bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the relationship between intermediate scale soil moisture and terrestrial evaporation within a semi-arid grassland
Authors: Jana Raghavendra B. , Ershadi Ali , McCabe Matthew F.
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Interactions between soil moisture and terrestrial evaporation affect water cycle behaviour and responses between the land surface and the atmosphere across scales. With strong heterogeneities at the land surface, the inherent spatial variability in soil moisture makes its representation via point-scale measurements challenging, resulting in scale-mismatch when compared to coarser-resolution satellite-based soil moisture or evaporation estimates. The Cosmic Ray Soil Moisture Observing System (COSMOS) was developed to address such issues in the measurement and representation of soil moisture at intermediate scales. Here we present an examination of the links observed between COSMOS soil moisture retrievals and evaporation estimates over a pasture in the semi-arid central-west region of New South Wales, Australia. The COSMOS soil moisture product was compared to evaporation derived from three distinct approaches, including the Priestley-Taylor (PT-JPL), Penman-Monteith (PM-Mu) and Surface Energy Balance System (SEBS) models, driven by forcing data from local meteorological station data and remote sensing retrievals from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor. Pearson’s Correlations, Quantile-Quantile (Q-Q) plots, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate the temporal distributions of soil moisture and evaporation over the study site. The relationships were examined against nearly two years of observation data, as well as for different seasons and for defined periods of analysis. Results highlight that while direct correlations of raw data were not particularly instructive, the Q-Q plots and ANOVA illustrate that the root-zone soil moisture represented by the COSMOS measurements and the modelled evaporation estimates reflect similar distributions under most meteorological conditions. The PT-JPL and PM-Mu model estimates performed contrary to expectation when high soil moisture and cold temperatures were present, while SEBS model estimates displayed a disconnect from the soil moisture distribution in summers with long dry spells. Importantly, no single evaporation model matched the statistical distribution of the measured soil moisture for the entire period, highlighting the challenges in effectively capturing evaporative flux response within changing landscapes.
In situ investigation of rapid subsurface flow: Identification of relevant spatial structures beyond heterogeneity
Authors: Jackisch Conrad , Angermann Lisa , Allroggen Niklas , Sprenger Matthias , Blume Theresa , Weiler Markus , Tronicke Jens , Zehe Erwin
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Rapid subsurface flow in structured soils facilitates fast vertical and lateral redistribution of event water. Despite their significance and omnipresence the related processes are challenging hydrological exploration, monitoring, modeling and theory. One reason for this is that flow processes at high velocities are difficult to observe in the subsurface. Another reason is that advective flow is channeled in distinct connected structures several orders of magnitude smaller than commonly resolved observation volumes. This is the second part of a companion paper with a focus on \\textit{in situ} experimental exploration of rapid subsurface flow. Complementary to the temporal dynamics, this study looks into the identification of spatially organized structures. We present a bottom-up approach with point-scale measurements, plot-scale multi-tracer experiments and a hillslope-scale irrigation experiment. Special emphasis is given to the employed 2D and 3D time-lapse ground penetrating radar monitoring under field conditions on forested, young soils on periglacial slope deposits. The study highlights the difficulty to draw conclusions beyond overall heterogeneity from point observations in a basically unknown and structured domain. We also spotlight the challenge to identify relevant structures based on a single quasi-static exploration. A coherent combination of different hydrological and geophysical methods to monitor the system under driven conditions was key to reduce ambiguity in the identification of hydrologically relevant structures and the overall process understanding.
Evaluating the strength of the land–atmosphere moisture feedback in earth system models using satellite observation
Authors: Levine Paul A. , Randerson James T. , Swenson Sean C. , Lawrence David M.
Published: May 2016

