bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding regeneration through proteomics
Authors: Franco Catarina , Soares Renata , Pires Elisabete , Koci Kamila , Almeida André M. , Santos Romana , Coelho Ana Varela
Published: November 2012

Regeneration is a complex cellular process that, rather than simply forming a scar following injury, the animal forms a new functional tissue. Regeneration is a widespread process among metazoa, although not uniformly. Planaria, starfish, and some worms can regenerate most of their body, whereas many other species can only regenerate parts of specific tissues or fail to accomplish a functional regrowth, as is the case of mammals CNS. Research in regenerative medicine will possibly culminate in the regeneration of organs/tissues originally not prone to this process. Despite the complexity of the interactions and regulatory systems involved, the variety of tissues and organs these cells differentiate into has so far impaired the success of direct transplantation to restore damaged tissues. For this reason, a study, at the molecular level of the regeneration mechanisms developed by different animal models is likely to provide answers to why these processes are not readily activated in mammals. Proteomic‐based approaches are being recognized as extremely useful to study of regeneration events, also because there is a relevant contribution of posttranscriptional processes that involve frequently the occurrence of a broad range of PTMs. The present review focuses on the significant knowledge brought up by proteomics in diverse aspects of regeneration research on different animal models, tissues, and organs.
Investigation and actions after an internal air compressor filter fire
Authors: McAllister Paul M. , Dyche John L. , Graves Russell C.
Published: November 2012

In November 2005, an internal fire occurred in a filter downstream of a dual headed diaphragm compressor. Subsequent investigation revealed that the compressor diaphragms had been punctured after failure of a check valve allowed debris to impact the diaphragms. The puncture extended through three separate diaphragms allowing compressor oil to be pumped into the air stream on the process side. The compressor continued to operate, oil collected in a downstream filter, and ignition occurred resulting in an internal fire. Discoloration of the filter housing indicated a temperature in excess of 700°F occurred in this filter housing. Fortunately, there was no loss of containment and the fire was extinguished without operator intervention. This article reviews the investigation into the causes of the equipment failure, how the ignition may have occurred, and the actions taken to prevent future incidents. Implementation of improved shutdown systems, more frequent maintenance, and changes to reduce possible causes of the fire were implemented, and the compressors have operated without another incident since 2005. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 32: 96–101, 2013
Operational group for process safety
Authors: Saraiva Maria Clara Barros e Silva , Abreu Rosemeire
Published: November 2012

In order to create a process safety culture, the engineers at Braskem's Utility Unit decided to organize a group that comprised operators and engineers to develop a preventive strategy for accidents and mishaps. This work was developed in a utility center integrated to Braskem Basic Petrochemical 1 Site in Brazil. The center produces clarified water, demineralized water, steam in different levels of pressure, compressed air, and electric energy to a petrochemical complex, including a 1,250,000 ton per year olefins site. As the process evolved, a large range of knowledge among engineers and operators was found. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 32: 22–24, 2013
GISAXS study of Si nanostructures in SiO2 matrix for solar cell applications
Authors: Pivac Branko , Dubček Pavo , Capan Ivana , Zorc Hrvoje , Dasović Jasna , Bernstorff Sigrid , Wu Marvin , Vlahovic Branislav
Published: November 2012

We explore the process of Si nanoparticles formation in SiO2 matrix suitable for advanced solar cells application. To this purpose a superstructure consisting of alternating 5 nm thick SiOx and SiO2 layers was deposited by high vacuum evaporation from solid sources. After high temperature annealing of such structures in high vacuum, the SiOx decomposed and Si nanoparticles aggregated at their former position forming therefore a superstructure of Si nanoparticles embedded in dielectric SiO2 matrix. To explore such process of nanoobjects formation in different matrix, grazing incidence small‐angle X‐ray scattering (GISAXS) seems to be as relatively easy non‐destructive technique; a logical choice. Despite the fact that due to the rather small difference in electron density between Si and SiO2. GISAXS contrast is very small, by performing GISAXS with intense synchrotron light and subtracting the dominant surface contribution to the overall signal we managed to retrieve information on the structural changes within the layers. The conclusions from the GISAXS analysis were confirmed by photoluminescence measurements.
Investigation of defect luminescence from multicrystalline Si wafer solar cells using X‐ray fluorescence and luminescence imaging
Authors: Peloso Matthew P. , Palina Natalie , Banas Krzysztof , Banas Agnieszka , Hidayat Hidayat , Hoex Bram , Breese Mark B. H. , Aberle Armin G.
Published: November 2012

Multicrystalline silicon wafer solar cells reveal performance‐ reducing defects by luminescence. X‐ray fluorescence spectra are used to investigate the elemental constituents from regions of solar cells yielding reverse‐bias or sub‐bandgap luminescence from defects. It is found that a higher concentration of metals is present in regions yielding reverse‐bias electroluminescence than in regions yielding sub‐bandgap electroluminescence. This suggests, dislocations do not create strong breakdown currents in the absence of impurity precipitates.

magnified image

(a) Topographies of sub‐bandgap (red) and reverse‐bias (blue) luminescence from defects in a multicrystalline Si wafer solar cell. (b) Their distinct X‐ray spectra indicate highest concentrations of metals in the blue regions.

(© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Chemical and Biological Characterization of Novel Essential Oils from Eremophila bignoniiflora (F. Muell) (Myoporaceae): A Traditional Aboriginal Australian Bush Medicine
Authors: Sadgrove Nicholas John , Hitchcock Maria , Watson Kenneth , Jones Graham Lloyd
Published: November 2012

Essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation from the traditional Australian medicinal plant Eremophila bignoniiflora, characterized chemically and then screened for bioactivity. Characterization and quantification were completed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) and GC‐flame ionization detection, respectively. Antimicrobial capacity was assessed using disc diffusion and micro‐titre plate broth dilution and further characterized using thin layer chromatography followed by bioautography to assign activity to separated individual active components. Antifungal capacity was investigated using micro‐titre plate broth dilution against pathogenic Trichophyton species. Free radical scavenging ability was assessed using the diphenylpicrylhydradyl reaction in methanol. The predominant components of the essential oil were fenchyl‐acetate and bornyl‐acetate. However, bioautography indicated antimicrobial ability to be largely linked to the less abundant, more polar constituents. Oils displayed only modest antifungal ability against pathogenic Trichophyton species associated with dermatophytosis, but moderate to high antimicrobial activity, particularly against the yeast Candida albicans and the bacteria Staphylococcus epidermidis. Essential oils exhibited relatively low free radical scavenging ability. Speculation over the role of essential oils in the traditional medicinal applications of E. bignoniiflora follows, exploring correlations between traditional use and investigated bioactivities. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Natural Antioxidant Pine Bark Extract, Oligopin®, Regulates the Stress Chaperone HSPB1 in Human Skeletal Muscle Cells: A Proteomics Approach
Authors: Poussard Sylvie , Pires‐Alves Amélie , Diallo Ramata , Dupuy Jean‐William , Dargelos Elise
Published: November 2012

The gradual loss of muscle mass affecting all the elderly (sarcopenia) is most likely due to a decreased number and/or function of satellite cells. Accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been clearly correlated to sarcopenia and could contribute to the impairment of satellite cell function. In this study, we analyzed the protective mechanism of action of a natural pine bark extract (Oligopin®) in human muscle satellite cells exposed to oxidative stress (H2O2). This polyphenol belongs to the flavonoid family and was able to abolish the H2O2‐induced apoptotic cell death. A large‐scale proteomic strategy allowed us to identify several proteins that may function as early regulators of ROS‐mediated events in muscle cells. Interestingly, we identified the stress chaperone heat shock protein beta‐1, a main protector of muscle necrosis, as a target of Oligopin® and showed that this polyphenol was able to modulate its stress induced phosphorylation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Paraoxonase 1 Activities and Oxidative Stress Status in Young Soccer Players
Authors: Baralic Ivana , Djordjevic Brizita , Dikic Nenad , Kotur‐Stevuljevic Jelena , Spasic Slavica , Jelic‐Ivanovic Zorana , Radivojevic Nenad , Andjelkovic Marija , Pejic Snezana
Published: November 2012

The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of astaxanthin (Asx) on paraoxonase (PON1) activities and oxidative stress status in soccer players. Forty soccer players were randomly assigned in a double‐blind fashion to Asx and placebo (P) group. Blood samples were obtained before, 45 and 90 days after supplementation. PON1 activity was assessed by using two substrates: paraoxon and diazoxon. The oxidative stress biomarkers were also examined: total sulphydryl group content (–SH groups), thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS), advanced oxidation protein products and redox balance. The significant interaction effect of supplementation and training (p < 0.05) on PON1 activity toward paraoxon was observed. The PON1 activity toward diazoxon increased in Asx group after 90 days (p < 0.01), while there was no significant difference in P group. SH groups content rose from pre‐ to post‐supplementation period only in Asx group (supplementation and training, p < 0.05; training, p < 0.01). TBARS levels decreased after 45 days and increased after 90 days of regular soccer training in both groups (training, p < 0.001). Redox balance decreased significantly in response to the regular training, regardless of treatment group (training, p < 0.001). Asx supplementation might increase total SH groups content and improve PON1 activity through protection of free thiol groups against oxidative modification. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Petri Net Approach to Fault Verification in Phased Mission Systems using the Standard Deviation Technique
Authors: Lloyd Michael D , Andrews John D , Remenyte‐Prescott Rasa , Pearson John T , Hubbard Peter
Published: November 2012

Health management systems are now standard aspects of complex systems. They monitor the behaviour of components and sub‐systems and in the event of unexpected system behaviour diagnose faults that have occurred. Although this process should reduce system downtime, it is known that health management systems can generate false faults that do not represent the actual state of the system and cause resources to be wasted. The authors propose a process to address this issue in which Petri nets (PNs) are used to model complex systems. Faults reported on the system are simulated in the PN model to predict the resultant system behaviour. This behaviour is then compared to that from the actual system. Using the standard deviation technique, the similarity of the system variables is assessed and the validity of the fault determined. The process has been automated and is tested through application to an experimental rig representing an aircraft fuel system. The success of the process to verify genuine faults and identify false faults in a multi‐phase mission is demonstrated. A technique is also presented that is specific to tank leaks where depending on the location and size of the leak, the resulting symptoms will vary. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Auditory support for resection guidance in navigated liver surgery
Authors: Hansen Christian , Black David , Lange Christoph , Rieber Fabian , Lamadé Wolfram , Donati Marcello , Oldhafer Karl J. , Hahn Horst K.
Published: November 2012

Background

An alternative mode of interaction with navigation systems for open liver surgery was requested. Surgeons who use such systems are impeded by having to constantly switch between viewing the navigation system screen and the patient during an operation.

