bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of geographical information system in disposal site selection for hazardous wastes
Authors: Rezaeimahmoudi Mehdi , Esmaeli Abdolreza , Gharegozlu Alireza , Shabanian Hassan , Rokni Ladan
Published: November 2014

Background

The aim of this study was to provide a scientific method based on Geographical Information System (GIS) regarding all sustainable development measures to locate a proper landfill for disposal of hazardous wastes, especially industrial (radioactive) wastes.

Methods

Seven effective factors for determining hazardous waste landfill were applied in Qom Province, central Iran. These criteria included water, slope, population centers, roads, fault, protected areas and geology. The Analysis Hierarchical Process (AHP) model based on pair comparison was used. First, the weight of each factor was determined by experts; afterwards each layer of maps entered to ARC GIS and with special weight multiplied together, finally the best suitable site was introduced.

Results

The most suitable sites for burial were in northwest and west of Qom Province and eventually five zones were introduced as the sample sites.

Conclusion

GIs and AHP model is introduced as the technical, useful and accelerator tool for disposal site selection. Furthermore it is determined that geological factor is the most effective layer for site selection. It is suggested that geological conditions should be considered primarily then other factors are taken into consideration.
The Steroids in the Maintenance of Remission of Proliferative Lupus Nephritis (SIMPL) Pilot Trial
Authors: Galbraith Lauren , Manns Braden , Hemmelgarn Brenda , Walsh Michael
Published: November 2014

Background:

Patients with proliferative lupus nephritis are at risk of frequent relapses. Whether low- dose prednisone prevents relapses is uncertain.

Objectives:

We undertook a pilot RCT to determine the feasibility of a larger trial.

Design:

Pilot randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Single center Canadian outpatient nephrology clinic.

Patients:

Participants with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and a history of class III or IV lupus nephritis that achieved at least partial remission and remained on prednisone were eligible.

Measurements:

Feasibility: proportion of eligible patients randomized and adherence to tapering regimen. Clinical: occurrence of renal or major non-renal flare of SLE.

Methods:

We conducted a blinded, two-parallel-group randomized controlled trial of prednisone 7.5 mg/day (continuation) compared to a matching placebo (withdrawal).

Results:

Of nineteen eligible patients screened, 15 (79%) were recruited and randomized; 8 to prednisone continuation and seven to withdrawal. All participants adhered to the tapering protocol to their assigned withdrawal or low-dose maintenance target. Over 36 months, the primary outcome occurred in four (50%) patients in the continuation group (three renal and one major non-renal flare), compared with one patient (14%) in the withdrawal group (one renal flare). Three participants (38%) in the continuation group had minor flares, while no patients in the withdrawal group did.

Limitations:

This pilot RCT was small and not designed to assess the efficacy or safety of maintenance with low-dose prednisone.

Conclusions:

The high proportion of eligible patients recruited, and success of protocol adherence suggest a large trial of prednisone maintenance therapy compared to withdrawal is feasible.

Trial registration:

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN31327267.
Prevalence of serum N-methyl-d-aspartate
receptor autoantibodies in refractory psychosis
Authors: Beck Katherine , Lally John , Shergill Sukhwinder S. , Bloomfield Michael A. P. , MacCabe James H. , Gaughran Fiona , Howes Oliver D.
Published: November 2014

N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) autoantibodies have
been reported in people with acute psychosis. We hypothesised that their
presence may be implicated in the aetiology of treatment-refractory
psychosis. We sought to ascertain the point prevalence of NMDA-R antibody
positivity in patients referred to services for treatment-refractory
psychosis. We found that 3 (7.0%) of 43 individuals had low positive NMDA-R
antibody titres. This suggests that NMDA-R autoantibodies are unlikely to
account for a large proportion of treatment-refractory psychosis.
Participant views on involvement in a trial of social recovery
cognitive–behavioural therapy
Authors: Notley Caitlin , Christopher Rose , Hodgekins Joanne , Byrne Rory , French Paul , Fowler David
Published: November 2014

Background

The PRODIGY trial (Prevention of long term social disability amongst
young people with emerging psychological difficulties, ISRCTN47998710) is
a pilot trial of social recovery cognitive–behavioural therapy
(SRCBT).

Aims

The PRODIGY qualitative substudy aimed to (a) explore individual
experiences of participating in the pilot randomised, controlled trial
(recruitment, randomisation, assessment) and initial views of therapy,
and (b) to explore perceived benefits of taking part in research
v. ethical concerns and potential risks.

Method

Qualitative investigation using semi-structured interviews with thematic
analysis.

Results

Analysis revealed participant experiences around the key themes of
acceptability, disclosure, practicalities, altruism and engagement.