Abstract. The relationship between terrestrial water storage (TWS) and atmospheric processes has important implications for predictability of climatic extremes and projection of future climate change. In places where moisture availability limits evapotranspiration (ET), variability in TWS has the potential to influence surface energy fluxes and atmospheric conditions. Where atmospheric conditions, in turn, influence moisture availability, a full feedback loop exists. Here we developed a novel approach for measuring the strength of both components of this feedback loop, i.e., the forcing of the atmosphere by variability in TWS and the response of TWS to atmospheric variability, using satellite observations of TWS, precipitation, solar radiation, and vapor pressure deficit during 2002–2015. Our approach defines metrics to quantify the relationship between TWS anomalies and climate globally on a seasonal to interannual time scale. Metrics derived from the satellite data were used to evaluate the strength of the feedback loop in 38 members of the Community Earth System Model (CESM) Large Ensemble (LENS) and in six models that contributed simulations to Phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). We found that both forcing and response limbs of the feedback loop in LENS were stronger than in the satellite observations in tropical and temperate regions. Feedbacks in the selected CMIP5 models were not as strong as those found in LENS, but were still generally stronger than those estimated from the satellite measurements. Consistent with previous studies conducted across different spatial and temporal scales, our analysis suggests that models may overestimate the strength of the feedbacks between the land surface and the atmosphere. We describe several possible mechanisms that may contribute to this bias, and discuss pathways through which models may overestimate ET or overestimate the sensitivity of ET to TWS.
The distribution pattern of desert riparian forests and its relationship with soil moisture and soil properties in the low reaches of Heihe River Basin, China
Authors: Ding Jingyi , Zhao Wenwu , Daryanto Stefani , Wang Lixin , Fan Hao , Feng Qiang
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Desert riparian forests are critical habitats that provide a variety of ecosystem services in arid environments. They are also endangered ecosystem types that are sensitive to disturbance and threatened by desertification. Despite of previous studies stressed on the interactions between desert riparian forests and water availability, the lack of comprehensive information on the forests distribution range and their relationship with soil properties constraints further conservation efforts of this community under a changing climate. In this study, vegetation community characteristics, soil moisture and soil properties were investigated within a 3000 m radius around the river channel in the low reaches of Heihe River Basin, northwest China to determine the distribution pattern of desert riparian forests and their relationship with environmental factors. We found that desert riparian forests mainly distributed within the range of 2500 m from the river channel and the first 1000 m was regarded as the optimum range. Five types of vegetation communities were identified based on Two-way Indicator Species Analysis (TWINSPAN) and they gradually shifted from the riparian tree-shrub-herb communities to riparian-desert shrubs with increasing distance from the river channel. Vegetation community coverage and diversity indices formed bimodal patterns while community height and density declined significantly as the distance from the river increased. Soil moisture, soil physical properties, and soil nutrition explained 53.6 % of the variance in community characteristics and different environment variables influenced different community characteristics. Soil moisture, accounting for 62.7 % of the total explanation, mainly influenced the community coverage and density. Soil physical properties (e.g., bulk density, soil particle composition) exerted influence on shrub layer, while soil nutrition mainly affected community richness. With surface (0–30 cm) and deep (100–200 cm) soil moisture, bulk density and total phosphorus regarded as major determining factors in the community structure and diversity, conservation measures that protect the soil structure and prevent soil moisture deficiency (e.g., artificial soil cover and water conveyance channel) were suggested to better protect the desert riparian forests under climate change and intensive human disturbance.
INSYDE: a synthetic, probabilistic flood damage model based on explicit cost analysis
Authors: Dottori Francesco , Figueiredo Rui , Martina Mario , Molinari Daniela , Scorzini Anna Rita
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Methodologies to estimate economic flood damages are increasingly important for flood risk assessment and management. In this work, we present a new synthetic flood damage model based on a component-by-component analysis of physical damage to buildings. The damage functions are designed using an expert-based approach with the support of existing scientific and technical literature, and have been calibrated with loss adjustment studies and damage surveys carried out for past flood events in Italy. The model structure is designed to be transparent and flexible, and therefore it can be applied in different geographical contexts and adapted to the actual knowledge of hazard and vulnerability variables. The model has been tested in a recent flood event in Northern Italy. Validation results provided good estimates of post-event damages, with better performances than most damage models available in the literature. In addition, a local sensitivity analysis has been performed, in order to identify the hazard variables that have more influence on damage assessment results.
Three-dimensional structural model of the Qaidam basin: Implications for crustal shortening and growth of the northeast Tibet
Authors: Guo Jianming , Wei Xuebing , Long Guohui , Wang Bo , Xu Shiyang
Published: May 2016

Abstract. We reconstruct the main geological structures and surfaces in three dimensions through the interpolation of regularly spaced 2D seismic sections, constrained by wells data and surface geology of the Qaidam basin to reconstruct Cenozoic tectonic history of the Qaidam basin and decipher how the Tibetan plateau was formed. This study presents the subsurface data in conjunction with observations and analysis of the stratigraphic and sedimentary evolution. The Cenozoic deformation history of the Qaidam basin shows geologic synchroneity with uplifting history of the Tibet Plateau. It is therefore proposed that the deformation and uplifting in the south and north edges of the Tibet Plateau was almost synchronous. The total shortening and shortening rate during Cenozoic reached 25.5 km and 11.2 % respectively across the Qaidam basin, indicating that the loss of the left-lateral strike slip rates of the Altyn Tagh fault has been structurally transformed into local crustal thickening across NW-trending folds and thrust faults. Meanwhile there is an about 10° vertical component along the strike-slip Altyn Tagh fault, the block oblique slip shows one more growth mechanism of the northeast Tibet.
Decreased Hyaluronan Concentration during Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment
Authors: Kaprinis Konstantinos , Symeonidis Chrysanthos , Papakonstantinou Eleni , Tsinopoulos Ioannis , Dimitrakos Stavros A.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the concentration and molecular weight of hyaluronan (HA) polysaccharides as well as hyaluronidase activity in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).

Methods

Twenty vitreous samples from 20 patients with RRD and 19 samples from 19 patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane, macular hole, or vitreomacular traction syndrome were collected during surgical management with pars plana vitrectomy. The molecular weight of various HA fragments was assessed using agarose gel electrophoresis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed for the measurement of HA (in μg/mL). Hyaluronidase activity was evaluated using substrate (HA) sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

Results

Agarose gel electrophoresis showed that the vitreous of the control group contained HA of high molecular mass, in contrast with the patient group. Mean HA concentration in the patient group was 50.96 μg/mL and differed significantly from that of the control group, which was 271.81 μg/mL (p<0.0005). Hyaluronidase activity was significantly higher in the vitreous of patients with RRD (p = 0.037).

