pressure measurement as a sole control parameter of air velocity over the broiler chickens, and reveals that ventilation system design and the way it is operated over summer in this typical poultry house may not be appropriate for poultry farms in hot and humid climates, as it does not provide high and uniform air velocities at level of the birds.
Short communication. A new host and phenotypic variation of Phytophthora hedraiandra in Spain
Authors: Moralejo E. , Belbahri L. , Clemente A. , Lefort F. , Descals E.
Published: May 2014

The oomycete Phytophthora hedraiandra De Cock & Man in't Veld is first reported in Spain on the ornamental plant Rhododendron catawbiense Michx., as well as on leaves of Viburnum tinus L. in nurseries. The identification of these isolates was carried out by examining their morphological and cultural features, and by comparing the sequence of the nuclear rDNA ITS region and the mitochondrial cox1 gene with those published in GenBank database. The phenotypes of the isolates fitted the species description, but a higher intraspecific variation was noticed in respect to their sporangial size, colony pattern and radial growth rates. Due to the similarities between P. cactorum (Lebert et Cohn) and P. hedraiandra, the taxonomy and host ranges of the P. cactorum/P. hedraiandra complex in ornamental nurseries and natural ecosystems need reviewing.
Synchronous primary malignancies of the male urogenital tract
Authors: Qarro Abdelmounaim , Ammani Abdelghani , Bazine Khalil , Najoui Mohammed , Samir Jamaleddine , Alami Mohammed
Published: May 2014

The finding of prostate cancer after a cystoprostatectomy for a bladder tumour can occur in up to 70% of cases. The incidence of prostate cancer in patients with a bladder tumour is 18 times higher than in the general population; moreover, the incidence of bladder cancer in patients with prostate cancer is 19 times higher than in the general population. This association can be explained by the common embryological origin of these organs, with molecular similarities. Other similarities between these two cancers are noted. They are multifocal and may be secondary to urinary stasis. However, this association does not seem responsible for an increased risk of progression of both diseases. The prognosis is related to the extension of each cancer. The stage and grade of bladder cancer are, in terms of prognosis, greater than those of prostate cancer. Most often, this is insignificant prostate cancer. Despite this, the prostate-specific antigen test should be administered to monitor patients after cystoprostatectomy.
Stricture length and etiology as preoperative independent predictors of recurrence after urethroplasty: A multivariate analysis of 604 urethroplasties
Authors: Kinnaird Adam S. , Levine Max A. , Ambati Druvtej , Zorn Jeff D. , Rourke Keith Francis
Published: May 2014

Introduction: We determine the preoperative identifiable risk factors during staging that predict stricture recurrence after urethroplasty.Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of all urethroplasties performed at a Canadian tertiary referral centre from 2003 to 2012. Failure was defined as a recurrent stricture <16 Fr oncystoscopic assessment. Multivariate analysis was calculated by Cox proportional hazard regression.Results: In total, 604 of 651 (93%) urethroplasties performed had adequate data with a mean follow-up of 52 months. Overall urethral patency was 90.7% with failures occurring between 2 weeks and 77 months postoperatively. The average time to recurrence was 11.7 months, with most patients with recurrence within 6 months (42/56; 75%). Multivariate regression identified Lichen sclerosus, iatrogenic, and infectious etiologies to be independently associated with stricture recurrence with hazard ratios (HR) (95% confidence interval) of 5.9 (2.1-16.5; p ≤ 0.001), 3.4 (1.2-10; p = 0.02), and 7.3 (2.3-23.7; p ≤ 0.001), respectively. Strictures ≥5 cm recurred significantly more often (13.8% vs. 5.9%) with a HR 2.3 (1.2-4.5; p ≤ 0.01). Comorbidities, smoking, previous urethroplasty, stricture location and an age ≥50 were not associated with recurrence.Conclusion: Urethroplasty in general is an excellent treatment for urethral stricture with patency rates approaching 91%. While recurrences occur over 6 years after surgery, most (75%) recur within the first 6 months. Long segment strictures (≥5 cm), as well as Lichen sclerosus, infectious and iatrogenic etiologies, are associated with increased risk of recurrence. Limitations include the retrospective, single-centre nature of the study and the 7% loss to follow-up due to the centre being a regional referral one.
Incidence of infectious complications following transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy in Calgary, Alberta, Canada: A retrospective population-based analysis
Authors: Rudzinski Jan Krzysztof , Kawakami Jun
Published: May 2014

