bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pounding Effects on the Earthquake Response of Adjacent Reinforced Concrete Structures Strengthened by Cable Elements
Authors: Liolios Angelos , Liolios Asterios , Hatzigeorgiou George , Radev Stefan
Published: June 2014

A numerical approach for estimating the effects of pounding (seismic interaction) on the response of adjacent Civil Engineering structures is presented. Emphasis is given to reinforced concrete (RC) frames of existing buildings which are seismically strengthened by cable-elements. A double discretization, in space by the Finite Element Method and in time by a direct incremental approach is used. The unilateral behaviours of both, the cable-elements and the interfaces contact-constraints, are taken strictly into account and result to inequality constitutive conditions. So, in each time-step, a non-convex linear complementarity problem is solved. It is found that pounding and cable strengthening have significant effects on the earthquake response and, hence, on the seismic upgrading of existing adjacent RC structures.
Nonlinear Analysis of a Functionally Graded Beam Resting on the Elastic Nonlinear Foundation
Authors: Arefi M.
Published: June 2014

This paper evaluates the nonlinear responses of a function- ally graded (FG) beam resting on a nonlinear foundation. After derivation of fundamental nonlinear differential equation using the Euler-Bernouli beam theory, a semi analytical method has been used to study the response of the problem. The responses can be evaluated for both linear and nonlinear isotropic and FG beams individually. Adomians Decomposition and successive approximation methods have been used for solution of nonlinear differential equation. As numerical investigation, the beams with simply supported ends and linear and nonlinear foundations have been analyzed using this method.
Effect of Matrix Viscosity on Rheological and Microwave Properties of Polymer Nanocomposites with Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Kotsilkova R. , Ivanov E. , Bychanok D. , Paddubskaya A. , Kuzhir P.
Published: June 2014

Nanocomposites of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in epoxy resin and polypropylene (PP) are studied. The effect of matrix viscosity on the degree of dispersion of nanotubes is determined by rheological methods. Rheology and microwave properties are correlated to estimate the optimal limits of nanofiller content required for improving the performance of nanocomposites. Rheological percolation threshold is determined for both types nanocomposites, ϕp=0.27% for the epoxy/MWCNT and; ϕp=1.5% for the PP/MWCNT, as found critical for achieving a network structure of interacting nanotubes in the matrix polymer. Good electromagnetic shielding efficiency was obtained for nanocomposites at nanotube contents above the rheological percolation. Low viscosity matrix facilitates contacts between MWCNTs, resulting in appearance of electromagnetic shielding at very low percolation threshold.
An Investigation of Planning Practices in Select Companies
Authors: Wyrozębski Paweł , Spałek Seweryn
Published: June 2014

The aim of the article is to answer two research questions concerning the influence of organizational factors and shape of project portfolio on the content and scope, as well as on the stakeholders engagement in project planning. The research strategy included a questionnairebased method. The respondents were representatives of the chosen companies located in Poland, from varied types of industries. The key research finding is that most frequently addressed areas of project planning are those of the iron-triangle of project constraints. There is still lack of understanding for communication, risk and quality planning in projects, which is consonant with recent studies of maturity in project management areas. There are significant differences between industries in terms of areas of project planning. Power engineering seems to be more mature in terms of more frequent practices of planning the project schedule, resources and risk. The research showed a number of significant correlations between components of project planning and both organizational and project portfolio factors, which justifies the statement that those factors can be seen as determinants of project planning practices.
Characteristics of a national sample of victims of intimate partner violence (IPV): Associations between perpetrator substance use and physical IPV
Authors: Lund Ingunn Olea
Published: June 2014

Background

This paper provides a characterisation of a national sample of intimate partner violence (IPV) victim shelter residents. The study also examines whether perpetrator substance use contributed to physical IPV in 2 subsamples: 1) Norwegian victims and perpetrators, and 2) immigrant victims and perpetrators.

Methods

A national sample (N=1363) of women at IPV shelters in Norway in 2011.

Results

The majority (62.2%) of the women had immigrant background, and social security was the most common employment/income status (42.6%). A combination of psychological and physical IPV was most frequently reported (56.1%). Perpetrator substance use was common in the Norwegian sample (57.5%). while many in the immigrant sample (47.1%) were unsure about perpetrator substance use. Perpetrator substance use was associated with physical IPV in both subsamples.