Conclusions

The vitreous of patients with RRD is characterized by decreased HA concentration compared to controls of the same age and sex and shows higher hyaluronidase catalytic activity. Hyaluronan degradation could be associated with specific vitreous alterations that potentially contribute to retinal break formation and consequently detachment.
Predictors of Unsuccessful Outcome in Cemented Femoral Revisions Using Bone Impaction Grafting; Cox Regression Analysis of 208 Cases
Authors: te Stroet Martijn A.J. , Rijnen Wim H.C. , Gardeniers Jean W.M. , Schreurs B. Willem , Hannink Gerjon
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Despite improvements in the technique of femoral impaction bone grafting, reconstruction failures still can occur. Therefore, the aim of our study was to determine risk factors for the endpoint re-revision for any reason.

Methods

We used prospectively collected demographic, clinical and surgical data of all 202 patients who underwent 208 femoral revisions using the X-change Femoral Revision System (Stryker-Howmedica), fresh-frozen morcellised allograft and a cemented polished Exeter stem in our department from 1991 to 2007. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to identify potential factors associated with re-revision.

Results

The mean follow-up was 10.6 (5-21) years. The cumulative re-revision rate was 6.3% (13/208). After univariable selection, sex, age, body mass index (BMI), American Association of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, type of removed femoral component, and mesh used for reconstruction were included in multivariable regression analysis. In the multivariable analysis, BMI was the only factor that was significantly associated with the risk of re-revision after bone impaction grafting (BMI ≥30 vs. BMI <30, HR = 6.54 [95% CI 1.89-22.65]; p = 0.003).

Conclusions

BMI was the only factor associated with the risk of re-revision for any reason. Besides BMI also other factors, such as Endoklinik score and the type of removed femoral component, can provide guidance in the process of preclinical decision making. With the knowledge obtained from this study, pre-operative patient selection, informed consent, and treatment protocols can be better adjusted to the individual patient who needs to undergo a femoral revision with impaction bone grafting.
Functional Outcomes of Total Hip Arthroplasty in Patients Aged 30 Years or Less: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Walker Roland P. , Gee Matthew , Wong Fabian , Shah Zameer , George Marc , Bankes Marcus J.K. , Ajuied Adil
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Young adult hip surgery is a growing subspecialty. Increasingly total hip arthroplasty (THA) is offered to patients aged 30 or less suffering from end-stage hip arthropathy from a variety of congenital, developmental and acquired conditions. There is a paucity of evidence to advise such patients and surgeons alike on the functional outcomes of THA in this age group, as individual studies tend to include small cohorts.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to assess whether THA in patients aged 30 years or less provides significant functional improvement. The primary outcome measure was change in Harris Hip Score. Secondary outcome measures were implant survivorship and the effect of fixation type and bearing surface.

Results

The results of 743 primary THA procedures were included. Weighted mean patient age was 22.7 years. Harris Hip Score improved by a weighted mean difference of 42.17 points out of 100 (95% confidence interval, 36.48-47.86 points, p<0.001) after THA at a weighted mean follow-up of 8.4 years. Pooled revision rate was 5.0% for the same time period.

Conclusions

This is the largest review to date of THA in patients aged 30 or less. The results show significant functional improvement measured by Harris Hip Score. The revision rate of 5% at 8.4 years is comparable to the general THA population. This contrasts high revision rates reported in older reviews of the literature, suggesting adoption of improved techniques and implants in the more recent literature.
Infiltrative Therapy as Conservative Treatment in HIP Osteoarthritis: A Literature Review
Authors: Rani Nicola , Sabbioni Giacomo , Mazzotta Alessandro , Rocchi Martina , Stagni Cesare , Filanti Mattia , Dallari Dante
Published: May 2016

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a very common disease, its prevalence increases with age and is a frequent cause of disability.

Osteoarthritis is characterised by joint pain, stiffness and loss of range of motion. Overall, as many as 40% of those aged over 65 years in the community may have symptomatic OA of the knee or hip ( 1 ). OA results from a complex interaction of biomechanical and biochemical factors and is characterised by cartilage disruption and hypertrophy of bone. Intraarticular proinflammatory cytokines and proteinases in OA interfere with the synthesis of hyaluronic acid (HA), a complex glycosaminoglycan composed of repeated disaccharide units to form a linear polymer, resulting in an HA with a significantly reduced molecular weight and a reduction in synovial fluid viscoelasticity ( 2 - 3 ). Loss of normal characteristics of HA leads to the degradation of the articular cartilage and the disruption of the mechanical and homeostasis of the joint.

Several pharmaceutical approaches, such as analgesics, non steroidal antiinflammatory drugs, COX-2 inhibitors and steroids, have been proposed ( 4 ), with the aim of reducing pain and maintaining and/or improving joint function. However, none of these options has shown to delay the progression of osteoarthritis or reverse joint damage.

Infiltrative hip therapy involves injecting into the joint the drugs or medicinal substances that are used primarily to control the symptoms of the disease, such as pain and functional limitation.

The aim of this review is to analyse existing infiltrative alternatives for hip osteoarthritis, and describe our experience.
Current Concepts of Inguinal-Related and Adductor-Related Groin Pain
Authors: Dimitrakopoulou Alexandra , Schilders Ernest
Published: May 2016

Groin pain encompasses a number of conditions from the lower abdomen, inguinal region, proximal adductors, hip joint, upper anterior thigh and perineum. The complexity of the anatomy, the heterogeneous terminology and the overlapping symptoms of different conditions that may co-exist epitomise the challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Inguinal-related and adductor-related pain is the most common cause of groin pain and will be discussed in this article.
The Role of Arthroscopy in the Treatment of Groin Pain after Total HIP Arthroplasty: Our Experience
Authors: Filanti Mattia , Carubbi Chiara , Del Piccolo Nicolandrea , Rani Nicola , Mazzotta Alessandro , Dallari Dante
Published: May 2016

Aim

The purpose of the study was to present our arthroscopic surgical technique and the results in patient with pain after a hip replacement.

