bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Characterization of a Cascaded Chromogenic Enzyme Substrate
Authors: Ding Hai Xin , Ruan Zhi Zhong , Xiao Qiang , Wang Xiao Jun
Published: March 2015

A novel galactoside derivative (1) incorporatingp-nitroaniline (p-NA) as chromophore has been synthesized and used as a cascaded chromogenic enzyme substrate for the detection of β-D-galactosidase, which was characterized using UV,1H NMR,13C NMR and MS spectra. A plausible mechanism for the release ofp-NPA from the enzyme substrate 1 was proposed.
Gas Seepage Law in Condition of Bound Water of Low Permeability and Tight Sandstone Gas Reservoir
Authors: Li Qi , Ye Li You , An Wei Guo
Published: March 2015

In condition of bound water, bound water is distributed on surface of pore throat in the form of water film in low permeability and tight sandstone gas reservoir, so bound water reduces the seepage space of the gas and makes gas to occur Special seepage law. This article design physical simulation research experiment about gas seepage law in containing water reservoir. Experimental results explain: Gas seepage curve existed obvious non-linear seepage region in low permeability reservoir, gas slippage effect happens in the low-pressure region, and high-speed non-Darcy seepage happens in the high-pressure region. With the limit of water and pore throat in tight reservoir, gas hardly occurs specific non-linear seepage phenomenon. The critical water saturation which causes gas effective permeability sudden changing is around 30% in low permeability and tight reservoir. The research result has important theoretical significance on establishing corresponding percolation model of single well productivity and efficient development of low permeability and tight sandstone gas reservoir.
Synthesis of an Isomeric Nucleoside Enantiomers of 1,3-bis(1'-deoxy-β-ribofuranose-2'-yl)-thymine
Authors: Sun Zhi Dong , Gong Zi Wen , Hu Chen , Huang Hai Yang , Chen Xi , Xiao Qiang
Published: March 2015

The enantiomer isomeric nucleosides of 1,3-bis (1'-deoxy-β-ribofuranose-2'-yl)-thymine were synthesized from 1-deoxy-5-O-triphenylmethyl-ribose in high yield and selectivity. The key step is the coupling of 1-deoxy-5-O-triphenylmethyl-2,3-O-cyclosulphate-ribose and thymine using cesium carbonate as the base.
The Improved Process for the Preparation of Iloperidone
Authors: Shang Zhen Hua , Chu Qian Qian , Ha Jing , An Chen Hong , Wang Pan
Published: March 2015

The main object of the present invention is to provide an improved process for the preparation of Iloperidone, which would be more simple, economical and easy to implement on large scale preparation. In this paper, 1,3-difluorobenzene and 1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl) ethanone are starting materials. And then tartaric acid is added. The key intermediate (Z)-4-(2,4-difluorobenzoyl) piperidine oxime is obtained through stereoselectivity. With the key intermediate and 1-(4-(3-chloropropoxy)-3-methoxyphenyl) ethanone, the target product is obtained directly under the condition of catalyst.
A Facile and Effective Route to the Synthesis of Sulfonyl Azides
Authors: Chen Qiu  Ying , Wang Qi
Published: March 2015

A facile and effective route to the synthesis of different sulfonyl azides using the inexpensive NaN3 and common sulfonyl chlorides was reported, which could be further applied to the synthesis of sulfonamide-containing compounds.
Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy Study of the Photogeneration of Surface Charges in Polymer Photovoltaic Film
Authors: Shen Si , Zhang Pan Pan , Zhang Chun  Xia , Kang Bo Nan
Published: March 2015

The electronic structure and photoinduced surface/interface charge transfer processes have been studied in poly [2-methoxy-5-(28-ethyl-hexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene] (MEH-PPV) thin films spin-coated on Au using Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy. The results show that the MEH-PPV film,dissolved at about 1% weight/volume in Chloroform (CHCl3), is a n-type semiconductor with an optical band gap of around 2.1 eV and a surface work function of 4.6 eV. MEH-PPV was also dissolved in chlorobenzene (CB) with the same concentration as the CHCl3 solution, is a p-type semiconductor with an optical band gap of around 2.1 eV and a surface work function of 4.75 eV, and its photovoltaic response is dominated by its free surface rather than the interface with the substrate.
Hospital-acquired pneumonia due to Leclercia adecarboxylata in a neurosurgical centre
Authors: Prakash MR , Ravikumar R , Patra N , Indiradevi B
Published: March 2015

Leclercia adecarboxylata, a gram-negative bacillus of the Enterobacteriaceae family, is an uncommonly identified human pathogen. The organism has been reported worldwide and isolated from various environmental sources. Most human infections are polymicrobial and commonly occur in immunocompromised hosts, although nosocomial infections in immunocompetent hosts have been documented. We describe three case reports of L. adecarboxylata isolation from cases of hospital acquired pneumonia admitted to a tertiary care center for neurosurgical care.
Magnitude and determinants of depression in acute stroke patients admitted in a rural tertiary care hospital
Authors: Saxena Amrish , Suman Ajitabh
Published: March 2015

