bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The transposable element Bari‐Jheh mediates oxidative stress response in Drosophila
Authors: Guio Lain , Barrón Maite G. , González Josefa
Published: March 2014

Elucidating the fitness effects of natural genetic variants is one of the current major challenges in evolutionary biology. Understanding the interplay between genotype, phenotype and environment is necessary to make accurate predictions of important biological outcomes such as stress resistance or yield in economically important plants and animals, and disease in humans. Based on population frequency patterns and footprints of selection at the DNA level, the transposable element Bari‐Jheh, inserted in the intergenic region of Juvenile Hormone Epoxy Hydrolase (Jheh) genes, was previously identified as putatively adaptive. However, the adaptive effect of this mutation remained elusive. In this work, we integrate information on transcription factor binding sites, available ChIP‐Seq data, gene expression analyses and phenotypic assays to identify the functional and the mechanistic underpinnings of Bari‐Jheh. We show that Bari‐Jheh adds extra antioxidant response elements upstream of Jheh1 and Jheh2 genes. Accordingly, we find that Bari‐Jheh is associated with upregulation of Jheh1 and Jheh2 and with resistance to oxidative stress induced by two different compounds relevant for natural D. melanogaster populations. We further show that TEs other than Bari‐Jheh might be playing a role in the D. melanogaster response to oxidative stress. Overall our results contribute to the understanding of resistance to oxidative stress in natural populations and highlight the role of transposable elements in environmental adaptation. The replicability of fitness effects on different genetic backgrounds also suggests that epistatic interactions do not seem to dominate the genetic architecture of oxidative stress resistance.
Comparison of histopathological features of pancreatic carcinoma and type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis
Authors: Uehara Takeshi , Hamano Hideaki , Kawa Shigeyuki , Kobayashi Yukihiro , Yoshizawa Akihiko , Oki Keiko , Nakata Rie , Kobayashi Akira , Sano Kenji , Ota Hiroyoshi
Published: March 2014

Type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP‐1) is an immunoglobulin G (IgG)‐4‐related disease (IgG4‐RD), characterized by elevated serum immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) and infiltration by IgG4+ plasma cells. Pancreatic carcinoma (PC) sometimes shows infiltration by IgG4+ plasma cells, but details have been unclear. We compared pathological findings and expression of IgG4 and IgG in fibroses in 18 PC patients to those from 9 AIP‐1 patients. Fibroses were divided into areas of ductal adenocarcinoma (DA) and obstructive pancreatitis (OP). Serum IgG4 levels were lower than the cut‐off value in all PC patients with no IgG4‐RD. Diffuse lymphoplasmacytic infiltration and eosinophil infiltration were characteristic of fibroses in PC. Though AIP‐1 samples often had storiform fibrosis even in biopsies, PC did not show storiform fibrosis. Ratios of IgG4+ plasma cells/IgG+ plasma cells (IgG4/IgG ratios) in DA and OP were significantly lower than in AIP‐1. However, high‐density IgG4+ plasma cell foci were detected in PC fibroses, particularly around peripheral nerves, vessels, and lymphoid follicles; between lobules and invasion fronts; and within neutrophilic abscesses. In conclusion, the IgG4/IgG ratio is useful in distinguishing PC from AIP‐1, and should be evaluated in three or more areas, as PC can show localized high‐density IgG4+ plasma cell areas.
Spatial and vertical analysis of soil properties in a Mediterranean vineyard soil
Authors: Unamunzaga O. , Besga G. , Castellón A. , Usón M. A. , Chéry P. , Gallejones P. , Aizpurua A.
Published: March 2014

Soil physical properties influence vineyard behaviour; therefore, the knowledge of their spatial variability is essential for making vineyard management decisions. Little work has been conducted at high spatial resolution on soil properties at depths lower than 0.30 m which is of special relevance to perennial crops. The objectives of this work were to (i) analyse the spatial and vertical variability of soil depth, particle size fractions and water‐holding capacity (WHC) by geostatistical techniques; (ii) study the causes of the variability, with additional information from classical soil sampling; and (iii) assess the significance of WHC through its relationship with vine vigour. The work was carried out in a vineyard of eight hectares within the D.O.Ca. Rioja (northern Spain). Soil variability was determined via grid sampling at three depth ranges (0–0.30, 0.30–0.60 and 0.60–0.90 m). A conventional soil survey provided additional information on soil variability. Clay, sand and silt fractions, soil organic matter content, WHC and pruning weight were determined. Most soil properties had strong or moderate spatial dependence, with the exceptions of sand at 0.30–0.60 m and silt in the topsoil. Topography and soil erosion caused the spatial variability of soil depth and contributed to the spatial distribution of particle size fractions in the topsoil, while the heterogeneity of parent material influenced the spatial pattern of soil properties at 0.60–0.90 m. The WHC and soil depth spatial distributions related well to that of vine vigour, demonstrating the importance of knowing the spatial variability of these soil properties.
Aldehyde dehydrogenase–bright cells correlated with the colony‐forming unit–granulocyte‐macrophage assay of thawed cord blood units
Authors: Lee Hye Ryun , Shin Sue , Yoon Jong Hyun , Roh Eun Youn , Kim Byoung Jae , Song Eun Young
Published: March 2014

Background

The number of aldehyde dehydrogenase–bright (ALDHbr) cells has been suggested as a viable marker of hematopoietic stem cell function. We evaluated the suitability of ALDHbr cell analysis in the quality assessment of postthaw cord blood (CB) units.

