bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Comparison of the Effects of Ellagic Acid and Diclofenac Sodium on Intra-Abdominal Adhesion: An In Vivo Study in the Rat Model
Authors: Allahverdi Tulay Diken , Allahverdi Ertuğrul , Yayla Sadık , Deprem Turgay , Merhan Oğuz , Vural Sevil
Published: December 2014

Peritoneal adhesions are seen frequently after abdominal surgery and can cause serious complications. We aimed to evaluate the effects of the oral use of diclofenac sodium and ellagic acid on formation of postoperative adhesions in rats Studies have shown that agents with anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant substances can prevent adhesion by decreasing oxidative stress. We compared and evaluated the effects of ellagic acid that has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory diclofenac sodium on peritoneal adhesion development in our experimental study. Laparotomy was performed with a midline incision under general anesthesia and an adhesion model was created on the antimesenteric side of the cecum in Groups I, II, and III. Group I received 85 mg/kg ellagic acid and Group II, 50 mg/kg diclofenac sodium through the nasogastric catheter while Group III received no medication. Only laparotomy was performed in Group IV. The rats were sacrificed at the end of the 14th day. Following macroscopic scoring, tissue samples were removed and subjected to biochemical and histopathologic evaluation. The degree of adhesion and the malondialdehyde level were decreased (P < 0.05), and glutathione level increased (P < 0.05) in Group I compared to Group II and Group III. The effects of ellagic acid on the prevention of peritoneal adhesion were found to be stronger than diclofenac sodium. This can be explained by the fact that ellagic acid is a strong antioxidant and decreases oxidative stress with anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic effects.
Variability in subtropical‐tropical cells drives oxygen levels in the tropical Pacific Ocean
Authors: Duteil Olaf , Böning Claus W. , Oschlies Andreas
Published: December 2014

Previous studies found a negative trend in oxygen concentrations in tropical regions during the last decades. Employing a biogeochemical circulation model, we highlight the importance of wind‐driven ocean transport associated with the Subtropical‐Tropical Cells (STCs) in setting the oxygen levels in the tropical ocean. The observed and simulated slowdown of the STCs by 30% from the 1960s to the 1990s caused a decrease in oxygen transport to the tropics. Transport of phosphate was similarly reduced, decreasing export production and respiration. The effects of physical transport and biological consumption partly compensate, damping oxygen interannual and decadal variability. Our results suggest that the observed residual oxygen trend in the tropical Pacific is mainly driven by changes in oxygen transport. Accordingly, the observed recent strengthening of the STCs leads us to expect a pause in the oxygen decrease or even an increase of tropical Pacific oxygen values in the near future.
Constraints on the depth and thermal vigor of melting in the Martian mantle
Authors: Filiberto Justin , Dasgupta Rajdeep
Published: December 2014

Studies of rocks in Gale Crater and clasts within the Martian meteorite breccia Northwest Africa (NWA) 7034 (and paired stones) have expanded our knowledge of the diversity of igneous rocks that make up the Martian crust beyond those compositions exhibited in the meteorite collection or analyzed at any other landing site. Therefore, the magmas that gave rise to these rocks may have been generated at significantly different conditions in the Martian mantle than those derived from previously studied rocks. Here we build upon our previous models of basalt formation based on rocks analyzed in Gusev Crater and Meridiani Planum to the new models of basalt formation for compositions from Gale Crater and a clast in meteorite NWA 7034. Estimates for the mantle potential temperature, TP based on Noachian age rock analyses in Gale Crater, Gusev Crater, and Bounce Rock in Meridiani Planum, and a vitrophyre clast in NWA 7034 are within error, which suggests that the calculated average TP of 1450 ± 70°C may represent an average global mantle temperature during the Noachian. The TP estimates for the Hesperian and Amazonian, based on orbital analyses of the chemistry of the crust, are lower in temperature than our estimates for the Noachian, which is consistent with simple convective cooling of the interior of Mars. However, the TP estimates from the young meteorites are significantly higher than the estimates based on surface chemistry and are consistent with localized “hot spot” melting and not heating up of the interior.
The Ebola Epidemic and Force Majeure: Expecting the Unexpected
Authors: Polkinghorne Michael , Rosenberg Charles B.
Published: December 2014

Earlier this year, Luxembourg manufacturer ArcelorMittal announced that it was suspending an iron ore expansion project in Liberia due to the deadly Ebola epidemic in West Africa. The company had claimed force majeure, a common clause in international contracts that frees both parties from liability or obligation when an event beyond the control of the parties prevents performance. Force majeure clauses thus serve as a precaution against the risks posed by certain economic, political, and natural disaster events.
Back to Basics Series: Ghostbusters & Me
Authors: Creo Robert A.
Published: December 2014

Editor's Note: The Master Mediator is taking a break from his in‐depth series on neuroscience and the psychological factors and cognitive biases that may affect dispute resolution. As Bob Creo's earliest columns, describing and discussing mediation room techniques and practice issues, appeared only on the CPR website, he has agreed to reprise and update them for Alternatives, beginning with last month's issue, in a new “Back to Basics” series. Last month's column covered the concept of satisfactory compromise, while this one addresses “ghostbusting” in mediation. Future columns will cover such essentials as terms of reference and constructing settlements.
Polymer electrolyte membranes prepared by EB‐crosslinking of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) with 1,4‐butanediol
Authors: Song Ju‐Myung , Woo Hyun‐Su , Lee Sun‐Young , Sohn Joon‐Yong , Shin Junhwa
Published: December 2014

