bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resilience of Florida Keys Coral Communities Following Large-Scale Disturbances
Authors: Santavy Deborah L. , Mueller Erich M. , MacLaughlin Lauri , Peters Esther C. , Quarles Robert L. , Barron Mace G.
Published: October 2011

The decline of coral reefs in the Caribbean over the last 40 years has been attributed to multiple chronic stressors and episodic large-scale disturbances. This study assessed the resilience of coral communities in two different regions of the Florida Keys reef system between 1998 and 2002 following hurricane impacts and coral bleaching in 1998. Resilience was assessed from changes in coral abundance, diversity, disease, and bleaching prevalence in reefs near the remote off-shore islands of the Dry Tortugas compared to reefs near Key West, a center of high population density and anthropogenic influences. During the first assessment in spring 1998, Key West and Dry Tortugas coral communities had similar abundance, species diversity, and disease prevalence. Bleaching and disease significantly increased in all reef areas during the summer 1998 El Niño event, with Key West reefs exhibiting higher bleaching and disease prevalence and severity compared to Dry Tortugas. Acroporids and total coral abundance significantly declined in both regions during 1998 following mass-coral bleaching and hurricane impact, but remained reduced only on Key West reefs during the 5-year assessment. These results provide additional evidence that coral reef systems distant from anthropogenic influences may have greater resilience to large-scale disturbances.
Human Thrombin Detection Through a Sandwich Aptamer Microarray: Interaction Analysis in Solution and in Solid Phase
Authors: Sosic Alice , Meneghello Anna , Cretaio Erica , Gatto Barbara
Published: October 2011

We have developed an aptamer-based microarray for human thrombin detection exploiting two non-overlapping DNA thrombin aptamers recognizing different exosites of the target protein. The 15-mer aptamer (TBA1) binds the fibrinogen-binding site, whereas the 29-mer aptamer (TBA2) binds the heparin binding domain. Extensive analysis on the complex formation between human thrombin and modified aptamers was performed by Electrophoresis Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA), in order to verify in solution whether the chemical modifications introduced would affect aptamers/protein recognition. The validated system was then applied to the aptamer microarray, using the solid phase system devised by the solution studies. Finally, the best procedure for Sandwich Aptamer Microarray (SAM) and the specificity of the sandwich formation for the developed aptasensor for human thrombin were optimized.
GOVERNMENT INCENTIVES DIRECTED TOWARDS FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT: A CASE OF CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE / UŽSIENIO INVESTICIJŲ INTENSYVINIMO PRIEMONIŲ TAIKYMO RYTŲ IR CENTRINĖJE EUROPOJE ANALIZĖ
Authors: Ginevičius Romualdas , Šimelytė Agnė
Published: October 2011

This article examines the government incentives towards foreign direct investments (further – FDI) of Central and Eastern Europe countries by evaluating the external influencing factors of foreign investment. It is argued that the major incentive affecting FDI inflows involves more fiscal than financial incentives. Tax deduction is considered to be the most significant influencing factor on attracting FDI. Hence, the empirical analysis is based on exogenous variables. The empirical model was used to determine causal relationship between macroeconomic variables and FDI intensity in Central and Eastern European countries. The article introduces some policy recommendation for the increase of FDI intensity in Central and Eastern Europe. Santrauka Straipsnyje nagrinėjama, kaip užsienio investicijų priemonės taikomos Centrinės ir Rytų Europos šalyse. Vertinami išoriniai užsienio investicijas lemiantys veiksniai, teigiama, kad TUI įplaukas skatina daugiau mokesčių nei finansinės paskatos. Tačiau laikomasi nuomonės, kad mokesčių lengvatos – vie-na pagrindinių priežasčių, lemiančių TUI įplaukas. Empirinis modelis pagrįstas mažiausiųjų kvadratų metodu, kuriuo nustatomas priežastinis sąryšis tarp makroekonominių rodiklių ir TUI intensyvumo. Straipsnyje pateikiamos kai kurios politinės įžvalgos, kurių taikymas padidintų tiesioginių užsienio investicijų intensyvumą Centrinėje ir Rytų Europoje.
DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES OF LATVIAN HISTORICAL PARKS. EXAMPLE OF KURZEME / LATVIJOS ISTORINIŲ PARKŲ RAIDOS GALIMYBĖS. KURŽEMĖS PAVYZDYS
Authors: Dreija Kristīne
Published: October 2011

Nowadays, when thinking about a sustainable development, objects having historical value are the headstones of the environment, economical and social welfare. Selection qualification principles of Kurzeme’s manor complexes, structural characteristics of the park landscapes and esthetical quality evaluation give a general overview of the problems and opportunities of the examined object. Historical heritage and body of natural resources are the main park development factors.
Sentir la complexité, dire l'inconsistant
Authors: Caliandro Stefania
Published: October 2011

