bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of InCaS model to identification and measuring of structural capital in small and medium enterprises
Authors: Izabela Elżbieta
Published: November 2015

The use of InCaS model to identification and measuring of structural capital in small and medium enterprises Structural resources are an important component of the market value of many business entities. For many years attempts have been made at developing uniform methods and models for identification and valuation of structural capital. “Intellectual Capital Statement - Made in Europe” (InCaS) that constitutes a particularly useful, complex tool to assess, to report and to develop the intellectual capital and structural capital of an modern SME companies. The paper shows application of InCaS project for measuring and presenting structural capital in 25 pilot-SMEs in Europa, in this in 5 pilot-SMEs in Poland. The paper shows also practical application of InCaS concept for assess, to report and to develop the structural capital on the example of a modern company the industry of IT services in Poland - BLOOMING Technologies Sp. z o.o.
Sense of purpose in life vs. creative activity motivators in senior managers
Authors: Mróz Barbara
Published: November 2015

Creative activity motivators vs. sense of purpose in life in senior managers The motivators being the subject matter of the research conducted in the 1999 and 2010 groups of managers were analysed in the context of the sense of purpose in life. Application of various motivators offers a greater opportunity to achieve better results of subordinates’ work. Strong motivation ensures perseverance in actions taken. A well-motivated employee displays resistance to tiredness and strives to attain goals set by his/her company’s management.

It is worth noting that remuneration, as a motivator, although still mentioned as one of key factors motivating human behaviour, seems to be losing its significance in favour of such criteria as autonomisation of decisions or expecting superiors’ support.

Results of the PIL test examining the sense of purpose in life in group No. 1 and 2 are above average in each category, which indicates a strong sense of purpose in life among respondents who achieved professional success. The research also points to fulfilment of one’s own potential. The values have increased, which means that the subjective sense of purpose in life among managers questioned in recent years has become stronger.

The research and analyses conducted proved that efficient management of employees required deep understanding of research on motivation. The existence of relevant motivation regulators should persuade entrepreneurs to change their methods of activating employees at different stages of their professional development.
The state and the development prospects of the Lubusz cluster initiative „The Lubusz Wine and Honey Route”
Authors: Piątyszek-Pych Alina
Published: November 2015

The state and the development prospects of the Lubusz cluster initiative “The Lubusz Wine and Honey Route”. The concept of economic clusters, which are an effective way of seeking synergy effects resulting from cooperation of individual entities, became a synonym for the success of the economy of the region. The prospect of potential benefits for enterprises and regions, resulting from functioning of the bunches, encourages their potential participants to engage in creation and development of cluster structures. Such deliberate and organized effort of crucial players of the cluster, aimed at improvement in its competitiveness, is defined as a cluster initiative. The aim of this article is to analyse the state and the development prospects of the Lubusz cluster initiative „The Lubusz Wine and Honey Route”.It is in the article that the theoretical issues associated with problems of clusters and cluster initiatives were discussed. It is later in this article that a brief characterization of the cluster potential of the Lubusz Voivodeship with particular emphasis on the wine industry was carried out. It is in the third part of the article that the findings of empirical research carried out were presented. Next, further to the discussed research, the conclusions and recommendations were presented for the best ways of supporting the development of the wine industry as well as the described cluster initiative.
Modernising the agricultural sector and stabilising the agricultural markets in budgetary expenditures in Poland in the years 1997-2011
Authors: Czyżewski Andrzej , Matuszczak Anna
Published: November 2015

Modernising the agricultural sector and stabilising the agricultural markets in budgetary expenditures in Poland in the years 1997-2011 The purpose of the article was to evaluate the budgetary expenditure related to the modernization of the agricultural sector and stabilization of agricultural markets, which are implemented in the framework of the common agricultural policy by two paying agencies. Research related to changes in share of spending on activities of the Agricultural Market Agency (AMA) and the Agency for Restructuring and Modernisation of Agriculture (ARMA) in total budget expenditure in the long run, ie in the years 1996-2011 (16 years) with honors from the period before and after accession to the EU. It shows the relationship between ongoing spending from the national budget for the institutions, and the total budgetary expenditure and the funds allocated to the agricultural sector (agriculture, rural development and agricultural markets), which show that a substantial increase in the role of the paying agencies in the post-accession period.
Microfluidics for rapid detection of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 mutation for intraoperative application
Authors: Aibaidula Abudumijiti , Zhao Wang , Wu Jin-song , Chen Hong , Shi Zhi-feng , Zheng Lu-lu , Mao Ying , Zhou Liang-fu , Sui Guo-dong
Published: November 2015

OBJECT

Conventional methods for isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) detection, such as DNA sequencing and immunohistochemistry, are time- and labor-consuming and cannot be applied for intraoperative analysis. To develop a new approach for rapid analysis of IDH1 mutation from tiny tumor samples, this study used microfluidics as a method for IDH1 mutation detection.