Conclusions

Participants in both trial arms perceived themselves as gaining benefits
from being involved in the study, above and beyond the intervention. This
has implications for the design of future research and services for this
client group, highlighting the importance of being flexible and an
individualised approach as key engagement tools.
A preclinical orthotopic model for glioblastoma recapitulates key features of human tumors and demonstrates sensitivity to a combination of MEK and PI3K pathway inhibitors
Authors: El Meskini Rajaa , Iacovelli Anthony J. , Kulaga Alan , Gumprecht Michelle , Martin Philip , Baran Maureen , Householder Deborah B. , Van Dyke Terry , Weaver Ohler Zoë
Published: November 2014

Current therapy for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the highest grade malignant brain tumor, is mostly ineffective, and better preclinical model systems are needed to increase the successful translation of drug discovery efforts to the clinic. Previous work described a genetically engineered mouse (GEM) model which contains perturbations in the most frequently aberrant networks in GBM (driven by RB, KRAS/PI3K signaling and PTEN), that induce development of Grade IV astrocytoma with human disease properties. Here, we developed and characterized an orthotopic mouse model derived from the GEM that retains the features of the GEM model in an immunocompetent background, but is tractable and efficient for preclinical evaluation of candidate therapeutic regimens. Orthotopic brain tumors are highly proliferative, invasive, vascular, and express histologic markers characteristic of human GBM. Primary tumor cells were examined for sensitivity to chemotherapeutics and targeted drugs. PI3K and MAPK pathway inhibitors used as single agents inhibited cell proliferation but did not result in significant apoptosis. However, in combination, these inhibitors resulted in a substantial increase in cell death. Moreover, these findings translated to the in vivo orthotopic model: PI3K or MAPK inhibitor treatment regimens resulted in incomplete pathway suppression and feedback loops, whereas dual treatment delayed tumor growth through increased apoptosis and decreased tumor cell proliferation. Analysis of downstream pathway components revealed a cooperative effect on target downregulation. These concordant results, together with the morphologic similarities to human GBM disease characteristics of the model, validate it as a new platform for the evaluation of GBM treatment.
Fabrication of Antibacterial Photocatalytic Titanium Foil by Anodic Oxidation
Authors: Miura Yuta , Fujii Yuki , Miyao Yukimitsu , Mizukoshi Yoshiteru , Masahashi Naoya
Published: November 2014

Pure titanium foils were anodized in an aqueous electrolyte containing sodium tartrate dihydrate and hydrogen peroxide. The annealed anodic oxide mainly consisted of anatase TiO2 and showed high antibacterial activity under UV illumination. The amount of photocatalytically formed hydroxyl radicals correlated well with the antibacterial activity, which was enhanced by an increase in the annealing temperature.
Recent Progress in Quinoidal Singlet Biradical Molecules
Authors: Kubo Takashi
Published: November 2014

Elusive nature in spin state is a feature of singlet biradical molecules and arises from the weak coupling of unpaired electrons. This highlight review focuses on recent advances in experimental approaches for elucidating the electronic structure and properties of singlet biradical molecules having quinoid skeletons.
Spiro-1,3-dioxolanofullerenes with Low-lying LUMO Level for Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Mikie Tsubasa , Saeki Akinori , Ikuma Naohiko , Kokubo Ken , Seki Shu
Published: November 2014

A series of spiro-1,3-dioxolanofullerenes with 6-, 7-, 8-, and 12-membered ring were synthesized by the acid-catalyzed reaction of fullerene epoxide with cycloalkanones. The LUMO levels of these fullerenes are 0.07–0.08 eV lower than that of PCBM, due to the electron-withdrawing ester directly bonded to the C60 core. However, good power conversion efficiencies of 2.9 and 5.4% were obtained for the P3HT and PTB7 blend films, respectively. Characterization by solubility and morphology aided the understanding of the limiting factors behind the photovoltaic performance.
Outdoor language use
Authors: Johnson Joanna
Published: November 2014

When we talk about the outdoor environment we often concentrate on the benefits of nature, and on layouts and resources, but should we be focusing more on the type of interactions that occur?
What we can learn from…: New beginnings
Authors: Chapman Ailsa
Published: November 2014

January is the start of a new year, which brings reflection and hope in equal measures, it is a time when people talk about resolutions, changes and new beginnings, which link well to a topic on growth.
This little snail is happy
Authors: Rivolta Heidi
Published: November 2014

This short series of articles will focus on incorporating simple and fun French hand rhymes into your regular setting routine. This month, we use manual dexterity to discover Petit escargot – the little snail.
Giving form to music
Authors: Williams David
Published: November 2014

Music consists of a number of different elements, which we will explore in more detail over the course of this short series, using practical activities. This month, we look at examples of both texture and form.
The role of bacterial biofilms in aesthetic medicine: prioritising prevention
Authors: Collier Helena
Published: November 2014

The purpose of this article is to explore the role of bacterial biofilm formation within the field of aesthetic medicine and discuss how practitioners can reduce patient risk. Substantial research into the bacterial pathogenesis of acute infections has been the primary focus of scientists over many years; however, a new category of chronic bacterial infection has emerged that represents significant global concern due to the bacteria's adaptive resistance to conventional antibiotics and to human host response mechanisms. This poses a significant risk not only to facial aesthetic treatment outcomes, but to patient safety. It is the consensus of expert opinion that biofilm formation post dermal filler treatment is primarily the likely result of a breach of aseptic technique. Biofilm formation can result in the development of sepsis, which can prove fatal.
Creating a foundation for long-lasting relationships with prospective clients
Authors: Ratcliffe Jason
Published: November 2014