Conclusion

Immigrant IPV victims are overrepresented in the shelter population, as are women on social security. While substance use is associated with physical IPV among Norwegians and immigrants, the association is more obvious in the Norwegian sample. The high rates of immigrant women stating they are unsure about perpetrator substance use underscore the importance that future studies address this question in a culturally sensitive matter.
Role of Creative Industries in the Post-Socialist Urban Transformation
Authors: Stryjakiewicz Tadeusz , Męczyński Michał , Stachowiak Krzysztof
Published: June 2014

Over the past two decades the cities in Central and Eastern Europe have witnessed a wide-ranging transformation in many aspects. The introduction of a market-oriented economy after half a century of socialism has brought about deep social, economic, cultural and political changes. The first stage of the changes, the 1990s, involved the patching up of structural holes left by the previous system. The post-socialist city had to face challenges of the future while carrying the ballast of the past. Rapid progress in catching up with the West transformed the city a great deal. Later on, the advent of the 21st century brought a new wave of development processes based, among other things, on creativity and innovation. Hence our contribution aims to explore the role of creativity and creative industries in the post-socialist urban transformation. The article consists of three basic parts. In the first we present the concept of a ‘creative post-socialist city’ and define the position of creative industries in it. We also indicate some similarities to and differences from the West European approaches to this issue. In the second part, examples from Central and Eastern Europe are used in an attempt to elucidate the concept of a ‘creative post-socialist city’ by identifying some basic features of creative actions /processes as well as a creative environment, both exogenous and endogenous. The former is embedded in different local networks, both formal (institutionalised) and informal, whereas the structure of the latter is strongly path-dependent. In the third part we critically discuss the role of local policies on the development of creative industries, pointing out some of their shortcomings and drawing up recommendations for future policy measures.
Contemporary Determinants of the Development of Socio-Economic Regions
Authors: Czyż Teresa
Published: June 2014

This article examines the effect on the development of socio-economic regions in Poland of contemporary external determinants considered at the European and the world scale. It consists of two parts. The first gives a description of the main general processes that are external determinants of regional development today: modernisation changes, globalisation, metropolitanisation, and European integration. Part two is empirical in character and seeks to find regional manifestations and effects of those determinants in Poland, and to establish how they influence regional income and spatial differences in its value.
Agrarian-Economic Structure of Agricultural Holdings in Poland and East Germany: Selected Elements of Comparative Analysis
Authors: Jezierska-Thöle Aleksandra , Janzen Jörg , Rudnicki Roman
Published: June 2014

The aim of this study was to determine differences in the development of farms in Poland against the agriculture of East Germany, and to show areas with similar conditions for development. The time range of the research covered the years 2002-2010, i.e. the stage of preparation of Polish agriculture for accession to the European Union, the implementation of pre-accession aid programmes, and the establishment and implementation of the tools of the Common Agricultural Policy. To assess the level of agricultural development, natural, productive and social characteristics were adopted. Spatial variations in the analysed features were based on the variation coefficient (Vz), and the level of agricultural development, on Perkal’s index (Wi). In the analysed period the range of variation and the degree of the spatial dispersion of sub-indices changed, indicating a deepening of the polarisation processes in agriculture. The implementation of CAP intensified the process of specialisation and modernisation in agriculture, an example of which is the increase in the average farm size and in agricultural productivity. On the other hand, agricultural production intensified, as exemplified by a decrease in the minimum value in six of the analysed characteristics, which indicates growing disparities.
Social Inclusion by Revitalisation? The Potential of Disused Industrial Areas as an Opportunity for Mitigating Social Polarisation
Authors: Otto Marius , Chmielewska Marta
Published: June 2014

The paper concerns the relation between revitalisation projects and socio-economic polarisation, and discusses the potential of new urban spaces for social inclusion. The phenomenon is considered on the example of recreational facilities that have emerged from brownfields located in the Ruhr region (Germany). It was ascertained that the diversity of implemented projects was important in terms of the significance of revitalisation processes for social polarisation tendencies. It allowed regional authorities to create income-generating facilities and spaces that can be used regardless of income, and to resolve deficits in urban recreational facilities. It was also noted that the Ruhr examples could provide guidance for the recently begun revitalisation processes in the Upper Silesian industrial area (Poland).
Cognitive Metaphors of the Mind in "The Canterbury Tales"
Authors: Wawrzyniak Agnieszka
Published: June 2014

The paper presents an analysis of a number of cognitive metaphors pertaining to the concept of mind (e.g. sanity and insanity), heart, and fire. The study has been based on the text of Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer. The paper contains a short theoretical introduction and a discussion of different linguistic and psychological approaches to issues related to figurative and literal, conventional language use. The analytical part focuses on the detailed contextual study of the cognitive metaphorical concepts. It is argued that many apparently similar concepts can evoke semantically conflicting metaphors, while concepts that appear to be mutually exclusive can sometimes evoke common associations and thereby similar metaphors.
Discourse Markers and Modal Expressions in Speakers with and without Asperger Syndrome: A Pragmatic-perceptive Approach
Authors: Muñoz Francisco
Published: June 2014

From a theoretical point of view, this paper offers a new framework for the analysis of discourse markers: a pragmatic-perceptive model that emphasizes the point of the communication process in which such particles become more relevant. Furthermore, this approach tries to give an account of the modal expressions (attenuators and intensifiers) that speakers use in oral speech. The quotients of absolute and relative frequency with regard to the use of textual, interactive and enunciative markers – focused on the message, the addressee and the addresser respectively – are compared in two samples of 20 subjects with typical development and other 20 with Asperger syndrome. The general results of this research suggest that these latter speakers display a suitable command of textual markers, whereas they overexploit the enunciative ones in conversation.
Metformin Impacts the Prognosis of Cancer Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Aldea Mihaela , Craciun Lucian , Crivii Carmen
Published: June 2014