Methods

Between November 2009 and September 2011, 35 patients with groin pain after total hip arthroplasty (THA) were treated arthroscopically. The patients underwent a preoperative examination consisting in careful history, physical examination, laboratory evaluation, diagnostic evaluation using x-rays and pelvis CT scans. In patients for whom the clinical picture suggested iliopsoas tendonitis, we also performed injection of local anaesthetic on the iliopsoas tendon sheath. All the patients were positioned in the supine decubitus position with traction applied, using 2 arthroscopic portals (AL, MID-A). An extensive debridement of adhesions, periprosthetic tissue and neocapsula were performed; when there were signs of iliopsoas impingement, a transcapsular tenotomy was performed according to Wettstein technique.

Results

The average age was 57 (29-77) years old. The average time to onset of symptoms was 10.8 (5-15) months after THA. The average preoperative Harris Hip Score (HHS) was 44.1 (range 32-56). The average preoperative Medical Research Council (MRC) scale for muscle strenght was 3.27 (range 3-4). After 24 months of follow-up patients show an average HHS of 75.73 (range 50-91). Patients who underwent iliopsoas release show a postoperative HHS of 83.28 (range 61-91). The average postoperative MRC scale was 4.45.

Conclusions

Hip arthroscopy in treatment of reactive synovitis and adhesions shows good results according to literature. Hip arthroscopy in treatment of anterior iliopsoas impingement is the most useful instrument, being less invasive than the classic open technique.
Short-Term Ventricular Assist Device as a Bridge to Decision in Cardiogenic Shock: Is It a Justified Strategy?
Authors: Zeriouh Mohamed , Mohite Prashant , Rai Binu , Sabashnikov Anton , Fatullayev Javid , Saez Diana Garcia , Zych Bartrlomiej , Ghodsizad Ali , Rahmanian Parwis , Choi Yeong-Hoon , Wahlers Thorsten , Simon Andre R. , Popov Aran F. , Koch Achim
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Low cardiac output syndrome is associated with significant mortality. In patients with refractory low cardiac output left ventricular assist devices (VAD) are used to re-establish cardiac output and to prevent death. However, long-term LVAD implantation in these is complicated by a high rate of right heart failure and mortality. Therefore, our strategy is to implant a short-term VAD (left or biventricular) as a bridge to decission.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed data from 66 patients who received a short-term LVAD support prior to implantation of a long-term LVAD or HTx between 2003 and 2014. We performed short-term LVAD (CentriMag; Thoratec) implantation via median sternotomy with percutaneous cannulas. Patients were included regardless of perioperative status and severity of heart failure. Patients suffering postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock, receiving isolated RVAD as well as posttransplant patients were excluded from this study.

Results

Mean duration of support in the survivor group was 35 ± 25 days versus 25 ± 25 days in the nonsurvivor group (n.s.), range from 1 to 109 days. The overall survival on support was 40 (60%) patients. In the survivor group 12 patients could be successfully weaned from the system, 12 patients received a heart transplant and in 16 a long-term VAD was implanted. In the nonsurvivor group the rate of pre-operative extracorporeal life support, the rate of postoperative renal failure and multiorgan failure was significantly higher.

Conclusions

Thanks to its capacity for full ventricular support, short-term univentricular or biventricular LevotronixCentriMag VAD currently represents an ideal solution for bridge-to-decision.
The Design of a Modular Voluntary Opening Prosthetic Hand: Ongoing Research and Preliminary Results
Authors: El-Sheikh Mogeeb A. , Taher Mona F.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

This work presents the mechanical design of an artificial hand in order to address the need for a commercially feasible prosthetic hand.

Methods

The hand has 3 compliant fingers and a thumb attached to a reconfigurable palm. The fingers and palm are a novel design, which is based on the natural arches of the hand. The design is modular, minimizing the number of parts and reducing assembly time.

Results

This hand and the expandable socket are designed for transradial amputees. It has 9 degrees of freedom (DOFs), 2 of them for the reconfigurable palm. The kinematics and adequate excursion for the fingers and palm are illustrated by finite element method (FEM).

Conclusions

The study implements the mechanical parts by using rapid prototyping to assess preliminary results.
Prognostic and Predictive Value of Serum C-Reactive Protein Levels in Patients with Metastatic Or Locally Recurrent Gastric Cancer
Authors: Chen Zhigang , Sun Yongchen , Wang Ji , Shen Xudong , Chen Lei , Zhuang Zhixiang
Published: May 2016

Background and Aims

Increasing evidence suggests that elevated serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) are associated with poor survival in many malignant tumors. However, the prognostic value of CRP in advanced gastric cancer (AGC) remains uncertain. This study was undertaken to evaluate the significance of serum CRP as a biomarker of long-term survival in patients with AGC.

Methods

The serum CRP levels of AGC patients were analyzed for clinicopathological significance. Data were collected retrospectively for 244 patients treated between October 1, 2006 and September 30, 2013. The prognostic effect of serum CRP levels was evaluated.