Introduction: We have seen an increased risk of infectious complications following transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUS-PB). Fluoroquinolone (FQ) antibiotics are common for prophylaxis prior to TRUS-PB. We evaluate whether increasing FQ resistance correlates with increased incidence of post-biopsy infectious complications at our institution.Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart and electronic health record review on 927 patients who underwent TRUS-PB between January and July of 2012 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We prospectively collected the following variables: age, pre-biopsy prostate-specific antigen, and date of biopsy. We documented presentation to an emergency department within 30 days of TRUS-PB for infectious and non-infectious complications.Results: Of the 927 patients, 58 patients (6.3%) were admitted to the emergency department due to post-TRUS-PB complications within 30 days post-biopsy. The most common infectious complications were sepsis in 21 patients (2.2%), followed by urinary tract infection (UTI) in 9 (0.9%), and prostatitis in 4 (0.4%). We found that 83% of the septic episodes and 66.6% of the UTIs were attributed to ciprofloxacin resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli). The incidence of non-infectious complications was as follows: urinary retention in 12 (1.2%), hematuria in 9 (0.9%), and rectal bleeding in 8 (0.8%).Conclusion: Our results suggest an increased incidence of infectious complications caused by FQ resistant organisms following TRUS-PB. This finding could be attributed to increasing community resistance to ciprofloxacin. The current antimicrobial prophylactic regimen needs to be re-evaluated, and a novel approach may need to be considered.
A Comparative Study Between two Explicit and Minimal Strategies for the Case of Magnetohydrodynamical Falkner–Skan Flow over a Permeable Wall
Authors: Ghehsareh Hadi Roohani , Abbasbandy Saeid , Kutbi Marwan A. , Zaghian Ali
Published: May 2014

In this paper, two efficient and powerful explicit and minimal approaches based on the Hankel- Padé method and Laplace Adomian decomposition method coupled with Padé approximation, respectively, are discussed and employed to obtain approximate results of similarity solutions for the magnetohydrodynamical (MHD) Falkner-Skan boundary layer flow over a permeable wall. The values of skin friction coefficients of the problem are computed with high accuracy. The presented results through tables and figures show the efficiency, reliability, and accuracy of the two presented approaches. Finally, the effects of various model parameters on the boundary layer flow are investigated graphically
New Nitrogenous Compounds from Anisotes trisulcus
Authors: El-Shanawany Mohamed A. , Sayed Hanaa M. , Ibrahim Sabrin R. M. , Fayed Marwa A. A.
Published: May 2014

Re-investigation of the methanolic extract of Anisotes trisulcus (Forssk.) Nees aerial parts led to the isolation of two new tricyclic quinazoline alkaloids, 8-amino-7,8,9,11-tetrahydro-6H-pyrido[2,1-b]- quinazoline-2,6-diol (4) and 8-amino-3,6-dihydroxy-7,8,9-trihydro-6H-pyrido[2,1-b]quinazoline- 11-one (5), and two quaternary ammonium compounds, (dimethylamino)-N-(hydroxymethyl)-N,Ndimethyl methanaminium chloride (6) and N-[(carboxyamino)methyl]-N,N-dimethyl ethanaminium chloride (7), together with three known compounds, peganine (1), vasicinone (2), and anisotine (3). The structures of these compounds were established on the basis of physical, chemical, and spectral data (UV, IR, MS, 1D and 2D NMR), as well as by comparison with authentic samples. GC-MS analysis of the fatty acid methyl esters and unsaponifiable matter revealed the presence of 46 fatty acids, 53 hydrocarbons, and 18 sterols. The different extracts were evaluated for their antihyperglycaemic activities. The MeOH, n-hexane, and EtOAc extracts exhibited a significant hypoglycaemic effect
Historický vývoj pojetí didaktiky fyziky v České republice
Authors: Žák V.
Published: May 2014

