bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Greenhouse gas emissions and reactive nitrogen releases from rice production
with simultaneous incorporation of wheat straw and nitrogen fertilizer
Authors: Xia Longlong , Xia Yongqiu , Ma Shutan , Wang Jinyang , Wang Shuwei , Zhou Wei , Yan Xiaoyuan
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Impacts of simultaneous inputs of crop straw and nitrogen (N) fertilizer on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and N losses from rice production are not well understood. A 2-year field experiment was established in a rice–wheat cropping system in the Taihu Lake region (TLR) of China to evaluate the GHG intensity (GHGI) as well as reactive N intensity (NrI) of rice production with inputs of wheat straw and N fertilizer. The field experiment included five treatments of different N fertilization rates for rice production: 0 (RN0), 120 (RN120), 180 (RN180), 240 (RN240), and 300 kg N ha−1 (RN300, traditional N application rate in the TLR). Wheat straws were fully incorporated into soil before rice transplantation. The meta-analytic technique was employed to evaluate various Nr losses. Results showed that the response of rice yield to N rate successfully fitted a quadratic model, while N fertilization promoted Nr discharges exponentially (nitrous oxide emission, N leaching, and runoff) or linearly (ammonia volatilization). The GHGI of rice production ranged from 1.20 (RN240) to 1.61 kg CO2 equivalent (CO2 eq) kg−1 (RN0), while NrI varied from 2.14 (RN0) to 10.92 g N kg−1 (RN300). Methane (CH4) emission dominated the GHGI with a proportion of 70.2–88.6 % due to direct straw incorporation, while ammonia (NH3) volatilization dominated the NrI with proportion of 53.5–57.4 %. Damage costs to environment incurred by GHG and Nr releases from current rice production (RN300) accounted for 8.8 and 4.9 % of farmers' incomes, respectively. Cutting N application rate from 300 (traditional N rate) to 240 kg N ha−1 could improve rice yield and nitrogen use efficiency by 2.14 and 10.30 %, respectively, while simultaneously reducing GHGI by 13 %, NrI by 23 %, and total environmental costs by 16 %. Moreover, the reduction of 60 kg N ha−1 improved farmers' income by CNY 639 ha−1, which would provide them with an incentive to change the current N application rate. Our study suggests that GHG and Nr releases, especially for CH4 emission and NH3 volatilization, from rice production in the TLR could be further reduced, considering the current incorporation pattern of wheat straw and N fertilizer.
Plant controls on post-fire nitrogen availability in a pine savanna
Authors: Ficken Cari D. , Wright Justin P.
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Many ecosystems experience drastic changes to soil nutrient availability associated with fire, but the magnitude and duration of these changes are highly variable among vegetation and fire types. In pyrogenic pine savannas across the south eastern United States, pulses of soil inorganic nitrogen (N) occur in tandem with ecosystem-scale nutrient losses from prescribed burns. Despite the importance of this management tool for restoring and maintaining fire-dependent plant communities, the contributions of different mechanisms underlying fire-associated changes to soil N availability remain unclear. Pulses of N availability following fire have been hypothesized to occur through (1) changes to microbial cycling rates and (2) direct ash deposition; we further hypothesize that (3) changes to plant sink strength may contribute to ephemeral increases in soil N availability. Here, we document fire-associated changes to N availability across the growing season in a longleaf pine savanna in North Carolina. To differentiate between possible mechanisms driving soil N pulses, we measured net microbial cycling rates and changes to soil δ15N before and after a burn. We found no evidence for changes in microbial activity, and limited evidence that ash deposition could account for the increase in ammonium availability to more than 5–25 times background levels. We conclude that a temporary dampening of vegetation demand for N following fire may contribute to the observed increases in inorganic N availability.
Impact of sediment–seawater cation exchange on Himalayan chemical weathering
fluxes
Authors: Lupker Maarten , France-Lanord Christian , Lartiges Bruno
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Continental-scale chemical weathering budgets are commonly assessed based on the flux of dissolved elements carried by large rivers to the oceans. However, the interaction between sediments and seawater in estuaries can lead to additional cation exchange fluxes that have been very poorly constrained so far. We constrained the magnitude of cation exchange fluxes from the Ganga–Brahmaputra river system based on cation exchange capacity (CEC) measurements of riverine sediments. CEC values of sediments are variable throughout the river water column as a result of hydrological sorting of minerals with depth that control grain sizes and surface area. The average CEC of the integrated sediment load of the Ganga–Brahmaputra is estimated ca. 6.5 meq 100 g−1. The cationic charge of sediments in the river is dominated by bivalent ions Ca2+ (76 %) and Mg2+ (16 %) followed by monovalent K+ (6 %) and Na+ (2 %), and the relative proportion of these ions is constant among all samples and both rivers. Assuming a total exchange of exchangeable Ca2+ for marine Na+ yields a maximal additional Ca2+ flux of 28  ×  109 mol yr−1 of calcium to the ocean, which represents an increase of ca. 6 % of the actual river dissolved Ca2+ flux. In the more likely event that only a fraction of the adsorbed riverine Ca2+ is exchanged, not only for marine Na+ but also Mg2+ and K+, estuarine cation exchange for the Ganga–Brahmaputra is responsible for an additional Ca2+ flux of 23  ×  109 mol yr−1, while ca. 27  ×  109 mol yr−1 of Na+, 8  ×  109 mol yr−1 of Mg2+ and 4  ×  109 mol yr−1 of K+ are re-absorbed in the estuaries. This represents an additional riverine Ca2+ flux to the ocean of 5 % compared to the measured dissolved flux. About 15 % of the dissolved Na+ flux, 8 % of the dissolved K+ flux and 4 % of the Mg2+ are reabsorbed by the sediments in the estuaries. The impact of estuarine sediment–seawater cation exchange appears to be limited when evaluated in the context of the long-term carbon cycle and its main effect is the sequestration of a significant fraction of the riverine Na flux to the oceans. The limited exchange fluxes of the Ganga–Brahmaputra relate to the lower than average CEC of its sediment load that do not counterbalance the high sediment flux to the oceans. This can be attributed to the nature of Himalayan river sediment such as low proportion of clays and organic matter.
ENSO-conditioned weather resampling method for seasonal ensemble streamflow prediction
Authors: Beckers Joost V. L. , Weerts Albrecht H. , Tijdeman Erik , Welles Edwin
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Oceanic–atmospheric climate modes, such as El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), are known to affect the local streamflow regime in many rivers around the world. A new method is proposed to incorporate climate mode information into the well-known ensemble streamflow prediction (ESP) method for seasonal forecasting. The ESP is conditioned on an ENSO index in two steps. First, a number of original historical ESP traces are selected based on similarity between the index value in the historical year and the index value at the time of forecast. In the second step, additional ensemble traces are generated by a stochastic ENSO-conditioned weather resampler. These resampled traces compensate for the reduction of ensemble size in the first step and prevent degradation of skill at forecasting stations that are less affected by ENSO. The skill of the ENSO-conditioned ESP is evaluated over 50 years of seasonal hindcasts of streamflows at three test stations in the Columbia River basin in the US Pacific Northwest. An improvement in forecast skill of 5 to 10 % is found for two test stations. The streamflows at the third station are less affected by ENSO and no change in forecast skill is found here.
A Bayesian consistent dual ensemble Kalman filter for state-parameter estimation in subsurface hydrology
Authors: Ait-El-Fquih Boujemaa , El Gharamti Mohamad , Hoteit Ibrahim
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Ensemble Kalman filtering (EnKF) is an efficient approach to addressing uncertainties in subsurface groundwater models. The EnKF sequentially integrates field data into simulation models to obtain a better characterization of the model's state and parameters. These are generally estimated following joint and dual filtering strategies, in which, at each assimilation cycle, a forecast step by the model is followed by an update step with incoming observations. The joint EnKF directly updates the augmented state-parameter vector, whereas the dual EnKF empirically employs two separate filters, first estimating the parameters and then estimating the state based on the updated parameters. To develop a Bayesian consistent dual approach and improve the state-parameter estimates and their consistency, we propose in this paper a one-step-ahead (OSA) smoothing formulation of the state-parameter Bayesian filtering problem from which we derive a new dual-type EnKF, the dual EnKFOSA. Compared with the standard dual EnKF, it imposes a new update step to the state, which is shown to enhance the performance of the dual approach with almost no increase in the computational cost. Numerical experiments are conducted with a two-dimensional (2-D) synthetic groundwater aquifer model to investigate the performance and robustness of the proposed dual EnKFOSA, and to evaluate its results against those of the joint and dual EnKFs. The proposed scheme is able to successfully recover both the hydraulic head and the aquifer conductivity, providing further reliable estimates of their uncertainties. Furthermore, it is found to be more robust to different assimilation settings, such as the spatial and temporal distribution of the observations, and the level of noise in the data. Based on our experimental setups, it yields up to 25 % more accurate state and parameter estimations than the joint and dual approaches.
Design and analysis of a bio-inspired module-based robotic arm
Authors: Luo Zirong , Shang Jianzhong , Wei Guowu , Ren Lei
Published: August 2016

