bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Obsolete FBG Sensor Using ANN for Efficient and Robust Operation of SHM Systems
Authors: Kahandawa Gayan C. , Epaarachchi Jayantha Ananda , Wang Hao , Lau Kin Tak
Published: June 2013

ncreased use of FRP composites for critical load bearing components and structures in recent years has raised the alarm for urgent need of a comprehensive health mentoring system to alert users about integrity and the health condition of advanced composite structures. A few decades of research and development work on structural health monitoring systems using Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors have come to an accelerated phase at the moment to address these demands in advanced composite industries. However, there are many unresolved problems with identification of damage status of composite structures using FBG spectra and many engineering challenges for implementation of such FBG based SHM system in real life situations. This paper details a research work that was conducted to address one of the critical problems of FBG network, the procedures for immediate rehabilitation of FBG sensor networks due to obsolete/broken sensors. In this study an artificial neural network (ANN) was developed and successfully deployed to virtually simulate the broken/obsolete sensors in a FBG sensor network. It has been found that the prediction of ANN network was within 0.1% error levels.
Bio-Based Epoxies and Composites for Technical Applications
Authors: Bledzki Andrzej K. , Urbaniak Magdalena , Boettcher Axel , Berger Christian , Pilawka Ryszard
Published: June 2013

This paper focuses on the thermal and mechanical behavior of fiber-reinforced bio-epoxy materials in which the bio-content has been varied from 0 up to 100 %. Assorted formulations based on standard epoxy resin and epoxidized plant oil with varying bio-hardeners in differing matrix formulations, filler contents and fibers were used. DSC, TGA, DMA and HDT tests were carried out, as well as tensile and Charpy impact tests. The results show possible technical applications for bio-based epoxy materials.
A Study of Absorption Properties Improvement of Cotton Blended Fabric
Authors: Borisova Anna , Reihmane Skaidrīte
Published: June 2013

Successful results of textile materials finishing process in order to gain desired properties to the fabric according to customers’ demands mainly depend on properly-carried pre-treatment stages. The present study covers twill weave cotton/polyester fabric’s modification in alkaline medium at different temperatures and treatment durations through exhaustion (hot and cold treatment) and pad-steam process. An influence of the reduction agent addition was ascertained. Weight loss, water absorbency, vertical wicking, dye uptake, colour measurements, surface morphology and psysicomechanical characteristics were determined. Samples and recommendations of optimal alkaline treatment technologies are developed.
Recycled Polycarbonate Based Nanocomposites
Authors: Japins G. , Zicans Janis , Meri Remo Merijs , Ivanova T. , Berzina R. , Maksimov R.
Published: June 2013

Post-consumer polycarbonate (RPC) blends with various amounts (5, 10, 30 wt. %) of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVAc) are investigated as potential nanocomposite matrices. At EVAc weight content of 10 wt.% maximum tensile strength σM and impact strength AI increase is observed in comparison to neat RPC. Addition of EVAc, however, reduces resistance to creep as well as decrease thermal stability of the investigated compositions. Addition of montmorillonite nanoclay (MMT), however, allows increase modulus of elasticity E and yield strength σY of the investigated RPC blend with 10 wt. % of EVAc. Besides it creep resistance and thermal resistance of the investigated system is increased to certain extent.
Analysis of the Temperature Distribution in Friction Stir Welding Using the Finite Element Method
Authors: Rangel Pacheco Mauricio , Calas Lopes Pacheco Pedro Manuel
Published: June 2013

Welding is a fabrication process widely used in several industrial areas. The welding of metallic alloys presents some basic characteristics as the presence of a localized intensive heat input that promotes mechanical and metallurgical changes. Different from conventional welding processes, where macroscopic fusion is observed, friction welding is a solid state welding process where the joint is produced by the relative rotational and/or translational motion of two pieces under the action of compressive forces producing heat and plastic strain on the friction surfaces. Friction Stir Welding (FSW) process has received much attention for its special characteristics, like the high quality of the joints. Although there are several experimental works on the subject, numerical modeling is not well stated, as the process is very complex involving the coupling of several non-linear phenomena. In this contribution a tridimensional finite element model is presented to study the temperature distribution in plates welded by the FSW process. A weld heat source is proposed to represent the heat generated during the process. The heat source model considers several contributions present in the process as the friction between the tool and the piece and the plastic power associated to the plastic strain developed. Numerical results show that the model is in close agreement with experimental results, indicating that the model is capable of capturing the main characteristics of the process. The proposed model can be used to predict important process characteristics, like the TAZ (Thermal Affected Zone), as a function of the welding parameters.
Chemokine Unresponsiveness of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Cells Results from Impaired Endosomal Recycling of Rap1 and Is Associated with a Distinctive Type of Immunological Anergy
Authors: Pye Derek S. , Rubio Ignacio , Pusch Rico , Lin Ke , Pettitt Andrew R. , Till Kathleen J.
Published: June 2013

