bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and Safety of Rituximab for Refractory and Relapsing Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: A Cohort of 10 Cases
Authors: Omri Halima El , Taha Ruba Y. , Gamil Amna , Ibrahim Firyal , Sabah Hisham Al , Mahmoud Zeinab O. , Pittari Gianfranco , Hljji Ibrahim Al , Yassin Mohamed A.
Published: May 2015

Objective

Idiopathic thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a life-threatening disorder mediated by autoantibodies directed against ADAMTS13. This provides a rationale for the use of rituximab in this disorder. We report our experience and the outcome of 10 cases of TTP (9 refractory and 1 relapsing) successfully treated with rituximab in combination with plasma exchange (PE) and other immunosuppressive treatments.

Methods

The diagnosis of TTP was based on clinical criteria and supported by severe deficiency of ADAMTS13 activity and presence of inhibitors in seven cases. Rituximab was started after a median of 18.6 sessions of PE (range: 5-35) at the dose of 375 mg/m2/week for 4-8 weeks.

Results

Complete remission was achieved in all patients after a median time of 14.4 days of the first dose (range: 6-30). After a median follow-up of 30 months (range: 8-78), eight patients were still in remission and two developed multiple relapses, treated again with the same therapy, and achieved complete responses; they are alive, and in complete remission after a follow-up of 12 and 16 months.

Conclusion

Rituximab appears to be a safe and effective therapy for refractory and relapsing TTP. However, longer follow-up is recommended to assess relapse and detect possible long-term side effects of this therapy.
Субдискриминанты симметрической матрицы и якобианы ее инвариантных отображений
Authors: Ilyushechkin Nikita Vasil'evich
Published: May 2015

Приводятся выражения субдискриминантов симметрической матрицы через суммы квадратов якобианов некоторых ее инвариантных отображений. Даются простые, но сравнительно общие достаточные условия на упомянутые отображения, с тем чтобы они порождали все субдискриминанты, включая и дискриминант. В частности, на этом пути субдискриминанты могут быть порождены системой всех инвариантов
симметрической матрицы, т.е. коэффициентами ее характеристического многочлена.
Библиография: 10 названий.
Sufrimiento y pesimismo en Schopenhauer
Authors: Cabos Jordi
Published: May 2015

El presente artículo investiga de qué forma la centralidad del sufrimiento en la filosofía de Schopenhauer sirve para fundamentar su pesimismo. Tres son los argumentos analizados: el lugar del sufrimiento en el mundo, su lugar en la conciencia humana y su lugar frente a la felicidad. A la luz de estos tres argumentos, se destaca que el vínculo indisoluble entre el sufrimiento y la esencia del mundo, la determinación del sufrimiento en la conciencia, tanto en su génesis como en su intensidad, y su anterioridad ontológica frente a la felicidad hacen del pesimismo una categoría necesaria. Finalmente, se señala una posible contribución del pesimismo schopenhaueriano a la crítica social contemporánea, considerando la idea de mundo que el capitalismo tardío promueve.
El Yo y la intimidad en Ortega y Gasset
Authors: Rumayor Fernández Miguel
Published: May 2015

El concepto del Yo en el pensamiento de José Ortega y Gasset aparece en repetidas ocasiones a lo largo de su obra, abordado desde diferentes perspectivas y entreverado con reflexiones intelectuales de todo tipo: psicológicas, sociológicas, artísticas, históricas, etc. Sin embargo, el enfoque de este escrito se acota a la importante relación epistemológica entre su raciovitalismo y su visión sobre la intimidad personal, centro y origen del desarrollo del Yo humano. Gracias a la riqueza de esta puede el Yo desarrollar su vocación personal hacia la autenticidad a la que está llamado, salvando de esta manera la incertidumbre, el drama y el destino al que se enfrenta a la hora de vivir la propia circunstancia.
Current Capabilities and Development Potential in Surgical Robotics
Authors: Hoeckelmann Mathias , Rudas Imre J. , Fiorini Paolo , Kirchner Frank , Haidegger Tamas
Published: May 2015

Commercial surgical robots have been in clinical use since the mid-1990s, supporting surgeons in various tasks. In the past decades, many systems emerged as research platforms, and a few entered the global market. This paper summarizes the currently available surgical systems and research directions in the broader field of surgical robotics. The widely deployed teleoperated manipulators aim to enhance human cognitive and physical skills and provide smart tools for surgeons, while image-guided robotics focus on surpassing human limitations by introducing automated targeting and treatment delivery methods. Both concepts are discussed based on prototypes and commercial systems. Through concrete examples the possible future development paths of surgical robots are illustrated. While research efforts are taking different approaches to improve the capacity of such systems, the aim of this survey is to assess their maturity from the commercialization point of view.
Recorregut de recerca geològica i mineralògica per la comarca de l´Alt Urgell: des de Coll de Nargó a Fígols d´Organyà, Organyà i a la Palanca de Noves
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: May 2015

Itinerari realitzat el 19 d'octubre de 2013. En aquesta ocasió, el recorregut de l’itinerari discorrerà, en la seva quasi totalitat pel Sistema Pirinenc, i més concretament ho farà per la seva Unitat Sudpirinenca Central (tradicionalment anomenada amb el nom de les Serres Exteriors Prepirinenques). Així, el recorregut de l’itinerari s’iniciarà a la zona de contacte entre el Mantell del Montsec i el Mantell de Bóixols, a Coll de Nargó. A partir d´aquest indret, el recorregut de l´itinerari transitarà exclusivament pel darrer mantell esmentat. Tot i així, en arribar a les immediacions de la Palanca de Noves, a la fi del recorregut, s´arribarà al Mantell de la Zona de les Nogueres, per on finalitzarà el recorregut de l´itinerari.També cal dir, que el recorregut de l’itinerari discorrerà per una sola comarca, concretament per la de l´Alt Urgell, des del principi a Coll de Nargó, fins a la fi del recorregut a la Palanca de Noves.
Recorregut de recerca geològica i geoambiental per les comarques de l´Alta Segarra (Anoia) i de La Segarra: des de Calaf a Durfort, Calonge de Segarra, Castellfollit de Riubregós, a Torà i a Ivorra
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: May 2015