Study Design and Methods

A total of 245 CB units were obtained for estimating the numbers of total nucleated cells (TNCs), CD34+ cells, ALDHbr cells, ALDHbr cells among CD34+ cells (CD34+ALDHbr cells), CD34+ cells among ALDHbr cells (ALDHbrCD34+ cells), colony‐forming unit (CFU)–granulocyte‐macrophages (GMs), and CFU–granulocyte‐erythrocyte‐macrophage‐megakaryocytes (GEMMs). Simple linear regression analysis was performed to assess the correlation between the number of TNCs and CD34+ cells before and after crypreservation and CD34+ALDHbr cells, ALDHbr cells, and ALDHbr CD34+ cells after cryopreservation and the number of CFU‐GEMMS and CFU‐GMs.

Results

The number of CFU‐GMs was found to be significantly correlated with the number of CD34+ cells before and after cryopreservation (r = 0.418 and r = 0.359, respectively), CD34+ALDHbr cells, ALDHbr cells, and ALDHbrCD34+ cells (r = 0.426, r = 0.455, and r = 0.469, respectively). The number of CFU‐GEMMs was found to be significantly correlated with the number of TNCs and CD34+ cells before and after cryopreservation (TNCs, r = 0.251 and r = 0.250, respectively; CD34+ cells, r = 0.391 and r = 0.347, respectively), CD34+ALDHbr cells, ALDHbr cells, and ALDHbrCD34+ cells (r = 0.297, r = 0.297, and r = 0.252, respectively).

Conclusion

The high correlation found between ALDH activity and CFU‐GM number supports the suitability of ALDH analysis in the quality assessment of postthaw CB units.
ULTRASONOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF CANINE RENAL LYMPHOMA
Authors: Taylor Angela J. , Lara‐Garcia Ana , Benigni Livia
Published: March 2014

There is little published information on the ultrasonographic appearance of canine renal lymphoma. The purpose of this retrospective study was to provide additional information regarding the ultrasonographic characteristics of canine renal lymphoma, suggest ultrasonographic description criteria, and evaluate the role of fine‐needle aspirate cytology in the diagnosis of this disease. The ultrasonographic features of confirmed renal lymphoma were reviewed in ten dogs. Pyelectasia was found in all dogs. Other ultrasonographic findings were loss of corticomedullary distinction (9/10 dogs), renomegaly (8/10 dogs), renal deformity (6/10 dogs), hypoechoic lesion(s) (6/10 dogs), and hyperechoic lesion(s) (2/10 dogs). Hypoechoic lesions were described as masses, nodules, and indistinct areas. In 30% of the cases (3/10 dogs) ultrasound revealed only minor abnormalities, including grade 1 pyelectasia, mild renomegaly, and focal loss of corticomedullary definition. Bilateral lesions were seen in nine dogs (90%). Renal fine‐needle aspirates were performed in 9/10 dogs, yielding a diagnosis in seven on first attempt (78%). Two dogs had been given a provisional cytological diagnosis of round cell neoplasia; in one dog lymphoma was confirmed by second aspirate and by tissue core biopsy in the other. In 1/10 dogs, lymphoma was found at necropsy. Findings indicated that ultrasonographic signs of canine renal lymphoma may be subtle, canine renal lymphoma should be included in the differential diagnosis when the above ultrasonographic features are observed, and fine‐needle aspirate cytology is a useful method for diagnosing this disease.
Flux Limiters in Radial Heat Transport in Silicon Nanolayers
Authors: Sellitto A. , Cimmelli V. A.
Published: March 2014

By using the thermomass-theory approach, the temperature in a thin layer heated by a hot spot is derived in steady states. It is shown that an anomalous temperature profile, which seems to be at odds with the fundamental laws of continuum physics, may occur. The compatibility of this situation with second law of thermodynamics is analyzed in view of the concept of flux limiter.
Omental infarct in a hernia: an unusual cause of paediatric acute scrotum
Authors: Patel Ramnik V , Dawrant Michael , Scott Victoria , Fisher Ross
Published: March 2014

We report a case of paediatric acute scrotum due to segmental haemorrhagic infarct of the omentum secondary to strangulation in the left inguinal hernia in a toddler as initial presentation after hernia being noticed by mother once earlier. A 4-year-old boy with non-traumatic acute left scrotum who had a history of left inguinal swelling once earlier presented with massively swollen, painful and discoloured left hemiscrotum extending into the groin simulating acute testicular torsion. Interestingly, there was a segmental omental infarct which precipitated the emergency and had ipsilateral testicular ascent and atrophy as long-term sequelae. Strangulated segmental omental infarct is a rare cause of acute abdomen/scrotum in children. Omentum is a very rare content of inguinal hernia in a toddler and infarct is exceptional. The diagnosis is usually not established before surgery in children. It should be included in the differential diagnoses of acute scrotum, especially in patients with untreated inguinal hernia.
TUNABLE ACTIVE FILTERS FOR RF AND MICROWAVE APPLICATIONS
Authors: PANTOLI LEONARDO , STORNELLI VINCENZO , LEUZZI GIORGIO
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we present a low-voltage tunable active filter for microwave applications. The proposed filter is based on a single-transistor active inductor (AI), that allows the reduction of circuit area and power consumption. The three active-cell bandpass filter has a 1950 MHz center frequency with a -1 dB flat bandwidth of 10 MHz (Q ≈ 200), a shape factor (30–3 dB) of 2.5, and can be tuned in the range 1800–2050 MHz, with constant insertion loss. A dynamic range of about 75 dB is obtained, with a P1dB compression point of -5 dBm. The prototype board, fabricated on a TLX-8 substrate, has a 4 mW power consumption with a 1.2 V power supply voltage.
CODING AND INTERLEAVING SCHEMES FOR INFORMATION ACQUISITION FROM WIRELESS SENSOR NETWORKS
Authors: MADKOUR M. E. , SOLIMAN S. E. , DESSOUKY M. I. , ABD EL-SAMIE F. E.
Published: March 2014