Crosslinked sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) membranes were prepared through the electron beam (EB)‐irradiation crosslinking of SPEEK/1,4‐butanediol under various irradiation conditions and used as a proton exchange membrane (PEM) for fuel cell applications. The crosslinked membranes were characterized by gel fraction, a universal testing machine (UTM), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS). The gel fraction of the crosslinked membranes was used to estimate the degree of crosslinking, and the gel fraction was found to be increased with an increase of the crosslinker content and EB‐absorbed dose. The UTM results indicate that a brittle EB‐crosslinked membrane becomes more flexible with an increase in the crosslinker content. The DMA results show that the EB‐crosslinked membranes have well‐developed ionic aggregation regions and the cluster Tg of membranes decrease with an increase in the 1,4‐butanediol crosslinker content. The SAXS results show that the Bragg and persistence distance of crosslinked membranes increase with an increase in the crosslinker content. The proton conductivities of the EB‐crosslinked membranes were more than 9 × 10−2 S/cm. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41760.
How Common is “Common Knowledge” about Child Witnesses among Legal Professionals? Comparing Interviewers, Public Defenders, and Forensic Psychologists with Laypeople
Authors: Buck Julie A. , Warren Amye R. , Bruck Maggie , Kuehnle Kathryn
Published: December 2014

The present study evaluates the knowledge of jury‐eligible college students (n =192), investigative interviewers (n =44), forensic psychologists (n =39), and public defenders (n =137) in regard to the research on interviewing children. These groups’ knowledge was compared with the scientific research on the impact of interview techniques and practices on the accuracy of child witnesses. Jury‐eligible students were the least knowledgeable, but their accuracy varied widely across items. Both interviewers and public defenders performed better than jury‐eligible students, but they lacked substantial knowledge about the research on interviewing children on certain topics (e.g., using anatomically detailed dolls); forensic psychologists were the most knowledgeable. These findings suggest that professionals in the legal system need substantial professional development regarding the research on interviewing strategies with child witnesses. They also highlight the need for experts to provide case‐relevant information to juries who lack basic information about the validity and reliability of children's reports. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Retraction: ‘Development, Metamorphosis, Morphology and Diversity: Evolution of Chordates muscles and the Origin of Vertebrates’
Authors: Diogo Rui , Ziermann Janine M.
Published: December 2014

The above article, published as an Accepted Article online on December 5, 2014, in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal Editor in Chief, Parker B. Antin, and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. The retraction has been agreed due to an error at the publishers, which resulted in a preliminary draft of the article being posted online. The correct article, ‘Development, metamorphosis, morphology and diversity: the evolution of chordate muscles and the origin of vertebrates’ by Rui Diogo and Janine M. Ziermann, was published online on December 22, 2014, doi: 10.1002/dvdy.24245.

References

Diogo R,
Ziermann JM. 2014.. Dev. Dyn., 10.1002/dvdy.24236

Diogo R,
Ziermann JM. 2014. . Dev. Dyn., 10.1002/dvdy.24245
Inhibition of type I natural killer T cells by retinoids or following sulfatide‐mediated activation of type II natural killer T cells attenuates alcoholic liver disease in mice
Authors: Maricic Igor , Sheng Huiming , Marrero Idania , Seki Ekihiro , Kisseleva Tatiana , Chaturvedi Som , Molle Natasha , Mathews Stephanie A. , Gao Bin , Kumar Vipin
Published: December 2014

Innate immune mechanisms leading to liver injury subsequent to chronic alcohol ingestion are poorly understood. Natural killer T (NKT) cells, enriched in the liver and comprised of at least two distinct subsets, type I and II, recognize different lipid antigens presented by CD1d molecules. We have investigated whether differential activation of NKT cell subsets orchestrates inflammatory events leading to alcoholic liver disease (ALD). We found that after chronic plus binge feeding of Lieber‐DeCarli liquid diet in male C57BL/6 mice, type I, but not type II, NKT cells are activated, leading to recruitment of inflammatory Gr‐1highCD11b+ cells into the liver. A central finding is that liver injury after alcohol feeding is dependent upon type I NKT cells. Thus, liver injury is significantly inhibited in Jα18−/− mice deficient in type I NKT cells as well as after their inactivation by sulfatide‐mediated activation of type II NKT cells. Furthermore, we have identified a novel pathway involving all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and its receptor (RARγ) signaling that inhibits type I NKT cells and, consequently, ALD. A semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of hepatic gene expression of some of the key proinflammatory molecules shared in human disease indicated that their up‐regulation in ALD is dependent upon type I NKT cells. Conclusions: Type I, but not type II, NKT cells become activated after alcohol feeding. Type I NKT cell‐induced inflammation and neutrophil recruitment results in liver tissue damage whereas type II NKT cells protect from injury in ALD. Inhibition of type I NKT cells by retinoids or by sulfatide prevents ALD. Given that the CD1d pathway is highly conserved between mice and humans, NKT cell subsets might be targeted for potential therapeutic intervention in ALD. (Hepatology 2015;61:1357–1369)
Examining contextual control in roulette gambling
Authors: Whiting Seth W. , Dixon Mark R.
Published: December 2014