Results

The baseline CRP level before chemotherapy was significantly associated with overall survival. The median survival was 351 days for patients with CRP ≥10 mg/L and 370 days for patients with CRP c10 mg/L (p = 0.033). Cox analysis revealed CRP to be an independent prognostic factor for overall survival. In the 93 patients whose baseline CRP was ≥10 mg/L, a cutoff point of 22% for the CRP declining rate provided optimum sensitivity and specificity for 1-year survival based on ROC curves. A CRP declining rate >22% was found to predict longer overall survival (410 days versus 299 days; p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Elevated serum CRP baseline levels before chemotherapy were associated with reduced overall survival in patients with AGC. The CRP declining rate was also associated with overall survival. The CRP baseline concentration before chemotherapy and CRP declining rate after chemotherapy may be used as novel, widely available and real-time independent prognostic and predictive markers of AGC.
Body Mass Index and Clinical Benefit of Fulvestrant in Postmenopausal Women with Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Gevorgyan Arpine , Bregni Giacomo , Galli Giulia , Ganzinelli Monica , Martinetti Antonia , Lo Vullo Salvatore , Mariani Luigi , Festinese Fabrizio , Sottotetti Elisa , de Braud Filippo , Di Cosimo Serena
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Obesity is a known risk factor for breast cancer and has been linked to increased risk of recurrence and death in breast cancer patients. Little is known about the predictive value of obesity. As endocrine therapy is widely used for breast cancer treatment worldwide, we aimed at correlating baseline body mass index (BMI) with clinical benefit derived from fulvestrant in postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer.

Methods

We analyzed consecutive patients treated with fulvestrant in our center between January 2009 and March 2015. Patients were categorized as normal (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 25-29 kg/m2) and obese (BMI >30 kg/m2). The antitumor activity of fulvestrant was evaluated in terms of the clinical benefit rate (CBR).

Results

Seventy-five consecutive patients matched the eligibility criteria for analysis. Fulvestrant was administered as first-line therapy in 4 (5%) cases, as second line in 27 (36%) and as third line and beyond in 44 (59%) cases. According to BMI, 44 (59%) patients were classified as normal weight, 19 (25%) as overweight, and 12 (16%) as obese. No difference in estrogen receptor expression was found in relation to BMI. CBR was 53% overall, but rose to 70.5% in normal-weight patients and dropped to 31.6% and 25% in overweight and obese patients, respectively (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Increased BMI has a negative influence on treatment outcome. Even with the limitation of the relatively small sample size, it appears that patients of normal weight are 2.5-fold more likely to benefit from fulvestrant as overweight and obese patients.
The Clinicopathological Significance of Jagged1 and DLL4 in Gallbladder Cancer
Authors: Luo Yuan , Yang Zhu-lin , Wang Chunwei , Miao Xiongying , Liu Zhiyu , Li Daiqiang , Zou Qiong , Li Jinghe , Liang Lufeng , Zeng Guixiang , Chen Senlin
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Gallbladder cancers (GBCs) are highly aggressive gastrointestinal cancers with high mortality. Biological markers for the diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted therapy of GBCs have not been established.

Methods

The protein expression of Jagged1 and DLL4 in 80 adenocarcinomas (AC) and 46 squamous cell/adenosquamous carcinomas (SC/ASCs) was measured using immunohistochemistry.

Results

Positive Jagged1 and DLL4 expression in both SC/ASC and AC was significantly associated with poor differentiation, large tumor size, invasion, metastasis, and low surgical curability. Univariate Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that positive Jagged1 and DLL4 expression was significantly associated with mean survival of SC/ASC and AC patients. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that positive Jagged1 and DLL4 expression, as well as poor differentiation, large tumor size, high TNM stage, invasion, lymph node metastasis, and low surgical curability are independent poor prognostic factors in both SC/ASC and AC patients.

Conclusions

Positive Jagged1 and DLL4 expression is closely correlated with severe clinicopathological characteristics and poor prognosis in patients with SC/ASC and patients with AC.
Mundo como depósito - uma abordagem heideggeriana
Authors: Veiga Itamar Soares , Cesco Marcelo Lucas
Published: May 2016

resumo: Este artigo tem como foco a influência e o domínio da tecnologia no nosso mundo atual. Através de um acompanhamento da reflexão de Heidegger sobre a técnica, buscamos responder a seguinte questão: o mundo, tomado como subsistência, é ele próprio o resultado de uma visão de mundo? Para alcançar uma resposta, primeiramente interrogamos os delineamentos de mundos, a partir do tema das visões de mundo. Encontramos, assim, o tema da postura humana enquanto elemento principal. Em segundo lugar, acompanhamos a crítica de Heidegger à ciência moderna e à técnica, na qual constatamos uma ambiguidade fundamental na postura da Serenidade (Gelassenheit). Diante desse contexto, a resposta para o questionamento principal é afirmativa: o mundo enquanto subsistência é o resultado de uma visão de mundo. Contudo, uma inevitável participação do homem na atividade de “armazenamento”, conduz a uma esperança de reversão no processo de dominação da técnica.abstract: This article focuses on the influence and dominance of technique in our world  today.  By  an  incursion  in  Heidegger’s  reflection  on  technique,  we  seek  to answer the following question: is the world itself, taken as subsistence, the result of a worldview? To reach an answer, first, we question the outlining of worlds from the matter of worldviews. We find thus the theme of human posture as the main element. Secondly, we follow Heidegger’s critique of modern science and technique, where we see a fundamental ambiguity in the position of Serenity (Gelassenheit). In this context, the answer to the main question is affirmative: the world as subsistence is the result of a worldview.  However, an  inevitable  human participation  in  the  activity  of “storage” leads to a hope of reversing technique’s domination process.
INDIVÍDUO E IMPLEXA INDIVIDUAÇÃO
Authors: Orlandi Luiz
Published: May 2016

