bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Possible involvement of IFNT in lymphangiogenesis in the corpus luteum during the maternal recognition period in the cow
Authors: Nitta Akane , Shirasuna Koumei , Haneda Shingo , Matsui Motozumi , Shimizu Takashi , Matsuyama Shuichi , Kimura Koji , Bollwein Heinrich , Miyamoto Akio
Published: September 2011

The corpus luteum (CL), which secretes large amounts of progesterone and is thus essential for establishing pregnancy, contains various types of immune cells that may play essential roles in CL function by generating immune responses. The lymphatic system is the second circulation system and is necessary for immune function, but the lymphatic system of the bovine CL has not been characterized in detail. We collected bovine CLs on days 12 and 16 of the estrous cycle (C12 and C16) and days 16 and 40 of early pregnancy (P16 and P40). Lymphatic endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1 (LYVE1) protein was detected in the CL by immunohistochemistry and western blotting and increased at P40 compared with C16. The mRNA expression levels of lymphangiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGFC),VEGFD, and their common receptorVEGFR3, as well as the lymphatic endothelial cell (LyEC) marker podoplanin, increased in P16 and P40 CLs. Thus, it is suggested that the lymphatic system of the bovine CL reconstitutes during early pregnancy. Interferon tau (IFNT) from the conceptus in the uterus is a candidate for activating luteal lymphangiogenesis during the maternal recognition period (MRP). We found that treatment of LyECs isolated from internal iliac lymphatic vessels with IFNT stimulated LyEC proliferation and significantly increased mRNA expression ofVEGFCand IFN-stimulated gene 15. Moreover, both IFNT and VEGFC induced LyECs to form capillary-like tubesin vitro. In conclusion, it is suggested that new lymphangiogenesis in the bovine CL begins during the MRP and that IFNT may mediate this novel phenomenon.
Breast Medical Oncologists' Use of Standard Prognostic Factors to Predict a 21-Gene Recurrence Score
Authors: Kamal Arif H. , Loprinzi Charles L. , Reynolds Carol , Dueck Amylou C. , Geiger Xochiquetzal J. , Ingle James N. , Carlson Robert W. , Hobday Timothy J. , Winer Eric P. , Goetz Matthew P.
Published: September 2011

Background.

Half of all breast cancers are early stage, lymph node negative, and hormone receptor positive. A 21-gene (Oncotype DX®; Genomic Health, Inc., Redwood City, CA) recurrence score (RS) is prognostic for recurrence and predictive of chemotherapy benefit. We explored the ability of oncologists to predict the RS using standard prognostic criteria.

Methods.

Standard demographic and tumor prognostic criteria were obtained from patients with an available RS. Two academic pathologists provided tumor grade, histologic type, and hormone receptor status. Six academic oncologists predicted the RS category (low, intermediate, or high) and provided a recommendation for therapy. The oncologists were then given the actual RS and provided recommendations for therapy. Analysis for agreement was performed.

Results.

Thirty-one cases, including nine additional cases with variant pathology reads, were presented. There was substantial agreement in oncologists' ability to discriminate between true low or true intermediate and true high (κ = 0.75; p < .0001). Predictions between low and intermediate were not consistent. The most common discrepancies were predictions of a low RS risk when cases were true intermediate and predictions of an intermediate RS risk when cases were true low. The actual RS resulted in a change in the treatment recommendations in 19% of cases. Of the 186 scenarios and six oncologists in aggregate, five fewer chemotherapy recommendations resulted with the actual RS.

Conclusions.

Oncologists are able to differentiate between a low or intermediate RS and a high RS using standard prognostic criteria. However, provision of the actual RS changed the treatment recommendations in nearly 20% of cases, suggesting that the RS may reduce chemotherapy use. This effect was observed in particular in intermediate-risk cases. Prospective clinical trials are necessary to determine whether decisions based on the RS change outcomes.
Roughness and fractality of fracture surfaces as indicators of mechanical quantities of porous solids
Authors: Ficker Tomáš , Martišek Dalibor
Published: September 2011

The 3D profile surface parameter H
q and fractal dimension D were tested as indicators of mechanical properties inferred from fracture surfaces of porous solids. High porous hydrated cement pastes were used as prototypes of porous materials. Both the profile parameter H
q and the fractal dimension D showed capability to assess compressive strength from the fracture surfaces of hydrated pastes. From a practical point of view the 3D profile parameter H
q seems to be more convenient as an indicator of mechanical properties, as its values suffer much less from statistical scatter than those of fractal dimensions.
Protection and advancement of human rights in developing countries: Luxuries or necessities?
Authors: Siraj Mazhar
Published: September 2011

The luxury-versus-necessity controversy is primarily concerned with the importance of civil and political rights vis-à-vis economic and social rights. The viewpoint of political leaders of many developing and newly industrialized countries, especially China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Indonesia is that civil and political rights are luxuries that only rich nations can afford. The United Nations, transnational civil society and the Western advanced countries oppose this viewpoint on normative and empirical grounds. While this controversy is far from over, new challenges of “evidence” and “marketization” are emerging. The first calls for a narrative on the history of civil and political rights in the West in the comparative context of the Industrial Revolution and the East Asian Miracle and China’s economic growth. The effects of the recent financial crisis and insulation of China from the Arab Spring further deepen this challenge. The marketization challenge looks at this controversy from the social exclusion angle. It argues that the basic needs covered by the minimum human rights agenda are becoming luxuries in a real sense for those who do not have the power to purchase these needs from the market.
Study of influence of various loading parameters on crack propagation by using Cohesive Zone Modeling (CZM) approach
Authors: Ahmed Riaz , Arifuzzaman Md.
Published: September 2011

