bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacteriological water quality compliance and root cause analysis: an industry case study
Authors: Ellis Kate , Ryan Bernadette , Templeton Michael R. , Biggs Catherine A.
Published: August 2013

Drinking water in England and Wales exhibits high compliance with quality regulations. Severn Trent Water (STW) rarely experiences quality failures, yet approximately half of those that do occur are for bacteriological parameters. There were 218 bacteriological non-compliances across the STW region between January 2008 and December 2011. Thirty nine percent of these were from water treatment works and service reservoirs. Coliforms were the most commonly isolated indicator organisms. Two thirds of failures had no cause identified: of these most had residual free chlorines below 0.3 mg l−1; few were from samples with high water temperature; surface water and groundwater supplies had high proportions of failures, with blended supplies exhibiting lower incidence. This research calls for a more holistic approach to managing bacteriological water quality in distribution systems.
Removal of natural organic matter and trihalomethane formation potential in a full-scale drinking water treatment plant
Authors: Vasyukova Ekaterina , Proft René , Jousten Johanna , Slavik Irene , Uhl Wolfgang
Published: August 2013

A multidisciplinary approach was applied in this work to characterise natural organic matter and evaluate the performance of a full-scale waterworks treating organic-rich surface water. It was shown that the combination of the treatment processes considered efficiently removed the dissolved organic matter, including its specific fractions. Most of the dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen (DOC and DON), biodegradable DOC and DON, as well as assimilable organic carbon were removed by coagulation/sedimentation. However, the coagulation process was not likely to be optimised for the removal of all molecular weight compounds. The breakdown of high molecular weight compounds into others of low molecular weight, as well as the production of biodegradable organic matter during ozonation, proved to enhance their removal efficiency by subsequent biological activated carbon filtration. The specific trihalomethane formation potential decreased during treatment, indicating a decrease in reactivity of DOC with chlorine across the treatment train. Fractionation experiments demonstrated that high and medium molecular weight organics were likely to be the main precursors for the formation of trihalomethanes. However, other disinfection by-products (such as haloacetic acids) should also be controlled, as the chlorine demand pattern did not necessarily follow that of trihalomethane formation.
Methodology for sampling drinking water discolouration loose deposits at low velocities
Authors: Poças Ana , Rebola Nazaré , Cordeiro Bruno , Rodrigues Sérgio , Benoliel Maria J. , Vreeburg Jan , Menaia José
Published: August 2013

The occurrence of discoloured water at the tap is one of the most frequent reasons for customers to complain. Water discolouration arises from the re-suspension of loose deposits (LD) that accumulate in drinking water pipes, due to velocity increase. Because of its typical brownish/reddish colour, discoloured water is traditionally perceived as a consequence of cast-iron pipe corrosion, even in networks devoid of cast-iron pipes. Current approaches for LD sampling imply the use of high flow velocities within the range of those used for pipe self-cleaning (0.40 m/s) and/or pipe cleaning (1.50 m/s). Although useful for quantitative identification of critical zones and diagnosis of LD accumulation, the application of such high-velocities as routine methodologies for LD sampling may be difficult to perform on the field and provide samples with materials other than discolouration causing LD. In this study, sampling velocities from 0.02 to 0.52 m/s yielded relatively large samples (up to 2 g dry weight), thus allowing for extensive qualitative LD analysis and testing. Sample representativeness was analysed through the characterisation of LD key-constituents total iron (Fet) and volatile solids (VS). Turbidity decay trends showed the flocculent behaviour of discolouration causing LD.
Biological ammonia removal field studies for drinking water treatment
Authors: Laky D. , Takó Sz.
Published: August 2013

In order to study the applicability of biological ammonia removal from drinking water, field experiments with 10 L/h flow rate were carried out at a case-study area, where raw water contained arsenic, iron, manganese, dissolved gases (methane, aggressive carbon dioxide) and ammonia. The technology applied at the waterworks consisted of potassium permanganate (KMnO4) dosing and rapid sand filtration followed by sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) disinfection. The treated water fulfilled the requirements for iron, arsenic and usually for manganese as well; however, it contained ammonia and dissolved gases. The aim of the investigation was to find out how the current technology could be modified in order to meet the drinking water requirements. In the first experimental setup, treated water of the waterworks was aerated and directed to the biological reactor, where ammonia was converted into nitrate. In the second experimental setup, the untreated water was first aerated, followed by a biological reactor (sand filter), KMnO4 dosing and a second sand filtration stage. Both experiments were successful; the treated water fulfilled the iron, manganese, arsenic and ammonia limits. Furthermore, the studied technologies were capable of removing dissolved gases. Modification of the current technology according to the second experimental setup is suggested, for two reasons: the KMnO4 dose could be decreased to one-third of the current value, and the explosive methane gas could be removed in the first treatment step.
From energy balance to energy efficiency indicators including water losses
Authors: Lenzi C. , Bragalli C. , Bolognesi A. , Artina S.
Published: August 2013