A long term complication of diabetes is the increased susceptibility to develop various malignancies and also to negatively impact the progression of cancer. However, metformin, widely used in the treatment of type II diabetes, seems to impact the outcome of several types of cancer, in terms of overall survival, disease-free survival or rates of recurrences. Metformin might impact cancer through various mechanisms, including reduced insulin and insulin-like growth factor-mediated signaling as well as modulation of inflammation and adipokine activity. This review presents the clinical studies that deal with the prognostic impact of metformin on cancer and discuss the possible reasons for why certain types of cancer are affected by anti-diabetic therapy. In addition, it tries to integrate the preclinical and clinical evidence into guidelines for future prospective clinical studies
Management of Diabetes Mellitus in Patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Authors: Miulescu Rucsandra Dănciulescu , Neamțu Marius Cristian , Dănoiu Suzana , Culman Mirela , Păun Diana Loreta , Poiană Cătalina
Published: June 2014

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a human immune system disease characterized by increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections, certain cancers and neurological disorders. The syndrome is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that is transmitted through blood or blood products, sexual contact or contaminated hypodermic needles. Antiretroviral treatment reduces the mortality and the morbidity of HIV infection but is increasingly reported to be associated with increasing reports of metabolic abnormalities. The prevalence and incidence of diabetes mellitus in patients on antiretroviral therapy is high. Recently, a joint panel of American Diabetes Association (ADA) and European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) experts updated the treatment recommendations for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in a consensus statement which provides guidance to health care providers. The ADA and EASD consensus statement concur that intervention in T2DM should be early, intensive, and uncompromisingly focused on maintaining glycemic levels as close as possible to the nondiabetic range. Intensive glucose management has been shown to reduce microvascular complications of diabetes but no significant benefits on cardiovascular diseases. Patients with diabetes have a high risk for cardiovascular disease and the treatment of diabetes should emphasize reduction of the cardiovascular factors risk. The treatment of diabetes mellitus in AIDS patients often involves polypharmacy, which increases the risk of suboptimal adherence
A classification of the torsion tensors on almost contact manifolds with B-metric
Authors: Manev Mancho , Ivanova Miroslava
Published: June 2014

The space of the torsion (0,3)-tensors of the linear connections on almost contact manifolds with B-metric is decomposed in 15 orthogonal and invariant subspaces with respect to the action of the structure group. Three known connections, preserving the structure, are characterized regarding this classification.
Partial regularity of solution to generalized Navier-Stokes problem
Authors: Mácha Václav
Published: June 2014

In the presented work, we study the regularity of solutions to the generalized Navier-Stokes problem up to a C 2 boundary in dimensions two and three. The point of our generalization is an assumption that a deviatoric part of a stress tensor depends on a shear rate and on a pressure. We focus on estimates of the Hausdorff measure of a singular set which is defined as a complement of a set where a solution is Hölder continuous. We use so-called indirect approach to show partial regularity, for dimension 2 we get even an empty set of singular points.
Eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the anharmonic oscillator V(x, y) = x 2 y 2
Authors: Fernández Francisco , Garcia Javier
Published: June 2014

We obtain sufficiently accurate eigenvalues and eigenfunctions for the anharmonic oscillator with potential V(x, y) = x 2 y 2 by means of three different methods. Our results strongly suggest that the spectrum of this oscillator is discrete in agreement with early rigorous mathematical proofs and against a recent statement that cast doubts about it
Travelling wave solutions: A new approach to the analysis of nonlinear physical phenomena
Authors: Sayevand Khosro , Baleanu Dumitru , Fardi Mojtaba
Published: June 2014

In this manuscript, a reliable scheme based on a general functional transformation is applied to construct the exact travelling wave solution for nonlinear differential equations. Our methodology is investigated by means of the modified homotopy analysis method which contains two convergence-control parameters. The obtained results reveal that the proposed approach is a very effective. Several illustrative examples are investigated in detail.
A new method of calculation in the Fractional Quantum Hall Effect regime
Authors: Bentalha Zine , Moumen Larabi , Ouahrani Tarik
Published: June 2014

The electron-electron and electron-background interaction energies are calculated analytically for systems with up to N = 6 electrons. The method consists of describing the position vectors of electrons using complex coordinates and all the interaction energies with complex notation, whereby simplifications become possible. As is known, in this type of calculation, complicated expressions involving integrals over many variables are encountered and the trick of using complex coordinates greatly facilitates the exact calculation of various quantities. Contrary to previous analytical calculations, using complex coordinates avoids complicated trigonometric functions from appearing in the integrand, simplifying the exact evaluation of the integrals. The method we have used can be straightforwardly extended to larger systems with N > 6 electrons.
One-dimensional Bose-Hubbard model with pure three-body interactions
Authors: Sowiński Tomasz
Published: June 2014