We examined the influence of derived rules on roulette betting. Twelve college students selected between red and black bets on a roulette wheel in a pretest, then participated in a relational training procedure that established functions of more than for the color bet least often and less than for the color bet more frequently. When playing roulette again, 11 of the 12 participants increased betting on the color with the same formal properties of the contextual cue for more than in relational training.
Modelling wet‐air oxidation of phenol in a trickle‐bed reactor using active carbon as a catalyst
Authors: Janecki Daniel , Szczotka Anna , Burghardt Andrzej , Bartelmus Grażyna
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND

Catalytic wet air oxidation (CWAO) of phenol in a trickle‐bed reactor has been investigated (operating parameters: P=1.85 MPa, T=393, 413, 433 K, L=0.17–1.77 kg m−2 s−1 and G=0.2–0.62 kg m−2 s−1). Activated carbon was used as a catalyst. The experimental results have been simulated by Eulerian multifluid model (CFD) and for comparison by the plug flow model.

RESULTS

The experiments proved that active carbon can be applied as a catalyst in the phenol oxidation processes revealing a catalytic activity comparable with that of commonly used metal oxides. The highest conversion of phenol obtained in long‐lasting experimental runs carried out at stable catalytic activity (PO2 = 0.31 MPa, T=413 K) was about 60%. Computed results show that the CFD model approximates better the experimental data (mean error 11.6%; standard deviation 5.2%) than the plug flow model (mean error 16.9%; standard deviation 12.2%).

CONCLUSION

CWAO of phenol over active carbon as a catalyst cannot be applied as an independent purification method. To remove phenol completely CWAO must be combined with other depolluting technology. The CFD model describes better the hydrodynamic phenomena in a bed of variable porosity than the simple plug flow model. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Stakeholder engagement in wildlife management: Does the public trust doctrine imply limits?
Authors: Decker Daniel J. , Forstchen Ann B. , Pomeranz Emily F. , Smith Christian A. , Riley Shawn J. , Jacobson Cynthia A. , Organ John F. , Batcheller Gordon R.
Published: December 2014

Recent evolution of the wildlife management institution in the United States includes adoption of good governance principles, wherein stakeholders expect and are provided opportunities for input and involvement in making decisions about public wildlife resources. Concurrently and perhaps paradoxically, state wildlife agencies are encouraged to operate with fidelity to the public trust doctrine and the principles of public trust administration, which may require trust administrators (i.e., appointed commissioners and public wildlife managers) to keep trust beneficiaries (i.e., theoretically all citizens, but especially special interests) at arm's length (i.e., restricted from having undue control) with respect to directly influencing decision‐making. In addition, public trust administration includes citizens taking responsibility for holding trust administrators accountable and requires government to provide citizens recourse for doing so. In practice, however, accountability typically is achieved through political influence or litigation, both routes antithetical to efficient public trust resource administration. This set of potentially conflicting expectations—practicing good governance through citizens' engagement in wildlife decision‐making processes, limiting beneficiaries' direct influence on decisions of trust administrators, and citizens' responsibility for holding trust administrators accountable—creates an apparent conundrum for state wildlife agencies. As a catalyst for deliberation about the implications of public trust doctrine in the wildlife profession, we describe potential problems and suggest ways for public wildlife managers to perform their responsibilities with due diligence to the combined expectations and requirements of good governance and the public trust doctrine. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
Association of periventricular nodular heterotopia with posterior fossa cyst: a prenatal case series
Authors: Teixeira Sara R. , Blondiaux Eléonore , Cassart Marie , Couture Alain , Moutard Marie‐Laure , Whalen Sandra , Gelot Antoinette , Ducou le Pointe Hubert , Garel Catherine ,   GRRIF (Groupe de Recherche Radiopédiatrique en Imagerie Fœtale)‐SFIPP (Société Francophone d'Imagerie Pédiatrique et Prénatale)
Published: December 2014

Objective

The association of periventricular nodular heterotopia (PVNH) with posterior fossa cyst (PFC) is documented after birth. We report this association in a series of fetuses.

Methods

Eleven cases (7 females) of PVNH and PFC diagnosed at prenatal imaging were collected in this retrospective multicenter study. The patients were referred to tertiary centers for targeted ultrasonography (US) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) following detection of PFC on routine US. Mutations of the filamin A gene (FLNA) were searched for (n = 6). Maternal brain MRI was performed (n = 8). Post‐mortem or postnatal data were recorded.

Results

Targeted US was performed at a mean gestational age of 29 (range; 23–35) weeks and identified PVNH in 4 cases. At MRI, performed at a mean gestational age of 31 (range; 29–35) weeks, PVNH and PFC were visible in all cases. Those findings were confirmed by postnatal MRI (n = 3), autopsy (n = 7) and/or post‐mortem MRI (n = 2) or US (n = 1). Maternal brain MRI showed PVNH in one case. A de novo FLNA mutation was found in four cases.