Abstract. This paper presents a novel bio-inspired modular robotic arm that is purely evolved and developed from a mechanical stem cell. Inspired by stem cell whilst different from the other robot "cell" or "molecule", a fundamental mechanical stem cell is proposed leading to the development of mechanical cells, bones and a Sarrus-linkage-based muscle. Using the proposed bones and muscles, a bio-inspired modular-based five-degrees-of-freedom robotic arm is developed. Then, kinematics of the robotic arm is investigated which is associated with an optimization-method-based numerical iterative algorithm leading to the inverse kinematic solutions through solving the non-linear transcendental equations. Subsequently, numerical example of the proposed robotic arm is provided with simulations illustrating the workspace and inverse kinematics of the arm. Further, a prototype of the robotic arm is developed which is integrated with low-level control systems, and initial motion and manipulation tests are implemented. The results indicate that this novel robotic arm functions appropriately and has the virtues of lower cost, larger workspace, and a simpler structure with more compact size.
Characterization of stony soils' hydraulic conductivity using laboratory and numerical experiments
Authors: Beckers Eléonore , Pichault Mathieu , Pansak Wanwisa , Degré Aurore , Garré Sarah
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Determining soil hydraulic properties is of major concern in various fields of study. Although stony soils are widespread across the globe, most studies deal with gravel-free soils, so that the literature describing the impact of stones on the hydraulic conductivity of a soil is still rather scarce. Most frequently, models characterizing the saturated hydraulic conductivity of stony soils assume that the only effect of rock fragments is to reduce the volume available for water flow, and therefore they predict a decrease in hydraulic conductivity with an increasing stoniness. The objective of this study is to assess the effect of rock fragments on the saturated and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity. This was done by means of laboratory experiments and numerical simulations involving different amounts and types of coarse fragments. We compared our results with values predicted by the aforementioned predictive models. Our study suggests that it might be ill-founded to consider that stones only reduce the volume available for water flow. We pointed out several factors of the saturated hydraulic conductivity of stony soils that are not considered by these models. On the one hand, the shape and the size of inclusions may substantially affect the hydraulic conductivity. On the other hand, laboratory experiments show that an increasing stone content can counteract and even overcome the effect of a reduced volume in some cases: we observed an increase in saturated hydraulic conductivity with volume of inclusions. These differences are mainly important near to saturation. However, comparison of results from predictive models and our experiments in unsaturated conditions shows that models and data agree on a decrease in hydraulic conductivity with stone content, even though the experimental conditions did not allow testing for stone contents higher than 20 %.
First Report on Chronic Effects of Non-Microcystin Producing Cyanobacteria, Cylindrospermopsis curvispora and Planktothrix sp., on Daphnia magna
Authors: Dao Thanh-Son , Vo Thi-My-Chi , Pham Thanh-Luu
Published: August 2016