Transmission of data over wireless sensor networks (WSNs) poses significant constraints on the energy and bandwidth of the communication system. We consider the problem of decision fusion in a distributed detection system in a classical parallel fusion structure by incorporating the fading channel layer that is omnipresent in WSNs. We use channel coding and transmit diversity schemes, equal gain combining (EGC) and maximum ratio combining (MRC). We employ a multi-carrier modulation scheme over the wireless communication channel. This paper proposes the use of Hamming, low-density parity-check (LDPC) coding, or Viterbi coding. Interleaving is also suggested in this paper using chaotic Baker map randomization for the reduction of the bit error rate (BER). Moreover, the chaotic interleaving adds a degree of security to the transmitted data. Simulation results show that the application of coding and interleaving achieves a performance improvement in the WSN.
WEE1 Inhibition Alleviates Resistance to Immune Attack of Tumor Cells Undergoing Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Hamilton Duane H. , Huang Bruce , Fernando Romaine I. , Tsang Kwong-Yok , Palena Claudia
Published: March 2014

Aberrant expression of the T-box transcription factor brachyury in human carcinomas drives the phenomenon of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a phenotypic modulation that facilitates tumor dissemination and resistance to conventional therapies, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy. By generating isogenic cancer cell lines with various levels of brachyury expression, we demonstrate that high levels of brachyury also significantly reduce the susceptibility of cancer cells to lysis by both antigen-specific T cells and natural killer cells. Our results indicated that resistance of brachyury-high tumor cells to immune-mediated attack was due to inefficient caspase-dependent apoptosis, manifested as inefficient nuclear lamin degradation in the presence of activated effector caspases. We correlated this phenomenon with loss of cell-cycle–dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), which mediates lamin phosphorylation. In support of a causal connection, pretreatment of tumor cells with a specific inhibitor of WEE1, a negative regulator kinase of CDK1, could counter the defective apoptosis of tumor cells expressing high levels of brachyury. Thus, our findings suggested that reconstituting CDK1 activity to threshold levels may be sufficient to restore immunosurveillance of mesenchymal-like cancer cells that have escaped previous immune detection or eradication. Cancer Res; 74(9); 2510–9. ©2014 AACR.
The Health Technology Assessment of Companion Diagnostics: Experience of NICE
Authors: Byron Sarah K. , Crabb Nick , George Elisabeth , Marlow Mirella , Newland Adrian
Published: March 2014

Companion diagnostics are used to aid clinical decision making to identify patients who are most likely to respond to treatment. They are becoming increasingly important as more new pharmaceuticals receive licensed indications that require the use of a companion diagnostic to identify the appropriate patient subgroup for treatment. These pharmaceuticals have proven benefit in the treatment of some cancers and other diseases, and also have potential to precisely tailor treatments to the individual in the future. However, the increasing use of companion diagnostics could place a substantial burden on health system resources to provide potentially high volumes of testing. This situation, in part, has led policy makers and Health Technology Assessment (HTA) bodies to review the policies and methods used to make reimbursement decisions for pharmaceuticals requiring companion diagnostics. The assessment of a pharmaceutical alongside the companion diagnostic used in the clinical trials may be relatively straightforward, although there are a number of challenges associated with assessing pharmaceuticals where a range of alternative companion diagnostics are available for use in routine clinical practice. The UK HTA body, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), has developed policy for considering companion diagnostics using its Technology Appraisal and Diagnostics Assessment Programs. Some HTA bodies in other countries have also adapted their policies and methods to accommodate the assessment of companion diagnostics. Here, we provide insight into the HTA of companion diagnostics for reimbursement decisions and how the associated challenges are being addressed, in particular by NICE.

See all articles in this CCR Focus section, “The Precision Medicine Conundrum: Approaches to Companion Diagnostic Co-development.”

Clin Cancer Res; 20(6); 1469–76. ©2014 AACR.
Early Pyeloplasty for Recovery of Parenchymal Thickness in Children with Unilateral Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction
Authors: Kim Sun-Ouck , Yu Ho Song , Hwang In Sang , Hwang Eu Chang , Kang Taek Won , Kwon Dongdeuk
Published: March 2014

Objective: We compared renal function before and after pyeloplasty in children with unilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) according to the children's age. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 36 children with UPJO who had undergone pyeloplasty and showed improved urine drainage on postoperative diuretic renal scan. The children were divided into two groups according to their age at the time of surgery: group I, ≤1 year of age (n = 15), and group II, >1 year of age (n = 21). Parenchymal thickness (PT) and pelvic anteroposterior diameter measured by ultrasonography and renal function measured by 99mTc-MAG3 renal scan were compared before and after surgery. Results: Group I patients, who underwent pyeloplasty within 1 year of birth, showed significant recovery of the PT ratio at follow-up evaluation (from 0.50 ± 0.13 preoperatively to 0.83 ± 0.23 postoperatively; p = 0.029) compared with that in group II (from 0.74 ± 0.23 preoperatively to 0.75 ± 0.18 postoperatively; NS). The mean differences in the PT ratio before and after surgery were 0.29 ± 0.25 and 0.02 ± 0.18 in groups I and II, respectively. Conclusion: This result suggests that early surgery improves subsequent parenchymal growth of the involved renal unit.
Neotropical Agromyzidae (Diptera) of the Mission Géodésique de l’Équateur: Becker (1920) revisited
Authors: BOUCHER STÉPHANIE , WHEELER TERRY A.
Published: March 2014