Cílem přehledové studie je popsat pojetí didaktiky fyziky, která se objevila v domácím prostředí během jejího historického vývoje, a diskutovat zejména vztah pojetí didaktiky fyziky k dalším oborům. To by mělo přispět k pochopení současné situace a prognóze budoucího vývoje. Ve stěžejní části studie jsou charakterizována jednotlivá pojetí české didaktiky fyziky. V chronologickém pořadí to jsou metodické, aplikační, integrační a komunikační pojetí. Ve shrnutí a závěrečné diskuzi je řešen zejména vztah pojetí didaktiky fyziky k fyzice, pedagogice a dalším oborům. Ukazuje se, že metodické pojetí je velmi těsně spjato s fyzikou, zatímco aplikační pojetí vychází primárně z pedagogiky. Integrační pojetí usiluje o využití také dalších věd pro rozvoj didaktiky fyziky. Ze studie vyplývá, že nejpropracovanější je komunikační pojetí. To patří ke koncepcím, které nejvýznamnějším způsobem ovlivňují současné didaktické myšlení v České republice, a to v různých oborech (také v rámci didaktik sociálněhumanitních oborů). Přes vliv komunikačního pojetí je třeba připustit, že také ostatní zmíněná pojetí se do určité míry uplatňují a v současnosti dochází k jejich koexistenci.
Symbolická moc médií jako pedagogický faktor
Authors: Valenta P.
Published: May 2014

Cílem teoretické studie je zmapovat symbolickou moc jako podmínku a zároveň hlavní prostředek edukačně socializačního působení médií. V úvodu studie je stručně představen koncept symbolické moci, z něhož autor vyvozuje existenci specifického „vzdělávacího programu“ médií. V druhé části je diskutována role státu v utváření symbolického prostředí a je argumentováno, že parametry „vzdělávacího programu“ médií dominantně definuje stát jako hegemon symbolické moci. Možnosti vytváření opozičních diskursů potenciálně narušujících symbolickou hegemonii státu a role, kterou v tomto procesu hraje mediální výchova, jsou tématem části následující. Na závěr příspěvku je pak formulována představa mediální gramotnosti jako sociální a občanské kompetence, která jednotlivcům umožní účinněji se zapojit do procesu veřejné komunikace a politického rozhodování. Oproti tradiční představě, že média jsou hegemonem symbolické moci, předkládá příspěvek teoreticky podloženou tezi, že symbolická moc médií je kontrolována státem, který určuje obsah a podoby veřejného diskursu. „Vzdělávací program“ médií je proto nastolován státem a odráží jeho potřeby kontrolovat vědění ve společnosti. S ohledem na tato zjištění by mediální výchova mohla rozšířit současné pojetí mediální gramotnosti o občanský a politický kontext. Pokud jsou média primárně doménou ovládání, vědomosti a dovednosti spojené s médii by měly vytvářet přesnější představu o způsobech uplatňování moci ve společnosti a formách emancipace vůči ní.
Totalitarismo e cosmovisão - fechamentos da bíos
Authors: Ribeiro Helano Jader C.
Published: May 2014

O objetivo deste trabalho é refletir acerca do conceito de Weltanschauung [visão de mundo, cosmovisão] e sua apropriação pelo discurso nacional-socialista. Importante também neste artigo é o diálogo com o conceito de biopolítica discutido por Michel Foucault, ou seja, trata-se aqui de pensar o conceito de visão de mundo como um fechamento não só do pensamento, mas também do corpo. Neste contexto, é revelada a importância em torno da resistência da ficção diante de tais discursos totalitários, de modo que, procuramos demonstrar o papel subversivo e crítico da literatura diante da linguagem do Terceiro Império: o enfrentamento da ficção contra o logos nacional-socialista.
(Im)possível experiência: Literatura e alteridade, teoria crítica e ficção científica
Authors: Nunes Diogo Cesar
Published: May 2014

Este artigo tem a intenção de realizar uma abordagem teórica da literatura de ficção científica através da Teoria Crítica da Sociedade, privilegiando o problema da “experiência” no mundo moderno, e perguntando sobre a possibilidade da sua realização mediante a alteridade promovida pelos textos literários.
Sobrevivente, ouvinte e a tentativa de superação do trauma: os personagens Sol Nazerman e Marilyn Birchfield no romance ‘The Pawnbroker’, de Edward Lewis Wallant
Authors: Haiski Vanderléia de Andrade
Published: May 2014