Building trust with prospective clients is the most important step towards establishing them as part of your regular client base. Jason Ratcliffe explores the use of a client engagement escalator to attract new prospects and build their loyalty in your brand before offering up key services and additional products. Relationships and exceptional service are key to the long-term success of your brand
O elemento tradução e o êxito na incubação de projetos tecnológicos: o caso da Incubadora do INMETRO
Authors: Rauen Cristiane Vianna
Published: November 2014

Este artigo analisa a importância do elemento “tradução”, proveniente da abordagem da Teoria Ator-Rede, no processo de incubação de projetos tecnológicos. Para tanto, baseia-se na coleta de dados e em relatos obtidos por meio da aplicação de questionários e de entrevistas realizadas com pesquisadores e com as empresas graduadas pela Incubadora de Projetos Tecnológicos e Empresas do Inmetro. A partir da coleta dos dados e das entrevistas, foram identificados determinados gargalos na interação entre os técnicos e pesquisadores do Inmetro e as empresas incubadas, que são resultantes das diferentes percepções e interesses atrelados ao projeto tecnológico. Essas diferentes percepções e interesses acerca do projeto tecnológico podem ameaçar seu desenvolvimento. Foi constatada a importância das incubadoras de base tecnológica, enquanto agentes intermediários do processo, estabelecerem mecanismos de incentivo que traduzam os interesses de ambas as partes, de modo a estimular sua participação e comprometimento no desenvolvimento do projeto, garantindo seu êxito.
Capacidades absortivas setoriais e a evolução do Brasil no investiment development path
Authors: Fischer Bruno Brandão , Tello-Gamarra Jorge
Published: November 2014

A presença de corporações multinacionais em países receptores deinvestimentos estrangeiros diretos (IED) representa uma fonte deexternalidades positivas em termos de capacidades e conhecimentos nosSistemas Nacionais de Inovação. A apropriação destes spillovers representa umvetor capaz de gerar vantagens de Ownership em agentes locais, assiminfluenciando o processo evolutivo dos países em seu respectivo InvestmentDevelopment Path. Não obstante, a capacidade absortiva dos agentesrepresenta um catalisador desta dinâmica. Analisando o caso brasileiro,identifica-se que a falta de coordenação estratégica em políticas de atração deIED subutiliza o estoque de capacidades absortivas setoriais relativas dotecido empresarial brasileiro, afetando a evolução do país em direção aestágios posteriores do Investment Development Path.
The Effect of Postoperative Pain Treatment on the Incidence of Anastomotic Insufficiency after Rectal and Rectosigmoideal Surgery
Authors: Adámek S. , Matoušková Olga , Polanecký O. , Světlík S. , Skořepa J. , Šnajdauf M.
Published: November 2014

The aim of prospective study was to evaluate the pain relief in the postoperative period and consumption of opioid and non-opioid analgesics as a risk factor of the anastomotic insufficiency after rectal and rectosigmoideal resection for carcinoma. Anastomotic insufficiency is one of the most feared and life threatening early complications. No articles about the effect of the response to opioid therapy in the postoperative period on the risk of this major clinical problem have been published. We compared the effect of opioid and non-opioid analgesics in 109 patients who underwent rectal and rectosigmoideal resection in a prospective study. We evaluated the appearance of anastomotic insufficiency and clinical conditions in the relationship with the pain relief in the postoperative period and consumption of opioid and non-opioid analgesics. The pain intensity and the consumption of analgesics were significantly increased in the group of nonresponders. The rate of PONV (postoperative nausea and vomiting) in the responders and nonresponders groups was 69% and 78%, respectively. However, the differences did not reach significant level. Other clinical conditions were not significantly different between the both groups, too. The difference in the incidence of anastomotic insufficiency between both groups was highly significant, 6% cases of anastomotic insufficiency in the responders group and 19% in nonresponders group (χ2= 7.73; p=0.0054). Nonrespoders to opioid therapy and their high consumption of second-line analgesics is a high risk factor for anastomotic insufficiency.
Self-gripping Covidien™ ProGrip™ Mesh versus Polypropylene Mesh in Open Inguinal Hernia Repair: Multicenter Short Term Results
Authors: Yilmaz A. , Yener Oktay , Kaynak B. , Yiğitbaşı R. , Demir M. , Burcu B. , Aksoy F.
Published: November 2014