Trafficking of malignant lymphocytes is fundamental to the biology of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Transendothelial migration (TEM) of normal lymphocytes into lymph nodes requires the chemokine-induced activation of Rap1 and αLβ2 integrin. However, in most cases of CLL, Rap1 is refractory to chemokine stimulation, resulting in failed αLβ2 activation and TEM unless α4β1 is coexpressed. In this study, we show that the inability of CXCL12 to induce Rap1 GTP loading in CLL cells results from failure of Rap1-containing endosomes to translocate to the plasma membrane. Furthermore, failure of chemokine-induced Rap1 translocation/GTP loading was associated with a specific pattern of cellular IgD distribution resembling that observed in normal B cells anergized by DNA-based Ags. Anergic features and chemokine unresponsiveness could be simultaneously reversed by culturing CLL cells ex vivo, suggesting that these two features are coupled and driven by stimuli present in the in vivo microenvironment. Finally, we show that failure of Rap1 translocation/GTP loading is linked to defective activation of phospholipase D1 and its upstream activator Arf1. Taken together, our findings indicate that chemokine unresponsiveness in CLL lymphocytes results from failure of Arf1/phospholipase D1–mediated translocation of Rap1 to the plasma membrane for GTP loading and may be a specific feature of anergy induced by DNA Ags.
Personal Assistance for Children and Adolescents (0‐18) with Physical Impairments
Authors: Mayo‐Wilson Evan , Montgomery Paul , Dennis Jane
Published: June 2013

Studies urgently needed to assess effects of Personal Assistance for children and teens with physical impairments.

Personal assistance is here defined as paid support of at least 20 hours per week for people with impairments. This review investigated the effectiveness of personal assistance versus any other form of care for children and adolescents with physical impairments. A literature search identified no studies that met the inclusion criteria.

This review is part of a series of reviews; evidence from related reviews about different populations might be informative to researchers and practitioners.

Background

There is a high and increasing prevalence of impairments among children and adolescents in the West. Many countries offer personal assistance in the form of individualised support for people living in the community by a paid assistant other than a healthcare professional for at least 20 hours per week.

Objectives

To assess the effectiveness of personal assistance for children and adolescents with physical impairments, and the impacts of personal assistance on others, compared to other interventions.

Search methods

Electronic databases including CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ERIC, Dissertation Abstracts International and a variety of specialist Swedish databases were searched from 1980 to June 2005; reference lists were checked; 345 experts, organisations, government bodies and charities were contacted in an attempt to locate relevant research.

Selection criteria

Children and adolescents with physical impairments (0‐18 years) living in the community who require assistance to perform tasks of daily living (e.g., bathing and eating) and participate in normal activities due to permanent impairments. Controlled studies of personal assistance in which participants were prospectively assigned to study groups and in which control group outcomes were measured concurrently with intervention group outcomes were included.

Data collection and analysis

Titles and abstracts were examined by two reviewers. 130 full papers were examined. None met the inclusion criteria.

Results

No eligible studies were found.

Authors’ conclusions

Research in this field is limited. When implementing new programmes, recipients could be randomly assigned to different forms of assistance. While advocates may support personal assistance for myriad reasons, this review demonstrates that further studies are required to determine which models of personal assistance are most effective and efficient for particular people.
Etiology and management of esophageal impaction in children: A review of 11 years
Authors: Alrazzak Baraa Alabd , Al-Subu Awni , Elitsur Yoram
Published: June 2013

Introduction: Esophageal impaction in children is a medical emergency that needs an immediate medical attention. In the last years multiple objects have been detected and were removed endoscopically. In the last decade, Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) has been associated with esophageal stenosis, leading to esophageal impaction with various objects including toys, food, coins and other. Aim: To determine the various objects and symptoms associated with impactions and to develop algorithm that guides Emergency Department Physicians and Primary care Providers when facing such problem in pediatric patient. Material and Methods: A retrospective chart review of all children referred to the pediatric gastroenterology service at Marshall University for FB impaction between 2000 and 2010 was performed. Foreign bodies treated by other specialties were excluded from this review. Clinical and demographic data were retrieved. Results: A total of 291 charts with the diagnosis of foreign body reviewed of which only 126 met the inclusion criteria and considered for final calculation. Male/Female ratio and mean age were 1.17:1.0, and 3.65 ± 0.75 years, respectively. Time of impaction before ER evaluation was: < 24hrs in 75 patients, >24hrs in 17 and in 34 the time of ingestion was not known. Radiology was performed in 118 patients, of whom 1 had pneumo-mediastinum and 1 had pneumothorax. Endoscopic localization of the objects showed: 81- proximal, 23- middle esophagus, and 22- in the distal esophagus. The esophageal mucosa showed non-specific changes in 37 patients, 5 with EoE features, 1 patient with hiatal hernia, 1 patient with candidiasis, and in 5 pts had no mucosal description. Conclusion: Children with foreign body in the esophagus are commonly seen in our Hospital ER. Those children may harbor undiagnosed medical conditions that will need future therapy. Careful endoscopic assessment with mucosal biopsies is needed to diagnose those conditions earlier. Referral to a GI specialist may be warranted.
Bilateral Spontaneous Hemotympanum Secondary to Chemotherapy-Induced Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Wong Peter , Xu Caroline , Gomaa Nahla , Ho Allan
Published: June 2013

Objective

To present a case of spontaneous, bilateral hemotympanum secondary to chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia.

