bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Laser Assisted Cold Spraying Process for Materials Deposition
Authors: Tlotleng Monnamme , Akinlabi Esther T. , Shukla Mukul , Pityana Sisa
Published: April 2014

The Laser-Assisted Cold Spraying (LACS) process is a hybrid technique that uses laser and cold spray mechanism to deposit solid powders on metal substrates. For bonding to occur, the particle velocities must be supersonic. The supersonic effects can be achieved by passing a highly compressed Nitrogen gas (˜30 bars) through de Laval supersonic nozzle. LACS is a surface coating technique that is desirable in rapid prototyping and manufacturing, particularly for biomedical applications. Current world research reveals that the capability of the LACS regarding the enhancement of surface properties of coating titanium alloys with hydroxyapatite will be essential for fabricating scaffolds for bone implants using Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS) technique. In this chapter, coatings of composite powders made of titanium and hydroxyapatite deposited on Ti-6Al-4V substrate by LACS technology are presented. These coatings were successfully characterised by means of X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and optical microscopy for their phases, composition, and microstructure, respectively. The results of the produced LACS coatings compare well with those obtained with traditional thermal spray and cold spray techniques, respectively. In addition, the XRD results were found to be similar to the precursor powders, which indicated that no phase transformation occurred to HAP. Coatings comprising of other crystalline phases of HAP are less bio-integrable and fail quicker within the human body fluids environments.
Addressing Privacy in Traditional and Cloud-Based Systems
Authors: Kalloniatis Christos , Kavakli Evangelia , Gritzalis Stefanos
Published: April 2014

A major challenge in the field of software engineering is to make users trust the software that they use in their everyday activities for professional or recreational reasons. Amid the main criteria that formulate users' trust is the way that that their privacy is protected. Indeed, privacy violation is an issue of great importance for active online users that daily accomplish several transactions that may convey personal data, sensitive personal data, employee data, credit card data and so on. In addition, the appearance of cloud computing has elevated the number of personally identifiable information that users provide in order to gain access to various services, further raising user concerns as to how and to what extend information about them is communicated to others. The aim of this work is to elevate the modern practices for ensuring privacy during software systems design. To this end, the basic privacy requirements that should be considered during system analysis are introduced. Additionally, a number of well-known methods that have been introduced in the research area of requirements engineering which aim on eliciting and modeling privacy requirements during system design are introduced and critically analyzed. The work completes with a discussion of the additional security and privacy concepts that should be considered in the context of cloud-based information systems and how these affect current research.
Domiciling Truck Drivers More Strategically in a Transportation Network
Authors: Melton Kerry , Parepally Sandeep
Published: April 2014

The authors propose a method to better domicile truck drivers in a relay-point highway transportation network to obtain better solutions for the truck driver domiciling and sourcing problem. The authors exploit characteristics of the truckload driver routing problem over a transportation network and introduce a new approach to domicile, source, and route truck drivers while more inclusively considering performance and cost measures related to the driver, transportation carrier, and customer. Driver domicile and relay-point locations are exploited to balance driver pay and recruiting costs and driving time. A mixed integer quadratic program will determine where driver domiciles are located to base drivers, source drivers, route drivers, etc. while considering key costs related to transporting truckload freight over long distances. A method to improve driver domicile locations is introduced to enhance driving jobs and driver sourcing, but not at the expense of the transportation carrier and customer. A numerical experiment will be conducted.
Biblical principles towards a pastoral strategy for poverty alleviation amongst the youth in Uganda
Authors: Wilson Asea , Letsosa Rantoa
Published: April 2014

Over centuries, many churches in Uganda have failed to do justice to the gospel to the materially and socially robbed. Their preoccupation has been with the gospel to the sinners. But the salvation of sinners and the care for the materially and socially deprived are part of one and the same gospel. In other words, these churches could not handle the two gospels that are found in the Bible: the salvation of the sinners and care for the physical needs of the poor. It has a gospel for the ‘sinning’, but no gospel for the ‘sinned against’. The church in Uganda must now become involved in the process of mutual commitment to freedom, justice and care for the disadvantaged. It must develop a complete theology of the divine grace for sinners as well as the gospel for the materially and socially disadvantaged. Moreover, however, eradicating material poverty is not simply a matter of making more and better provisions available, but of expanding actual participation so that young people might fulfil their own roles in the whole society to which they belong. An attempt was made to define poverty and to discuss the characteristics of poverty through the exposition of the weak points of both the church and the government that were constructed by means of a literature study as well as qualitative interviews in contrast to the biblical strength that was determined through an exegetical study of texts that specifically dealt with issues of poverty. The views of churches with regard to poverty were taken into consideration. Last but not least, a possible means was developed that could be utilised to break down the persistent poverty amongst the youth in Uganda.
Cobb′s collar occurring in two brothers in a family: A rare entity revisited
Authors: Pal Partha , Ray Sayantan , Talukdar Arunansu , Sonthalia Nikhil , Chakraborty Sumit
Published: April 2014