The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes following sutureless ProGrip™ mesh repair to traditional Lichtenstein repair with polypropylene mesh secured with sutures. Data were collected prospectively and were analyzed for 57 male and 3 female patients with 60 inguinal hernias. All patients included underwent open surgical repair for inguinal hernia with polypropylene mesh or ProGrip mesh. In our two centres study sixty patients were operated; 30 were treated with Lichtenstein repair with polypropylene mesh (L group) and 30 with ProGrip mesh (P group) with or without fixation. The primary parameter measured was intensity of postoperative pain using visual analogue scale (VAS); other outcomes included assessment of early and late complication. VAS was assessed in 7 days and 4 months of the postoperative period. Our results show that VAS scored at the 7th postoperative day was 1.5 for the ProGrip mesh versus 4.4 in Lichtenstein repair group. The difference between groups was statistically significant (P=0.001). Surgery duration was significantly shorter in the P group (24.9 vs. 58.3 min; P=0.001). No recurrence was observed at 3 months in both groups. The 3-months follow-up has shown that time necessary to return to daily routine activity was significantly lower in the P group during the (P=0.001). Surgery duration, early and late postoperative, pain and return to daily routine activity rates were significantly reduced with self-gripping ProGrip mesh compared to Lichtenstein repair with polypropylene mesh.
Accelerated Bilateral Cataract Formation as a First Manifestation of Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Manaviat M. R. , Oveisi Nasim , Zare-Bidoki A.
Published: November 2014

There is a proved relationship between diabetes mellitus and the cataract formation. The incidence of this is usually related to the duration of diabetes. In this manuscript we report a 15 years old female presented to the emergency room with a 4 hour history of rapid bilateral diminished vision, initially diagnosed with idiopathic cataracts, but after more laboratory evaluations revealed new-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus without ketosis.
Aortic Valve Leaflet Perforation after Mitral Valve Repair
Authors: Aboelnasr M. , Rohn Vilém
Published: November 2014

A 32-year-old patient with symptomatic severe aortic regurge, 6 weeks after mitral valve repair, was admitted for aortic valve surgery. No preoperative clinical data consistent with infective endocarditis could be detected. Preoperative transthoracic echocardiography showed aortic leaflet perforation affecting non coronary cusp. During operation, leaflet perforation was detected and closed completely with autologous pericardial patch. No vegetations or abscess could be seen during operation. Iatrogenic aetiology of leaflet perforation after mitral repair was suspected in  this case. Recognition of this complication will help in  avoiding it during mitral valve surgery and expecting it as a possible complication during intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography.
Unusual Clinical Tumor Development in Axilla
Authors: Strunová Marie , Pavlišta D. , Janoušek M. , Haškovcová J. , Ulrych V. , Kobilková J.
Published: November 2014

This work describes clinical development of a sarcoma in the left axilla of a 36-year-old woman. The macroscopic picture changed from the initial inflammatory reddening to globular resistance of 2.5 cm, suggestive of an enlarged lymph node. Mammography did not reveal any associated breast disease. Colliquation found on the ultrasound images led to a biopsy, the result of which indicated only an inflammation, without any malignancy. Rapid growth of the axillar tumor to 10 cm in size within 8 weeks prompted surgery allowing proper diagnosis of a small mature-to-immature sarcoma. Special examinations performed by a histopathologist (at the Institute for Histopathology) could not establish the precise histogenesis, i.e. the tissue origin. Therefore it was necessary to remove any clinically obscuring tumor for the final proper histological diagnosis and adequate treatment of the patient.
Interrelationship between Liver Hemodynamics and Tumor Metabolism in Liver Metastases: Diagnostic Value of Doppler Perfusion Index Revisited
Authors: Alicioglu Banu , Sarikaya A. , Bulakbasi N.
Published: November 2014

It should be expected that the hepatic blood flow increase in the cases with liver metastasis. We aimed to find out if there is a correlation between Doppler parameters and hepatic metabolic activity in oncology patients. 35 patients with hepatic metastases who were identified by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography scan and assessed with Doppler ultrasound were included in this prospective study. Patients with hepatic disease, cardiac dysfunction, dehydration, history of alcoholism, intake of antihypertensive or vasoactive medication were excluded. Volume flow of the proper hepatic artery and the portal vein were measured in the hepatoduodenal ligament by Doppler sonography. Doppler perfusion index (the ratio of the hepatic artery flow to the total liver blood flow) and flow volumes of 31 age matched subjects were compared. Both flow of the proper hepatic artery and portal vein were found to be significantly higher in patients with liver metastasis. The mean Doppler perfusion index value was 0.2 ± 0.13 in hepatic metastases whereas 0.13 ± 0.05 in control group. Doppler perfusion index was significantly higher in liver metastases (p=0.008). A positive correlation was found between the maximum standardized uptake value of the liver and flow volume of the proper hepatic artery (r=0.774, p=0). Blood flow of the proper hepatic artery and Doppler perfusion index correlates with hepatic standardized uptake value. Flow measurements of the liver may become an important parameter for selecting patients for further positron emission tomography scan and following-up the response after systemic and local therapeutic procedures.
Interdisciplinary Global Health Forum: Conference Report
Authors: Quinn John , Rajaratnam V. , Smejkal P. , Bencko V.
Published: November 2014

In spring of 2012, students and staff at the First Faculty of Medicine at Charles University in Prague invited distinguished public health stakeholders and experts to engage in a Global Health Forum. The forum lasted an afternoon, was academically and clinically engaging and offered students and medical faculty a venue to discuss the most pressing global public health concerns. Main outcomes from the forum included describing outstanding public issues in public health policy and prevention, infectious disease and public health systems raised by the speakers, stakeholders and attendees. One major result of this forum is the establishment of the Prague Center for Global Health – an interdepartmental and interdisciplinary research collaborative to further the discussion and much needed field and academic research in global public health. The Prague Center for Global Health will include multiple international research centers and main function and results will include new courses at the university, publications based on best practices and research and a venue to learn, share and create in the academic space.
Colorectal Cancer in Younger Patients – A Single Centre Analysis
Authors: Khalifa K. , Siddiqui Muhammad Rafay Sameem , Mohamed S. , Swift I.
Published: November 2014

