bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of rTMS of Pre-Supplementary Motor Area on Fronto Basal Ganglia Network Activity during Stop-Signal Task
Authors: Watanabe Takamitsu , Hanajima Ritsuko , Shirota Yuichiro , Tsutsumi Ryosuke , Shimizu Takahiro , Hayashi Toshihiro , Terao Yasuo , Ugawa Yoshikazu , Katsura Masaki , Kunimatsu Akira , Ohtomo Kuni , Hirose Satoshi , Miyashita Yasushi , Konishi Seiki
Published: March 2015

Stop-signal task (SST) has been a key paradigm for probing human brain mechanisms underlying response inhibition, and the inhibition observed in SST is now considered to largely depend on a fronto basal ganglia network consisting mainly of right inferior frontal cortex, pre-supplementary motor area (pre-SMA), and basal ganglia, including subthalamic nucleus, striatum (STR), and globus pallidus pars interna (GPi). However, causal relationships between these frontal regions and basal ganglia are not fully understood in humans. Here, we partly examined these causal links by measuring human fMRI activity during SST before and after excitatory/inhibitory repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of pre-SMA. We first confirmed that the behavioral performance of SST was improved by excitatory rTMS and impaired by inhibitory rTMS. Afterward, we found that these behavioral changes were well predicted by rTMS-induced modulation of brain activity in pre-SMA, STR, and GPi during SST. Moreover, by examining the effects of the rTMS on resting-state functional connectivity between these three regions, we showed that the magnetic stimulation of pre-SMA significantly affected intrinsic connectivity between pre-SMA and STR, and between STR and GPi. Furthermore, the magnitudes of changes in resting-state connectivity were also correlated with the behavioral changes seen in SST. These results suggest a causal relationship between pre-SMA and GPi via STR during response inhibition, and add direct evidence that the fronto basal ganglia network for response inhibition consists of multiple top-down regulation pathways in humans.
MECHANISMS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Medical consequences of doping with anabolic androgenic steroids: effects on reproductive functions
Authors: Nieschlag Eberhard , Vorona Elena
Published: March 2015

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) are appearance and performance-enhancing drugs (APEDs) used in competitive athletics, in recreational sports, and by body-builders. The global lifetime prevalence of AASs abuse is 6.4% for males and 1.6% for women. Many AASs, often obtained from the internet and dubious sources, have not undergone proper testing and are consumed at extremely high doses and in irrational combinations, also along with other drugs. Controlled clinical trials investigating undesired side effects are lacking because ethical restrictions prevent exposing volunteers to potentially toxic regimens, obscuring a causal relationship between AASs abuse and possible sequelae. Because of the negative feedback in the regulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis, in men AASs cause reversible suppression of spermatogenesis, testicular atrophy, infertility, and erectile dysfunction (anabolic steroid-induced hypogonadism). Should spermatogenesis not recover after AASs abuse, a pre-existing fertility disorder may have resurfaced. AASs frequently cause gynecomastia and acne. In women, AASs may disrupt ovarian function. Chronic strenuous physical activity leads to menstrual irregularities and, in severe cases, to the female athlete triad (low energy intake, menstrual disorders and low bone mass), making it difficult to disentangle the effects of sports and AASs. Acne, hirsutism and (irreversible) deepening of the voice are further consequences of AASs misuse. There is no evidence that AASs cause breast carcinoma. Detecting AASs misuse through the control network of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) not only aims to guarantee fair conditions for athletes, but also to protect them from medical sequelae of AASs abuse.
Somewhere between evil and normal
Authors: Potter Jonathan , Hepburn Alexa
Published: March 2015

This article considers the way commonplace moral actions such as expressing disapproval and offering sympathy are managed in interaction on a child protection helpline. Although the helpline routinely engages with callers’ reports of traumatic events such as child neglect and abuse, overt moral assessments by call takers such as expressions of disapproval and displays of sympathy are much less common. We argue that this resistance to displays of sympathy and disapproval by call takers relates to key institutional tasks of (a) gathering information for referral to other services and offering advice; (b) avoiding actions that could disrupt the necessary interrogation of reports; and (c) holding off alignment with precise versions of events and responsibility that are often the very thing at stake in the call. Nevertheless, call takers may use more indirect traces of morality such as prosodic inflections or precisely positioned ‘tut’ particles to acknowledge the relevance or moral evaluations while not disrupting the trajectory of the report and its assessment. More broadly, this illustrates some of the complex ways in which moral practices are refined and transformed in institutional settings.
Kids, counsellors and troubles-telling
Authors: Danby Susan , Emmison Michael
Published: March 2015

This article begins with the premise that morality is an intrinsic, although often invisible, aspect of everyday social action. Drawn from a corpus of fifty audio-recorded telephone calls to Kids Helpline, an Australian helpline for children and young people, we examine one call to show how the young caller and counsellor co-construct ‘morality-in-action’. Ethnomethodological understandings and, in particular, Sacks’ (1992) description of ‘Class 2’ rules and infractions show how an adolescent caller and counsellor collaboratively assemble moral versions of the caller. In puzzling out possible motives, the caller and counsellor can be seen to be attending to the implications of different moral versions of the caller. This attribution of motives is moral work in action, with motives contingently assembled, displayed and evaluated, with such work understood as displays of moral reasoning. The counselling call makes visible the counsellor's interactional work to support and empower the client. Analysis such as this offers counsellors ways of understanding and making visible their interactional and moral work within helpline call interactions.
FEBRILINĖS NEUTROPENIJOS GYDYMO STANDARTAI PEDIATRIJOJE
Authors: Jurkonis Mantas , Tamulienė Indrė , Čerkauskienė Rimantė , Neverauskienė Arijanda , Žilevičius Rytis , Kleinotienė Gražina
Published: March 2015