METHODS

Forty-seven glioma tumor samples were used; IDH1 mutation status was investigated by immunohistochemistry and DNA sequencing. The microfluidic device was fabricated from polydimethylsiloxane following standard soft lithography. The immunoanalysis was conducted in the microfluidic chip. Fluorescence images of the on-chip microcolumn taken by the charge-coupled device camera were collected as the analytical results readout. Fluorescence signals were analyzed by NIS-Elements software to gather detailed information about the IDH1 concentration in the tissue samples.

RESULTS

DNA sequencing identified IDH1 R132H mutation in 33 of 47 tumor samples. The fluorescence signal for IDH1-mutant samples was 5.49 ± 1.87 compared with 3.90 ± 1.33 for wild type (p = 0.005). Thus, microfluidics was capable of distinguishing IDH1-mutant tumor samples from wild-type samples. When the cutoff value was 4.11, the sensitivity of microfluidics was 87.9% and the specificity was 64.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

This new approach was capable of analyzing IDH1 mutation status of tiny tissue samples within 30 minutes using intraoperative microsampling. This approach might also be applied for rapid pathological diagnosis of diffuse gliomas, thus guiding personalized resection.
Graph theory analysis of complex brain networks: new concepts in brain mapping applied to neurosurgery
Authors: Hart Michael G. , Ypma Rolf J. F. , Romero-Garcia Rafael , Price Stephen J. , Suckling John
Published: November 2015

Neuroanatomy has entered a new era, culminating in the search for the connectome, otherwise known as the brain’s wiring diagram. While this approach has led to landmark discoveries in neuroscience, potential neurosurgical applications and collaborations have been lagging. In this article, the authors describe the ideas and concepts behind the connectome and its analysis with graph theory. Following this they then describe how to form a connectome using resting state functional MRI data as an example. Next they highlight selected insights into healthy brain function that have been derived from connectome analysis and illustrate how studies into normal development, cognitive function, and the effects of synthetic lesioning can be relevant to neurosurgery. Finally, they provide a précis of early applications of the connectome and related techniques to traumatic brain injury, functional neurosurgery, and neurooncology.
Intraoperative mapping during repeat awake craniotomy reveals the functional plasticity of adult cortex
Authors: Southwell Derek G. , Hervey-Jumper Shawn L. , Perry David W. , Berger Mitchel S.
Published: November 2015

OBJECT

To avoid iatrogenic injury during the removal of intrinsic cerebral neoplasms such as gliomas, direct electrical stimulation (DES) is used to identify cortical and subcortical white matter pathways critical for language, motor, and sensory function. When a patient undergoes more than 1 brain tumor resection as in the case of tumor recurrence, the use of DES provides an unusual opportunity to examine brain plasticity in the setting of neurological disease.

METHODS

The authors examined 561 consecutive cases in which patients underwent DES mapping during surgery forglioma resection. “Positive” and “negative” sites—discrete cortical regions where electrical stimulation did (positive) or did not (negative) produce transient sensory, motor, or language disturbance—were identified prior to tumor resection and documented by intraoperative photography for categorization into functional maps. In this group of 561 patients, 18 were identified who underwent repeat surgery in which 1 or more stimulation sites overlapped with those tested during the initial surgery. The authors compared intraoperative sensory, motor, or language mapping results between initial and repeat surgeries, and evaluated the clinical outcomes for these patients.

RESULTS

A total of 117 sites were tested for sensory (7 sites, 6.0%), motor (9 sites, 7.7%), or language (101 sites, 86.3%) function during both initial and repeat surgeries. The mean interval between surgical procedures was 4.1 years. During initial surgeries, 95 (81.2%) of 117 sites were found to be negative and 22 (18.8%) of 117 sites were found to be positive. During repeat surgeries, 103 (88.0%) of 117 sites were negative and 14 (12.0%) of 117 were positive. Of the 95 sites that were negative at the initial surgery, 94 (98.9%) were also negative at the repeat surgery, while 1 (1.1%) site was found to be positive. Of the 22 sites that were initially positive, 13 (59.1%) remained positive at repeat surgery, while 9 (40.9%) had become negative for function. Overall, 6 (33.3%) of 18 patients exhibited loss of function at 1 or more motor or language sites between surgeries. Loss of function at these sites was not associated with neurological impairment at the time of repeat surgery, suggesting that neurological function was preserved through neural circuit reorganization or activation of latent functional pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

The adult central nervous system reorganizes motor and language areas in patients with glioma. Ultimately, adult neural plasticity may help to preserve motor and language function in the presence of evolving structural lesions. The insight gained from this subset of patients has implications for our understanding of brain plasticity in clinical settings.
Registration of Soybean Germplasm Line DB04‐10836 with High Yield Potential and Resistance to Soybean Cyst Nematode
Authors: Gillen Anne M. , Paris Robert L. , Arelli Prakash R. , Smith James R. , Mengistu Alemu
Published: November 2015

New soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] lines with high yield potential are needed by public and private soybean breeders. Soybean germplasm line DB04‐10836 (Reg. No. GP‐398, PI 674010), a late maturity group V (relative maturity 5.8) line, was developed by the USDA–ARS, Stoneville, MS. It is a conventional germplasm line with high yield potential and resistance to soybean cyst nematode (SCN) (Heterodera glycines Ichinohe Race 3) populations, moderate resistance to southern root‐knot nematode [Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood], and resistance to southern stem canker [caused by Diaporthe phaseolorum (Cooke & Ellis) Sacc. var. meridionalis F.A. Fernández]. DB04‐10836 was derived from the cross DT99‐16788 × J00‐2. The plant population was advanced from the F2 to F3 by the single‐pod bulk method and then advanced to the F5 generations by bulk increase. DB04‐10836 is derived from a single‐plant selection from the F5 population. It was tested in multiple environments in USDA–ARS tests in Mississippi, the Uniform Soybean Tests–Southern States, and the Mississippi Soybean Variety Trials. In the Uniform Tests over 64 trials at 23 locations from 2009 to 2011, DB04‐10836 ranked highest for yield, was significantly higher yielding than both check cultivars ‘Osage’ and ‘5002T’ at Pine Tree, AR, and was significantly higher yielding than 5002T at Suffolk, VA. Neither of these checks are resistant to SCN Race 3; therefore, DB04‐10836 will be useful as a high‐yielding SCN resistant parent for cultivar development.
Interface pressure and venous drainage of two compression stocking types in healthy volunteers and in patients with hemodynamic disturbances of the legs
Authors: Riebe Helene , Konschake Wolfgang , Haase Hermann , Jünger Michael
Published: November 2015

Standard of care in the therapy of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is the use of graduated elastic stockings (GECS). This paper is based on a prospective, mono-centric, open randomised, controlled and cross over study and discusses the hemodynamic effects of GECS and inverse graduated compression stockings (PECS) in 32 healthy volunteers and 32 patients with CVI and the consecutive impact on comfort. The application of stockings was performed sequentially, the allocation of the first stocking was randomized and double blind, wearing period for each stocking type about 7 days with one week of break between wearing periods. Measurements of the interface pressure were carried out by Picopress®(Microlab Elettronica, Italy) and the venous drainage were registered by strain gauge plethysmography. Mean interface pressure: GECS (level B1): 27.3 mmHg; GECS (level C): 19,6 mmHg; PECS (level B1): 17,8 mmHg; PECS (level C): 24,7 mmHg. Significant increase of EF and decrease of VFI by wearing both types of compression stockings, comparatively GESC resulted in a significantly greater improvement of EF than the PECS. PECS were significantly easier to don and put on compared to the GECS, the PECS tended to slip towards the foot more often.
Evaluation of the microcirculation in critically ill patients
Authors: Jung Christian , Kelm Malte
Published: November 2015

Adequate monitoring of patients on intensive care units is of highest priority to provide optimal treatment and to detect patients at risk. Within recent years the microcirculation became more and more attention due to its central importance for the outcome of patients. Microcirculatory disorders may include capillary flow disturbances as well as changes in the density of perfused vessels. In the clinical setting, the most often used parameter to detect alterations in the microcirculation is serum lactate. Since this parameter is characterized by major limitations, other strategies including non-invasive methods to quantify microvascular perfusion have been developed. A successful surveillance of the microcirculation in the individual patient may guide diagnostic and treatment strategies in order to optimize organ perfusion and oxygenation, subsequently leading to an individualized therapy. Intravital microscopy has been used to stratify patients at risk and to predict patients’ outcome. The aim of this review is to evaluate clinical correlates of microcirculatory disorders as well as giving an overview of newer diagnostic devices that may directly or indirectly evaluate the microcirculation and are available for use in critically ill patients.
Prevalence and association of visual functional deficits with lesion characteristics and functional neurological deficits in patients with stroke
Authors: Niwa Sayoko , Shimodozono Megumi , Kawahira Kazumi
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND:

Stroke frequently induces visual problems, which impair activities of daily living, lead to falls, and require rehabilitation. However, visual dysfunction has not been well characterized in stroke.

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to characterize visual function in patients with stroke and the association of these characteristics with neurological dysfunction and lesion hemisphere.

METHODS:

In 40 patients with stroke and 321 control subjects, we carried out an assessment of a broad panel of visual and neurological functional metrics to identify risk factors for specific visual impairments in stroke.

RESULTS:

Patients with stroke exhibited a significantly higher rate of occurrence for impairments in all visual metrics assessed, when compared to healthy controls. Risk for particular visual deficits varied according to lesion side (right versus left hemisphere) and specific types of neurological dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS:

Detailed assessment of visual function in patients with stroke can help to clarify the risk of various types of visual impairment. Moreover, as visual function assessment in patients with stroke is difficult, knowledge of the correlation of visual impairments with different neurological dysfunctions observed in stroke and lesion side will help predict vision problems and inform optimal corrective measures in treating patients with stroke.
Language and cognitive communication during post-traumatic amnesia: A critical synthesis
Authors: Steel Joanne , Ferguson Alison , Spencer Elizabeth , Togher Leanne
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND:

There is minimal speech pathology literature on communication presentation during post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) and the early recovery period after traumatic brain injury. While a body of research reports on other cognitive and behavioural functions during PTA, language and/or cognitive communication are not routinely the primary focus of current research literature.