The Ecuadorian Agromyzidae described by Theodor Becker from the Mission du service géographique de l’armée pour la mesure d’un arc de méridien équatorial en Amérique du Sud are revised and several taxonomic changes are proposed. The eight named species identified by Becker actually comprise 14 species of Agromyzidae (3 Melanagromyza, 4 Cerodontha, 6 Liriomyza, 1 Nemorimyza) and one species of Heleomyzidae. Three new species are described: Cerodontha (Cerodontha) angela Boucher sp. n.; Liriomyza biensis Boucher sp. n.; Melanagromyza pontis Boucher sp. n. New species records for Ecuador include Melanagromyza memoranda Spencer; M. lini Spencer; Cerodontha (C.) colombiensis Spencer; Liriomyza nigra Spencer and Nemorimyza fuscibasis (Malloch). Cerodontha (C.) nigricornis Becker is redescribed, including the first description of the male genitalia. Liriomyza biformata (Becker) is redescribed and two species are included as junior synonyms of L. biformata: Agromyza braziliensis Frost syn. n. and A. ecuadorensis Frost syn. n. Agromyza bipartita Becker is transferred to the family Heleomyzidae as Notomyza bipartita comb. n.
Active vibration suppression of payloads with a conical isolator
Authors: Li H , Hu SD , Li HY , Tzou HS
Published: March 2014

This article focuses on active vibration isolation of a rigid payload using a conical shell isolator laminated with piezoelectric sensors and actuators. The payload is mounted on the top (minor end) of the conical shell isolator. The piezoelectric sensor is laminated on the inner surface, and the piezoelectric actuator is laminated on the outer surface of the conical shell. The macro-fiber composite piezoelectric material is utilized as the actuator to enhance control performance, and polyvinylidene fluoride actuators are used as a comparison. The mathematical model of the conical isolator and the payload is derived in terms of the sensing signal equation and the actuation equation. Then, the modal equations are transformed into the state-space form with sensing signal as the system output and modal control force as the system input. Linear quadratic controllers are designed for each independent mode. In case studies, axial vibration isolation of the payload is performed to characterize the performance of the conical isolator and the optimal controller.
Development of novel heating tool friction stir spot welding (HT-FSSW) for AZ31 magnesium alloy
Authors: Shen J. , Wen L. , Luo X. , Xu N. , Wang D. , Liu M.
Published: March 2014

In this work, a new heating tool friction stir spot welding (HT-FSSW) process was developed, and its impacts on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the welded AZ31 magnesium alloy joints were investigated by microstructure observation, tensile tests and microhardness tests. An increase in the heating tool temperature resulted in a decrease in the grain size of the stir zone (SZ) and an increase in the grain size of the thermomechanically affected zone (TMAZ). The rising heating tool temperature also aggrandised the bonded zone width and enhanced the tensile shear load strength per unit area of the HT-FSSW welded joints. With an increase in the heating tool temperature, the microhardness of SZ increased while that of the TMAZ decreased. Moreover, the slope of the Hall–Petch relationship between microhardness and grain size of the TMAZ is larger than that of the SZ.
Calorie intake and patient outcomes in severe acute kidney injury: findings from The Randomized Evaluation of Normal vs. Augmented Level of Replacement Therapy (RENAL) study trial
Authors: Bellomo Rinaldo , Cass Alan , Cole Louise , Finfer Simon , Gallagher Martin , Lee Joanne , Lo Serigne , McArthur Colin , McGuinness Shay , Myburgh John , Norton Robyn , Scheinkestel Carlos ,   The RENAL Study Investigators
Published: March 2014

Introduction

Current practice in the delivery of caloric intake (DCI) in patients with severe acute kidney injury (AKI) receiving renal replacement therapy (RRT) is unknown. We aimed to describe calorie administration in patients enrolled in the Randomized Evaluation of Normal vs. Augmented Level of Replacement Therapy (RENAL) study and to assess the association between DCI and clinical outcomes.

Methods

We performed a secondary analysis in 1456 patients from the RENAL trial. We measured the dose and evolution of DCI during treatment and analyzed its association with major clinical outcomes using multivariable logistic regression, Cox proportional hazards models, and time adjusted models.

Results

Overall, mean DCI during treatment in ICU was low at only 10.9 ± 9 Kcal/kg/day for non-survivors and 11 ± 9 Kcal/kg/day for survivors. Among patients with a lower DCI (below the median) 334 of 729 (45.8%) had died at 90-days after randomization compared with 316 of 727 (43.3%) patients with a higher DCI (above the median) (P = 0.34). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, mean DCI carried an odds ratio of 0.95 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.91-1.00; P = 0.06) per 100 Kcal increase for 90-day mortality. DCI was not associated with significant differences in renal replacement (RRT) free days, mechanical ventilation free days, ICU free days and hospital free days. These findings remained essentially unaltered after time adjusted analysis and Cox proportional hazards modeling.