Most urethral strictures arise from iatrogenic, traumatic, or inflammatory causes. We report the familial occurrence of a congenital bulbar urethral stricture in two brothers. Retrograde and voiding cystourethrography was performed. A Cobb′s collar was diagnosed after radiological and endoscopic evaluation in both cases and was successfully managed with urethroplasty. Cobb′s collar is a rarely recognized cause of a membranous stricture of bulbar urethra that can lead to several urinary problems. In cases of adolescent and young adults presenting with symptoms of progressive urinary obstruction and enuresis with or without urinary tract infection, Cobb′s collar can be seen as a minor constriction in the bulbar urethra, but is not frequently symptomatic, and the familial occurrence of such a stricture is even rarer.
Prognostic Value of DNA and mRNA E6/E7 of Human Papillomavirus in the Evolution of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Grade 2
Authors: Discacciati Michelle G. , da Silva Ismael DCG. , Villa Luisa L. , Reis Leandro , Hayashi Priscila , Costa Maria C. , Rabelo-Santos Silvia H. , Zeferino Luiz C.
Published: April 2014

Objective

This study aimed at evaluating whether human papillomavirus (HPV) groups and E6/E7 mRNA of HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, and 45 are prognostic of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2 outcome in women with a cervical smear showing a low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL).

Methods

This cohort study included women with biopsy-confirmed CIN 2 who were followed up for 12 months, with cervical smear and colposcopy performed every three months.

Results

Women with a negative or low-risk HPV status showed 100% CIN 2 regression. The CIN 2 regression rates at the 12-month follow-up were 69.4% for women with alpha-9 HPV versus 91.7% for other HPV species or HPV-negative status ( P < 0.05). For women with HPV 16, the CIN 2 regression rate at the 12-month follow-up was 61.4% versus 89.5% for other HPV types or HPV-negative status ( P < 0.05). The CIN 2 regression rate was 68.3% for women who tested positive for HPV E6/E7 mRNA versus 82.0% for the negative results, but this difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

The expectant management for women with biopsy-confirmed CIN 2 and previous cytological tests showing LSIL exhibited a very high rate of spontaneous regression. HPV 16 is associated with a higher CIN 2 progression rate than other HPV infections. HPV E6/E7 mRNA is not a prognostic marker of the CIN 2 clinical outcome, although this analysis cannot be considered conclusive. Given the small sample size, this study could be considered a pilot for future larger studies on the role of predictive markers of CIN 2 evolution.
Effects of elevated CO2 and 1-methylcyclopropene on storage-related disorders of Ontario-grown Empire apples
Authors: Deyman Kristen L. , Chiu Greta , Liu Jingyun , Brikis Carolyne J. , Trobacher Christopher P. , DeEll Jennifer R. , Shelp Barry J. , Bozzo Gale G.
Published: April 2014

Deyman, K. L., Chiu, G., Liu, J., Brikis, C. J., Trobacher, C. P., DeEll, J. R., Shelp, B. J. and Bozzo, G. G. 2014. Effects of elevated CO2 and 1-methylcyclopropene on storage-related disorders of Ontario-grown Empire apples. Can. J. Plant Sci. 94: 857–865. The impact of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) application on CO2-induced physiological injury in Empire apple fruit during controlled atmosphere storage was assessed over a 3-yr period using an experimental design involving multiple treatment replicates. Fruit harvested at optimal maturity from one or two orchards were treated with or without 1 µL L−1 1-MCP, then chilled at 0 or 3°C under various CO2 partial pressures (5, 2.5 or 0.03 kPa CO2) in the presence of 2.5 kPa O2 for up to 46 wk using a split-plot design. Fruit were sampled periodically for assessment of flesh browning and external peel injury. The maximal incidence of external CO2 injury varied from 15 to 100% over the 3 yr, and the most rapid development of this disorder was evident at 5 kPa CO2. The incidence of external CO2 injury as a function of storage time was influenced by orchard location and storage temperature. Moreover, the incidence of flesh browning at 0°C and 5 kPa CO2 was influenced slightly by orchard; this disorder was never higher than 30%, and the impact of elevated CO2 was inconsistent across years. Notably, there was no evidence for negative effects of 1-MCP on the incidence of storage-related disorders.
Ecozone dynamics of crop residue biomass, macronutrient removals, replacement costs, and bioenergy potential in corn–soybean–winter wheat cropping systems in southern Ontario
Authors: Nkoa Roger , Kendall Katie , Deen Bill
Published: April 2014

Nkoa, R., Kendall, K. and Deen, W. 2014. Ecozone dynamics of crop residue biomass, macronutrient removals, replacement costs, and bioenergy potential in corn–soybean–winter wheat cropping systems in southern Ontario. Can. J. Plant Sci. 94: 981–993. In light of frequent price hikes of imported fuels and the everlasting growth in the world's crude oil consumption, producing energy from renewable, non-fossil sources, such as crop residues and dedicated energy crops, has gained an unprecedented attraction across developed countries. This study aimed at assessing the dynamics of crop residues biomass, NPK removals, bioenergy potentials, in southern Ontario. Two surveys were carried out across 20 counties, and data were analyzed using one-way classification random and three-way crossed classification mixed effects models, respectively. Corn stover was estimated at 7.5 t ha−1 yr−1, equivalent to 139.7×109 J ha−1 yr−1, and NPK-removal rates of 53, 4, and 62 kg ha−1, respectively. For wheat, the straw biomass was estimated at 4.3 t ha−1 yr−1, equivalent to 79.4×109 J ha−1 yr−1, and NPK removal rates of 28, 3, and 35 kg ha−1, respectively. Soybean straw biomass was estimated at 3.1 t ha−1 yr−1, equivalent to 24.76×109 J ha−1 yr−1, and NPK-removal rates of 33, 5, and 35 kg ha−1, respectively. Overall, cutting corn and winter wheat stalks at ground level rather than at 15 cm above ground yielded higher residue biomasses, which did not statistically translate into higher NPK removal rates due to lower NPK concentrations in the stubbles.
A Case of Quadruple Malaria Infection Imported from Mozambique to Japan
Authors: Oki Masayuki , Asai Satomi , Saito-Nakano Yumiko , Nakayama Taira , Tanaka Yumiko , Tachibana Hiroshi , Ohmae Hiroshi , Nozaki Tomoyoshi , Miyachi Hayato
Published: April 2014