OBJECTIVE:

This critical synthesis provides an overview of research to date on communication during PTA to inform speech pathology assessment practice and to assist with information provision to the multidisciplinary team and family members.

METHODS:

A search was conducted of studies reporting on language, cognition, and cognitive communication during the acute, inpatient and early recovery period after TBI. These were examined for relevance to speech pathology practice during PTA and acute confusional state.

RESULTS:

Historic and recent literature has described types of language and communication impairment during PTA and early recovery after TBI. Recently, aspects of communication impairment during PTA have been found relevant for outcome prediction. Few studies were found originating from speech pathology on communication during PTA.

CONCLUSIONS:

Communication disruption forms a key feature of PTA. Existing literature indicates that speech pathology monitoring of communication during PTA may be of benefit as part of multidisciplinary team management during early recovery.
Immediate effects of adding mental practice to physical practice on the gait of individuals with Parkinson’s disease: Randomized clinical trial
Authors: Santiago Lorenna Marques de Melo , de Oliveira Daniel Antunes , de Macêdo Ferreira Louise Gabriella Lopes , de Brito Pinto Hyanne Yasmim , Spaniol Ana Paula , de Lucena Trigueiro Larissa Coutinho , Ribeiro Tatiana Souza , de Sousa Angélica Vieira Cavalcanti , Piemonte Maria Elisa Pimentel , Lindquist Ana Raquel Rodrigues
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND:

Mental practice has shown benefits in the rehabilitation of neurological patients, however, there is no evidence of immediate effects on gait of individuals with Parkinson’s disease.

OBJECTIVE:

Determine the effects of mental practice activity added to physical practice on the gait of individuals with Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease (IPD).

METHODS:

20 patients classified with stage 2 and 3, according to the Hoehn and Yahr scale were randomized into 2 groups. The experimental group ( N = 10) was submitted to a single session of mental practice and physical practice gait protocol and the control group ( N = 10) only to physical practice. The primary outcomes were stride length and total stance and swing time. Secondary outcomes were hip range of motion, velocity and mobility. Subjects were reassessed 10 minutes, 1 day and 7 days after the end of the session.

RESULTS:

There was no statistically significant difference between the groups. An intragroup difference was observed in velocity, stride length, hip range of motion, and mobility, as well as total stance and swing time. These results were also observed on follow-ups.

CONCLUSIONS:

Mental practice did not have a greater effect on the gait of individuals with IPD than physical practice, after a single session.
Neutrophil Development, Migration, and Function in Teleost Fish
Authors: Havixbeck Jeffrey , Barreda Daniel
Published: November 2015

It is now widely recognized that neutrophils are sophisticated cells that are critical to host defense and the maintenance of homeostasis. In addition, concepts such as neutrophil plasticity are helping to define the range of phenotypic profiles available to cells in this group and the physiological conditions that contribute to their differentiation. Herein, we discuss key features of the life of a teleost neutrophil including their development, migration to an inflammatory site, and contributions to pathogen killing and the control of acute inflammation. The potent anti-microbial mechanisms elicited by these cells in bony fish are a testament to their long-standing evolutionary contributions in host defense. In addition, recent insights into their active roles in the control of inflammation prior to induction of apoptosis highlight their importance to the maintenance of host integrity in these early vertebrates. Overall, our goal is to summarize recent progress in our understanding of this cell type in teleost fish, and to provide evolutionary context for the contributions of this hematopoietic lineage in host defense and an efficient return to homeostasis following injury or infection.
Critical Clearing Time and Wind Power in Small Isolated Power Systems Considering Inertia Emulation
Authors: Medina-Domínguez Elías , Medina-Padrón José
Published: November 2015

The stability and security of small and isolated power systems can be compromised when large amounts of wind power enter them. Wind power integration depends on such factors as power generation capacity, conventional generation technology or grid topology. Another issue that can be considered is critical clearing time (CCT). In this paper, wind power and CCT are studied in a small isolated power system. Two types of wind turbines are considered: a squirrel cage induction generator (SCIG) and a full converter. Moreover, the full converter wind turbine’s inertia emulation capability is considered, and its impact on CCT is discussed. Voltage is taken into account because of its importance in power systems of this kind. The study focuses on the small, isolated Lanzarote-Fuerteventura power system, which is expected to be in operation by 2020.
Accounting for a Diverse Forest Ownership Structure in Projections of Forest Sustainability Indicators
Authors: Eggers Jeannette , Holmström Hampus , Lämås Tomas , Lind Torgny , Öhman Karin
Published: November 2015

In this study, we assessed the effect of a diverse ownership structure with different management strategies within and between owner categories in long-term projections of economic, ecological and social forest sustainability indicators, representing important ecosystem services, for two contrasting Swedish municipalities. This was done by comparing two scenarios: one where the diversity of management strategies was accounted for (Diverse) and one where it was not (Simple). The Diverse scenario resulted in a 14% lower total harvested volume for the 100 year period compared to the Simple scenario, which resulted in a higher growing stock and a more favorable development of the ecological indicators. The higher proportion of sparse forests and the lower proportion of clear-felled sites made the Diverse scenario more appropriate for delivering access to common outdoor recreation activities, while the Simple scenario projected more job opportunities. Differences between the scenarios were considerable already in the medium term (after 20 years of simulation). Our results highlight the importance of accounting for the variety of management strategies employed by forest owners in medium- to long-term projections of the development of forest sustainability indicators.
Biodegradable Nanofiber for Delivery of Immunomodulating Agent in the Treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Garrett Richard , Niiyama Eri , Kotsuchibashi Yohei , Uto Koichiro , Ebara Mitsuhiro
Published: November 2015