Résumé La philosophie de l’art et les sciences du langage ont faiblement envisagé la question du logos de l’art , pourtant déterminant dans la pratique artistique : comment celui-ci se lie-t-il à l’appréhension sensorielle des œuvres. À travers les recherches plastiques et théoriques de deux artistes qui y ont longuement réfléchi, Paul Klee et Marcel Duchamp, nous essayons de comprendre comment le moment phénoménal et des éléments abstraitement intelligibles travaillent ensemble. La pensée plastique de Klee nous amène à percevoir la complexité du sentir, la vibration qui meut l’objet et le dote d’une fonction (naturelle ou artistique). La métalogique du possible dans l’œuvre de Duchamp préfigure, en revanche, un dire de l’art qui se tisse indissolublement à un art du dire. Inspirée par des études précédentes, notamment une suggestion de Louis Marin, ainsi que par les réflexions de Jean-François Lyotard, nous poursuivons nos recherches sur les espaces sémiotiques et relevons l’architectonique plurivoque des diversités dans l’art, qui procède, à une autre échelle , par projection topologique.
La musicalité dans les arts : une configuration transversale du sensible
Authors: Estay Stange Veronica
Published: October 2011

Résumé Postulant l’hypothèse de la musicalité comme mode d’organisation du sensible, l’article prend appui sur les textes poétiques et picturaux du Symbolisme afin de caractériser cet opérateur transversal. Dans ce contexte, la musicalité émerge de la « désiconisation » en tant que processus d’effacement du contenu figuratif au profit du plan de l’expression dans les différents arts. Trois codifications esthétiques de ce dernier, impliquées dans les tensions esthétiques de la fin du xix e siècle, sont ensuite dégagées : le système tonal en musique, le vers alexandrin en poésie et le paradigme des complémentaires en peinture. Sur cette base, une modélisation est proposée qui, de la structure à la tensivité et à la subjectivité de l’acte énonciatif, met en évidence, autour de la musicalité, la « profondeur » générative du sensible.
Quand le corps prend la parole : le symptôme hystérique entre corps et langage
Authors: Pinto Tereza
Published: October 2011

Résumé Le symptôme hystérique n’a pas toujours été considéré comme une forme d’expression d’un contenu inconscient. C’est à partir des travaux de Sigmund Freud que ce symptôme devient une formation discursive à proprement parler dont l’acte énonciatif serait marqué par l’absence d’assomption du contenu énoncé par le sujet. La clinique freudienne se fondera ainsi sur l’essai de rendre au sujet sa propre énonciation. Cet article prend comme exemple le personnage de Magdá dans le roman naturaliste O Homem d’Aluísio de Azevedo pour discuter les rapports étroits entre corps et langage dans le symptôme hystérique.
Les prédicats somatiques
Authors: Coquet Jean-Claude
Published: October 2011

Résumé En explicitant le concept linguistique de prédicat et en étendant sa portée, l’auteur introduit et définit celui de « prédicat somatique », responsable de l’expression du sensible dans le langage. Il en illustre la pertinence et en spécifie le contenu analytique à travers trois exemples. La reprise critique de l’analyse du « sein nu » dans Palomar d’I. Calvino par A.J. Greimas (dans De l’imperfection ) permet de dégager les propriétés du « corps percevant ». L’analyse d’un énoncé de la mère de Jamel Debbouze dans Télérama fait ressortir l’expression corporelle d’une vérité « refoulée, proscrite, par le langage », un « ça » vrai, expression d’un non-sujet immanent. Enfin, la relation fondamentale entre « l’acte politique » et « le corps parlant » est dégagée à partir de positions exprimées par Jean-Claude Milner et ici analysées dans la perspective du « prédicat somatique », dont trois variétés se trouvent ainsi dégagées au terme de l’article.
La difficile reconnaissance des compétences des ambulanciers : entre care, cure et force physique
Authors: Pichonnaz Lauriane
Published: October 2011

Résumé Face à l’impossibilité d’objectiver la notion de « stress », l’article s’intéresse aux plaintes de stress des ambulanciers afin d’investiguer ce qu’elles révèlent de cette profession : un sentiment de manque de reconnaissance. D’une part, les transformations du métier d’ambulancier ne semblent pas toujours connues et reconnues par les autres soignants (l’ambulancier se sent perçu comme un simple brancardier et non comme un professionnel de la santé) et, d’autre part, cette profession reste méconnue aux yeux du public. L’observation participante révèle trois types de compétence : techniques et-ou médicales, sociales et « physiques ». Nous nous pencherons sur la hiérarchisation de ces compétences ainsi que sur leur valorisation par différents groupes d’acteurs : les médecins, les infirmières et plus globalement le système hospitalier, ainsi que les patients et la population en général.
Voler, planer, sauver. Centralité du risque dans l'activité aérienne brésilienne
Authors: Costa Dilene da Silva , Karam Heliete
Published: October 2011

Résumé Cet article traite du risque auquel sont soumis les membres d’équipage opérationnels d’une institution militaire brésilienne lors d’activités d’opérations aériennes. Il s’agit d’une recherche qualitative dont le cadre de référence théorique et méthodologique est celui de la psychodynamique du travail. Les analyses ont montré que les membres d’équipage opérationnels sont constamment soumis à une exigence psychique, puisque le risque permanent impliqué dans leurs tâches et leurs activités est l’élément central toujours présent dans tous les volets de l’organisation du travail. L’action-recherche en cours ainsi que l’implantation d’un espace de discussion sont aujourd’hui pensées par la corporation comme une action dans le domaine de la santé mentale.
Voar, pairar, salvar. Centralidade do risco na atividade aérea dos tripulantes operacionais de uma instituição militar brasileira
Authors: Costa Dilene da Silva , Karam Heliete
Published: October 2011