Cyanobacteria are an essential part of aquatic ecosystems. However, they can cause detrimental impacts on other organisms of higher tropic levels in water bodies because of their potent toxic metabolites (e.g. microcystin) and other bioactive compounds. In this study we tested the long-term and negative effects of two non-microcystin producing cyanobacteria Cylindrospermopsis curvispora and Planktothrix sp. from Vietnam on Daphnia magna under the laboratory conditions. The animal was fed with mixtures of green alga, Scenedesmus sp., and C. curvispora or Planktothrix sp. at different ratios (100 % Scenedesmus, 10 % cyanobacteria + 90 % Scenedesmus, 50 % cyanobacteria + 50 % Scenedesmus, 100 % cyanobacteria) over a period of 21days. The results showed that the D. magna fed with from 10 to 100 % cyanobacteria reduced their survival with density dependence, delayed or postponed its maturation. Besides, the cyanobacteria also inhibited the reproduction of adult D. magna consequently strongly prevent the next population development of D. magna. The species C. curvispora had stronger effect on survival, but less impact on maturation and reproduction of D. magna than Planktothrix sp, negatively. To our knowledge, this is the first report on negative effects of C. curvispora and Planktothrix sp. from Vietnam on life history traits of D. magna. Additionally, our results revealed that even non-microcystin producing cyanobacteria at low density could also have negative impacts on zooplankton consequently ecological balance interference. In situ investigations on the effects of cyanobacteria on zooplankton are suggested for more understanding on the ecological interactions of the two trophic levels of aquatic ecosystem.
A Study of Linguistic Insecurity among Turkish Teachers of English
Authors: Ehtesham Daftari Giti
Published: August 2016

This study was designed in order to investigate some aspects of the linguistic insecurity of Turkish EFL teachers and its possible sources. In the light of these aims, the study was conducted with 152 Turkish teachers at different language institutes during fall semester of 2015-2016 academic year. The study was conducted in a twelve week period and the data were collected through a questionnaire. Although the results revealed that Turkish EFL teachers experienced a low level of linguistic insecurity in their classrooms, it was found that teaching pronunciation, low level of target language proficiency and low level of knowledge on culture of target language are linguistic insecurity provoking factors.
Efficacy and Safety of a Cationic Emulsion in the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Dry Eye Disease: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Robert Pierre-Yves , Cochener Béatrice , Amrane Mourad , Ismail Dahlia , Garrigue Jean-Sébastien , Pisella Pierre-Jean , Baudouin Christophe
Published: August 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a preservative-free cationic emulsion (CE) with a 0.18% hyaluronate sodium (HS) solution in patients with moderate to severe dry eye disease (DED) with keratitis or keratoconjunctivitis.

Methods

Eighty-five patients were randomized (1:1) in this multicenter, prospective, reference-controlled, parallel-group, investigator-masked study to receive CE (n = 44) or HS (n = 41). Clinical signs and symptoms were assessed over 3 months. The primary efficacy endpoint was noninferiority of CE to HS in change from baseline of ocular surface staining (OSS) score at 1 month.

Results

In the per protocol (PP) set and full analysis set (FAS), CE showed a similar and noninferior (p<0.0001) improvement in OSS scores compared with HS at 1 month (PP: −2.5 ± 1.3 vs −1.9 ± 1.6; FAS: −2.2 ± 1.5 vs −2.0 ± 1.8 for CE vs HS). Other clinical signs of DED similarly improved in both groups. In the FAS, global symptoms score of ocular discomfort was significantly better with CE compared with HS at 1 month (-14.8 ± 17.3 vs −7.6 ± 14.2; p = 0.0469), including greater alleviation of itching (-14.8 ± 21.2 vs −1.7 ± 19.7; p = 0.0100) and eye dryness (-21.9 ± 28.3 vs −8.4 ± 21.4; p = 0.0016). Similar trends were observed at 3 months for itching and eye dryness. Investigator global efficacy assessment and quality of life scores for eye pain and driving favored CE at 3 months. Incidence of adverse events was low in both treatment groups.