Cohesive Zone Modeling (CZM) is one of the most promising tools to investigate nonlinear crack propagation in present time. In this study, CZM approach is used to investigate the influence of various type of loading parameters in nonlinear crack propagation. These parameters include loading velocity, mass scaling, maximum strength of cohesive element and displacement jump. For this investigation, we used DYNA3D as a dynamic crack simulation code. Simulation outcomes were compared with the experimental results, where an experimental observation for Arcan test Mode I case was made in MTS machine. Note that, the experiment was performed in quasi-static mode. As DYNA3D is used to simulate dynamic crack propagation, this comparison reflects the deviation of crack parameters for quasi-static and dynamic crack propagation. Finally we checked, whether DYNA3D can be used for quasi-static crack propagation or not.
Effects of trial repetition, limb side, intraday and inter-week variation on vertical and craniocaudal ground reaction forces in clinically normal Labrador Retrievers
Authors: Nordquist B. , Fischer J. , Kim S. Y. , Stover S. M. , Garcia-Nolen T. , Hayashi K. , Liu J. , Kapatkin A. S.
Published: September 2011

Objectives: To document the contributions of trial repetition, limb side, and intraday and inter-week measurements on variation in vertical and craniocaudal ground reaction force data.

Methods: Following habituation, force and time data were collected for all four limbs of seven Labrador Retrievers during sets of five valid trot trials. Each set was performed twice daily (morning and afternoon), every seven days for three consecutive weeks. A repeated measures analysis of variance was used to determine the effects of limb, trial, intraday, and inter-week factors on ground reaction force data for the thoracic and pelvic limbs.

Results: Of the four factors evaluated, variation due to trial repetition had the largest magnitude of effect on ground reaction forces. Trial within a set of data had an effect on all craniocaudal, but not vertical, ground reaction force variables studied, for the thoracic limbs. The first of five trials was often different from later trials. Some thoracic limb and pelvic limb variables were different between weeks. A limb side difference was only apparent for pelvic limb vertical ground reaction force data. Only pelvic limb craniocaudal braking variables were different between sets within a day.

Discussion and clinical significance: When controlling for speed, handler, gait, weight and dog breed, variation in ground reaction forces mainly arise from trial repetition and inter-week data collection. When using vertical peak force and impulse to evaluate treatment, trial repetition and inter-week data collection should have minimal effect of the data.
Influence of screw insertion order on compression generated by bone plates in a fracture model
Authors: Roe S. C. , Jermyn K.
Published: September 2011

Present recommendations regarding order of screw insertion for compression plate osteo-synthesis in veterinary training are variable. We hypothesized that placement of a neutrally positioned screw would reduce the magnitude of compression that could be generated by a subsequently placed compression screw. Canine tibial diaphyseal segments were fixed to a plate attached to a bone surrogate and load cell, and the compression generated by screw tightening was measured. Three different screw insertion order patterns were evaluated using both dynamic compression plate (DCP) and limited contact dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP) implants. In group CN, the first screw was placed in compression mode and the second in neutral mode in group NC, the first screw was placed in neutral mode and the second in compression mode in group LNC, the first screw was placed partially tightened in neutral mode and the second in compression mode followed by complete tightening of the neutral screw. Screw insertion order significantly influenced the amount of compression generated with both groups CN and LNC demonstrating significantly greater compression generation when compared with group NC (p <0.0001). Compression generated by group CN constructs was also significantly greater than group LNC (p = 0.0013). Evaluation of group CN data to assess the influence of plate and drill guide combinations on compressive force generated did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference. To maximize compression using a load screw in a bone plate, following securement of the opposite bone fragment to the plate, it should be placed before a neutral screw is placed.
Ugi post-condensation copper-triggered oxidative cascade towards pyrazoles
Authors: Santos Aurélie Dos , El Kaim Laurent , Grimaud Laurence , Ronsseray Caroline
Published: September 2011

Pyrazolidinones were prepared in a two-step sequence starting from α-hydrazonocarboxylic acids. After a four-component Ugi coupling, the resulting hydrazone was engaged in a copper triggered [3 + 2] cycloaddition/aerobic oxidation cascade.
La phénoménologie comme dynamique de la manifestation
Authors: Barbaras Renaud
Published: September 2011

L’analyse patočkienne de l’apparaître est commandée par trois exigences convergentes : la manifestation n’appartient pas à l’ordre du manifesté, elle n’est pas l’œuvre d’un sujet, elle enveloppe néanmoins la possibilité d’un apparaître subjectif. Cet article vise à montrer comment la prise en considération rigoureuse de ces coordonnées de l’apparaître conduit en droite ligne à une théorie dynamique de la manifestation, qui voit dans le mouvement, évidemment irréductible à un simple déplacement, ce qui constitue le sens d’être ultime du monde comme du sujet et permet ainsi de les articuler l’un à l’autre.
Robotique et principe de virtuosité
Authors: Vidal Denis
Published: September 2011