Conclusions

In the RENAL study, mean DCI was low. Within the limits of such low caloric intake, greater DCI was not associated with improved clinical outcomes.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00221013
Towards Robust Fragility Relations for Buried Segmented Pipe in Ground Strain Areas
Authors: O'Rourke Michael , Filipov Evgueni , Uçkan Eren
Published: March 2014

Seismic fragility relations of buried segmented pipelines are currently defined in terms of pipe repairs per unit length as a function of some measure of ground shaking or ground movement. In some current relations, both wave propagation (WP) and permanent ground deformation (PGD) damage are addressed by combining the hazard into a measure of ground strain. One troubling aspect of these fragility relations is that each new event seems to provide new data that in some cases, are significantly different from existing relations. Herein, we investigate the robustness of these expressions by using new data from the 1999 M = 7.4 Turkey earthquake. A methodology is presented to calculate ground strains, by considering relative PGD along the axis of the pipeline. Results indicate that, for the strain/damage range of interest, a linear function (on a log-log scale) provides a relatively robust fragility relation for buried segmented pipes.
On the Calculation of Peak Ground Velocity for Seismic Performance Assessment
Authors: Huang Yin-Nan , Whittaker Andrew S.
Published: March 2014

Ratios of pseudo-spectral velocity (averaged over the period range of 0.5–2 seconds and at a period of 1 second) to peak ground velocity (PGV) were computed for hundreds of ground motion records selected from the PEER NGA Strong Motion Database. Two-stage regression analyses were performed to develop models for the ratios. The inter-event terms of the ratios trend to moderate decrease as moment magnitude increases; the intra-event residuals do not depend on distance. The results of this study provide the technical basis for a procedure presented in the American Technology Council's ATC-58 project, Guidelines for Seismic Performance Assessment of Buildings, for estimating PGV by scaling values of pseudo-spectral velocity.
Evaluating an Oncology Systemic Therapy Computerized Physician Order Entry System Using International Guidelines
Authors: Gandhi Sonal , Tyono Ivan , Pasetka Mark , Trudeau Maureen
Published: March 2014

The authors evaluate the Oncology Patient Information System and provide a working example of what an oncology computerized physician order entry system should look like.
Use of the National Cancer Institute Community Cancer Centers Program Screening and Accrual Log to Address Cancer Clinical Trial Accrual
Authors: St Germain Diane , Denicoff Andrea M. , Dimond Eileen P. , Carrigan Angela , Enos Rebecca A. , Gonzalez Maria M. , Wilkinson Kathy , Mathiason Michelle A. , Duggan Brenda , Einolf Shaun , McCaskill-Stevens Worta , Bryant Donna M. , Thompson Michael A. , Grubbs Stephen S. , Go Ronald S.
Published: March 2014

Use of screening logs to document enrollment barriers at the local level can facilitate development of strategies to enhance accrual.
Is It OK to Fire My Oncologist?
Authors: Roberson Barnard Stephanie
Published: March 2014

The author details the experiences that led her to confront and ultimately leave her oncologist.
Results of the 2013 American Society of Clinical Oncology National Oncology Census
Authors: Hanley Amy , Hagerty Karen , Towle Elaine L. , Neuss Michael N. , Mulvey Therese M. , Acheson Anupama Kurup
Published: March 2014

The pace of policy change in oncology is changing the landscape of how practices are organized.
Oncology Reimbursement in the Era of Personalized Medicine and Big Data
Authors: Ward Jeffery C.
Published: March 2014

Little has been written about reimbursement in the era of big data–driven personalized medicine. The way the United States pays for the majority of its health care is a hindrance to the provision of personalized oncology care.
La migración circular femenina marroquí en Huelva: impacto y cambio
Authors: Arab Chadia
Published: March 2014

El objetivo de este artículo es comprender la migración circular de las mujeres marroquís entre Marruecos y la provincia de Huelva y el impacto que esta migración produce una vez que éstas regresan a su país. Esta migración se inscribe en un programa financiado por la Unión Europea cuyo fin es encontrar trabajadoras para recolectar la fresa de la provincia de Huelva durante algunos meses del año, al mismo tiempo que lucha contra la inmigración clandestina. Dicho programa existe desde 2007 y ha permitido a miles de mujeres viajar para trabajar algunos meses en España. Esta migración está supeditada a que estas mujeres regresen a Marruecos.
The influence of changes in climate and land-use on regeneration dynamics of Norway spruce at the treeline in the Swiss Alps
Authors: Bolli Jacqueline , Rigling Andreas , Bugmann Harald
Published: March 2014

Recent changes of climate and land-use are often regarded to affect the European Alpine region substantially and to trigger an increase in the elevation of the upper treeline. The patterns of tree invasion on a subalpine meadow at 1900 m a.s.l. in Sedrun, Canton Grisons, Switzerland, were studied in order 1) to reconstruct the process of tree establishment and treeâgrowth dynamics in space and time, and 2) to evaluate the influence of site properties, land-use change and climate on these processes. Dendroecological analysis of 105 Norway spruce combined with an assessment of 48 vegetation plots and 17 soil profiles revealed that the trees were established in one main period (1965â1980s), starting 15 years after the abandonment of the agricultural use of the meadow, and that there is a pronounced environmental gradient along the forest-meadow ecotone. Tree establishment and height growth were favoured close to the former forest edge, but all saplings irrespective of their distance to the forest edge and their age showed increased radial growth since 1990, coinciding with a period of higher summer temperatures in the region. Therefore, we conclude that the observed tree-line dynamics in Sedrun are the result of both land-use and climate change: Tree establishment was triggered by the abandonment of the agricultural use of the meadow, and strongly favoured by particularly good growing conditions in a warm decade, which illustrates the sensitivity of conifers near the alpine tree-line to temperature fluctuations.
Modal verbs and modal constructions in Ladakhi
Authors: Zeisler Bettina
Published: March 2014