Methods

To this end, an auditory display system for open liver surgery is introduced with support for guiding the tracked instrument towards and remaining on a predefined resection line. To evaluate the method, a clinically orientated user study with 12 surgeons was conducted.

Results

It is shown in qualitative results from the user study that the proposed auditory display is recognized as a useful addition to the current visual mode of interaction. It was revealed in a statistical analysis that participants spent less time looking on the screen (10% vs. 96%). Accuracy for resection guidance was significantly improved when using auditory display as an additional information channel (0.6 vs. 1.4 mm); however, the overall time for the resection task was shorter without auditory display (47 vs. 24 s).

Conclusions

By reducing dependence on the visual modality during resection guidance, the auditory display is well suited to become integrated in navigation systems for liver surgery. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ancestors and descendants in evolving k‐tree models
Authors: Panholzer Alois , Seitz Georg
Published: November 2012

We consider several random graph models based on k‐trees, which can be generated by applying the probabilistic growth rules “uniform attachment”, “preferential attachment”, or a “saturation”‐rule, respectively, but which also can be described in a combinatorial way. For all of these models we study the number of ancestors and the number of descendants of nodes in the graph by carrying out a precise analysis which leads to exact and limiting distributional results. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg. 44, 465–489, 2014
Multijunction thermal converter with improved frequency characteristics between 10 Hz and 1 MHz
Authors: Hidaka Shigeru , Kishino Kaname , Shimizume Khoji , Takeda Susumu , Fujiki Hiroyuki , Amagai Yasutaka , Sasaki Hitoshi
Published: November 2012

A new multijunction thermal converter (MJTC) for precision AC–DC transfer standard has been developed. A U‐shaped heater pattern was sputter‐deposited onto an AlN plate in order to reduce thermoelectric effect, which causes the frequency‐independent AC–DC transfer difference. Both low‐frequency and high‐frequency characteristics improved as a result of the new configuration, and the AC–DC transfer difference of the MJTC was evaluated to be <1 µV/V between 10 Hz and 100 kHz and <10 µV/V up to 1 MHz. © 2012 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Optical timing distribution system with femtosecond stability
Authors: Amemiya Masaki , Watabe Ken‐ichi , Suzuyama Tomonari , Naito Takashi , Tsuchida Hidemi
Published: November 2012

Stable timing distribution is a key technology for the many fields that use timing signals for synchronization. The frequency of the timing signal depends on the field and multiple timing signals are sometimes required. In our DWDM‐based timing distribution system, phase deviation is detected by high‐speed round‐trip signal (10 GHz signal is used as this control signal). Fiber stretchers are controlled so as to minimize the phase deviation of the control signal. Multiple signals and the control signal are densely multiplexed and transmitted through the same stretchers. Therefore, the transmission of all signals is stabilized. This configuration provides a flexible platform for distributing various RF or microwave signals. As an example of arbitrary timing signals, a 1 GHz signal is transmitted over a length‐stabilized 400‐m fiber for more than 1 day. The recorded propagation time fluctuations are 10.4 and 2.8 fs rms for the 1 and 10 GHz signals, respectively. The Allan deviations are 2.7 × 10−19 (1 GHz) and 6.0 × 10−20 (10 GHz) for the averaging time of 105 s. © 2012 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Cytochrome P450 system expression and DNA adduct formation in the liver of Zacco platypus following waterborne Benzo(a)pyrene exposure: implications for biomarker determination
Authors: Lee Jin Wuk , Kim Yong Hwa , Yoon Seokjoo , Lee Sung Kyu
Published: November 2012

Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon that causes mutations and tumor formation. Zacco platypus is a sentinel species that is suitable for monitoring aquatic environments. We studied cytochrome P450 system (CYP system) expression and DNA adduct formation in the liver of Z. platypus following waterborne exposure to BaP. The results showed both dose and time dependency. The significant induction levels of CYP system mRNA and protein reached maximums at 2 days and 14 days, respectively, and hepatosomatic index was maximally induced at 4 days during 14 days BaP exposure. DNA adduct formation was significantly induced compared to corresponding controls (t‐test, p < 0.01) after 4 days of exposure in 100 μg/L BaP. These results indicate that the only use of mRNA expression level of CYP system as a biomarker make us underestimate prolonged toxicity (4–14 days) of BaP and the only use of protein expression level of CYP system make us underestimate acute toxicity (1–2 days) of BaP. Therefore, we suggests that a combinational use of the mRNA expression level and protein expression level of CYP system, hepatosomatic index is a useful biomarker in risk assessment of waterborne BaP exposure. In addition, DNA adduct formation was a useful biomarker in risk assessment of waterborne BaP exposure at 4 days. CYP1A was a more sensitive biomarker than CYP reductase for BaP exposure when considering both the mRNA and protein level. Furthermore, our results show that Z. platypus is a useful species for assessing the risk of waterborne BaP exposure. 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 29: 1032–1042, 2014.
Acute toxicity and biochemical effects of azinphos methyl in the amphipod Hyalella curvispina
Authors: Anguiano Olga Liliana , Castro Claudia , Venturino Andrés , Ferrari Ana
Published: November 2012