Résumé Cet article traite du risque auquel sont soumis les membres d’équipage opérationnels d’une institution militaire brésilienne lors d’activités d’opérations aériennes. Il s’agit d’une recherche qualitative dont le cadre de référence théorique et méthodologique est celui de la psychodynamique du travail. Les analyses ont montré que les membres d’équipage opérationnels sont constamment soumis à une exigence psychique, puisque le risque permanent impliqué dans leurs tâches et leurs activités est l’élément central toujours présent dans tous les volets de l’organisation du travail. L’action-recherche en cours ainsi que l’implantation d’un espace de discussion sont aujourd’hui pensées par la corporation comme une action dans le domaine de la santé mentale.
Stress et suicides liés au travail au sein de l'institution militaire
Authors: Bryon-Portet Céline
Published: October 2011

Résumé Le personnel de l’institution militaire connaît une augmentation du stress lié au travail, du nombre de dépressions et de conduites autoagressives, exprimant un malaise de natures psychologique et sociologique. Ce constat a motivé une réflexion qui se fonde sur une expérience personnelle (l’auteur a été officier de carrière pendant sept ans), complétée par des enquêtes (entretiens, audits, sondages). Soucieuse de proposer des mesures préventives ou curatives, nous nous sommes efforcée d’en dégager les causes et d’en préciser les différents aspects, tout en comparant la situation évolutive des armées à celle de la société civile. Ce faisant, nous avons été amenée à nous interroger sur la validité actuelle de la théorie durkheimienne du suicide.
QChain – integrating social, environmental and economic value: a tool to support innovation in production chains
Authors: Kassahun Ayalew , du Chatenier Elise , Bots Pieter , Hofstede Gertjan , Bloemhof Jacqueline , Scholten Huub , Korver Siem , Beulens Adrie
Published: October 2011

Today's consumers increasingly demand products that are produced sustainably and ethically. As a result, businesses need to address sustainability and social responsibility issues and find a proper balance between people, planet and profit (PPP) aspects of their production chains. Software tools can play an important role in mapping out the current state of PPP aspects along the production chain, and in the design and evaluation of improvement options. There are indeed many tools that are claimed to be useful for sustainability and social responsibility considerations. Yet, a tool that addresses all three aspects of value creation holistically and facilitates discussion is missing. In this paper we present the development of such a tool, called QChain. The development of this tool was based on ideas from soft systems methodology and inputs from a multidisciplinary team of experts and managers. The tool is intended to support group discussions, particularly during the early stages of innovation processes aimed at improving PPP aspects of production chains. It enables users to visualize the essential elements of the current production chain showing the current PPP values, and explore and compare possible future production chain scenarios and the corresponding PPP values. QChain's visualization helps discussants get a rich appreciation of the current and future scenarios, while the semi-quantitative 'what-if' analysis and scenario comparison enables them to hold objective discussions.
The emergence of regularity and variability in marine ecosystems: the combined role of physics, chemistry and biology
Authors: Ballantyne IV Ford , M.E. Schofield Oscar , Levin Simon A.
Published: October 2011

Marine ecosystems play an integral role in the functioning of life on earth. To predict how they will respond to global changes, and to effectively manage and maintain services upon which humans rely, we must understand how biological processes at the cellular level generate macroscopic patterns in the oceans. Here, we discuss how physics and biogeochemistry influence and constrain marine ecosystem structure and function, and outline key regularities and patterns of variability that models should aim to reproduce. We identify unanswered questions regarding how size-dependent physiological and ecological processes are linked to turbulent mixing, dealing specifically with how size structure is related to mixing over a range of spatial scales and how it is linked to the fate of primary production in the sea.
Spring Migration of Mallards from Arkansas as Determined by Satellite Telemetry
Authors: Krementz David G. , Asante Kwasi , Naylor Luke W.
Published: October 2011

We used satellite telemetry to document spring migration phenology, routes, stopover regions, and nesting sites of mallards Anas platyrhynchos marked in Arkansas during the winters of 2004–2007. Of the 143 marked mallards that migrated from Arkansas, they did so, on average, by mid-March. Mallards flew over the Missouri Ozarks and 42% made an initial stopover in Missouri, where they used areas that had larger rivers (Mississippi River, Missouri River) embedded in an agricultural landscape. From this stopover region they either migrated directly to the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) or they migrated north to Minnesota where they either moved next to the PPR or to the north and east of the PPR. For those mallards (83%) that stopped for >1 d before entering the PPR, the average length at each stop was 12 d (SE  =  0.90 d, range  =  2–54 d). Mallards made more stopovers, made shorter migration movements, and took longer to move to the PPR in wetter than drier years. Mallards arrived in the PPR earlier in 2006 (x¯  =  30 March, SE  =  2.18 d) than in 2005 (x¯  =  7 April, SE  =  2.30 d). Females nested across nine Bird Conservation Regions. Nesting occurred most frequently in South Dakota (n  =  9). The average date when females nested was 19 April (SE  =  2.44 d, range  =  12 March–26 May). Because many mallards headed for the large river corridors in Missouri for their first stopover, this region is an important spring migration stopover of continental importance to mallards and might be considered a focal area for conservation.
An Introduction to Adaptive Management for Threatened and Endangered Species
Authors: Runge Michael C.
Published: October 2011