Itinerari realitzat el 22 de febrer de 2014. En aquesta ocasió, es realitzarà un recorregut geològic que discorrerà en la seva totalitat per diferents indrets de la Depressió Geològica de l´Ebre; i més concretament pels sectors corresponents a la seva Depressió Central. D´aquesta manera, tot el recorregut transitarà entre afloraments dels materials terciaris (de l´Oligocè) i quaternaris que reblen aquesta depressió. Com a tret fonamental, la totalitat del recorregut transitarà per la Conca Lignitífera de l´alta Segarra, situada entre els afloraments de la Formació Tàrrega, de l´Oligocè i els del Complex Lacustre de Sanaüja. Per altra banda, la totalitat del recorregut transitarà per la gran comarca de la Segarra; així, en un principi i quasi al llarg de tot el recorregut, anirà per la denominada Alta Segarra (que es situa dintre de la comarca d´Anoia, anant així des de Calaf fins a Castellfollit de Riubregós). Tot i així, el recorregut penetrarà finalment dintre de la Segarra estrica, finalitzant el recorregut de l´itinerari al terme d´Ivorra.
Recorregut de recerca geològica per la comarca de La Segarra: des de la Panadella a Rubinat i a Sant Pere dels Arquells i Rubinat; i des de Cervera i les Oluges a Sant Ramon i a Ivorra
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: May 2015

Itinerari realitzat el 23 de febrer de 2014. En aquesta ocasió, es realitzarà un recorregut geològic a través de diferents indrets de la Depressió Geològica de L´Ebre; i més concretament pels sectors corresponents a la seva Depressió Central. Així, tot el recorregut transitarà entre afloraments dels materials terciaris (de l´Eocè i de l´Oligocè) i quaternaris que reblen aquesta depressió. Així, en bona part del recorregut, trobarem afloraments dels materials de la Formació Tàrrega (amb preponderància dels materials carbonatats, calcolutítics i guixosos). Aquests materials els trobarem entre la Panadella i Sant Ramon. Tot i així, cap a la part final del recorregut, trobarem afloraments dels materials del Complex Lacustre de Sanaüja, fonamentalment amb nivells de calcolutites i de guixos, que trobarem prop d´Ivorra, al final del recorregut. Així, al llarg de tot el recorregut de l´itinerari es transitarà per la comarca de la Segarra, des del principi fins a la fi. Tot i així, el recorregut s´iniciarà dintre dels sectors segarrencs de la comarca d´Anoia, concretament a la Panadella.
Recorregut de recerca geològica i mineralògica per les comarques de la Ribera d´Ebre i del Baix Ebre: des de Mora la Nova a Miravet, Rasquera i al Perelló
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: May 2015

Itinerari realitzat el 12 d’abril de 2014. En aquesta ocasió, el recorregut de l´itinerari discorrerà, en la seva quasi totalitat pel Sistema Mediterrani (i més concretament per la seva sots-unitat més interna, la Serralada Prelitoral Catalana). Així, discorrerà pràcticament per aquesta sots-unitat geològica, entre les localitats de Rasquera (Ribera d’Ebre) i del Perelló (de la del Baix Ebre). Tot i així, al primer tram del recorregut, entre Mora d’Ebre i Rasquera (dintre de la comarca de la Ribera d’Ebre), el recorregut transitarà per una altra sots-unitat del Sistema Mediterrani, concretament per la Depressió de Mora. Així doncs, el recorregut de l´itinerari s’iniciarà a la Depressió de Mora, per la qual es circularà, molt breument, entre les localitats de Mora d’Ebre, Miravet i Rasquera, dintre de la comarca de la Ribera d’Ebre. Tot i així, en bona part d’aquest recorregut, ja es circularà també per les immediacions  de la Serralada Prelitoral Catalana. A partir de Rasquera i fins a la fi del recorregut  al Perelló, ja es circularà exclusivament per la Serralada Prelitoral Catalana. Per altra banda, el recorregut s’iniciarà a la localitat de Mora d’Ebre, dintre de la comarca de la Ribera d’Ebre. Per ella es circularà fins a Rasquera, tot i que en fer la fillola de Benifallet, s’haurà penetrat momentàniament a l Baix Ebre. Més endavant, en arribar al Perelló es penetrarà definitivament a la comarca del Baix Ebre.
Recorregut de recerca geològica i mineralògica per les comarques del Baix Ebre i del Baix Maestrat: des del Mont caro a Fredes i al Castell de Cabres
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: May 2015