A 35-year-old Japanese man had an intermittent fever and mild headache for eight weeks after he returned to Japan from working in Mozambique. He had taken antimalarial prophylaxis (doxycycline) for 25 weeks, and stopped taking this drug two weeks after his return. Microscopic examination of a peripheral blood smear showed a mixed infection with Plasmodium vivax, P. falciparum, and P. ovale. In addition, a nested polymerase chain reaction and subsequent sequencing detected specific DNA sequences of four species of Plasmodium, including P. malariae. The patient was successfully treated with artemether-lumefantrine and primaquine phosphate. The present case is a rare instance of a mixed infection with four species of Plasmodium. Nonimmune persons in malaria-endemic areas may have a risk of mixed infection. All four species must be identified by using sensitive and specific tests, such as a nested polymerase chain reaction, in addition to conventional morphologic identification.
Compliance with Antimalarial Chemoprophylaxis Recommendations for Wounded United States Military Personnel Admitted to a Military Treatment Facility
Authors: Rini Elizabeth A. , Weintrob Amy C. , Tribble David R. , Lloyd Bradley A. , Warkentien Tyler E. , Shaikh Faraz , Li Ping , Aggarwal Deepak , Carson M. Leigh , Murray Clinton K. , _ _
Published: April 2014

Malaria chemoprophylaxis is used as a preventive measure in military personnel deployed to malaria-endemic countries. However, limited information is available on compliance with chemoprophylaxis among trauma patients during hospitalization and after discharge. Therefore, we assessed antimalarial primary chemoprophylaxis and presumptive antirelapse therapy (primaquine) compliance among wounded United States military personnel after medical evacuation from Afghanistan (June 2009–August 2011) to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany, and then to three U.S. military hospitals. Among admissions at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, 74% of 2,540 patients were prescribed primary chemoprophylaxis and < 1% were prescribed primaquine. After transfer of 1,331 patients to U.S. hospitals, 93% received primary chemoprophylaxis and 33% received primaquine. Of 751 trauma patients with available post-admission data, 42% received primary chemoprophylaxis for four weeks, 33% received primaquine for 14 days, and 17% received both. These antimalarial chemoprophylaxis prescription rates suggest that improved protocols to continue malaria chemoprophylaxis in accordance with force protection guidelines are needed.
Comparisons of CH4 ground-based FTIR measurements near Saint Petersburg with GOSAT observations
Authors: Gavrilov N. M. , Makarova M. V. , Poberovskii A. V. , Timofeyev Yu. M.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Atmospheric column-average methane mole fractions measured with ground-based Fourier-transform spectroscopy near Saint Petersburg, Russia (59.9° N, 29.8° E, 20 m a.s.l.) are compared with similar data obtained with the Japanese GOSAT (Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite) in the years 2009–2012. Average CH4 mole fractions for the GOSAT data version V01.xx are −15.0 ± 5.4 ppb less than the corresponding values obtained from ground-based measurements (with the standard deviations of biases at 13.0 ± 4.2 ppb). For the GOSAT data version V02.xx, the average values of the differences are −1.9 ± 1.8 ppb with standard deviations of 14.5 ± 1.3 ppb. This verifies that FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) spectroscopic observations near Saint Petersburg have similar biases with GOSAT satellite data as FTIR measurements at other ground-based networks and aircraft CH4 estimations.
Identifying equatorial ionospheric irregularities using in situ ion drifts
Authors: Stoneback R. A. , Heelis R. A.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Previous climatological investigations of ionospheric irregularity occurrence in the equatorial ionosphere have utilized in situ measurements of plasma density to identify the presence of an irregularity. Here we use the Morlet wavelet and C/NOFS to isolate perturbations in meridional ion drifts and generate irregularity occurrence maps as a function of local time, longitude, season, and solar activity. For the low solar activity levels in 2008, the distributions identified by velocity perturbations follow normalized density perturbation (ΔN/N) maps with large occurrences after midnight into dawn over all longitudes. The velocity and normalized density occurrence maps contract in both local time and longitude with increasing solar activity. By 2011 irregularities are confined to particular longitudes expected by alignment and a few hours of local time after sunset. The variation in the occurrence of the late night irregularities with solar activity is consistent with the presence of gravity wave seeding.
Hydrographic changes in the Agulhas Recirculation Region during the late Quaternary
Authors: Naik D. K. , Saraswat R. , Khare N. , Pandey A. C. , Nigam R.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. The strength of Southern Hemisphere westerlies, as well as the positions of the subtropical front (STF), Agulhas Current (AC) and Agulhas Return Current (ARC) control the hydrography of the southwestern Indian Ocean. Although equatorward migration of the STF and reduction in Agulhas leakage were reported during the last glacial period, the fate of ARC during the last glacial–interglacial cycle is not clear. Therefore, in order to understand changes in the position and strength of ARC during the last glacial–interglacial cycle, here we reconstruct hydrographic changes in the southwestern Indian Ocean from temporal variation in planktic foraminiferal abundance, stable isotopic ratio (δ18O) and trace elemental ratio (Mg/Ca) of planktic foraminifera Globigerina bulloides in a core collected from the Agulhas Recirculation Region (ARR) in the southwestern Indian Ocean. Increased abundance of G. bulloides suggests that the productivity in the southwestern Indian Ocean increased during the last glacial period which confirms previous reports of high glacial productivity in the Southern Ocean. The increased productivity was likely driven by the intensified Southern Hemisphere westerlies supported by an equatorward migration of the subtropical front. Increase in relative abundance of Neogloboquadrina incompta suggests seasonally strong thermocline and enhanced advection of southern source water in the southwestern Indian Ocean as a result of strengthened ARC, right through MIS 4 to MIS 2, during the last glacial period. Therefore, it is inferred that over the last glacial–interglacial cycle, the hydrography of the southwestern Indian Ocean was driven by strengthened westerlies, ARC as well as a migrating subtropical front.
Tree ring effects and ice core acidities clarify the volcanic record of the 1st millennium
Authors: Baillie M. G. L. , McAneney J.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Various attempts have been made to link tree-ring and ice-core records, something vital for the understanding of the environmental response to major volcanic eruptions in the past. Here we demonstrate that, by taking note of the spacing between events, it is possible to clarify linkages between tree-response, as witnessed by frost rings in bristlecone pines from Western North America and volcanic acid deposition in ice cores. The results demonstrate that in the 6th and 7th centuries of the current era, and presumably for all earlier dates, the key European ice chronologies from the North Greenland Ice Core Project, namely Dye3, GRIP, NGRIP and NEEM appear to have been wrongly dated by 7 years, with the ice dates being too old. Similar offsets are observed for the Antarctic Law Dome and West Antarctic Ice Sheet Divide WDC06A ice-core chronologies that have been linked to the Greenland record. Importantly, the results clarify which frost rings in bristlecone pines are related to volcanic activity and which may be the result of other causes. In addition, it is possible to show that ice core researchers have used inappropriate linkages to tree effects to justify their chronology.