Conclusions

CE was similar to HS with regards to safety and efficacy for objective signs but was superior to HS in improving DED symptoms in patients with moderate to severe DED.
Understanding the Determinants of Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization and Response to Treatment
Authors: Leveziel Nicolas , Gaucher David , Baillif Stéphanie , Benouaich Xavier , Chartier Claire , Grenet Thyphaine , Gualino Vincent , Krivosic Valérie , Delyfer Marie Noelle
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The pathophysiologic pathways that govern the development of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) are complex. Patchy atrophy and lacquer cracks are known to be major anatomic risk factors for the development of myopic CNV, but they are not alone and much remains to be understood about other factors that influence development. In addition, a greater understanding of the modifiable and nonmodifiable factors that influence outcome, resolution, and recurrence after intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) could lead to more personalized treatment algorithms that integrate parameters other than the presence of CNV itself and could help improve clinical outcomes and reduce recurrence.

Methods

We reviewed recently published data on risk factors for CNV and predictors of response to anti-VEGF treatments. In particular, data pertaining to age, sex, genetic predisposition, baseline visual acuity, axial length, staphyloma, lacquer cracks, atrophic lesions, choroidal thickness or choroidal thinning, characteristics of CNV such as duration, localization, and size of CNV, and treatment considerations such as choice of treatment, loading doses, and combination treatments were reviewed.

Results

Our analysis showed that the body of evidence is incomplete.

Conclusions

Additional studies are required to identify high-risk patients and to develop personalized therapeutic approaches.
Periprosthetic Femoral Bone Loss in Total Hip Arthroplasty: Systematic Analysis of the Effect of Stem Design
Authors: Knutsen Ashleen R. , Lau Nicole , Longjohn Donald B. , Ebramzadeh Edward , Sangiorgio Sophia N.
Published: August 2016

Introduction

Periprosthetic bone loss may lead to major complications in total hip arthroplasty (THA), including loosening, migration, and even fracture. This study analysed the influence of femoral implant designs on periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD) after THA.

Methods

The results of all previous published studies reporting periprosthetic femoral BMD following THA were compiled. Using these results, we compared percent changes in bone loss as a function of: femoral stem fixation, material, and geometry.

Results

The greatest bone loss was in the calcar region (Gruen Zone 7). Overall, cemented stems had more bone loss distally than noncemented stems, while noncemented stems had more proximal bone loss than cemented stems. Within noncemented stems, cobalt-chromium (CoCr) stems had nearly double the proximal bone loss compared to titanium (Ti) alloy stems. Finally, within noncemented titanium alloy group, straight stems had less bone loss than anatomical, tapered, and press-fit designs.

Discussion

The findings from the present study quantified percent changes in periprosthetic BMD as a function of fixation method, alloy, and stem design. While no one stem type was identified as ideal, we now have a clearer understanding of the influence of stem design on load transfer to the surrounding bone.
Enhanced Proliferation and Differentiation Effects of a CGRP- and Sr-Enriched Calcium Phosphate Cement on Bone Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Liang Wei , Li Li , Cui Xu , Tang Zhongfei , Wei Xiaomou , Pan Haobo , Li Bing
Published: August 2016

Introduction

Because of its good osteoconductivity, strontium (Sr) ranelate has been extensively used as a bone substitute for the treatment of bone disorders. To facilitate treatment, Sr is also incorporated into calcium phosphate cement (Sr-CPC); however, the Sr from Sr-CPC is not sufficient to induce a significant increase of bone mass in an ovariectomized rat model. To improve the efficiency of Sr-CPC, we developed a calcitonin gene–related peptide (CGRP)- and Sr-enriched CPC (CGRP-Sr-CPC).

Methods

We used X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to measure properties of CGRP-Sr-CPC. We also employed a cell proliferation assay, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay and real-time PCR to assess the effects of CPC implants on proliferation and differentiation of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) from an ovariectomized rat model.

Results

CGRP did not change the composition, pore sizes and compressive strength of the cement body as compared with Sr-CPC. Meanwhile, CGRP-Sr-CPC did not show cell cytotoxicity to BMSCs. Further, CGRP and Sr released from CGRP-Sr-CPC significantly enhanced the cell proliferation of BMSCs and increased the activity of ALP during differentiation of BMSCs, compared with CGRP- or Sr-CPC. Moreover, CGRP-Sr-CPC significantly up-regulated the expression levels of osteogenic differentiation-related genes including Alp, Bmp2, Osteonectin and Runx2 during differentiation.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate the optimized effects of CGRP- and Sr-enriched CPC in promoting proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, suggesting the potential ability of this novel cement to assist the formation of new bone during osteoporosis-induced bone disorders.
Prognostic Significance of CD24 and CD44 in Breast Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Zhu , Wang Qianqian , Wang Qi , Wang Yanping , Chen Jie
Published: August 2016

Objective

Numerous studies have focused on the prognostic roles of CD24 and CD44 in breast cancer, but the results have been equivocal. The aim of this study was to gain better insight into the relationship between expression of CD24 and of CD44, either alone or in combination, and prognostic parameters in breast cancer.

Methods

Publications addressing the associations of CD24 or CD44 expression with survival outcome in breast cancer were selected for the meta-analysis according to defined criteria. Studies were pooled and odds ratios (ORs) or hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated. Publication bias and sensitivity analyses were also conducted.