We evaluated the acute toxicity and biochemical effects of the organophosphorus pesticide azinphos methyl (AM) in the amphipod Hyalella curvispina that inhabits ponds and irrigation channels of an intensive fruit‐producing region in Rio Negro and Neuquén valley, North Patagonia, Argentina. The analysis by nonlinear regression of data from the 96 h‐acute toxicity tests indicated the coexistence of two subpopulations of H. curvispina with different susceptibilities to AM. The 96 h‐LC50 for the resistant subpopulation (166 ± 56 μg/L) was 216‐fold higher than the 96h‐LC50 value for the susceptible one (0.77 ± 1.33 μg/L).The two subpopulations could not be distinguished based on the biochemical measurements in control amphipods. Cholinesterase activity was significantly inhibited in AM‐exposed amphipods in a concentration‐dependent manner. The IC50 value obtained after 96 h of exposure (2.18 ± 1.95 μg/L) was significantly lower than the 48 h‐IC50 value (29.6 ± 17.4 μg/L). Carboxylesterase activity was significantly inhibited after 48 h of exposure to 12.5 and 62.5 μg/L AM (inhibition, 51%). This enzyme was thus able to protect cholinesterase from inhibition at 12.5 μg/L AM. Reduced glutathione and catalase showed a significant increase after 24 h of exposure as an adaptive response to AM, whereas glutathione S‐transferase activity was not significantly modified. The analysis of species sensitivity distribution showed that both subpopulations of H. curvispina were more tolerant to AM than most amphipod species, and that the susceptible subpopulation was more sensitive to AM than the other local aquatic species analyzed. The maximum concentration of AM in drainage water within the fruit‐producing area reported by other studies would affect most of the amphipod species (99%) and also a 44% of local aquatic ones. The results obtained in this study point out the usefulness of including amphipods like H. curvispina in ecotoxicity studies and monitoring programs to perform pesticide risk assessments. 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 29: 1043–1053, 2014.
Direct and Recurrent Inguinal Hernias are Associated with Ventral Hernia Repair: A Database Study
Authors: Henriksen Nadia A. , Sorensen Lars T. , Bay‐Nielsen Morten , Jorgensen Lars N.
Published: November 2012

Background

A systemically altered connective tissue metabolism has been demonstrated in patients with abdominal wall hernias. The most pronounced connective tissue changes are found in patients with direct or recurrent inguinal hernias as opposed to patients with indirect inguinal hernias. The aim of the present study was to assess whether direct or recurrent inguinal hernias are associated with an elevated rate of ventral hernia surgery.

Methods

In the nationwide Danish Hernia Database, a cohort of 92,457 patients operated on for inguinal hernias was recorded from January 1998 until June 2010. Eight‐hundred forty‐three (0.91 %) of these patients underwent a ventral hernia operation between January 2007 and June 2010. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to assess an association between inguinal and ventral hernia repair.

Results

Direct (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.28 [95 % CI, 1.08–1.51]) and recurrent (OR = 1.76, [95 % CI, 1.39–2.23]) inguinal hernias were significantly associated with ventral hernia repair after adjustment for age, gender, and surgical approach (open or laparoscopic).

Conclusions

Patients with direct and recurrent inguinal herniation are more prone to ventral hernia repair than patients with indirect inguinal herniation. This is the first study to show that herniogenesis is associated with type of inguinal hernia.
Excessive Decrease in Serum Magnesium After Total Thyroidectomy for Graves’ Disease Is Related to Development of Permanent Hypocalcemia
Authors: Hammerstad Sara Salehi , Norheim Ingrid , Paulsen Trond , Amlie Lise Marit , Eriksen Erik Fink
Published: November 2012

Background

Transient postoperative hypocalcemia is one of the most common complications after thyroidectomy. Permanent hypocalcemia, however, is rare, but usually requires life‐long treatment and follow‐up. The risk of permanent hypocalcemia has been shown to be significantly higher in patients with Graves’ disease. In the present study we evaluated short‐term and long‐term changes in serum calcium, phosphate, magnesium, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in order to characterize subjects at risk of postoperative hypoparathyroidism.

Methods

Forty patients who underwent total thyroidectomy for Graves’ disease were included in the study. Calcium, phosphate, magnesium, and PTH were measured before surgery and regularly during the year that followed.

Results

Postoperative hypocalcemia was seen in 21/40 (53 %) patients. Undetectable PTH (<0.6 pmol/L) was registered in 11/40 (27 %) patients. All patients with measurable PTH 6–48 h after operation regained normal calcium. Of those with undetectable PTH after 6–48 h, four developed permanent hypocalcemia. We found a significantly lower serum calcium level before operation in patients who developed permanent hypocalcemia compared to those who did not (p < 0.001). We also found a significant correlation between the decrease in serum magnesium from time 0 to 48 h after operation and permanent hypocalcemia (p = 0.015).