Management of threatened and endangered species would seem to be a perfect context for adaptive management. Many of the decisions are recurrent and plagued by uncertainty, exactly the conditions that warrant an adaptive approach. But although the potential of adaptive management in these settings has been extolled, there are limited applications in practice. The impediments to practical implementation are manifold and include semantic confusion, institutional inertia, misperceptions about the suitability and utility, and a lack of guiding examples. In this special section of the Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management, we hope to reinvigorate the appropriate application of adaptive management for threatened and endangered species by framing such management in a decision-analytical context, clarifying misperceptions, classifying the types of decisions that might be amenable to an adaptive approach, and providing three fully developed case studies. In this overview paper, I define terms, review the past application of adaptive management, challenge perceived hurdles, and set the stage for the case studies which follow.
The Tools at Hand
Authors: Underwood Charles , Parker Leann
Published: October 2011

This chapter presents an anthropological case study of the response to rapidly changing technologies by members of a distributed network of 35 technology-based afterschool programs throughout California. University-Community Links (UC Links) is a collaborative effort among university campuses and local communities to develop a network, both physical and virtual, of afterschool program sites for underserved youth in California. While each UC Links program is a physical setting with its own set of learning activities developed in response to the cultural, linguistic, and educational concerns of the local community, the UC Links network as a whole serves as a larger virtual context for defining and pursuing shared goals and objectives and communicating information about effective uses of new digital technologies for afterschool learning. Using a cultural historical perspective, the authors approach UC Links as a sociotechnical activity system engaged in joint activity, and examine and assess its long-term adaptability and the differential capabilities of its local member sites to innovate in response to successive transformations of emerging technologies.
Artificial Intelligence Applied to Natural Resources Management
Authors: Adamatti Diana F. , de Aguiar Marilton S.
Published: October 2011

There are three computational challenges in natural resources management: data management and communication; data analysis; and optimization and control. The authors believe these three challenges can be dealt with Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques, because they can manage dynamic activities in natural resources. There are several AI techniques such as Genetic Algorithms, Neural Networks, Multi-Agent Systems or Cellular Automata. In this chapter, the authors introduce some applications of Cellular Automata (CA) and Multi-Agent-Based Simulation (MABS) in natural resources management, because these are areas that the authors approach in their research and these areas can contribute to solve the three computational challenges. Specifically, the CA technique can face the challenge of data analysis because it can be extrapolated and new knowledge will be acquired from an area not known or experienced. Regarding the MABS technique, it can solve the challenge of optimization and control, because it works in an empiric way during the decision-making process, based on experiments and observations.
Virtual Worlds and Health
Authors: Holloway David
Published: October 2011

With decades of experience in simulation, the health professions are comparatively well versed in virtual environments for training. More broadly, there is a growing body of experience and supporting evidence on the benefits of virtual worlds for professional information sharing, clinical simulation, healthcare delivery, and as a research tool. Virtual worlds have empirically demonstrated outcomes as a simulation tool that increases knowledge and of health professionals, and initial explorations in regard to healthcare delivery show promise. Key challenges for wider adoption of virtual worlds within the health professions include a lack of established standards around privacy, a fragmented approach to collaboration and marked skepticism toward virtual worlds as a platform for health care delivery. Recommendations for formalised collaboration mechanisms, agreement on standards, and future research avenues are put forward, with a focus on virtual worlds as a tool that increasingly will be central to professional learning and practice.
Interactive Web-Based Tools for Learning Mathematics
Authors: Cherkas Barry , Welder Rachael M.
Published: October 2011

There is an abundance of Web-based resources designed for mathematics teachers and learners at every level. Some of these are static, while others are interactive or dynamic, giving mathematics learners opportunities to develop visualization skills, explore mathematical concepts, and obtain solutions to self-selected problems. Research into the efficacy of online mathematics demonstrations and interactive resources is lacking, but it is clear that not all online resources are equal from a pedagogical viewpoint. In this chapter, a number of popular and relevant websites for collegiate mathematics and collegiate preservice teacher education are examined. They are reviewed and investigated in terms of their interactivity, dynamic capabilities, pedagogical strengths and weaknesses, the practices they employ, and their potential to enhance mathematical learning both inside and outside of the collegiate classroom. Culled from these reviews is a working definition of “best practices”: condensing difficult mathematical concepts into representations and models that clarify ideas with minimal words, thereby enabling a typical student to grasp, quickly and easily, the underlying mathematics.
Grid, SOA and Cloud Computing
Authors: El-Refaey Mohamed , Rimal Bhaskar Prasad
Published: October 2011

In this chapter we are going to introduce the key concepts of SOA, grid, and cloud computing and the relation between them. This chapter illustrates the paradigm shift in technological services due to the incorporation of these models and how we can combine them to develop a highly scalable application system such as petascale computing. Also there will be coverage for some concepts of Web 2.0 and why it needs grid computing and the on-demand enterprise model. Finally, we will discuss some standardization efforts on these models as a further step in developing interoperable grid systems.
Comparative Study on Biochemical Properties and Antioxidative Activity of Cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) Protein Hydrolysates Produced by Alcalase andBacillus licheniformisNH1 Proteases
Authors: Balti Rafik , Bougatef Ali , El Hadj Ali Nedra , Ktari Naourez , Jellouli Kemel , Nedjar-Arroume Naima , Dhulster Pascal , Nasri Moncef
Published: October 2011