Objectives: Depression is one of the most frequent neuropsychiatric disturbances after a cerebrovascular stroke. The frequency of depression in stroke patients has varied widely in different populations. Post stroke depression is an important factor limiting recovery and rehabilitation in acute stroke patients. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional hospital-based study was performed in acute stroke patients admitted in the department of Medicine of a rural teaching tertiary care hospital in central India. Materials and Methods: In all consecutive acute stroke inpatients, the intensity of depression was assessed by a trained person through a questionnaire, Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), who is blind of the diagnosis and investigations of the patient. Another study person collected the data including demographics, co-morbid diseases or risk factors. Radiological imaging data was noted from the CT/MRI head reports of stroke patients. Results: Of the total 107 stroke patients, 60 (56%) were males and 47 (44%) were females. Sixty-one (57%) of the 107 stroke patients had depression. Of the 107 stroke patients, 35 (33%) had mild depression, 22 (20%) had moderate depression and 4 (4%) had severe depression. The age, gender, education status and co-morbidities of the stroke patient were not associated with depression. The association of socio-economic status and left-sided lesions with depression was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). Type and location of the lesion were not associated with depression. Conclusion: Post-stroke depression was present in more than half of the stroke patients and was related to socio-economic status and left-sided hemisphere lesions.
Forecasting Water Demand and Supply of China for 2025
Authors: Wei X , Xu J , Zhai Y
Published: March 2015

Water resource is the most critical resource; it is the basic condition of human survival, production and maintaining a good ecological environment. Water is a kind of renewable resources, but China is faced with a serious shortage of freshwater because of its huge population. In this paper, two models are built to make a forecast of water demand and supply of China in 2025. These two forecasting models for water demand and supply based on the algorithm of Double Exponential Smoothing. Based on the results of these models, the water amount of the nation and every province is obvious and two advices are proposed for China government makes any water strategy to meet the water demand of China in 2025, such as building desalination plants in the coastal provinces which are lack of water, and meanwhile, more water diversion projects should be constructed between different provinces in the middle of China.Key words: Double Exponential Smoothing, Demand forecast, Math models, Water Strategy
Mathematics Education for National Competitiveness and Prestige
Authors: Uveruveh FO , Perekeme P
Published: March 2015

Mathematics education has always been a key factor in improving a country’s productivity and competitiveness. Proficiency in mathematics education implies a high-level of cognitive skills among the labour force, in other words, a high quality of human capital, which leads to technological innovation and productivity gains. This paper discusses some examples of application areas where mathematics education is emerging as vital components with great opportunities for inter discipline research. It is recommended that the current interaction between mathematics education and other disciplines will be further strengthened by ensuring that adequate time is devoted to classes and to eliminate the belief that mathematics is not important in their lives
The Use of Interactive Media in Teaching of Human Kinetics (Kinesiology)
Authors: Ezike CO
Published: March 2015

This paper x-rays how teachers of kinesiology (human kinetics) can utilize interactive media to enhance teaching of the subject. Interactive media are those media that challenges the learner to interact with the media devices as well as with each other. The Use of interactive media opens up the creativity and potentials of the learner as it awakens the learner’s senses and activates all the senses to be attentive hence encouraging learning. Kinesiology instructors can make use of interactive media types like the internet, websites, web-page browsers, Pc games, Online games, Board games, e-mails and simulations to assist, and complement teaching to ensure effective teaching, and learning.
Fetal Neurology: The Role of Fetal Stress
Authors: Kadic Aida Salihagic
Published: March 2015

Fetal development and growth, as well as the timing of birth is influenced by the intrauterine environment. Many environmental factors causing the fetal stress can interfere with fetal development and leave long-term and profound consequences on health. Fetal glucocorticoid overexposure has primarily significant consequences for the development of the central nervous system. In response to an adverse intrauterine conditions, the fetus is able to adapt its physiology to promote survival. However, these adaptations can result in permanent changes in tissue and organ structure and function that directly ‘program’ predisposition to disease. Cardiometabolic disorders, behavioral alterations and neuropsychiatric impairments in adulthood and/ or childhood may have their roots in the fetal period of life. Fetal response to stress and its prenatal and lifelong consequences are discussed in this review.