In this paper we investigate a potential new treatment option for basal cell carcinoma using electrospun polymer nanofibers. Poly(ε-caprolactone) fibers incorporated with the anti-cancer drug imiquimod were successfully produced for the first time. These fibers were characterized and their diffusion release profile tested in vitro. A range of different electrospinning parameters were investigated in order to determine the most effective approach in optimizing the fibers for future in vivo testing. Characterization showed stable and homogeneous distribution of imiquimod. Although the drug was released faster than what would be needed to replicate the current treatment model, this system would ideally allow for a treatment option which reduces side effects and is more convenient for the patient than the current topical treatment.
Experimental Analysis of Repaired Masonry Elements with Flax-FRCM and PBO-FRCM Composites Subjected to Axial Bending Loads
Authors: Cevallos Oscar , Olivito Renato , Codispoti Rosamaria
Published: November 2015

In the construction industry, the use of natural fabrics as a reinforcement for cement-based composites has shown great potential. The use of these sustainable composites to provide strengthening or repair old masonry structures that exhibit structural problems mainly due to a poor tensile strength of the mortar/brick joints is revealed to be a promising area of research. One of the most significant load conditions affecting the mechanical response of masonry structures occurs when axial bending loads are applied on the resistant cross-section. In this study, three different types of masonry elements were built using clay bricks and a lime-based mortar. After 28 days, the samples were subjected to concentric and eccentric compressive loads. In order to produce significant bending effects, the compressive loads were applied with large eccentricity, and a sudden failure characterized the behavior of the unreinforced masonry (URM) elements. The tested masonry specimens were repaired using fabric-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) composites produced using bi-directional flax and polyparaphenylene benzobisoxazole (PBO) fabrics. The mechanical behavior of the URM and repaired samples was compared in terms of load-displacement and moment-curvature responses. Furthermore, the results achieved using flax-FRCM composites were compared with those of using PBO-FRCM composites.
Heavy Metal Pollution, Fractionation, and Potential Ecological Risks in Sediments from Lake Chaohu (Eastern China) and the Surrounding Rivers
Authors: Zhang Lei , Liao Qianjiahua , Shao Shiguang , Zhang Nan , Shen Qiushi , Liu Cheng
Published: November 2015

Heavy metal (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) pollution, fractionation, and ecological risks in the sediments of Lake Chaohu (Eastern China), its eleven inflowing rivers and its only outflowing river were studied. An improved BCR (proposed by the European Community Bureau of Reference) sequential extraction procedure was applied to fractionate heavy metals within sediments, a geoaccumulation index was used to assess the extent of heavy metal pollution, and a risk assessment code was applied to evaluate potential ecological risks. Heavy metals in the Shuangqiao and Nanfei Rivers were generally higher than the other studied sites. Of the three Lake Chaohu sites, the highest concentrations were identified in western Chaohu. Heavy metal pollution and ecological risks in the lake’s only outflowing river were similar to those in the eastern region of the lake, to which the river is connected. Heavy metal concentrations occurred in the following order: Cd > Zn > Cu > Pb ≈ Ni ≈ Cr. Cr, Ni, and Cu made up the largest proportion of the residual fraction, while Cd was the most prominent metal in the exchangeable and carbonate-included fraction. Cd posed the greatest potential ecological risk; the heavy metals generally posed risks in the following order: Cd > Zn > Cu > Ni > Pb > Cr.
Neoadjuvant Down-Sizing of Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma with Photodynamic Therapy—Long-Term Outcome of a Phase II Pilot Study
Authors: Wagner Andrej , Wiedmann Marcus , Tannapfel Andrea , Mayr Christian , Kiesslich Tobias , Wolkersdörfer Gernot , Berr Frieder , Hauss Johann , Witzigmann Helmut
Published: November 2015

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma (CC) is non-resectable in the majority of patients often due to intrahepatic extension along bile duct branches/segments, and even after complete resection (R0) recurrence can be as high as 70%. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an established palliative local tumor ablative treatment for non-resectable hilar CC. We report the long-term outcome of curative resection (R0) performed after neoadjuvant PDT for downsizing of tumor margins in seven patients (median age 59 years) with initially non-resectable hilar CC. Photofrin® was injected intravenously 24–48 h before laser light irradiation of the tumor stenoses and the adjacent bile duct segments. Major resective surgery was done with curative intention six weeks after PDT. All seven patients had been curatively (R0) resected and there were no undue early or late complications for the neoadjuvant PDT and surgery. Six of seven patients died from tumor recurrence at a median of 3.2 years after resection, the five-year survival rate was 43%. These results are comparable with published data for patients resected R0 without pre-treatment, indicating that neoadjuvant PDT is feasible and could improve overall survival of patients considered non-curatively resectable because of initial tumor extension in bile duct branches/segments—however, this concept needs to be validated in a larger trial.
Plant Responses to Nanoparticle Stress
Authors: Hossain Zahed , Mustafa Ghazala , Komatsu Setsuko
Published: November 2015