Antioxidative activities and biochemical properties of protein hydrolysates prepared from cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) using Alcalase 2.4 L andBacillus licheniformisNH1 proteases with different degrees of hydrolysis (DH) were determined. For the biochemical properties, hydrolysis by both enzymes increased protein solubility to above 75% over a wide pH range. The antioxidant activities of cuttlefish protein hydrolysates (CPHs) increase with increasing DH. In addition, all CPHs exhibited antioxidative activity in a concentration-dependent manner. NH1-CPHs generally showed greater antioxidative activity than Alcalase protein hydrolysates (P<0.05) as indicated by the higher 1,1-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and ferrous chelating activity. Both Alcalase and NH1 protein hydrolysates were able to retard lipid peroxidation andβ-carotene-linoleic acid oxidation. Alcalase-CPH (DH = 12.5%) and NH1-CPH (DH = 15%) contained 75.36% and 80.11% protein, respectively, with histidine and arginine as the major amino acids, followed by glutamic acid/glutamine, serine, lysine, and leucine. In addition, CPHs have a high percentage of essential amino acids made up 48.85% and 50.04%. Cuttlefish muscle protein hydrolysates had a high nutritional value and could be used as supplement to poorly balanced dietary proteins.
Primary Small Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of Vagina: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Bhalodia Jignasa N. , Kapapura Dhiren V. , Parekh Malay N.
Published: October 2011

Primary small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of vagina is an extremely rare disease. There have been only 26 previously reported cases in literature. Here, we report a case of primary small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of vagina. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) showed tumor cells positive for synaptophysin, chromogranin, and neuron-specific enolase (NSE).
Purple Urine Bag Syndrome: An Alarming Hue? A Brief Review of the Literature
Authors: Khan Fahad , Chaudhry Muhammad A. , Qureshi Noorulain , Cowley Benjamin
Published: October 2011

Purple urine bag syndrome (PUBS) is a unique disease entity characterized by an alarming purple discoloration of the urine secondary to recurrent urinary tract infections with indigo- and indirubin-producing bacteria. It is usually associated with prolonged urinary catheterization and chronic debilitated states. We hereby present a concise review of this rare phenomenon with historic perspectives, epidemiology, emphasizing on current concepts of etiology, pathogenesis, relevant clinical associations, treatment modalities, prognosis, and future directions in PUBS. In addition, we highlight an interesting occurrence of this intriguing phenomenon in a 39-year-old gentleman at our institution.
Cerebellopontine Angle Facial Schwannoma Relapsing Towards Middle Cranial Fossa
Authors: Nishizaki Takafumi , Ikeda Norio , Nakano Shigeki , Sakakura Takanori , Abiko Masaru , Okamura Tomomi
Published: October 2011

Facial nerve schwannomas involving posterior and middle fossas are quite rare. Here, we report an unusual case of cerebellopontine angle facial schwannoma that involved the middle cranial fossa, two years after the first operation. A 53-year-old woman presented with a 3-year history of a progressive left side hearing loss and 6-month history of a left facial spasm and palsy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed 4.5 cm diameter of left cerebellopontine angle and small middle fossa tumor. The tumor was subtotally removed via a suboccipital retrosigmoid approach. The tumor relapsed towards middle cranial fossa within a two-year period. By subtemporal approach with zygomatic arch osteotomy, the tumor was subtotally removed except that in the petrous bone involving the facial nerve. In both surgical procedures, intraoperative monitoring identified the facial nerve, resulting in preserved facial function. The tumor in the present case arose from broad segment of facial nerve encompassing cerebellopontine angle, meatus, geniculate/labyrinthine and possibly great petrosal nerve, in view of variable symptoms. Preservation of anatomic continuity of the facial nerve should be attempted, and the staged operation via retrosigmoid and middle fossa approaches using intraoperative facial monitoring, may result in preservation of the facial nerve.
Lymphocitic Infundibuloneurohypophysitis Mimicking a Pituitary Adenoma
Authors: Giammattei Lorenzo , Maslehaty Homajoun , Petridis Athanasios K. , Mehdorn Hubertus Maximilian
Published: October 2011

A rare case of infundibulo-neurohypophysitis mimicking a pituitary adenoma is presented. A 69-years-old female patient developed polyuria and polydipsia. Laboratory analysis revealed central diabetes insipidus. No hormonal abnormalities. Cranial-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a left sided mass in the adenohypophysis presuming a pituitary adenoma. The mass had contact to both internal carotids. Admission to our department for neurosurgical treatment followed. Ophthalmo - logic examination and neurological examination yielded normal findings. A second MRI focussing on the sellar-region showed a leftsided (T2-MRI.hyperintense), distended adenohypophysis, without contrast enhancement in T1. The stalk appeared thickened. T1- weighted sequences of the neurohypophysis showed loss of signal intensity. We diagnosed an infundibulo-neurohypophysitis and abstai - ned from surgical removal. The patient was discharged under treatment with corticosteroids and desmopressin. Hypophysitis is rare and shows special clinical characteristics. Despite defined radiological features to differentiate between hypophysitis and adenoma the possibility of misdiagnosis, and unnecessary surgical procedures, should always kept in mind.
Report on the international primary neurosurgical life support course in the eighth asian congress of neurological surgeons in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Authors: Nakamura Takehiro , Ajimi Yasuhiko , Okudera Hiroshi , Yamada Mikito , Toyoda Izumi , Itoh Katsuhiro , Imizu Shuei , Iwase Masaaki , Natori Yoshihiro , Ohkuma Hiroki , Hirayama Teruyasu , Shima Katsuji , Kawamoto Keiji , Kato Yoko
Published: October 2011