How to cite this article

Kadić AS. Fetal Neurology: The Role of Fetal Stress. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2015;9(1):30-39.
Transport of Antarctic stratospheric strongly dehydrated air into the troposphere observed during the HALO-ESMVal campaign 2012
Authors: Rolf C. , Afchine A. , Bozem H. , Buchholz B. , Ebert V. , Guggenmoser T. , Hoor P. , Konopka P. , Kretschmer E. , Müller S. , Schlager H. , Spelten N. , Sumińska-Ebersoldt O. , Ungermann J. , Zahn A. , Krämer M.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Dehydration in the Antarctic winter stratosphere is a well-known phenomenon that is occasionally observed by balloon-borne and satellite measurements. However, in-situ measurements of dehydration in the Antarctic vortex are very rare. Here, we present detailed observations with the in-situ and GLORIA remote sensing instrument payload aboard the new German aircraft HALO. Strongly dehydrated air masses down to 1.6 ppmv of water vapor were observed as far north as 47° S and between 12 and 13 km in altitude, which has never been observed by satellites. The dehydration can be traced back to individual ice formation events, where ice crystals sedimented out and water vapor was irreversibly removed. Within these dehydrated stratospheric air masses, filaments of moister air reaching down to the tropopause are detected with the high resolution limb sounder, GLORIA. Furthermore, dehydrated air masses are observed with GLORIA in the Antarctic troposphere down to 7 km. With the help of a backward trajectory analysis, a tropospheric origin of the moist filaments in the vortex can be identified, while the dry air masses in the troposphere have stratospheric origins. The transport pathways of Antarctic stratosphere/troposphere exchange are investigated and the irrelevant role of the Antarctic thermal tropopause as a transport barrier is confirmed. Further, it is shown that the exchange process can be attributed to several successive Rossby wave events in combination with an isentropic interchange of air masses across the weak tropopause and subsequent subsidence due to radiative cooling. Once transported to the troposphere, air masses with stratospheric origin are able to reach near-surface levels within 1–2 months.
PREPROCESSING OF SATELLITE DATA FOR URBAN OBJECT EXTRACTION
Authors: Krauß T.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Very high resolution (VHR) DSMs (digital surface models) derived from stereo- or multi-stereo images from current VHR satellites like WorldView-2 or Pléiades can be produced up to the ground sampling distance (GSD) of the sensors in the range of 50 cm to 1 m. From such DSMs the digital terrain model (DTM) representing the ground and also a so called nDEM (normalized digital elevation model) describing the height of objects above the ground can be derived. In parallel these sensors deliver multispectral imagery which can be used for a spectral classification of the imagery. Fusion of the multispectral classification and the nDEM allows a simple classification and detection of urban objects. In further processing steps these detected urban objects can be modeled and exported in a suitable description language like CityGML. In this work we present the pre-processing steps up to the classification and detection of the urban objects. The modeling is not part of this work. The pre-processing steps described here cover briefly the coregistration of the input images and the generation of the DSM. In more detail the improvement of the DSM, the extraction of the DTM and nDEM, the multispectral classification and the object detection and extraction are explained. The methods described are applied to two test regions from two satellites: First the center of Munich acquired by WorldView-2 and second the center of Melbourne acquired by Pl´eiades. From both acquisitions a stereo-pair from the panchromatic bands is used for creation of the DSM and the pan-sharpened multispectral images are used for spectral classification. Finally the quality of the detected urban objects is discussed.
MAPPING THE RISK OF FOREST WIND DAMAGE USING AIRBORNE SCANNING LiDAR
Authors: Saarinen N. , Vastaranta M. , Honkavaara E. , Wulder M. A. , White J. C. , Litkey P. , Holopainen M. , Hyyppä J.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Wind damage is known for causing threats to sustainable forest management and yield value in boreal forests. Information about wind damage risk can aid forest managers in understanding and possibly mitigating damage impacts. The objective of this research was to better understand and quantify drivers of wind damage, and to map the probability of wind damage. To accomplish this, we used open-access airborne scanning light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data. The probability of wind-induced forest damage (PDAM) in southern Finland (61°N, 23°E) was modelled for a 173 km2 study area of mainly managed boreal forests (dominated by Norway spruce and Scots pine) and agricultural fields. Wind damage occurred in the study area in December 2011. LiDAR data were acquired prior to the damage in 2008. High spatial resolution aerial imagery, acquired after the damage event (January, 2012) provided a source of model calibration via expert interpretation. A systematic grid (16 m x 16 m) was established and 430 sample grid cells were identified systematically and classified as damaged or undamaged based on visual interpretation using the aerial images. Potential drivers associated with PDAM were examined using a multivariate logistic regression model. Risk model predictors were extracted from the LiDAR-derived surface models. Geographic information systems (GIS) supported spatial mapping and identification of areas of high PDAM across the study area. The risk model based on LiDAR data provided good agreement with detected risk areas (73 % with kappa-value 0,47). The strongest predictors in the risk model were mean canopy height and mean elevation. Our results indicate that open-access LiDAR data sets can be used to map the probability of wind damage risk without field data, providing valuable information for forest management planning.
THE 0.4 ARC-SEC TANDEM-X INTERMEDIATE DEM WITH RESPECT TO THE SRTM AND ASTER GLOBAL DEMS
Authors: Vassilaki D. I. , Stamos A. A.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Recently a preliminary version of the new global DEM collected by the TanDEM-X mission became available to the scientific community: the TanDEM-X Intermediate DEM (IDEM) version. It is available over selected areas of the globe with a pixel spacing of 0.4, 1 and 3 arc-seconds. This paper presents the TanDEM-X IDEM with respect to global and local elevation data over Aegean Islands with mountainous terrain: the SRTM and ASTER global DEMs, and the national network of triangulation pillars (trig-points) and national archive Digital Terrain Model. Possible systematic 3D translations between global DEMs and local data are also determined and the relative gain in accuracy is assessed. TanDEM-X IDEM is shown to be dramatically enhanced with respect to the other global DEMs although a few jitters exist.
DEM GENERATION WITH SHORT BASE LENGTH PLEIADES TRIPLET