Methods

Case report and review of the literature.

Results

Bilateral spontaneous hemotympanum is an exceedingly rare event. We present the first case of nontraumatic bilateral hemotympanum secondary to chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia in a patient with acute myelogenous leukemia. The patient presented with a 7-day history of progressive bilateral hearing loss and a platelet count of 10 × 109/L after receiving his first dose of induction chemotherapy. A small, left-sided subdural hematoma was present in this patient though no extra-aural sources of bleeding to explain the bilateral hemotympanum were identified.

Conclusion

Full resolution of symptoms was achieved with conservative management.
A Six-Year Study of the Clinical Presentation of Cervical Cancer and the Management Challenges Encountered at a State Teaching Hospital in Southeast Nigeria
Authors: Eze Justus N. , Emeka-Irem Esther N. , Edegbe Felix O.
Published: June 2013

Cervical cancer is still a major contributor to cancer-related mortality amongst women living in poor, rural communities of developing countries. The objective of this study is to establish the clinical presentation of cervical cancer and the management challenges encountered in Abakaliki, southeast Nigeria, with a view to finding intervention strategies. This study is a retrospective descriptive assessment of cases of clinically diagnosed cervical cancer managed at a state teaching hospital over six years. Of 76 cases managed, 61 (80.3%) cases notes were available for study. The mean age and parity of patients were 53.8 years and 6.8 years, respectively. The majority (75.4%) were illiterate. All had been married, but 42.6% were widowed. The main occupations were farming or petty trading. One patient (1.6%) had had a single Pap smear in her life. The major presenting complaints were abnormal vaginal bleeding (86.9%), offensive vaginal discharge (41.0%), and weight loss. Twenty patients (32.8%) were lost to follow-up prior to staging. Of the remaining 41 patients, 16 (39.0%) had stage III disease and 17.1% stage IV. Fifteen patients (24.6%) with late stage disease accepted referral, and were referred for radiotherapy. Those who declined were discharged home on request, though 4 (9.8%) died in the hospital. There was no feedback from referred patients confirming that they went and benefitted from the referral. The presentation followed known trends. Illiteracy, poverty, early marriages, high parity, widowhood, non-use of screening methods, late presentation, non-acceptance of referral, and lack of communication after referral were some of the major challenges encountered. These underscore the needs for health education and awareness creation, women educational and economic empowerment, legislation against early marriages and in protection of widows, and creation of a well-staffed and well-equipped dedicated gynecologic oncology unit to forestall further referral.
Program Assessment Framework for a Rural Palliative Supportive Service
Authors: Pesut Barbara , Hooper Brenda , Sawatzky Richard , Robinson Carole A. , Bottorff Joan L. , Dalhuisen Miranda
Published: June 2013

Although there are a number of quality frameworks available for evaluating palliative services, it is necessary to adapt these frameworks to models of care designed for the rural context. The purpose of this paper was to describe the development of a program assessment framework for evaluating a rural palliative supportive service as part of a community-based research project designed to enhance the quality of care for patients and families living with life-limiting chronic illness. A review of key documents from electronic databases and grey literature resulted in the identification of general principles for high-quality palliative care in rural contexts. These principles were then adapted to provide an assessment framework for the evaluation of the rural palliative supportive service. This framework was evaluated and refined using a community-based advisory committee guiding the development of the service. The resulting program assessment framework includes 48 criteria organized under seven themes: embedded within community; palliative care is timely, comprehensive, and continuous; access to palliative care education and experts; effective teamwork and communication; family partnerships; policies and services that support rural capacity and values; and systematic approach for measuring and improving outcomes of care. It is important to identify essential elements for assessing the quality of services designed to improve rural palliative care, taking into account the strengths of rural communities and addressing common challenges. The program assessment framework has potential to increase the likelihood of desired outcomes in palliative care provisions in rural settings and requires further validation.
OAC Emmy, soft white winter wheat
Authors: Tamburic-Ilincic Lily , Smid Arend
Published: June 2013

Tamburic-Ilincic, L. and Smid, A. 2013. OAC Emmy, soft white winter wheat. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 965–967. OAC Emmy is a soft white winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar registered for Ontario, Canada. It has high grain yield, with good pastry and biscuit quality and similar resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB) as the moderately susceptible check Emmit. OAC Emmy is well adapted for the winter wheat growing areas of South Western Ontario.
Magnetic resonance imaging of water ascent in embolized xylem vessels of grapevine stem segments
Authors: Wang Mingtao , Tyree Melvin T. , Wasylishen Roderick E.
Published: June 2013