La virtuosité n’est pas un qualificatif que l'on tend à appliquer spontanément à une machine. Je voudrais cependant montrer qu'une telle notion permet de qualifier certains des développements qui ont pris place en robotique depuis une vingtaine d'années, sous l'influence de Rodney Brooks et de Luc Steels, en particulier.
Human Rabies in the WHO Southeast Asia Region: Forward Steps for Elimination
Authors: Gongal Gyanendra , Wright Alice E.
Published: September 2011

There are eleven Member States in the WHO southeast Asia region (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste) of which eight are endemic for rabies. More than 1.4 billion people in the Region are at risk of rabies infection, and approximately 45% of worldwide rabies deaths occur in Asia. Dog bites account for 96% of human rabies cases. Progress in preventing human rabies through control of the disease in dogs has been slow due to various factors. Innovative control tools and techniques have been developed and standardized in recent years. The introduction of cost-effective intradermal rabies vaccination regimens in Asian countries has increased the availability and affordability of postexposure prophylaxis. Elimination of rabies is not possible without regional and intersectoral cooperation. Considering the importance of consolidating achievements in rabies control in Member countries, the WHO Regional Office for southeast Asia has developed a regional strategy for elimination of human rabies transmitted by dogs in the Region. They have committed to provide technical leadership, to advocate national health authorities to develop major stakeholder consensus for a comprehensive rabies elimination programme, and to implement national strategies for elimination of human rabies.
Expression of progesterone receptor membrane component-1 in bovine reproductive system during estrous cycle
Authors: Luciano A.M. , Corbani D. , Lodde V. , Tessaro I. , Franciosi F. , Peluso J.J. , Modina S.
Published: September 2011

Several reports suggest the participation of progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1) in progesterone signaling in the reproductive system. This study aimed at investigating the presence and localization of PGRMC1 in bovine ovary, oviduct and uterus, during the follicular and luteal phases of the estrous cycle. In the ovary, PGRMC1 has been detected in surface germinal epithelium, granulosa cells, theca cells and in the germinal vesicle of the oocytesat all stages of folliculogenesis. In the corpus luteum the expression of PGRMC1 was influenced by the stage of the estrous cycle. In the oviducts and in the uterus horns, PGRMC1 was immunolocalized in the luminal epithelium, in the muscle layer cells and in the endothelial cells. In the uterus, PGRMC1 was intensely localized also in the glandular endometrium. However, in the oviducts and in the uterus horns, the localization of PGRMC1 was independent on the stage of the estrous cycle and on whether evaluating the ipsilateral or the contralateral organ. In conclusion, the present immunohistochemical study showed that PGRMC1 is located in various compartments of the bovine female reproductive organs. With the exception of the corpora lutea, PGRMC1 localization showed similar pattern during different stage of the estrous cycle.
Polymorphisms of the gamma crystallin A and B genes among Indian patients with pediatric cataract
Authors: Mehra S , Kapur S , Vasavada AR
Published: September 2011

Background:

Previous familial studies have reported co-segregation of mutation in gamma crystallin A and B CRYGA and CRYGB genes with childhood cataract.

Aim:

We investigated association of nucleotide variations in these genes in subjects with and without pediatric cataract from India.

Settings and Design:

The study included 195 pediatric subjects including healthy children with no ocular defects and pediatric cataract cases.

Materials and Methods:

Subjects were genotyped by PCR-RFLP method for exonic and intronic genetic variations in CRYGA and CRYGB.

Statistical Analysis:

The association of these polymorphisms with cataract was estimated by two way contingency tables and the risk allele was also analyzed for their functional impact using in silico tools.

Results:

No significant difference was observed between cases and control subjects for the frequencies of SNPs G198A (Intron A), T196C (Exon 3) of CRYGA and G449T (Exon 2) of CRYGB gene. −47C allele of rs2289917 in CRYGB showed the strongest association with cataract (Odd Ratio-OR=3.34, 95% Confidence Interval-CI 95% =1.82-6.12, P=0.00007). In silico analyses revealed that this polymorphism lies in a phylogenetically conserved region and impacts binding of a transcription factor, viz. progesterone receptor (PR) to CRYGB promoter.

Conclusion:

rs2289917 risk allele showed a strong association with increased vulnerability for pediatric cataract. The findings suggest that this association may be a secondary phenomenon related to genetic variation playing critical role in lens development during perinatal and/or pediatric growth. Present exploratory study provides a basis for further defining the role of PR as a regulator of CRYG locus in lens formation/transparency.
A rare diagnosis of multiple hemorrhagic metastases in brain
Authors: Kumar A , Deopujari CE , Karmarkar VS
Published: September 2011