Authors: Jacobsen K. , Topan H.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. An image triplet of Pleiades images covering the area of Zonguldak, Turkey has been investigated. The height to base relation of the first to the last image is just 1:4.5 and for the first and the second image 1:9. This is quite below the usual height to base relation of 1:1.6 for a typical stereo pair of space images. The corresponding small angle of convergence influences the possible vertical accuracy, but images with such a small angle of convergence are more similar to each other as images with larger convergence angles. This enables a better image matching, improving the vertical accuracy and compensating partially the influence of poor intersection geometry. Even over forest areas no matching gaps occurred. Height models are generated with different base configurations and compared with a reference height model. Pleiades images are distributed with 50cm ground sampling distance instead of the physical size of 70cm, the image quality justifies this zooming and also the geometric results are in the range of other space images with originally 50cm GSD. The image orientation by bias corrected Rational Polynomial Coefficients (RPC) is leading with more as 160 ground control points (GCP) to root mean square (RMS) differences slightly below 1.0 GSD of the distributed images (0.5m GSD). Only negligible systematic errors have been identified. With the combination of the first and last image a standard deviation of the generated height model of 1.6m, respectively for flat terrain close to 1.0m has been reached in relation to a reference height model. The small angle of convergence is not as much influencing the height accuracy as according to simple geometric relation.
SHADOW DETECTION FROM VERY HIGH RESOLUTON SATELLITE IMAGE USING GRABCUT SEGMENTATION AND RATIO-BAND ALGORITHMS
Authors: Kadhim N. M. S. M. , Mourshed M. , Bray M. T.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Very-High-Resolution (VHR) satellite imagery is a powerful source of data for detecting and extracting information about urban constructions. Shadow in the VHR satellite imageries provides vital information on urban construction forms, illumination direction, and the spatial distribution of the objects that can help to further understanding of the built environment. However, to extract shadows, the automated detection of shadows from images must be accurate. This paper reviews current automatic approaches that have been used for shadow detection from VHR satellite images and comprises two main parts. In the first part, shadow concepts are presented in terms of shadow appearance in the VHR satellite imageries, current shadow detection methods, and the usefulness of shadow detection in urban environments. In the second part, we adopted two approaches which are considered current state-of-the-art shadow detection, and segmentation algorithms using WorldView-3 and Quickbird images. In the first approach, the ratios between the NIR and visible bands were computed on a pixel-by-pixel basis, which allows for disambiguation between shadows and dark objects. To obtain an accurate shadow candidate map, we further refine the shadow map after applying the ratio algorithm on the Quickbird image. The second selected approach is the GrabCut segmentation approach for examining its performance in detecting the shadow regions of urban objects using the true colour image from WorldView-3. Further refinement was applied to attain a segmented shadow map. Although the detection of shadow regions is a very difficult task when they are derived from a VHR satellite image that comprises a visible spectrum range (RGB true colour), the results demonstrate that the detection of shadow regions in the WorldView-3 image is a reasonable separation from other objects by applying the GrabCut algorithm. In addition, the derived shadow map from the Quickbird image indicates significant performance of the ratio algorithm. The differences in the characteristics of the two satellite imageries in terms of spatial and spectral resolution can play an important role in the estimation and detection of the shadow of urban objects.
A meta-analysis of soil biodiversity impacts on the carbon cycle
Authors: de Graaff M.-A. , Adkins J. , Kardol P. , Throop H. L.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Loss of biodiversity impacts ecosystem functions, such as carbon (C) cycling. Soils are the largest terrestrial C reservoir, containing more C globally than the biotic and atmospheric pools together. As such, soil C cycling, and the processes controlling it, has the potential to affect atmospheric CO2 concentrations and subsequent climate change. Despite the growing evidence of links between plant diversity and soil C cycling, there is a dearth of information on whether similar relationships exist between soil biodiversity and C cycling. This knowledge gap occurs even though there has been increased recognition that soil communities display high levels of both taxonomic and functional diversity and are key drivers of fluxes of C between the atmosphere and terrestrial ecosystems. Here, we used meta-analysis and regression analysis to quantitatively assess how soil biodiversity affects soil C cycling pools and processes (i.e., soil C respiration, litter decomposition, and plant biomass). We compared the response of process variables to changes in diversity both within and across groups of soil organisms that differed in body size, a grouping that typically correlates with ecological function. When studies that manipulated both within- and across-body size group diversity were included in the meta-analysis, loss of diversity significantly reduced soil C respiration (−27.5%) and plant tissue decomposition (−18%) but did not affect above- or belowground plant biomass. The loss of within-group diversity significantly reduced soil C respiration, while loss of across-group diversity did not. Decomposition was negatively affected both by loss of within-group and across-group diversity. Furthermore, loss of microbial diversity strongly reduced soil C respiration (−41%). In contrast, plant tissue decomposition was negatively affected by loss of soil faunal diversity but was unaffected by loss of microbial diversity. Taken together, our findings show that loss of soil biodiversity strongly impacts on soil C cycling processes, and highlight the importance of diversity across groups of organisms (e.g., primary consumers and secondary decomposers) for maintaining full functionality of C cycle processes. However, our understanding of the complex relationships between soil biodiversity and C cycling processes is currently limited by the sheer number of methodological concerns associated with these studies, which can greatly overestimate or underestimate the impact of soil biodiversity on soil C cycling, challenging extrapolation to natural field settings. Future studies should attempt to further elucidate the relative importance of taxonomic diversity (species numbers) versus functional diversity.
Evolution of ice-shelf channels in Antarctic ice shelves
Authors: Drews R.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Ice shelves buttress the continental ice flux and mediate ice–ocean interactions. They are often traversed by channels in which basal melting is enhanced, impacting ice-shelf stability. Here, channel evolution is investigated using a transient, three-dimensional full Stokes model and geophysical data collected on Roi Baudouin Ice Shelf (RBIS), Antarctica. The modeling confirms basal melting as a feasible mechanism for channel creation, although channels may also advect without melting for many tens of kilometers. Channels can be out of hydrostatic equilibrium depending on their width and the upstream melt history. Inverting surface elevation for ice thickness in those areas is erroneous and corresponding observational evidence is presented at RBIS by comparing the hydrostatically inverted ice thickness with radar measurements. The model shows that channelized melting imprints the flowfield characteristically, which can result in enhanced horizontal shearing across channels. This is exemplified for a channel at RBIS using observed surface velocities and opens up the possibility to classify channelized melting from space, an important step towards incorporating these effects in ice–ocean models.
Quality of Life and Cosmesis after Breast Cancer: Whole Breast Radiotherapy vs Partial Breast High-dose-rate Brachytherapy
Authors: Perrucci Elisabetta , Lancellotta Valentina , Bini Vittorio , Falcinelli Lorenzo , Farneti Alessia , Margaritelli Manuela , Capezzali Giorgia , Palumbo Isabella , Aristei Cynthia
Published: March 2015