Managing cancer patients with fever and neutropenia must be considered as a medical emergency since any delay in initiating appropriate empirical antibacterial therapy may result in high rates of mortality and morbidity. Emerging antibacterial resistance in bacterial pathogens infecting febrile neutropenic patients complicates management, and choosing the type of empirical antimicrobial therapy has become a challenge. To further complicate the decision process, not all neutropenic patients are in the same category of susceptibility to develop severe infection. This review gives a brief overview of current antimicrobial regiment strategy in febrile neutropenic cancer patients.
Use of greater omentum in the surgical treatment of a synovial cyst in a cat
Authors: Van Goethem B. , Beerden C. , Grussendorf C. , de Rooster H. , Stegen L.
Published: March 2015

A 13-year-old cat was diagnosed with a synovial cyst originating from the glenohumeral joint. The cat presented with severe front limb lameness and a non-painful fluctuating swelling on the medial aspect of the humerus. Radiographic examination showed severe bilateral shoulder osteoarthritis with osteophyte formation. The mass was surgically resected and histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of a synovial cyst. Three weeks postoperatively the cyst recurred. Surgical resection was repeated followed by omentalisation of the defect. Throughout the following 3 months the cyst did not recur. Unfortunately, for reasons unrelated to the presented disease, the cat was euthanized shortly afterwards, therefore making a long-term follow-up impossible.
Nachweis eines Herpesvirus bei klinisch gesunden Klappbrust-Pelomedusenschildkröten (Pelusios castaneus)
Authors: Heckers K. O. , Heynol V. , Weider K. , Behncke H. , Marschang R. E.
Published: March 2015

Erstnachweis eines Herpesvirus bei Klappbrust-Pelo-medusenschildkröten.

Im Rahmen einer Quarantäneuntersuchung wurde bei zwei klinisch gesunden Klappbrust-Pelomedusenschildkröten (Pelusios castaneus) ein Herpesvirus mittels PCR nachgewiesen. Die Tiere wurden von Togo, Westafrika nach Deutschland importiert und waren für die Heimtierhaltung bestimmt.

Die Analyse einer Teilsequenz des Genoms des nachgewiesenen Virus zeigte, dass es sich um ein bisher unbeschriebenes Herpesvirus handelt, das mit anderen bei Schildkröten nachgewiesenen Herpes viren verwandt ist. Das Virus wurde Pelomedusid Herpesvirus 1 genannt.

Dieser Fall unterstreicht die Bedeutung von Untersuchungen auf Infektionserreger während der Quarantäne, auch bei klinisch gesund erscheinenden Tieren.
An overview of heritage and engineering on the canal system
Authors: Clarke Leslie
Published: March 2015

This paper offers an overview of heritage and engineering on the Canal & River Trust waterway network by looking at the evolution of the canal system, the nature, meaning, value and importance of heritage and the types of problem and conflicts that current canal engineers have to deal with from a heritage and an engineering perspective. The need to devise ingenious and sometimes radical interventions on historic operational and non-operational structures is highlighted in conjunction with the pressure to devise cost-effective solutions in restricted, difficult-to-access environments. The use of both traditional and modern engineering techniques on a historic transport network is explained. The author is a civil engineer with the Canal & River Trust, a registered charity, managing over 3000 km of navigable canals, rivers and associated infrastructure across England and Wales on behalf of the nation. The Trust’s national network has approximately 10 000 principal assets and 15 000 non-principal assets and the third largest collection of listed buildings and structures in the UK with five UNESCO world heritage sites.
ALGORITHM OF TREATMENT OF CONGENITAL CLUBFOOT IN CHILDREN OF YOUNGER AGE GROUP
Authors: Klychkova Irina Yurievna , Kenis Vladimir Markovich , Stepanova Yulia Alexandrovna , Sapogovskiy Andrey Victorovich , Kovalenko-Klychkova Nadezhda Alexandrovna , Ivanov Stanislav Vyacheslavovich
Published: March 2015

Congenital clubfoot requires complete correction before the period of verticalization. Conservative methods are priority in treatment. The most effective method is Ponseti method that allows correcting all the deformations even in severe clubfoot. However, if clubfoot is accompanied with abnormal anatomy of foot or significant changes in functional ability of muscles, operative treatment is inevitable. The extent of surgical intervention depends on the severity of detected abnormalities and is determined individually. The use of ultasound, radiographic, and CT investigations, according to indications, contributes to the diagnostics. The indication for surgery is the lack of effect of conservative treatment after 10-12 cast correction in children over the age of 4 months. Diagnostic criteria for deciding in favor of surgery are: availability of fibrous coalition, the deformation of the talar or the sphenoid bone, the anomaly in the point of attachment of the tendon of the tibialis anterior muscle, lack of the repositioning of navicular bone on the talar head. Orthosis supply and rehabilitation treatment depend on the extent of surgical intervention.
Children's injuries and special care service for children of St. Petersburg
Authors: Baindurashvili Alexey Georgievich , Solovyova Karina Surenovna , Zaletina Anna Vladimirovna , Dolzhenko Natalia Valentinovna , Lapkin Yurii Alexeevich
Published: March 2015