A 30-year-old female presented with an episode of generalized tonic-clonic convulsions. The imaging revealed multiple hemorrhagic lesions in the brain. There was no significant past history except for a cardiac surgery two years ago, for a benign atrial myxoma. The diagnosis of probable metastases was thought of and a thorough workup was planned, to determine the primary. Surprisingly, no primary lesion was detected, and therefore, as a histological diagnosis was required, she underwent navigation-guided excisional biopsy of one of the lesions. The histopathology proved that it was a myxomatous lesion. Thus, a rare diagnosis of atrial myxoma presenting as hemorrhagic metastases of the brain was formed. Atrial myxoma is a benign tumor of the heart. It can embolize distally and can present with known embolic/ischemic manifestations. However, presentation as hemorrhagic mass lesions, involving multiple areas of the brain, after many years of complete surgical excision, is quite rare and is rarely considered as a differential diagnosis. Hence, such a possibility should be kept in mind and careful primary cardiac intervention, with preventive measures to minimize the chances of distal embolization should be undertaken. As only few such cases have been reported worldwide, no treatment protocol has been devised at present, and a close follow-up of these patients is warranted.
A comprehensive numerical study of aerosol-cloud-precipitation interactions in marine stratocumulus
Authors: Chen Y.-C. , Xue L. , Lebo Z. J. , Wang H. , Rasmussen R. M. , Seinfeld J. H.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. Three-dimensional large-eddy simulations (LES) with detailed bin-resolved microphysics are performed to explore the diurnal variation of marine stratocumulus (MSc) clouds under clean and polluted conditions. The sensitivity of the aerosol-cloud-precipitation interactions to variation of sea surface temperature, free tropospheric humidity, large-scale divergence rate, and wind speed is assessed. The comprehensive set of simulations corroborates previous studies that (1) with moderate/heavy drizzle, an increase in aerosol leads to an increase in cloud thickness; and (2) with non/light drizzle, an increase in aerosol results in a thinner cloud, due to the pronounced effect on entrainment. It is shown that for higher SST, stronger large-scale divergence, drier free troposphere, or lower wind speed, the cloud thins and precipitation decreases. The sign and magnitude of the Twomey effect, droplet dispersion effect, cloud thickness effect, and cloud optical depth susceptibility to aerosol perturbations (i.e., change in cloud optical depth to change in aerosol number concentration) are evaluated by LES experiments and compared with analytical formulations. The Twomey effect emerges as dominant in total cloud optical depth susceptibility to aerosol perturbations. The dispersion effect, that of aerosol perturbations on the cloud droplet size spectrum, is positive (i.e., increase in aerosol leads to spectral narrowing) and accounts for 3% to 10% of the total cloud optical depth susceptibility at nighttime, with greater influence in heavier drizzling clouds. The cloud thickness effect is negative (i.e., increase in aerosol leads to thinner cloud) for non/light drizzling cloud and positive for a moderate/heavy drizzling clouds; the cloud thickness effect contributes 5% to 22% of the nighttime total cloud susceptibility. Overall, the total cloud optical depth susceptibility ranges from ~0.28 to 0.53 at night; an increase in aerosol concentration enhances cloud optical depth, especially with heavier precipitation and in a more pristine environment. During the daytime, the range of magnitude for each effect is more variable owing to cloud thinning and decoupling. The good agreement between LES experiments and analytical formulations suggests that the latter may be useful in evaluations of the total cloud susceptibility. The ratio of the magnitude of the cloud thickness effect to that of the Twomey effect depends on cloud base height and cloud thickness in unperturbed (clean) clouds.
Seasonal features of ultrafine particle volatility in the coastal Antarctic troposphere
Authors: Hara K. , Osada K. , Nishita-Hara C. , Yabuki M. , Hayashi M. , Yamanouchi T. , Wada M. , Shiobara M.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. The size distribution and volatility of ultrafine aerosol particles were measured using scanning mobility particle sizer and thermodenuder at Syowa Station during the 46–47 Japanese Antarctic Research Expeditions (2005–2007). The relative abundance of non-volatile particles in a 240 °C scan was approximately 20% during the summer, whereas the abundance of non-volatile particles increased by >90% during the winter–spring. Most ultrafine particles were volatilized at temperature of 150–210 °C. This volatility was consistent well to major aerosol constituents (NH4+, SO42− and CH3SO3−) during the summer. In contrast, major constituents of ultrafine particles were sea-salts (Na+ and Cl−) in winter–spring. Therefore, the seasonal feature of volatility of ultrafine particles at Syowa was associated with seasonal variations of the major aerosol constituents. Although the relative abundance of non-volatile particles was usually higher during the winter–spring, the abundance dropped occasionally to <30%. The lower abundance of non-volatile ultrafine particles during winter–spring corresponded to the lower number concentration of ultrafine particles and transport from the free troposphere over Antarctica.
Effect of bacterial ice nuclei on the frequency and intensity of lightning activity inferred by the BRAMS model
Authors: Gonçalves F. L. T. , Martins J. A. , Albrecht R. I. , Morales C. A. , Silva Dias M. A. , Morris C. E.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. Many studies from the last decades have shown that airborne microorganisms can be intrinsically related with atmospheric processes. Certain bacteria may constitute the most active ice nuclei found in the atmosphere and might have some influence on the formation of ice crystals in clouds. This study deals with the ice nucleation activity of Pseudomonas syringae inside of thunderstorms through numerical simulations using BRAMS (Brazilian Regional Atmospheric Model System). The numerical simulations were developed in order to investigate the effect on the total amount of rainwater as a function of ice nuclei (IN) P. syringae concentrations with different scenarios (classified as S2 to S4 scenarios) corresponding to maximum 102 to 103 IN bacteria per liter of cloud water plus the RAMS default (classified as S5 scenario). Additionally, two other scenarios were included without any IN (S1) and the sum of RAMS default and S4 scenario (classified as S6). The chosen radiosonde data is for 3 March 2003, typical summertime in São Paulo City which presents a strong convective cell. The objective of the simulations was to analyze the effect of the IN concentrations on the BRAMS modeled cloud properties and precipitation. The simulated electrification of the cloud permitted analysis of the total flashes estimated from precipitable and non-precipitable ice mass fluxes. Among all scenarios, only S4 and S6 presented a tendency to decrease the total cloud water, and all bacteria scenarios presented a tendency to decrease the total amount of rain at the ground (−8%), agreeing with literature. All bacteria scenarios also present higher precipitable ice concentrations compared to S5 scenario, the RAMS default. The main results present the total flash number per simulation as well. From the results, the total flash number, in the simulation S4 and S6, is twice higher than the RAMS default. Even the smaller bacteria concentrations (scenarios S2 and S3) produced higher number of flashes, 4 to 5, compared to the S5 with only 3. This result is a function of the hydrometeors in each simulation. In conclusion, IN bacteria could affect directly the thunderstorm structure and lightning formation with many other microphysical implications.
Integrated method for the measurement of trace atmospheric bases
Authors: Key D. , Stihle J. , Petit J.-E. , Bonnet C. , Depernon L. , Liu O. , Kennedy S. , Latimer R. , Burgoyne M. , Wanger D. , Webster A. , Casunuran S. , Hidalgo S. , Thomas M. , Moss J. A. , Baum M. M.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. Nitrogenous atmospheric bases are thought to play a key role in the global nitrogen cycle, but their sources, transport, and sinks remain poorly understood. Of the many methods available to measure such compounds in ambient air, few meet the current need of being applicable to the complete range of potential analytes and fewer still are convenient to implement using instrumentation that is standard to most laboratories. In this work, an integrated approach to measuring trace atmospheric nitrogenous bases has been developed and validated. The method uses a simple acid scrubbing step to capture and concentrate the bases as their phosphite salts, which then are derivatized and analyzed using GC/MS and/or LC/MS. The advantages of both techniques in the context of the present measurements are discussed. The approach is sensitive, selective, reproducible, as well as convenient to implement and has been validated for different sampling strategies. The limits of detection for the families of tested compounds are suitable for ambient measurement applications, as supported by field measurements in an urban park and in the exhaust of on-road vehicles.