The collection and distribution of drinking water resources generally require large quantities of energy, that vary according to factors related to the characteristics of the served area, as well as to design and management choices. Energy intensity indicators (energy per unit of volume) are insufficient to assess the weight of different factors that affect the energy consumption and appear not suitable for the comparison of different water supply systems. The key step of this work is to define a methodology for assessing the energy efficiency of water supply systems. In particular, water losses in water distribution systems, generally assessed in relation to the quantity of high quality water dispersed in the environment, are herein considered in relation to their energy content. In addition to the evaluation of energy balance using the approach proposed by Enrique Cabrera et al. in ‘Energy audit of water networks’ (see J. Water Res. Plan. Manage.136 (6), 669–677) an overall efficiency indicator WSEE (Water Supply Energy Efficiency) is then proposed. Its decomposition finally leads to the definition of further indicators, which may help to assess how the structure of the network, leakage rate and/or pumps affect the energy efficiency of the water system. Such indicators can be used to compare different water supply systems and to identify the impact of individual interventions. The proposed energy analysis was applied to two case studies in Northern Italy.
A new deterministic method for groundwater mapping using a digital elevation model
Authors: Ács Tamás , Simonffy Zoltán
Published: August 2013

Accurate knowledge of groundwater levels and flow conditions in the vicinity of groundwater-dependent terrestrial ecosystems (GWDTE-s) is required for identifying groundwater dependency and comparing the present situation with the optimal one, as part of the status assessment of groundwaters according to the EU Water Framework Directive. Geostatistical methods (like kriging or cokriging) may result in an unrealistic groundwater level map if only a few measured data are available. In this paper a new, grid-based, deterministic method (GSGW-model) is introduced. The aim of the model is to calculate groundwater depth within the required accuracy from sparse data of monitoring wells. The basic principle of the GSGW-model is that the groundwater table is a smoothed replica of the ground surface. Hence, changes in the groundwater level between two grid points are calculated as a function of the digital elevation model (DEM) and soil properties. The GSGW-model was tested in the Nyírség region (Hungary). Results were compared with those gained by ordinary kriging and cokriging. It has been concluded that kriging overestimates the groundwater level in the low part of the test area, where wetlands are located, while the maps produced by the GSGW-model are a better fit of the real variability, providing more reliable estimates of groundwater depth in GWDTE-s as well.
Aggregation and biofilm formation of bacteria isolated from domestic drinking water
Authors: Ramalingam B. , Sekar R. , Boxall J. B. , Biggs C. A.
Published: August 2013

The objective of this study was to investigate the autoaggregation, coaggregation and biofilm formation of four bacteria namely Sphingobium, Xenophilus, Methylobacterium and Rhodococcus isolated from drinking water. Auto and coaggregation studies were performed by both qualitative (DAPI staining) and semi-quantitative (visual coaggregation) methods and biofilms produced by either pure or dual-cultures were quantified by crystal violet method. Results from the semi-quantitative visual aggregation method did not show any immediate auto or coaggregation, which was confirmed by the 4′,6 diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining method. However, after 2 hours, Methylobacterium showed the highest autoaggregation of all four isolates. The Methylobacterium combinations showed highest coaggregation between dual species at extended period of times (72 hours). Biofilm formation by pure cultures was negligible in comparison to the quantity of biofilm produced by dual-species biofilms. The overall results show that coaggregation of bacteria isolated from drinking water was mediated by species-specific and time-dependent interactions with a synergistic type of biofilm formation. The results of this study are therefore a useful step in assisting the development of potential control strategies by identifying specific bacteria that promote aggregation or biofilm formation in drinking water distribution systems.
Evaluation of trihalomethane formation in treatment of water containing Microcystis aeruginosa using chitosan as coagulant
Authors: Capelete B. C. , Brandão C. C. S.
Published: August 2013

There are few studies that evaluate the application of chitosan in the treatment of eutrophic waters and its contribution to disinfection by-product formation. Thus, this study evaluated the use of chitosan as coagulant in the treatment of lake water spiked, or not, with Microcystis aeruginosa cells, as well as the formation of trihalomethanes (THM) by chlorine oxidation. Coagulant doses were from 0 to 9 mg/L of chitosan, and from 0 to 18 mg/L of aluminum sulfate (Al2(SO4)3), used as a comparative base. The THM formation was measured in filtered water after 48 hours of oxidation. The results showed that chitosan can provide effective removal of turbidity, apparent color, absorbance at 254 nm and chlorophyll a (M. aeruginosa cells), presenting better results than aluminum sulfate. No THM were detected after oxidation with chlorine, regardless of the coagulant used, suggesting that the use of chitosan as coagulant, for the studied waters, did not contribute to THM formation.
Recurrent herpes zoster with segmental paresis and postherpetic neuralgia
Authors: Martic Vesna
Published: August 2013