Results

Sixteen studies comprising 5,697 breast cancer cases were included in our meta-analysis. Overall, CD24 overexpression was significantly associated with histological grade (OR = 1.52; 95% CI 1.12-2.06, p = 0.007), stage (OR = 1.74; 95% CI 1.27-2.40, p<0.001), shortened overall survival (HR = 1.48; 95% CI 1.21-1.80, p<0.001) and disease-free survival (HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.19-1.76, p<0.001), while no such association was observed when we limited our analysis to CD44 and CD44+/CD24- phenotypes. Subgroup analyses for CD24 according to the studies categorized by ethnicity, staining patterns and follow-up period were also conducted, and supported the stability of the prognostic role of CD24.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that the putative stem cell marker CD24 was significantly associated with worse survival based on the obtained data. In particular, CD24 may play a role in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. However, further large-scale studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Malignant Transformation of Endometriosis: An Unusual Diverticular Mass
Authors: Mohling Shanti I. , Elkattah Rayan , Eliason Rachel , Boren Todd P.
Published: August 2016

Background

Malignant transformation of endometriosis may occur years following hysterectomy and oophorectomy. It may present with a pelvic mass, pain or vaginal bleeding. Risk factors have been poorly defined, but may include exogenous or endogenous unopposed estrogens.

Case

This report presents a case of malignant transformation of endometriosis resulting in endometrioid adenocarcinoma of a colonic diverticulum in a patient on unopposed estrogen.

Conclusions

Patients with a history of endometriosis who present with a pelvic mass should be evaluated for the possibility of a tumor arising from the endometriosis, even long after definitive surgical treatment. Sampson's criteria for malignant transformation of endometriosis remain relevant. The continued practice of prescribing unopposed estrogen after hysterectomy to patients with a history of endometriosis may contribute to the frequency of this otherwise uncommon disease.
Congress Report from 2nd Society of Endometriosis and Uterine Disorders Congress, 12-14 May 2016, Barcelona, Spain
Authors: González-Foruria Iñaki , Gracia Meritxell , Martínez Maria José , Carmona Francisco
Published: August 2016

Adenomyosis was the main topic in the 2016 Society of Endometriosis and Uterine Disorders (SEUD) Congress. Latest evidence in endometriosis and other uterine disorders, such as fibroids and abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) were also covered.

About 106 oral communications, practical sessions, and debates on etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of the different themes were presented. Posters on the same topics were on view. Live surgical sessions and video sessions were also held. Six “tips and tricks” sessions in endometriosis and uterine disorders were scheduled at the beginning of each day throughout the congress. Monographic own-language sessions comprising Canadian, Spanish, Asian, Russian and Latin American participants were held with presenters contributing their own vision of the congress topics.

Finally, the congress ended with a patient session: dedicated to those who are affected by endometriosis: pain, quality of life, sex-life, and environment were issues covered by specialists and the testimonies of the patients also had their place in the congress.
Predictors of Radio-cephalic Arteriovenous Fistulae Patency in an Asian Population
Authors: Lo Zhiwen Joseph , Tay Wee Ming , Lee Qinyi , Chua Jia Long , Leong Tan Glenn Wei , Chandrasekar Sadhana , Narayanan Sriram
Published: August 2016

Purpose

To identify predictors of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) patency in Asian patients with autogenous radio-cephalic arteriovenous fistula (RCAVF).

Methods

Retrospective review of 436 RCAVFs created between 2009 and 2013. Predictors of patency were identified with univariate and multivariate analysis. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and log-rank test were used to calculate patency rates.

Results

Overall secondary patency rate was 72% at 12 months, 69% at 24 months, 58% at 36 months, 57% at 48 months, 56% at 60 months and 54% at 72 months. Univariate analysis showed that factors which predict for patency include male gender (p = 0.003), good diabetic control (p = 0.025), aspirin use (p = 0.031), pre-dialysis status (p = 0.037), radial artery diameter (p = 0.029) and non-calcified radial arteries (p = 0.002). Age (p = 0.866), cephalic vein diameter (p = 0.630) and surgeon grade (p = 0.472) did not predict for primary AVF failure. Multivariate analysis revealed the male gender to be an independent predictor for patency (odds ratio 1.99, p = 0.01). Subset analysis showed a significantly larger average radial artery diameter of 2.3 mm amongst males, as compared to 1.9 mm amongst females (p = 0.001) and no statistical difference in the average cephalic vein diameter.

Conclusions

Within our Asian study population, 12-month patency rate of RCAVF is 72%, 69% at 24 months, 58% at 36 months, 57% at 48 months, 56% at 60 months and 54% at 72 months. Male gender is an independent predictor for RCAVF patency. In females or patients with calcified radial arteries, a more proximal AVF should be considered.
Rationale and Protocol of AIRC IG-13218, Short-Term Radiotherapy for Early Prostate Cancer with Concomitant Boost to the Dominant Lesion
Authors: Timon Giorgia , Ciardo Delia , Bazani Alessia , Garioni Maria , Maestri Davide , De Lorenzo Daniela , Pansini Floriana , Cambria Raffaella , Rondi Elena , Cattani Federica , Marvaso Giulia , Zerini Dario , Vischioni Barbara , Ciocca Mario , Russo Stefania , Molinelli Silvia , Golino Federica , Scroffi Valerio , Rojas Damaris P. , Fodor Cristiana , Petralia Giuseppe , Santoro Luigi , De Cobelli Ottavio , Orecchia Roberto , Jereczek-Fossa Barbara A.
Published: August 2016

Introduction

Of the different treatments for early prostate cancer, hypofractionated external-beam radiotherapy is one of the most interesting and studied options.