The most important indicators of children's health are the rates of children’s traumas and children’s disability due to injuries. According to these indicators one can estimate the availability and the quality of medical care as well as the effectiveness of preventive measures. The objective of the study was to analyze the statistics on children’s injuries in St. Petersburg in 2011 and a comparison of injury rates and condition of trauma care to children with similar average indicators across Russia and the North-Western Federal District. For the analysis we used statistical data of public health institution "Medical information analysis center" of the Health Care Committee of St. Petersburg and the data of the state statistical reporting of the Health Ministry of Russia. For better clearness, not absolute but relative data is used in the article as a percentage of the total number or in terms of the corresponding for 1000 by sex and age of the children’s population. We also used our own data of analysis of special care to children with injuries in health care facilities and work of pediatric medical social expert commission of the city.
FEATURES OF THE X-RAY ANATOMICAL CONDITIONS OF THE FOOT AND ANKLE IN CHILDREN WITH FIBULAR APLASIA
Authors: Buklaev Dmitry Stepanovich
Published: March 2015

The article contains the results of the analysis of radiographs of the foot and ankle in 84 children with malformations of the fibula. We found that infants’ relation to the ankle joint is often normal, as in the sagittal and frontal planes. With increasing age the number of posterior subluxation increases as well as anteriorly, laterally. Also dislocations of the foot were presented. The most significant relationships were violations of the subtalar joint. There were pronation, supinatsion, positions of calcaneus bone and its lateroposition, which was the most frequent cause of valgus deformity. Also we found a violation of the form of the talus such as a flattening of the block, smoothing of the neck. In rare cases of the varus deformity of the foot abnormalities of the tarsal bones were observed.
IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS. /LECTURE, PART I. «PARADOXES»/
Authors: Dudin Michael G. , Pinchuk Dmitry Yu.
Published: March 2015

In the paper we discussed and analyzed the issues that confront practicing orthopedists with the most mysterious and at the same time the most studied vertebral column lesion in children and adolescents - idiopathic scoliosis. Nowadays a great amount of information on its various aspects has been already accumulated, but a practical output in the form of a system of effective treatment has not been yet found and (we can’t even speak about) there is no speech at all about the prevention (prophylactic) of the disease (scoliosis). On the basis of the own many year’s experience with this category of patients and the results of a comprehensive multi-faceted survey, the authors acquired the right to form their own point of view on the etiology and pathogenesis of the three-plane deformation in orthograde human (homo erectus). In this paper, the authors present their reflections on the history of the study of scoliosis, the terminology, statistical indicators and the existing views on its origins. Concerning argumentation on the own findings (conclusions) and views on the disease the authors plan to tell in the following sections.
POST-BURN SCAR DEFORMITIES OF THE FOOT: PECULIARITIES OF CLINICAL FINDINGS AND TREATMENT
Authors: Baindurashvili Alexei Georgievich , Afonichev Konstantin Alexandrovich , Filippova Olga Vasilievna
Published: March 2015

The article describes the development terms of scar deformities of the foot and secondary changes in the tendon-muscular and osteoarticular systems depending on the child’s age and localization of scars. It is shown that the most common type of the secondary deformation is extensive contracture in metatarsophalangeal joints. In almost half of the patients (46.1 %) contractures lead to dislocations in metatarsophalangeal joints. It is noted that in younger children (1-3 years old) secondary deformations developed in the earliest time, after only 8 months after burn injury. It is shown that scars located on the lateral surface of the foot with the transition to the ankle cause an increased risk of multiplanar foot deformity. Prolonged existence of multiplanar deformation leads to the changes of the shape of the articular surfaces and requires a multi-stage surgical treatment.
SURGICAL TREATMENT OF PRONATION CONTRACTURE OF THE FOREARM IN PATIENTS WITH INFANTILE CEREBRAL PALSY
Authors: Novikov Vladimir Alexandrovich , Umnov Valery Vladimirovich , Zvozil Alexei Vasilievich
Published: March 2015

The objective of the work was to evaluate the efficiency of the existing methods of surgical treatment of pronation contracture of the forearm, the modification of the existing methods of treatment, the development of the indications for each specific method of treatment. Materials and methods. This study is based on a survey of children suffering from infantile cerebral palsy affecting the upper limbs. The main criterion for the patient selection was the presence of a fixed pronation contracture of the forearm, both isolated and combined with other contractures of the joints of the upper limb. Total 42 patients with spastic forms of cerebral palsy were examined. Results and conclusions. With age of the patient, the pronation contracture is usually increased, the contractures of the elbow and wrist joints may develop, which leads to the necessity for more and more radical operative techniques. Therefore, the early surgical treatment allows obtaining optimal results with its minimum scope. The investigation data gave an option to simplify, but to increase the efficiency of surgical treatment methods of pronation contractures in children with infantile cerebral palsy.
TORSIONAL DEFORMITIES OF LOWER LIMBS IN PATIENTS WITH INFANTILE CEREBRAL PALSY (LITERATURE REVIEW)
Authors: Husainov Nikita Olegovich
Published: March 2015