Introduction. Postherpetic neuralgia and segmental paresis represent rare
complications of herpes zoster infection. Recurrent herpes zoster is also
rare and occurs within the first 3 years of the begining of the illness in
only 1.4% of cases but it is generally higher in cases of chronic lymphatic
leukemia (3.5%). Case report. We presented a patient with lymphatic leukemia
who during the remission had 3 episodes of herpes zoster over a year. All of
them took different parts of the body. One of these episodes was complicated
by postherpetic neuralgia and segmental paresis. A complete recovery was seen
in all the three episodes. Conclusion. As immunosuppression is one of
mechanisms of virus reactivation, it is likely associated with the described
rare complications of herpes zoster.
Do women in rural areas of Serbia rarely apply preventive measures against cervical cancer?
Authors: Antic Ljiljana , Djikanovic Bosiljka , Vukovic Dejana , Kaludjerovic Vladimir
Published: August 2013

Background/Aim. The incidence of cervical cancer in Central Serbia has the
higher rate as compared with that in other European countries. Considering
mortality rate for cervical cancer, the standardized rate in Serbia is 10.1
per 10,000 females, which is the second highest one after that in Romania
with 13.0. The aim of this study was to examine application of preventive
measures for cervical cancer in women both from rural and urban areas in
Serbia and if they are associated with sociodemographic characteristics and
sexual behaviour. Methods. We analyzed secondary data of the 2006 National
Health Survey of the population of Serbia focused on characteristics of adult
females aged 25 to 65 years (5.314 in total) taking into consideration that
programme of the organized screening will include female population aged over
25 years. Results. Respondents from rural areas have gynecological
examination less than once a year in comparison with those from urban areas
(OR = 0.60, 95% Cl 0.54-0.68). Less women from rural areas did Pap test
during the last 12 months in comparison with respondents from urban areas (OR
= 0.55, 95% Cl 0.48- 0.64). Respondents from urban areas less often do the
Pap test on doctor's advice in comparison with those from rural one (OR =
0.55, 95% Cl 0.42-0.62). Conclusion. This study shows that women in rural
areas rarely implement preventive gynecological measures againt cervical
cancer in comparison with those in urban areas. Implementation of preventive
measures among rural women is conditioned by lower levels of education and
lower socioeconomic status.
The A-test: Reliability of functional recovery assessment during early rehabilitation of patients in an orthopedic ward
Authors: Vukomanovic Aleksandra , Djurovic Aleksandar , Popovic Zoran , Ilic Dejan
Published: August 2013

Background/Aim. There are few tests for evaluation of functional abilities of
patients surgically treated for hip fractures or osteoarthritis during early
rehabilition period. The aim of this study was to investigate reliability
(interobserver reproducibility and internal consistency) of the A-test, an
original test for functional recovery evaluation during early rehabilitation
of patients in an orthopedic ward. Methods. The investigation included 105
patients (55 patients with hip osteoarthritis that underwent arthroplasty and
50 surgically treated patients with hip fracture). It was conducted in an
orthopedic ward during early inpatient rehabilitation (from 1st to 5th day).
For their functional recovery evaluation during early rehabilitation we used
the A-test, a performance-based test with 10 items for assessing basic
activities by six level ordinal scale (0-5). For internal consistency of the
test the Cronbach coefficient alpha was calculated for the A-test results
collected during early rehabilitation for all patients (105 patients x 5 days
= 525 measures) and separately for the results of patients with hip
osteoarthritis (275 measures) and hip fracture (250 measures). Values of this
coefficient > 0.7 imply good internal consistency of the test. Interobserver
reproducibility was estimated as follows: two physiotherapists together
conducted physical therapy with the patients, and then, separately, rated the
performance of each activity from the test (78 measures). The agreement
between their estimations was expressed by the linear weighted kappa
coefficient (for very good agreement values of kappa coefficient have to be
in the range 0.81-1). Results. The Cronbach coefficient alpha was 0.98 (the
results of all the patients and the results of the patients with hip
osteoarthritis) and 0.97 (the results of the patients with hip fracture). The
values of kappa coefficient were in the range 0.81-0.92 for all items.
Conclusion. The A-test is a reliable instrument for everyday evaluation of
functional recovery during early rehabilitation of patients surgically
treated in an orthopedic ward.
A Systemless System: Designing the Disarticulation of English State Education
Authors: Lawn Martin
Published: August 2013

The idea of a system of education has never been fully accepted in England. A more realistic translation of the realities of English education is that of systems of education, folded inside each other. Although it is possible to outline the building blocks of a national system (primary, secondary, further and higher), the political, spatial and contextual elements in the organisation of education over time mean that it is almost impossible to describe the system meaningfully. The idea of an English system is a vernacular device used within the twentieth century to manage the contradictions and diversity of educational provision. In the twenty-first century, even this device is failing to work, as a wide range of providers and a hostile government have systematically disarticulated the idea of a system.
Research Impact and Educational Research
Authors: Korsnakova Paulina
Published: August 2013