On November 22, 2010, a simulation-based hands-on education course for medical staff in the neurosurgical fields was held in 8 th Asian Congress of Neurological Surgeons (ACNS) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The present education course called Primary Neurosurgical Life Support (PNLS) course had been started by the Japan Society of Neurosurgical Emergency since 2008. This report summarizes the international version of PNLS course in 8 th ACNS.
Surgical treatment of ventral and ventrolateral intradural extramedullary tumors of craniovertebral and upper cervical localization
Authors: Zozulya Yuri , Slynko Yevheniy , Al-Qashqish Iyad
Published: October 2011

Background: Surgical treatment of extramedullary craniovertebral and upper cervical tumors differs essentially, depending on the peculiarities of their localization. Materials and Methods: In the Spinal Department of the Institute of Neurosurgery during the period from 2000 to 2010, 96 patients with ventral and ventrolateral intradural extramedullary craniovertebral tumors and tumors of upper cervical localization were examined and operated. Results: The patients were distributed as follows. Tumors of the craniovertebral localization: These are neoplasms spreading in rostral direction up to the boundary of the lower third of the clivus and in caudal direction up to the upper edge body of the axis (C0-C1) - 12 patients; tumors at the C1-C2 level: 28 patients; and tumors at the C1-C2-C3 level: 56 patients. The tumors were divided into ventral (60) and ventrolateral (36). Conclusion: Therefore, the adequate choice of a surgical approach first depends on the localization of the tumor, its size and the extent to which it has spread. In most cases of extramedullary ventrolateral tumors of craniovertebral and upper cervical localization, far lateral and posterolateral approaches are the most optimum and the least traumatic. The extreme lateral approach is advisable in cases of big size ventral craniovertebral tumors.
Role of magnesium sulfate in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage management: A meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials
Authors: Chen Tsinsue , Carter Bob
Published: October 2011

Background: There has been longstanding controversy over the use of magnesium sulfate infusion in the medical management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Several clinical trials evaluating the beneficial effects of magnesium on cerebral vasospasm and their poor outcome have been published. However, results from the majority of these studies have been inconclusive. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of magnesium on patient outcomes after aneurysmal SAH. Materials and Methods: PubMed and the Cochrane library were searched for controlled clinical trials assessing the efficacy of magnesium sulfate infusion after aneurysmal SAH. Eight studies consisting of 936 patients were included. Results: There was a decreased risk of poor outcome at 3-6 months after SAH in magnesium treatment groups when compared to placebo [0.78 (95% CI 0.66-0.93)]. Poor outcome was defined as severe disability, persistent vegetative state, or death, as measured by the Glasgow outcome scale (GOS), extended Glasgow outcome scale (GOSE) or modified Rankin scale (mRS). The risk of mortality after SAH was unaffected by magnesium treatment [RR 0.68 (95% CI 0.58-1.27)]. Conclusion: Magnesium sulfate infusion decreases risk of poor outcome after aneurysmal SAH. Current studies in the literature do not suggest a role for magnesium sulfate in mortality reduction after SAH.
Advances in neurosurgery: The Fujita Health University experience
Authors: Kumar Ashish
Published: October 2011

In a world with rapidly changing technologies in the field of neurosurgery, Japan leads the world in many subspecialities like vascular neurosurgery. Apart from this, neuro-oncology and spinal surgeries are also among the premium quality operations performed in the region. I would like to share my experience of spending 3 months at the Fujita Health University, Nagoya, Japan, and the rich expertise and technologies encountered during the period, which made me understand Neurosurgery in a better way.
Mathematical Prognostic Biomarker Models for Treatment Response and survival in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Nikas Jason B. , Boylan Kristin L.M. , Skubitz Amy P.N. , Low Walter C.
Published: October 2011

Following initial standard chemotherapy (platinum/taxol), more than 75% of those patients with advanced stage epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) experience a recurrence. There are currently no accurate prognostic tests that, at the time of the diagnosis/surgery, can identify those patients with advanced stage EOC who will respond to chemotherapy. Using a novel mathematical theory, we have developed three prognostic biomarker models (complex mathematical functions) that—based on a global gene expression analysis of tumor tissue collected during surgery and prior to the commencement of chemotherapy—can identify with a high accuracy those patients with advanced stage EOC who will respond to the standard chemotherapy [long-term survivors (>7 yrs)] and those who will not do so [short-term survivors (<3 yrs)]. Our three prognostic biomarker models were developed with 34 subjects and validated with 20 unknown (new and different) subjects. Both the overall biomarker model sensitivity and specificity ranged from 95.83% to 100.00%. The 12 most significant genes identified, which are also the input variables to the three mathematical functions, constitute three distinct gene networks with the following functions: 1) production of cytoskeletal components, 2) cell proliferation, and 3) cell energy production. The first gene network is directly associated with the mechanism of action of anti-tubulin chemotherapeutic agents, such as taxanes and epothilones. This could have a significant impact in the discovery of new, more effective pharmacological treatments that may significantly extend the survival of patients with advanced stage EOC.
Optimality‐based modeling of planktonic organisms
Authors: Smith S. Lan , Pahlow Markus , Merico Agostino , Wirtz Kai W.
Published: October 2011