The article highlights the literature devoted to the problem of torsional deformities of the lower limbs in patients with infantile cerebral palsy. It also describes biomechanical features peculiar to the patients with infantile cerebral palsy, as well as long-term results of performed surgical interventions.
PELVIC OSTEOTOMY IN THE COMPLEX TREATMENT OF CHILDREN WITH LEGG-CALVE-PERTHES DISEASE
Authors: Barsukov Dmitry Borisovich , Kamosko Mikhail Mikhailovich
Published: March 2015

At the Scientific and Research Institute for Children’s Orthopedics n. a. G. I. Turner we analyzed survey data of 120 patients aged from 6 to 14 years old with Legg-Calve-Perthes disease with severe epiphysis deformation, in order to improve the outcomes. All patients underwent reconstructive (remodeling) surgery - a corrective hip osteotomy, a pelvic osteotomy by Salter, a combination of these techniques and a triple pelvic osteotomy. Postoperative follow-up period averaged 10 years. It is shown that pelvic osteotomy is an operation of choice for Legg-Calve- Perthes disease along with corrective hip osteotomy, and remodeling of the femoral head is only possible when the degree of bone coverage is equal to one or more. We highlighted radioanatomical structure of the affected hip joint, allowing to precise indications for surgical remodeling type of femoral head.
ТREATMENT STRATEGY OF FLEXION CONTRACTURE OF THE WRIST JOINT IN CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY
Authors: Novikov Vladimir Alexandrovich , Umnov Valery Vladimirovich , Zvozil Alexei Vasilievich
Published: March 2015

Objectives. The objective of study was to assess the effectiveness of transplantation of m. flexor carpi ulnaris tendon on the place of m. extensor carpi radialis brevis / longus (Green operation) to eliminate the deficit of active wrist joint extension in children with cerebral palsy. Materials and methods. The present study is based on a survey of children with cerebral palsy with affected upper limb. The main criterion for selection of patients was the presence of active extension deficit in the wrist joint, both isolated and in combination with other contractures of the upper limb joints. Total 22 patients with spastic forms of cerebral palsy were examined. Results and conclusions. Green operation is a good method of surgical treatment of active extension deficit in the wrist joint in patients with cerebral palsy. In the presence of moderately severe contractures in the wrist joint, serial casting can eliminate them completely. Presence of a fixed pronation contracture of the forearm is a factor that reduces the effectiveness of FCU transplantation. Pronation contracture should be corrected before or during Green surgery. FCU transplantation is effective for children of any age, but its effectiveness is reduced from 12 years old.
COMPREHENSIVE TREATMENT OF CHRONIC OSTEOMYELITIS IN CHILDREN WITH IMMUNOLOGICAL GUIDANCE
Authors: Snetkov Andrei Igorevich , Simonova Albina Valerievna , Frantov Anton Rudolfovich , Batrakov Sergei Yurievich , Akinshina Alexandra Dmitrievna
Published: March 2015

The results of a complex evaluation and treatment of children with chronic osteomyelitis in age from 7 months to 18 years. Defines the methods of using the several forms of CollapAns. Minimal invasiveness the method of the using CollapAn-gel allows to implement surgery in detection of pathological center near zone growth. Almost all children have comorbid diseases and latent bacterial and viral infections. Therefore, surgery is necessary to supplement a full treatment of comorbidity.
JUVENILE ARTHRITIS: CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS AND DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS AND DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
Authors: Kozhevnikov Aleksei Nikolaevich , Pozdeeva Nina Anatolievna , Konev Mikhail Aleksandrovich , Selizov Vladimir Vasilievich , Prokopovich Evgenii Vladimirovich , Nikitin Maksim Sergeevich , Moskalenko Aleksei Vitalievich , Afonichev Konstantin Alexandrovich
Published: March 2015

The diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory joint diseases is the pressing problem of pediatric rheumatology and orthopedics. Juvenile arthritis is the most frequent chronic inflammatory disease of the musculoskeletal system in children and adolescents. Still juvenile arthritis is often misdiagnosed. The article provides current knowledge on juvenile arthritis, its clinical manifestations, as well as diagnostic and treatment strategies, and differential diagnosis.
Short‐term priority over exotic annuals increases the initial density and longer‐term cover of native perennial grasses
Authors: Vaughn Kurt J. , Young Truman P.
Published: March 2015

Temporal priority can affect individual performance and reproduction, as well as community assembly, but whether these effects persist over time remains unclear, and their demographic mechanisms have been little explored. The continued dominance of exotic annual grasses in California has been commonly attributed to their demonstrated early germination and rapid early growth relative to native perennial grasses. This advantage may play a crucial role in the structure of California exotic annual grasslands, as well as in the practice of native grassland restoration. We tested whether a two‐week planting advantage under field conditions increased individual survival, growth, and reproduction for four native perennial grass species and whether these effects persisted over three years. We show that short‐term priority significantly increased the establishment success of native perennial grasses. Increased density of native grass seedlings presaged later large increases in cover that were not evident in the first year after planting. Although priority effects at the individual level may diminish over time, short differences in emergence timing can have long‐lasting effects on community structure. Earlier germination and faster initial growth of exotic annual species may help explain their unprecedented invasion and continued dominance of California grasslands. Finally, these results highlight the importance of priority effects for effective exotic annual control during native grassland restoration in California: initial control can increase the establishment of native perennial seedlings, which then results in long‐term control by mature native individuals.
Bone Marrow Macrophages Contribute to Diabetic Stem Cell Mobilopathy by Producing Oncostatin M
Authors: Albiero Mattia , Poncina Nicol , Ciciliot Stefano , Cappellari Roberta , Menegazzo Lisa , Ferraro Francesca , Bolego Chiara , Cignarella Andrea , Avogaro Angelo , Fadini Gian Paolo
Published: March 2015