Debate surrounds the nature of colorectal cancers in younger patients and whether they are more likely to present with aggressive disease. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to examine whether a relationship exists between age and variables such as family history, mucinous tumours, metastases and final pathology. 41 patients under the age of 45 were diagnosed and operated for colorectal cancer between September 1998 and December 2010 in our centre. Nineteen patients were under the mean age of 35 years. There was no correlation between younger patients and metastatic disease (r =  –0.129, p = 0.440) or family history (r =  –0.258, p = 0.123). There was no correlation between age and Dukes staging (r =  –0.052, p = 0.756), tumour stage (r =  –0.110, p = 0.516), nodal status (r =  –0.053, p = 0.751), mucinous tumours (r = 0.104, p = 0.569) and cell differentiation (r =  0.046, p = 0.787). Overall mortality was 26% and of those who survived 10% have metastatic disease. Median survival was 26 months after surgery.  Younger patients under 45 appear to be a homogenous group in relation to colorectal tumour characteristics. Further longitudinal studies to examine the differences between this group and older people are needed.
Evaluation of the Three-year Experience with All-ceramic Crowns with Polycrystalline Ceramic Cores
Authors: Vavřičková Lenka , Dostálová T. , Charvát J. , Bartoňová M.
Published: November 2014

The objective of the study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of all-ceramic crowns three years after placement of the restoration in the oral cavity. The aim of the present clinical study were surveyed the Procera®, Cercon® and LAVA™ systems. In total, 121 crowns were followed in 33 patients (7 men and 26 women) with an average age of 53.5 years. The eighty crowns were placed in anterior and forty one crowns in posterior teeth. The crowns were fabricated in two dental laboratories and delivered in two private dental practices. The clinical trial was conducted according to American Dental Association guidelines. The patients were requested to provide their consent to the regular clinical examination including radiographic and photographic records.  A total of 102 crowns were made of zirconium oxide ceramic cores – 58 Cercon®; 43 LAVA™, while 19 crowns were made of aluminum oxide cores Procera®. The veneering ceramic LAVA™ Ceram was used. The success rate was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier statistics and, in our case, the overall three-year success rate reached 96.7%.  All-ceramic crowns with polycrystalline ceramic cores have low susceptibility to fracture, in this study just 3.3%.
Intestinal Ischaemia Associated with Carcinoid Tumor: A Case Report with Review of the Pathogenesis
Authors: Yener Oktay
Published: November 2014

Carcinoid tumors are rare, slow-growing neuroendocrine neoplasms that are often indolent and may not become clinically apparent until there is a metastatic spread or evidence of carcinoid syndrome.  A 44-year-old man presented to our clinic department with a history of previous left colon cancer operation, chronic crampy left lower quadrant pain, mass and severe anemia.  A MR scan was obtained which demonstrated a calciﬁed mesenteric mass 12×8×10 cm diameter with surrounding left colon mesenteric inﬁltration. The liver was normal. A case of ischaemic ileal necrosis is reported. It was associated with elastic vascular sclerosis produced by mesenteric metastases of an ileal carcinoid tumor. It is postulated that intestinal ischaemia may be of more importance in the production of abdominal pain by carcinoid tumors than has been generally accepted, and that it is the result of functional and structural changes in and around the mesenteric blood vessels, caused by substances secreted by the carcinoid tumor.
Intussusception Secondary to a Meckel Diverticulum in an Adolescent
Authors: Yener Oktay , Demir M. , Yiğitbaşı R.
Published: November 2014

Adult intussusception caused by an inverted Meckel diverticulum is rare. We report a 39-year-old Turkish man with intussusception due to Meckel diverticulitis. Ileoileal intussusception was suggested by computed tomography. Exploration revealed ileoileal intussusception with Meckel diverticulum. A diverticulectomy with small bowel resection was performed.
Effects of salinity stress on the growth and chlorophyll fluorescence of Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Chaetoceros gracilis (Bacillariophyceae)
Authors: Liang Ying , Sun Minghui , Tian Chuanyuan , Cao Chunhui , Li Zebang
Published: November 2014

