bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Contraction Coefficient of a Free-Surface Flow Under Gravity Entering a Region Beneath a Semi-Infinite Plane
Authors: Wiryanto L. H. , Supriyanto H. B.
Published: November 2012

Borda's mouthpiece consists of a long straight tube projecting into a large vessel, where fluid enters the tube in a free surface flow that tends to become uniform far downstream in the tube. A two-dimensional approximation to this flow under gravity in the upper part of the tube leads to an evaluation of the contraction coefficient, the ratio of the constant depth of the uniform flow to the width of the tube. The analysis also applies to flow under gravity past a sluice gate, if the semi-infinite wall above the channel is rotated to the vertical. The contraction coefficient depends upon the Froude numberF, and is generally less than the zero gravity value of 1/2 that is approached asF→ ∞.
Modelling the Floating Ladder Track Response to a Moving Load by an Infinite Bernoulli-Euler Beam on Periodic Flexible Supports
Authors: Hosking Roger J. , Milinazzo Fausto
Published: November 2012

An infinite Bernoulli-Euler beam (representing the “combined rail” consisting of the rail and longitudinal sleeper) mounted on periodic flexible point supports (representing the railpads) has already proven to be a suitable mathematical model for the floating ladder track (FLT), to define its natural vibrations and its forced response due to a moving load. Adopting deliberately conservative parameters for the existing FLT design, we present further results for the response to a steadily (uniformly) moving load when the periodic supports are assumed to be elastic, and then introduce the mass and viscous damping of the periodic supports. Typical support damping significantly moderates the resulting steady deflexion at any load speed, and in particular substantially reduces the magnitude of the resonant response at the critical speed. The linear mathematical analysis is then extended to include the inertia of the load that otherwise moves uniformly along the beam, generating overstability at supercritical speeds – i.e. at load speeds notably above the critical speed predicted for the resonant response when the load inertia is neglected. Neither the resonance nor the overstability should prevent the safe implementation of the FLT design in modern high speed rail systems.
Creating identities in the mortuary arena of the Greek Final Neolithic: a contextual definition of practices in Central and Southern Greece
Authors: Psimogiannou Katerina
Published: November 2012

It is generally accepted that the Greek Final Neolithic witnessed many social and economic changes. However, few studies have explored the archaeological material of the period in a systematic and fully contextual manner. After analysing new material from a rescue excavation at Proskynas in east Lokris, central Greece, in combination with previous evidence, it is clear that most of our knowledge has come from the funerary domain, where acts of consumption and display of material culture took place. These included the deposition of artefacts in a mortuary context and in pits dug into the bedrock in the vicinity of the graves. The aim of this paper is to provide a contextual approach of the social and mortuary practices of the period in central and southern Greece and discuss their role to the creation of cultural identities. It is also suggested that these collective acts that occur primarily within the funerary domain may also imply a shift of interest from the domestic to the mortuary arena, which emerges as a new place for social negotiation at the end of the Neolithic period.
Place and identity: networks of Neolithic communities in Central Europe
Authors: Salisbury ￼Roderick B.
Published: November 2012

The multi-layered and multi-scalar nature of the term ‘community’ makes it a useful tool for both particularistic studies and cross-cultural comparisons, connecting scales of community to regional scales of settlement, exchange and mobility. This paper explores three general themes of community: community as place, as identity and as network. A case study of Neolithic communities in eastern Hungary and Lower Austria demonstrates a spatial and geoarchaeological approach to understanding the relational aspects of places, networks and identity to develop a social archaeology of communities.
Personal ornaments, Neolithic groups and social identities: some insights into Northern Italy
Authors: Micheli Roberto
Published: November 2012

Personal ornaments are often used to display information about the person wearing them – identity, group or individual, status, current role. In this paper, I analyse ornaments from osseous raw materials from Early and Middle Neolithic sites in Serbia. The exotic origin and labour and skill invested in their production may have conferred value on them or added to it and their animal origin was considered of special significance. Specific forms conveyed information on status and/or social identity (membership of kin or social group, etc.) and their white colour probably had more than mere aesthetic significance.
Austronesian’ and ‘Jōmon’ identities in the Neolithic of the Ryukyu Islands
Authors: Hudson Mark J.
Published: November 2012

This paper examines Neolithic cultural identities in the Ryukyu Islands of southwest Japan. It is argued that there were two different identities in this archipelago: a ‘Jōmon’ identity in the northern and central Ryukyus and an ‘Austronesian’ identity in the southern Ryukyus. These identities were constructed despite broad similarities in subsistence adaptation in both cultural zones.
Man, animal or both? Problems in the interpretation of early symbolic behaviour
Authors: Petru Simona
Published: November 2012

The interpretation of the first symbolic behaviour is difficult, because our Western mind restricts us. It is hard, if not impossible, to understand the way ancient people perceived the world. The Palaeolithic was the period when the modern human mind had just emerged, and people understood time and the surrounding environment differently. With the appearance of the modern mind and the evolution of new perceptions of time, rituals and funerals emerged. Early therianthropes might be a reflection of this evolution of the human mind.
Did shamans always play the drum? Tracking down prehistoric shamanism in Central Asia
Authors: Rozwadowski Andrzej
Published: November 2012