The paper describes different types of modal expressions, particularly expressions of ability, in Ladakhi, a Tibetic language spoken in Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, India. A special focus lies on the unexpected syntactic behaviour of complex modal verb constructions, where the semantics of both the modal verb and the event verb contribute to the realisation of surface case marking, so that the event verb can no longer be analysed as being a complement of the modal verb. This intertwined syntax appears to be the result of a compositional process. The observable variation in syntactic behaviour across dialects and idiolects further allows for reconstruction of the compositional process.
Mechanical Failure Study of Aluminum Extrusion Dies as Affected by the Quality of the Billets
Authors: Al Khateeb Shadi , Al robaidi Amin , Dweiri Radwan , Lebzo Ahmad , Al-Sawa'adeh Mahmood
Published: March 2014

The effect of aluminium billets and H13 steels qualities on the mechanical failure of the extrusion dies was investigated. Secondary AA6063 billets were homogenised at 570 and 580°C for 6 h then cooled by water, fan, and air. The step cooling method was also applied by quenching from 570 to 275°C. It was found that the quality of the secondary billet, in terms of hardness and microstructure, would be comparable to the primary ones when homogenised at 570°C for 6 h and then water-quenched. The quality of H13 steels in terms of wear resistance was improved through cyanidation. It was performed in KCN for 2, 2.5, and 3 h with a cyanide layer of 60, 87, and 115 μm, respectively.
Redetermination of the structure of anthracen-9-yl-methanol, C15H12O
Authors: Islor Arun M. , Somashekara B. , Garudachari B. , Gerber Thomas , Hosten Eric , Betz Richard
Published: March 2014

C15H12O, monoclinic, Cc (no. 9), a = 30.0894(7) Å, b = 5.1704(1) Å, c = 13.8639(3) Å, β = 104.411(1)°, V = 2089.0 Å3, Z = 8, Rgt(F) = 0.0357, wRref(F2) = 0.0872, T = 200 K.
Crystal structure of poly[µ2-di-4-pyridinylmethanone-κ2N:N’-silver(I)] trifluoroacetate-water-acetonitrile (2/1/1), C14H10.5AgF3N2.50O3.50
Authors: Sun Xin-Zhan , Yan Hao-Jie , Wan Chong-Qing
Published: March 2014

C14H10.5AgF3N2.50O3.50, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 16.155(2) Å, b = 10.670(2) Å, c = 18.098(3) Å, β = 95.251(3)°, V = 3106.3 Å3, Z = 8, Rgt(F) = 0.0466, wRref(F2) = 0.1429, T = 293 K.
Crystal structure of trans-diacetatobis(2,6-pyridinediylbis(3-pyridinyl)-methanone)-κ2N,N')-copper(II) acetonitrile (1/2), C42H28CuF6N8O8
Authors: Liu Bin
Published: March 2014

C42H28CuF6N8O8, triclinic, P1̅ (no. 2), a = 9.093(5) Å, b = 10.419(5) Å, c = 11.371(5) Å, α = 75.944(12)°, β = 74.708(11)°, γ = 82.717(10)°, V = 1005.8(9) Å3, Z = 1, Rgt(F) = 0.0666, wRref(F2) = 0.1798, T = 293 K.
Reaction Products in the Combustion of the High Energy Density Storage Material Lithium with Carbon Dioxide and Nitrogen
Authors: Kellermann Renate , Taroata Dan , Schiemann Martin , Eckert Helmut , Fischer Peter , Scherer Viktor , Hock Rainer , Schmid Guenter
Published: March 2014

In this work, electrochemically recyclable lithium is analyzed as high energy density, large scale storage material for stranded renewable energy in a closed loop. The strongly exothermic reaction of lithium with carbon dioxide (CO2) yields thermal energy directly comparable to the combustion of coal or methane in an oxygen containing atmosphere. The thermal level of the reaction is sufficient for re-electrification in a thermal power plant compatible process.

The reaction of single lithium particles, avoiding particle-particle interactions, is compared to the combustion of atomized lithium spray in a CO2 containing atmosphere. Particle temperatures of up to 4000K were found for the reaction of single lithium particles in a CO2, nitrogen (N2), oxygen (O2) and steam gas mixture. Furthermore the combustion of atomized lithium spray in both dry CO2 atmosphere and CO2/steam gas mixture was analyzed. The identified solid reaction products are lithium carbonate, lithium oxide and lithium hydroxide. The formation of carbon monoxide (CO) as gaseous reaction product is demonstrated. Carbon monoxide is a valuable by-product, which could be converted to methanol or gasoline using hydrogen.
Investigation of Particulate Flow in a Channel by Application of CFD, DEM and LDA/PDA
Authors: Azimian M. , Lichti M. , Bart H.-J.
Published: March 2014