Itinerari realitzat el 2 de febrer de 2014. En aquesta ocasió, el recorregut de l’itinerari discorrerà, en la seva quasi totalitat pel Sistema Mediterrani, i més concretament per la Serralada Prelitoral Catalana (la seva unitat més externa). Així doncs, la quasi totalitat del recorregut pel Farell, es realitzarà per aquesta unitat geològica. Solament en alguns dels trams propers al Farell, s´entrarà breument a la Depressió Geològica de l´Ebre, pels voltants de Sant Sebastià de Montmajor. Per altra banda, i com ja s’entreveu al títol, el recorregut de l’itinerari discorrerà sols per la comarca del Vallès Oriental.
Recorregut de recerca de geologia ambiental per les comarques de la Conca de Barberà, de la Segarra, de l´Urgell i de les Garrigues: des de Santa Coloma de Queralt cap a Rauric, Guimerà i cap a l´Espluga Calba i Bellpuig
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: May 2015

Itinerari realitzat el 8 de febrer de 2014. En aquesta ocasió, el recorregut de l’itinerari discorrerà, en la seva totalitat pel Sistema Mediterrani, i més concretament per la Serralada Prelitoral Catalana (la seva unitat més externa). Així doncs, la quasi totalitat del recorregut per les vessants SE del Farell, per aquesta unitat geològica. En aquesta part del recorregut, es trobaran materials mesozoics del Triàsic (i molt ocasionalment materials paleozoics de l´Ordovicià; així com granítics del Carbonífer). Per altra banda, i com ja s’entreveu al títol, el recorregut de l’itinerari discorrerà sols per les comarques del Vallès Occidental (pel terme de Sentmenat) i del Vallès Oriental (pel terme de Caldes de Montbui).
Recorregut de recerca geològica i mineralògica per la comarca del Pallars Jussà: des de Senterada, a la Pobleta de Bellveí, a la Plana de Mont-Ros i a la Torre de Cabdella
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: May 2015

Itinerari realitzat el 8 de setembre de 2013. En aquesta ocasió, la totalitat del recorregut de l’itinerari es desenvoluparà per una sola unitat geològica: concretament pel Sistema Pirinenc, i més exactament per la zona de contacte entre la Unitat de Bóixols i la Unitat de les Nogueres, situada al nord de l’anterior. D´aquesta manera, el recorregut s’iniciarà a la població de Senterada (situada a la Unitat de les Nogueres, però molt prop del contacte acabat d´esmentar).Així, a partir d’equí l’itinerari transitarà per la dita Unitat de les Nogueres (o Unitat del Mantell de les Nogueres). Així, s´aniran trobant afloraments dels materials mesozoics del Cretàcic i del Triàsic, al principi del recorregut. Més endavant es trobaran afloraments paleozoics del Silurià, Devonià, Carbonífer i Permotries.Per d’altra banda, aquest itinerari es desenvoluparà dintre de la comarca del Pallars Jussà (per la qual es transitarà entre la Senterada i la fi del recorregut, per les immediacions de la població de Cabdella).Així, tot el recorregut de l´itinerari s´efectuarà per la Vall Fosca, una subcomarca del Pallars Jussà. Aquesta subcomarca es troba situada íntegrament dintre de la conca fluvial del Noguera de Flamisell, afluent del Noguera Pallaresa a la Pobla de Segur.
Recorregut de recerca geològica i mineralògica per la comarca del Pallars Jussà: des d´Erinyà a la Pobla de segur, a Tremp i a Isona, tot passant per Figuerola d´Orcau, Basturs i Abella de la Conca
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: May 2015

Itinerari realitzat el 8 de setembre de 2013. En aquesta ocasió, el recorregut de l’itinerari discorrerà, en la seva quasi totalitat pel Sistema Pirinenc, i més concretament ho farà per la seva Unitat Sudpirinenca Central (també anomenada com a les Serres Exteriors Prepirinenques).En concret, el recorregut del present itinerari passarà per dos dels seus sectors més representatius; concretament pel Mantell del Montsec (més situat al Sud) i també per alguns indrets del Mantell de Bóixols.Així, l’itinerari s’iniciarà dintre del Mantell de Bóixols (molt prop de la Unitat de les Nogueres) però les immediacions de la Pobla de Segur, a Erinyà, per a penetrar-se més endavant al Mantell del Montsec, per on finalitzarà el recorregut de l’itinerari.Per d’altra banda, el recorregut de l’itinerari discorrerà íntegrament per una sola comarca: per la del Pallars Jussà (de la Regió de Tremp).
Modificacions al recorregut de recerca geològica i mineralògica per la comarca del Pallars Jussà: des d´Espui, cap al Coll de Triador, la Cambra d´Aigües, l´Estany Gento, l´Estany Tort i cap al Refugi de Colomina
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: May 2015

Itinerari realitzat el 21 de setembre de 2013. En aquesta ocasió, la totalitat del recorregut de l’itinerari es desenvoluparà per una sola unitat geològica: concretament pel Sistema Pirinenc, i més exactament per la zona de contacte entre la Unitat de les Nogueres i la Zona Axial Pirinenca, situada al nord de l’anterior. D´aquesta manera, el recorregut s’iniciarà a la població d´Espui (del terme de la Torre de Cabdella), situada a la Unitat de les Nogueres.Així, a partir d’aquí l’itinerari transitarà per aquesta unitat acabada d´esmentar, anant cap a l´Estany Gento. Més amunt, en arribar-hi, es trobarà el contacte amb la Zona Axial Pirinenca, que ja no s´abandonarà en tota la resta del recorregut.Així, inicialment, s´aniran trobant afloraments dels materials paleozoics del Silurià i del Devonià. Més endavant, en arribar a la Zona Axial, es trobaran granits i granodiorites carboníferes., així com afloraments paleozoics de l´Ordovicià, Silurià i Devonià, fonamentalment.
Recorregut de recerca geològica i mineralògica per la comarca del Pallars Jussà: des de Senterada a Sarroca de Bellera, a Xerallo i a Benés
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: May 2015