Quantification of terrestrial ecosystem carbon dynamics in the conterminous United States combining a process-based biogeochemical model and MODIS and AmeriFlux data
Authors: Chen M. , Zhuang Q. , Cook D. R. , Coulter R. , Pekour M. , Scott R. L. , Munger J. W. , Bible K.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. Satellite remote sensing provides continuous temporal and spatial information of terrestrial ecosystems. Using these remote sensing data and eddy flux measurements and biogeochemical models, such as the Terrestrial Ecosystem Model (TEM), should provide a more adequate quantification of carbon dynamics of terrestrial ecosystems. Here we use Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), Land Surface Water Index (LSWI) and carbon flux data of AmeriFlux to conduct such a study. We first modify the gross primary production (GPP) modeling in TEM by incorporating EVI and LSWI to account for the effects of the changes of canopy photosynthetic capacity, phenology and water stress. Second, we parameterize and verify the new version of TEM with eddy flux data. We then apply the model to the conterminous United States over the period 2000–2005 at a 0.05° × 0.05° spatial resolution. We find that the new version of TEM made improvement over the previous version and generally captured the expected temporal and spatial patterns of regional carbon dynamics. We estimate that regional GPP is between 7.02 and 7.78 Pg C yr−1 and net primary production (NPP) ranges from 3.81 to 4.38 Pg C yr−1 and net ecosystem production (NEP) varies within 0.08–0.73 Pg C yr−1 over the period 2000–2005 for the conterminous United States. The uncertainty due to parameterization is 0.34, 0.65 and 0.18 Pg C yr−1 for the regional estimates of GPP, NPP and NEP, respectively. The effects of extreme climate and disturbances such as severe drought in 2002 and destructive Hurricane Katrina in 2005 were captured by the model. Our study provides a new independent and more adequate measure of carbon fluxes for the conterminous United States, which will benefit studies of carbon-climate feedback and facilitate policy-making of carbon management and climate.
Insignificant enhancement of export flux in the highly productive Subtropical Front, east of New Zealand: a high resolution study of particle export fluxes based on 234Th:238U disequilibria
Authors: Zhou K. , Nodder S. D. , Dai M. , Hall J. A.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. We evaluated the downward Particulate Organic Carbon (POC) export fluxes in the Subtropical Frontal zone (STF) of the Southern Ocean. The site is characterized by enhanced primary productivity which has been suggested to be stimulated through so-called natural iron fertilization processes at its northern boundary where iron-depleted subantarctic water (SAW) mixes with oligotrophic, iron-replete subtropical water (STW). We adopted the small-volume 234Th method to achieve highest spatial sampling resolution as possible based on a cruise to the STF to the east New Zealand in austral late autumn-early winter, May–June 2008. The inventories of fluorescence, particulate 234Th and POC observed in the upper 100 m were all elevated in the mid-salinity part of the water type (34.5<S<34.8), compared with low (S<34.5) and high (S>34.8) salinity waters. However, Steady-State 234Th fluxes were similar cross all of the salinity gradient being 1484 in the mid-salinity, and 1761 and 1304 dpm m−2 d−1 in the high and low salinity zones respectively. Bottle POC/Th ratios at the depth of 100 m were used to convert the Th fluxes into POC export flux. The POC flux was again not enhanced in the mid-salinity range where the primary production was highest, being 7.4 mmol C m−2 d−1 as compared to 9.9 mmol C m−2 d−1 in high salinity waters, and 5.9 mmol C m−2 d−1 in low salinity waters. This study implied that natural iron fertilization does not necessarily lead to the enhancement of POC export in STF regions.
Estimation of soil redistribution rates due to snow cover related processes in a mountainous area (Valle d'Aosta, NW Italy)
Authors: Ceaglio E. , Meusburger K. , Freppaz M. , Zanini E. , Alewell C.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. Mountain areas are widely affected by soil erosion, which is commonly linked to runoff processes. Also winter processes, like snow gliding and full-depth avalanches, may be important factors that can enhance soil erosion, however the role and importance of snow movements as agents of soil redistribution are not well understood yet. The aim of this study is to provide information on the relative importance of snow related soil erosion processes in comparison to runoff processes. In the study area, which is an avalanche path characterized by intense snow movements and soil erosion, soil redistribution rates were quantified with two methods: (i) by field measurements of sediment yield in an avalanche deposition area during 2009 and 2010 winter seasons; (ii) by Caesium-137 method, which supplies the cumulative net soil loss/gain since 1986, including winter and summer soil erosion processes. The soil erosion rates estimated from the sediment yield at the avalanche deposit area (3.2 and 20.8 Mg ha−1 event−1) is comparable to the yearly erosion rates (averaged since 1986) estimated with the Cs-137 method (8.8–13.4 Mg ha−1 yr−1). The soil accumulation rate estimated with data from the avalanche deposition area (28.2 and 160.7 Mg ha−1 event−1) is even more intense than the yearly deposition rates estimated with Cs-137 (8.9–12.6 Mg ha−1 yr−1). This might be due to the high relevance of the two investigated avalanche events and/or to the discrepancy between the long-term (since 1986) signal of the Cs-137 method compared to rates of 2009 and 2010. Even though the comparability is limited by the different time scale of the applied methods, both methods yielded similar magnitudes of soil redistribution rates indicating that soil erosion due to snow movements is the main driving force of soil redistribution in the area. Therefore winter processes have to be taken into account when assessing soil erosion as they significantly contribute to soil redistribution in mountainous areas.
Comparing soil moisture retrievals from SMOS and ASCAT over France
Authors: Parrens M. , Zakharova E. , Lafont S. , Calvet J.-C. , Kerr Y. , Wagner W. , Wigneron J.-P.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. The first products derived over France in 2010 from the L-band brightness temperatures (Tb) measured by the SMOS (Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity) satellite, launched in November 2009, were compared with the surface soil moisture (SSM) estimates produced by the C-band Advanced Scatterometter, ASCAT, launched in 2006 on board METOP-A. SMOS and ASCAT SSM products were compared with the simulations of the ISBA-A-gs model and with in situ measurements from the SMOSMANIA network, including 21 stations located in southern France. ASCAT tended to correlate better than SMOS with ISBA-A-gs. The significant anomaly correlation coefficients between in situ observations and the SMOS (ASCAT) product ranged from 0.23 to 0.48 (0.35 to 0.96). However, in wet conditions, similar results between the two satellite products were found. An attempt was made to derive SSM from regressed empirical logarithmic equations using a combination of SMOS Tb at different incidence angles and different polarizations, and the Leaf Area Index (LAI) modeled by ISBA-A-gs. The analysis of the intercept coefficient of the regression showed an impact of topography. A similar analysis applied to ASCAT and SMOS SSM values showed a more limited impact of topography on the intercept coefficient of the SMOS SSM product, while fewer residual geographic patterns were found for the ASCAT SSM.
An Antarctic monitoring initiative for fast ice and comparison with the Arctic
Authors: Heil P. , Gerland S. , Granskog M. A.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. While Arctic and Antarctic fast-ice observations are required by a number of interest groups for planning and logistical activities, or to support scientific research, obtaining those data is not trivial. Sea-ice extent is reasonably well observed using camera-based or satellite-borne instruments, however, in situ and satellite-based ice-thicknesss measurements remain a challenge. As the seasonal fast-ice thickness is directly linked to regional atmospheric and oceanographic conditions, monitoring of fast-ice thickness across a station network around Antarctica and in the Arctic is crucial to assess how climate change affects the polar system. The Antarctic Fast-Ice Network (AFIN) was recently established to provide the scientific community with fast-ice observations from sites operated by international contributors. Based on AFIN data a recent increase in interannual variability in annual maximum ice and snow thicknesses has been identified. Maximum Arctic fast-ice thickness generally exhibits a similar interannual variability, however, both positive and negative trends in ice thickness have been observed in the Arctic. Comparing the two hemispheres, we find that in the Arctic the fast ice establishes itself at a faster rate than in the Antarctic, where repeated cyclone action tends to intermittently remove the fast ice during autumn. Also, Arctic sites investigated here exhibit less snow cover than those from East Antarctic coastal sites.
Diagnósticos, resultados e intervenções de enfermagem para clientes hospitalizados submetidos à prostatectomia
Authors: Nascimento Danielle Martins do , Nóbrega Maria Miriam Lima da , Carvalho Marisaulina Wanderley Abrantes de , Norat Ellen Martins
Published: September 2011