Conclusions

Serum calcium prior to operation, serum PTH, and degree of decrease in magnesium levels in serum 48 h after operation may predict development of permanent hypocalcemia. Magnesium plays an important role in calcium homeostasis via stimulation of PTH secretion and modulation of PTH receptor sensitivity. Both mechanisms may have played a role for the findings reported in this article.
Surgery and Anesthesia Capacity‐Building in Resource‐Poor Settings: Description of an Ongoing Academic Partnership in Uganda
Authors: Lipnick Michael , Mijumbi Cephas , Dubowitz Gerald , Kaggwa Samuel , Goetz Laura , Mabweijano Jacqueline , Jayaraman Sudha , Kwizera Arthur , Tindimwebwa Joseph , Ozgediz Doruk
Published: November 2012

Background

Surgery and perioperative care have been neglected in the arena of global health despite evidence of cost‐effectiveness and the growing, substantial burden of surgical conditions. Various approaches to address the surgical disease crisis have been reported. This article describes the strategy of Global Partners in Anesthesia and Surgery (GPAS), an academically based, capacity‐building collaboration between North American and Ugandan teaching institutions.

Methods

The collaboration’s projects shift away from the trainee exchange, equipment donation, and clinical service delivery models. Instead, it focuses on three locally identified objectives to improve surgical and perioperative care capacity in Uganda: workforce expansion, research, collaboration.

Results

Recruitment programs from 2007 to 2011 helped increase the number of surgery and anesthesia trainees at Mulago Hospital (Kampala, Uganda) from 20 to 40 and 2 to 19, respectively. All sponsored trainees successfully graduated and remained in the region. Postgraduate academic positions were created and filled to promote workforce retention. A local research agenda was developed, more than 15 collaborative, peer‐reviewed papers have been published, and the first competitive research grant for a principal investigator in the Department of Surgery at Mulago was obtained. A local projects coordinator position and an annual conference were created and jointly funded by partnering international efforts to promote collaboration.

Conclusions

Sub‐Saharan Africa has profound unmet needs in surgery and perioperative care. This academically based model helped increase recruitment of trainees, expanded local research, and strengthened stakeholder collaboration in Uganda. Further analysis is underway to determine the impact on surgical disease burden and other important outcome measures.
Selective Mediastinal Lymphadenectomy Without Intraoperative Frozen Section Examinations for Clinical Stage I Non‐Small‐Cell Lung Cancer: Retrospective Study of 403 Cases
Authors: Jiang Wei , Chen Xiaoke , Xi Junjie , Wang Qun
Published: November 2012

Objective

The extent of mediastinal lymphadenectomy for clinical stage I non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains controversial. This study explored the value of selective mediastinal lymphadenectomy from the clinical viewpoint.

Methods

From 2005 to 2008, a total of 403 patients diagnosed clinically as having stage I NSCLC underwent lobectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection. Among them, 309 underwent complete mediastinal lymphadenectomy, and the other 94 underwent selective mediastinal lymphadenectomy. We compared the perioperative parameters and overall survival statistics for the two groups retrospectively.

Results

The two groups had no significant differences in sex, pathology, tumor location, or preoperative staging. The selective mediastinal lymphadenectomy group had an older average age, with a much higher rate of patients >70 years of age (p = 0.016). Also, the patients were apt to undergo thoracoscopic lobectomy (p = 0.044). This group had shorter operating times and less intraoperative bleeding. No significant differences in total drainage volume, length of hospital stay, or complication rates were found between the two groups. The mean follow‐up periods were 35.8 ± 13.7 vs. 34.6 ± 17.2 months. Local and distant recurrence rates were 25.6 % vs. 30.9 %, respectively (p = 0.560). The 3‐year and 5‐year overall survival rates were 83.0 % and 74.6 % vs. 75.1 % and 68.5 %, respectively (p = 0.216).

Conclusions

For patients with clinical stage I NSCLC, selective mediastinal lymphadenectomy can reduce the trauma caused by the procedure, especially for elderly patients and those with co‐morbidities. Survival was acceptable and was no worse than that after complete mediastinal lymphadenectomy. Our results need to be confirmed by prospective randomized controlled studies.
Evolution of Nerve Injury with Unexpected EMG Signal Recovery in Thyroid Surgery Using Continuous Intraoperative Neuromonitoring
Authors: Schneider Rick , Bures Claudia , Lorenz Kerstin , Dralle Henning , Freissmuth Michael , Hermann Michael
Published: November 2012

Background

Intermittent intraoperative neuromonitoring cannot prevent preparative surgical damage or predict imminent recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) damage with subsequent development of loss of electromyogram (EMG) signal during thyroid surgery. In case the nerve is stressed, i.e., from traction near the ligament of Berry, the nerve injury is only detected after it has occurred, not allowing the surgeon to correct the mechanical maneuver and salvage nerve function intraoperatively.

Methods

The unusual clinical scenario of sacrifice of a tumor‐infiltrated RLN was used to study real‐time evolution of RLN injury caused by mechanical distention. The ipsilateral vagus nerve (VN) was continuously stimulated with a new stimulation probe, and changes in EMG response were correlated with the varying levels of stretch and traction.