Hydroabrasion in particulate flows plays an important role in various industrial and natural processes. To predict
the influence of it in a pipeline, channel or a fitting, it is essential to characterize the effects in a simple standardized
geometry. An example to this is a pipe channel with a cylindrical obstacle adjusted inside the channel perpendicular to the
flow direction. Results of flow field are generated by using the non-invasive Laser/Phase Doppler Anemometry
(LDA/PDA) measurement technique. The velocity profiles of single phase and particulate flow from computational fluid
dynamics (CFD) and discrete element method (DEM) simulations were validated by the LDA experimental data. The
simulations were performed on the basis of Euler-Lagrange technique for both CFD and DEM. The measurements show
that a Karman vortex field forms behind the obstacle and particles move inside this field with an average negative velocity
of up to 25% of the fully developed velocity field. A comparison of CFD and DEM results with experimental data showed
that in Karman velocity field, the CFD results fit better to the LDA measurements. In the fully developed flow region and
also above and under the vortex field behind the obstacle, the DEM results match better with the LDA data.
Increased incidence of Clostridium difficile PCR ribotype 027 in Hesse, Germany, 2011 to 2013
Authors: Arvand M , Vollandt D , Bettge-Weller G , Harmanus C , Kuijper E  J , the Clostridium difficile study group Hesse Collective
Published: March 2014

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The comforts and discomforts of race
Authors: Kwon Soo Ah
Published: March 2014

Drawing on existing literature and student ethnographic projects, this article examines Asian American undergraduates' overwhelming focus on individual racial identity and practices of racial segregation in their ethnographic research about the University of Illinois. The author examines how such racial segregation is described and analysed as a matter of personal 'choice' and 'comfort' rather than as the result of racial inequality, racism and the marginalisation and racialisation of minority groups. This lack of structural racial analysis in the examination of Asian American students' experiences points to the depoliticisation and institutionalisation of race in higher education today. Race is understood and more readily analysed as a politically neutral concept that invokes celebration of racial diversity and 'culture' and not as a concept marked by power and inequities as it once may have been.
Influence of Heavy Metals and PCBs Pollution on the Enzyme Activity and Microbial Community of Paddy Soils around an E-Waste Recycling Workshop
Authors: Tang Xianjin , Hashmi Muhammad , Long Dongyan , Chen Litao , Khan Muhammad , Shen Chaofeng
Published: March 2014

Due to the emerging environmental issues related to e-waste there is concern about the quality of paddy soils near e-waste workshops. The levels of heavy metals and PCBs and their influence on the enzyme activity and microbial community of paddy soils obtained from the immediate vicinity of an e-waste workshop were investigated in the present study. The results indicated that the heavy metal and PCB pollution did not differ significantly with an increase of the sampling point distances (5 to 30 m). The concentration of Cd (2.16 mg·kg−1) and Cu (69.2 mg·kg−1) were higher, and the PCB pollution was also serious, ranging from 4.9 to 21.6 μg·kg−1. The highest enzyme activity was found for urease compared to phosphatase and catalase, and a fluctuating trend in soil enzyme activity was observed in soils from different sampling sites. The microbial analysis revealed that there was no apparent correlation between the microbial community and the pollutants. However, a slight influence for soil microbial communities could be found based on DGGE, the Shannon index and PCA analysis. The present study suggests that the contamination stress of heavy metals and PCBs might have a slight influence on microbial activity in paddy soils. This study provides the baseline data for enzyme activities and microbial communities in paddy soil under the influence of mixed contamination.
Reducing Exposure to High Fluoride Drinking Water in Estonia—A Countrywide Study
Authors: Indermitte Ene , Saava Astrid , Karro Enn
Published: March 2014

Fluoride is a naturally occurring contaminant in groundwater in Estonia. There are several regions in Estonia with fluoride contents in public water supplies as high as 7 mg/L. Long-term exposure to high-fluoride drinking water may have several adverse health effects, primarily dental fluorosis. The opportunities for exposure reduction rely highly on water treatment technologies. Since 2004 public water suppliers in Estonia have made efforts to diminish fluoride content in drinking water systems. A follow-up study on a country level was carried out in 2004–2012 to analyze the changes in population exposure to excessive (over 1.5 mg/L) fluoride in drinking water and to get information about the reduction methods applied by public water supplies (PWS) to optimize the fluoride levels in public water system. The results showed that bigger PWS have been more effective in fluoride reduction measures than small PWS. The main methods used to lower the fluoride content were reverse osmosis technology and replacement of water sources with new ones (new drilled wells). As a result of all the measures taken the overall high-fluoride exposure has been reduced substantially (82%).
All We Need Is Brain (and Technology)
Authors: Colom Roberto
Published: March 2014

Here, I suggest we must invest our scientific resources in brain research. Scientists interested in human (and non-human) intelligence should frame their key questions regarding where to look and where to go around technical advances related to the fascinating, general purpose, highly dynamic device we call the ‘brain’.
A Model for Creep and Creep Damage in the γ-Titanium Aluminide Ti-45Al-2Mn-2Nb
Authors: Harrison William , Abdallah Zakaria , Whittaker Mark
Published: March 2014

Gamma titanium aluminides (γ-TiAl) display significantly improved high temperature mechanical properties over conventional titanium alloys. Due to their low densities, these alloys are increasingly becoming strong candidates to replace nickel-base superalloys in future gas turbine aeroengine components. To determine the safe operating life of such components, a good understanding of their creep properties is essential. Of particular importance to gas turbine component design is the ability to accurately predict the rate of accumulation of creep strain to ensure that excessive deformation does not occur during the component’s service life and to quantify the effects of creep on fatigue life. The theta (θ) projection technique is an illustrative example of a creep curve method which has, in this paper, been utilised to accurately represent the creep behaviour of the γ-TiAl alloy Ti -45Al-2Mn-2Nb. Furthermore, a continuum damage approach based on the θ-projection method has also been used to represent tertiary creep damage and accurately predict creep rupture.
The Changing Selenium Nutritional Status of Chinese Residents
Authors: Li Sumei , Bañuelos Gary , Wu Longhua , Shi Weiming
Published: March 2014