Linkages between ENSO/PDO signals and precipitation, streamflow in China during the last 100 years
Authors: Ouyang R. , Liu W. , Fu G. , Liu C. , Hu L. , Wang H.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. This paper investigates the single and combined impacts of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) on precipitation and streamflow in China over the last century. Results indicate that the precipitation and streamflow overall decrease during the El Niño periods/PDO warm phase while mainly increase during the La Niña periods/PDO cool phase in the majority of China, although there are still regional and seasonal differences. Specifically, the precipitation/streamflow in the Yellow River basin, Yangtze River basin and Pearl River basin are more significantly influenced by El Niño and La Niña events compare to those in the Songhua River basin among different months, especially in the October and November. Moreover, the significant influences of ENSO on streamflow in the Yangtze River mainly occur in summer and autumn while that in the Pearl River primary occur in the winter and spring. The precipitation/streamflow are relatively more in the warm PDO phase in the Songhua River basin and several parts of Yellow River basin while are relatively less in the Pear River basin and the most parts of the northwest China compare to those in the cool PDO phase, though there are rarely significances clarified using the Wilcoxon signed ranks test. When considering the combined influences of ENSO and PDO, the responses of precipitation/streamflow are shown to be opposite from northern China to southern China, with the ENSO-related precipitation/streamflow enhance in the northern China during the warm PDO phases and that increase in the southern China in the cool PDO phases. This study conducted would beneficial for understanding how the precipitation/streamflow responses to the changing climate and would correspondingly provide valuable references for the water resources prediction and management over China.
Paleoclimate and paleoseismic events discovered from the Diexi barrier lake on the Minjiang River, China
Authors: Wang X.Q. , Li Y.R. , Yuan Y. , Zhou Z. , Wang L.S.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Studies on the formation of the ancient Diexi barrier lake on the Mingjiang River, southwest China, have long been carried out. However, investigations into the correlation between the paleoclimate and paleoenvironment and the paleoseismic events in this area are rarely found in literature. The present study took sediments from the ancient Diexi barrier lake to investigate the paleoclimate, paleoenvironment and paleoseismic events. A drilling at the center of the barrier lake was conducted and the core of about 260 m long was examined. The paleoclimate and paleoenviornment indicators (sporo-pollen, carbon and oxygen isotope, organic matter, calcium carbonate, granularity) from the sediments have been tested and analyzed, which indicate that there were ten climatic and environmental periods in between 30 000 a BP and 15 000 a BP. The discovered disturbance segments in the core indicate there were at least ten seismic events during that period. The consistency between climate change and seismic event indicates that a strong seismicity is normally accompanied by a climatic variation. This may be a useful supplement for the climate and geohazard prediction for the future.
A data set of worldwide glacier length fluctuations
Authors: Leclercq P. W. , Oerlemans J. , Basagic H. J. , Bushueva I. , Cook A. J. , Le Bris R.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Glacier fluctuations contribute to variations in sea level and historical glacier length fluctuations are natural indicators of past climate change. To study these subjects, long-term information of glacier change is needed. In this paper we present a data set of global long-term glacier length fluctuations. The data set is a compilation of available information on changes in glacier length worldwide, including both measured and reconstructed glacier length fluctuations. All 471 length series start before 1950 and cover at least four decades. The longest record starts in 1535, but the majority of time series start after 1850. The number of available records decreases again after 1962. The data set has global coverage including records from all continents. However, the Canadian Arctic is not represented in the data set. The available glacier length series show relatively small fluctuations until the mid-19th century, followed by a global retreat. The retreat was strongest in the first half of the 20th century, although large variability in the length change of the different glaciers is observed. During the 20th century, calving glaciers retreated more than land-terminating glaciers, but their relative length change was approximately equal. Besides calving, the glacier slope is the most important glacier property determining length change: steep glaciers have retreated less than glaciers with a gentle slope.
Topographic control of snowpack distribution in a small catchment in the central Spanish Pyrenees: intra- and inter-annual persistence
Authors: Revuelto J. , López-Moreno J. I. , Azorin-Molina C. , Vicente-Serrano S. M.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. In this study we analyzed the relations between terrain characteristics and snow depth distribution in a small alpine catchment located in the central Spanish Pyrenees. Twelve field campaigns were conducted during 2012 and 2013, which were years characterized by very different climatic conditions. Snow depth was measured using a long range terrestrial laser scanner and analyses were performed at a spatial resolution of 5 m. Pearson's r correlation, multiple linear regressions and binary regression trees were used to analyze the influence of topography on the snow depth distribution. The analyses were used to identify the topographic variables that better explain the snow distribution in this catchment, and to assess whether their contributions were variable over intra- and inter-annual time scales. The topographic position index, which has rarely been used in these types of studies, most accurately explained the distribution of snow accumulation. Other variables affecting the snow depth distribution included the maximum upwind slope, elevation, and northing (or potential incoming solar radiation). The models developed to predict snow distribution in the basin for each of the 12 survey days were similar in terms of the most explanatory variables. However, the variance explained by the overall model and by each topographic variable, especially those making a lesser contribution, differed markedly between a year in which snow was abundant (2013) and a~year when snow was scarce (2012), and also differed between surveys in which snow accumulation or melting conditions dominated in the preceding days. The total variance explained by the models clearly decreased for those days on which the snow pack was thinner and more patchily distributed. Despite the differences in climatic conditions in the 2012 and 2013 snow seasons, some similarities in snow accumulation patterns were observed.
A multi-agent planning support system for assessing the role of transportation and environmental objectives in urban planning
Authors: Katoshevski Rachel , Katoshevski David , Arentze Theo , Timmermans Harry
Published: April 2014