Wang, M., Tyree, M. T. and Wasylishen, R. E. 2013. Magnetic resonance imaging of water ascent in embolized xylem vessels of grapevine stem segments. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 879–893. Temporal and spatial information about water refilling of embolized xylem vessels and the rate of water ascent in these vessels is critical for understanding embolism repair in intact living vascular plants. High-resolution1H magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) experiments have been performed on embolized grapevine stem segments while they were subjected to refilling at two different applied water pressures in order to investigate these important aspects of embolism repair. Magnetic resonance imaging difference images show that vessels located near the bark tend to refill faster than do inner ones, suggesting that vessel position within the cross section of the stem may affect the refilling process within the vessel. An MRI method for determining the water ascent velocity in each individual embolized xylem vessel is presented. At ambient pressure, the water ascent velocity ranges from 0.0090 to 0.60 mm min−1, but increases to a range of 0.016 to 0.70 mm min−1at 9.8 kPa above ambient pressure. A steady-state bubble model that offers analytical solutions of the water ascent velocity in embolized xylem vessels is presented; model calculations show that if other parameters are held constant, water ascent velocity is influenced by vessel diameter and position.
Predicting seed germination of slender wheatgrass [Elymus trachycaulus (Link) Gould subsp. trachycaulus] using thermal and hydro time models
Authors: Schellenberg M. P. , Biligetu B. , Wei Y.
Published: June 2013

Schellenberg, M. P., Biligetu, B. and Wei, Y. 2013. Predicting seed germination of slender wheatgrass [Elymus trachycaulus (Link) Gould subsp. trachycaulus] using thermal and hydro time models. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 793–798. Slender wheatgrass [Elymus trachycaulus (Link) Gould subsp. trachycaulus] is a native caespitose grass used for forage production and reclamation. The objective of this study was to quantify seed germination requirements of slender wheatgrass using thermal and hydro time models. Slender wheatgrass, San Luis, had a base temperature (Tb) of 9.48°C, and required 946.8°C h to reach 50% of seed germination. Seed germination of San Lius occurred at a temperature range of 10–30°C, with the highest germination rate being achieved at 20°C, and the highest final germination percentage being achieved at 25°C. At 20 and 25°C, San Luis had a hydro time constant of 61 MPa h, and a median base water potential of approximately 1.0 MPa, but the germination had low uniformity in reduced water potentials. Final germination was reduced at or lower than –0.6 MPa. Compared with many other cool-season native grasses of Northern Great Plains, a relatively warm temperature would be necessary for uniform seedling establishment of this grass. In reclamation seeding, the seedling emergence could reach the highest level at a temperature of 25°C.
Comparison of synthetic and organic herbicides applied banded for weed control in carrots (Daucus carota L.)
Authors: Main D. C. , Sanderson K. R. , Fillmore S. A. E. , Ivany J. A.
Published: June 2013