In this study, we investigated changes of fluorescence parameters, specific growth rate, and relative chlorophyll content (the ratio of the chlorophyll content after salinity exposure to that of the same samples at inoculation) in the two diatoms Phaeodactylum tricornutum Bohlin and Chaetoceros gracilis Schuett, during exposure of the cultures to different salinities (1–90 psu for P. tricornutum and 1–70 psu for C. gracilis) for different times (12, 24, and 48 h). The results indicated that the maximal photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm), maximal relative electron transport rate (rETRmax), and photochemical quenching (qP) decreased significantly with the degree of salinity stress and increased with increasing exposure times in the two diatoms. For P. tricornutum, the values of Fv/Fm at salinities of 20–40 psu were always higher than those in other salinity treatments, rETRmax reached maximal values at salinities of 20–30 psu, and qP peaked at salinities of 10–20 psu. For C. gracilis, the values of Fv/Fm at salinities of 5–40 psu were always higher than those at 1 psu or at 50–70 psu. The highest values of rETRmax were also observed at salinities of 5–40 psu, whereas qP decreased slowly with increasing salinity from 10 to 60 psu. The changes in non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) were different in the two diatoms. For P. tricornutum, there were no significant differences below 60 psu for all three exposure times. Above 60 psu, however, NPQ in P. tricornutum increased with salinity up to 80 psu and decreased at 90 psu. For C. gracilis, NPQ decreased with increasing salinity from 1 to 20 psu, but increased at salinities of 20–70 psu during the 12- and 24-h periods, and was always low after 48 h. The specific growth rate of the two diatoms was inhibited at both low and high salinities, and decreased with increasing exposure times. The relative chlorophyll content of the two diatoms showed a similar trend to each other, with lower chlorophyll content occurring at extremely low and high salinities. These results indicated that extremely low and high salinity stress negatively influenced the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and growth of these two diatoms.
Comparison of the photosynthetic characteristics of two Isochrysis galbana strains under high light
Authors: Zhang Litao , Li Ling , Liu Jianguo
Published: November 2014

The photoprotection mechanisms in the marine microalga Isochrysis galbana were examined by comparing the photosynthetic characteristics in two I. galbana strains IOAC724S and IOAC683S under high light. The rDNA ITS regions of IOAC724S and IOAC683S were closely clustered in the Neighbor-Joining tree, suggesting that the two strains are very similar to each other genetically. Regulated energy dissipation in photosystem (PS) II (NPQ) and cyclic electron flow with PSI (CEF-I) can protect the photosynthetic apparatus against photodamage. There were no significant differences in NPQ and CEF-I between IOAC724S and IOAC683S under high light. In both strains, NPQ was very low, and CEF-I was maintained at a high level. This suggested that NPQ was not strong enough to dissipate the excess excitation energy, and CEF-I might protect the photosynthetic apparatus against photodamage in I. galbana. Photosynthetic linear electron flow was lower, but the alternative electron flow within PSII (AEF-II) was significantly higher in IOAC724S than in IOAC683S. The higher AEF-II in IOAC724S efficiently removed excess excitation energy, thereby, protecting the photosynthetic apparatus, as indicated by the lower value of quantum yield of the nonregulated energy dissipation of PSII and the lower content of hydrogen peroxide in IOAC724S.
Geometric analysis on Cantor sets and trees
Authors: Björn Anders , Björn Jana , Gill James T. , Shanmugalingam Nageswari
Published: November 2014

Using uniformization,
Cantor type sets can be regarded as boundaries
of rooted trees.
In this setting, we show that the trace of a first-order Sobolev space
on the boundary of a regular rooted tree
is exactly a Besov space with an explicit smoothness exponent. Further, we study quasisymmetries between the boundaries of two trees,
and show that they have rough quasiisometric extensions to the trees.
Conversely, we show that
every rough quasiisometry between two trees
extends as a quasisymmetry between their
boundaries.
In both directions we give sharp estimates for the involved constants.
We use this to obtain quasisymmetric
invariance of certain Besov spaces
of functions on Cantor type sets.
The Role of Time Preferences in Explaining the Long-Term Pattern of International Trade
Authors: Leimbach Marian , Baumstark Lavinia , Luderer Gunnar
Published: November 2014

Globalization is accompanied by increasing current account imbalances. They can undermine the positive impacts of increasing international cooperation and trade on economic growth. By applying an economic growth model that requests for long-term compensation of short-term current account deficits, we derive patterns of international trade. Model output, however, is challenged by empirical data – which is related to the Lucas Paradox. This paper demonstrates how, based on the assumption of differentiated time preferences, model results and empirical data are reconciled with each other. The method presented here yields an indirect estimate of the rates of time preference across regions. Our results suggest that the time preference rate is low in emerging Asian countries, while the USA and Europe are characterized by above world-average rates. Based on the applied model that differentiates between trade in energy resources and a composite good, simulated trade patterns of these three world regions significantly differ from each other and also from trade patterns that occur in resource exporting countries.
On the insecurity of XML Security
Authors: Somorovsky Juraj
Published: November 2014

XML Encryption and XML Signature describe how to apply encryption and signing algorithms to XML documents. These specifications are implemented in a wide range of systems and frameworks processing sensitive data, including banking, eGovernment, eCommerce, military, and eHealth infrastructures. The article presents practical and highly critical attacks which allow to forge signed XML documents or reveal contents of encrypted XML data.
Checking probabilistic noninterference using JOANA
Authors: Snelting Gregor , Giffhorn Dennis , Graf Jürgen , Hammer Christian , Hecker Martin , Mohr Martin , Wasserrab Daniel
Published: November 2014