Este artigo tem por objetivo analisar os personagens Sol Nazerman e Marilyn Birchfield nospapéis de sobrevivente e ouvinte, respectivamente, no romance The Pawnbroker. Este romance foi escritopelo judeu-americano Edward Lewis Wallant em 1961 e conta a história de um sobrevivente doHolocausto que passou pelos horrores da guerra e assistiu a morte de toda a sua família. O personagemcentral, Sol Nazerman, é um homem que vive atormentado pelo seu passado de violência e de dor. Nesteestudo, é destacada a importância da narrativa para a superação dos traumas bem como o papel doouvinte nesse processo. Para o embasamento da proposta elencada, busca-se respaldo em autores comoDori Laub, Walter Benjamin, Sigmund Freud e Bruno Bettelheim.
Scientists Debate Geoengineering at European Geosciences Union Meeting
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: May 2014

Recent reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and others have presented forecasts of a warmer world and cautioned that some forms of geoengineering might be necessary to deal with climate change in an emergency situation. A debate about geoengineering the climate, held at the European Geosciences Union (EGU) General Assembly on 1 May, explored whether any geoengineering techniques should be considered; if so, which might be acceptable; and what circumstances could necessitate their use. Also discussed was whether potential unintended repercussions from geoengineering could be worse than the problem.
Sector of West Antarctic Ice Sheet in “Irreversible Retreat”
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: May 2014

A large sector of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet “has gone into a state of irreversible retreat,” according to glaciologist Eric Rignot, lead author of the paper “Widespread rapid grounding line retreat of Pine Island, Thwaites, Smith, and Kohler Glaciers in West Antarctica from 1992 to 2011,” which has been accepted for publication in Geophysical Research Letters (GRL).
Private Collection of Geochemistry and Oceanography Articles Available
Authors: Manheim Frank T.
Published: May 2014

It's time! I'm disposing of a 37‐year career's worth of books and other scientific materials in geochemistry and oceanography. Ordinarily, reprints of articles have little value. However, in the course of my research, I assembled what may be the world's most comprehensive private collection of articles on marine ferromanganese deposits up to the late 1980s. It includes foreign language materials, especially Russian language articles. Soviet researchers played an active role in this field (I cooperated with them and was a guest of the Soviet Academy).
Crustal deformation used to estimate earthquake recurrence in Apennines
Authors: Balcerak Ernie
Published: May 2014

Seismic hazard assessments require knowledge of the amount of strain accumulated and released along faults. This information can be obtained through measures of crustal deformation and from estimates of strain released by past earthquakes. Over time, the strain released by earthquakes should mirror the tectonic deformation.
East Texas's biggest earthquake may have been induced
Authors: Schultz Colin
Published: May 2014

Aside from a few small events, east Texas has been largely devoid of earthquakes. However, operations began in 2006 to pump waste water from oil and gas production into wells around the region, with some sites being injected with just shy of 43,000 cubic meters of water per month. Within a few years, this seismic quiet zone began to feel some temblors: In 2008 the preshocks started, small events with magnitudes from 0.5 to 2.2. Then, on 10 May 2012, a magnitude 3.9 earthquake hit, chased a week later by a magnitude 4.8 earthquake.
Bioengineering a Multicomponent Spinal Motion Segment Construct—A 3D Model for Complex Tissue Engineering
Authors: Chik Tsz Kit , Chooi Wai Hon , Li Yuk Yin , Ho Fu Chak , Cheng Hiu Wa , Choy Tsz Hang , Sze Kam Yim , Luk Keith Kei Dip , Cheung Kenneth Man Chi , Chan Barbara Pui
Published: May 2014

Intervertebral disc degeneration is an important clinical problem but existing treatments have significant drawbacks. The ability to bioengineer the entire spinal motion segment (SMS) offers hope for better motion preservation strategies but is extremely challenging. Here, fabrication of a multicomponent SMS construct with complex hierarchical organization from mesenchymal stem cells and collagen‐based biomaterials, using a module‐based integrative approach, is reported. The construct consists of two osteochondral subunits, a nucleus pulposus (NP‐)‐like core and a multi‐lamellae annulus fibrosus (AF‐)‐like component. Chondrogenic medium is crucial for stabilizing the osteochondral subunits, which are shown to allow passive nutrient diffusion, while cyclic compression is necessary for better fiber matrix organization. Cells adhere, survive, and interact with the NP‐like core. Cyclic torsional loading stimulates cell alignment in the AF‐like lamellae and the number of lamellae affects the mechanical properties of the construct. This work represents an important milestone in SMS tissue engineering and provides a 3D model for studying tissue maturation and functional remodeling.
Combining the Diaza‐Diels–Alder Reaction and Palladium‐Catalyzed Aminations to Prepare Amino‐Substituted Porphyrins
Authors: Goh Mean See , Pfrunder Michael C. , McMurtrie John C. , Arnold Dennis P.
Published: May 2014