Itinerari realitzat el 21 de setembre de 2013. En aquesta ocasió, la totalitat del recorregut de l’itinerari es desenvoluparà per una sola unitat geològica: concretament pel Sistema Pirinenc, i més exactament per la Unitat de les Nogueres. Tot i així, s´iniciarà molt a prop de l´extrem septentrional del Mantell de Bóixols, que en indrets propers a Sarroca de Bellera i de Xerallo, arribarà a tallar-se.D´aquesta manera, el recorregut s’iniciarà a la població de (situada a la Unitat de les Nogueres), però molt a prop del Mantell de Bóixols. Així, en el recorregut cap a Sarroca de Bellera i cap a Xerallo, es discorrerà molt a prop del contacte entre les dues unitats anteriors.Posteriorment, des de Xerallo a les Esglésies, a la Mola d´Amunt i a Benés, tot el recorregut transitarà plenament dintre de la Unitat de les Nogueres.Per d´altra banda, aquest itinerari es desenvoluparà íntegrament per una comarca, la del Pallars Jussà. Cal dir que aquesta comarca forma part de l´antiga Regió de Tremp – la Seu d´Urgell.
Recorregut de recerca de geològica i mineralògica per la comarca de l´Alta Ribagorça: des de les Mines de Malpàs a Adons i a Corroncui
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: May 2015

Itinerari realitzat el 22 de setembre de 2013. En aquesta ocasió, la totalitat del present recorregut de l´itinerari discorrerà pel Sistema Pirinenc (i més concretament per la denominada Unitat de les Nogueres així com pel Mantell de Bóixols, en els darrers trams del recorregut de l´itinerari.Així, el recorregut s´iniciarà a les conegudes Mines de Malpàs, situades dintre de la Unitat de les Nogueres. Després, el recorregut es dirigirà cap el Sud, fins trobar la carretera N – 260, per la qual s´anirà cap al Viu de Llevata. Aquest tram ja s´efectuarà dintre del Mantell de Bóixols, el qual ja no s´abandonarà fins a la fi del recorregut de l´itinerari.Per d´altra banda, el recorregut s´efectuarà exclusivament dintre de la comarca de l´Alta Ribagorça, per on s´iniciarà a les esmentades Mines de Malpàs: finalitzant prop de Perbes i de la comarca del Pallars Jussà, a la qual no s´arribarà en tot aquest tram final del recorregut.
Humorismo, por Ramón Gómez de la Serna
Authors: Vivero Rodríguez Roberto
Published: May 2015

Reseña de Gómez de la Serna, Ramón 2014, Humorismo, edición de Pedro Aullón de Haro, Madrid: Casimiro. ISBN 978-84-15715-45-0, 93 pp.
Foucault, trenta anys després: vigència i potencialitats de la microfísica del poder
Authors: Artés Gil Josep
Published: May 2015

La microfísica del poder –de la qual Michel Foucault esdevé el principal exponent– emergeix com un efecte del panorama que segueix el Maig del 68, en el qual sorgeix un cicle de noves lluites centrades en el reconeixement i el desenvolupament de nous tipus de subjectivitat. Ara que han passat trenta anys des de la mort de l’autor, defensaré la necessitat d’aplicar la microfísica del poder a una realitat que ja no pot respondre a unes anàlisis fonamentades en paràmetres estrictament econòmics i que demanda, en canvi, eixamplar el camp de visió per incloure-hi el paper que juga el poder en la producció de les subjectivitats.
La transformación nietzscheana del pensamiento según Deleuze
Authors: Sánchez Meca Diego
Published: May 2015

Deleuze ve en Nietzsche a uno de los filósofos que con mayor eficacia crítica contradice la concepción clásica del pensamiento como búsqueda de la verdad y como ejercicio de amor a la verdad. Este artículo analiza el significado que para Deleuze tiene la oposición de Nietzsche a la tradición filosófica, que considera que el pensamiento quiere y ama la verdad de la que nos vemos alejados por la acción de fuerzas extrañas al pensamiento (procedentes del cuerpo, de las pasiones, de los intereses, etc.). De este modo se muestra de qué modo esas fuerzas que intervienen en el pensamiento remiten el pensamiento mismo a las fuerzas que le subyacen en cuanto pensamiento.
Spatial and temporal scales of sea surface salinity variability in the Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Sena Martins Meike , Serra Nuno , Stammer Detlef
Published: May 2015

Space‐time variability of SSS in the Atlantic Ocean (33°S–80°N) is analyzed using near‐surface salinity observations from the period 1980–2013 jointly with the output from an eddy‐resolving numerical ocean simulation. Results show a good agreement between in situ and model results in terms of spatial and temporal mean SSS patterns, geographically varying SSS variability, and spatial and temporal scales of SSS variability. A good agreement exists also for estimates of the amplitude and phase of the annual cycle of SSS with the model providing more spatial details of SSS variability, which cannot be resolved by observations, especially near ocean margins and in shelf areas. Dominant spatial and temporal scales of SSS variability are, respectively, between 100 and 250 km and between 30 and 70 days in most of the Atlantic when the annual cycle of the SSS is included. However, smaller‐scale salinity features are also present, which show temporal decorrelation scales of only 3–5 days throughout the Atlantic. This fast variability must be considered when producing weekly averaged salinity products from satellite measurements.
Observations of the variability of shallow trade wind cumulus cloudiness and mass flux
Authors: Lamer K. , Kollias P. , Nuijens L.
Published: May 2015