This paper analyzes 12 city plans that were developed based on environmental-sustainability indicators using a multi-agent model. The plans are based on three city forms and four types of city scenarios, each representing a different planning concept. The environmental indicators concern pollution from transportation, while the sustainability aspects relate to accessibility to facilities. The model supports planners in identifying the best city form considering the selected performance criteria. In this case study, a compact city form, coupled with mixed land-uses, performed best.
Building a high quality medical data architecture for multiple uses in an integrated health care environment
Authors: Boterenbrood Frank , Krediet Irene , Goossen William
Published: April 2014

Objective: The aim was to create a reliable information provisioning system in healthcare for both care and research processes, based on existing data standards and standardized electronic messages. The research question is: How can a Clinical Data Ware House (CDWH) be developed for standardized basic patient data, generic nursing data and data about oncology nursing, allowing management of Electronic Health Record data, electronic data exchange and data analytics? Materials and methods: The main instrument used was the Detailed Clinical Model (DCM) data standardization approach. Further, data communication utilized HealthLevel7v3 (HL7v3) messages, transported by Mirth Connect. In an incremental, design-oriented research project, CDWH-prototypes were constructed using Enterprise Architect, a HL7v3 generator plug-in, SQL Server technology and PostgreSQL-based CDWH-technology. Results: The project resulted in 16 existing DCMs selected and 6 new DCMs defined. From those DCMs, a HL7v3 message structure was generated and a CDWH created. Implementing specialized Data Marts (DM) a connection between the CDWH and one Electronic Health Record system was built. Discussion: Detailed Clinical Models improve data quality, yet building them consumes time and resources. Some required data codes could not be identified in time and dummy codes were used instead. The existence of unstructured medical data in legacy systems may proof to be an obstacle in the future. Conclusion: The project shows that using Detailed Clinical Models as the sole source for system development leads to a sound design for a CDWH and HL7v3 messages, supporting a standards based health information system, suitable for multiple uses.
Seminal vesicle agenesis: An uncommon cause of azoospermia
Authors: Bouzouita Abderrazak , Kerkeni Walid , Abouda Hassine , Khrouf Mohamed , Elloumi Hanene , Mnif Najla , Messaoud Taieb , Zhioua Amel , Zhioua Fethi , Chebil Mohamed
Published: April 2014