Diabetes affects bone marrow (BM) structure and impairs mobilization of stem cells (SCs) into peripheral blood (PB). This amplifies multiorgan complications because BMSCs promote vascular repair. Because diabetes skews macrophage phenotypes and BM macrophages (BMMΦ) prevent SC mobilization, we hypothesized that excess BMMΦ contribute to diabetic SC mobilopathy. We show that patients with diabetes have increased M1 macrophages, whereas diabetic mice have increased CD169+ BMMΦ with SC-retaining activity. Depletion of BMMΦ restored SC mobilization in diabetic mice. We found that CD169 labels M1 macrophages and that conditioned medium (CM) from M1 macrophages, but not from M0 and M2 macrophages, induced chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 12 (CXCL12) expression by mesenchymal stem/stromal cells. In silico data mining and in vitro validation identified oncostatin M (OSM) as the soluble mediator contained in M1 CM that induces CXCL12 expression via a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase-p38-signal transducer and activator of a transcription 3–dependent pathway. In diabetic mice, OSM neutralization prevented CXCL12 induction and improved granulocyte-colony stimulating factor and ischemia-induced mobilization, SC homing to ischemic muscles, and vascular recovery. In patients with diabetes, BM plasma OSM levels were higher and correlated with the BM-to-PB SC ratio. In conclusion, BMMΦ prevent SC mobilization by OSM secretion, and OSM antagonism is a strategy to restore BM function in diabetes, which can translate into protection mediated by BMSCs.
Micro-macro model for prediction of local temperature distribution in heterogeneous and two-phase media
Authors: Furmański Piotr , Seredyński Mirosław , Łapka Piotr , Banaszek Jerzy
Published: March 2015

Heat flow in heterogeneous media with complex microstructure follows tortuous path and therefore determination of temperature distribution in them is a challenging task. Two-scales, micro-macro model of heat conduction with phase change in such media was considered in the paper. A relation between temperature distribution on the microscopic level, i.e., on the level of details of microstructure, and the temperature distribution on the macroscopic level, i.e., on the level where the properties were homogenized and treated as effective, was derived. The expansion applied to this relation allowed to obtain its more simplified, approximate form corresponding to separation of micro- and macro-scales. Then the validity of this model was checked by performing calculations for 2D microstructure of a composite made of two constituents. The range of application of the proposed micro-macro model was considered in transient states of heat conduction both for the case when the phase change in the material is present and when it is absent. Variation of the effective thermal conductivity with time was considered and a criterion was found for which application of the considered model is justified.
A study of thermal diffusivity of carbon-epoxy and glass-epoxy composites using the modified pulse method
Authors: Terpiłowski Janusz , Piotrowska-Woroniak Joanna , Romanowska Julita
Published: March 2015

Transient heat transfer is studied and compared in two planeparallel composite walls and one EPIDIAN 53 epoxy resin wall acting as a matrix for both composites. The first of the two walls is made of carbonepoxy composite; the other wall is made of glass-epoxy composite, both with comparable thickness of about 1 mm and the same number of carbon and glass fabric layers (four layers). The study was conducted for temperatures in the range of 20-120 °C. The results of the study of thermal diffusivity which characterizes the material as a heat conductor under transient conditions have a preliminary character. Three series of tests were conducted for each wall. Each series took about 24 h. The results from the three series were approximated using linear functions and were found between (0.7-1.35)×10−7m2/s. In the whole range of temperature variation, the thermal diffusivity values for carbon-epoxy composite are from 1.2 to 1.5 times higher than those for the other two materials with nearly the same thermal diffusivity characteristics.
Point Compression and Coordinate Recovery for Edwards Curves over Finite Field
Authors: Justus Benjamin
Published: March 2015

We present two computational approaches for the purpose of point compression and decompression on Edwards curves over the finite field Fp where p is an odd prime. The proposed algorithms allow compression and decompression for the x or y affine coordinates. We also present a x-coordinate recovery algorithm that can be used at any stage of a differential addition chain during the scalar multiplication of a point on the Edwards curve.
On some Concepts of (a; b; c)-Trichotomy for Noninvertible Linear Discrete-Time Systems in Banach Spaces
Authors: Lăpădat Mărioara , Ceauşu Traian , Loloa Raluca Luana
Published: March 2015

This paper considers three general trichotomy concepts for noninvertible linear discrete-time systems in Banach spaces. Characterizations of these concepts are obtained from the point of view of the projections sequences. Some illustrative examples are given in order to prove that these concepts are distinct.
The Bandwidths of a Matrix. A Survey of Algorithms
Authors: Mafteiu-Scai Liviu Octavian
Published: March 2015