The extended Bose-Hubbard model with pure three-body local interactions is studied using the Density Matrix Renormalization Group approach. The shapes of the first two insulating lobes are discussed, and the values of the critical tunneling for which the system undergoes the quantum phase transition from insulating to superfluid phase are predicted. It is shown that stability of insulating phases, in contrast to the standard Bose-Hubbard model, is enhanced for larger fillings. It is also shown that, on the tip of the boundary of the insulating phase, the model under consideration belongs to the Berenzinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless universality class.
Does School Policy Affect Housing Choices? Evidence From the End of Desegregation in Charlotte–Mecklenburg
Authors: Liebowitz David D. , Page Lindsay C.
Published: June 2014

We examine whether the legal decision to grant unitary status to the Charlotte–Mecklenburg school district, which led to the end of race-conscious student assignment policies, increased the probability that families with children enrolled in the district would move to neighborhoods with a greater proportion of student residents of the same race as their own children. Motivated by the rich but inconclusive literature on the consequences of educational and residential segregation, we make use of a natural policy experiment—a judicial decision to end court-ordered busing—to estimate the causal impacts of this policy shift on household residential decisions. We find that, for those who moved, the legal decision made White families with children in the Charlotte–Mecklenburg Schools substantially more likely than they were during desegregation to move to a neighborhood with a greater proportion of White residents than their own neighborhood.
Validation of a Realistic Simulator for Veterinary Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Training
Authors: Usón-Gargallo Jesús , Usón-Casaús Jesús M. , Pérez-Merino Eva M. , Soria-Gálvez Federico , Morcillo Esther , Enciso Silvia , Sánchez-Margallo Francisco M.
Published: June 2014

This article reports on the face, content, and construct validity of a new realistic composite simulator (Simuldog) used to provide training in canine gastrointestinal flexible endoscopy. The basic endoscopic procedures performed on the simulator were esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), gastric biopsy (GB), and gastric foreign body removal (FBR). Construct validity was assessed by comparing the performance of novices (final-year veterinary students and recent graduates without endoscopic experience, n=30) versus experienced subjects (doctors in veterinary medicine who had performed more than 50 clinical upper gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures as a surgeon, n=15). Tasks were scored based on completion time, and specific rating scales were developed to assess performance. Internal consistency and inter-rater agreement were assessed. Face and content validity were determined using a 5-point Likert-type scale questionnaire. The novices needed considerably more time than the experts to perform EGD, GB, and FBR, and their performance scores were significantly lower (p<.010). Inter-rater agreement and the internal validity of the rating scales were good. Face validity was excellent, and both groups agreed that the endoscopy scenarios were very realistic. The experts highly valued the usefulness of Simuldog for veterinary training and as a tool for assessing endoscopic skills. Simuldog is the first validated model specifically developed to be used as a training tool for endoscopy techniques in small animals.
The use of simulation in neurosurgical education and training
Authors: Kirkman Matthew A. , Ahmed Maria , Albert Angelique F. , Wilson Mark H. , Nandi Dipankar , Sevdalis Nick
Published: June 2014

Object

There is increasing evidence that simulation provides high-quality, time-effective training in an era of resident duty-hour restrictions. Simulation may also permit trainees to acquire key skills in a safe environment, important in a specialty such as neurosurgery, where technical error can result in devastating consequences. The authors systematically reviewed the application of simulation within neurosurgical training and explored the state of the art in simulation within this specialty. To their knowledge this is the first systematic review published on this topic to date.

Methods

The authors searched the Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO databases and identified 4101 articles; 195 abstracts were screened by 2 authors for inclusion. The authors reviewed data on study population, study design and setting, outcome measures, key findings, and limitations.

Results

Twenty-eight articles formed the basis of this systematic review. Several different simulators are at the neurosurgeon's disposal, including those for ventriculostomy, neuroendoscopic procedures, and spinal surgery, with evidence for improved performance in a range of procedures. Feedback from participants has generally been favorable. However, study quality was found to be poor overall, with many studies hampered by nonrandomized design, presenting normal rather than abnormal anatomy, lack of control groups and long-term follow-up, poor study reporting, lack of evidence of improved simulator performance translating into clinical benefit, and poor reliability and validity evidence. The mean Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument score of included studies was 9.21 ± 1.95 (± SD) out of a possible score of 18.

Conclusions

The authors demonstrate qualitative and quantitative benefits of a range of neurosurgical simulators but find significant shortfalls in methodology and design. Future studies should seek to improve study design and reporting, and provide long-term follow-up data on simulated and ideally patient outcomes.
Prediction of methylguanine methyltransferase promoter methylation in glioblastoma using dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance and diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Ahn Sung Soo , Shin Na-Young , Chang Jong Hee , Kim Se Hoon , Kim Eui Hyun , Kim Dong Wook , Lee Seung-Koo
Published: June 2014

Object

The methylation status of the methylguanine methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter has been associated with treatment response in glioblastoma. The authors aimed to assess whether MGMT methylation status can be predicted by dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).