resumo: O texto visa valorizar aspectos promissores do encontro filosófico entre Gilles Deleuze e Gilbert Simondon em torno da recriação do problema da individuação e da ênfase na problemática das disparações intensivas.abstract: The text aims to enrich promising aspects of the philosophical encounter between Gilles Deleuze and Gilbert Simondon around the recreation of the individuation problem and the emphasis in the intensive disparitions problematic.
KANT E A METAFÍSICA "CRÍTICA" DA NATUREZA
Authors: Kosbiau Trevisan Diego
Published: May 2016

O objetivo do artigo é examinar os Primeiros Princípios Metafísicos da Ciência da Natureza de Kant, obra-chave para a interpretação das filosofias da natureza do idealismo alemão, no interior d’“A Arquitetônica da Razão Pura”, a saber, como uma metafísica aplicada da substância corporal. Para tanto será inicialmente discutida a distinção, feita no prefácio à obra, entre uma parte transcendental e outra metafísico-específica da metafísica da natureza, surgindo aqui a concepção de matéria enquanto movente no espaço como conceito empírico mínimo para a constituição do objeto de uma metafísica da substância corporal. Na sequência, a oposição entre princípios transcendentais e princípios metafísicos será abordada como crucial para compreender como os princípios transcendentais da Crítica da Razão Pura se transformam nos princípios da física newtoniana. Por fim, analisa-se como a metafísica da natureza exemplifica a ideia de uma realização dos princípios transcendentais como passagem para a empiria.
Crítica do juízo teleológico e organismo em Kant e Schelling
Authors: Assumpção Gabriel Almeida
Published: May 2016

A Crítica da faculdade de julgar (1790) foi recebida com entusiasmo pelos filósofos do idealismo alemão. No caso de Friedrich Schelling, as duas partes da obra foram influentes, de modo que não só a estética kantiana, mas também a teleologia foi marcante em sua trajetória filosófica. Observaremos como o filósofo de Leonberg acolhe, na Introdução às Ideias para uma filosofia da natureza (1797), a noção kantiana de organismo como dotado de autocausalidade, mas pensa-a nos quadros de uma filosofia pós-kantiana, buscando prescindir das noções de juízo reflexionante e também da ideia de “natureza como arte” (Natur als Kunst) para se pensar o organismo. Como Schelling vincula essa noção com a proposta de se pensar a unidade entre natureza e espírito a partir do próprio sujeito, e não de algo exterior a ele? Como Kant reagiria a tal proposta?The Critique of Judgment (1790) was enthusiastically received by the German Idealists. In the case of Friedrich Schelling, both divisions of the work were influent, thus resulting that not only Kantian aesthetics, but also the teleology was a landmark in his philosophical itinerary. We attempt to observe how the philosopher of Leonberg receives, in the Introduction to the Ideas for a Philosophy of Nature (1797), the Kantian conception of organism as endowed with self-causality, but at the same time thinks it within the frame of a post-Kantian philosophy, leaving aside the reflective judgment and also the idea of nature as a product of art (Natur als Kunst) in order to think the organism. How does Schelling connect this notion with the proposal to think the unity between nature and spirit based on the own subject, and not on something external to it? How would Kant react to such a proposal?
Explicar ou interpretar: Kant e Herder, entre a filosofia e a ciência
Authors: Fragelli Isabel Coelho
Published: May 2016

O presente artigo traz um estudo comparativo das obras de Herder e de Kant, no qual se pretende mostrar como cada um deles compreendia as relações (isto é, as diferenças e as semelhanças) entre o discurso próprio da ciência e o discurso próprio da filosofia. A fim de elucidar as especificidades de cada um desses dois tipos de discurso nas obras de ambos os autores, assumiremos, como ponto de partida de nossa análise, a diferenciação entre "explicar" e "interpretar" feita por Gerard Lebrun, em uma passagem de seu livro Kant e o fim da metafísica. Veremos, por um lado, de que modo Kant procura demarcar os limites entre o discurso "explicativo" próprio do conhecimento científico e o discurso "interpretativo" próprio do saber filosófico; e, por outro, como Herder dissolve essa distinção entre os dois tipos de discurso ao afirmar a existência de uma continuidade entre as faculdades da mente humana (opondo-se, com isso, ao dualismo da filosofia crítica).
Hegel e a contradição na natureza
Authors: Barrére Martin Luiz Fernando
Published: May 2016