JOANA is a tool for software security analysis, checking up to
100 kLOC of full multi-threaded Java. JOANA is based on sophisticated
program analysis techniques and thus very precise. It includes a new
algorithm guaranteeing probabilistic noninterference, named
RLSOD. JOANA needs few annotations and has a nice GUI. The tool is
open source and was applied in several case studies. The article
presents an overview of JOANA and its underlying technology.
Making security type systems less ad hoc
Authors: Nipkow Tobias , Popescu Andrei
Published: November 2014

We present a uniform, top-down design method for security type systems
applied to a parallel while-language. The method takes the following
route: from a notion of end-to-end security via a collection
of stronger notions of anytime security targeting
compositionality to a matching collection of type-system-like
syntactic criteria. This method has emerged by distilling and unifying
security type system results from the literature while formalizing
them in a proof assistant. Unlike in our previous papers on this
topic, here we focus entirely on high-level ideas instead of technical
proof details.
Security in e-voting
Authors: Küsters Ralf , Truderung Tomasz
Published: November 2014

Systems for electronic voting (e-voting
systems), including systems for voting over the Internet and systems
for voting in a voting booth, have been employed in many
countries. However, most of the systems used in practice today do
not provide a sufficient level of security. For example, programming
errors and malicious behavior resulting in the loss of votes and
incorrect election outcomes easily go undetected. In fact, numerous
problems with e-voting systems have been reported in various
countries. Therefore, in recent years modern e-voting systems have
been designed that, among others, allow voters to check that their
votes were counted correctly, even if voting machines and servers
have programming errors or are outright malicious.

In this paper, after a brief discussion of the problems
of today's e-voting systems, we explain fundamental security
properties modern e-voting systems should provide, including the
above mentioned so-called verifiability property, and present
a simple e-voting system to illustrate some of these properties. One
important goal of our work is to provide security guarantees of such
systems not only for abstract mathematical/cryptographic models of
the systems but for the implementation of the systems directly. This
requires us to combine various techniques and tools from
security/cryptography, program analysis, and verification.
Confidentiality for Android apps: Specification and verification
Authors: Ereth Sarah , Lortz Steffen , Perner Matthias
Published: November 2014

The functionality of modern smartphones can
easily be enriched by a huge number of available apps. Studies have
shown that many of these apps leak private information of their
users to third parties. In this article, we demonstrate how a user
can ensure that the apps he installs keep his private information
confidential. By means of a concrete example, we show how an
informal confidentiality requirement can be formalized in the
specification language RIFL and how this requirement can be verified
in the app store Cassandra using the RSCP security analyser. In
particular, we demonstrate how Cassandra integrates the
information-flow analysis by the RSCP security analyser into the
installation process of an app from the perspective of a user.
On logically cyclic groups
Authors: Shahryari Mohammad
Published: November 2014

A group G is called logically cyclic if it has an element
s such that every element of G can be defined by a first-order
formula with parameter s. The aim of this paper is to investigate the structure of such groups.
Time-resolved fluorescence methods (IUPAC Technical Report)
Authors: Lemmetyinen Helge , Tkachenko Nikolai V. , Valeur Bernard , Hotta Jun-ichi , Ameloot Marcel , Ernsting Nikolaus P. , Gustavsson Thomas , Boens Noël
Published: November 2014

This IUPAC Technical Report describes and compares the currently applied methods for measuring and analyzing time-resolved fluorescence traces using phase-modulation fluorometry as well as pulse fluorometry (direct emission decay measurements, single-photon timing, streak camera measurements, fluorescence upconversion, and optical Kerr gating). The paper starts with a brief description of the basic principles for time and frequency domain fluorescence spectroscopy. The fundamental equations are given, and recommendations for adequate use are emphasized. The up-to-date, commonly employed excitation sources and photodetectors are described in detail. The analysis of time-resolved fluorescence data is discussed. Attention is paid to possible artifacts, and remedies are presented on how to avoid them or to account for them. Finally, fluorescence lifetime standards for the nanosecond and picosecond timescales are collected.
Development of a green material for horticulture
Authors: Oliveira Manuel , Mota Carlos , Abreu Ana S. , Nobrega J. Miguel
Published: November 2014

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), used as a matrix, was mixed with wood fibers, coffee grounds, fertilizer and a foaming agent to develop an ecofriendly material to be used in horticulture. For this application materials should have mechanical properties similar to PLA, increased biodegradability and a lower price than currently used materials. The new materials were prepared by melt processing in an internal mixer at 190°C and were characterized by several techniques. The mechanical properties of the biocomposites, measured by flexural tests, were similar to neat PLA, even with a reduction of 40 wt% of polymer. Biodegradation assessment by composting tests in an aerobic environment demonstrated that the green materials exhibited higher biodegradability than PLA. Biocomposites containing wood fibers and fertilizer were revealed to be the most suitable for horticulture application, as these can combine mechanical properties, biodegradability and fertilizer release. Moreover, this green material has two main advantages: it can be prepared using materials from natural resources, and it does not generate any residue after use.
Plasma total homocysteine levels and other biochemical parameters in Algerian patients with deep vein thrombosis
Authors: Amrane Mounira , Begag Samia , Houcher Zahira , Houcher Bakhouche , Touabti Abderrezak , Nasri Ramdane , Boussouf Kheira , Khattabi Soumia
Published: November 2014