Methods

This retrospective study included 43 patients with pathologically diagnosed glioblastoma who had undergone preoperative DCE-MRI and DTI and whose MGMT methylation status was available. The imaging features were qualitatively assessed using conventional MR images. Regions of interest analyses for DCE-MRI permeability parameters (transfer constant [Ktrans], rate transfer coefficient [Kep], and volume fraction of extravascular extracellular space [Ve]) and DTI parameters (apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC] and fractional anisotropy [FA]) were performed on the enhancing solid portion of the glioblastoma. Chi-square or Mann-Whitney tests were used to evaluate relationships between MGMT methylation and imaging parameters. The authors performed receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to find the optimal cutoff value for the presence of MGMT methylation.

Results

MGMT methylation was not significantly associated with any imaging features on conventional MR images. Ktrans values were significantly higher in the MGMT methylated group (median 0.091 vs 0.053 min−1, p = 0.018). However, Kep, Ve, ADC, and FA were not significantly different between the 2 groups. The optimal cutoff value for the presence of MGMT methylation was Ktrans > 0.086 min−1 with an area under the curve of 0.756, a sensitivity of 56.3%, and a specificity of 85.2%.

Conclusions

Ktrans may serve as a potential imaging biomarker to predict MGMT methylation status preoperatively in glioblastoma; however, further investigation with a larger cohort is necessary.
Poor correlation between head circumference and cranial ultrasound findings in premature infants with intraventricular hemorrhage
Authors: Ingram Martha-Conley E. , Huguenard Anna L. , Miller Brandon A. , Chern Joshua J.
Published: June 2014

Object

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is the most common cause of hydrocephalus in the pediatric population and is particularly common in preterm infants. The decision to place a ventriculoperitoneal shunt or ventricular access device is based on physical examination findings and radiographic imaging. The authors undertook this study to determine if head circumference (HC) measurements correlated with the Evans ratio (ER) and if changes in ventricular size could be detected by HC measurements.

Methods

All cranial ultrasound (CUS) reports at the authors' institution between 2008 and 2011 were queried for terms related to hydrocephalus and IVH, from which a patient cohort was determined. A review of radiology reports, HC measurements, operative interventions, and significant clinical events was performed for each patient in the study. Additional radiographic measurements, such as an ER, were calculated by the authors. Significance was set at a statistical threshold of p < 0.05 for this study.

Results

One hundred forty-four patients were studied, of which 45 (31%) underwent CSF diversion. The mean gestational age and birth weight did not differ between patients who did and those who did not undergo CSF diversion. The CSF diversion procedures were reserved almost entirely for patients with IVH categorized as Grade III or IV. Both initial ER and HC were significantly larger for patients who underwent CSF diversion. The average ER and HC at presentation were 0.59 and 28.2 cm, respectively, for patients undergoing CSF diversion, and 0.34 and 25.2 cm for those who did not undergo CSF diversion. There was poor correlation between ER and HC measurements regardless of gestational age (r = 0.13). Additionally, increasing HC was not found to correlate with increasing ERs on consecutive CUSs (φ = −0.01, p = 0.90). Patients who underwent CSF diversion after being followed with multiple CUSs (10 of 45 patients) presented with smaller ERs and HC than those who underwent CSF diversion after a single CUS. Just prior to CSF diversion surgery, the patients who received multiple CUSs had ERs, but not HC measurements, that were similar to those in patients who underwent CSF diversion after a single CUS.

Conclusions

The HC measurement does not correlate with the ER or with changes in ER and therefore does not appear to be an adequate surrogate for serial CUSs. In patients who are followed for longer periods of time before CSF shunting procedures, the ER may play a larger role in the decision to proceed with surgery. Clinicians should be aware that the ER and HC are not surrogates for one another and may reflect different pathological processes. Future studies that take into account other physical examination findings and long-term clinical outcomes will aid in developing standardized protocols for evaluating preterm infants for ventriculoperitoneal shunt or ventricular access device placement.
Spondylolysis outcomes in adolescents after direct screw repair of the pars interarticularis
Authors: Snyder Laura A. , Shufflebarger Harry , O'Brien Michael F. , Thind Harjot , Theodore Nicholas , Kakarla Udaya K.
Published: June 2014

Object

Isthmic spondylolysis can significantly decrease functional abilities, especially in adolescent athletes. Although treatment can range from observation to surgery, direct screw placement through the fractured pars, or Buck's procedure, may be a more minimally invasive procedure than the more common pedicle screw-hook construct.

Methods

Review of surgical databases identified 16 consecutive patients treated with Buck's procedure from 2004 to 2010. Twelve patients were treated at Miami Children's Hospital and 4 at Barrow Neurological Institute. Demographics and clinical and radiographic outcomes were recorded and analyzed retrospectively.