Conclusion

We describe a series of PVNH and PFC in fetuses, which underlines the importance of searching for PVNH when PFC is identified at prenatal US. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of decentralised and centralised grid‐compatible battery storage systems in distribution grids with high PV penetration
Authors: Zeh Alexander , Rau Marina , Witzmann Rolf
Published: December 2014

Because of the high amount of installed solar power systems in Europe and especially Germany, the low‐voltage distribution grids reach their maximum capacities during periods of high insolation. As an alternative to grid reinforcement, local battery storage systems can be used to store the surplus generation and limit the feed‐in power of the solar power systems. For this purpose, decentralised photovoltaic (PV) home storages in single households and larger stationary battery systems supplying a whole local grid area can be called into action. In this paper, a grid‐compatible storage operational strategy is simulated using standard load profiles and statistically generated realistic load profiles for use with both storage types. The goal of this research is to investigate a grid‐compatible and also economic storage operation when using centralized large‐scale batteries instead of PV home storage systems in a low‐voltage distribution grid with a high degree of decentralised PV generation. Results show that large‐scale systems provide advantages regarding grid‐related operation and economic feasibility and therefore represent a useful alternative to home storage systems. Additionally, it can be shown that depending on which storage type is simulated, different requirements are imposed. The simulation of decentralised home storages needs real load profiles in order to receive realistic results, while the operation of large‐scale battery storages can be simulated using standard load profiles. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Can Focused Trauma Education Initiatives Reduce Mortality or Improve Resource Utilization in a Low‐Resource Setting?
Authors: Petroze Robin T. , Byiringiro Jean Claude , Ntakiyiruta Georges , Briggs Susan M. , Deckelbaum Dan L. , Razek Tarek , Riviello Robert , Kyamanywa Patrick , Reid Jennifer , Sawyer Robert G. , Calland J. Forrest
Published: December 2014

Background

Over 90 % of injury deaths occur in low‐income countries. Evaluating the impact of focused trauma courses in these settings is challenging. We hypothesized that implementation of a focused trauma education initiative in a low‐income country would result in measurable differences in injury‐related outcomes and resource utilization.

Methods

Two 3‐day trauma education courses were conducted in the Rwandan capital over a one‐month period (October–November, 2011). An ATLS provider demonstration course was delivered to 24 faculty surgeons and 15 Rwandan trauma nurse auditors, and a Canadian Network for International Surgery Trauma Team Training (TTT) course was delivered to 25 faculty, residents, and nurses. Trauma registry data over the 6 months prior to the courses were compared to the 6 months afterward with emergency department (ED) mortality as the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints included radiology utilization and early procedural interventions. Univariate analyses were conducted using χ2 and Fisher’s exact test.

Results

A total of 798 and 575 patients were prospectively studied during the pre‐intervention and post‐intervention periods, respectively. Overall mortality of injured patients decreased after education implementation from 8.8 to 6.3 %, but was not statistically significant (p = 0.09). Patients with an initial Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) of 3–8 had the highest injury‐related mortality, which significantly decreased from 58.5 % (n = 55) to 37.1 % (n = 23), (p = 0.009, OR 0.42, 95 % CI 0.22–0.81). There was no statistical difference in the rates of early intubation, cervical collar use, imaging studies, or transfusion in the overall cohort or the head injury subset. When further stratified by GCS, patients with an initial GCS of 3–5 in the post‐intervention period had higher utilization of head CT scans and chest X‐rays.

Conclusions

The mortality of severely injured patients decreased after initiation of focused trauma education courses, but no significant increase in resource utilization was observed. The explanation may be complex and multi‐factorial. Long‐term multidisciplinary efforts that pair training with changes in resources and mentorship may be needed to produce broad and lasting changes in the overall care system.
Effects of magnetic fields on Fe-Si composite electrodeposition
Authors: Long Qiong , Zhong Yun-bo , Wang Huai , Zheng Tian-xiang , Zhou Jun-feng , Ren Zhong-ming
Published: December 2014

Coatings containing Fe-Si particles were electrodeposited on 3.0wt% Si steel sheets under magnetic fields. The effects of magnetic flux density (MFD), electrode arrangement and current density on the surface morphology, the silicon content in the coatings and the cathode current efficiency were investigated. When a magnetic field was applied parallel to the current and when the MFD was less than 0.5 T, numerous needle-like structures appeared on the coating surface. With increasing MFD, the needle-like structures weakened and were transformed into dome-shaped structures. Meanwhile, compared to results obtained in the absence of a magnetic field, the silicon content in the coatings significantly increased as the MFD was increased for all of the samples obtained using a vertical electrode system. However, in the case of an aclinic electrode system, the silicon content decreased. Furthermore, the cathode current efficiency was considerably diminished when a magnetic field was applied. A possible mechanism for these phenomena was discussed.
New evidence of heterogeneity in social anxiety disorder: Defining two qualitatively different personality profiles taking into account clinical, environmental and genetic factors
Authors: Binelli C. , Muñiz A. , Sanches S. , Ortiz A. , Navines R. , Egmond E. , Udina M. , Batalla A. , López-Sola C. , Crippa J.A. , Subirà S. , Martín-Santos R.
Published: December 2014

Purpose:

To study qualitatively different subgroups of social anxiety disorder (SAD) based on harm avoidance (HA) and novelty seeking (NS) dimensions.

Method:

One hundred and forty-two university students with SAD (SCID-DSM-IV) were included in the study. The temperament dimensions HA and NS from the Cloninger's Temperament and Character Inventory were subjected to cluster analysis to identify meaningful subgroups. The identified subgroups were compared for sociodemographics, SAD severity, substance use, history of suicide and self-harm attempts, early life events, and two serotonin transporter gene polymorphisms (5-HTTLPR and STin2.VNTR).