The bandwidth, average bandwidth, envelope, profile and antibandwidth of the matrices have been the subjects of study for at least 45 years. These problems have generated considerable interest over the years because of them practical relevance in areas like: solving the system of equations, finite element methods, circuit design, hypertext layout, chemical kinetics, numerical geophysics etc. In this paper a brief description of these problems are made in terms of their definitions, followed by a comparative study of them, using both approaches: matrix geometry and graph theory. Time evolution of the corresponding algorithms as well as a short description of them are made. The work also contains concrete real applications for which a large part of presented algorithms were developed.
Biochemical soil activity in Taxus baccata L. stands in forest reserves and managed forests
Authors: Olszowska Grażyna
Published: March 2015

The aim of these studies was to estimate the enzymatic activity and chemical properties of soils of Taxus baccata L. stands in selected forest reserves as well as in managed forest stands that do not belong to reserves. Furthermore, I compared the soil fertility of both types of forest stand using a biochemical soil quality indicator. The studies were conducted in the following reserves: ‘Bogdanieckie Cisy’, ‘Cisy Rokickie’, ‘Cisy Tychowskie’, ‘Cisy w Czarnem’, as well as in managed forest stands with the same soil and habitat type as the above-mentioned reserves. Analyses showed a lower activity of urease, asparaginase, acid phosphatase and dehydrogenase in soils of the managed forests than in soils of the reserves. The soil nutrient availability given by the total organic carbon, nitrogen, and alkaline cation content as well as soil sorption capacity were significantly lower outside the forest reserves. Chemical and biochemical parameters were used to calculate a biochemical index of soil fertility. The index was higher for soil in forest reserves than for soil in managed forest stands located outside reserves. The result held true regardless of the biochemical parameters used in calculation. As has been shown in previous studies on protected areas with no cultivation that are largely influenced by natural processes, biochemical indices can be very useful for comparative analyses aiming at estimating soil quality or the reaction of soil to external factors, both natural and anthropogenic
The mystery of privity: Grand Trunk Railway Company of Canada v Robinson (1915)
Authors: MacMillan Catharine
Published: March 2015

This article examines a little known decision of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council: Grand Trunk Railway Company of Canada v Robinson (1915). The examination is historical and it provides a different insight into the understanding of privity of contract, a doctrine central to contract law. The examination reveals a process of trans-Atlantic legal migration in which English law was applied to resolve an Ontario case. The nature of the resolution is surprising because it appears to conflict with the better known decision of the House of Lords, Dunlop Pneumatic Tyre Company, Limited v Selfridge and Company, Limited, which a similarly constituted panel delivered in the same week. This article argues that there was a greater malleability in the resolution of cases concerned with privity than was thought to have existed. It is also argued that the power of Canadian railway capitalism is a significant factor in understanding the legal resolution of the case. Finally, the article considers the use of English and American precedents relevant to the case. The application of English precedents to the case led to a resolution not entirely befitting Canadian conditions.
Evaluation of CryoSat-2 derived sea-ice freeboard over fast ice in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica
Authors: Price D. , Beckers J. , Ricker R. , Kurtz N. , Rack W. , Haas C. , Helm V. , Hendricks S. , Leonard G. , Langhorne P.J.
Published: March 2015

Using in situ data from 2011 and 2013, we evaluate the ability of CryoSat-2 (CS-2) to retrieve sea-ice freeboard over fast ice in McMurdo Sound. This provides the first systematic validation of CS-2 in the coastal Antarctic and offers insight into the assumptions currently used to process CS-2 data. European Space Agency Level 2 (ESAL2) data are compared with results of a Waveform Fitting (WfF) procedure and a Threshold-First-Maximum-Retracker-Algorithm employed at 40% (TFMRA40). A supervised freeboard retrieval procedure is used to reduce errors associated with sea surface height identification and radar velocity in snow. We find ESAL2 freeboards located between the ice and snow freeboard rather than the frequently assumed snow/ice interface. WfF is within 0.04 m of the ice freeboard but is influenced by variable snow conditions causing increased radar backscatter from the air/snow interface. Given such snow conditions and additional uncertainties in sea surface height identification, a positive bias of 0.14 m away from the ice freeboard is observed. TFMRA40 freeboards are within 0.03 m of the snow freeboard. The separation of freeboard estimates is primarily driven by the different assumptions of each retracker, although waveform alteration by variations in snow properties and surface roughness is evident. Techniques are amended where necessary, and automatic freeboard retrieval procedures for ESAL2, WfF and TFMRA40 are presented. CS-2 detects annual fast-ice freeboard trends using all three automatic procedures that are in line with known sea-ice growth rates in the region.
Antislavery Orthodoxy: Isaac Nelson and the Free Church of Scotland, c. 1843–65
Authors: Ritchie Daniel
Published: March 2015