Main, D. C., Sanderson, K. R., Fillmore, S. A. E. and Ivany, J. A. 2013. Comparison of synthetic and organic herbicides applied banded for weed control in carrots ( Daucus carota L.). Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 857–861. The necessity to reduce environmental impact and control the increasing cost of production has many carrot growers seeking new methods of crop management. This research evaluated the potential of applying herbicides in 30-cm bands over the carrot row in combination with between-the-row cultivation to control weeds. Linuron applied in a 30-cm-wide band over the row and linuron applied broadcast provided effective weed control and comparable yield. Clove oil and citrus oil gave slightly better weed control and yield than acetic acid and flaming at the late seeding date. This study demonstrates that acceptable weed control with minimal impact on yield can be achieved with the use of synthetic and organic herbicides applied as a 30-cm-wide band over the row combined with between-row cultivation. This method of weed control provides a 66% reduction in herbicide applied per hectare compared with a broadcast application.
The complex response of Arctic cloud condensation nuclei to sea-ice retreat
Authors: Browse J. , Carslaw K. S. , Mann G. W. , Birch C. E. , Arnold S. R. , Leck C.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Loss of summertime Arctic sea ice will lead to a large increase in the emission of aerosols and precursor gases from the ocean surface. It has been suggested that these enhanced emissions will exert substantial aerosol radiative forcings, dominated by the indirect effect of aerosol on clouds. Here, we investigate the potential for these indirect forcings using a global aerosol microphysics model evaluated against aerosol observations from the ASCOS campaign to examine the response of Arctic cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) to sea-ice retreat. In response to a complete loss of summer ice, we find that north of 70° N emission fluxes of sea-salt, marine primary organic aerosol (OA) and dimethyl sulphide increase by a factor of ~10, ~4 and ~15, respectively. However, the CCN response is weak, with negative changes over the central Arctic ocean. The weak response is due to the efficient scavenging of aerosol by extensive drizzling stratocumulus clouds. In the scavenging-dominated Arctic environment, the production of condensable vapour from oxidation of dimethyl sulphide grows particles to sizes where they can be scavenged. This loss is not sufficiently compensated by new particle formation, due to the suppression of nucleation by the large condensation sink resulting from sea-salt and primary OA emissions. Thus, our results suggest that increased aerosol emissions will not cause a climate feedback through changes in cloud microphysical and radiative properties.
Seasonal cycles of fluorescent biological aerosol particles in boreal and semi-arid forests of Finland and Colorado
Authors: Schumacher C. J. , Pöhlker C. , Aalto P. , Hiltunen V. , Petäjä T. , Kulmala M. , Pöschl U. , Huffman J. A.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Biological aerosol particles have become increasingly important for atmospheric study, but continuous measurements at high time and size resolution have not been available until recently. Here we report seasonal cycles of fluorescent biological aerosol particles (FBAP) from the boreal forest in Hyytiälä, Finland (18 months) and the semi-arid Manitou Experimental Forest, Colorado (10 months). FBAP at both locations were observed to be highest in summer and lowest in winter, increasing by factors of 12 and 5 between these seasons, respectively. In addition to the low temperatures and reduced sunlight during winter, we suggest that snow cover inhibited FBAP release from local terrestrial surfaces and that more extensive snow cover at the Finland site contributed to lower winter FBAP concentrations. Average size distributions at each site exhibited peaks between 1.5 and 6 μm in aerodynamic diameter. The Finland site consistently showed a dominant, narrow FBAP peak at ~3 μm in addition to discreet modes at ~1.5 and ~5 μm, whereas the Colorado site showed broader peaks at 1.5 and 5 μm, suggesting different modes of biological particles at the two sites. FBAP concentrations in both locations were shown to correlate with daily patterns of relative humidity (RH) during each season. Also during summer at each site, average FBAP concentration scaled with RH, but at the Finland site RH values above ~82% led to a significant decrease in FBAP concentration. We hypothesize that this is due to dew formation that inhibits bioparticle release. Lastly we show that rain during summer at each location led to pronounced increases in both fluorescent and total particle concentrations with FBAP peak particle size at ~2 μm and concentration scaling with rain intensity. We suggest that these particles are primarily fungal spores and other bioparticles lofted from splashing of rain droplets hitting soil and leaf surfaces. During the summer at the Colorado site we consistently observed a mode of ~4 μm particles appearing several hours after rain events that we suggest are fungal spores actively emitted when ambient conditions are most advantageous for spread and germination. The pronounced patterns of fluorescent bioparticles observed here suggest that parameterizations of both daily and seasonal cycles will be important to accurately reflect bioparticle emissions in future studies of atmospheric bioaerosols and their potential effects on clouds and precipitation.
Upper Arctic Ocean water masses harbor distinct communities of heterotrophic flagellates
Authors: Monier A. , Terrado R. , Thaler M. , Comeau A. , Medrinal E. , Lovejoy C.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. The ubiquity of heterotrophic flagellates (HFL) in marine waters has been recognized for several decades, but the phylogenetic diversity of these small (ca. 0.8–20 μm cell diameter), mostly phagotrophic protists in the upper pelagic zone of the ocean is underappreciated. Community composition of microbes, including HFL, is the result of past and current environmental selection, and different taxa may be indicative of food webs that cycle carbon and energy very differently. While all oceanic water columns can be density stratified due to the temperature and salinity characteristics of different water masses, the Arctic Ocean is particularly well stratified, with nutrients often limiting in surface waters and most photosynthetic biomass confined to a subsurface chlorophyll maximum layer, where light and nutrients are both available. This physically well-characterized system provided an opportunity to explore the community diversity of HFL from different water masses within the water column. We used high-throughput DNA sequencing techniques as a rapid means of surveying the diversity of HFL communities in the southern Beaufort Sea (Canada), targeting the surface, the subsurface chlorophyll maximum layer (SCM) and just below the SCM. In addition to identifying major clades and their distribution, we explored the micro-diversity within the globally significant but uncultivated clade of marine stramenopiles (MAST-1) to examine the possibility of niche differentiation within the stratified water column. Our results strongly suggested that HFL community composition was determined by water mass rather than geographical location across the Beaufort Sea. Future work should focus on the biogeochemical and ecological repercussions of different HFL communities in the face of climate-driven changes to the physical structure of the Arctic Ocean.
Spatio-temporal patterns of C : N : P ratios in the northern Benguela upwelling regime