Two years of ground‐based remote sensing observations are used to study the vertical structure of marine cumulus near the island of Barbados, including their cloud fraction and mass flux profile. Daily radar derived cloud fraction profiles peak at different height levels depending on the depth of the cumuli and thus the extent to which they precipitate. Nonprecipitating cumuli have a peak cloud fraction of about 5% near mean cloud base (700 m), whereas precipitating cumuli tend to have a peak of only 2% near cloud base. Nineteen percent of the precipitating cumuli are accompanied by large cloud fractions near the detrainment level of cumulus tops (~1700 m). Day‐to‐day variations in cloud fraction near cloud base are modest (~3%). Nonprecipitating cumuli have their largest reflectivities near cloud top and an ascending core surrounded by a subsiding shell. Precipitating cumuli with enhanced elevated cloudiness (stratiform outflow) are deeper and contain larger vertical gradients in reflectivity and Doppler velocity than precipitating cumuli without such outflow. Bulk (3 h) statistics reveal that nonprecipitating shallow cumuli are active and organized. They contain on average 79% in‐cloud updrafts with 86% of them being organized in large coherent structures contributing to a maximum updraft mass flux of 8–36 gm−2 s−1 just above cloud base. Alternatively, downdrafts contribute insignificantly to the mass flux and show little vertical and temporal variability (0–7 gm−2 s−1). Complementary Raman lidar information suggests that updraft mass flux profile slope is inversely related to environmental relative humidity.
Xenon isotopes in the MORB source, not distinctive of early global degassing
Authors: Boehnke P. , Caffee M. W. , Harrison T. M.
Published: May 2015

Although fissiogenic Xe in mid‐ocean ridge basalt (MORB) has long been used inferred to infer an early (>4 Ga) catastrophic mantle degassing, decomposition of the analyzed gas in terms of its constituents requires several assumptions. The canonical interpretation has not been tested using the full spectrum of possible initial components and radiogenic inputs. We use a Markov chain Monte Carlo approach that examines a broad range of Xe isotopic components present during Earth formation and evolution. Our best fit simulations are consistent with the preservation of much higher Pu/U in MORB source Xe than previously recognized but are equally supportive of both limited and early catastrophic loss. We show that an initially Xe depleted upper mantle that becomes progressively ingassed through both radiogenic ingrowth and subduction of evolving atmospheric Xe is equally consistent with all evidence, underscoring the need for improvements to our knowledge of fission Xe spectra, MORB Xe measurements, and Pu geochemistry.
Fires increase Amazon forest productivity through increases in diffuse radiation
Authors: Rap A. , Spracklen D. V. , Mercado L. , Reddington C. L. , Haywood J. M. , Ellis R. J. , Phillips O. L. , Artaxo P. , Bonal D. , Restrepo Coupe N. , Butt N.
Published: May 2015

Atmospheric aerosol scatters solar radiation increasing the fraction of diffuse radiation and the efficiency of photosynthesis. We quantify the impacts of biomass burning aerosol (BBA) on diffuse radiation and plant photosynthesis across Amazonia during 1998–2007. Evaluation against observed aerosol optical depth allows us to provide lower and upper BBA emissions estimates. BBA increases Amazon basin annual mean diffuse radiation by 3.4–6.8% and net primary production (NPP) by 1.4–2.8%, with quoted ranges driven by uncertainty in BBA emissions. The enhancement of Amazon basin NPP by 78–156 Tg C a−1 is equivalent to 33–65% of the annual regional carbon emissions from biomass burning. This NPP increase occurs during the dry season and acts to counteract some of the observed effect of drought on tropical production. We estimate that 30–60 Tg C a−1 of this NPP enhancement is within woody tissue, accounting for 8–16% of the observed carbon sink across mature Amazonian forests.
Estimating stream filtration from a meandering stream under the Robin condition
Authors: Huang Ching‐Sheng , Yeh Hund‐Der
Published: May 2015

This study applies image well theory to estimate the stream depletion rate (SDR) due to pumping near a meandering stream with a clogged streambed treated as the Robin condition. The stream is considered as an irregular boundary represented by discrete nodes. Image wells are arranged along the stream and near those nodes. On the basis of the Theis (1935) solution and the principle of superposition, the solution for the aquifer drawdown subject to the stream can then be expressed as the sum of the Theis solution and a simple series representing the effect of those image wells. The discharge rates of the image wells are determined by solving a system of equations obtained by substituting the drawdown solution into the Robin condition. Quantitative criteria for assessing the applicability of the image well theory are provided. On the basis of the drawdown solution and Darcy's law, the analytical solution for SDR can then be obtained. A finite element solution is also developed to verify the SDR solution. Temporal SDR distributions predicted by both the analytical solution and finite element solution agree well over the entire period except at late time when the stream filtration rate approaches the pumping rate (i.e., SDR ≅ 1). It is found that a meandering stream has a significant effect on SDR compared with a rectilinear one and the effect should be taken into account in estimating SDR.
A cohort study of psychosocial work stressors on work ability among Brazilian hospital workers
Authors: Martinez Maria Carmen , do Rosário Dias de Oliveira Latorre Maria , Fischer Frida Marina
Published: May 2015

Background

Hospital work is characterized by stressors that can influence work ability. The present study aims to assess the association between psychosocial work stressors and changes in work ability in a group of Brazilian hospital employees.

Methods

From 1,022 workers included in a 3‐year cohort started in 2009, 423 (41.4%) returned the applied questionnaires in 2012. Changes in work ability were considered as the dependent variable and the investigated psychosocial work stressors as independent variables. Logistic regression models adjusted for potential con‐founders (demographic, occupational features, social support, overcommitment, and situations liable to cause pain/injury).