This paper considers the question of antiquity of shamanism in Central Asia and outlines several lines of enquiry into the issue. It analyses both linguistic and archaeological data with particular emphasis on ancient rock art. In the sphere of rock art studies it focuses on methodological questions connected with identifying shamanism in visual arts. It concludes that most convincing traits of shamanic symbolism, which characterizes Central Asian tradition, can be deciphered in the art dated to four thousand years.
Skeuomorphs’: on the rhetoric of material in the Gumelniţa tradition
Authors: Gheorghiu Dragoş
Published: November 2012

The social changes, which characterise the Chalcolithic in southeastern Europe, which coincide with the emergence of metals, imposed a new material and led to the emergence of skeuomorphs (i.e. copies of objects made from a material different from that of the originals). Some gold objects from the Gumelnita tradition were objects of value, such as the valves of exotic shells, which therefore become visible in the form of paraphernalia. The present paper discusses the rhetoric of material visible in the shape and proximity of originals and skeuomorphs.
Neolithic flat-based pots from the Carnac Mounds in the light of Cycladic ‘frying pans’
Authors: Serge Cassen , Vigier Emmanuelle , Weller Olivier , Chaigneau Cyrille , Hamon Gwenaëlle , Pierre-Arnaud De Labriffe , Chloé Martin
Published: November 2012

A rare type of pottery, found in four single graves under earthen mounds in the Carnac region of Brittany, consists of a circular, flat-based vessel with a near-vertical wall. On the basis of the equipment known from elsewhere in the world, it is possible that the morphology of these dishes is related to processes involved in the production of salt. To help us in exploring their function, we chose to compare these vessels with another enigmatic class of pottery from the Cyclades – the socalled ‘frying pans’ – which seems to have functioned in a similar way, as an object-sign, and has been found in a maritime milieu and in high-status contexts.
Houses, pots and food: the pottery from Maharski prekop in context
Authors: Mlekuž Dimitrij , Žibrat Gašparič Andreja , Horvat Milena , Budja Mihael
Published: November 2012

In this paper, we attempt a multiscalar analysis of the Maharski prekop archaeological site, connecting the landscape context, temporal dynamics, and spatial organisation with the composition of the artefact assemblage, the shapes, sizes and technological composition of the pottery, and traces of activities in the form of food residues on pottery. The pottery assemblage from Maharski prekop is characterised by a wide variation in vessels. This can be explained by the non-specialised use of vessels, where they were deliberately designed to be able to perform a series of different functions, which is supported by the technological analysis of fabrics and the wide range of identified foodstuffs.
Alsónyék-Bátaszék: a new chapter in the research of Lengyel culture
Authors: Osztás Anett , Zalai-Gaál István , Bánffy Eszter
Published: November 2012

There can be no doubt that one of the major archaeological discoveries made in Hungary during the past ten years was the prehistoric settlement at Alsónyék–Bátaszék. The area was intermittently occupied from the Early Neolithic to the end of the Late Neolithic and the onset of the Copper Age. The prehistoric settlement attained its greatest extent during the Late Neolithic Lengyel period, as shown by the 2359 burials and over 100 post-framed buildings uncovered at the site. This preliminary report describes previous research on the architecture of the Late Neolithic Lengyel culture in Hungary and the Lengyel settlement at Alsónyék and its architecture.
A hoard of flint items from Verbicioara, Romania
Authors: Ştefan Cristian E.
Published: November 2012

Specialists have always been interested in object depositions from prehistoric settlements. Such depositions have been analysed in relation to their respective contexts, structures and significance. This paper tabulates unpublished Sǎlcuta culture flint objects from a hoard found at Verbicioara, Dolj County in Romania. A series of comparisons with other Lower Danube similar discoveries is made to establish the possible significance of this discovery.
Indications of the presence of Middle Neolithic pottery kilns at Magoula Imvrou Pigadi, SW Thessaly, Greece
Authors: Kyparissi-Apostolika Nina
Published: November 2012

Red hot deposits were uncovered on the western edge of a Middle Neolithic settlement. With the extension of the excavation, a wide space of about 10m2, confined between two clay walls, very much affected by high temperatures, was uncovered. A number of vases almost totally complete after their preservation and a clay model of a kiln were unearthed. Additionally, clay remains of constructions were uncovered. The whole context suggests an area where pottery firing activities took place. The possibility that these kilns could have worked as a specialized craft workshop for other settlements in the area is discussed.
Palaeolithic occupation of the Mehran Plain in Southwestern Iran
Authors: Darabi Hojjat , Javanmardzadeh Ardeshir , Beshkani Amir , Jami-Alahmadi Mana
Published: November 2012