Methods

The main objective of this phase II clinical study is to evaluate the feasibility, in terms of the incidence of acute side effects, of a new ultra-hypofractionated scheme for low- or intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients treated with the latest imaging and radiotherapy technology, allowing dose escalation to the dominant intraprostatic lesion identified by multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging. Secondary endpoints of the study are the evaluation of the long-term tolerability of the treatment in terms of late side effects, quality of life, and efficacy (oncological outcome).

Results

The study is ongoing, and we expect to complete recruitment by the end of 2016.

Conclusions

Like in previous studies, we expect ultra-hypofractionated radiation treatment for prostate cancer to be well tolerated and effective.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01913717.
Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty in a Pediatric Patient with Horseshoe Kidney: Surgical Technique and Review of the Literature
Authors: Oderda Marco , Calleris Giorgio , Allasia Marco , Dalmasso Ettore , Falcone Marco , Catti Massimo , Merlini Emilio , Gontero Paolo
Published: August 2016

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe the technical aspects of a robotic pyeloplasty in pediatric patients with uretero-pelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) in horseshoe kidney (HSK) through the report of our recent case, and to outline the state of the art of minimally invasive pyeloplasty (MIP) with a systematic review of the literature.

Methods

We describe all the steps of our surgery performed on an 11-year-old patient with left UPJO in HSK in detail. All the anatomic landmarks are clearly showed, with particular attention to trocar placement in a pediatric patient. A systematic review of the literature on the outcomes of MIP in HSK patients has been performed, including 16 articles.

Results

Our surgery was successful following a standardized approach. However, we recorded a rare complication, the herniation of a small portion of omentum through the 8 - mm defect used for the caudal robotic port. The evidence synthesis shows excellent postoperative outcomes for both laparoscopic and robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasties in HSK patients. Probably, MIP should be preferred to the traditional open approach in these patients, when feasible.

Conclusions

Transperitoneal robotic pyeloplasty is an excellent minimally invasive choice for the treatment of UPJO in HSK pediatric patients. The pediatric setting should prompt attention to every detail to avoid unfortunate complications.
A regulação autônoma no Brasil: um diálogo com a experiência francesa
Authors: Leurquin Pablo , Lara Fabiano
Published: August 2016

O objetivo deste estudo é suscitar questões acerca da experiência da regulação autônoma no Brasil e na França. Para tanto, foi realizada uma pesquisa interdisciplinar envolvendo conhecimentos do Direito e Economia. Diante disso, frisa-se que apesar das diferenças na formação da economia e da cultura jurídica desses países, a quantidade e importância das estatais e da tradição administrativista-legalista impuseram desafios institucionais e teóricos para a recepção do fenômeno da regulação autônoma.
Para além da discussão sobre atividade fim e atividade meio: a igualdade de direitos e a responsabilidade solidária como meios para a proteção do trabalhador terceirizado
Authors: Do Bonfim Brena Késsia Simplício , Gomes Ana Virgínia Moreira
Published: August 2016

O aperfeiçoamento dos sistemas de produção e das técnicas de administração de mão de obra, em face da superação do binômio taylorista-fordista pelo sistema toyotista de meios de produção, tem como uma de suas expressões mais significativas a terceirização, seja ela de mão de obra ou de serviços. Tal instituto voltou a centralizar debates acadêmicos e políticos desde a discussão do Projeto de Lei 4330/2004 e da aprovação do Projeto de Lei da Câmara no 30/2015. O cerne das discussões repousa basicamente na autorização ou não da terceirização em atividades fins empresariais. Secundariamente, se discute acerca da representação sindical e da responsabilidade da empresa tomadora de serviços. Este trabalho busca exatamente inverter essa discussão ao focar de modo prioritário na responsabilidade da tomadora final e, na cláusula da não discriminação entre trabalhadores diretamente contratados e tercerizados (nem mencionada no debate político). Nesse modelo, desincentivaria-se a terceirização precarizante, possibilitando-se essa prática como uma forma de opção logística da empresa, porém dissociada da mera busca de diminuição dos custos trabalhistas.
Salas de cinema em Londrina: conhecimentos prévios e o uso da “Folha de Londrina” para o estudo do Cine Ouro Verde
Authors: Sussai Matheus Henrique Marques
Published: August 2016

O presente texto visa apresentar os resultados obtidos nas atividades realizadas por um bolsista do Programa Institucional de Bolsa de Iniciação à Docência (PIBID) de licenciatura em História, pela Universidade Estadual de Londrina, no segundo semestre de 2014. A partir do tema “Londrina: 80 Anos”, foram trabalhados temas como “cinema” e “salas de cinema” na sala de aula. As atividades se basearam em questionários de conhecimentos prévios e em discussões das fontes sobre o Cine Ouro Verde em sala de aula, sendo essas fontes artigos de jornais. A partir das atividades com os alunos, consideramos que temas como o cinema, que estão muito perto da vida dos alunos, os interessam muito, facilitando uma percepção de que fazem parte da História que tanto estudam nos livros didáticos, sendo agentes ativos na construção do seu conhecimento. O relato de experiência docente também é tema deste trabalho, sendo o primeiro contato do aluno de licenciatura em História com a sala de aula importantíssimo para a sua formação profissional. 