Aim and Background

Conservative surgery and radiotherapy for early breast cancer offers a better quality of life than mastectomy. As 80–85% of breast relapses develop close to the tumour bed, partial breast irradiation was developed to overcome drawbacks with standard radiotherapy. This study compares quality of life and cosmesis after partial breast multi-catheter high-dose rate interstitial brachytherapy or standard radiotherapy.

Methods

A questionnaire, exploring body image, fear of recurrence, satisfaction with treatment and cosmesis, was administered to 39 partial and 78 whole breast patients at a median of 20 and 80 months after radiotherapy. Patients' and physicians' cosmetic assessments were compared.

Results

Groups were well-matched, except for: a higher percentage of chemotherapy-treated patients in the whole breast group and a older median age and a higher percentage of infiltrating ductal carcinoma G1 in partial breast group. At first and second analysis no significant inter-group difference emerged on body image and fear of recurrence, while partial breast patients were more satisfied with cosmetic outcome and at first analysis with treatment. Comparing results from first and second analysis into each treatment group, body image was significantly better at the first analysis in both groups. Fear of recurrence was unchanged. No differences were found in cosmesis as assessed by patients. At first and second analyses physicians' assessment of cosmesis was significantly better in the partial breast group.

Conclusions

Even at longer follow-up, quality of life is similar after partial or whole breast irradiation. Cosmesis is better after partial breast irradiation.
Outcomes of Trimodality Approach in the Management of T2N0M0 Bladder Cancer
Authors: Uysal Bora , Beyzadeoglu Murat , Demiral Selcuk , Gamsiz Hakan , Dincoglan Ferrat , Sager Omer , Akin Mustafa , Babayigit Mustafa Alparslan
Published: March 2015

Aims and Background

The main objective of this study is to evaluate outcomes of bladder preservation treatment for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

Methods and Study Design

38 patients with histologically proven muscle-invasive bladder cancer treated at our department between January 2008 and December 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. Age, gender, pathology, stage, 3-year overall survival, 3-year disease-free survival, radiotherapy (RT) dose, genitourinary and gastrointestinal toxicity scores and response evaluation of the patients were recorded. 3-year overall survival and 3-year disease-free survivals were calculated by Kaplan-Meier method along with the analysis of gender, pathology, stage and therapy response of the study group.

Results

33 patients (86.8%) were managed with concomitant chemoradiotherapy whereas 5 patients (13.2%) received only radiation therapy due to renal insufficency and comorbid diseases. 6 (15.8%) out of 38 patients had partial response (PR) and remaining 32 (84.2%) patients experienced complete response (CR). The PR group underwent salvage cystectomy and CR group had been followed-up after radical radiotherapy. Mean age of the group was 70.9 (range 45–90) years. 26 of all patients were male (68.4%) and 12 were female (31.6%). Mean follow-up time after completion of radiotherapy was 24.7 months (range 12–40). Mean RT dose was 64 Gy (range 60–66). 3-year overall survival was 64% and 3-year disease free survival was 73%.

Conclusions

Bladder preserving approach is an alternative definitive therapy solution to radical cystectomy in the treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancer with less morbidity, preserved natural bladder, and high quality of life.
Repair of post-hysterectomy vesicovaginal fistulae: the state of the art
Authors: Giusti Giuseppe , De Lisa Antonello
Published: March 2015

In western countries, vesicovaginal fistulae (VVF) are mostly iatrogenic and in the majority of cases are secondary to hysterectomy. The golden standard for the treatment of VVF has remained largely unchanged since 1953 (Couvelaire): good visualization, good dissection, good approximation of the margins, and good urine drainage. However, several aspects are still being debated, including whether or not to pursue conservative repair, the timing for surgical repair, whether to perform excision of the fistula tract, the best type of surgical access, and whether or not to use tissue interposition. We decided to review the state of the art in the treatment of VVF, which are exclusively of a traumatic nature and non-radiated, by performing a bibliography search carried on Pubmed using keywords such as “vesicovaginal fistula”. The search focused on recent articles and was largely restricted to the past 10 years.
Political Fallout: The Failure of Emergency Management at Chernobyl'
Authors: Geist Edward
Published: March 2015