Seminal vesicle malformations are a rare cause of obstructive azoospermia, often associated with other internal genitalia and upper urinary tract birth defects. We report 5 new cases of seminal vesicle agenesis in men presenting with hypospermia and azoospermia.Imaging showed seminal vesicle unilateral agenesis in all patients.The remaining seminal vesicle was hypoplastic in 3 cases, dilatedin 1 case and with abnormally thick content in another case. Vasdeferens agenesis was observed unilaterally in 2 patients and bilaterally in 2 other patients. No renal malformations were detected. Genetic study showed in all cases a 46 XY karyotype without any microdeletions. A single heterozygous cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator gene mutation was diagnosed in 1 man, but not found in his partner. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection using sperm from a testicular biopsy was performed in 3 couples, without success.
Outpatient bilateral supracostal tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy for staghorn calculi
Authors: Kokorovic Andrea , Wilson James William Lennox , Beiko Darren
Published: April 2014

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the surgical procedure of choice to treat staghorn calculi. Most centres perform PCNL as the traditional inpatient procedure. However, outpatient PCNL has been successfully attempted and represents a feasible method of reducing hospital costs. We report the case of a 35-year-old female who underwent outpatient simultaneous PCNL for bilateral renal staghorn calculi. The patient was discharged in stable condition less than 3 hours following the procedure with minimal discomfort. To the best of our knowledge, this case report is the first to describe a successfully completed outpatient bilateral supracostal tubeless PCNL for staghorn calculi.
Regarding ‘Information Preservation and Weather Forecasting for Black Holes’ by S. W. Hawking
Authors: Winterberg Friedwardt
Published: April 2014

It is proposed that the ‘apparent horizons’ assumed by Hawking to resolve the black hole information paradox, are in reality the regions where in Lorentzian relativity the absolute velocity against a preferred reference system at rest with the zero point vacuum energy reaches the velocity of light, and where an elliptical differential equation holding matter in a stable equilibrium goes over a transluminal Euler-Tricomi equation into a hyperbolic differential equation where such an equilibrium is not more possible, with matter in approaching this region disintegrating into radiation. Hawking’s proposal depends on the anti-de Sitter/conformal field theory (AdS/CFT) conjecture which in turn depends on string/M theory which in the absence of super-symmetry will not work.
In vitro Investigation of Anticancer, Cell-Cycle-Inhibitory, and Apoptosis-Inducing Effects of Diversin, a Natural Prenylated Coumarin, on Bladder Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Haghighitalab Azadeh , Matin Maryam M. , Bahrami Ahmad Reza , Iranshahi Mehrdad , Saeinasab Morvarid , Haghighi Fereshteh
Published: April 2014

Chemotherapy is one of the main strategies for reducing the rate of cancer progression or, in some cases, curing the tumour. Since a great number of chemotherapeutic agents are cytotoxic compounds, i. e. similarly affect normal and neoplastic cells, application of antitumour drugs is preferred in cancer management and therapy. In this study, the cytotoxicity of diversin was evaluated in 5637 cells, a transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) subline (bladder carcinoma), and normal human fibroblast cells using the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Chromatin condensation and DNA damage induced by diversin were also determined by means of 4’,6-diamidino-2- phenylindole (DAPI) staining and the comet assay, respectively. In addition, the mechanism of action of diversin was studied in more detail by the caspase 3 colourimetric assay and flow cytometry-based cell-cycle analyses (PI staining). Our results revealed that diversin has considerable cytotoxic effects in 5637 cells, but not on HFF3 (human foreskin fibroblast) and HDF1 (human dermal fibroblast) cells. Further studies showed that diversin exerts its cytotoxicity via induction of chromatin condensation, DNA damage, and activation of caspase 3 in 5637 cells. In addition, flow cytometric analyses revealed that 5637 cells are mostly arrested at the G2 phase of the cell cycle in the presence of diversin.
Antileishmanial Compounds from Moringa oleifera Lam.
Authors: Kaur Amandeep , Kaur Preet Kamal , Singh Sushma , Singh Inder Pal
Published: April 2014

The antileishmanial activity of extracts and phytoconstituents of Moringa oleifera Lam: was investigated in vitro against promastigotes of Leishmania donavani. The 70%ethanolic extract of roots and the methanolic extract of leaves showed moderate inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 83:0 μg/ml and 47:5 μg/ml, respectively. Antileishmanial activity of the methanolic extract of leaves increased upon fractionation, as its ethyl acetate fraction was found to be more active with an IC50 value of 27:5 mg=ml. The most active antileishmanial compound niazinin, a thiocarbamate glycoside isolated from this fraction, showed an IC50 value of 5:25 mM. Results presented in this study indicate that extracts from M. oleifera may be developed as an adjuvant therapy for the treatment of leishmaniasis.
Análise epistemológica das teses e dissertações sobre atendimento educacional especializado: 2000 a 2009
Authors: Casagrande Rosana Castro , Cruz Gilmar De Carvalho
Published: April 2014