Authors: Flohr A. , van der Plas A. K. , Emeis K.-C. , Mohrholz V. , Rixen T.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Dissolved carbon to nutrient ratios in the oceans' interior are remarkably consistent with the classical C : N : P : O2 Redfield ratio of 106 : 16 : 1 : 138 reflecting the mean composition of organic matter photosynthesized in the sunlit surface ocean. Deviations from the Redfield ratio indicate changes in the functioning of the biological carbon pump, which is driven and limited by the availability of nutrients. The northern Benguela coastal upwelling system (NBUS) is known for losses of fixed nitrogen (N = NO3–, NO2– and NH4+) and the accumulation of phosphate (P) in sub- and anoxic bottom waters and sediments of the Namibian shelf. To study the impact on the regional carbon cycle and consequences for the nutrient export from the BUS into the oligotrophic subtropical gyre of the South Atlantic Ocean we measured dissolved inorganic carbon (CT), oxygen (O2), and nutrient concentrations as well as the total alkalinity (AT) in February 2011. Our results indicate that over the Namibian shelf the C : N : P : O2 ratio decreases to 106 : 16 : 1.6 : 138 because of phosphate efflux from sediments. N reduction further increase C : N and reduce N : P ratios in those regions where O2 concentrations in bottom waters are < 20 µmol kg–1. However, off the shelf along the continental margin the mean C : N : P : O2 ratio is again close to the Redfield stoichiometry. Comparing the situation of 2011 with nutrient concentration data measured during 2 cruises in 2008 and 2009 implies that the amount of excess P that is created in the bottom waters on the shelf and its export into the subtropical gyre after upwelling varies through time. The magnitude of excess P formation and export is governed by inputs of excess N along with the South Atlantic Central Water (SACW) flowing into the NBUS from the north as a poleward compensation current. Since excess N is produced by the remineralization of N-enriched biomass built up by N2-fixing organisms, factors controlling N2 fixation north of the BUS need to be addressed in future studies to better understand the NBUS' role as P source and N sink in the coupled C : N : P cycles.
The AmeriFlux data activity and data system: an evolving collection of data management techniques, tools, products and services
Authors: Boden T. A. , Krassovski M. , Yang B.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. The Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center (CDIAC) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), USA has provided scientific data management support for the US Department of Energy and international climate change science since 1982. Among the many data archived and available from CDIAC are collections from long-term measurement projects. One current example is the AmeriFlux measurement network. AmeriFlux provides continuous measurements from forests, grasslands, wetlands, and croplands in North, Central, and South America and offers important insight about carbon cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. To successfully manage AmeriFlux data and support climate change research, CDIAC has designed flexible data systems using proven technologies and standards blended with new, evolving technologies and standards. The AmeriFlux data system, comprised primarily of a relational database, a PHP-based data interface and a FTP server, offers a broad suite of AmeriFlux data. The data interface allows users to query the AmeriFlux collection in a variety of ways and then subset, visualize and download the data. From the perspective of data stewardship, on the other hand, this system is designed for CDIAC to easily control database content, automate data movement, track data provenance, manage metadata content, and handle frequent additions and corrections. CDIAC and researchers in the flux community developed data submission guidelines to enhance the AmeriFlux data collection, enable automated data processing, and promote standardization across regional networks. Both continuous flux and meteorological data and irregular biological data collected at AmeriFlux sites are carefully scrutinized by CDIAC using established quality-control algorithms before the data are ingested into the AmeriFlux data system. Other tasks at CDIAC include reformatting and standardizing the diverse and heterogeneous datasets received from individual sites into a uniform and consistent network database, generating high-level derived products to meet the current demands from a broad user group, and developing new products in anticipation of future needs. In this paper, we share our approaches to meet the challenges of standardizing, archiving and delivering quality, well-documented AmeriFlux data worldwide to benefit others with similar challenges of handling diverse climate change data, to further heighten awareness and use of an outstanding ecological data resource, and to highlight expanded software engineering applications being used for climate change measurement data.
Modeling post-fire water erosion mitigation strategies
Authors: Rulli M. C. , Offeddu L. , Santini M.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Severe wildfires are often followed by significant increase in runoff and erosion, due to vegetation damage and changes in physical and chemical soil properties. Peak flows and sediment yields can increase up to two orders of magnitude, becoming dangerous for human lives and the ecosystem, especially in the wildland–urban interface. Watershed post-fire rehabilitation measures are usually used to mitigate the effects of fire on runoff and erosion, by protecting soil from splash and shear stress detachment and enhancing its infiltration capacity. Modeling post-fire erosion and erosion mitigation strategies can be useful in selecting the effectiveness of a rehabilitation method. In this paper a distributed model based on the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), properly parameterized for a Mediterranean basin located in Sardinia, is used to determine soil losses for six different scenarios describing both natural and post-fire basin condition, the last also accounting for the single and combined effect of different erosion mitigation measures. Fire effect on vegetation and soil properties have been mimed by changing soil drainage capacity and organic matter content, and RUSLE factors related to soil cover and protection measures. Model results, validated using measured data on erosion rates from the literature and in situ field campaigns, show the effect of the analyzed rehabilitation treatments in reducing the amount of soil losses with the peculiar characteristics of the spatial distribution of such changes. In particular, the mulching treatment substantially decreases erosion both in its mean value (−75%) and in the spatially distribution of the erosion levels over the burned area . On the contrary, the breaking up of the hydrophobic layer decreases post-fire mean soil losses of about the 14%, although it strongly influences the spatial distribution of the erosion levels.
Interferometric swath processing of Cryosat-2 data for glacial ice topography
Authors: Gray L. , Burgess D. , Copland L. , Cullen R. , Galin N. , Hawley R. , Helm V.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. We have derived Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) over the western part of the Devon Ice Cap in Nunavut Canada using "swath processing" of interferometric data collected by Cryosat 2 between February 2011 and January 2012. In the standard ESA "SARIn" level 2 (L2) data product the interferometric mode is used to map the cross-track position and elevation of the "point-of-closest-approach" (POCA) in sloping glacial terrain. However, in this work we explore the extent to which the phase of the returns in the intermediate L1b product can also be used to map the heights of time delayed footprints beyond the POCA. We show that there is a range of average cross-track slopes (~0.5° to ~2°) for which the returns will be dominated by those beneath the satellite in the main beam of the antenna and that the resulting interferometric phase allows mapping of heights in the delayed range window beyond the POCA. In this way a swath of elevation data is mapped allowing the creation of Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) from a sequence of L1b SARIn Cryosat-2 data takes. Comparison of the Devon results with airborne scanning laser data showed a mean difference of order a meter with a standard deviation < 1 m. The limitations of swath processing, which generates almost 2 orders of magnitude more data than traditional radar altimetry, are explored through simulation, and the strengths and weaknesses of the technique are discussed.
Giant adrenal myelolipoma
Authors: Gautam S.C. , Raafat H. , Sriganesh S. , Zaffar I. , Olude I. , Komolafe F. , Qazi F.
Published: June 2013