A strategy to tackle the synthesis of azoporphyrins with unsubstituted terminal meso positions was investigated. It comprised the combination of diaza‐Diels–Alder (DADA) reaction of 1,3‐dienes with dialkyl azodicarboxylates, decarboxylative hydrolysis of the bis(carbamates), palladium‐catalyzed amination of bromoporphyrin precursors, and retro‐DADA reactions to release the ultimate targets. The somewhat confused historical results on the DADA reactions of 1,3‐cyclohexadiene were clarified, but the hydrolyses yielded extremely air‐sensitive amines which decomposed completely in minutes via autooxidation and retro‐DADA reaction. With anthracene or 2,3‐dimethyl‐1,3‐butadiene as the diene, the synthesis of azoporphyrin was not achieved but three amino‐substituted porphyrins were obtained in moderate yields under mild conditions. The X‐ray crystal structures of several of the intermediates and the final aminoanthracene‐porphyrin nickel(II) complex were determined.
Emergency airway management by resident physicians in Japan: an analysis of multicentre prospective observational study
Authors: Goto Yukari , Watase Hiroko , Brown Calvin A. , Tsuboi Shigeki , Kondo Takashiro , Brown David F. M. , Hasegawa Kohei ,   Japanese Emergency Medicine Network Investigators
Published: May 2014

Aim

To examine the success rates of emergency department airway management by resident physicians in Japan.

Methods

We conducted an analysis of a multicentre prospective registry (Japanese Emergency Airway Network Registry) of 13 academic and community emergency departments in Japan. We included all patients who underwent emergency intubation performed by postgraduate year 1 to 5 transitional or emergency medicine residents (resident physicians) between April 2010 and August 2012. Outcome measures were success rates by the first intubator, and by rescue intubator, according to the level of training.

Results

We recorded 4,094 intubations (capture rate, 96%); 2,800 attempts (2,800/4,094; 68%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 67%–70%) were initially performed by resident physicians. Overall success rate on the first attempt was 63% (1,767/2,789; 95%CI, 61%–64%); the rate improved over the first 3 years of training before reaching a plateau (Ptrend < 0.001). Success rate by the first intubator was 78% (2,185/2,800; 95%CI, 76%–79%); the rate steadily improved as level of training increased (Ptrend < 0.001). Of 597 failed intubation attempts by the first intubator, 41% (247/597; 95%CI, 37%–45%) of rescue attempts were performed by resident physicians. Success rate on the first rescue attempt was 76% (187/247; 95%CI, 70%–81%), and success rate by first rescue intubator was 89% (220/247; 95%CI, 85%–93%). These rates on rescue attempts steadily improved as level of training increased (both Ptrend < 0.001). Intubations were ultimately successful in 2,778 encounters (99.6%).

Conclusion

In this multicentre study characterizing emergency airway management across Japan, we observed that emergency department intubations were primarily managed by resident physicians with acceptably high success rates overall.
Usefulness of serum fibrin degradation products and D‐dimer levels as biomarkers to predict return of spontaneous circulation in patients with cardiopulmonary arrest on arrival: comparison with acid–base balance
Authors: Hagiwara Shuichi , Murata Masato , Kaneko Minoru , Aoki Makoto , Kanbe Masahiko , Ohyama Yoshio , Tamura Jun'ichi , Oshima Kiyohiro
Published: May 2014

Aim

We evaluated the usefulness of fibrin degradation products and D‐dimer levels in blood to predict return of spontaneous circulation in patients with cardiopulmonary arrest on arrival compared with anion gap and albumin‐corrected anion gap.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with cardiopulmonary arrest on arrival who had been transferred to the emergency department of our hospital in 2012. Patients were divided into two groups: patients with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC(+) group), and those without (ROSC(−) group). The levels of anion gap, albumin‐corrected anion gap, fibrin degradation products and D‐dimer measured on arrival were compared between the two groups.