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/1984686X6986 O objetivo geral desta pesquisa foi realizar uma análise epistemológica de teses e dissertações sobre atendimento educacional especializado, produzidas no período de 2000 a 2009, a partir das dimensões técnica e teórica, analisadas através da adaptação do Esquema Paradigmático de Sánchez Gamboa (1987; 2007). Por meio de uma pesquisa qualitativa, foi realizada análise documental de 18 teses e dissertações. Os resultados indicam: 1. No Nível Técnico: Em 2009 foi o período que mais se produziu pesquisas sobre AEE; 72% do total foram produzidas em Universidades Públicas; 44% não especificaram as técnicas de registro; 50% não especificaram o tipo de análise de dados; 84% apresentaram procedimentos qualitativos; 2. Nível Teórico: Os principais temas tratados foram “Deficiência Auditiva/Surdez” (27,7%); 61% apresentaram abordagens metodológicas e tipos de mudança do tipo Inespecífica; 17% caracterizarem-se como crítico-dialéticas e 22% fenomenológico-hermenêuticas. A maioria das pesquisas não pode ser caracterizada ou classificada segundo um padrão de abordagem metodológica, devido ao seu aspecto hibrido e ao fato de não apresentar uma fronteira metodológica. É fundamental que sejam ampliadas as pesquisas sobre análise epistemológica, a fim de contribuírem de forma significativa e efetiva para a melhoria na qualidade das pesquisas e para sua aproximação com a práxis.
Escolarização de alunos com deficiência e as inter-relações família, escola e gestores públicos da Educação Especial
Authors: Alves Edson Pantaleao , Sobrinho Reginaldo Celio
Published: April 2014

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/1984686X8592 Neste texto objetiva-se evidenciar as implicações do processo de ressignificação do conhecimento social relativo à educabilidade da pessoa com deficiência na inter-relação família, escola e gestores públicos da educação especial. Articula-se os resultados de duas pesquisas que focalizaram as políticas de Educação Especial no Estado do Espírito Santo. A primeira pesquisa abordou as relações entre as instituições especializadas e a escola comum e ancorou-se na perspectiva de pesquisa do tipo etnográfico. A segunda, focalizou a formação continuada de gestores públicos de Educação Especial e assumiu os pressupostos da pesquisa-ação colaborativo-crítica. Ambas utilizaram como instrumento de coleta de dados: questionário, entrevista semiestruturada, estudo de documentos e a dinâmica de grupo focal. Na análise dos dados adotou-se os pressupostos da Sociologia Figuracional elaborada por Norbert Elias, fundamentalmente, a noção de conhecimento e suas implicações no processo de distribuição de chances de poder nas inter-relações humanas. Os dados evidenciam que os conhecimentos relativos à inclusão social, acessados de diferentes formas pelos participantes da pesquisa, assumem sentidos e significados que possibilitam a uns e a outros questionarem situações que limitam o percurso formativo-educativo do aluno com deficiência. Conclui-se que, nas sociedades recentes, as inter-relações dos pais e dos profissionais, balizadas pela ressignificação do conhecimento social sobre a educabilidade das pessoas com deficiência, vêm produzindo outras necessidades emocionais nessas pessoas, nos seus familiares e nos profissionais do ensino, movimentando a balança de poder nas suas inter-relações. Palavras-chave: Conhecimento. Equilíbrio de poder. Deficiência.
Os desafios da multideficiência: um olhar sobre uma unidade de apoio à multideficiência
Authors: Barroso Estefânia , Mesquita Helena
Published: April 2014

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/1984686X8649 Uma das medidas implementadas em Portugal, nos últimos anos, com o objetivo de construir uma escola inclusiva, tem sido a criação de Unidades de Apoio Especializado para a educação de Alunos com Multideficiência e Surdocegueira Congénita (UAEM). Para compreender a problemática da multideficiência e a inclusão educativa de alunos com multideficiência importa verificar quais as opiniões dos professores do Ensino Regular que possuem alunos com multideficiência incluídos nas suas turmas e dos professores de Educação Especial acerca da presença de uma Unidade de Apoio à Multideficiência no Agrupamento de escolas em que lecionam. Para atingir esse objetivo a metodologia que pareceu mais adequada foi a do estudo de caso, tendo sido utilizado como técnica de recolha de dados a observação (participante) e o inquérito (por questionário). No decorrer da investigação observou-se o funcionamento de uma Unidade de Apoio Especializado para a Educação de Alunos com Multideficiência e analisou-se a opinião de 24 professores que integram a amostras selecionadas para este estudo. Os resultados obtidos neste trabalho permitem concluir que para os professores inquiridos as UAEM são a melhor resposta educativa para crianças com multideficiência tanto para a realização de aprendizagens como para a sua socialização. Permitem ainda concluir que os professores de Educação Especial se sentem mais preparados para trabalhar com este tipo de público que os professores de Ensino Regular e que as opiniões sobre estas questões não divergem substancialmente entre os professores de Educação Especial e os professores de Ensino Regular.
Quand H2O et esprit de l’eau se rencontrent
Authors: Martínez Dueñas William Andrés , Deschamps Geneviève
Published: April 2014

Cet article a pour objectif principal de rendre visible la coexistence d’au moins deux mondes dans la Réserve autochtone de Puracé (Resguardo Indígena de Puracé, RIP) en s’appuyant sur les informations récoltées par l’auteur dans le cadre de visites des réseaux d’approvisionnement en eau du territoire en compagnie du Conseil autochtone de Puracé (Cabildo Indígena de Puracé, CIP). Ces mondes peuvent être définis en fonction de la façon dont ils interagissent avec l’eau : d’une part, le monde moderne, où l’eau est seulement un objet (H2O), et, d’autre part, le mondepas[si] modernepuracéen, où l’eau, en plus d’être un objet, présente des caractéristiques propres au sujet, comme l’esprit et la volonté. Attirer l’attention sur la coexistence de ces mondes peut par ailleurs influencer la mise en oeuvre des interventions contemporaines du développement et des politiques publiques dans les nations considérées comme multiculturelles.
Les enjeux politiques du « bien-vivre » en Amazonie autochtone
Authors: Sarmiento Barletti Juan Pablo , Beaudry Nicole
Published: April 2014