Results

High levels of exposure to psychosocial work stressors were significantly associated with decreased work ability: job strain (OR = 2.81), effort‐reward imbalance (OR = 3.21).

Conclusion

Strategies to reduce psychosocial work stressors should be considered to maintain hospital employees’ work ability. Such strategies have implications for institutional and social policies and might be included in quality management programs. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:795–806, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Esophageal cancer‐derived microvesicles induce regulatory B cells
Authors: Li Yun , An Jun , Huang Shaohong , He Jinyuan , Zhang Junhang
Published: May 2015

The role of B cells in the generation of cancer‐immune tolerance is unclear. This study aims to investigate the role of cancer‐derived microvesicles (Mvcs) in the generation of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β+ B cells. In this study, esophageal cancer (Eca) cells were isolated from surgically removed cancer tissue. Mvcs were purified from the culture supernatant and characterized by Western blotting. The immune suppression assay was carried out with a cell culture model and flow cytometry. The results showed that Eca‐derived Mvcs were LAMP1 positive and carried MMP9. Exposure to the Mvcs induces naive B cells to differentiate into TGF‐β‐producing regulatory B cells; the latter show immune suppressor functions on CD8+ T‐cell proliferation. In conclusion, Eca‐derived Mvc can induce TGF‐β+ B cells; the latter suppress CD8+ T‐cell activities. The MMP9‐laden Mvcs may be a new therapeutic target in the treatment of Eca. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recovery and representation of spectral bidirectional reflectance distribution function from an image‐based measurement system
Authors: Kim Duck Bong , Jang In Yeop , Choi Han Kyun , Lee Kwan H.
Published: May 2015

A spectral‐based method can acquire and represent the surface appearance of a given material physically correctly. But, it has drawbacks due to its high measurement cost and a long computation time in measuring, modeling, and rendering. In this article, we present spectral recovery and representation of spectral bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) from multispectral reflectance measurements in which we can render real appearance materials over a 3D model with accuracy and efficiency. First of all, an accurate spectral BRDF recovery algorithm, which transforms multispectral high dynamic range images into highly dense BRDFs in both a spectral and an angular domain, is proposed. Second, an efficient representation method is developed representing spectral BRDFs compactly using a factorization method and an adaptive spectral sampling method that uses a given error bound. The results show that the proposed method can compress the spectral BRDF data down by several hundred times while maintaining the given accuracy in colorimetric and spectral domains under a specific illuminant. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 41, 358–371, 2016
Silver nanoparticles temporarily retard NO2− production without significantly affecting N2O release by Nitrosomonas europaea
Authors: Michels Camila , Yang Yu , Moreira Soares Hugo , Alvarez Pedro J. J.
Published: May 2015

Nitrifying bacteria are highly susceptible to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). However, the effect of sublethal exposure to AgNPs after their release of nitrogenous compounds of environmental concern (e.g., the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide [N2O] and the common water pollutant nitrite [NO2−]) has not been systematically investigated. The present study reports the effect of AgNPs (and potentially released silver ions [Ag+]) on NO2− and N2O production by Nitrosomonas europaea, and on the transcription of the associated genes. The release of NO2− was more negatively affected than the production of N2O. For example, exposure to AgNPs at 0.075 mg/L temporarily enhanced N2O production (by 12%) without affecting nitrite release, whereas higher AgNP concentrations (>0.25 mg/L) inhibited NO2− release (by >12%) but not N2O production. Transcriptomic analyses corroborated these trends; AgNPs at 0.075 mg/L increased the expression of the nitric oxide reductase gene (norQ) associated with N2O production (by 5.3-fold to 12.8-fold), whereas both 0.075 mg/L of Ag+ and 0.75 mg/L of AgNPs down-regulated the ammonia monooxygenase gene (amoA2; by 0.08-fold to 0.15-fold and 0.32-fold to 0.64-fold, respectively), the nitrite reductase gene (nirK; by 0.01-fold to 0.02-fold and 0.22-fold to 0.44-fold, respectively), and norQ (by 0.11-fold to 0.15-fold and 0.32-fold to 0.57-fold, respectively). These results suggest that AgNP release to sewage treatment plants and land application of AgNP-containing biosolids should be minimized because of their potential temporary stimulation of N2O release and interference with nitrification. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:2231–2235. © 2015 SETAC
Oligodendrocyte generation during mouse development
Authors: Takebayashi Hirohide , Ikenaka Kazuhiro
Published: May 2015

Oligodendrocytes (OLs) are glial cells, which generate myelin in the central nervous system. Their interesting developmental features attract many neurobiologists eager to study cell differentiation, gene expression regulation, or dynamic morphogenesis. Their primary role in protecting the axons has major impacts in the medical research field: in multiple sclerosis, a demyelinating disease in which remyelination is blocked. Oligodendrogenesis is involved in higher brain function including motor skill learning and cognitive function. Here, we review advances in the research on OL development and highlight areas where questions remain to be answered in both developmental biology and neurobiology related aspects. GLIA 2015;63:1350–1356
Applying comprehensive environmental assessment to research planning for multiwalled carbon nanotubes: Refinements to inform future stakeholder engagement
Authors: Powers Christina M , Grieger Khara , Meacham Connie A , Gooding Meredith Lassiter , Gift Jeffrey S , Lehmann Geniece M , Hendren Christine O , Davis J Michael , Burgoon Lyle
Published: May 2015