Results

The 16 patients had a median age of 16 years, and 14 were 20 years or younger at the time of treatment. Symptoms included axial back pain in 100% of patients with concomitant radiculopathy in 38%. Pars defects were bilateral in 81% and unilateral in 19% for a total of 29 pars defects treated using Buck's procedure. Autograft or allograft augmented with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein as well as postoperative bracing was used in all cases. Postoperatively, symptoms resolved completely or partially in 15 patients (94%). Of 29 pars defects, healing was observed in 26 (89.6%) prior to 1 revision surgery, and an overall fusion rate of 97% was observed at last radiological follow-up. There were no implant failures. All 8 athletes in this group had returned to play at last follow-up.

Conclusions

Direct screw repair of the pars interarticularis defect as described in this series may provide a more minimally invasive treatment of adolescent patients with satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes, including return to play of adolescent athletes.
Health and Welfare in Dutch Organic Laying Hens
Authors: Bestman Monique , Wagenaar Jan-Paul
Published: June 2014

From 2007–2008, data on animal health and welfare and farm management during rearing and laying periods were collected from 49 flocks of organic laying hens in the Netherlands. Our aim was to investigate how organic egg farms performed in terms of animal health and welfare and which farm factors affected this performance. The flocks in our study were kept on farms with 34 to 25,000 hens (average 9,300 hens). Seventy-one percent of the flocks consisted of ‘silver hybrids’: white hens that lay brown eggs. Fifty-five percent of the flocks were kept in floor-based housing and 45% of the flocks in aviaries. No relation was found between the amount of time spent outdoors during the laying period and mortality at 60 weeks. Flocks that used their outdoor run more intensively had better feather scores. In 40% of the flocks there was mortality caused by predators. The average feed intake was 129 g/day at 30 weeks and 133 g/day at 60 weeks of age. The average percentage of mislaid eggs decreased from three at 30 weeks to two at 60 weeks. The average mortality was 7.8% at 60 weeks. Twenty-five percent of the flocks were not treated for worms in their first 50 weeks. Flubenol© was applied to the flocks that were treated. Ten percent of the flocks followed Flubenol© instructions for use and were wormed five or more times. The other 65% percent were treated irregularly between one and four times. Sixty-eight percent of the flocks showed little or no feather damage, 24% showed moderate damage and 8% showed severe damage. The feather score was better if the hens used the free-range area more intensely, the laying percentage at 60 weeks was higher, and if they were allowed to go outside sooner after arrival on the laying farm. In 69% of the flocks, hens had peck wounds in the vent area: on average this was 18% of the hens. Keel bone deformations were found in all flocks, on average in 21% of the birds. In 78% of the flocks, an average of 13% of the hens had foot-sole wounds, mostly a small crust. Combs were darker in flocks that used the range area more intensively. More fearful flocks had lighter combs. We conclude that organic farms are potentially more animal friendly than other poultry systems based on the animal welfare benefits of the free range areas. However, we also observed mortality rates, internal parasites, keel bone deformities, and foot sole lesions on organic farms that were comparable to or worse than in other husbandry systems. It is unclear whether these ‘remaining’ problems can be attributed to housing or if they are the result of keeping high productive genotypes in an artificial environment. Organic farms use the same high productive genotypes as other husbandry systems.
Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance as a Biosensing Platform for Developing Countries
Authors: Hammond Jules , Bhalla Nikhil , Rafiee Sarah , Estrela Pedro
Published: June 2014

The discovery of the phenomena known as localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) has provided the basis for many research areas, ranging from materials science to biosensing. LSPR has since been viewed as a transduction platform that could yield affordable, portable devices for a multitude of applications. This review aims to outline the potential applications within developing countries and the challenges that are likely to be faced before the technology can be effectively employed.
Receptor Tyrosine Kinases — Expanding Horizons
Authors: Hafizi Sassan
Published: June 2014

This Special Issue of Cells on receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) is a timely and unique assemblage of scholarly insights into topics that have relatively recently entered the spotlight in relation to this class of molecules. The review by Julien et al. [1] is an overview of the knowledge on how gangliosides, constituting certain membrane microdomains, may interact with and regulate RTK activation and downstream signalling. Similarly, the review by Banning et al. [2] focuses on the influence of another type of membrane microdomain, namely that containing flotillins, on regulation of RTK signalling and its relevance to cancer. Both of these reviews provide novel insights into mechanisms of transmembrane receptor signalling that rely on the constitution of the microdomains the RTKs reside in, and how their modification may affect receptor clustering, activation and translocation. Thus, knowledge about such microdomains and their interactions with RTKs can provide new information on common regulation pathways starting at the membrane level, which could have implications for novel therapeutic angles in, e.g., cancer. [...]
Analyzing Trade-Offs, Synergies, and Drivers among Timber Production, Carbon Sequestration, and Water Yield in Pinus elliotii Forests in Southeastern USA
Authors: Cademus Ronald , Escobedo Francisco , McLaughlin Daniel , Abd-Elrahman Amr
Published: June 2014