In terms of Palaeolithic studies, the Mehran Plain is already known due to the discovery of the Amar Merdeg site in 1999. But in spite of the high potential for occupation in different periods, the prehistoric settlement patterns of the plain had not been identified until the present survey in 2010, which resulted in the discovery of 15 Palaeolithic sites. Of these, 9 sites contain both Lower and Middle Palaeolithic remains and 3 more sites are attributed to the Middle Palaeolithic as well 3 sites to Upper Palaeolithic period and beyond. The distribution pattern indicates that easy access to raw materials, which are now visible among the chert pebbles scattered over hillocks on the plains, was the main reason to establish settling.
New evidence of the Neolithic period in West Central Zagros: the Sarfirouzabad- Mahidasht Region, Iran
Authors: Niknami Kamal-Aldin , Nikzad Meisam
Published: November 2012

Because the eastern region of the Mahidasht Valley in the Sarfirouzabad region, to the south-east of Kermanshah Province, had not been studied by archaeologists, this area of central Zagros was surveyed in 2009 by a team from Tehran University. We identified 17 sites dating to the Neolithic period. The finds indicate that the formation of sedentary societies began in the pre-pottery Neolithic in this area and was followed by a considerable increase in the number of sites during the pottery Neolithic period. Preliminary analyses of these sites will be presented in the present article.
Early villages and prehistoric sites in the Abharroud Basin, northwest of the Iranian Central Plateau
Authors: Alibaigi Sajjad , Khosravi Shokouh , Aali Abolfazl
Published: November 2012

The Abharroud basin is an important region in archaeological studies of the northwestern outskirts of the central plateau, and the west and northwest of Iran. Considering its environmental capabilities and geographical location, studying the region can leads us to a better understanding of regional relations and also inter-regional interaction between the cultural-geographical regions. During the two seasons of archaeological survey, 257 archaeological sites were discovered, dating from the lower Palaeolithic to recent ages. Of these, 34 sites contained prehistoric remains. Most of the identified sites are the remains of scattered villages and seasonal camps in different areas of the basin, on the plain and also impassable heights.
Plastic raw materials in Neolithic pottery production
Authors: Bobrinsky Alexander A. , Vasilyeva Irina N.
Published: November 2012