With the rapid advancement in nanotechnology, release of nanoscale materials into the environment is inevitable. Such contamination may negatively influence the functioning of the ecosystems. Many manufactured nanoparticles (NPs) contain heavy metals, which can cause soil and water contamination. Proteomic techniques have contributed substantially in understanding the molecular mechanisms of plant responses against various stresses by providing a link between gene expression and cell metabolism. As the coding regions of genome are responsible for plant adaptation to adverse conditions, protein signatures provide insights into the phytotoxicity of NPs at proteome level. This review summarizes the recent contributions of plant proteomic research to elaborate the complex molecular pathways of plant response to NPs stress.
Control of the Nano-Particle Weight Ratio in Stainless Steel Micro and Nano Powders by Radio Frequency Plasma Treatment
Authors: Yang Dong-Yeol , Kim Youngja , Hur Min , Lee Hae , Kim Yong-Jin , Lim Tae-Soo , Kim Ki-Bong , Yang Sangsun
Published: November 2015

This study describes how to make stainless steel hybrid micro-nano-powders (a mixture of micro-powder and nano-powder) using an in situ one-step process via radio frequency (RF) thermal plasma treatment. Nano-particles attached to micro-powders were successfully prepared by RF thermal plasma treatment of stainless steel powder with an average size of 35 μm. The ratio of nano-powders is estimated with a two-dimensional fluid simulation that calculates the temperature profile influencing the rate of surface evaporation. The simulation is conducted to determine the variation of the input power and the distance from the plasma torch to the feeding nozzle. It was demonstrated experimentally that the nano-powder ratio in the micro-nano-powder mixture can be controlled by adjusting the feeding rate, plasma power, feeding position and quenching effect during plasma treatment. The ratio of nano-particles in the micro-nano-powder mixture was controlled in a range from 0.1 (wt. %) to 30.7 (wt. %).
Development of Micro-Grippers for Tissue and Cell Manipulation with Direct Morphological Comparison
Authors: Cecchi Rossana , Verotti Matteo , Capata Roberto , Dochshanov Alden , Broggiato Giovanni , Crescenzi Rocco , Balucani Marco , Natali Stefano , Razzano Giovanna , Lucchese Franco , Bagolini Alvise , Bellutti Pierluigi , Sciubba Enrico , Belfiore Nicola
Published: November 2015

Although tissue and cell manipulation nowadays is a common task in biomedical analysis, there are still many different ways to accomplish it, most of which are still not sufficiently general, inexpensive, accurate, efficient or effective. Several problems arise both for in vivo or in vitro analysis, such as the maximum overall size of the device and the gripper jaws (like in minimally-invasive open biopsy) or very limited manipulating capability, degrees of freedom or dexterity (like in tissues or cell-handling operations). This paper presents a new approach to tissue and cell manipulation, which employs a conceptually new conjugate surfaces flexure hinge (CSFH) silicon MEMS-based technology micro-gripper that solves most of the above-mentioned problems. The article describes all of the phases of the development, including topology conception, structural design, simulation, construction, actuation testing and in vitro observation. The latter phase deals with the assessment of the function capability, which consists of taking a series of in vitro images by optical microscopy. They offer a direct morphological comparison between the gripper and a variety of tissues.
Synthesis and Chemistry of Organic Geminal Di- and Triazides
Authors: Häring Andreas , Kirsch Stefan
Published: November 2015

This review recapitulates all available literature dealing with the synthesis and reactivity of geminal organic di- and triazides. These compound classes are, to a large extent, unexplored despite their promising chemical properties and their simple preparation. In addition, the chemistry of carbonyl diazide (2) and tetraazidomethane (105) is described in separate sections.
Design, Synthesis and in Vivo Evaluation of Novel Glycosylated Sulfonylureas as Antihyperglycemic Agents
Authors: Suaifan Ghadeer , Shehadeh Mayadah , Darwish Rula , Al-Ijel Hebah , Abbate Vincenzo
Published: November 2015

Sulphonylurea compounds have versatile activities such as antidiabetic, diuretic, herbicide, oncolytic, antimalarial, antifungal and anticancer. The present study describes the design, synthesis and in vivo testing of novel glycosylated aryl sulfonylurea compounds as antihyperglycaemic agents in streptozocine-induced diabetic mice. The rational for the introduction of the glucosamine moiety is to enhance selective drug uptake by pancreatic β-cells in order to decrease the cardiotoxic side effect commonly associated with sulfonylurea agents. 2-Deoxy-2-(4-chlorophenylsulfonylurea)-d-glucopyranose was found to be the most potent antihyperglycaemic agents among the synthesized compounds in diabetic mice. This investigation indicates the importance of this novel class as potential antihyperglycaemic agents.
Over Exploitation of Groundwater in the Centre of Amman Zarqa Basin—Jordan: Evaluation of Well Data and GRACE Satellite Observations
Authors: Al-Zyoud Sana’a , Rühaak Wolfram , Forootan Ehsan , Sass Ingo
Published: November 2015