The selenium (Se) content in human hair is useful as an indicator of human Se intake and status. In this regard, when measuring the hair Se concentrations in Chinese inhabitants across northeast to southeast China, the results indicated that generally 84% of all residents have normal hair Se content. Between the sexes, the average hair Se content of males was higher than that of females, irrespective of districts. When comparing geographical regions, the average hair Se content of southern residents was greater than that of northern residents, regardless of gender. Historically, the overall hair Se content of today’s inhabitants decreased between 24% and 46% when compared with the inhabitants living in the same geographic region 20 years ago. The decrease of hair Se content may be related to the overall decrease of grain consumption and the lower Se content in the staple food rice.
Flexible Tactile Sensing Based on Piezoresistive Composites: A Review
Authors: Stassi Stefano , Cauda Valentina , Canavese Giancarlo , Pirri Candido
Published: March 2014

The large expansion of the robotic field in the last decades has created a growing interest in the research and development of tactile sensing solutions for robot hand and body integration. Piezoresistive composites are one of the most widely employed materials for this purpose, combining simple and low cost preparation with high flexibility and conformability to surfaces, low power consumption, and the use of simple read-out electronics. This work provides a review on the different type of composite materials, classified according to the conduction mechanism and analyzing the physics behind it. In particular piezoresistors, strain gauges, percolative and quantum tunnelling devices are reviewed here, with a perspective overview on the most used filler types and polymeric matrices. A description of the state-of-the-art of the tactile sensor solutions from the point of view of the architecture, the design and the performance is also reviewed, with a perspective outlook on the main promising applications.
Recent Evidence of Hantavirus Circulation in the American Tropic
Authors: Montoya-Ruiz Carolina , Diaz Francisco , Rodas Juan
Published: March 2014

Hantaan virus was discovered in Korea during the 1970s while other similar viruses were later reported in Asia and Europe. There was no information about hantavirus human infection in the Americas until 1993 when an outbreak was described in the United States. This event promoted new studies to find hantaviruses in the Americas. At first, many studies were conducted in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Paraguay, while other Latin American countries began to report the presence of these agents towards the end of the 20th century. More than 30 hantaviruses have been reported in the Western Hemisphere with more frequent cases registered in the southern cone (Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia and Brazil). However there was an important outbreak in 2000 in Panama and some rare events have been described in Peru, Venezuela and French Guiana. Since hantaviruses have only recently emerged as a potential threat in the tropical zones of the Americas, this review compiles recent hantavirus reports in Central America, the Caribbean islands and the northern region of South America. These studies have generated the discovery of new hantaviruses and could help to anticipate the presentation of possible future outbreaks in the region.
Hantavirus Immunology of Rodent Reservoirs: Current Status and Future Directions
Authors: Schountz Tony , Prescott Joseph
Published: March 2014

Hantaviruses are hosted by rodents, insectivores and bats. Several rodent-borne hantaviruses cause two diseases that share many features in humans, hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Eurasia or hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome in the Americas. It is thought that the immune response plays a significant contributory role in these diseases. However, in reservoir hosts that have been closely examined, little or no pathology occurs and infection is persistent despite evidence of adaptive immune responses. Because most hantavirus reservoirs are not model organisms, it is difficult to conduct meaningful experiments that might shed light on how the viruses evade sterilizing immune responses and why immunopathology does not occur. Despite these limitations, recent advances in instrumentation and bioinformatics will have a dramatic impact on understanding reservoir host responses to hantaviruses by employing a systems biology approach to identify important pathways that mediate virus/reservoir relationships.
Between You and Me: Making Messes with Constructivism and Critical Theory
Authors: Caton Kellee
Published: March 2014

New social science researchers often grapple with questions of scholarly identity and paradigm belongingness in a postmodern world. On one hand, there are perhaps more options than ever, in terms of philosophical orientations to research that are taken seriously across the landscape
of social scholarly disciplines. On the other hand, however, these philosophical orientations (typically presented as paradigms) have solidified to such a degree in writing and teaching on qualitative inquiry that they can feel confining, leading students to feel that more than one “paradigm”
resonates with their personal sensibilities, and therefore to wonder where the points of tension actually lie between different orientations to research—for indeed, what is learned in the classroom about convergences and divergences between research perspectives is sometimes not borne
out in our lived experiences in the field. In this critical review article, which is meant to be both a personal reflection and an analytical methodology exploration, the author engages in an exercise of “rethinking,” in which she questions earlier claims regarding the tension
between two increasingly popular research approaches in her own field of tourism studies—namely, constructivism and critical theory—and attempts to interrogate what is really at stake between these perspectives. Ultimately, the author concludes that the tension between these two
traditions may lie in a surprising place: it may not be ontological, and not necessarily even political, but pedagogical and care oriented. She then ponders the inherent challenge that lies in the tension between these two perspectives, in terms of the quest to forge a social research approach
that is reflexive, critically and politically oriented, and respectful of participants and their lived experiences. By situating her analysis within the context of her own doctoral research project, she hopes not only to capture the analytical dimension of working at a methodological crossroads,
but also to offer a window into the ways that such issues are worked through in our own respective and embodied research journeys. (Abstract by A.-M.H.)