This article provides a basic introduction to the area of large-scale assessments (LSA) for qualitative researchers, with the aim of drawing attention to and advocating for wider use of LSA results. LSAs are not designed to yield straightforward policy recommendations leading to a direct impact; however, they provide a rich source of contextual information, as well as data on educational outcomes for secondary analysis. They should be perceived as part of the empirical evidence necessary for testing theoretical models. Scholars could and should take a more active role in LSA development and in the analysis of LSA results for improving national educational systems in culturally valid and reasoned ways.
Politicizing Transitions in Early Childhood
Authors: Pacini-Ketchabaw Veronica
Published: August 2013

The idea of transitions in early childhood education practice rests on a conceptualization of time that is characteristic of western thought: time as spatialized by having been divided into discrete units. This article explores the space-time dimension in relation to transitions. Drawing on Deleuzian-inspired writings on duration, time as intensive, and bodies and affects, the article engages with the following questions: Are there ways to rethink the idea that a child ‘has trouble with transitions’ ? What do we take for granted as we focus on children's difficulties in transitioning? What are we overlooking when we only pay attention to how children move through activities? How might we direct our attention to what deeply affects children instead of looking only at the shift from one activity to the next? And, perhaps most importantly, what else might be going on in the very moment of a transition? Using an ordinary event from an early childhood classroom as an example, the article argues that too much focus on how children transition from one activity to the next keeps us from exploring the idea of transitions in relation to the intensities children experience and how their experiences endure.
Taking Children's Questions Seriously: The Need for Creative Thought
Authors: Olsson Liselott Mariett
Published: August 2013

This article recounts and further explores some experimental scientific and didactic work trying to make use of the philosophy of Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari in early childhood didactics at the University of Stockholm, Sweden. Within the setting of problem- and practice-based cooperation, researchers and teachers have in different projects explored some of the concepts offered by Deleuze and Guattari and that seem capable of aligning themselves with young children's strategies for learning as well as offering new and vital scientific and didactic tools. A thread through the article is the importance of and conditions needed for being able to really listen to children and take their questions seriously. The article begins with an argumentation on the need here for ‘creative thought’ and a short description of how current attempts to tame learning block this thought and neglect children's questions. Thereafter the article builds on examples of scientific and didactic work at the University of Stockholm where three concepts are explored: ‘assemblages of desire’ – as a way of accessing children's collective drive for learning; ‘event’ – as a way of accessing children's production of knowledge; and ‘affect’ – as a way of valuing learning and knowledge in a way that differs from how it is being done within the formalised school system. The article is concluded with a discussion on children's affinity with a creative thought and how this can be used to enrich the formalised school system.
Not as it Seems: Using Deleuzian Concepts of the Imaginary to Rethink Children's Drawings
Authors: Knight Linda
Published: August 2013

Deleuze states in his 1990 work Negotiations that signs are realised in ideas. Although Deleuze referred to cinema, his thinking about signs and ideas can apply to drawings. Cinema is moving imagery and drawing is static; however, both are informed and constructed from realised ideas that continue to shift beyond the artefact. Theories about children's drawings have historically pertained to establishing schematic universalities rather than acknowledging the agglomerative connections they make to the multiple things occurring around a drawing as it is created. Universal schemas persist within early childhood art discourses despite the growth of critical theory research into other aspects of childhood. Deleuze's assertions about the signs and classifications of cinema help to contest notions of schematic development – that is, that children should progress through particular iconic drawing stages at particular ages. Deleuze's quotations and thoughts on the imaginary and imagination are referenced to interrogate ‘scientific’ knowledges and the gathering of evidential truths about children's intellectual growth and development. Four examples from a dataset of drawings from a pilot study undertaken by the author that tested the methodological potential of intergenerational collaborative drawing in early childhood settings facilitate focused discussion on the above contestations.
Infants in Family Day Care: Stories of Smooth and Striated Space
Authors: Stratigos Tina , Sumsion Jennifer , Bradley Ben
Published: August 2013

Family day care (FDC) is child care for a small group of children that occurs in the educator's home. Despite the important role it plays in the international early childhood education and care landscape, particularly for children under three years of age, FDC is currently under-researched. This article examines research about infants (under 19 months of age) in FDC from the past 20 years, using Deleuze and Guattari's concepts of smooth and striated space. These concepts open possibilities for moving beyond well-worn binaries such as qualitative/quantitative, researcher/researched, adult/infant and instead consider the methodological principles and theoretical perspectives that influence why particular methods are chosen, how they are used, and the research stories that result. The authors argue that the emerging FDC research space may be conceptualised as a smooth space, with greater powers of deterritorialisation than the striated, affording lines of flight towards new understandings about the lives of infants in FDC.
This is Not a Pencil: A Deleuzoguattarian Re-Imagining of the Classroom Milieu
Authors: Leafgren Sheri
Published: August 2013