Results:

Two subgroups of SAD were identified by cluster analysis: a larger (61% of the sample) inhibited subgroup of subjects with “high-HA/low-NS”, and a smaller (39%) atypical impulsive subgroup with high–moderate HA and NS. The two groups did not differ in social anxiety severity, but did differ in history of lifetime impulsive-related-problems. History of suicide attempts and self-harm were as twice as frequent in the impulsive subgroup. Significant differences were observed in the pattern of substance misuse. Whereas subjects in the inhibited subgroup showed a greater use of alcohol (P = 0.002), subjects in the impulsive subgroup showed a greater use of substances with a high-sensation-seeking profile (P < 0.001). The STin2.VNTR genotype frequency showed an inverse distribution between subgroups (P = 0.005).

Conclusions

Our study provides further evidence for the presence of qualitatively different SAD subgroups and the propensity of a subset of people with SAD to exhibit impulsive, high-risk behaviors.
HEEGAARD FLOER HOMOLOGY AND RATIONAL CUSPIDAL CURVES
Authors: BORODZIK MACIEJ , LIVINGSTON CHARLES
Published: December 2014

We apply the methods of Heegaard Floer homology to identify topological properties of
complex curves in

$\mathbb{C}P^{2}$

. As one application, we resolve an open
conjecture that constrains the Alexander polynomial of the link of the singular point
of the curve in the case that there is exactly one singular point, having connected
link, and the curve is of genus zero. Generalizations apply in the case of multiple
singular points.
Exploration of spontaneous vortex formation and intermittent behavior in ECR plasmas: The HYPER-I experiments
Authors: Yoshimura S. , Terasaka K. , Tanaka E. , Aramaki M. , Okamoto A. , Nagaoka K. , Tanaka M. Y.
Published: December 2014

HYPER-I (High Density Plasma Experiment-I) is a linear device that combines a wide operation range of plasma production with flexible diagnostics. The plasmas are produced by the electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) heating with parallel injection of right-handed circularly polarized microwaves of 2.45 GHz from the high-field side. The maximum attainable electron density is more than two orders of magnitude higher than the cutoff density of ordinary waves. Spontaneous formation of a variety of large-scale flow structures, or vortices, has been observed in the HYPER-I plasmas. Flow-velocity field measurements using directional Langmuir probes (DLPs) and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) method have clarified the physical processes behind such vortex formations. Recently, a new intermittent behavior of local electron temperature has also been observed. Statistical analysis of the floating potential changes has revealed that the phenomenon is characterized by a stationary Poisson process.
Sponge biodiversity of Beauchêne and the Sea Lion Islands and south-east East Falkland, Falkland Islands, with a description of nine new species
Authors: Goodwin Claire , Jones Jennifer , Neely Karen , Brickle Paul
Published: December 2014

Sponge samples were taken by scuba diving from six sites around Sea Lion Island (Sea Lion, Sea Lion Easterly and Brandy Islands), three sites south-east of East Falkland (Motley Island, Green Island and Triste Island) and six sites around Beauchêne Island. Nine new species are described:Iophon roseumsp. nov.,Clathria(Microciona)tenebrosasp. nov.,Clathria(Microciona)cheekisp. nov.,Hymedesmia(Hymedesmia)laptikhovskyisp. nov.,Hymedesmia(Hymedesmia)croftsaesp. nov.,Myxilla(Ectyomyxilla)beauchênensissp. nov.,Tedania(Tedania)lividasp. nov.,Amphilectus fimbriatussp. nov. andIsodictya cutisanserinasp nov. Additional information is provided on several species recently described from the Falkland Islands andAmphimedon marseiis newly reported. The biogeography of the sponge fauna of the southern Falkland Islands is discussed.
A semi-autonomous motorized mobile hospital bed for safe transportation of head injury patients in dynamic hospital environments without bed switching
Authors: Wang Chao , Matveev Alexey S. , Savkin Andrey V. , Clout Ray , Nguyen Hung T.
Published: December 2014

We present a novel motorized semi-autonomous mobile hospital bed guided by a human operator and a reactive navigation algorithm. The proposed reactive navigation algorithm is launched when the sensory device detects that the hospital bed is in the potential danger of collision. The semi-autonomous hospital bed is able to safely and quickly deliver critical neurosurgery (head trauma) patients to target locations in dynamic uncertain hospital environments such as crowded hospital corridors while avoiding en-route steady and moving obstacles. We do not restrict the nature or the motion of the obstacles, meaning that the shapes of the obstacles may be time-varying or deforming and they may undergo arbitrary motions. The only information available to the navigation system is the current distance to the nearest obstacle. Performance of the proposed navigation algorithm is verified via theoretical studies. Simulation and experimental results also confirm the performance of the reactive navigation algorithm in real world scenarios.
Tree roots can penetrate deeply in African semi-deciduous rain forests: evidence from two common soil types
Authors: Freycon Vincent , Wonkam Christelle , Fayolle Adeline , Laclau Jean-Paul , Lucot Eric , Jourdan Christophe , Cornu Guillaume , Gourlet-Fleury Sylvie
Published: December 2014