Results

Mechanical traction induced an intermittent depression of EMG amplitudes as a sign of impaired propagation of axon potentials or synaptic transmission. Prolonged mechanical stress caused a long‐lasting depression of EMG response. When the mechanical distention was relieved, neurotransmission was gradually restored, with reappearance of singular muscle depolarization of full magnitude interspersed between the barely detectable deflections in the EMG recording. These responses of full amplitude appeared with increasing frequency, until the regular continuous EMG pattern was completely restored.

Conclusions

Only continuous VN stimulation serves to detect early changes in EMG response that indicate imminent danger to RLN functional integrity and alerts the surgeon to immediately correctable surgical actions, thus possibly preventing nerve damage or transforming damage into a reversible event.
Endoscopic versus Open Radiofrequency Ablation for Treatment of Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Sakoda Masahiko , Ueno Shinichi , Iino Satoshi , Minami Koji , Ando Kei , Kawasaki Yota , Kurahara Hiroshi , Mataki Yukou , Maemura Kousei , Shinchi Hiroyuki , Natsugoe Shoji
Published: November 2012

Background

Surgical radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with superior oncological outcome in comparison with percutaneous RFA. The present study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the relative perioperative safety and postoperative outcome of the laparoscopic or thoracoscopic approach versus the open approach to RFA for small HCC.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed in 55 consecutive patients who underwent open (n = 32) or laparoscopic/thoracoscopic (LTS) RFA (n = 23) for primary unresectable HCC between January 2005 and December 2010. Baseline characteristics, survival/recurrence rates, and complications after treatment were compared between the two groups.

Results

There was a trend showing that LTS RFA was performed for tumors located in the anterior segment (e.g., segments III, V, VIII). The LTS RFA group had a significantly lower intraoperative blood loss, shorter operative time, and shorter postoperative hospital stay, compared with the open RFA group. No major postoperative complications occurred in patients who underwent LTS RFA. No significant differences in overall survival, recurrence‐free survival and local recurrence rates were observed between the two groups.

Conclusions

In consideration of operative invasiveness and postoperative recovery, LTS RFA is superior to the open approach in patients with small HCC. Moreover, the surgical outcome did not differ between the two approaches. Laparoscopic/thorascopic RFA can be considered to be a useful procedure for ablation therapy.
Monkey and dung beetle activities influence soil seed bank structure
Authors: Feer François , Ponge Jean‐François , Jouard Sylvie , Gomez Doris
Published: November 2012

In Neotropical forests, dung beetles act as efficient secondary dispersers of seeds that are dispersed primarily by red howler monkeys. Here, we investigated the origins of soil seed bank variability in relation to monkey and dung beetle activity, to assess the impact of dung beetles on seed fate, and their adaptability to resource availability. This question is important to better understand the process of tree regeneration, and is especially timely in the current context of threat to primates. We characterized soil seed bank structures in sites differing in monkey frequentation, and conducted field experiments with artificial beads to monitor bead fate. We also conducted experiments on specific roller and tunneller beetle species to examine bead processing behavior and its variability among and within species. We found that seed number and diversity increased with monkey frequentation, but seed viability was optimal under moderate monkey frequentation. We showed for the first time that dung provisioning yielded higher beetle activity in sites more often visited by monkeys, which calls for further investigation to understand the mechanisms of attraction to resource and potential spatial structuration of beetle populations. Although all beetle species involved in the experiments actively excluded beads from dung reserves, selectivity was higher for small than large beetle species, and for large compared to small bead sizes. It also increased when per‐capita dung resource decreased, suggesting that intraspecific competition could alter seed fate. Altogether, our results support a major role of dung beetles in soil seed bank structure and dynamics. They reveal interesting interspecific variability within the dung beetle community and a complex interplay with primary dispersal.
Perspectives …
Authors: Van Dalen J.
Published: November 2012

None
DNA Barcode ITS Effectively Distinguishes the Medicinal Plant Boerhavia Diffusa from Its Adulterants
Authors: Selvaraj Dhivya , Shanmughanandhan Dhivya , Sarma Rajeev Kumar , Joseph Jijo C. , Srinivasan Ramachandran V. , Ramalingam Sathishkumar
Published: November 2012

Boerhavia diffusa (B. diffusa), also known as Punarnava, is an indigenous plant in India and an important component in traditional Indian medicine. The accurate identification and collection of this medicinal herb is vital to enhance the drug’s efficacy and biosafety. In this study, a DNA barcoding technique has been applied to identify and distinguish B. diffusa from its closely-related species. The phylogenetic analysis was carried out for the four species of Boerhavia using barcode candidates including nuclear ribosomal DNA regions ITS, ITS1, ITS2 and the chloroplast plastid gene psbA-trnH. Sequence alignment revealed 26% polymorphic sites in ITS, 30% in ITS1, 16% in ITS2 and 6% in psbA-trnH, respectively. Additionally, a phylogenetic tree was constructed for 15 species using ITS sequences which clearly distinguished B. diffusa from the other species. The ITS1 demonstrates a higher transition/transversion ratio, percentage of variation and pairwise distance which differentiate B. diffusa from other species of Boerhavia. Our study revealed that ITS and ITS1 could be used as potential candidate regions for identifying B. diffusa and for authenticating its herbal products.
The capability approach: Enabling musical learning
Authors: Cameron Kate
Published: November 2012