This article presents an examination of the classroom milieu as a means to engage with children's [nomads’] becomings in alliance with associated milieus of others – objects and persons. In the milieu of the classroom the child is becoming student/nomad, and the adult is becoming teacher/State. As the child is nomad in this milieu, it follows that s/he would resist the restrictive implications of shifting identity from child to student (especially the ‘good’ student), manifesting a nomadic penchant for creating lines of flight and resisting the restrictive techniques of power that the school-State serves to impose. The child co-creates and then resists a dynamic milieu especially via situated and moving objects/markers: the school desk/seat, the carpet, and especially the pencil. The classroom as a Deleuzoguattarian place concept is always changing and mutating, and this article is a sort of nomadography revealing and constructing alternative lines of flight that will provoke us to re-imagine the classroom in enlightening and productive new ways.
Becoming Child/Becoming Dress
Authors: Jones Liz
Published: August 2013

Taking an example of play as a point of departure, the author marks out why children's bodies have become tricky subjects often demanding the night watchman of repression. Following Foucault and Butler, she foregrounds the interrelationship between desire, the lived performances of bodies and the sometimes shattering consequences of those frames of containment in which we inscribe children, including ‘girl’ and ‘boy’. The article then moves on to question whether Deleuze and Guattari's conceptualisation of ‘becoming’ offers a radical means for dismantling manifestations of the body, and in so doing, provides me with a space to consider alternative practices in relation to children and their bodies.
Playing with Play(ing): Play-Fully Writing about Play
Authors: Sellers Marg , Chancellor Barbara
Published: August 2013

Disrupting the linear by sit(t)ing their writing alongside, the authors site/cite play on/as a Deleuzoguattarian open plane – of immanence – through a play-full exploration of Play. They explore the notion of the back and forth motion between the known and the unknown, between safety and risk; thinking about play as circular hermeneutical movement, where one re-encounters an ever-changing ocean with new understanding, created and enriched by past experiences. Resonating with these ideas, the authors present their own – play-fully, singularly and together – as a double-column juxtaposition, which in itself emerges from and merges with a Deleuzoguattarian plane of immanence, an open space whereby ideas about play and playing are played with. They work to think differently through encounters with/in an ever-changing ocean of outside forces, through flows of ideas within their thinking as they connect with each other and the literature, the ongoing question being: how might we think differently about play?
A Rhizomatic Experiment with Learning Stories
Authors: Duncan Judith , Eaton Sandy
Published: August 2013

Revisiting their two-year research project has given the authors an opportunity to experiment with the conceptual tools of Deleuze and Guattari. Their research redesigned learning stories, the accepted mode of pedagogical documentation in Aotearoa New Zealand, to gather information and understanding of the impact of increased adult participation in teaching and learning in early childhood education. While, at the time, they used arborescent methods and mode of thinking, experimenting with rhizomatic modes of thought and ‘lines of flight’ has offered different interpretations of their findings.
When More is Not More: Consumption and Consumerism within the Neoliberal Early Childhood Assemblage(s)
Authors: Wolff Kenya
Published: August 2013

In this article, Deleuzoguattarian perspectives are utilized to conceptualize how capitalism shifts and warps the desire to become into the desire to have. The author argues that a more advanced form of autonomic enslavement has replaced capitalism and uses new technologies to bypass subjectivities and attach itself directly to the body and the subconscious. This article aims to make some of these technologies visible within the context of the marketing practices and discourses that groom children and parents as consumers within the US neoliberal assemblage(s). Implications for research and activism are discussed with the aim to move us towards becoming-other in a post-consumer society.
Accomplishing Esthetics Using Enamel Microabrasion and Bleaching—A Case Report
Authors: Sundfeld RH , Franco LM , Gonçalves RS , de Alexandre RS , Machado LS , Neto DS
Published: August 2013

This case report describes the sequential steps that were used to treat unesthetic, white, hard-texture enamel stains of unknown etiology. A tapered fine diamond bur was used to remove superficial enamel followed by the use of an enamel microabrasion compound Opalustre (Ultradent Products Inc). This technique removed the stains and was followed by polishing with a fluoride paste to restore the enamel to a smooth finish. The teeth were subsequently bleached with carbamide peroxide (Opalescence 10%, Ultradent Products), which achieved the patient's desired esthetic results.
D-dimer plasma level: a reliable marker for venous thromboembolism after elective craniotomy
Authors: Prell Julian , Rachinger Jens , Smaczny Robert , Taute Bettina-Maria , Rampp Stefan , Illert Joerg , Koman Gershom , Marquart Christian , Rachinger Alexandra , Simmermacher Sebastian , Alfieri Alex , Scheller Christian , Strauss Christian
Published: August 2013

Object

The incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) after craniotomy is reported to be as high as 50%. In outpatients, D-dimer levels of more than 0.5 mg/L indicate venous thromboembolism (VTE, which subsumes DVT and pulmonary embolism [PE]) with a sensitivity of 99.4% and a specificity of 38.2%. However, D-dimer levels are believed to be unreliable in postoperative patients. The authors undertook the present study to test the hypothesis that D-dimer levels would be systematically raised in a postoperative population and to define a feasible threshold for identification of VTE.