Ever since the accident that destroyed unit 4 of the Chernobyl’ Nuclear Power Plant on April 26,1986, became public knowledge, the Soviet government's response to this catastrophe has been the subject of bewilderment and withering criticism. The exact sequence of events that unfolded in the days following the disaster and the forces that shaped it have, however, remained obscure. While the USSR's civil defense organization urged prompt and decisive measures to inform the population of the accident and move people out of harm's way, other Soviet institutions, such as the Communist Party and the KGB, feared the accident's threat to their legitimacy more than its implications for public health. Drawing on declassified archival documents from Ukrainian archives and memoir literature, I explore the political and institutional logic that prevented the USSR from acting appropriately to protect citizens from the consequences of the nuclear accident.
Secreted CLCA1 modulates TMEM16A to activate Ca2+-dependent chloride currents in human cells
Authors: Sala-Rabanal Monica , Yurtsever Zeynep , Nichols Colin G , Brett Tom J
Published: March 2015

Calcium-activated chloride channel regulator 1 (CLCA1) activates calcium-dependent chloride currents; neither the target, nor mechanism, is known. We demonstrate that secreted CLCA1 activates calcium-dependent chloride currents in HEK293T cells in a paracrine fashion, and endogenous TMEM16A/Anoctamin1 conducts the currents. Exposure to exogenous CLCA1 increases cell surface levels of TMEM16A and cellular binding experiments indicate CLCA1 engages TMEM16A on the surface of these cells. Altogether, our data suggest that CLCA1 stabilizes TMEM16A on the cell surface, thus increasing surface expression, which results in increased calcium-dependent chloride currents. Our results identify the first Cl− channel target of the CLCA family of proteins and establish CLCA1 as the first secreted direct modifier of TMEM16A activity, delineating a unique mechanism to increase currents. These results suggest cooperative roles for CLCA and TMEM16 proteins in influencing the physiology of multiple tissues, and the pathology of multiple diseases, including asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, and certain cancers.
Rapid epigenetic adaptation to uncontrolled heterochromatin spreading
Authors: Wang Jiyong , Reddy Bharat D , Jia Songtao
Published: March 2015

Heterochromatin, a highly compact chromatin state characterized by histone H3K9 methylation and HP1 protein binding, silences the underlying DNA and influences the expression of neighboring genes. However, the mechanisms that regulate heterochromatin spreading are not well understood. In this study, we show that the conserved Mst2 histone acetyltransferase complex in fission yeast regulates histone turnover at heterochromatin regions to control heterochromatin spreading and prevents ectopic heterochromatin assembly. The combined loss of Mst2 and the JmjC domain protein Epe1 results in uncontrolled heterochromatin spreading and massive ectopic heterochromatin, leading to severe growth defects due to the inactivation of essential genes. Interestingly, these cells quickly recover by accumulating heterochromatin at genes essential for heterochromatin assembly, leading to their reduced expression to restrain heterochromatin spreading. Our studies discover redundant pathways that control heterochromatin spreading and prevent ectopic heterochromatin assembly and reveal a fast epigenetic adaptation response to changes in heterochromatin landscape.
Seismic tomography of compressional wave attenuation structure for Kı̄lauea Volcano, Hawai‘i
Authors: Lin Guoqing , Shearer Peter M. , Amelung Falk , Okubo Paul G.
Published: March 2015

We present a frequency‐independent three‐dimensional (3‐D) compressional wave attenuation model (indicated by the reciprocal of quality factor Qp) for Kı̄lauea Volcano in Hawai‘i. We apply the simul2000 tomographic algorithm to the attenuation operator t* values for the inversion of Qp perturbations through a recent 3‐D seismic velocity model and earthquake location catalog. The t* values are measured from amplitude spectra of 26708 P wave arrivals of 1036 events recorded by 61 seismic stations at the Hawaiian Volcanology Observatory. The 3‐D Qp model has a uniform horizontal grid spacing of 3 km, and the vertical node intervals range between 2 and 10 km down to 35 km depth. In general, the resolved Qp values increase with depth, and there is a correlation between seismic activity and low‐Qp values. The area beneath the summit caldera is dominated by low‐Qp anomalies throughout the entire resolved depth range. The Southwest Rift Zone and the East Rift Zone exhibit very high Qp values at about 9 km depth, whereas the shallow depths are characterized with low‐Qp anomalies comparable with those in the summit area. The seismic zones and fault systems generally display relatively high Qp values relative to the summit. The newly developed Qp model provides an important complement to the existing velocity models for exploring the magmatic system and evaluating and interpreting intrinsic physical properties of the rocks in the study area.
Interdecadal decrease of the Oyashio transport on the continental slope off the southeastern coast of Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Kuroda Hiroshi , Wagawa Taku , Shimizu Yugo , Ito Shin‐ichi , Kakehi Shigeho , Okunishi Takashi , Ohno Sosuke , Kusaka Akira
Published: March 2015