The paper is dedicated to the investigation of various natural silts as the most ancient type of raw material used in pottery production. The authors describe the specific features of the composition of plain and mountain silts, and discover the same features in ancient ceramics from different regions in Russia. It can be concluded that silts were the earliest raw material used, a tradition that faded away during the evolution of pottery production.
Correction technique for Raman water vapor lidar signal-dependent bias and suitability for water vapor trend monitoring in the upper troposphere
Authors: Whiteman D. N. , Cadirola M. , Venable D. , Calhoun M. , Miloshevich L. , Vermeesch K. , Twigg L. , Dirisu A. , Hurst D. , Hall E. , Jordan A. , Vömel H.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. The MOHAVE-2009 campaign brought together diverse instrumentation for measuring atmospheric water vapor. We report on the participation of the ALVICE (Atmospheric Laboratory for Validation, Interagency Collaboration and Education) mobile laboratory in the MOHAVE-2009 campaign. In appendices we also report on the performance of the corrected Vaisala RS92 radiosonde measurements during the campaign, on a new radiosonde based calibration algorithm that reduces the influence of atmospheric variability on the derived calibration constant, and on other results of the ALVICE deployment. The MOHAVE-2009 campaign permitted the Raman lidar systems participating to discover and address measurement biases in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. The ALVICE lidar system was found to possess a wet bias which was attributed to fluorescence of insect material that was deposited on the telescope early in the mission. Other sources of wet biases are discussed and data from other Raman lidar systems are investigated, revealing that wet biases in upper tropospheric (UT) and lower stratospheric (LS) water vapor measurements appear to be quite common in Raman lidar systems. Lower stratospheric climatology of water vapor is investigated both as a means to check for the existence of these wet biases in Raman lidar data and as a source of correction for the bias. A correction technique is derived and applied to the ALVICE lidar water vapor profiles. Good agreement is found between corrected ALVICE lidar measurments and those of RS92, frost point hygrometer and total column water. The correction is offered as a general method to both quality control Raman water vapor lidar data and to correct those data that have signal-dependent bias. The influence of the correction is shown to be small at regions in the upper troposphere where recent work indicates detection of trends in atmospheric water vapor may be most robust. The correction shown here holds promise for permitting useful upper tropospheric water vapor profiles to be consistently measured by Raman lidar within NDACC (Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change) and elsewhere, despite the prevalence of instrumental and atmospheric effects that can contaminate the very low signal to noise measurements in the UT.
Improved retrieval of global tropospheric formaldehyde columns from GOME-2/MetOp-A addressing noise reduction and instrumental degradation issues
Authors: De Smedt I. , Van Roozendael M. , Stavrakou T. , Müller J.-F. , Lerot C. , Theys N. , Valks P. , Hao N. , van der A R.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. We present a new dataset of formaldehyde vertical columns retrieved from observations of GOME-2 on board the EUMETSAT MetOp-A platform between 2007 and 2011. The new retrieval scheme, which has been optimised for GOME-2, includes a two-step fitting procedure that strongly reduces the impact of spectral interferences between H2CO and BrO, and a modified DOAS approach that better handles ozone absorption effects at moderately low sun elevations. Owing to these new features, the noise in the H2CO slant columns is reduced by up to 40% in comparison to baseline retrieval settings used operationally. Also, the previously reported underestimation of the H2CO columns in tropical and mid-latitude regions has been largely eliminated, improving the agreement with coincident SCIAMACHY observations. To compensate for the drift of the GOME-2 slit function and to mitigate the instrumental degradation effects on H2CO retrievals, an asymmetric Gaussian line-shape is fitted during the irradiance calibration. Additionally, external parameters used in the tropospheric air mass factor computation (surface reflectances, cloud parameters and a priori profile shapes of H2CO) have been updated using most recent databases. Similar updates were also applied to the historical datasets of GOME and SCIAMACHY, leading to the generation of a consistent multi-mission H2CO data record covering the time period from 1997 until 2011. Comparing the resulting time series of monthly averaged H2CO vertical columns in 12 large regions worldwide, the correlation coefficient between SCIAMACHY and GOME-2 columns is generally higher than 0.8 in the overlap period, and linear regression slopes differ by less than 10% from unity in most of the regions. In comparison to SCIAMACHY, the largely improved spatial sampling of GOME-2 allows for a better characterisation of formaldehyde distribution at the regional scale and/or at shorter timescales, leading to a better identification of the emission sources of non-methane volatile organic compounds.
Nitrification and growth of autotrophic nitrifying bacteria and Thaumarchaeota in the coastal North Sea
Authors: Veuger B. , Pitcher A. , Schouten S. , Sinninghe Damsté J. S. , Middelburg J. J.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. Nitrification and the associated growth of autotrophic nitrifiers, as well as the contributions of bacteria and Thaumarchaeota to total autotrophic C-fixation by nitrifiers were investigated in the Dutch coastal North Sea from October 2007 to March 2008. Rates of nitrification were determined by incubation of water samples with 15N-ammonium and growth of autotrophic nitrifiers was measured by incubation with 13C-DIC in the presence and absence of nitrification inhibitors (nitrapyrin and chlorate) in combination with compound-specific stable isotope (13C) analysis of bacterial- and Thaumarchaeotal lipid biomarkers. Net nitrification during the sampling period was evident from the concentration dynamics of ammonium, nitrite and nitrate. Measured nitrification rates were high (41–221 nmol N l−1h−1). Ammonium assimilation was always substantially lower than nitrification with nitrification on average contributing 89% (range 73–97%) to total ammonium consumption. 13C-DIC fixation into bacterial and Thaumarchaeotal lipids was strongly reduced by the nitrification inhibitors (27–95%). The inhibitor-sensitive 13C-PLFA pool was dominated by the common PLFAs 16:0, 16:1ω7c and 18:1ω7c throughout the whole sampling period and occasionally also included the polyunsaturated fatty acids 18:2ω6c and 18:3ω3. Cell-specific 13C-DIC fixation activity of the nitrifying bacteria was much higher than that of the nitrifying Thaumarchaeota throughout the whole sampling period, even during the peak in Thaumarchaeotal abundance and activity. This suggests that the contribution of autotrophic Thaumarchaeota to nitrification during winter in the coastal North Sea may have been smaller than expected from their gene abundance. These results emphasize the importance of direct measurements of the actual activity of bacteria and Thaumarchaeota, rather than abundance measurements only, in order to elucidate their biogeochemical importance. The ratio between rates of nitrification versus DIC fixation by nitrifiers was higher or even much higher than typical values for autotrophic nitrifiers, indicating that little DIC was fixed relative to the amount of energy that was generated by nitrification.