Despite the important functional role of deep roots in withdrawing water during drought, direct measurements of root distribution are very rare in tropical rain forests. The aim of this study was to investigate the root distribution of Entandrophragma cylindricum, a common tree species in the Central African semi-deciduous rain forest, in Ferralsols and Arenosols. We dug two pits to a depth of 6 m in Ferralsols and two pits to a depth of 3 m in Arenosols, close to E. cylindricum trees. The vertical soil profiles were divided into 10 × 10-cm grid cells and the roots counted were distributed in three diameter classes. We fitted a root distribution model to our dataset. We found that vertical root distribution was shallower in Arenosols than in Ferralsols. Root penetration was not stopped even by a Ferralsol with high gravel content in its subsoil. Overall, our measurements showed that 95% of all roots were distributed to depths of between 258 and 564 cm from the soil surface, which is much deeper than the 95 cm depth previously reported in the literature for tropical rain forests. As sampling depth could explain this discrepancy, we recommend a sampling depth of at least 3–5 m to accurately estimate root distribution. The drier the dry season, the deeper the sampling depth should be. Our results are consistent with global models of root distribution in forest ecosystems, which are driven by climate variables. We thus suggest that deep rooting could be common in rain forests with a marked dry season.
The work of the British School at Athens, 2013–2014
Authors: Morgan Catherine
Published: December 2014

2013–2014 marked the mid-point in the School's current five-year research programme, when long-planned projects reached fruition and new initiatives and collaborations gained pace. Established strengths were developed (in the Fitch Laboratory, the Knossos Research Centre and in our long-standing field projects) and numerous new opportunities exploited. Archaeology remains central, and it was gratifying that Heritage Daily's top-10 archaeological discoveries worldwide in 2013 included the Neolithic settlement at Koutroulou Magoula with its exceptional collection of figurines (www.heritagedaily.com/2013/12/top-10-archaeological-discoveries-for-2013/100570; Fig. 33; ID1889, ID2762, ID2902). The Koutroulou Magoula Project is a collaboration between the School and the Ministry of Culture and Sport directed by Nina Kyparissi-Apostolika (Director Emerita, EPSNE) and Yannis Hamilakis (Southampton). A programme of 3D scanning of the Koutroulou figurines conducted in 2013–2014 is revealing much important new detail of dress, jewellery and anatomy.
Rural sites in Roman Greece
Authors: Stewart Daniel
Published: December 2014

[W]hile pretending to throw some light upon classical authors by careful observation of the manners of the present day, romantic travellers succeeded in fact in accommodating reality to their dreams … by creating for themselves and for their readers carefully edited portraits of modern Greece that transformed the present into the living image of the past (Saïd 2005: 291).

Thirty years ago archaeological field survey promised to reshape radically our understanding of the countryside (Keller and Rupp 1983: 1–5). Traditional archaeological approaches to cities and monuments were increasingly seen to be extensions of textual research, and research on the rural landscape was envisaged as a way to access the other side of the traditional urban-rural dichotomy (though see the comments in Alcock 2007: 671–72). Some scholars estimated that, in the Classical period, the vast majority of Greek poleis had populations of less than 3,000 and territories no more than a few hours” walk from the urban core. Given that, they asked, does it make sense to divide elements of Greek life into “city” and “country”? In a sense, the study of landscapes was seen as a way to redress perceived imbalances between this urban-rural division and the picture painted by the ancient sources of Roman Greece as a pale reflection of its Classical brilliance. In the years since, landscape studies have grown to include much more than archaeological field survey, but this tension between textual and archaeological narratives remains at the heart of understandings of rural Roman Greece.
Emergency Medical Services Provider Comfort with Prehospital Analgesia Administration to Children
Authors: Rahman Amaly , Curtis Sarah , DeBruyne Beth , Sookram Sunil , Thomson Denise , Lutz Shari , Ali Samina
Published: December 2014

Introduction

The undertreatment of pediatric pain is a significant concern among families, clinicians, and researchers. Although some have examined prehospital pain management, the deterrents to pediatric analgesia administration by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) have not yet been examined in Canada.

Problem

This study describes EMS pain-management practices and prehospital provider comfort treating pediatric pain. It highlights differences in pain management between adults and children and assesses the potential barriers, misconceptions, difficulties, and needs related to provision of pediatric analgesia.

Methods

A study-specific survey tool was created and distributed to all Primary Care Paramedics (PCPs) and Advanced Care Paramedics (ACPs) over four mandatory educational seminars in the city of Edmonton (Alberta, Canada) from September through December 2008.

Results

Ninety-four percent (191/202) of EMS personnel for the city of Edmonton completed the survey. The majority of respondents were male (73%, 139/191), aged 26-35 (42%, 80/191), and had been in practice less than 10 years (53%, 101/191). Seventy-four percent (141/191) of those surveyed were ACPs, while 26% (50/191) were PCPs. Although the majority of respondents reported using both pain scales and clinical judgement to assess pain for adults (85%, 162/191) and adolescents (86%, 165/191), children were six times more likely than adults (31%, 59/191 vs 5%, 10/191) to be assessed by clinical judgement alone. Emergency Medical Services personnel felt more comfortable treating adults than children (P< .001), and they were less likely to treat children even if they were experiencing identical types and intensities of pain as adults (allPvalues <.05) and adolescents (allPvalues < .05). Twenty-five percent of providers (37/147) assumed pediatric patients required less analgesia due to immature nervous systems. Three major barriers to treating children's pain included limited clinical experience (34%, 37/110), difficulty in communication (24%, 26/110) and inability to assess children's pain accurately (21%, 23/110).

Conclusion

Emergency Medical Services personnel self-report that children's pain is less rigorously measured and treated than adults’ pain. Educational initiatives aimed at increasing clinical exposure to children, as well as further education regarding simple pain measurement tools for use in the field, may help to address identified barriers and discomfort with assessing and treating children.