Methods

Doppler ultrasonography of the lower extremity was performed pre- and postoperatively to evaluate for DVT in 101 patients who underwent elective craniotomy. D-dimer levels were assessed preoperatively and on the 3rd, 7th, and 10th days after surgery. Statistical analysis was carried out to define a feasible threshold for D-dimer levels.

Results

D-dimer plasma levels were found to be systematically raised postoperatively, and they differed between patients with and without VTE in a highly significant way. On the 3rd day after surgery, D-dimer levels of more than 2 mg/L indicated VTE with a sensitivity of 95.3% and a specificity of 74.1%, allowing for the definition of a feasible threshold. D-dimer levels of more than 4 mg/L were observed in all patients who had PE during the postoperative period (n = 9). Ventilation time and duration of surgery were identified as highly significant risk factors for the development of VTE.

Conclusions

Using a threshold of 2 mg/L, D-dimer levels will indicate VTE with a high degree of sensitivity and specificity in patients who have undergone craniotomy. Pulmonary embolism seems to be indicated by even higher D-dimer levels. Given that the development of D-dimer plasma levels in the postoperative period follows a principle that can be predicted and that deviations from it indicate VTE, this principle might be applicable to other types of surgery.
Biological Anomalies around the 2009 L’Aquila Earthquake
Authors: Fidani Cristiano
Published: August 2013

The April 6, 2009 L’Aquila earthquake was the strongest seismic event to occur in Italy over the last thirty years with a magnitude of M = 6.3. Around the time of the seismic swarm many instruments were operating in Central Italy, even if not dedicated to biological effects associated with the stress field variations, including seismicity. Testimonies were collected using a specific questionnaire immediately after the main shock, including data on earthquake lights, gas leaks, human diseases, and irregular animal behavior. The questionnaire was made up of a sequence of arguments, based upon past historical earthquake observations and compiled over seven months after the main shock. Data on animal behavior, before, during and after the main shocks, were analyzed in space/time distributions with respect to the epicenter area, evidencing the specific responses of different animals. Several instances of strange animal behavior were observed which could causally support the hypotheses that they were induced by the physical presence of gas, electric charges and electromagnetic waves in atmosphere. The aim of this study was to order the biological observations and thereby allow future work to determine whether these observations were influenced by geophysical parameters.
Effects of Biomass Feedstocks and Gasification Conditions on the Physiochemical Properties of Char
Authors: Qian Kezhen , Kumar Ajay , Patil Krushna , Bellmer Danielle , Wang Donghai , Yuan Wenqiao , Huhnke Raymond
Published: August 2013

Char is a low-value byproduct of biomass gasification and pyrolysis with many potential applications, such as soil amendment and the synthesis of activated carbon and carbon-based catalysts. Considering these high-value applications, char could provide economic benefits to a biorefinery utilizing gasification or pyrolysis technologies. However, the properties of char depend heavily on biomass feedstock, gasifier design and operating conditions. This paper reports the effects of biomass type (switchgrass, sorghum straw and red cedar) and equivalence ratio (0.20, 0.25 and 0.28), i.e., the ratio of air supply relative to the air that is required for stoichiometric combustion of biomass, on the physiochemical properties of char derived from gasification. Results show that the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface areas of most of the char were 1–10 m2/g and increased as the equivalence ratio increased. Char moisture and fixed carbon contents decreased while ash content increased as equivalence ratio increased. The corresponding Fourier Transform Infrared spectra showed that the surface functional groups of char differed between biomass types but remained similar with change in equivalence ratio.
Detrital Zircon Fission-Track Thermochronology of the Present-Day Isère River Drainage System in the Western Alps: No Evidence for Increasing Erosion Rates at 5 Ma
Authors: Bernet Matthias
Published: August 2013

The Isère River system drains parts of the Western Alps in south-eastern France. Zircon fission-track data of the Isère River and its tributaries show a range of apparent cooling ages from about 7 to 150 Ma. Zircons with Jurassic to early Tertiary cooling ages are derived from partially reset or non-reset sedimentary cover units of the internal and external Alps, while grains belonging to the minimum age fraction are derived from areas of active river incision in the external crystalline massifs or from the Penninic front. With the absence of major normal faults, upper crustal exhumation in the Western Alps is driven by erosion. First-order long-term exhumation rate estimates based on minimum ages are about 0.5–0.6 km/Myr for the fastest exhuming areas, while drainage basin average rates based on central ages are about 0.2–0.4 km/Myr. These rates are slower than published short-term erosion rates determined from detrital quartz 10Be analyses in the Pelvoux massif. While present-day erosion is faster than the long-term average exhumation rates, the Isère River drainage zircon fission-track data do not show evidence for increasing erosion rates at 5 Ma. Exhumation has not been sufficient in this area to expose rocks with <5 Ma cooling ages today. The increase in erosion may have happened only in glaciated areas between 1 and 2 Ma.
The Dynamics of Autism Spectrum Disorders: How Neurotoxic Compounds and Neurotransmitters Interact
Authors: Quaak Ilona , Brouns Madeleine , Van de Bor Margot
Published: August 2013