 
Um silêncio historiográfico: O livro didático regional e as pesquisas acadêmicas
Authors: Ferreira Danielle Da Silva
Published: August 2016

Esse texto tem por objetivo caracterizar o escopo epistemológico que cerca a concepção de livro didático regional de História, bem como analisar as formas como os objetos culturais “livro didático” e “livro didático regional” aparecem nas pesquisas acadêmicas de 2008 à 2013. Partimos do pressuposto de que esse tipo de pesquisa faz-se ausente do cenário acadêmico, tendo em vista estudos anteriores, como de Caimi (2013), que já anunciavam de carência de investigações sobre publicações didáticas regionais no cenário analítico acadêmico brasileiro. Constatamos, a partir de pesquisa em base de dados online, que as obras didáticas regionais, enquanto espaço de criação simbólica, de produção histórica humana e de registro de narrativa didática/histórica, apresentam-se como um campo frutífero de inquirições, especialmente por confirmarmos sua falta no cenário atual. Registramos a importância desse estudo para que demais pesquisadores atentem para este silêncio historiográfico e que, nessa premissa, o livro didático e o livro didático regional possam se consolidar cada vez mais como objeto de investigação pedagógica e histórica.

 

Livro didático regional – Anos iniciais – Ensino de História

 
História e educação: a pedagogia e os primórdios da educação em Marília-SP
Authors: Souza Luana Silva
Published: August 2016

Resumo: Os anos de 1920 e 1930 marcam um momento de efervescência no “campo” da educação no Brasil. É o momento em que as ideias da Pedagogia Nova vindas dos Estados Unidos e Europa começam a disputar espaço com a chamada pedagogia clássica, buscando assim efetuar uma renovação na educação brasileira. Nessa mesma época, surge no interior do estado de São Paulo o município de Marília e logo nos seus primeiros anos de fundação vê a educação escolar ser alavancada, graças à iniciativa de expoentes marilienses, a exemplo de Bento de Abreu Sampaio Vidal e Balthazar de Godoy Moreira que enxergam na educação uma oportunidade de desenvolvimento. Portanto os anos de fundação de Marília irão coincidir com o momento de efervescência da educação nacional. A hipótese aqui defendida é que o rápido desenvolvimento da educação após os anos de 1929 no município está ligado à adoção das ideias da Pedagogia Nova que se faziam presente no Brasil desde o início da década de 1920. Sem possuir experiências anteriores de práticas pedagógicas, Marília servirá como um laboratório de aplicação das ideias que começavam a dominar o “campo” da educação oficial no país. E esse movimento terá no “Manifesto dos Pioneiros da Educação Nova” de 1932, a expressão mais acabada dos ideais do grupo de intelectuais liderados por Anísio Teixeira, Fernando Azevedo e Lourenço Filho adeptos ao ideário da Pedagogia Nova.
O Museu em processo: oralidades no uso pedagógico do Museu de Artes e Ofícios em Belo Horizonte/MG
Authors: Braga Jezulino Lucio Mendes
Published: August 2016

Esse artigo apresenta a experiência de uma professora da educação básica que faz uso pedagógico dos museus para ensinar história. Trata-se da professora Cora que desenvolveu com alunos do EJA o projeto Desvendando o Primeiro de Maio, usando como estratégia a metodologia da história oral, leitura de textos e visita a exposição do Museu de Artes e Ofícios em Belo Horizonte. Com esse projeto a professora oportunizou aos estudantes do EJA a narrativa de suas memórias em diálogo com a história ensinada em sala de aula. O artigo também apresenta a concepção de museu em processo que vem sendo difundida nos textos da museóloga Tereza Scheiner. Essa concepção serve de base para pensar as atividades desenvolvidas pela professora Cora que estimulou a produção de narrativas autorais dando novo sentido a exposição museal e dialogando com os conteúdos curriculares propostos para a educação básica. A metodologia da história oral foi usada nas ações desenvolvidas no projeto.
Representações de docentes de história sobre o ensino de história e cultura afro-brasileira na educação básica
Authors: Felipe Delton Aparecido
Published: August 2016

Este artigo analisa as representações dos docentes de História da educação básica sobre o ensino de História e Cultura Afro-Brasileira e Africana, dez anos após outorgada a Lei 10.639/2003. Utiliza-se as representações sociais, como eixo explicativo por entendê-las como um conjunto de conceitos que se originam na vida diária no curso de comunicações interindividuais. Apresentam-se as narrativas de docentes que frequentaram um curso de extensão sobre ensino de História e Cultura Afro-Brasileira e Africana, meados de 2013. A análise das representações permitiu perceber que o conhecimento que eles têm sobre a História da população negra no Brasil ainda está ancorado em uma perspectiva eurocêntrica da História brasileira. Conclui-se que a efetivação da Lei 10.639/2003 demanda compreender as narrativas sociais construídas nas salas de aula como um espaço de intercâmbio de saberes, reconhecendo as diversas identidades culturais nelas existentes.H
Herstelbemiddeling voor minderjarigen in Vlaanderen: specifieke rol van de advocaat
Authors: Claeys Mathias
Published: August 2016

Mediaton for minors in Flanders: the specific role of the lawyer

In Antwerp there is a strong involvement of lawyers in all mediations for minor suspects following. All minor suspects are automatically assigned a lawyer. In this article the author describes the current mediation procedure for minor suspects. Furthermore he gives some personal comments from his perspective as a mediator.
Herstelrecht en de strafrechtadvocaat 2.0
Authors: de Haas Alrik
Published: August 2016