RahmanA,CurtisS,DeBruyneB,SookramS,ThomsonD,LutzS,AliS.Emergency Medical Services provider comfort with prehospital analgesia administration to children.Prehosp Disaster Med.2015;30(1):1-6.
A new approach to cancer treatment
Authors: Akber Syed F.
Published: December 2014

A new approach is applied to correlate different phases of the HeLa cell S-3 with mean lethal ionising radiation dose (Do) along with nuclear magnetic resonance water-proton spin-lattice relaxation time (T1). This information can be used to pin-point the mitotic phase of the cells in vivo. This enables us to apply ionising radiation treatment at that particular time. This will increase the efficacy of radiation treatment in cancer patients.
The complexity and difficulty of diagnosing lung cancer: findings from a national primary-care study in Wales
Authors: Neal Richard D. , Robbé Iain J. , Lewis Malcolm , Williamson Ian , Hanson Jane
Published: December 2014

Aim

This paper aims to provide a detailed analysis of the diagnostic process of lung cancer from a primary-care perspective.

Background

Diagnosing lung cancer at a stage where curative treatment is possible remains a challenge. Beginning to understand the complexity and difficulty in the diagnostic journey should enable the development of interventions in order to facilitate timelier diagnosis.

Methods

A national study of significant events was conducted whereby general practitioners (GPs) in Wales were asked to report data relating to the diagnostic process of recent lung cancer diagnoses using a standard template. Both qualitative and quantitative data were analysed.

Findings

Case reports were received from 96 general practices on 118 patients. A total of 96 patients (81.4%) presented with respiratory symptoms. A total of 79 patients (66.9%) had a GP-initiated X-ray before diagnosis. A total of 23 patients (19.5%) had a chest X-ray that did not initially show suspicion of lung cancer. A total of 25 patients (21.2%) were diagnosed after a GP-initiated acute admission. Analysis of free-text qualitative data showed that, for many patients, their GP behaved in an exemplary manner. However, for some patients, the GP could have made more of the opportunities presented for timelier diagnosis. There were a number of atypical and complex presentations, where the opportunities for more timely diagnosis were more limited. A variety of causes of diagnostic delays in secondary care were reported. These findings will inform health policy, and will inform the design of interventions to try to facilitate more timely diagnosis for symptomatic patients. We encourage greater compliance with diagnostic guidelines and greater vigilance for patients presenting with atypical symptoms, as well as for patients whose initial chest X-rays are normal.
Multi-modal ultra-high resolution structural 7-Tesla MRI data repository
Authors: Forstmann Birte U , Keuken Max C , Schafer Andreas , Bazin Pierre-Louis , Alkemade Anneke , Turner Robert
Published: December 2014

Structural brain data is key for the understanding of brain function and networks, i.e., connectomics. Here we present data sets available from the ‘atlasing of the basal ganglia (ATAG)’ project, which provides ultra-high resolution 7 Tesla (T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans from young, middle-aged, and elderly participants. The ATAG data set includes whole-brain and reduced field-of-view MP2RAGE and T2*-weighted scans of the subcortex and brainstem with ultra-high resolution at a sub-millimeter scale. The data can be used to develop new algorithms that help building high-resolution atlases both relevant for the basic and clinical neurosciences. Importantly, the present data repository may also be used to inform the exact positioning of electrodes used for deep-brain-stimulation in patients with Parkinson’s disease and neuropsychiatric diseases.
A Tool Set to Map Allosteric Networks through the NMR Chemical Shift Covariance Analysis
Authors: Boulton Stephen , Akimoto Madoka , Selvaratnam Rajeevan , Bashiri Amir , Melacini Giuseppe
Published: December 2014

Allostery is an essential regulatory mechanism of biological function. Allosteric sites are also pharmacologically relevant as they are often targeted with higher selectivity than orthosteric sites. However, a comprehensive map of allosteric sites poses experimental challenges because allostery is driven not only by structural changes, but also by modulations in dynamics that typically remain elusive to classical structure determination methods. An avenue to overcome these challenges is provided by the NMR chemical shift covariance analysis (CHESCA), as chemical shifts are exquisitely sensitive to redistributions in dynamic conformational ensembles. Here, we propose a set of complementary CHESCA algorithms designed to reliably detect allosteric networks with minimal occurrences of false positives or negatives. The proposed CHESCA toolset was tested for two allosteric proteins (PKA and EPAC) and is expected to complement traditional comparative structural analyses in the comprehensive identification of functionally relevant allosteric sites, including those in otherwise elusive partially unstructured regions.
An equivalent realization of coherent perfect absorption under single beam illumination
Authors: Li Sucheng , Luo Jie , Anwar Shahzad , Li Shuo , Lu Weixin , Hang Zhi Hong , Lai Yun , Hou Bo , Shen Mingrong , Wang Chinhua
Published: December 2014

We have experimentally and numerically demonstrated that the coherent perfect absorption (CPA) can equivalently be accomplished under single beam illumination. Instead of using the counter-propagating coherent dual beams, we introduce a perfect magnetic conductor (PMC) surface as a mirror boundary to the CPA configuration. Such a PMC surface can practically be embodied, utilizing high impedance surfaces, i.e., mushroom structures. By covering them with an ultrathin conductive film of sheet resistance 377 Ω, the perfect (100%) microwave absorption is achieved when the film is illuminated by a single beam from one side. Employing the PMC boundary reduces the coherence requirement in the original CPA setup, though the present implementation is limited to the single frequency or narrow band operation. Our work proposes an equivalent way to realize the CPA under the single beam illumination and might have applications in engineering absorbent materials.
Determination of eight isoflavones in Radix Puerariae by capillary zone electrophoresis with an ionic liquid as an additive
Authors: Xiao Wen , Wang Feng-Qin , Li Chun-Hong , Zhang Qian , Xia Zhi-Ning , Yang Feng-Qing
Published: December 2014