Managing Pinus elliotii forests for timber production and/or carbon sequestration is a common management objective, but can negatively affect water yield due to high losses from evapotranspiration. Thus, understanding the trade-offs and potential synergies among multiple ecosystem goods services, as well as the drivers influencing these interactions, can help identify effective forest management practices. We used available data from 377 permanent plots from the USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis Program for 2002–2011, and a forest water yield model to quantify provision levels and spatial distribution and patterns of carbon sequestration, timber volume and water yield for Pinus elliotii ecosystems in North Florida, USA. A ranking-classification framework and statistical analyses were used to better understand the interactions among ecosystem services and the effect of biophysical drivers on ecosystem service bundles. Results indicate that increased biomass reduced water yield but this trade-off varied across space. Specific synergies, or acceptable provision levels, among carbon sequestration, timber volume and water yield were identified and mapped. Additionally, stand age, silvicultural treatment, and site quality significantly affected the provision level of, and interactions among, the three ecosystem goods and services. The framework developed in this study can be used to assess, map, and manage subtropical forests for optimal provision of ecosystem services.
Quantifying Ladder Fuels: A New Approach Using LiDAR
Authors: Kramer Heather , Collins Brandon , Kelly Maggi , Stephens Scott
Published: June 2014

We investigated the relationship between LiDAR and ladder fuels in the northern Sierra Nevada, California USA. Ladder fuels are often targeted in hazardous fuel reduction treatments due to their role in propagating fire from the forest floor to tree crowns. Despite their importance, ladder fuels are difficult to quantify. One common approach is to calculate canopy base height, but this has many potential sources of error. LiDAR may be a way forward to better characterize ladder fuels, but has only been used to address this question peripherally and in only a few instances. After establishing that landscape fuel treatments reduced canopy and ladder fuels at our site, we tested which LiDAR-derived metrics best differentiated treated from untreated areas. The percent cover between 2 and 4 m had the most explanatory power to distinguish treated from untreated pixels across a range of spatial scales. When compared to independent plot-based measures of ladder fuel classes, this metric differentiated between high and low levels of ladder fuels. These findings point to several immediate applications for land managers and suggest new avenues of study that could lead to possible improvements in the way that we model wildfire behavior across forested landscapes in the US.
Effect of Radio Frequency Heating on Yoghurt, II: Microstructure and Texture
Authors: Siefarth Caroline , Tran Thi , Mittermaier Peter , Pfeiffer Thomas , Buettner Andrea
Published: June 2014

Radio frequency (RF) heating was applied to stirred yoghurt after culturing in order to enhance the shelf-life and thereby meet industrial demands in countries where the distribution cold chain cannot be implicitly guaranteed. In parallel, a convectional (CV) heating process was also tested. In order to meet consumers’ expectations with regard to texture and sensory properties, the yoghurts were heated to different temperatures (58, 65 and 72 °C). This second part of our feasibility study focused on the changes in microstructure and texture caused by post-fermentative heat treatment. It was shown that there were always microstructural changes with additional heat treatment. Compared to the dense and compact casein network in the stirred reference yoghurt, network contractions and further protein aggregation were observed after heat treatment, while at the same time larger pore geometries were detected. The changes in microstructure as well as other physical and sensorial texture properties (syneresis, hardness, cohesiveness, gumminess, apparent viscosity, G’, G’’, homogeneity) were in good agreement with the temperature and time of the heat treatment (thermal stress). The RF heated products were found to be very similar to the stirred reference yoghurt, showing potential for further industrial development such as novel heating strategies to obtain products with prolonged shelf-life.
Identification of Drivers from Cancer Genome Diversity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Takai Atsushi , Dang Hien , Wang Xin
Published: June 2014

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers with a dismal outcome. The complicated molecular pathogenesis of HCC caused by tumor heterogeneity makes it difficult to identify druggable targets useful for treating HCC patients. One approach that has a potential for the improvement of patient prognosis is the identification of cancer driver genes that play a critical role in the development of HCC. Recent technological advances of high-throughput methods, such as gene expression profiles, DNA copy number alterations and somatic mutations, have expanded our understanding of the comprehensive genetic profiles of HCC. Integrative analysis of these omics profiles enables us to classify the molecular subgroups of HCC patients. As each subgroup classified according to genetic profiles has different clinical features, such as recurrence rate and prognosis, the tumor subclassification tools are useful in clinical practice. Furthermore, a global genetic analysis, including genome-wide RNAi functional screening, makes it possible to identify cancer vulnerable genes. Identification of common cancer driver genes in HCC leads to the development of an effective molecular target therapy.
Thermoelectric Properties of Mg2Si Produced by New Chemical Route and SPS
Authors: Wunderlich Wilfried , Suzuki Yoshihito , Gibo Naoto , Ohkuma Takahiro , Al-Abandi Muayyad , Sato Masashi , Khan Atta , Mori Takao
Published: June 2014