In recent years concern has risen about the increasing prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Accumulating evidence shows that exposure to neurotoxic compounds is related to ASD. Neurotransmitters might play a key role, as research has indicated a connection between neurotoxic compounds, neurotransmitters and ASD. In the current review a literature overview with respect to neurotoxic exposure and the effects on neurotransmitter systems is presented. The aim was to identify mechanisms and related factors which together might result in ASD. The literature reported in the current review supports the hypothesis that exposure to neurotoxic compounds can lead to alterations in the GABAergic, glutamatergic, serotonergic and dopaminergic system which have been related to ASD in previous work. However, in several studies findings were reported that are not supportive of this hypothesis. Other factors also might be related, possibly altering the mechanisms at work, such as time and length of exposure as well as dose of the compound. Future research should focus on identifying the pathway through which these factors interact with exposure to neurotoxic compounds making use of human studies.
Relationship between Retinal Vascular Caliber and Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
Authors: Josef Pikkel , Ali Ibrahim , Ariel Prober , Alon Marmor , Nimer Assy
Published: August 2013

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between retinal vascular caliber and cardiovascular disease in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients without diabetes and hypertension. Methods: Intention to treat study of individuals who underwent cardiac computed tomography (CT) during a two year period. Coronary artery disease (CAD) was defined as stenosis of >50% in at least one major coronary artery. Liver and spleen density were measured by abdominal (CT); intima-media thickness (IMT) by Doppler ultrasound; retinal artery and vein diameter by colored-retinal angiography; and metabolic syndrome by ATP III guidelines. Serum biomarkers of insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidant-antioxidant status were assessed. Results: Compared with 22 gender and age matched controls, the 29 NAFLD patients showed higher prevalence of coronary plaques (70% vs. 30%, p < 0.001), higher prevalence of coronary stenosis (30% vs. 15%, p < 0.001), lower retinal arteriole-to-venule ratio (AVR) (0.66 ± 0.06 vs. 0.71 ± 0.02, p < 0.01), higher IMT (0.98 ± 0.3 vs. 0.83 ± 0.1, p < 0.04), higher carotid plaques (60% vs. 40%, p < 0.001), higher homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA) (4.0 ± 3.4 vs. 2.0 ± 1.0, p < 0.005), and higher triglyceride levels (200 ± 80 vs. 150 ± 60, p < 0.005) than controls. Multivariate analysis showed fatty liver (OR 2.5; p < 0.01), IMT (OR 2.3 p < 0.001), and retinal AVR ratio (OR 1.5, p < 0.01) to be strongly associated with CAD independent of metabolic syndrome (OR 1.2, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Patients with smaller retinal AVR (<0.7) are likely to be at increased risk for CAD and carotid atherosclerosis in patients with NAFLD even without hypertension or diabetes.
Focusing Resource Allocation-Wellbeing as a Tool for Prioritizing Interventions for Communities at Risk
Authors: Hogan Anthony , Tanton Robert , Lockie Stewart , May Sarah
Published: August 2013

Objective: This study examined whether a wellbeing approach to resilience and adaptation would provide practical insights for prioritizing support to communities experiencing environmental and socio-economic stressors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey, based on a purposive sample of 2,196 stakeholders (landholders, hobby farmers, town resident and change agents) from three irrigation-dependent communities in Australia’s Murray-Darling Basin. Respondents’ adaptive capacity and wellbeing (individual and collective adaptive capacity, subjective wellbeing, social support, community connectivity, community leadership, in the context of known life stressors) were examined using chi-square, comparison of mean scores, hierarchical regression and factor-cluster analysis. Results: Statistically significant correlations (p < 0.05) were observed between individual (0.331) and collective (0.318) adaptive capacity and wellbeing. Taking into account respondents’ self-assessed health and socio-economic circumstances, perceptions of individual (15%) and collective adaptive capacity (10%) as well as community connectivity (13%) were associated with wellbeing (R2 = 0.36; F (9, 2099) = 132.9; p < 0.001). Cluster analysis found that 11% of respondents were particularly vulnerable, reporting below average scores on all indicators, with 56% of these reporting below threshold scores on subjective wellbeing. Conclusions: Addressing the capacity of individuals to work with others and to adapt to change, serve as important strategies in maintaining wellbeing in communities under stress. The human impacts of exogenous stressors appear to manifest themselves in poorer health outcomes; addressing primary stressors may in turn aid wellbeing. Longitudinal studies are indicated to verify these findings. Wellbeing may serve as a useful and parsimonious proxy measure for resilience and adaptive capacity.
Involvement of miR-20a in Promoting Gastric Cancer Progression by Targeting Early Growth Response 2 (EGR2)
Authors: Li Xiangsheng , Zhang Zhichao , Yu Ming , Li Liqi , Du Guangsheng , Xiao Weidong , Yang Hua
Published: August 2013