The ‘Send back the money’ controversy between the Free Church of Scotland and zealous abolitionists was one of the most important events in nineteenth century Scottish religious history. The Revd Isaac Nelson of Belfast is best remembered for his anti-revivalism and his advocacy of Irish nationalism. What has often been forgotten is the centrality of antislavery to the making of Nelson's controversial reputation, even though he was held in high esteem by abolitionists on both sides of the Atlantic. Accordingly, this article examines his opposition to the Free Church's receipt of monies from and extension of christian fellowship to the slaveholding churches in the United States. It highlights his critique of leading ecclesiastical statesmen, including Thomas Chalmers, William Cunningham and Robert S. Candlish. The essay also considers the sophisticated intellectual critique of chattel slavery that under-girded Nelson's opposition to the policy of the Free Kirk, as well as his evaluation of the nature of proslavery religion in America. By means of a biographical case study of an interesting outsider, this article seeks to provide a lens through which one of the most tragic incidents in Scotland's ecclesiastical past can be freshly examined.
Does the Naked Neck Meat Type Chicken Yield Lower Methionine Requirement Data?
Authors: Khan Daulat , Wecke Christian , Liebert Frank
Published: March 2015

Methionine (Met) requirement studies with homozygous (Na/Na) and heterozygous (Na/na) naked neck meat type chicken utilized 144 birds of average weight (50% each genotype and sex) within two N balance experiments involving both the starter (d10–20) and grower period (d25–35). The birds were randomly allotted to five experimental diets with graded protein supply and Met as the limiting amino acid. The proportion of native feed protein sources (soy protein concentrate, maize, wheat, fishmeal and wheat gluten) was kept constant to ensure a uniform protein quality in all diets. The Met requirement depending on genotype, sex, age period and growth performance (protein deposition) was estimated using a non-linear modeling procedure of N utilization in monogastric animals. On average, 0.47% (Na/Na) and 0.45% (Na/na) dietary Met was established as adequate in the starter diet, as well as 0.37% (Na/Na) and 0.36% (Na/na) Met in the grower diet for both of the sexes. In conclusion, the Met requirement of the naked neck chicken is not significantly different from its normally-feathered counterparts. In addition, the low feather production was not reflected by reduced requirement for Met in naked neck birds. However, these conclusions are valid only at the given Met:Cys ratio (1:1) in the experimental diets.
A Fundamental Scale of Descriptions for Analyzing Information Content of Communication Systems
Authors: Febres Gerardo , Jaffe Klaus
Published: March 2015

The complexity of the description of a system is a function of the entropy of its symbolic description. Prior to computing the entropy of the system’s description, an observation scale has to be assumed. In texts written in artificial and natural languages, typical scales are binary, characters, and words. However, considering languages as structures built around certain preconceived set of symbols, like words or characters, limits the level of complexity that can be revealed analytically. This study introduces the notion of the fundamental description scale to analyze the essence of the structure of a language. The concept of Fundamental Scale is tested for English and musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) music texts using an algorithm developed to split a text in a collection of sets of symbols that minimizes the observed entropy of the system. This Fundamental Scale reflects more details of the complexity of the language than using bits, characters or words. Results show that this Fundamental Scale allows to compare completely different languages, such as English and MIDI coded music regarding its structural entropy. This comparative power facilitates the study of the complexity of the structure of different communication systems.
Design and Energy Performance of a Buoyancy Driven Exterior Shading Device for Building Application in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Kuo-Tsang , Liu Kevin , Liang Han-Hsi
Published: March 2015

Traditional dynamic shading systems are usually driven by electricity for continuously controlling the angle of blind slats to minimize the indoor solar heat gain over times. This paper proposed a novel design of buoyancy driven dynamic shading system, using only minimum amount of electricity. The energy performance and the improved thermal comfort induced by the system were simulated by EnergyPlus for a typical office space under the context of Taiwanese climate. The design processes are composed of three parts: an alterable angle of blind slats that raises the energy performance to be suitable for every orientation, the buoyancy driven transmission mechanism, and a humanized controller that ensures its convenience. The environmental friendly design aspects and control mechanisms to fulfill demands for manufacturing, assembling, maintenance and recycling, etc., were also presented as readily for building application. Besides, the effectiveness of cooling energy saving and thermal comfort enhancing were compared against the cases without exterior blinds and with traditional fixed blinds installed. The results show that the cooling energy is drastically reduced over times and the blind system is effectively enhancing the indoor thermal comfort.
Preservation of Renal Blood Flow by the Antioxidant EUK-134 in LPS-Treated Pigs
Authors: Magder Sheldon , Parthenis Dimitrios , Ghouleh Imad
Published: March 2015

Sepsis is associated with an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), however, the precise role of ROS in the septic process remains unknown. We hypothesized that treatment with EUK-134 (manganese-3-methoxy N,N'-bis(salicyclidene)ethylene-diamine chloride), a compound with superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, attenuates the vascular manifestations of sepsis in vivo. Pigs were instrumented to measure cardiac output and blood flow in renal, superior mesenteric and femoral arteries, and portal vein. Animals were treated with saline (control), lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 10 µg·kg−1·h−1), EUK-134, or EUK-134 plus LPS. Results show that an LPS-induced increase in pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) as well as a trend towards lower blood pressure (BP) were both attenuated by EUK-134. Renal blood flow decreased with LPS whereas superior mesenteric, portal and femoral flows did not change. Importantly, EUK-134 decreased the LPS-induced fall in renal blood flow and this was associated with a corresponding decrease in LPS-induced protein nitrotyrosinylation in the kidney. PO2, pH, base excess and systemic vascular resistance fell with LPS and were unaltered by EUK-134. EUK-134 also had no effect on LPS-associated increase in CO. Interestingly, EUK-134 alone resulted in higher CO, BP, PAP, mean circulatory filling pressure, and portal flow than controls. Taken together, these data support a protective role for EUK-134 in the renal circulation in sepsis.
Identification of Floral Scent in Chrysanthemum Cultivars and Wild Relatives by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Sun Hainan , Zhang Ting , Fan Qingqing , Qi Xiangyu , Zhang Fei , Fang Weimin , Jiang Jiafu , Chen Fadi , Chen Sumei
Published: March 2015