This paper reports about a new synthesis method for preparing Mg2Si in an efficient way. The intermetallic Mg2Si-phase forms gradually from a mixture of Mg and Si fine powder during exposure to hydrogen atmosphere, which reacts in a vacuum vessel at 350 °C. The resulting powder has the same particle size (100 µm) compared with commercial Mg2Si powder, but higher reactivity due to large surface area from particulate morphology. Both types of powders were compacted by spark plasma sintering (SPS) experiments at 627, 602, 597, and 400 °C for 600 s with a compaction pressure of 80 MPa. The thermoelectric characterization was performed with low and high temperature gradients of ΔT = 10 K up to 600 K. The results confirmed a Seebeck coefficient of −0.14 mV/K for specimens sintered from both powders. The small difference in total performance between purchased and produced power is considered to be due to the effect of impurities. The best values were obtained for n-type Mg2Si doped with 3% Bi yielding a Seebeck coefficient of −0.2 mV/K, ZT = 0.45) and electric output power of more than 6 µW.
Knowledge and Educational Needs about Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) among Oncology Nurses
Authors: Quinn Gwendolyn , Knapp Caprice , Sehovic Ivana , Ung Danielle , Bowman Meghan , Gonzalez Luis , Vadaparampil Susan
Published: June 2014

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), a form of assisted reproductive technology, is a new technology with limited awareness among health care professionals and hereditary cancer families. Nurses play a key role in the care of patients and are often in an ideal position to discuss and refer patients on sensitive quality of life issues, such as PGD. Two hundred and one nurses at Moffitt Cancer Center (MCC) responded to an online survey assessing knowledge and educational needs regarding PGD and families with hereditary cancer. The majority of respondents were female (n = 188), white (n = 175), had an RN/BSN degree (n = 83), and provided outpatient care at the cancer center (n = 102). More than half of respondents (78%) were unfamiliar with PGD prior to the survey and respondents who had heard of PGD had limited knowledge. More than half of the participants reported PGD was an acceptable option for families with hereditary cancer syndromes and thought individuals with a strong family or personal history should be provided with information about PGD. This study indicates that oncology nurses may benefit from and desire education about PGD. With advances in reproductive technology and options, further PGD education is needed among healthcare professionals. An examination of current oncology nursing curriculum and competencies regarding genetic education may identify need for future revisions and updates.
Roles of Sphingolipid Metabolism in Pancreatic β Cell Dysfunction Induced by Lipotoxicity
Authors: Véret Julien , Bellini Lara , Giussani Paola , Ng Carl , Magnan Christophe , Stunff Hervé
Published: June 2014

Pancreatic β cells secrete insulin in order to maintain glucose homeostasis. However, various environmental stresses such as obesity have been shown to induce loss of secretory responsiveness in pancreatic β cells and pancreatic β cell apoptosis which can favor the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Indeed, elevated levels of free fatty acids (FFAs) have been shown to induce β cell apoptosis. Importantly, the chronic adverse effects of FFAs on β cell function and viability are potentiated in the presence of hyperglycaemia, a phenomenon that has been termed gluco-lipotoxicity. The molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of gluco-lipotoxicity in pancreatic β cells are not completely understood. Recent studies have shown that sphingolipid metabolism plays a key role in gluco-lipotoxicity induced apoptosis and loss of function of pancreatic β cells. The present review focuses on how the two main sphingolipid mediators, ceramides and sphingoid base-1-phosphates, regulate the deleterious effects of gluco-lipotoxicity on pancreatic β cells. The review highlights the role of a sphingolipid biostat on the dysregulation of β cell fate and function induced by gluco-lipotoxicity, offering the possibility of new therapeutic targets to prevent the onset of T2D.
Mapping Woodland Cover in the Miombo Ecosystem: A Comparison of Machine Learning Classifiers
Authors: Kamusoko Courage , Gamba Jonah , Murakami Hitomi
Published: June 2014

Miombo woodlands in Southern Africa are experiencing accelerated changes due to natural and anthropogenic disturbances. In order to formulate sustainable woodland management strategies in the Miombo ecosystem, timely and up-to-date land cover information is required. Recent advances in remote sensing technology have improved land cover mapping in tropical evergreen ecosystems. However, woodland cover mapping remains a challenge in the Miombo ecosystem. The objective of the study was to evaluate the performance of decision trees (DT), random forests (RF), and support vector machines (SVM) in the context of improving woodland and non-woodland cover mapping in the Miombo ecosystem in Zimbabwe. We used Multidate Landsat 8 spectral and spatial dependence (Moran’s I) variables to map woodland and non-woodland cover. Results show that RF classifier outperformed the SVM and DT classifiers by 4% and 15%, respectively. The RF importance measures show that multidate Landsat 8 spectral and spatial variables had the greatest influence on class-separability in the study area. Therefore, the RF classifier has potential to improve woodland cover mapping in the Miombo ecosystem.