Risk assessments and risk management efforts to protect human health and the environment can benefit from early, coordinated research planning by researchers, risk assessors, and risk managers. However, approaches for engaging these and other stakeholders in research planning have not received much attention in the environmental scientific literature. The Comprehensive Environmental Assessment (CEA) approach under development by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) is a means to manage complex information and input from diverse stakeholder perspectives on research planning that will ultimately support environmental and human health decision making. The objectives of this article are to 1) describe the outcomes of applying lessons learned from previous CEA applications to planning research on engineered nanomaterial, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and 2) discuss new insights and refinements for future efforts to engage stakeholders in research planning for risk assessment and risk management of environmental issues. Although framed in terms of MWCNTs, this discussion is intended to enhance research planning to support assessments for other environmental issues as well. Key insights for research planning include the potential benefits of 1) ensuring that participants have research, risk assessment, and risk management expertise in addition to diverse disciplinary backgrounds; 2) including an early scoping step before rounds of formal ratings; 3) using a familiar numeric scale (e.g., US dollars) versus ordinal rating scales of “importance”; 4) applying virtual communication tools to supplement face-to-face interaction between participants; and 5) refining criteria to guide development of specific, actionable research questions. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2016;12:96–108. © 2015 SETAC

Key Points

The Comprehensive Environmental Assessment (CEA) approach under development by the USEPA offers a way to manage complex information and input from diverse stakeholder perspectives for research planning to support risk assessment and management. This paper describes outcomes of applying lessons learned from previous applications of CEA to recent work on research planning for one type of engineered nanomaterial, multiwalled carbon nanotubes. Five refinements for future efforts to engage stakeholders in research planning for environmental risk assessment and management are presented in detail. This work may also enhance research planning to develop data and assessments for other emerging technologies and products and even well-known chemicals with remaining knowledge gaps.
Renal Function and Bone Loss in a Cohort of Afro-Caribbean Men
Authors: Kuipers Allison L , Egwuogu Heartley , Evans Rhobert W , Patrick Alan L , Youk Ada , Bunker Clareann H , Zmuda Joseph M
Published: May 2015

Poor renal function is associated with increased rates of bone loss and osteoporotic fractures in Caucasian men. The importance of kidney function for skeletal health in African ancestry men, who are a population segment with a high prevalence of chronic kidney disease as well as high peak bone mass, is not well known. We examined the relationship between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and rates of bone loss in a large population cohort of otherwise healthy Afro-Caribbean men aged 40 years and older. Dual X-ray absorptiometry of the proximal femur and quantitative computed tomography of the proximal radius and tibia were obtained approximately 6 years apart. We calculated eGFR from serum creatinine that was measured in fasting samples in 1451 men. Impaired kidney function (IKF, eGFR<60 ml/min/1.7 m2) was observed in 8.6% of the cohort. The relationship between IKF and baseline BMD and annualized rate of change in BMD was analyzed controlling for potentially important confounders. IKF was not associated with baseline BMD. In contrast, men with IKF experienced a rate of decline in areal BMD at the total hip, femoral neck and trochanter and cortical volumetric BMD compared to those with normal kidney function (p<0.05 for all). Impaired kidney function was not associated with changes in trabecular volumetric BMD. In conclusion, poorer kidney function is associated with accelerated bone loss among otherwise healthy Afro-Caribbean men even after controlling for age and other important medical and lifestyle related variables. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Does Diet-Induced Weight Loss Lead to Bone Loss in Overweight or Obese Adults? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials
Authors: Zibellini Jessica , Seimon Radhika V , Lee Crystal MY , Gibson Alice A , Hsu Michelle SH , Shapses Sue A , Nguyen Tuan V , Sainsbury Amanda
Published: May 2015

Diet-induced weight loss has been suggested to be harmful to bone health. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis (using a random-effects model) to quantify the effect of diet-induced weight loss on bone. We included 41 publications involving overweight or obese but otherwise healthy adults who followed a dietary weight-loss intervention. The primary outcomes examined were changes from baseline in total hip, lumbar spine, and total body bone mineral density (BMD), as assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Secondary outcomes were markers of bone turnover. Diet-induced weight loss was associated with significant decreases of 0.010 to 0.015 g/cm2 in total hip BMD for interventions of 6, 12, or 24 (but not 3) months' duration (95% confidence intervals [CIs], –0.014 to –0.005, –0.021 to –0.008, and –0.024 to –0.000 g/cm2, at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively). There was, however, no statistically significant effect of diet-induced weight loss on lumbar spine or whole-body BMD for interventions of 3 to 24 months' duration, except for a significant decrease in total body BMD (–0.011 g/cm2; 95% CI, –0.018 to –0.003 g/cm2) after 6 months. Although no statistically significant changes occurred in serum concentrations of N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (P1NP), interventions of 2 or 3 months in duration (but not of 6, 12, or 24 months' duration) induced significant increases in serum concentrations of osteocalcin (0.26 nmol/L; 95% CI, 0.13 to 0.39 nmol/L), C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) (4.72 nmol/L; 95% CI, 2.12 to 7.30 nmol/L) or N-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (NTX) (3.70 nmol/L; 95% CI, 0.90 to 6.50 nmol/L bone collagen equivalents [BCEs]), indicating an early effect of diet-induced weight loss to promote bone breakdown. These data show that in overweight and obese individuals, a single diet-induced weight-loss intervention induces a small decrease in total hip BMD, but not lumbar spine BMD. This decrease is small in comparison to known metabolic benefits of losing excess weight. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Quantitative clinical pharmacology for size and age scaling in pediatric drug development: A systematic review
Authors: Samant Tanay S. , Mangal Naveen , Lukacova Viera , Schmidt Stephan
Published: May 2015