We investigated the interdecadal trend of Oyashio velocity and transport during 1993–2011 based mainly on linear trend analysis of altimetry and in situ temperature‐salinity data from a monitoring line (“A‐line”) off the southeastern Hokkaido coast. Significant trends of increasing sea level were detected on the continental slope, north of the Kuril‐Kamchatka Trench. Sea level anomaly data revealed a localized clockwise circulation centered near the trench, the suggestion being that the strength of the Oyashio on the slope and the offshore return flow had decreased. The Oyashio mainstream seemed to have shifted from a nearshore to an offshore path. Steric heights estimated from the A‐line data exhibited an increasing trend north of the trench, where 50–80% of the increase was determined by halosteric components attributable to a trend of decreasing salinity in the subsurface. The trend of decreasing salinity was related to downward displacement of isohaline/isopycnal surfaces. The largest displacement was above the trench. Horizontal pressure gradients associated with southwestward flows on the slope were weakened. The Oyashio transport decreased by 8.9 Sv (106 m3 s−1) in 19 years. A mesoscale eddy analysis revealed that clockwise eddies appeared more frequently in recent years near the trench around the A‐line and could decrease the Oyashio transport. A baroclinic, long Rossby‐wave model also predicted that a large‐scale baroclinic response to the wind stress could weaken the Oyashio velocity in the upper layer. Dynamical linkage between the localized eddies and large‐scale response remains to be clarified in future work.
Time scales of response to antisymmetric surface fluxes in an aquaplanet GCM
Authors: Woelfle Matthew D. , Bretherton Christopher S. , Frierson Dargan M. W.
Published: March 2015

The intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) shifts in response to hemispheric asymmetries in extratropical energy forcings. This study investigates the response time scale of this shift in an aquaplanet global climate model coupled to a slab ocean. A steady antisymmetric perturbation is abruptly added to the slab‐ocean heat flux convergence in midlatitudes. The time scale of the ITCZ shift scales linearly with the heat capacity of the combined ocean‐atmosphere system, and the shift is amplified by subtropical clear‐sky radiation and cloud radiative feedbacks.
Infrared Spectroscopy in Microbiology
Authors: Lasch Peter , Naumann Dieter
Published: March 2015

Infrared (IR) spectra of intact microbial cells are highly specific, fingerprint‐like signatures that can be used to differentiate, identify, and classify diverse microbial species and strains. Microbial IR spectra are also useful to (i) detect in situ intracellular compounds or structures such as inclusion bodies, storage materials, and endospores; (ii) monitor and quantify metabolically released CO2in response to various different substrates; and (iii) characterize growth‐dependent phenomena and cell–drug interactions. The characteristic information, useful for microbial characterizations, is generally distributed over the entire IR region of the electromagnetic spectrum, i.e. over the near‐infrared (NIR), mid‐infrared (MIR), and far‐infrared (FIR). The spectral traits can be extracted from the typically broad and complex spectral contours applying resolution enhancement techniques, difference spectroscopy, and pattern recognition methods such as cluster analysis and artificial neural network (ANN) analyses. Additional applications arise by means of specifically designed microscopes coupled to IR spectrometers. IR spectra of microcolonies containing less than 103cells can be obtained from colony replica by a stamping technique that transfers microcolonies growing on culture plates to a special IR sample holder. Using modern IR imaging approaches together with mapping and video techniques, the fundamental tasks of microbiological analysis, namely detection and differentiation of microorganisms, can be perspectively integrated in one single apparatus.
Public Libraries and Cooperative Extension as Community Partners for Lifelong Learning and Learning Cities
Authors: Peich Alysia , Fletcher Cynthia Needles
Published: March 2015

This chapter examines the parallel histories and visions of public libraries and land‐grant universities’ Cooperative Extension in providing lifelong learning opportunities; it illustrates how partnerships between organizations can enhance the vibrancy of adult education in the context of learning cities.
Learning Cities for All: Directions to a New Adult Education and Learning Movement
Authors: Scott Leodis
Published: March 2015

This chapter features a conceptual framework that considers the practical characteristics of learning cities, pointing to the field of adult and continuing education to lead a movement for the purposes of education, learning, and engagement for all.
Evidence for a Boat Conformation at the Transition State of GH76 α‐1,6‐Mannanases—Key Enzymes in Bacterial and Fungal Mannoprotein Metabolism
Authors: Thompson Andrew J. , Speciale Gaetano , Iglesias‐Fernández Javier , Hakki Zalihe , Belz Tyson , Cartmell Alan , Spears Richard J. , Chandler Emily , Temple Max J. , Stepper Judith , Gilbert Harry J. , Rovira Carme , Williams Spencer J. , Davies Gideon J.
Published: March 2015