Pesquisa exploratório-descritiva realizada em uma Clínica Cirúrgica de um hospital escola, com o objetivo de desenvolver afirmativas de diagnósticos, resultados e intervenções de enfermagem para pacientes submetidos à prostatectomia utilizando o modelo de sete eixos da CIPE® e validar as afirmativas construídas com a participação de enfermeiros que atuam na referida área. Foram elaboradas 97 afirmativas de diagnósticos/resultados de enfermagem, que foram submetidas ao processo de validação por enfermeiros, obtendo como resultado 38 afirmativas com IC ? 0.80 (39,2%). A partir destas, construiu-se 259 afirmativas de intervenções de enfermagem, que também foram submetidas ao processo de validação, tendo 210 alcançado IC ? 0.80. Acredita-se que utilização dessas afirmativas poderá representar um relevante instrumento na melhoria do cuidado, uma vez que os diagnósticos de enfermagem retratam as reais necessidades dos pacientes hospitalizados, e fornecem ao enfermeiro subsídios para identificar as intervenções de enfermagem necessárias à assistência desta clientela.Descritores: Enfermagem; Diagnóstico de enfermagem; Cuidados de enfermagem; Prostatectomia.
Cuidar de idosos institucionalizados: características e dificuldades dos cuidadores
Authors: Colomé Isabel Cristina dos Santos , Marqui Alessandra Bernadete Trovó de , Jahn Alice Do Carmo , Resta Darielli Gindri , Carli Rafaela De , Winck Marisa Teresinha , Nora Taís Trombetta Dalla
Published: September 2011