A fifty-two years old male presenting with a history of abdominal pain of six months duration was found on investigation to have a large non-functioning adrenal mass. Adrenal myelolipoma was diagnosed preoperatively and surgical resection was carried out. Only a small number of cases of giant adrenal myelolipoma (>3500 grams) have been reported. A brief review of literature is done.
National perspective on in-hospital emergency units in Iraq
Authors: Lafta Riyadh K. , Al-Nuaimi Maha A.
Published: June 2013

Background: Hospitals play a crucial role in providing communities with essential medical care during times of disasters. The emergency department is the most vital component of hospitals' inpatient business. In Iraq, at present, there are many casualties that cause a burden of work and the need for structural assessment, equipment updating and evaluation of process. Objective: To examine the current pragmatic functioning of the existing set-up of services of in-hospital emergency departments within some general hospitals in Baghdad and Mosul in order to establish a mechanism for future evaluation for the health services in our community. Methods: A cross-sectional study was employed to evaluate the structure, process and function of six major hospitals with emergency units: four major hospitals in Baghdad and two in Mosul. Results: The six surveyed emergency units are distinct units within general hospitals that serve (collectively) one quarter of the total population. More than one third of these units feature observation unit beds, laboratory services, imaging facilities, pharmacies with safe storage, and ambulatory entrance. Operation room was found only in one hospital's reception and waiting area. Consultation/track area, cubicles for infection control, and discrete tutorial rooms were not available. Patient assessment was performed (although without adequate privacy). The emergency specialist, family medicine specialist and interested general practitioner exist in one-third of the surveyed units. Psychiatrist, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and social work links are not available. The shortage in medication, urgent vaccines and vital facilities is an obvious problem. Conclusions: Our emergency unit's level and standards of care are underdeveloped. The inconsistent process and inappropriate environments need to be reconstructed. The lack of drugs, commodities, communication infrastructure, audit and training all require effective build up.
Can IgA, C3, IL-6 and TNF-α act as predictors for reoccurrence of breast cancer among Iraqi women?
Authors: Mahdi Nadham Kadham , Al-Jowher Mohammad Hussein , Ali Hiba Q.
Published: June 2013

Blood samples were collected from 30 women with age ranged from 27–70 years after 3 cycles of chemotherapy. Sera were used for IgA, IgG, IgM, C3, C4, IL-6 and TNF-α estimation. After 3 cycles of chemotherapy, all the immunological parameters reduced except TNF-α. Patients who developed disease reoccurrence after chemotherapy exhibit a significantly higher IgA, C3, IL-6 and TNF-α levels after 3 cycles of chemotherapy than patients who did not (p < 0.05). Therefore, serum IgA, C3, IL-6 and TNF-α can be used as predictors for breast cancer reoccurrence.
Surgical management of benign tracheal stenosis in Basrah
Authors: Almudhafer Muayyad M. , AI-Hassani Fouzi A.A. , Benyan Abdul-Khalik Z.
Published: June 2013

Background: Tracheal stenosis is more frequent as a result of wide-spread use of endotracheal intubation and tracheostomy. Resection and tracheal reconstruction remain the treatment of choice in benign tracheal stenosis. Objectives: To report our experience in Basra and to identify the result of anastomosis after tracheal resection and management of those patients preoperatively and postoperatively. Methodology: A descriptive study of sixteen patients (aged 11–28 years, 10 male and 6 female) with tracheal stenosis who underwent tracheal resection and reconstruction in Basrah thoracic unit (Basra teaching hospital) from January 2008 to January 2011. Results: The result was excellent in 62.5%, good in 25%, and satisfactory in 12.5%. Postoperative complication occurred in 25% and treated successfully with no mortality. Follow-up was every 3 months for an average of 3.6 years. Conclusion: Resection and tracheal reconstruction is the treatment of choice in benign tracheal stenosis and achieved excellent results in management of the patients.
Feasibility of using a standardized patient encounter for training chiropractic students in tobacco cessation counseling
Authors: Hawk Cheryl , Kaeser Martha A. , Beavers David V.
Published: June 2013

Objective

Although tobacco cessation training is included in many health profession programs, it is not yet routinely incorporated into chiropractic education. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of incorporating a problem-based learning tobacco cessation activity into a lecture course for chiropractic students.