The objective of this study was to identify the major volatile compounds and their relative concentrations in flowers of different chrysanthemum cultivars and their wild relatives. The volatile organic components of fresh flowers were analyzed using a headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In total, 193 volatile organic components were detected; the major scent components were monoterpenoids and oxygenated monoterpenoids, which accounted for 68.59%–99.93% of the total volatiles in all tested materials except for Chrysanthemum indicum collected from Huangshan, in which they accounted for only 37.45% of total volatiles. The major volatile compounds were camphor, α-pinene, chrysanthenone, safranal, myrcene, eucalyptol, 2,4,5,6,7,7ab-hexahydro-1H-indene, verbenone, β-phellandrene and camphene. In a hierarchical cluster analysis, 39 accessions of Chrysanthemum and its relatives formed six clusters based on their floral volatile compounds. In a principal component analysis, only spider type flowers were located closely on the score plot. The results of this study provide a basis for breeding chrysanthemum cultivars which desirable floral scents.
Synthesis, Antiproliferative Activity and Molecular Properties Predictions of Galloyl Derivatives
Authors: Maximo da Silva Marciane , Comin Marina , Santos Duarte Thiago , Foglio Mary , De Carvalho João , Do Carmo Vieira Maria , Nazari Formagio Anelise
Published: March 2015

The present study was designed to investigate the in vitro antiproliferative activity against ten human cancer cell lines of a series of galloyl derivatives bearing substituted-1,3,4-oxadiazole and carbohydrazide moieties. The compounds were also assessed in an in silico study of the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) in the human body using Lipinski’s parameters, the topological polar surface area (TPSA) and percentage of absorption (%ABS). In general, the introduction of N'-(substituted)-arylidene galloyl hydrazides 4–8 showed a moderate antitumor activity, while the 2-methylthio- and 2-thioxo-1,3,4-oxadiazol-5-yl derivatives 9 and 10 led to increased inhibition of cancer cell proliferation. The precursor compound methyl gallate 2 and the intermediary galloyl hydrazide 3 showed greater antiproliferative activity with GI50 values < 5.54 µM against all human tumor cell lines tested. A higher inhibition effect against ovarian cancer (OVCAR-3) (GI50 = 0.05–5.98 µM) was also shown, with compounds 2, 3, 9 and 10 with GI50 ≤ 0.89 µM standing out in this respect. The in silico study revealed that the compounds showed good intestinal absorption.
La recherche française en biogéographie (French research in Biogeography)
Authors: Arnould Paul
Published: March 2015

Résumé - Brève mise au point sur l'état de la recherche française en biogéographie. Bilan des atouts et des handicaps : implications d'une position d'interface, lourdeur des héritages, faiblesse des effectifs, prédominance des travaux hexagonaux, liens trop ténus avec les autres disciplines scientifiques, homéopathie de la représentation dans les structures institutionnelles. Tableau des principaux centres d'intérêts actuels, des concepts, des méthodes et du double outillage naturaliste et culturel. Essai de prospective : besoin de renforcement des liens intra et inter disciplinaires, nécessité d'une ouverture internationale, devoir de passage à l'action, à la communication, à la vulgarisation et à la formation, sans négliger les thèmes à la mode comme «pluies acides», incendies de forêt, biodiversité...
Radiographic and computed tomographic assessment of the development of the antebrachia and elbow joints in Labrador Retrievers with and without medial coronoid disease
Authors: Hazewinkel H. A. W. , Voorhout G. , Lau S. F.
Published: March 2015

Objectives: To compare the development, monitored by radiography and computed tomography, of the antebrachia and elbow joints in seven Labrador Retrievers with healthy elbow joints and in seven Labrador Retrievers that developed medial coronoid disease (MCD), in order to determine whether disturbances in the development of the antebrachia and elbow joints, between the age of six and 17 weeks may lead to medial coronoid disease.

Methods: A prospective study of 14 Labrador Retrievers in their active growth stage was performed. The development of the antebrachia and elbow joints was assessed between six and 17 weeks of age using radio graphy and computed tomography determining the development of secondary ossification centres, radioulnar length ratio, radial angulation, and inter-relationship between the humerus, ulna and radius.

Results: For the parameters of ossification of secondary ossification centres, radioulnar length ratio, radial angulation, and joint congruence evaluation, there was no significant difference in the development of the ante-brachia and elbow joints of seven Labrador Retrievers positive and seven Labrador Retrievers negative for MCD at the age of six to 17 weeks.

Clinical significance: These findings demonstrate that the development of MCD in the Labrador Retrievers in our study was not related to any disturbance in the development of the antebrachia and elbow joints during the rapid growth phase.