O aumento no número de idosos em nosso país faz com que muitos vivam em Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos (ILPI), sendo assistidos por um cuidador. Este estudo objetivou conhecer as características e o trabalho de cuidadores de idosos institucionalizados, identificando as dificuldades enfrentadas no cotidiano. Trata-se de pesquisa exploratório-descritiva. Para a coleta de dados utilizou-se questionário semi-estruturado aplicado a onze cuidadores que atuavam em uma ILPI. Foi realizada a análise de conteúdo, modalidade temática. A maioria dos cuidadores era do sexo feminino, casado, tinha de 40 a 49 anos e possuía o primeiro grau incompleto. As dificuldades referidas permitiram a construção de duas categorias: “sobrecarga de trabalho e exigência física” e “necessidade de conhecimento para cuidar dos idosos”. Destaca-se a necessidade de (re)pensar a prática dos cuidadores, com vistas ao aprimoramento desses profissionais, de suas condições de trabalho e qualidade de vida. Descritores: Cuidadores; Idoso; Instituição de longa permanência para idosos; Enfermagem geriátrica.
Alcoolismo e a produção científica da enfermagem brasileira: uma análise de 10 anos
Authors: Silva Sílvio Eder Dias da , Padilha Maria Itayra Coelho de Souza , Borenstein Miriam Süsskind , Spricigo Jonas Salomão
Published: September 2011