A contradição é um conceito central para que se compreenda o desenvolvimento dialético da filosofia de Hegel. Desde a Antiguidade é debatido pelos filósofos se a contradição seria ou não uma anomalia a ser combatida quando se pensa na possibilidade da constituição de um discurso acerca das coisas e qual o seu alcance. No que se refere a Hegel, a contradição não está presente apenas no domínio dos conceitos, mas também na natureza. O que pretendemos aqui é apreender o significado dessa contradição na natureza e do conceito de movimento que dela deriva. Para tanto, primeiro acompanharemos certos aspectos dessa temática no debate de Hegel com alguns autores da Antiguidade e a seguir trataremos da exposição hegeliana do mesmo tema na Filosofia da Natureza da Enciclopédia a partir da dedução do conceito de tempo.The contradiction is a central concept in order to understand the dialectical development of Hegel's philosophy. Since ancient times is debated by philosophers if the contradiction would or wouldn’t be an anomaly to be fought when considering the possibility of setting up a speech about things and what its scope is. With regard to Hegel, the contradiction is not only present in the field of concepts, but also in the nature. What we intend here is to grasp the significance of this contradiction in the nature and the concept of movement derived from it. For this, first we will follow certain aspects of this theme in Hegel’s discussion with some authors of antiquity and then dealing with the hegelian exposition of the same theme in the Philosophy of Nature of the Encyclopaedia from the deduction of the concept of time.
CONSTRUÇÃO, CRIAÇÃO E PRODUÇÃO NA FILOSOFIA DA NATUREZA DE SCHELLING
Authors: Ferreira Gonçalves Márcia Cristina
Published: May 2016

Este artigo apresenta três teses fundamentais desenvolvidas por Friedrich Schelling (1775-1854) em seu sistema de Filosofia da Natureza (entre 1797 e 1803): (1) A primeira responde à questão levantada por Kant sobre a possibilidade da construção na filosofia; (2) a segunda baseia-se na interpretação do jovem Schelling sobre a teoria platônica sobre a criação da natureza; (3) a terceira afirma a produtividade da natureza, com inspiração no conceito spinosana de natura naturans.
O alcance especulativo da vida em Hegel
Authors: Da Silva Márcia Zebina Araújo
Published: May 2016

No início do capítulo sobre a vida, na Ciência da Lógica, Hegel nos adverte sobre a especificidade da vida enquanto ideia lógica e o quanto ela deve ser diferenciada da vida na Filosofia da Natureza, e da sua relação com o espírito. Neste trabalho, nos propomos perscrutar o estatuto da vida enquanto ideia lógica e explorar algumas de suas consequências especulativas, (i) como a categoria fundamental para a questão do conhecimento, (ii) que nos permite pensar a filosofia de Hegel como holista.At the beginning of the chapter on life in the Science of Logic, Hegel warns us about the specificity of life as a logical idea and how it should be differentiated from life in the Philosophy of Nature, and its relationship with the spirit. In this paper, we propose to scrutinize the status of life as a logical idea and explore some of its speculative consequences, (i) as the fundamental category for the question of knowledge, (ii) that allows us to think the philosophy of Hegel as holistic.
Editorial
Authors: Da Silva Márcia Zebina Araújo
Published: May 2016

Editorial
Marx, Habermas e os novos sentidos das lutas pela emancipação da dominação
Authors: Melo Rurion
Published: May 2016

O presente artigo analisa como Jürgen Habermas, ao debater com a obra de Karl Marx, procura enriquecer o conceito de práxis para além de um modelo de ação baseado unicamente no trabalho ou na atividade produtiva. Com isso, pretendemos ressaltar as consequências que essa teoria ampliada da práxis social tem para um renovado diagnóstico das lutas emancipatórias no presente e da gramática dos conflitos sociais. Um conceito renovado de práxis social, isto é, uma reconstrução dos próprios conceitos fundamentais do materialismo histórico a partir de uma outra “teoria da ação”, permitiria à teoria crítica entender de que modo os novos movimentos sociais eles mesmos vieram desfazer a imagem produtivista de sociedade, propondo simultaneamente novos sentidos para as lutas emancipatórias contra formas diferenciadas de dominação.
O Novo Objeto do Mundo - Marx, Adorno e a forma valor
Authors: Maar Wolfgang Leo
Published: May 2016

A relação entre Marx e a Teoria Crítica não se esgota numa mera influência ou leitura. Os representantes da primeira geração de “frankfurtianos” procuram refletir como Marx os problemas de seu tempo. Nas obras de Max Horkheimer e Herbert Marcuse, entre outros, e especialmente nas contribuições de crítica social e cultural de Theodor Adorno, ocorre uma atualização do pensamento de Marx, tendo em vista a sociedade de massas contemporânea no atual estágio do desenvolvimento capitalista. Ao proceder dessa forma, a Teoria Crítica enfatiza o pioneirismo de Marx, que descobre e apreende teoricamente, a nova objetividade social do capitalismo: a forma valor como novo objeto do mundo capitalista, objetividade “falsa” porém simultaneamente dotada de poder real efetivo. Este novo objeto do mundo, tendo em vista o seu caráter de inversão e deslocamento social, impõe a necessidade da dialética como sua apresentação e, ao mesmo tempo, sua crítica.
A presença da indústria cultural no cenário musical em Manaus na década de 1960
Authors: Afonso Lucyanne De Melo , Zago Rosemara Staub de Barros
Published: May 2016

A pesquisa faz a descrição e a análise da vida musical na cidade deManaus na década de 1960. As inter-relações socioculturais existentes entreo jornal, o cinema e o rádio motivaram muitos jovens a realizar dublagensnos clubes da cidade, o que levou a organização do Festival de Dublagemnos anos de 1965 e 1966, mobilizou os clubes e artistas e, teve comopatrocinadores o comércio, as gravadoras e a Loja de Disco Novidades queatuaram neste Festival com objetivos lucrativos. Entretanto, os artistastinham conhecimento dos objetivos da indústria cultural em função dofestival, mas também almejavam a sua fama e o seu reconhecimento.
Renovação estética na música do Rio Grande do Sul entre as décadas de 1920 e 1940: iniciativas pontuais ou um movimento articulado?
Authors: Benetti Gustavo Frosi
Published: May 2016