Jordan faces a sincere water crisis. Groundwater is the major water resource in Jordan and most of the ground water systems are already exploited beyond their estimated safe yield. The Amman Zarqa Basin is one of the most important groundwater systems in Jordan, which supplies the three largest cities in Jordan with drinking and irrigation water. Based on new data the groundwater drawdown in the Amman Zarqa Basin is studied. This basin is the most used drainage area in Jordan. Groundwater drawdown in eight central representative monitoring wells is outlined. Based on almost continuous data for the last 15 years (2000–2015) an average drawdown for the whole basin in the order of 1.1 m·a−1 is calculated. This result is in accordance with results of previous studies in other areas in Jordan and shows that, until now, no sustainable water management is applied. Groundwater management in such a basin presents a challenge for water managers and experts. The applicability of satellite data for estimating large-scale groundwater over exploitation, such as gravity products of the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission, along with supplementary data, is discussed. Although the size of the basin is below the minimum resolution of GRACE, the data generally support the measured drawdown.
Detection and Delineation of Localized Flooding from WorldView-2 Multispectral Data
Authors: Malinowski Radosław , Groom Geoff , Schwanghart Wolfgang , Heckrath Goswin
Published: November 2015

Remote sensing technology serves as a powerful tool for analyzing geospatial characteristics of flood inundation events at various scales. However, the performance of remote sensing methods depends heavily on the flood characteristics and landscape settings. Difficulties might be encountered in mapping the extent of localized flooding with shallow water on riverine floodplain areas, where patches of herbaceous vegetation are interspersed with open water surfaces. To address the difficulties in mapping inundation on areas with complex water and vegetation compositions, a high spatial resolution dataset has to be used to reduce the problem of mixed pixels. The main objective of our study was to investigate the possibilities of using a single date WorldView-2 image of very high spatial resolution and supporting data to analyze spatial patterns of localized flooding on a riverine floodplain. We used a decision tree algorithm with various combinations of input variables including spectral bands of the WorldView-2 image, selected spectral indices dedicated to mapping water surfaces and vegetation, and topographic data. The overall accuracies of the twelve flood extent maps derived with the decision tree method and performed on both pixels and image objects ranged between 77% and 95%. The highest mapping overall accuracy was achieved with a method that utilized all available input data and the object-based image analysis. Our study demonstrates the possibility of using single date WorldView-2 data for analyzing flooding events at high spatial detail despite the absence of spectral bands from the short-waveform region that are frequently used in water related studies. Our study also highlights the importance of topographic data in inundation analyses. The greatest difficulties were met in mapping water surfaces under dense canopy herbaceous vegetation, due to limited water surface exposure and the dominance of vegetation reflectance.
Impact of Land Cover Change Induced by a Fire Event on the Surface Energy Fluxes Derived from Remote Sensing
Authors: Sánchez Juan , Bisquert Mar , Rubio Eva , Caselles Vicente
Published: November 2015

Forest fires affect the natural cycle of the vegetation, and the structure and functioning of ecosystems. As a consequence of defoliation and vegetation mortality, surface energy flux patterns can suffer variations. Remote sensing techniques together with surface energy balance modeling offer the opportunity to explore these changes. In this paper we focus on a Mediterranean forest ecosystem. A fire event occurred in 2001 in Almodóvar del Pinar (Spain) affecting a pine and shrub area. A two-source energy balance approach was applied to a set of Landsat 5-TM and Landsat 7-EMT+ images to estimate the surface fluxes in the area. Three post-fire periods were analyzed, six, seven, nine, and 11 years after the fire event. Results showed the regeneration of the shrub area in 6–7 years, in contrast to the pine area, where an important decrease in evapotranspiration, around 1 mm·day−1, remained. Differences in evapotranspiration were mitigated nine and 11 years after the fire in the pine area, whereas significant deviations in the rest of the terms of the energy balance equation were still observed. The combined effect of changes in the vegetation structure and surface variables, such as land surface temperature, albedo, or vegetation coverage, is responsible for these variations in the surface energy flux patterns.
Automated Recognition of Railroad Infrastructure in Rural Areas from LIDAR Data
Authors: Arastounia Mostafa
Published: November 2015