Cet article propose une solution au dilemme imposé de force aux peuples autochtones alors qu’ils doivent adopter les méthodes de la politique moderne. D’une part, on a critiqué les organisations autochtones pour leur usage de concepts euroaméricains dans leurs discours élaborés spécifiquement pour faire état de leurs revendications politiques. D’autre part, on met en doute la crédibilité de ces mêmes groupes lorsque leur performance n’est pas à la hauteur de ce que les États et les ONG estiment être un indigénisme authentique. En s’appuyant sur ses recherches auprès du peuple ashaninka, la plus importante des nations autochtones amazoniennes, l’auteur soutient qu’il ne faut plus analyser la situation politique en la soumettant aux critères reflétés dans les discours tenus par les États et les ONG à propos des autochtones. Au lieu de cela, il faut accepter que ces critiques ne voient tout simplement pas la nature politique de certaines pratiques, notamment la pratique quotidienne dukametsa asaikiou le « bien-vivre ». Ces puissantes pratiques quotidiennes sont au coeur même de la création de vie humaine, et si leur nature politique risque de demeurer invisible pour l’État et pour les ONG, leurs effets sont tout ce qu’il y a de plus visible pour les Ashaninkas, conclut l’auteur.
Cosmopolitique constituante en Bolivie
Authors: Schavelzon Salvador , Beaucage Pierre
Published: April 2014

À partir de l’étude ethnographique de la rédaction d’une nouvelle Constitution en Bolivie (2006 et 2009), cet article tente de cartographier le débat autour du surgissement de l’État plurinational et décrit comment les « paysans autochtones » et leurs alliés écrivaient la Constitution en combinant un projet étatique de souveraineté et d’inclusion avec un projet autochtone pluraliste en faveur des autonomies. Parallèlement à une réflexion épistémologique sur la complexité, l’auteur examine les contestations dirigées contre ce projet de texte constitutionnel qui incluait la communauté et l’objectif de décoloniser la Bolivie à partir de formes ouvertes et ambiguës de rédaction, dans ce que l’on peut voir comme un usage stratégique et « sauvage » du droit étatique.
La défense symbolique et politique du territoire autochtone, Cuetzalan, Puebla (Mexique)
Authors: Beaucage Pierre ,   Taller de Tradición Oral del CEPEC
Published: April 2014

Cet article, qui se fonde sur une recherche participative à long terme, veut démontrer que la défense du territoire, chez les Nahuas de Cuetzalan, ne se résume pas à quelques affrontements. Elle se manifeste par des siècles d’appropriation matérielle, politique et symbolique du terroir. Aux grandes transformations qui leur furent imposées, que ce soit la colonisation espagnole, la privatisation des terres communales ou l’arrivée des commerçants et planteurs métis, les autochtones ont répondu en préservant et en adaptant leur agriculture paysanne. Sur le plan politique, ils ont combiné la lutte juridique pacifique et l’action directe. Sur le plan symbolique, ils ont chargé de sens chaque parcelle de leur territoire, grâce à une riche toponymie, intimement liée à leur mémoire collective. L’approche ethnohistorique utilisée pour cet article permet de comprendre la construction de l’identité et de l’écosystème cuetzaltecos, à la base de leur organisation pour le contrôle de la production, au cours des dernières décennies. C’est aussi ce qui sous-tend leur mobilisation actuelle face aux mégaprojets touristiques, miniers et hydroélectriques qui sont prévus dans la région.
Abscisic acid dynamics in roots detected with genetically encoded FRET sensors
Authors: Jones Alexander M , Danielson Jonas ÅH , ManojKumar Shruti N , Lanquar Viviane , Grossmann Guido , Frommer Wolf B
Published: April 2014

Cytosolic hormone levels must be tightly controlled at the level of influx, efflux, synthesis, degradation and compartmentation. To determine ABA dynamics at the single cell level, FRET sensors (ABACUS) covering a range ∼0.2–800 µM were engineered using structure-guided design and a high-throughput screening platform. When expressed in yeast, ABACUS1 detected concentrative ABA uptake mediated by the AIT1/NRT1.2 transporter. Arabidopsis roots expressing ABACUS1-2µ (Kd∼2 µM) and ABACUS1-80µ (Kd∼80 µM) respond to perfusion with ABA in a concentration-dependent manner. The properties of the observed ABA accumulation in roots appear incompatible with the activity of known ABA transporters (AIT1, ABCG40). ABACUS reveals effects of external ABA on homeostasis, that is, ABA-triggered induction of ABA degradation, modification, or compartmentation. ABACUS can be used to study ABA responses in mutants and quantitatively monitor ABA translocation and regulation, and identify missing components. The sensor screening platform promises to enable rapid fine-tuning of the ABA sensors and engineering of plant and animal hormone sensors to advance our understanding of hormone signaling.
Plant biologists FRET over stress
Authors: Choi Won-Gyu , Gilroy Simon
Published: April 2014

Two independent research labs have developed fluorescent biosensors to report the levels of the stress hormone, abscisic acid, within cells in living plants in real-time.