Amartya Sen's capability approach offers a new perspective for educators throughout the curriculum. This new insight has the potential to promote a music education that is inherently tailored to the individual. In essence it asks the question: What is music education going to offer to this student? This article represents an initial enquiry into the capability approach when applied to music education. With a theoretical understanding of the capability approach its application can provide insight into pupil voice, teacher voice, growing student autonomy and differentiation.
Standing ‘on our own two feet’: A comparison of teacher-directed and group learning in an extra-curricular instrumental group
Authors: Andrews Kathryn
Published: November 2012

This practitioner-based research, undertaken by the author in her own teaching context with herself as participant, explores how autonomous learning skills and motivation can be fostered in primary-aged instrumentalists. A primary school extra-curricular recorder group was observed participating in two stages of lessons: the first, teacher-directed and the second, focused around group learning. Lessons were videoed and transcribed for analysis and pupils’ views on the two styles of lessons gained through interviews. The teacher-directed lessons were considered in the light of the apprenticeship conception of the teacher's role, with its potential to balance direction and facilitation, and scaffolding was observed to be used in various ways, both promoting and restricting pupil autonomy. The group learning lessons used aspects of theMusical Futures1informal learning approach, particularly self-directed learning in friendship groups, using aural models on CD, with the teacher's role facilitative rather than directive. These lessons were considered in the light of theories of group learning, with pupils observed providing mutual support, scaffolding in different ways to a teacher, and engaging in transactive communication. Pupils, though positive about both stages, valued the opportunity to learn independently in the group learning lessons, gaining a sense of flow through the challenge involved. Findings suggest that whilst both teacher-directed and group learning can be effective, music teachers could develop their pupils’ capacity for autonomous learning by taking opportunities to adopt a more facilitative role, providing the learning context and assistance when required, but allowing the pupils to direct their own learning.
Geographical distribution and phenotypic diversity of wild/weedy sorghum [Sorghum bicolor(L.) Moench] in Ethiopia: implications for germplasm conservation and crop–wild gene flow
Authors: Adugna Asfaw , Bekele Endashaw
Published: November 2012

Extensive studies of genetic diversity and population structure important for conservation of wild sorghum are yet lacking in Ethiopia, the centre of origin for cultivated sorghum. To assess both genetic diversity and the probability of gene flow between wild and cultivated types, collections of wildSorghum bicolorwere made from regions in Ethiopia where wild and cultivated sorghum coexist. Morphological data were recordedin situfor both quantitative and qualitative characters from 30 populations in five diverse geographical regions and eight agroecologies. High phenotypic diversity was observed among the wild and weedy sorghum populations. The overall standardized Shannon–Weaver diversity index (H′), computed from the frequencies of all qualitative traits, ranged from 0.47 to 0.98 with an average value of 0.76. Moreover, warm semi-arid lowland (SA2) agroecologies, which contain Tigray populations, supported the highest diversity for these traits. Subspeciesverticilliflorumanddrummondii(the two major subspecies of wildS. bicolor) were observed in diverse habitats throughout northern and central Ethiopia. In some areas, weedy types showed domestication traits including the absence of awns and reduced seed shattering. The existence of morphologically intermediate forms indicates that gene flow between cultivated and wild forms has likely occurred. Deployment of transgenic crop sorghum, therefore, would pose a distinct risk for transgene movement into wild Ethiopian populations.
The influence of production mechanisms on pick‐up ion loss at Mars
Authors: Curry S. M. , Liemohn M. , Fang X. , Ma Y. , Espley J.
Published: November 2012

This study quantifies the influence of ionization production mechanisms on ion escape and transport through near‐Mars space. The Mars Test Particle simulation calculates the detailed ion velocity space distribution through a background magnetic and electric field model at specific locations. The main objective of this work is to extensively probe the sources of O+ ion escape relative to the production mechanisms: photoionization, charge exchange, and electron impact. Seven production methods are explored and compared, resulting in total production and loss rates differing up to two orders of magnitude. Photoionization was compared as a function of solar zenith angle and optical shadow. Charge exchange O+ production was studied with three methods: a constant rate assuming cold ion collisions, a constant rate proportional to the reaction cross‐section and upstream solar wind bulk velocity, and finally a novel approach proportional to the cross‐section and both the random and bulk velocity. Finally, electron impact ionization was considered as a constant and as a function of electron temperature. Of these methods, a baseline of the most physically relevant ion mechanisms was selected. Additionally, energy distributions at specific spatial locations highlight the individual ion populations in velocity space, revealing asymmetric and nongyrotropic features due to specific ionization methods. Analysis of the O+ flux and loss is in agreement with observations and also indicates a strong polar plume in the northern hemisphere for a given interplanetary magnetic field orientation. We calculate the total production and escape to be 2.5 × 1025 and 6.4 × 1024, respectively.
The 2011 Northern Kermadec earthquake doublet and subduction zone faulting interactions
Authors: Todd Erin K. , Lay Thorne
Published: November 2012