This study is aimed at developing automated methods to recognize railroad infrastructure from 3D LIDAR data. Railroad infrastructure includes rail tracks, contact cables, catenary cables, return current cables, masts, and cantilevers. The LIDAR dataset used in this study is acquired by placing an Optech Lynx mobile mapping system on a railcar, operating at 125 km/h. The acquired dataset covers 550 meters of Austrian rural railroad corridor comprising 31 railroad key elements and containing only spatial information. The proposed methodology recognizes key components of the railroad corridor based on their physical shape, geometrical properties, and the topological relationships among them. The developed algorithms managed to recognize all key components of the railroad infrastructure, including two rail tracks, thirteen masts, thirteen cantilevers, one contact cable, one catenary cable, and one return current cable. The results are presented and discussed both at object level and at point cloud level. The results indicate that 100% accuracy and 100% precision at the object level and an average of 96.4% accuracy and an average of 97.1% precision at point cloud level are achieved.
Monitoring Cropland Dynamics of the Yellow River Delta based on Multi-Temporal Landsat Imagery over 1986 to 2015
Authors: Feng Quanlong , Gong Jianhua , Liu Jiantao , Li Yi
Published: November 2015

Natural deltas can provide human beings with flat and fertile land to be cultivated. It is important to monitor cropland dynamics to provide policy-relevant information for regional sustainable development. This paper utilized Landsat imagery to study the cropland dynamics of the Yellow River Delta during the last three decades. Multi-temporal Landsat data were used to account for the phenological variations of different plants. Several spectral and textural features were adopted to increase the between-class separability. The robust random forest classifier was used to generate the land cover maps of the Yellow River Delta for 1986, 1995, 2005 and 2015. Experimental results indicated that the proposed methodology showed good performance with an average classification accuracy of 89.44%. The spatial-temporal analysis indicated that the cropland area increased from 467.6 km2 in 1986 to 718.5 km2 in 2015 with an average growth rate of 8.65 km2/year. The newly created croplands were mainly due to the reclamation of grassland and bare soil while the losses of croplands were due to abandoned cultivation and urban sprawl. The results demonstrate that a sustainable perspective should be adopted by the decision makers in order to simultaneously maintain food security, industrial development and ecosystem safety.
Immunostimulatory Gene Therapy Using Oncolytic Viruses as Vehicles
Authors: Loskog Angelica
Published: November 2015

Immunostimulatory gene therapy has been developed during the past twenty years. The aim of immunostimulatory gene therapy is to tilt the suppressive tumor microenvironment to promote anti-tumor immunity. Hence, like a Trojan horse, the gene vehicle can carry warriors and weapons into enemy territory to combat the tumor from within. The most promising immune stimulators are those activating and sustaining Th1 responses, but even if potent effects were seen in preclinical models, many clinical trials failed to show objective responses in cancer patients. However, with new tools to control ongoing immunosuppression in cancer patients, immunostimulatory gene therapy is now emerging as an interesting option. In parallel, oncolytic viruses have been shown to be safe in patients. To prolong immune stimulation and to increase efficacy, these two fields are now merging and oncolytic viruses are armed with immunostimulatory transgenes. These novel agents are racing towards approval as established cancer immunotherapeutics.
Addendum: Mazcko, C., et al. The Establishment of the Pfizer-Canine Comparative Oncology and Genomics Consortium Biospecimen Repository. Vet. Sci. 2015, 2, 127–130
Authors: Mazcko Christina , Thomas Rachael
Published: November 2015

The authors wish to make the following correction to their paper published in Veterinary Sciences [1]: [...]
La correspondance de la noblesse russe dans la deuxième moitié du XVIIIe siècle : typologie et évolution du genre
Authors: Marasinova Elena
Published: November 2015

Abstract

The use of epistolary in-betweenness in Ivan Turgenev' s correspondence

Ivan Turgenev 's correspondence was instrumental in defining the writer's position as an artist in 19th-century Russian society. This position lies somewhere in- between the private and public spheres, as epistolarity is both the place to communicate with people from one's close circle and the space where Turgenev tries to adress the reading public, which the author sees as a possible ally against an increasingly hostile press. The paper concentrates on the years 1867-1872, between the publication of Smoke and Torrents of Spring.
« Vous m'avez demandé de ne pas faire de brouillon » : lettres inédites du prince Boris Golitsyne (1789-1790) et correspondance russe francophone
Authors: Gretchanaïa Elena
Published: November 2015

Prince Boris Golicyn's unpublished Letters and the problem of French-written Russian correspondence. The article focuses on a Russian correspondence written entirely in French and aims at defining its place in the cultural context of its time. For Boris Vladimirovich Golicyn (1769-1813), French is both the language of intimacy and a literary language, instrumental in providing the author with formulas and clichés, useful for the expression of this intimacy. By appearing as almost a Frenchman in his letters, Boris Golicyn embodies the intercultural situation of Russia at the end of the 18th century. This does not mean, however, that French-speaking Russian noblemen ceased to be Russian. They mastered both cultures, freely moving from one to the other, which allowed them to be critical towards one or the other when needed, and to play with both cultures' peculiarities.
Ivan Tourgueniev : usages épistolaires de l'entre-deux
Authors: Genevray Françoise
Published: November 2015

Ivan Turgenev 's correspondence was instrumental in defining the writer's position as an artist in 19th-century Russian society. This position lies somewhere in-between the private and public spheres, as epistolarity is both the place to communicate with people from one's close circle and the space where Turgenev tries to adress the reading public, which the author sees as a possible ally against an increasingly hostile press. The paper concentrates on the years 1867-1872, between the publication of Smoke and Torrents of Spring.