Pretende-se discutir, por meio deste artigo, o processo derenovação estética na música sul-rio-grandense entre as décadas de 1920 e1940, representado pelos compositores Armando Albuquerque, RadamésGnattali, Luiz Cosme e Natho Henn. Para tanto, compõem o referencialpesquisado escritos dos compositores investigados, de estudiosos da épocaem questão e também de críticos posteriores. Observou-se indícios dearticulação dos referidos compositores em torno de ideais estéticos comuns,e também um alinhamento ao âmbito literário correspondente.
Species of the genus Chrysotus Meigen, 1824 (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) from Japan, with descriptions of two new species
Authors: Negrobov Oleg P. , Kumazawa Tatsunori , Tago Toshihiro , Fursov Viktor N.
Published: May 2016

Two new species of the genus Chrysotus Meigen, 1824 are described: Ch. masunagai Negrobov, Kumazawa, Tago sp. nov and Ch. saigusai Negrobov, Kumazawa & Tago sp. nov. Chrysotus parilis Parent, 1926 is recorded from Japan for the first time. An identification key to all known species of the genus Chrysotus of Japan is presented together with a tree diagram showing relationships among them.
Celebrate Mathematical Curiosity
Authors: Redford Christine B.
Published: May 2016

Spark the next generation's natural inquisitiveness, put the Process Standards into action, and capitalize on teachable moments to foster conceptual understanding.
Q-switched mode-locked and azimuthally polarized Nd:GdVO4 laser with semiconductor saturable absorber mirror
Authors: Hong Kun-Guei , Hung Bi-Jin , Lin Shih-Ting , Wei Ming-Dar
Published: May 2016

A Q-switched mode-locked Nd:GdVO4 laser with azimuthal polarization was generated using a semiconductor saturable absorber mirror. On the basis of the birefringence of the laser crystal inducing different equivalent lengths for ordinary and extraordinary rays, beams were azimuthally polarized around the edge of a stable cavity region. At a pump power of 9 W, the repetition rate and width for the Q-switched envelope were 318 kHz and 0.91 µs, and the mode-locked pulse repetition rate and pulse width were 455 MHz and 65 ps, respectively. The degree of polarization was controllable up to 95.4 ± 1.4%.
Exciton–exciton scattering in perovskite CH3NH3PbBr3 single crystal
Authors: Kunugita Hideyuki , Kiyota Yuki , Udagawa Yosuke , Takeoka Yuko , Nakamura Yuiga , Sano Junro , Matsushita Tomonori , Kondo Takashi , Ema Kazuhiro
Published: May 2016

We have measured photoluminescence spectra in CH3NH3PbBr3 at low temperatures and found a nonlinear emission at the lower energy side of the exciton resonance. Considering that this signal shows a rapid decay, we have assigned it as originating from the exciton–exciton inelastic scattering process called P-emission. The energy difference between this P-emission and the free exciton resonance is 20–30 meV, which is consistent with recent studies of the exciton binding energy.
Metal-catalyzed electroless etching and nanoimprinting silicon nanowire-based solar cells: Silicon nanowire defect reduction and efficiency enhancement by two-step H2 annealing
Authors: Jevasuwan Wipakorn , Nakajima Kiyomi , Sugimoto Yoshimasa , Fukata Naoki
Published: May 2016

The effects of H2 annealing on material properties including defects of silicon nanowire (SiNW) surface and Si film layer for solar cell application were investigated. Single-junction solar cells consisting of n-SiNWs and chemical vapor deposition grown p-Si matrix were demonstrated using two-step H2 annealing. n-SiNWs formed by two different methods of metal-catalyzed electroless etching and nanoimprinting followed by the Bosch process were compared. Two-step H2 annealing at 900 °C for 10 min after both n-SiNW formations and subsequent p-Si matrix deposition effectively improved SiNW surface and p-Si crystallinity, resulting in higher solar cell efficiency.
Metal–insulator transition of valence-controlled VO2 thin film prepared by RF magnetron sputtering using oxygen radical
Authors: Suetsugu Takaaki , Shimazu Yuichi , Tsuchiya Takashi , Kobayashi Masaki , Minohara Makoto , Sakai Enju , Horiba Koji , Kumigashira Hiroshi , Higuchi Tohru
Published: May 2016

We have prepared b-axis-oriented VO2 thin films by RF magnetron sputtering using oxygen radicals as the reactive gas. The VO2 thin films consist of a mixed-valence V3+/V4+ state formed by oxygen vacancies. The V3+ ratio strongly depends on the film thickness and the oxygen partial pressure of the radical gun during deposition. The lattice constant of the b-axis increases and the metal–insulator transition (MIT) temperature decreases with decreasing V3+ ratio, although the VO2 thin films with a high V3+ ratio of 42% do not exhibit MIT. The bandwidths and spectral weights of V 3d a1g and

bands at around the Fermi level, which correspond to the insulating phase at 300 K, are smaller in the VO2 thin films with a low V3+ ratio. These results indicate that the control of the mixed-valence V3+/V4+ state is important for the MIT of b-axis-oriented VO2 thin films.