An independently dated 2000-yr volcanic record from Law Dome, East Antarctica, including a new perspective on the dating of the 1450s CE eruption of Kuwae, Vanuatu
Authors: Plummer C. T. , Curran M. A. J. , van Ommen T D. , Rasmussen S. O. , Moy A. D. , Vance T. R. , Clausen H. B. , Vinther B. M. , Mayewski P. A.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. Volcanic eruptions are an important cause of natural climate variability. In order to improve the accuracy of climate models, precise dating and magnitude of the climatic effects of past volcanism are necessary. Here we present a 2000-yr record of Southern Hemisphere volcanism recorded in ice cores from the high accumulation Law Dome site, East Antarctica. The ice cores were analysed for a suite of chemistry signals and are independently dated via annual layer counting, with 11 ambiguous years at 23 BCE, which has presently the lowest error of all published long Antarctic ice cores. Independently dated records are important to avoid circular dating where volcanic signatures are assigned a date from some external information rather than using the date it is found in the ice core. Forty-five volcanic events have been identified using the sulphate chemistry of the Law Dome record. The low dating error and comparison with the NGRIP (North Greenland Ice Core Project) volcanic records (on the GICC05 timescale) suggest Law Dome is the most accurately dated Antarctic volcanic dataset, which will improve the dating of individual volcanic events and potentially allow better correlation between ice core records, leading to improvements in global volcanic forcing datasets. One of the most important volcanic events of the last two millennia is the large 1450s CE event, usually assigned to the eruption of Kuwae, Vanuatu. In this study, we review the evidence surrounding the presently accepted date for this event, and make the case that two separate eruptions have caused confusion in the assignment of this event. Volcanic sulphate deposition estimates are important for modelling the climatic response to eruptions. The largest volcanic sulphate events in our record are dated at 1458 CE (Kuwae?, Vanuatu), 1257 and 422 CE (unidentified).
Source apportionment using LOTOS-EUROS: module description and evaluation
Authors: Kranenburg R. , Hendriks C. , Schaap M. , Segers A.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. To design effective mitigation strategies the origin of air pollutants needs to be known. Chemistry transport models can be used to assess the origin of air pollution across a large domain. However, in traditional simulations the information on origin is lost and brute force scenario studies are performed to assess the origin. Alternatively, one can trace the origin of air pollutants throughout a simulation using a labeling approach. In this paper we document and demonstrate a newly developed labeling module for the chemistry transport model LOTOS-EUROS which tracks the source allocation for all particulate matter components and precursor gases. Dedicated simulations confirmed that the new module functions correctly. The new module provides more accurate information about the source contributions than using a brute force approach with scenario runs as the chemical regime remains unchanged. An important advantage of the new module is the reduction of computation costs and analysis work associated with the calculations. The new module was applied to assess the origin of particulate nitrate across the Netherlands. Averaged across the Dutch territory the main contributions to nitrate derive from road and non-road transport as well as power plants. Overall, only one-fifth of the concentration derived from sources located inside the country. The new technology enables new research directions as improved information on pollution origin is desired for policy support as well as scientific applications.
A one-dimensional model intercomparison study of thermal regime of a shallow turbid midlatitude lake
Authors: Stepanenko V. M. , Martynov A. , Jöhnk K. D. , Subin Z. M. , Perroud M. , Fang X. , Beyrich F. , Mironov D. , Goyette S.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. Results of a lake model intercomparison study conducted within the framework of Lake Model Intercomparison Project are presented. The investigated lake was Großer Kossenblatter See (Germany) as a representative of shallow (2 m mean depth) midlatitude turbid lakes. Meteorological measurements, including turbulent fluxes and water temperature, were carried out by the Lindenberg Meteorological Observatory of the German Meteorological Service (Deutscher Wetterdienst, DWD). Eight lake models of different complexity were run, forced by identical meteorological variables and model parameters unified as far as possible given different formulations of processes. All models generally captured diurnal and seasonal variability of lake surface temperature well. However, some models were incapable of realistically reproducing temperature stratification in summer. Total heat turbulent fluxes, computed by surface flux schemes of lake models, deviated on average from those measured by eddy covariance by 17–28 W m−2. To realistically represent lakes in numerical weather prediction and climate models, it is advisable to use depth-resolving turbulence models (or equivalent) in favour of models with a completely mixed temperature profile. While the effect of heat flux to bottom sediments can become significant for bottom temperatures, it has no important influence on the surface temperatures.
Evaluation of drought indices at interannual to climate change timescales: a case study over the Amazon and Mississippi river basins
Authors: Joetzjer E. , Douville H. , Delire C. , Ciais P. , Decharme B. , Tyteca S.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. The present study compares three meteorological drought indices (scPDSI, SPI and SPEI respectively) and their ability to account for the variations of annual mean river discharge on both interannual and climate change timescales. The Standardized Runoff Index (SRI) is used as a proxy of river discharge. The Mississippi and Amazon river basins provide two contrasted testbeds for this analysis. All meteorological drought indices are derived from monthly 2-meter temperature and/or precipitation, using either gridded observations or outputs of a global climate model. The SPI based solely on precipitation is not outperformed by the SPEI (accounting for potential evapotranspiration) and the scPDSI (based on a simplified water balance) at detecting interannual SRI variations. Under increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases, the simulated response of the areal fraction in drought is highly index-dependent, suggesting that more physical water balance models are needed to account for the impact of global warming on hydrological droughts.
Bladder Bioengineering: Our Experience
Authors: Caione Paolo , Nappo Simona Gerocami , Boldrini Renata , Zavaglia Daniela , Zinno Francesco , Lais Alberto
Published: November 2012