A large intraslab earthquake doublet (6 July 2011, Mw 7.6; 21 October 2011, Mw 7.4) occurred in the Pacific plate beneath the outer trench slope of the northern Kermadec subduction zone, seaward of an interseismically‐coupled region of the megathrust. The first large event, a shallow (~24 km centroid depth) normal‐faulting rupture, was followed by intraslab aftershocks within minutes and by aftershocks near the megathrust within hours. The second large event, a deeper (~45 km centroid depth) thrust‐faulting rupture below the northern portion of the first rupture plane, was also followed by interplate and intraslab aftershocks. The last large interplate activity in northern Kermadec involved an underthrusting doublet on 14 January 1976 (Mw 7.8, 7.9). Previous studies interpret westward movement of the northern Kermadec Arc relative to the Australian Plate (from GPS measurements) to be a result of interseismic coupling on the northern Kermadec megathrust. A locked plate interface in this region should tend to reduce trench‐slope extensional stresses. Coulomb stress change calculations using a finite‐fault model determined from teleseismic body wave inversions for the normal‐faulting event in the 2011 doublet favor activation of megathrust faulting. Coulomb stress changes for the October compressional event appear to reduce interplate thrust activity, and for a short time reversed the westward motion of the upper plate. The net effect of the doublet is a few bar increase of interplate thrust‐fault driving stress, which may have advanced a future large megathrust event. Intraslab normal faulting may serve as a harbinger, not only a response, to large megathrust ruptures.
The electrodeless Lorentz force (ELF) thruster experimental facility
Authors: Weber T. E. , Slough J. T. , Kirtley D.
Published: November 2012

An innovative facility for testing high-power, pulsed plasmoid thrusters has been constructed to develop the electrodeless Lorentz force (ELF) thruster concept. It is equipped with a suite of diagnostics optimized to study the physical processes taking place within ELF and evaluate its propulsive utility including magnetic field, neutral gas, and plasma flux diagnostics, a method to determine energy flow into the plasma from the pulsed power systems, and a new type of ballistic pendulum, which enables thrust to be measured without the need for installing the entire propulsion system on a thrust stand. Variable magnetic fields allow controlled studies of plume expansion in a small-scale experiment and dielectric chamber walls reduce electromagnetic influences on plasma behavior and thruster operation. The unique capabilities of this facility enable novel concept development to take place at greatly reduced cost and increased accessibility compared to testing at large user-facilities.
Non-congruence of thermally driven structural and electronic transitions in VO2
Authors: Nag Joyeeta , Haglund Richard F. , Andrew Payzant E. , More Karren L.
Published: November 2012

The multifunctional properties of vanadium dioxide (VO2) arise from coupled first-order phase transitions: an insulator-to-metal transition (IMT) and a structural phase transition (SPT) from monoclinic to tetragonal. The characteristic signatures of the IMT and SPT are the hysteresis loops that track the phase transition from nucleation to stabilization of a new phase and back. A long-standing question about the mechanism of the VO2 phase transition is whether and how the almost-simultaneous electronic and structural transitions are related. Here, we report independent measurements of the IMT and SPT hystereses in epitaxial VO2 films on c-sapphire with distinct morphologies. The measurements show that the IMT and the SPT are not congruent, in that the structural phase transition requires more energy to reach completion than the electronic, insulator-to-metal transition. This result is independent of nanoscale film morphology and grain orientation on the substrate, so that the non-congruence is an intrinsic property of the VO2 phase transition. Our conclusion is supported by effective-medium calculations of the dielectric function incorporating the measured volume fractions of the monoclinic and tetragonal states. The results are consistent with the existence of an intermediate metallic state in which the electron-electron correlations characteristic of the monoclinic state begin to disappear before the transition to the tetragonal structural state.
Dielectric, magnetic, and thermodynamic properties of Y1−xSrxMnO3 (x = 0.1 and 0.2)
Authors: Thakur Rajesh K. , Thakur Rasna , Shanmukharao Samatham S. , Kaurav N. , Ganesan V. , Gaur N. K. , Okram G. S.
Published: November 2012

We report the effect of strontium (Sr) doping on dielectric, magnetization, and thermodynamic properties of polycrystalline Y1−xSrxMnO3 (x = 0.1, 0.2) samples prepared by conventional solid-state reaction method. The temperature dependent dielectric permittivity and specific heat curves noticeably show the anomalies near its magnetic transition point, i.e., Neel temperature (TN), which are probably generated by the frustrated Mn3+ spins (S = 2) on a triangular Mn lattice showing the magneto-electric coupling between the electric and magnetic orders. However, the magnetic transition is not clearly evident in the magnetic susceptibility due to the frustration on the Mn triangular lattice and the dominating paramagnetic susceptibility of the Y3+ spins. The electronic transport mechanism in these materials was analyzed within the framework of conventional Arrhenius Law, i.e., ρ(T) = C exp(Ea/kBT) applied to low frequency ac resistivity data, and through the peak method employed to the permittivity and loss tangent by using equation f  =  f0 exp(−Ea/kBTp), suggests simple thermal activation. The effect of induced Mn4+ ions in the crystal lattice with doping of Sr2+ ion on transport properties has been discussed in details.