Methods

Seventy-two students were assigned to participate in two 1-hour lectures on health promotion counseling and tobacco cessation followed by an experiential student-driven lab session using standardized patients at various stages of dependency and willingness to quit. The intervention was based on the transtheoretic model and the “5 A's” of counseling (ask, advise, assess, assist, arrange). Outcomes were assessed via (1) questionnaires completed by the standardized patients regarding the students' use of the 5A's, and (2) questionnaires completed by the students using a 5-point Likert scale of “strongly disagree” to “strongly agree” on the acceptability of this method of learning. Descriptive statistics were computed.

Results

Sixty-eight students (94%) completed the activity, spending a median of 2.5 minutes with patients. Over 90% addressed 4 of the 5A's: 99% asked patients if they were smokers; 97% advised them to quit; 90% assessed if they were willing to quit; and 99% offered assistance in quitting. Only 79% arranged a follow-up visit. Overall, students expressed a positive response to the experience; 81% said it increased their confidence in being able to advise patients, and 77% felt it would be valuable for use in their future practice.

Conclusion

This active learning exercise appeared to be a feasible way to introduce tobacco counseling into the curriculum.
A comparison of the efficacy of test-driven learning versus self-assessment learning
Authors: He Xiaohua , Canty Anne
Published: June 2013

Objective

We compared self-assessment and test-driven learning in two groups of students who studied the same subject.

Methods

This was a randomized comparative experimental study. The subjects were 259 first-quarter students who were divided into a test group and a self-assessment group based on the methods they used for their learning assessments. We measured the scores and difficulty levels of 3 formal written exams. Students' attitudes toward self-assessment or test-driven learning were surveyed.

Results

The mean scores of exam 1, exam 2, and a summative exam were 34 (±6), 32 (±8), and 44 (±6) for the self-assessment group, respectively, with corresponding scores of 33 (±6), 33 (±7), 43 (±6) for the test group. There were no significant differences in the mean scores on all 3 tests between the two groups (p > .05). Of the students in the self-assessment group, 64% scored at least 90%, whereas 47% of students in the test group answered at least 90% of the questions correctly (p < .001). For the survey, students expressed a positive attitude toward both learning strategies.

Conclusion

Both self-assessment and tests could have a significant impact on students' learning, but each offers different strengths and weaknesses.
An investigation into the demographics and motivations of students studying for a chiropractic degree
Authors: Yalden Philip , Cunliffe Christina , Hunnisett Adrian
Published: June 2013

Objective

This research aimed to investigate motivations for studying chiropractic, and to determine what students look for in a course/college and potential barriers to studying chiropractic.

Methods

The study design was a cross-sectional survey. Following IRB/Ethical approval, a paper-based questionnaire was distributed to students at McTimoney College of Chiropractic. Demographic data were compared to another chiropractic college in the United Kingdom.

Results

The questionnaire response rate was 70.8% (n = 121). Motivating factors for studying chiropractic included a desire to help others (54.5%, n = 66), with 44.6% (n = 54) attracted by chiropractic's holistic, drugless approach to health. Previous help from chiropractic influenced 55.4% (n = 67) and 22.3% (n = 27) felt chiropractic had “changed their life.” Just over half of the respondents (55.4%, n = 67) viewed the ability to work while studying as extremely important and 73.6% (n = 89) said they could not have studied chiropractic without this.

Conclusion

Previous help from chiropractic care was a common motivation for studying chiropractic. The ability to work while studying was seen as vital by many students and, without it, the vast majority felt they could not have studied chiropractic.
Composite Three‐Dimensional Woven Scaffolds with Interpenetrating Network Hydrogels to Create Functional Synthetic Articular Cartilage
Authors: Liao I‐Chien , Moutos Franklin T. , Estes Bradley T. , Zhao Xuanhe , Guilak Farshid
Published: June 2013

The development of synthetic biomaterials that possess mechanical properties mimicking those of native tissues remains an important challenge to the field of materials. In particular, articular cartilage is a complex nonlinear, viscoelastic, and anisotropic material that exhibits a very low coefficient of friction, allowing it to withstand millions of cycles of joint loading over decades of wear. Here, a three‐dimensionally woven fiber scaffold that is infiltrated with an interpenetrating network hydrogel can build a functional biomaterial that provides the load‐bearing and tribological properties of native cartilage. An interpenetrating dual‐network “tough‐gel” consisting of alginate and polyacrylamide was infused into a porous three‐dimensionally woven poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) fiber scaffold, providing a versatile fiber‐reinforced composite structure as a potential acellular or cell‐based replacement for cartilage repair.