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancers, with high incidences in East Asia. microRNAs (miRNAs) play essential roles in the carcinogenesis of GC. miR-20a was elevated in GC, while the potential function of miR-20a was poorly understood. miR-20a expression was examined in GC tissues and cell lines. The effects of miR-20a on the growth, migration, invasion, and chemoresistance of GC cells were examined. Luciferase reporter assay and Western blot were used to screen the target of miR-20a. miR-20a was increased in GC tissues and cell lines. miR-20a promoted the growth, migration and invasion of GC cells, enhanced the chemoresistance of GC cells to cisplatin and docetaxel. Luciferase activity and Western blot confirmed that miR-20a negatively regulated EGR2 expression. Overexpression of EGR2 significantly attenuated the oncogenic effect of miR-20a. miR-20a was involved in the carcinogenesis of GC through modulation of the EGR2 signaling pathway.
The Role of Thyroid Hormone Signaling in the Prevention of Digestive System Cancers
Authors: Brown Adam , Simmen Rosalia , Simmen Frank
Published: August 2013

Thyroid hormones play a critical role in the growth and development of the alimentary tract in vertebrates. Their effects are mediated by nuclear receptors as well as the cell surface receptor integrin αVβ3. Systemic thyroid hormone levels are controlled via activation and deactivation by iodothyronine deiodinases in the liver and other tissues. Given that thyroid hormone signaling has been characterized as a major effector of digestive system growth and homeostasis, numerous investigations have examined its role in the occurrence and progression of cancers in various tissues of this organ system. The present review summarizes current findings regarding the effects of thyroid hormone signaling on cancers of the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, and colon. Particular attention is given to the roles of different thyroid hormone receptor isoforms, the novel integrin αVβ3 receptor, and thyroid hormone-related nutrients as possible protective agents and therapeutic targets. Future investigations geared towards a better understanding of thyroid hormone signaling in digestive system cancers may provide preventive or therapeutic strategies to diminish risk, improve outcome and avert recurrence in afflicted individuals.
The Role of Antioxidation and Immunomodulation in Postnatal Multipotent Stem Cell-Mediated Cardiac Repair
Authors: Saparov Arman , Chen Chien-Wen , Beckman Sarah , Wang Yadong , Huard Johnny
Published: August 2013

Oxidative stress and inflammation play major roles in the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease including myocardial infarction (MI). The pathological progression following MI is very complex and involves a number of cell populations including cells localized within the heart, as well as cells recruited from the circulation and other tissues that participate in inflammatory and reparative processes. These cells, with their secretory factors, have pleiotropic effects that depend on the stage of inflammation and regeneration. Excessive inflammation leads to enlargement of the infarction site, pathological remodeling and eventually, heart dysfunction. Stem cell therapy represents a unique and innovative approach to ameliorate oxidative stress and inflammation caused by ischemic heart disease. Consequently, it is crucial to understand the crosstalk between stem cells and other cells involved in post-MI cardiac tissue repair, especially immune cells, in order to harness the beneficial effects of the immune response following MI and further improve stem cell-mediated cardiac regeneration. This paper reviews the recent findings on the role of antioxidation and immunomodulation in postnatal multipotent stem cell-mediated cardiac repair following ischemic heart disease, particularly acute MI and focuses specifically on mesenchymal, muscle and blood-vessel-derived stem cells due to their antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties.
Special Issue on Intelligent Robots
Authors: Capi Genci
Published: August 2013

The research on intelligent robots will produce robots that are able to operate in everyday life environments, to adapt their program according to environment changes, and to cooperate with other team members and humans. Operating in human environments, robots need to process, in real time, a large amount of sensory data—such as vision, laser, microphone—in order to determine the best action. Intelligent algorithms have been successfully applied to link complex sensory data to robot action. This editorial briefly summarizes recent findings in the field of intelligent robots as described in the articles published in this special issue.
Spectroscopic Determination of Aboveground Biomass in Grasslands Using Spectral Transformations, Support Vector Machine and Partial Least Squares Regression
Authors: Marabel Miguel , Alvarez-Taboada Flor
Published: August 2013

Aboveground biomass (AGB) is one of the strategic biophysical variables of interest in vegetation studies. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) for estimating the AGB of grasslands from field spectrometer data and to find out which data pre-processing approach was the most suitable. The most accurate model to predict the total AGB involved PLSR and the Maximum Band Depth index derived from the continuum removed reflectance in the absorption features between 916–1,120 nm and 1,079–1,297 nm (R2 = 0.939, RMSE = 7.120 g/m2). Regarding the green fraction of the AGB, the Area Over the Minimum index derived from the continuum removed spectra provided the most accurate model overall (R2 = 0.939, RMSE = 3.172 g/m2). Identifying the appropriate absorption features was proved to be crucial to improve the performance of PLSR to estimate the total and green aboveground biomass, by using the indices derived from those spectral regions. Ordinary Least Square Regression could be used as a surrogate for the PLSR approach with the Area Over the Minimum index as the independent variable, although the resulting model would not be as accurate.