Background

Tissue engineering techniques aim to substitute or restore the structure and function of organs and systems. The bladder has been recently considered as a promising organ for tissue engineering regeneration for augmentation or substitution. We present our experience on an experimental model and a pilot clinical study.

Methods

The experimental model: 10 minipigs underwent 50% volume cystectomy and bladder wall substitution using a 5 × 4 cm acellular intestinal submucosa membrane as graft, covered by omentum. In 4 pigs, autologous stem cells, bone marrow-derived, were injected into the scaffold. The animals were sacrificed at 5 weeks, and 3 months from grafting. The clinical study: 5 exstrophic patients, 8–17 years old (mean 10.4 years), presenting poor bladder capacity and compliance after bladder closure and urethra-genitalia reconstruction, who refused enterocystoplasty received intestinal submucosa membrane (cm 5 × 4) bladder grafting. Follow-up lasted 3 years.

Results

All animals but 1 survived. The regenerated bladders had normal capacity. The newly developed wall was lined by normal looking mucosa. At histology, 3 layers were well defined: urothelium (inner), fibrocells and muscular cells within rich connective tissue (intermediate) and a well vascularized adventitial coat. No residual scaffold was observed at 3 months. The muscular component was 28% in the engineered bladder wall, versus 44% in the native wall (p<0.05). In the clinical study at 6 months' follow-up, bladder capacity increased from 102 mls to 136 mls (mean). The difference was significant (p<0.05). At biopsy, the newly generated bladder wall appeared similar to the animal model histology. No complications occurred, but 2 patients required enterocystoplasty at 3 years' follow-up.

Conclusions

Bladder regeneration is feasible by tissue engineering techniques in animal models and in humans. Functional and histological results are not as with normal bladder wall. Further improvements are necessary before any extensive clinical application.
Application of Sephadex LH-20 for Microdetermination of Dopamine by Solid Phase Spectrophotometry
Authors: Taghdiri Mehdi , Mohamadipour-taziyan Arash
Published: November 2012

A sensitive spectrophotometric method for the determination of dopamine was carried out without any separation steps. Bromocresol green is adsorbed on Sephadex LH-20 gel but the sorption decreases in the presence of dopamine due to ion-pair formation between bromocresol green and dopamine in solution. This attenuation was used to the microdetermination of dopamine by measurement of absorbance of the solid phase (Sephadex LH-20 gel) in a 1.0 mm cell at 625 nm. Dopamine could be determined in the concentration range of 0.4–1.6 μg mL−1 (10-mL Sample volume) with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 0.03% (). The detection limit was obtained, 0.26 μg mL−1 (1.7 μM). The method was used for determination of dopamine in pharmaceutical injection sample and satisfactory result was obtained.
Spider Covers and Their Applications
Authors: De Santis Filomena , Gargano Luisa , Hammar Mikael , Negro Alberto , Vaccaro Ugo
Published: November 2012

We introduce two new combinatorial optimization problems: the Maximum Spider Problem and the Spider Cover Problem; we study their approximability and illustrate their applications. In these problems we are given a directed graph , a distinguished vertex , and a family D of subsets of vertices. A spider centered at vertex s is a collection of arc-disjoint paths all starting at s but ending into pairwise distinct vertices. We say that a spider covers a subset of vertices X if at least one of the endpoints of the paths constituting the spider other than s belongs to X. In the Maximum Spider Problem the goal is to find a spider centered at s that covers the maximum number of elements of the family D. Conversely, the Spider Cover Problem consists of finding the minimum number of spiders centered at s that covers all subsets in D. We motivate the study of the Maximum Spider and Spider Cover Problems by pointing out a variety of applications. We show that a natural greedy algorithm gives a 2-approximation algorithm for the Maximum Spider Problem and a -approximation algorithm for the Spider Cover Problem.
Silver Fir Defoliation Likelihood Is Related to Negative Growth Trends and High Warming Sensitivity at Their Southernmost Distribution Limit
Authors: Linares Juan Carlos , Camarero J. Julio
Published: November 2012

Changes in radial growth have been used to estimate tree decline probability since they may indicate tree responses to long- and short-term stressors. We used visual assessments of crown defoliation, an indicator of decline, and retrospective tree-ring analyses to determine whether climate-growth sensitivity and tree growth rates may be used as predictors of tree die-off probability in Abies alba (silver fir) at the Spanish Pyrenees. We used climatic data to calculate standardized temperature and precipitation data and drought indexes. Basal area increment was measured for declining (defoliation > 50%) and nondeclining (defoliation < 50%) silver firs in stands with contrasting defoliation. Logistic regressions were applied to predict tree die-off. Since the early 1980s, a synchronised reduction in basal area increment was observed in declining trees. The basal area increment trend correctly classified 64% of declining trees and 94% of nondeclining trees. The growth sensitivity to water deficit, temperature, and a drought index also significantly predicted silver fir decline, but providing underestimated predictions. Our findings underscore the idea that long-term climatic warming seems to be a major driver of growth decline in silver fir. Ongoing growth reduction and enhanced mortality may promote vegetation shifts in declining Pyrenean A. alba forests.
A Survey of Image Compression Algorithms for Visual Sensor Networks
Authors: Mammeri Abdelhamid , Hadjou Brahim , Khoumsi Ahmed
Published: November 2012

With the advent of visual sensor networks (VSNs), energy-aware compression algorithms have gained wide attention. That is, new strategies and mechanisms for power-efficient image compression algorithms are developed, since the application of the conventional methods is not always energy beneficial. In this paper, we provide a survey of image compression algorithms for visual sensor networks, ranging from the conventional standards such as JPEG and JPEG2000 to a new compression method, for example, compressive sensing. We provide the advantages and shortcomings of the application of these algorithms in VSN, a literature review of their application in VSN, as well as an open research issue for each compression standard/method. Moreover, factors influencing the design of compression algorithms in the context of VSN are presented. We conclude by some guidelines which concern the design of a compression method for VSN.
Diagnostic Role of 18F-FECH-PET/CT Compared with Bone Scan in Evaluating the Prostate Cancer Patients Referring with Biochemical Recurrence
Authors: Takesh Mustafa , Odat Allh Khaldoun , Adams Stefan , Zechmann Christian
Published: November 2012