On the basis of the assumption that natural selection should tend to produce organisms optimally adapted to their environments, we consider optimality as a guiding concept for abstracting the behavior of aquatic micro‐organisms (plankton) to develop models to study and predict the behavior of planktonic organisms and communities. This is closely related to trait‐based ecology, which considers that traits and functionality can be understood as the result of the optimization inherent in natural selection, subject to constraints imposed by fundamental processes necessary for life. This approach is particularly well suited to plankton because of their long evolutionary history and the ease with which they can be manipulated in experiments. We review recent quantitative modeling studies of planktonic organisms that have been based on the assumption that adaptation of species and acclimation of organisms maximize growth rate. Compared with mechanistic models not formulated in terms of optimality, this approach has in some cases yielded simpler models, and in others models of greater generality. The evolutionary success of any given species must depend on its interactions with both the physical environment and other organisms, which depend on the evolving traits of all organisms concerned. The concept of an evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS) can, at least in principle, constrain the choice of goal functions to be optimized in models. However, the major challenge remains of how to construct models at the level of organisms that can resolve short‐term dynamics, e.g., of phytoplankton blooms, in a way consistent with ESS theory, which is formulated in terms of a steady state.
Multiscale landscape and wetland drivers of lake total phosphorus and water color
Authors: Emi Fergus C. , Soranno Patricia A. , Cheruvelil Kendra Spence , Bremigan Mary T.
Published: October 2011