α‐Mannosidases and α‐mannanases have attracted attention for the insight they provide into nucleophilic substitution at the hindered anomeric center of α‐mannosides, and the potential of mannosidase inhibitors as cellular probes and therapeutic agents. We report the conformational itinerary of the family GH76 α‐mannanases studied through structural analysis of the Michaelis complex and synthesis and evaluation of novel aza/imino sugar inhibitors. A Michaelis complex in an OS2 conformation, coupled with distortion of an azasugar in an inhibitor complex to a high energy B2,5 conformation are rationalized through ab initio QM/MM metadynamics that show how the enzyme surface restricts the conformational landscape of the substrate, rendering the B2,5 conformation the most energetically stable on‐enzyme. We conclude that GH76 enzymes perform catalysis using an itinerary that passes through OS2 and B2,5≠ conformations, information that should inspire the development of new antifungal agents.
A Facile and Versatile Approach to Double N‐Heterohelicenes: Tandem Oxidative CN Couplings of N‐Heteroacenes via Cruciform Dimers
Authors: Sakamaki Daisuke , Kumano Daisuke , Yashima Eiji , Seki Shu
Published: March 2015

Novel double N‐hetero[5]helicenes that are composed of two nitrogen‐substituted heteropentacenes are synthesized by tandem oxidative CN couplings via the cruciform heteropentacene dimers. The developed method is very facile and enables the synthesis of a double helicene in only two steps from commercially available naphthalene derivatives. These double N‐hetero[5]helicenes have larger torsion angles in the fjord regions than typical [5]helicenes, and optical/electrochemical measurements revealed a significant increase in the electronic communication between the two heteropentacene moieties of the double helicenes compared with their cruciform dimers. The optical resolution of one of the double helicenes was successfully carried out, and their stability towards racemization was remarkably higher than those of typical [5]helicenes. The synthetic strategy proposed in this paper should be versatile and widely applicable to the preparation of double helicenes from other N‐containing π‐conjugated planar molecules.
Pentagermapyramidane: Crystallizing the “Transition‐State” Structure
Authors: Lee Vladimir Ya. , Ito Yuki , Gapurenko Olga A. , Sekiguchi Akira , Minkin Vladimir I. , Minyaev Ruslan M. , Gornitzka Heinz
Published: March 2015

The first example of the homonuclear pyramidanes, pentagermapyramidane, was synthesized, fully characterized, and computationally studied to reveal its peculiar structural features and the nature of its apex‐to‐base bonding interactions. Both solid‐state and solution structures of pentagermapyramidane are discussed based on the computed stabilities of its square‐pyramidal and distorted forms.
Effects of thermal radiation and chemical reactions on peristaltic flow of a Newtonian nanofluid under inclined magnetic field in a generalized vertical channel using homotopy perturbation method
Authors: Kothandapani M. , Prakash J.
Published: March 2015

In this paper, we study the influences of inclined magnetic field, heat source, thermal radiation, and chemical reactions on peristaltic flow of a Newtonian nanofluid in a vertical generalized (tapered asymmetric) channel. The flow is engendered because of an asymmetric sinusoidal wave on the non‐uniform channel walls. The Rosseland approximation is viewed in the modeling of the conduction radiation heat transfer, and temperatures of the walls are presumed constants. The governing equations are uttered in a non‐dimensional form, and the series solutions of coupled system of equations are constructed for temperature and nanoparticle concentration using a homotopy perturbation method. Analytical solutions have been developed for stream function and axial velocity. Numerical integrations have been applied to receive the graphical results for an average rise in pressure. The variations of various interesting dimensionless parameters are sketched and discussed. It is observed that the temperature profile increases with an increase of the non‐uniform parameter, while it decreases when the thermal radiation parameter is increased. © 2015 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Serious Infections Among Adult Medicaid Beneficiaries With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Feldman Candace H. , Hiraki Linda T. , Winkelmayer Wolfgang C. , Marty Francisco M. , Franklin Jessica M. , Kim Seoyoung C. , Costenbader Karen H.
Published: March 2015

Objective

To examine the epidemiology of serious infections, a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), in a nationwide cohort of SLE and lupus nephritis (LN) patients.

Methods

Using the Medicaid Analytic eXtract database for the years 2000–2006, we identified patients ages 18–64 years who had SLE and the subset who had LN. We ascertained cases of serious hospitalized infections using validated algorithms, and we determined 30‐day mortality rates. Poisson regression was used to calculate infection incidence rates and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) for the first infection, adjusted for sociodemographic variables, medication use, and an SLE‐specific risk adjustment index.

Results

We identified 33,565 patients with SLE, 7,113 of whom had LN. There were 9,078 serious infections in 5,078 SLE patients and 3,494 infections in 1,825 LN patients. The infection incidence rate per 100 person‐years was 10.8 in the SLE cohort and 23.9 in the LN subcohort. In adjusted models for the SLE cohort, we observed increased risks of infection in men as compared to women (HR 1.33 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.20–1.47]), in blacks as compared to whites (HR 1.14 [95% CI 1.06–1.21]), and in users of glucocorticoids (HR 1.51 [95% CI 1.43–1.61]) and immunosuppressive drugs (HR 1.11 [95% CI 1.03–1.20]) as compared to never users. Hydroxychloroquine users had a reduced risk of infection as compared to never users (HR 0.73 [95% CI 0.68–0.77]). The 30‐day mortality rate per 1,000 person‐years among those hospitalized with infections was 21.4 in the SLE cohort and 38.6 in the LN subcohort.

Conclusion

In this diverse, nationwide cohort of SLE patients, we observed a substantial burden of serious infections with many subsequent deaths, particularly among those with LN.