Trata-se de uma pesquisa documental cujo objetivo foi refletir sobre o alcoolismo como objeto de conhecimento da enfermagem brasileira, a partir das teses e dissertações publicadas sobre a temática no período de 1977 a 2007. A fonte de pesquisa foi o Banco de Teses e Dissertações da Associação Brasileira de Enfermagem aonde foram identificados 43 estudos. A análise dos dados teve duas etapas: primeiro, realizou-se uma caracterização dos trabalhos, posteriormente, organizou-se o material a partir dos dados evidentes nos estudos, originando as seguintes categorias temáticas: o imaginário sobre o alcoolista; o álcool e o adolescente; o tratamento do alcoolismo; e alcoolismo feminino. Constatou-se que os estudos propiciaram apreender os aspectos do contexto psicossocial, tão importantes e necessários no sentido de se olhar mais atentamente a prática assistencial que se presta ao alcoolista nos serviços de saúde do Brasil.Descritores: Pesquisa em enfermagem; Álcool; Drogas; Alcoolismo.
The Benefits of Supplementary Fat in Feed Rations for Ruminants with Particular Focus on Reducing Levels of Methane Production
Authors: Rasmussen J. , Harrison A.
Published: September 2011

Methane (CH4), a highly potent greenhouse gas, has repeatedly been
identified as a significant contributor to global warming. In this
connection, ruminants, animals that produce large quantities of
methane, have been singled out as an area for reduction with
regard to their emissions to the atmosphere.
In an analysis of recently published data, we identify the
underlying mechanisms of methane production in ruminants and focus
on the efficacy of different fat sources in terms of their ability
to reduce methane production. Specific attention has been placed
on in vivo studies involving cattle and sheep, as well as studies
based on a large number of animals (>10), recorded over a longer
period (>21 days), and employing reliable techniques for the
quantification of methane production.
Data clearly indicate that supplementary fat, given to ruminants
inhibits methane production, with medium-chain fatty acids
(laurin, myristic acid) as well as poly-unsaturated fatty acids
(linoleic and especially linolenic acid) having a significant
effect. It is also apparent that conflicting findings between
individual published trials can largely be resolved when one takes
into consideration differences in experimental design, the
composition of the basic feeds, the fat sources used, and the
number of animals involved.
Electroless Ni-P Coatings: Preparation and Evaluation of Fracture Toughness and Scratch Hardness
Authors: Sade Wagner , Proença Reinaldo Trindade , Moura Thiago Daniel de Oliveira , Branco José Roberto Tavares
Published: September 2011

Ni-P chemical coatings have been used to prevent wear, corrosion and as an alternative for hard chromium, since the latter's deposition processing is very harmful to the human health and the environment. In the present paper, Ni-P coatings with 8 and 10% P were deposited in steel AISI 1020 and thermally treated. Ni-1wt%P coatings with incorporation of hard particles of Al2O3 were also investigated. The microstructure and phase relationships were analyzed and correlated with the fracture toughness and scratch hardness of the coatings.The results show that the fracture toughness of the coating was smaller when thermally treated at 400°C for 1 hour and the scratch hardness reached a peak in this temperature. The relation of chemical composition and microstructure with mechanical properties of Ni-P coatings is presented. The phosphorus contents, the crystallization, and the incorporation of hard particles in the coatings change the values of toughness fracture and scratch hardness.
Segmentation of Worked Examples: Effects on Cognitive Load and Learning
Authors: Spanjers Ingrid A. E. , van Gog Tamara , van Merriënboer Jeroen J. G.
Published: September 2011

Two ways to improve worked examples are investigated: presenting them in a segmented format (i.e., in pieces separated by blank lines) and instructing students to segment them actively (i.e., students must divide the examples in pieces). Segmented examples are expected to support learning because they show which information elements belong together. Learners might also be encouraged to think about which information elements belong together when they are instructed to actively segment, but on the negative side, this is an additional task that might impose extra cognitive load without facilitating learning. Results showed that students in the actively segmenting condition invested more effort in learning than students in the other conditions without performing better. Furthermore, studying segmented examples required less effort to achieve equal learning outcomes than studying nonsegmented ones. So, presenting learners with segmented examples improved the efficiency of the learning process, whereas instructing them to actively segment decreased this efficiency. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CuZrAlTi Bulk Metallic Glass with Enhanced Glass‐Forming Ability, Mechanical Properties, Corrosion Resistance and Biocompatibility
Authors: Chen Lian‐Yi , Xue Zheng , Xu Zheng‐Jian , Chen Jia‐Qi , He Rong‐Xin , Nie Xi‐Peng , Cao Qing‐Ping , Wang Xiao‐Dong , Ding Shao‐Qing , Jiang Jian‐Zhong
Published: September 2011

The effect of titanium addition on the glass forming ability (GFA), plasticity, corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of CuZrAl alloy are evaluated by XRD, DSC, compression tests, corrosion, and cytotoxicity tests. The GFA of Cu45Zr48Al7 amorphous alloy is greatly improved by titanium addition, as evidenced by the increase of critical size from less than 8 mm for Cu45Zr48Al7 alloy to 10 mm for Cu45Zr46.5Al7Ti1.5 alloy when the samples are prepared by copper mold casting. Cu45Zr46.5Al7Ti1.5 alloy shows enhanced plastic strain up to 10%, good corrosion resistance and biocompatibility in comparison to Cu45Zr48Al7 alloy.
Tuning Elasticity of Open‐Cell Solid Foams and Bone Scaffolds via Randomized Vertex Connectivity
Authors: Nachtrab Susan , Kapfer Sebastian C. , Rietzel Dominik , Drummer Dietmar , Madadi Mahyar , Arns Christoph H. , Kraynik Andrew M. , Schröder‐Turk Gerd E. , Mecke Klaus
Published: September 2011

Tuning mechanical properties of and fluid flow through open‐cell solid structures is a challenge for material science, in particular for the design of porous structures used as artificial bone scaffolds in tissue engineering. We present a method to tune the effective elastic properties of custom‐designed open‐cell solid foams and bone scaffold geometries by almost an order of magnitude while approximately preserving the pore space geometry and hence fluid transport properties. This strong response is achieved by a change of topology and node coordination of a network‐like geometry underlying the scaffold design. Each node of a four‐coordinated network is disconnected with probability p into two two‐coordinated nodes, yielding network geometries that change continuously from foam‐ or network‐like cellular structures to entangled fiber bundles. We demonstrate that increasing p leads to a strong, approximately exponential decay of mechanical stiffness while leaving the pore space geometry largely unchanged. This result is obtained by both voxel‐based finite element methods and compression experiments on laser sintered models. The physical effects of randomizing network topology suggest a new design paradigm for solid foams, with adjustable mechanical properties.