Restorative Justice and the criminal lawyer 2.0

In the Netherlands more and more criminal lawyers recognize the importance of Restorative Justice. The author illustrates this on the basis of several criminal cases in different phases of the criminal process. Under conditions Restorative Justice is of importance for all parties, including the suspect/offender. Criminal lawyers have to find the courage to overcome cold feet, so that they can fully meet the needs and interests of their clients.
De strafrechtadvocaat en het herstelrecht
Authors: Freeke Klaartje
Published: August 2016

The restorative counsel for the defense

Suspects are often much better off when they take responsibility for the harm they caused. They will accept their punishment more easily when also their side of the story is told and listened to. Not only they themselves, also their victim can benefit from this. Even when there is under circumstances no place for mediation in the pre-trial stage, also in the trial-stage people could come closer to each other. The counsel for the defense can play a coaching role in this process, that is not so much guided by classical principles of criminal law but much more by the experiences of the ones involved.
A mountain of millipedes V: three new genera of Odontopygidae from the Udzungwa mountains, Tanzania (Diplopoda, Spirostreptida, Odontopygidae)
Authors: Enghoff Henrik
Published: August 2016

Three new genera of Odontopygidae are described, all based on new species from the Udzungwa mountains, Tanzania, and all monotypic: Casuariverpa gen. nov. (type species: C. scarpa gen. et sp. nov.), Yia gen. nov. (type species: Y. geminispina gen. et sp. nov.), and Utiliverpa gen. nov. (type species: U. decapsulatrix gen. et sp. nov.). Similarities and differences between the new genera and other genera are discussed.
Hydraulic contacts identification in the aquifers of limestone ridges: tracer tests in the Montelago pilot area (Central Apennines)
Authors: Tazioli Alberto , Aquilanti Lucia , Clementi Francesca , Marcellini Mirco , Nanni Torquato , Palpacelli Stefano , Vivalda Paola Maria
Published: August 2016

The investigated area, located in the inner part of the Marche region (central Italy) and belonging to the carbonate Umbria- Marche ridges in the central Apennines, is characterised by very complex geo-structural setting and widespread karst phenomena that make difficult the definition of the relation among the aquifers basing only on the hydrogeological survey. Hence, the presence of different flowpaths among aquifers of the Umbria-Marche hydrostratigraphic sequence and of tectonic contacts among the different structures is verified using tracer tests. In particular, the tests showed that the Calcare Massiccio and the Maiolica aquifers are connected under certain tectonic conditions. A new tracer given by a single stranded DNA molecule and traditional fluorescent dyes have been injected into the Montelago sinkhole in different periods (during the recharge and during the discharge) and recovered in several points along the expected hydrogeological basin, using either manual and automatic sampling. Fluorescent traps were positioned in creeks, rivers and springs. The DNA molecule is useful to trace surface water and groundwater, is detectable even at very low concentrations, no significant change in water density and viscosity can be observed and its use is not dangerous for the environment. The results stress the suitability of DNA as hydrogeological tracer, capable to identify connections among aquifers and study different flowpaths even in high flow conditions when traditional tracers are more and more diluted. Moreover, fluorescein tracer allowed for the transport parameter determination, giving mean velocities ranging from 100 to 3000 m/day and mean residence time from some tens to hundreds of hours, and determining the aquifer volumes.
Description, analogy, symbolism, faith. Jesuit science and iconography in the early modern debate on the origin of springs
Authors: Luzzini Francesco
Published: August 2016

Not available.
Optical properties of quantum energies in GaAs quantum nanodisks produced using a bio-nanotemplate and a neutral beam etching technique
Authors: Ohori Daisuke , Fukuyama Atsuhiko , Thomas Cedric , Higo Akio , Samukawa Seiji , Ikari Tetsuo
Published: August 2016

We demonstrated that the lattice-matched GaAs quantum nanodisks (QNDs) embedded in an AlGaAs matrix were fabricated by our original top-down nanoprocess. Lattice-matched GaAs QNDs are very attractive in quantum cryptography because the spin relaxation time of QNDs might be longer than that of strained quantum dots. Quantum levels of QNDs were investigated by the photoluminescence (PL) technique. The minimum diameter and thickness of QNDs were 7 and 8 nm, respectively. PL peaks of QNDs at 1.64 and 1.66 eV were observed to be higher than that of multiple quantum wells (MQWs) observed at 1.57 eV. It is suggested that these peaks are due to the diameter distribution of QNDs. The calculated quantum levels were in good agreement with the present experimental results. The observation of the PL peaks from QNDs demonstrates that the quantum level is strongly confined not only in the perpendicular direction but also in the lateral direction.
Effects of Na and secondary phases on physical properties of SnS thin film after sulfurization process
Authors: Kawano Yu , Kodani Yuto , Chantana Jakapan , Minemoto Takashi
Published: August 2016

2.48%-efficient SnS thin film solar cell is obtained under thermal evaporation method by optimizing growth temperature. The method to fabricate SnS films is limited by growth temperature, which should not be over 200 °C to prevent re-evaporation of SnS. To further enhance SnS grains, SnS films were annealed in H2S gas from 200 to 500 °C, namely sulfurization process. SnS grain size was increased with sulfurization temperature of above 400 °C; however, secondary phase grains on film’s surface were observed owing to the accumulated Na, diffused from soda-lime glass substrate into the film, thus deteriorating film’s quality, implied by Urbach energy.