Results

Fifty‐three patients could be analyzed. The anion gap and albumin‐corrected anion gap levels were significantly better in the ROSC(+) group than in the ROSC(−) group (anion gap, 28.7 mmol/L [median] versus 39.1 mmol/L; albumin‐corrected anion gap, 31.1 mmol/L versus 40.9 mmol/L). The fibrin degradation product and D‐dimer levels were significantly lower in the ROSC(+) group than in the ROSC(−) group (fibrin degradation products, 32.1 μg/mL versus 157.4 μg/mL; D‐dimer, 9.9 μg/mL versus 37.4 μg/mL). The area under receiver operating characteristic curves to evaluate the relationship with return of spontaneous circulation of anion gap, albumin‐corrected anion gap, fibrin degradation products, and D‐dimer were 0.664, 0.667, 0.714, and 0.707, respectively.

Conclusion

Fibrin degradation products and D‐dimer levels might be more useful as predictors of return of spontaneous circulation than anion gap and albumin‐corrected anion gap.
Incidence and characteristics of biphasic and protracted anaphylaxis: evaluation of 114 inpatients
Authors: Oya Seiro , Nakamori Tomoki , Kinoshita Hirohisa
Published: May 2014

Aim

Anaphylaxis is a systemic allergic reaction that potentially causes death. Most anaphylactic reactions are uniphasic, but some cases may be biphasic or protracted. However, these clinical epidemiology concepts are unfamiliar in Japan. Therefore, we have investigated the incidences and characteristics of patients with biphasic and protracted anaphylaxis.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated patients with anaphylaxis in a single emergency medical center located in Yokohama, Japan from April 2009 to March 2012. We analyzed the incidences and characteristics of patients with biphasic and protracted anaphylaxis who needed to be admitted.

Results

A total of 253 patients were diagnosed with anaphylaxis and 114 patients needed to be admitted. Of the 114 patients, 103 (90.4%) were uniphasic, 7 (6.1%) were biphasic and 4 (3.5%) were protracted anaphylaxis. The most common antigens were foods and drugs. The median onset of a biphasic reaction was 8 h and dermatologic symptoms were mostly observed. Regarding severity, mild symptoms were seen in four cases, similar symptoms to the initial reaction were seen in two cases, and only one case was severe. The duration of protracted anaphylaxis varied from 2 to 8 days.

Conclusion

The incidence of biphasic and protracted anaphylaxis in inpatients was 6.1% and 3.5%, respectively. The median onset of biphasic reaction was 8 h, and most symptoms were mild or similar to the initial reaction. We suggest that patients with anaphylaxis need an 8‐h and ideally a 24‐h observation period in order to monitor possible biphasic reactions. The duration of protracted anaphylaxis was up to 8 days.
Combination therapy with early nasopancreatic drainage and minimum surgery for blunt high‐grade pancreatic trauma
Authors: Takaoka Makoto , Ono Masayoshi , Kunishige Chika , Tohma Yoshiki
Published: May 2014

Case

A 22‐year‐old man suffered blunt, high‐grade, pancreatic trauma; however, duct‐related complications were avoided by combining early nasopancreatic drainage with minimal surgery. Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography confirmed rupture of the main pancreatic duct and massive retroperitoneal extravasation. A nasopancreatic catheter was placed across the rupture site, laparotomy was carried out, and a grade IV pancreatic head laceration was sutured. Because the nasopancreatic catheter shifted out intraoperatively, another was inserted and left in place for 12 days.

Outcome

The patient recovered well without any duct‐related complications such as pseudocyst or external pancreatic fistula.

Conclusion

A combination of early therapeutic endoscopic retrograde pancreatography and surgical repair may be useful for treating high‐grade pancreatic trauma when pancreatic resection is unnecessary.
Highly Enantioselective Carbonyl–Ene Reactions of 2,3‐Diketoesters: Efficient and Atom‐Economical Process to Functionalized Chiral α‐Hydroxy‐β‐Ketoesters
Authors: Truong Phong M. , Zavalij Peter Y. , Doyle Michael P.
Published: May 2014