We studied total plasma homocysteine levels (tHcy) in Algerian patients with a deep venous thrombosis (DVT). We measured tHcy levels in a total of 99 subjects enrolled in this study, including 40 patients with DVT and 59 healthy controls. The mean tHcy level in the patients was 12.62±8.7 μmol/L and that in the controls was 10.2± 2.1 μmol/L. In a univariate regression model, tHcy concentrations were inversely correlated with triglycerides (TG) (r=–0.358; p=0.023) and total cholesterol (TC) (r=–0.454; p=0.003) concentrations. Logistic regression analysis showed that tHcy after adjustment was significantly associated with the following factors: TC (p=0.003) and TG (p=0.023). The analysis in DVT patients showed that variables independently associated with tHcy were TC [odds ratio (OR) 2.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7–2.6], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.6–2.5), creatinine (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.7–2.6), and smoking (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.7–2.5). In conclusion, these results indicate that tHcy levels and other biochemical parameters are important determinant factors for DVT diseases in Algerian patients.
Laboruntersuchungen zur Wechselwirkung zwischen Mauer· und Ausfugemörtel und den Mauersteinen / Laboratory Studies of the Interaction between Bedding and Pointing Mortars and Building Stones
Authors: Santamaría S. Pavía , Bolton J. R.
Published: November 2014

The physical and chemical properties of bedding and pointing mortars have a major influence on the nature, rate and extent of decay of pointed stonework. Specially designed mortars can prevent physical damage and greatly reduce chemical and biological decay in both the mortars themselves and the adjacent stones. This study describes the physical and chemico-mineralogical changes that occur in a number of different stone-mortar combinations. Three types of mortar were designed and fabricated in the laboratory in accordance with [1,2]. These were examined in combination with Leinster granite, Portland limestone and Baumberger sandstone by exposing standard samples comprised of two pieces of stone 5 cm χ 5 cm χ 5 cm separated by a 5 mm mortar filled joint to artificial ageing tests in a chamber. Thin sections were examined to determine what changes had taken place in the stone and the mortar. The physical properties of the stones and mortars were determined separately. The lime mortar, though chemically well matched with the limestone and sandstone, proved to be unsuitable because of loss of cohesion. The resultant microcracking, detected by pétrographie microscope, appeared to be caused by shrinkage during drying rather than by carbonation or cycling-alteration processes. Granite-lime mortar combinations showed low adherence and decreased durability of the mortar. This effect may be the result of the greatly differing physical properties of the lime mix and granite. The ageing tests revealed a high durability in the cement mixes. The study demonstrated the suitability of cement content mortars with poorly sorted aggregate and plasticiser for bedding and pointing in granite stonework. They also illustrated the need for care with the design of lime mortar mixes to ensure adequate binder-aggregate adhesion.
Silikatischer Sandstein unter städtischen Umweltbedingungen: Verwitterung und Reinigung der Kirche Betlem (Barcelona, Catalonien) / A siliceous sandstone in an urban environment: the decay and cleaning of the church of Betlem (Barcelona, Catalonia)
Authors: Garcia-Vallès M. , Molerà J. , Vendrell-Saz M.
Published: November 2014

The aims of this paper are to study and characterize the siliceous sandstone used in the construction of an important Barroque church placed in the down town of Barcelona. The degree of resistance to the urban polluted environment is evaluated and the decay forms and weathering mechanisms studied by means of mineralogical analytical techniques. A complete restoration campain was carried out including the cleaning of the whole facade and sculptural elements. We studied the rock previous to, during and after the cleaning processes. The main results achieved are as follows: i) two rock types have been identified as building stones which may be differenciated by the mineralogy of the cement leading to a different behaviour and durability; ii) several decay forms have been identified, namely the darkening of the surfaces by dirt accumulation, the weathering of the feldspars forming the rock and the transformation of formed pyrite nodules; iii) the mechanisms leading to the decay forms identified are studied and a model for the decay (aesthetical and physical) of this kind of stone is proposed for urban environment. On the basis of these results a cleaning process with water and neutral detergent using non metallic brushes as proposed was applied. The results of this cleaning on each lithotype are evaluated by means of microscopical analyses of fragments of stone after cleaning. The different behaviour of both types of stone are analyzed and documented on a microscopical scale.
Inj ektionsverfahren gegen kapillar aufsteigende Feuchtigkeit / Injection Procedures against Capillary Rising Damp
Authors: Weber H.
Published: November 2014

For about 50 years now, the injection process has been used as an alternative to mechanical barriers against capillary rising damp in walls. There are still many, however, who are not convinced of the effectiveness of this process due to frequent improper use of the injection process to be applied or a wrong choice of injection agents. The following article describes how the injection agent works and the principles of the various injection procedures which are currently used today. Special emphasis is placed upon pressure injection, especially the multi-injection procedure as developed in recent years to enable us to treat severely damp cavity walls. The effectiveness of this extraordinary successful injection procedure is underlined by means of selected examples.