A simple CZE method with ionic liquid as additive was developed for the simultaneous determination of eight isoflavones in Radix Puerariae. Ionic liquid shows potential applications as additive in CZE analysis of natural products.
A novel electrochemical sensor for capsaicin based on mesoporous cellular foams
Authors: Xue Zhonghua , Hu Chenxian , Rao Honghong , Wang Xuemei , Zhou Xibin , Liu Xiuhui , Lu Xiaoquan
Published: December 2014

A novel electrochemical sensor for capsaicin using mesoporous cellular foams (MCFs) as sensitive material is reported. The high sensitivity of the proposed sensor is attributed to the strong adsorption of capsaicin by mesoporous cellular foams and large surface area of the working electrode resulting from MCFs modification.
Surface modulation of complex stiffness via layer-by-layer assembly as a facile strategy for selective cell adhesion
Authors: Chang Hao , Zhang He , Hu Mi , Chen Xia-chao , Ren Ke-feng , Wang Jin-lei , Ji Jian
Published: December 2014

A facile approach to achieve selective cell adhesion by modulating surface complex stiffness based on layer-by-layer assembly is reported.
Enhanced transdermal lymphatic drug delivery of hyaluronic acid modified transfersomes for tumor metastasis therapy
Authors: Kong Ming , Hou Lin , Wang Juan , Feng Chao , Liu Ya , Cheng Xiaojie , Chen Xiguang
Published: December 2014

A novel hyaluronic acid modified transfersome was prepared to deliver drugs to lymphatics through the transdermal route.
Selective conversion of nitroarenes using a carbon nanotube–ruthenium nanohybrid
Authors: Jawale Dhanaji V. , Gravel Edmond , Boudet Caroline , Shah Nimesh , Geertsen Valérie , Li Haiyan , Namboothiri Irishi N. N. , Doris Eric
Published: December 2014

Ruthenium nanoparticles were assembled on carbon nanotubes and the resulting nanohybrid was used in the hydrazine-mediated catalytic hydrogenation of various nitroarenes, at room temperature.
Deactivation mechanism of SO2 on Cu/SAPO-34 NH3-SCR catalysts: structure and active Cu2+
Authors: Shen Meiqing , Wen Huaiyou , Hao Teng , Yu Tie , Fan Dequan , Wang Jun , Li Wei , Wang Jianqiang
Published: December 2014

The deactivation mechanism of structure and active site for Cu/SAPO-34 catalysts by SO2 poisoning has been investigated using a range of analytical techniques.
Influence of sulfation and regeneration on Pt/Al2O3 for NO oxidation
Authors: Li Yuan , Shen Meiqing , Wang Jianqiang , Wan Taoming , Wang Jun
Published: December 2014

The effects induced by SO2 on Pt/Al2O3 catalysts were studied as a function of SO2 exposure time, and NO oxidation activity was investigated for different treated Pt/Al2O3 catalysts. The mechanism of Pt/Al2O3 poisoned by SO2 and regenerated by NO oxidation is expected.
Effect of TiO2 on Ru/ZrO2 catalysts in the catalytic wet air oxidation of isothiazolone
Authors: Wei Huangzhao , Wang Yamin , Yu Yang , Gu Bin , Zhao Ying , Yang Xu , Sun Chenglin
Published: December 2014

For the first time, Ru/xTiZrO4 catalysts were evaluated in the catalytic wet air oxidation (CWAO) reaction of isothiazolone.
Synthesis and anticancer activities of a novel class of mono- and di-metallic Pt(ii)(salicylaldiminato)(DMSO or Picolino)Cl complexes
Authors: Rahman Faiz-Ur , Ali Amjad , Guo Rong , Zhang Yun-Chang , Wang Hui , Li Zhan-Ting , Zhang Dan-Wei
Published: December 2014

Mono- and di-metallic Pt(ii)(salicylaldiminato)(DMSO or Picolino)Cl complexes as potential cytotoxic agents against tested human breast (MCF-7), liver (HepG2), lung (A549), colon (HCT116) and cervical (Hela) cancer cell lines.
Efficient and selective hydrogen peroxide-mediated oxidation of sulfides in batch and segmented and continuous flow using a peroxometalate-based polymer immobilised ionic liquid phase catalyst
Authors: Doherty S. , Knight J. G. , Carroll M. A. , Ellison J. R. , Hobson S. J. , Stevens S. , Hardacre C. , Goodrich P.
Published: December 2014

Highly efficient sulfide oxidation has been achieved under segmented and continuous flow using a peroxometalate-based polymer immobilised ionic liquid phase catalyst.
4-Hydroxytamoxifen probes for light-dependent spatiotemporal control of Cre-ER mediated reporter gene expression
Authors: Faal Tannaz , Wong Pamela T. , Tang Shengzhuang , Coulter Alexa , Chen Yumay , Tu Christina H. , Baker James R. , Choi Seok Ki , Inlay Matthew A.
Published: December 2014

Here, we synthesized and validated a photocaged hydroxytamoxifen molecule to achieve spatiotemporal control of gene expression with light.