Carbonyl–ene reactions of 2,3‐diketoesters catalyzed by [Cu{(S,S)‐tBu‐box}](SbF6)2 [box=bis(oxazoline)] generate chiral α‐functionalized α‐hydroxy‐β‐ketoesters in up to 94 % yield and 97 % ee. The 2,3‐diketoesters are conveniently accessed from the corresponding α‐diazo‐β‐ketoester, and a catalyst loading as low as 1.0 mol % can be achieved.
A Displacive‐Type Metal Crown Ether Ferroelectric Compound: Ca(NO3)2(15‐crown‐5)
Authors: Ye Heng‐Yun , Zhang Yi , Fu Da‐Wei , Xiong Ren‐Gen
Published: May 2014

Following the Curie symmetry principle and Aizu rule, we discovered there is a centrosymmetric‐to‐noncentrosymmetric phase transition in Ca(NO3)2(15‐crown‐5) at Tc=205 K. The transition was confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry and second harmonic generation measurements. The transition gives rise to excellent ferroelectricity, such as a giant dielectric anomaly, with faster polarization switching (5×10−5 s) of up to 107 times without showing fatigue. The ferroelectric mechanism is attributable to the coordination environmental distortion of the central Ca atom. This finding can throw light on the further research in metal–organic ferroelectrics.
Photocatalytic Au–Bi2S3 Heteronanostructures
Authors: Manna Goutam , Bose Riya , Pradhan Narayan
Published: May 2014

Au–Bi2S3 heteronanostructure photocatalysts were designed in which the coupling of a metal plasmon and a semiconductor exciton aids the absorption of solar light, enhances charge separation, and results in improved catalytic activity. Furthermore, these nanostructures show a unique pattern of structural combination, with Au nanoparticles positioned at the center of Bi2S3 nanorods. The chemistry of formation of these nanostructures, their epitaxy at the junction, and their photoconductance were studied, as well as their photoresponse properties.
Immuno‐Chemotherapeutic Platinum(IV) Prodrugs of Cisplatin as Multimodal Anticancer Agents
Authors: Wong Daniel Yuan Qiang , Yeo Charmian Hui Fang , Ang Wee Han
Published: May 2014

There is growing consensus that the clinical therapeutic efficacy of some chemotherapeutic agents depends on their off‐target immune‐modulating effects. Pt anticancer drugs have previously been identified to be potent immunomodulators of both the innate and the adaptive immune system. Nevertheless, there has been little development in the rational design of Pt‐based chemotherapeutic agents to exploit their immune‐activating capabilities. The FPR1/2 formyl peptide receptors are highly expressed in immune cells, as well as in many metastatic cancers. Herein, we report a rationally designed multimodal PtIV prodrug containing a FPR1/2‐targeting peptide that combines chemotherapy with immunotherapy to achieve therapeutic synergy and demonstrate the feasibility of this approach.
Synthetic Polyester from Algae Oil
Authors: Roesle Philipp , Stempfle Florian , Hess Sandra K. , Zimmerer Julia , Río Bártulos Carolina , Lepetit Bernard , Eckert Angelika , Kroth Peter G. , Mecking Stefan
Published: May 2014

Current efforts to technically use microalgae focus on the generation of fuels with a molecular structure identical to crude oil based products. Here we suggest a different approach for the utilization of algae by translating the unique molecular structures of algae oil fatty acids into higher value chemical intermediates and materials. A crude extract from a microalga, the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum, was obtained as a multicomponent mixture containing amongst others unsaturated fatty acid (16:1, 18:1, and 20:5) phosphocholine triglycerides. Exposure of this crude algae oil to CO and methanol with the known catalyst precursor [{1,2‐(tBu2PCH2)2C6H4}Pd(OTf)](OTf) resulted in isomerization/methoxycarbonylation of the unsaturated fatty acids into a mixture of linear 1,17‐ and 1,19‐diesters in high purity (>99 %). Polycondensation with a mixture of the corresponding diols yielded a novel mixed polyester‐17/19.17/19 with an advantageously high melting and crystallization temperature.
Formation of Four Different Aromatic Scaffolds from Nitriles through Tandem Divergent Catalysis
Authors: Kim Ju Hyun , Bouffard Jean , Lee Sang‐gi
Published: May 2014

A zinc bromide complex, formed by the sequential reaction of nitriles with a Reformatsky reagent and terminal alkynes, is used as an intermediate for divergent palladium‐catalyzed reactions. The reaction pathway of the intermediate is precisely controlled by the choice of the reaction solvent or the palladium catalyst to quickly form four different aromatic scaffolds—arylamines, aminoindenes, pyrroles, and quinolines—starting from readily available nitriles.