The establishment of drug dosing in children is often hindered by the lack of actual pediatric efficacy and safety data. To overcome this limitation, scaling approaches are frequently employed to leverage adult clinical information for informing pediatric dosing. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the different scaling approaches used in pediatric pharmacotherapy as well as their proper implementation in drug development and clinical use. We will start out with a brief overview of the current regulatory requirements in pediatric drug development, followed by a review of the most commonly employed scaling approaches in increasing order of complexity ranging from simple body weight‐based dosing to physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling approaches. Each of the presented approaches has advantages and limitations, which will be highlighted throughout the course of the review by the use of clinically‐relevant examples. The choice of the approach employed consequently depends on the clinical question at hand and the availability of sufficient clinical data. The main effort while establishing and qualifying these scaling approaches should be directed towards the development of safe and effective dosing regimens in children rather than identifying the best model, ie models should be fit for purpose.
Association of N‐cadherin levels and downstream effectors of Rho GTPases with dendritic spine loss induced by chronic stress in rat hippocampal neurons
Authors: Castañeda Patricia , Muñoz Mauricio , García‐Rojo Gonzalo , Ulloa José L. , Bravo Javier A. , Márquez Ruth , García‐Pérez M. Alexandra , Arancibia Damaris , Araneda Karina , Rojas Paulina S. , Mondaca‐Ruff David , Díaz‐Véliz Gabriela , Mora Sergio , Aliaga Esteban , Fiedler Jenny L.
Published: May 2015

Chronic stress promotes cognitive impairment and dendritic spine loss in hippocampal neurons. In this animal model of depression, spine loss probably involves a weakening of the interaction between pre‐ and postsynaptic cell adhesion molecules, such as N‐cadherin, followed by disruption of the cytoskeleton. N‐cadherin, in concert with catenin, stabilizes the cytoskeleton through Rho‐family GTPases. Via their effector LIM kinase (LIMK), RhoA and ras‐related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (RAC) GTPases phosphorylate and inhibit cofilin, an actin‐depolymerizing molecule, favoring spine growth. Additionally, RhoA, through Rho kinase (ROCK), inactivates myosin phosphatase through phosphorylation of the myosin‐binding subunit (MYPT1), producing actomyosin contraction and probable spine loss. Some micro‐RNAs negatively control the translation of specific mRNAs involved in Rho GTPase signaling. For example, miR‐138 indirectly activates RhoA, and miR‐134 reduces LIMK1 levels, resulting in spine shrinkage; in contrast, miR‐132 activates RAC1, promoting spine formation. We evaluated whether N‐cadherin/β‐catenin and Rho signaling is sensitive to chronic restraint stress. Stressed rats exhibit anhedonia, impaired associative learning, and immobility in the forced swim test and reduction in N‐cadherin levels but not β‐catenin in the hippocampus. We observed a reduction in spine number in the apical dendrites of CA1 pyramidal neurons, with no effect on the levels of miR‐132 or miR‐134. Although the stress did not modify the RAC–LIMK–cofilin signaling pathway, we observed increased phospho‐MYPT1 levels, probably mediated by RhoA–ROCK activation. Furthermore, chronic stress raises the levels of miR‐138 in accordance with the observed activation of the RhoA–ROCK pathway. Our findings suggest that a dysregulation of RhoA–ROCK activity by chronic stress could potentially underlie spine loss in hippocampal neurons. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Natural Product Inspired N‐Terminal Hsp90 Inhibitors: From Bench to Bedside?
Authors: Khandelwal Anuj , Crowley Vincent M. , Blagg Brian S. J.
Published: May 2015

The 90 kDa heat shock proteins (Hsp90) are responsible for the conformational maturation of nascent polypeptides and the rematuration of denatured proteins. Proteins dependent upon Hsp90 are associated with all six hallmarks of cancer. Upon Hsp90 inhibition, protein substrates are degraded via the ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway. Consequentially, inhibition of Hsp90 offers a therapeutic opportunity for the treatment of cancer. Natural product inhibitors of Hsp90 have been identified in vitro, which have served as leads for the development of more efficacious inhibitors and analogs that have entered clinical trials. This review highlights the development of natural product analogs, as well as the development of clinically important inhibitors that arose from natural products.
A path to value creation for foreign entrepreneurs
Authors: Kulchina Elena
Published: May 2015

Research summary: Firms founded by foreign entrepreneurs constitute an influential and growing part of the world economy. Yet, the existing research has given little consideration to the strategies of foreign entrepreneurs beyond their decisions to start a firm. In this article, we address this gap by examining how foreign entrepreneurs may bring value to their firms as firm managers. We argue that foreign owner‐managers may benefit their firms by having access to home‐country resources. We demonstrate that, compared to hired local managers, foreign owner‐managers reduce firms' operating costs by disproportionately hiring home‐country labor when this labor is more cost‐efficient. This effect is larger for labor‐intensive industries and for entrepreneurs from less wealthy countries.

Managerial summary: Foreign entrepreneurs represent an important part of the world economy. Yet, we know little of how foreign entrepreneurs manage their firms. In this article, we examine whether foreign entrepreneurs and domestic managers hire different employees. We find that when foreign entrepreneurs manage their firms personally, they hire a larger number of foreign workers, and such workers are cheaper and more productive than the local labor. Conversely, domestic managers tend to hire local employees, despite their higher relative wages. Foreign owner‐managers are particularly valuable in labor‐intensive industries and when their home‐country labor is inexpensive. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.