We quantified relationships between local wetland cover in the riparian lake buffer and lake total phosphorus (TP) and water color (color) using multilevel mixed‐effects models that also incorporate landscape features such as hydrogeomorphology and land use at broad regional scales to determine the following: (1) Within regions, are local wetland relationships with TP and color affected by interactions with local land use or hydrogeomorphic variables? (2) Across regions, are local wetland relationships with TP and color different? And if so, (3) Are differences in local wetland relationships with TP and color a result of cross‐scale interactions? We answered these questions by analyzing TP, color, and multiscaled landscape data for 1790 north temperate lakes. Local wetland‐TP and wetland‐color relationships were not affected by local‐scale interactions. However, these same relationships were different when compared across regions, and these differences were related to cross‐scale interactions with regional landscape characteristics. For example, regional human land use affected local wetland‐TP relationships such that in regions with high amounts of agriculture, local wetlands were associated with decreased lake TP. However, in regions with low amounts of agriculture, local wetlands were associated with increased lake TP. In contrast, regional hydrogeomorphic characteristics influenced local wetland‐color relationships such that in regions with high groundwater contribution, the strength of local wetland relationships were weak. Regional landscape setting influences local wetland relationships with TP and color through cross‐scale interactions, and lake TP and color are controlled by both local‐scale wetland extent and regional‐scale landscape variables.
Seasonal variations in aerosol particle composition at the puy-de-Dôme research station
Authors: Freney E. J. , Sellegri K. , Canonaco F. , Boulon J. , Hervo M. , Weigel R. , Pichon J. M. , Colomb A. , Prévôt A. S. H. , Laj P.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Detailed investigations of the chemical and microphysical properties of atmospheric aerosol particles were performed at the puy-de-Dôme (pdD) research station (1465 m) in autumn (September and October 2008), winter (February and March 2009), and summer (June 2010) using a Time-of-Flight Aerosol Mass Spectrometer. Over the three campaigns, the average mass concentrations of the non-refractory submicron particles ranged from 10 μg m−3 up to 27 μg m−3. Highest nitrate and ammonium mass concentrations were measured during the winter and during periods when marine modified airmasses were arriving at the site, whereas highest concentrations of organic particles were measured during the summer and during periods when continental airmasses arrived at the site. The measurements reported in this paper show that atmospheric particle composition is strongly influenced by both the season and the origin of the airmass. The total organic mass spectra were analysed using positive matrix factorisation to separate individual organic components contributing to the overall organic particle mass concentrations. These organic components include a low volatility oxygenated organic aerosol particle (LV-OOA) and a semi-volatile organic aerosol particle (SV-OOA). Correlations of the LV-OOA components with fragments of m/z 60 and m/z 73 (mass spectral markers of wood burning) during the winter campaign suggest that wintertime LV-OOA are related to aged biomass burning emissions, whereas organic aerosol particles measured during the summer are likely linked to biogenic sources. Equivalent potential temperature calculations, gas-phase, and LIDAR measurements define whether the research site is in the planetary boundary layer (PBL) or in the free troposphere (FT)/residual layer (RL). We observe that SV-OOA and nitrate particles are associated with air masses arriving from the PBL where as particle composition measured from RL/FT airmasses contain high mass fractions of sulphate and LV-OOA. This study provides unique insights into the effects of season and airmass variability on regional aerosol particles measured at an elevated site.
Short-term natural δ13C and δ18O variations in pools and fluxes in a beech forest: the transfer of isotopic signal from recent photosynthates to soil respired CO2
Authors: Gavrichkova O. , Proietti S. , Moscatello S. , Portarena S. , Battistelli A. , Matteucci G. , Brugnoli E.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. The fate of photosynthetic products within the plant-soil continuum determines how long the reduced carbon resides within the ecosystem and when it returns back to the atmosphere in the form of respiratory CO2. We have tested the possibility of measuring natural variation in δ13C and δ18O to disentangle the potential times needed to transfer carbohydrates produced by photosynthesis down to trunk, roots and, in general, to belowground up to its further release in the form of soil respiration into the atmosphere in a beech (Fagus sylvatica) forest. We have measured the variation in stable carbon and oxygen isotope compositions in plant material and in soil respired CO2 every three hours for three consecutive days. Possible steps and different signs of post-photosynthetic fractionation during carbon translocation were also identified. A 12 h-periodicity was observed for variation in δ13C in soluble sugars in the top crown leaves and it can be explained by starch day/night dynamics in synthesis and breakdown and by stomatal limitations under elevated vapour pressure deficits. Photosynthetic products were transported down the trunk and mixed with older carbon pools, therefore causing the dampening of the δ13C signal variation. The strongest periodicity of 24 h was found in δ13C in soil respiration indicating changes in root contribution to the total CO2 efflux. Other non-biological causes like diffusion fractionation and advection induced by gas withdrawn from the measurement chamber complicate data interpretation on this step of C transfer path. Nevertheless, it was possible to identify the speed of carbohydrates' translocation from the point of assimilation to the trunk breast height because leaf-imprinted enrichment of δ18O in soluble sugars was less modified along the downward transport and was well related to environmental parameters potentially linked to stomatal conductance. The speed of carbohydrates translocation from the site of assimilation to the trunk at breast height was estimated to be in the range of 0.3–0.4 m h−1.
A multi-proxy perspective on millennium-long climate variability in the Southern Pyrenees
Authors: Morellón M. , Pérez-Sanz A. , Corella J. P. , Büntgen U. , Catalán J. , González-Sampériz P. , González-Trueba J. J. , López-Sáez J. A. , Moreno A. , Pla S. , Saz-Sánchez M. Á. , Scussolini P. , Serrano E. , Steinhilber F. , Stefanova V. , Vegas-Vilarrúbia T. , Valero-Garcés B.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. A review of selected, well-dated, multiproxy paleoclimatic records (lacustrine, dendrochronological, geomorphological) characterizes the main environmental changes occurred in the Southern Pyrenees during the last millennium. Warmer and relatively arid conditions prevailed during the Medieval Climate Anomaly (MCA, <1300 AD), with a significant development of xerophytes and Mediterranean vegetation and limited deciduous tree formations (mesophytes). The Little Ice Age (LIA, 1300–1800 AD) was generally colder and moister, with an expansion of deciduous taxa and cold-adapted mountainous conifers. Two major phases occurred within this period: (i) a transition MCA-LIA, characterized by fluctuating, moist conditions and relatively cold temperatures (ca. 1300 and 1600 AD); – (ii) a second period, characterized by coldest conditions and higher humidity, coinciding with maximum (recent) glacier advances (ca. 1600–1850 AD). After the LIA a warming and more arid phase started coinciding with glacier retreat, and interrupted by a short-living cooling episode during the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Some records suggest a response to solar activity with colder and slightly moister conditions during solar minima. Centennial-scale hydrological fluctuations are in phase with reconstructions of NAO variability, which appears to be the main forcing for humidity in the region during the last millennium.
Development of the high-order decoupled direct method in three dimensions for particulate matter: enabling advanced sensitivity analysis in air quality models
Authors: Zhang W. , Capps S. L. , Hu Y. , Nenes A. , Napelenok S. L. , Russell A. G.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. The high-order decoupled direct method in three dimensions for particular matter (HDDM-3D/PM) has been implemented in the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model to enable advanced sensitivity analysis. The major effort of this work is to develop high-order DDM sensitivity analysis of ISORROPIA, the inorganic aerosol module of CMAQ. A case-specific approach has been applied, and the sensitivities of activity coefficients and water content are explicitly computed. Stand-alone tests are performed for ISORROPIA by comparing the sensitivities (first- and second-order) computed by HDDM and the brute force (BF) approximations. Similar comparison has also been carried out for CMAQ results simulated using a week-long winter episode for a continental US domain. Second-order sensitivities of aerosol species (e.g., sulfate, nitrate, and ammonium) with respect to domain-wide SO2, NOx, and NH3 emissions show agreement with BF results, yet exhibit less noise in locations where BF results are demonstrably inaccurate. Second-order sensitivity analysis elucidates nonlinear responses of secondary inorganic aerosols to their precursors and competing species that have not yet been well-understood with other approaches. Including second-order sensitivity coefficients in the Taylor series projection of the nitrate concentrations with a 50% reduction in domain-wide NOx emission shows a statistically significant improvement compared to the first-order Taylor series projection.