18F-FECH-PET/CT has been proved to be an imaging agent for prostate carcinoma. However, its role in detecting the bone metastases is still blurred owing to the lack of related studies. The purpose of our study was to assess the efficacy of PET with 18F-ethylcholine in assessing the bone status and to compare the results with that of conventional bone scan findings. For this purpose, we selected 37 patients (mean age 69±7), who had been referred for restaging purposes due to biochemical recurrences and underwent both 18F-FECH-PET/CT and bone scan in a short interval. Generally 18 patients out 37 patients referred with biochemical relapse were confirmed to have bone involvement. From 18 confirmed bone involvement cases, 18F-FECH-PET/CT identified correctly the bone involvement in 15 cases with overall sensitivity of 83.3%. On the other hand, bone scan identified 17 out of 18 confirmed cases with overall sensitivity of 94.4%. The lesion-related results show that the sensitivity of each investigation differs with the anatomical regions, and by comparing both results, 18F-FECH-PET/CT was mostly superior to bone scan; however, without a statistical significance (P>0.1). In conclusion, no significant gain in sensitivity was achieved using bone scan compared with 18F-FECH-PET/CT.
Searching Before It Is Too Late: A Survey of Blood Parasites in Ctenosaura melanosterna, a Critically Endangered Reptile of Honduras
Authors: Davis Andrew K. , Benz Andrew C. , Ruyle Leslie E. , Kistler Whitney M. , Shock Barbara C. , Yabsley Michael J.
Published: November 2012

For species at risk of extinction, any parasites they have would be expected to face a similar fate. In such cases, time is running out for efforts to identify and study their parasitic fauna before they are gone. We surveyed the hemoparasite fauna of 50 black-chested, spiny-tailed iguanas (Ctenosaura melanosterna), a critically-endangered species, on an island off the coast of Honduras. Blood samples from captured animals were tested for hemoparasites by thin blood smear and molecular analyses. Based on microscopy, two parasites were identified, a Plasmodium sp. in 14% of iguanas and a Hepatozoon sp. in 32%. For both parasites, parasitemia levels were <0.1%. Prevalence and parasitemias of Hepatozoon declined with increasing host size, a pattern differing from most prior studies of saurian reptiles. From a subset of iguanas with microscopy-confirmed Plasmodium infections, sequence analysis of 454 bp of the cytochrome b gene indicated that the Plasmodium species was distinct from known Plasmodium and was most closely related to P. chiricahuae (96.5% similarity) followed by P. mexicanum (95.8% similarity). Efforts to amplify the Hepatozoon parasite using PCR were not successful. Additional surveys and studies of this host-parasite system would be valuable, both to science and to the management of this endangered animal.
Macromolecular Crowding Enhances Catalytic Efficiency and Stability ofα-Amylase
Authors: Yadav Jay Kant
Published: November 2012

In the present study an attempt was made to investigate the macromolecular crowding effect on functional attributes ofα-amylase. High concentrations of sugar based cosolvents, (e.g., trehalose, sucrose, sorbitol, and glycerol) were used to mimic the macromolecular crowding environment (of cellular milieu) underin vitroconditions. To assess the effect of macromolecular crowding, the activity and structural properties of the enzyme were evaluated in the presence of different concentrations of the above cosolvents. Based on the results it is suggested that the macromolecular crowding significantly improves the catalytic efficiency of the enzyme with marginal change in the structure. Out of four cosolvents examined, trehalose was found to be the most effective in consistently enhancing thermal stability of the enzyme. Moreover, the relative effectiveness of the above cosolvents was found to be dependent on their concentration used.
An Adrenal Incidentaloma: How Often Is It Detected and What Are the Consequences?
Authors: Minnaar E. M. , Human K. E. , Henneman D. , Nio C. Y. , Bisschop P. H. , Nieveen van Dijkum E. J. M.
Published: November 2012

Objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate the detection rate of adrenal incidentalomas and subsequent workup. Design. Retrospective cohort study. Methods. Two investigators evaluated the adrenals on abdominal CT scans. Abnormalities were compared to the original radiology reports and an experienced abdominal radiologist reviewed the CT scans. All additional imaging and laboratory tests were assessed. Results. The investigators detected 44/356 adrenal incidentalomas (12%). In 25 patients an adrenal incidentaloma had been noted in the radiology report. The expert radiologist agreed on 19 incidentalomas in 17 patients, two with bilateral incidentalomas. Of the 25 incidentaloma patients, 4 (16%) patients were screened for hormonal overproduction and 2 (8%) patients had follow-up imaging studies. Conclusions. 12% of the patients had an adrenal incidentaloma (42 of 356). 17 (40%) had initially not been reported by the radiologist. When diagnosed with an adrenal incidentaloma, only a small percentage of patients (16%) is screened or undergoes repeated imaging (8%) as proposed in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) guidelines on adrenal incidentalomas.
Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm of the Pancreas: An Update
Authors: Xiao Shu-Yuan
Published: November 2012

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) is a cystic tumor of the pancreas. The etiology is unknown, but increasing evidence suggests the involvement of several tumorigenesis pathways, including an association with hereditary syndromes. IPMN occurs more commonly in men, with the mean age at diagnosis between 64 and 67 years old. At the time of diagnosis, it may be benign, with or without dysplasia, or frankly malignant with an invasive carcinoma. Tumors arising from the main pancreatic duct are termed main-duct IPMNs, those involving the branch ducts, branch-duct IPMNs. In general, small branch-duct IPMNs are benign, particularly in asymptomatic patients, and can be safely followed. In contrast, main-duct tumors should be surgically resected and examined carefully for an invasive component. In the absence of invasion, patient’s survival is excellent, from 94 to 100%. For patients with an IPMN-associated invasive carcinoma, the prognosis overall is better than those with ade novopancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, with a 5-year survival of 40% to 60% in some series. However, no survival advantage can be demonstrated if the invasive component in an IPMN patient is that of the conventional tubular type (versus mucinous carcinoma). Several histomorphologic variants are recognized, although the clinical significance of this “subtyping” is not well defined.
The Use of Music Therapy during the Treatment of Cancer Patients: A Collection of Evidence
Authors: Boyde Constance , Linden Ulrike , Boehm Katja , Ostermann Thomas
Published: November 2012

Background:

Music therapy is one of the oldest forms of creative art therapy and has been shown to have efdects in different clinical and therapeutic settings, such as schizophrenia, pain, cardiovascular parameters, and dementia. This article provides an overview of some of the recent findings in this field and also reports two single case vignettes that offer insight into day-to-day applications of clinical music therapy.

Material and Methods:

For the collection of clinical studies of music therapy in oncology, the databases AMED, CAIRSS, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, and PSYNDEX were searched with the terms “Study OR Trial” AND “Music Therapy” AND “Cancer OR Oncolog§.” Studies were analyzed with respect to their design, setting and interventions, indications, patients, and outcomes. In addition, two case vignettes present the application of music therapy for a child with leukemia and an adult patient with breast cancer.

Results:

We found a total of 12 clinical studies conducted between 2001 and 2011 comprised of a total of 922 patients. Eight studies had a randomized controlled design, and four studies were conducted in the field of pediatric oncology. Studies reported heterogeneous results on short-term improvements in patients’ mood and relaxation and reduced exhaustion and anxiety as well as in coping with the disease and cancer-related pain. Case descriptions showed similar effects in expressing emotions, opening up new goals, and turning the mind toward a healthy process and away form a disease-centered focus.

Conclusion:

The use of music therapy in the integrative treatment of cancer patients is a therapeutic option whose salutogenetic potential is shown in many case studies such as those presented here. Study results, however, did not draw a conclusive picture of the overall effect of music therapy. In addition to further clinical trials, the evidence mosaic should be complemented with qualitative studies, single case descriptions, and basic research.
A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study Assessing Feasibility and Impact of Yoga Practice on Quality of Life, Mood, and Perceived Stress in Women with Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer
Authors: Pruthi Sandhya , Stan Daniela L. , Jenkins Sarah M. , Huebner Marianne , Borg Beth A. , Thomley Barbara S. , Cutshall Susanne M. , Singh Ravinder , Kohli Sadhna , Boughey Judy C. , Lemaine Valerie , Nes Lise Solberg
Published: November 2012

Background:

A breast cancer diagnosis can entail numerous physical and psychosocial challenges. Yoga practice (YP) may contribute to improved well-being for these patients.

Primary Study Objective:

Investigate feasibility and impact of YP on quality of life (QoL), mood, fatigue, and perceived stress immediately after breast cancer diagnosis.

Methods:

Thirty women were randomly assigned to a yoga group (YG) or control group (CG) immediately after cancer diagnosis.

Setting:

Pilot study conducted at an academic medical center breast clinic.

Participant(s):

Females (N = 30) who received a biopsy-proven breast cancer diagnosis without metastatic disease.

Intervention (YG):

One individual YP session at baseline, then 2 individual and 8 weekly group sessions followed by weekly gentle yoga at home (DVD). Questionnaires and saliva samples (ie, cortisol) completed at baseline and 12 weeks postdiagnosis.

Results:

Both groups reported significant improvements in QoL postintervention but with no significant difference between groups. Emotional well-being, mood-related tension-anxiety, depression-dejection, and confusion-bewilderment scores improved for both groups, and cortisol and cortisone levels decreased. Lumpectomies were prevalent with YG (67%) and CG (47%). YP was rated as “very effective,” providing relaxation (85%), stress relief (69%), and reduced muscle tension/general feeling of wellness (each 62%).

Conclusion:

Feasibility of YP immediately after breast cancer diagnosis was good. Improvement in emotional well-being, anxiety, depression, and levels of confusion was found in both groups. To our knowledge, this is the first study examining the impact of YP immediately after breast cancer diagnosis. Further research in this area is warranted.