bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of vegetation and soil characteristics on active‐layer thickness of permafrost soils in boreal forest
Authors: Fisher James P. , Estop‐Aragonés Cristian , Thierry Aaron , Charman Dan J. , Wolfe Stephen A. , Hartley Iain P. , Murton Julian B. , Williams Mathew , Phoenix Gareth K.
Published: February 2016

Carbon release from thawing permafrost soils could significantly exacerbate global warming as the active‐layer deepens, exposing more carbon to decay. Plant community and soil properties provide a major control on this by influencing the maximum depth of thaw each summer (active‐layer thickness;ALT), but a quantitative understanding of the relative importance of plant and soil characteristics, and their interactions in determineALTs, is currently lacking. To address this, we undertook an extensive survey of multiple vegetation and edaphic characteristics andALTs across multiple plots in four field sites within boreal forest in the discontinuous permafrost zone (NWT, Canada). Our sites included mature black spruce, burned black spruce and paper birch, allowing us to determine vegetation and edaphic drivers that emerge as the most important and broadly applicable across these key vegetation and disturbance gradients, as well as providing insight into site‐specific differences. Across sites, the most important vegetation characteristics limiting thaw (shallowerALTs) were tree leaf area index (LAI), moss layer thickness and understoryLAIin that order. Thicker soil organic layers also reducedALTs, though were less influential than moss thickness. Surface moisture (0–6 cm) promoted increasedALTs, whereas deeper soil moisture (11–16 cm) acted to modify the impact of the vegetation, in particular increasing the importance of understory or tree canopy shading in reducing thaw. These direct and indirect effects of moisture indicate that future changes in precipitation and evapotranspiration may have large influences onALTs. Our work also suggests that forest fires cause greaterALTs by simultaneously decreasing multiple ecosystem characteristics which otherwise protect permafrost. Given that vegetation and edaphic characteristics have such clear and large influences onALTs, our data provide a key benchmark against which to evaluate process models used to predict future impacts of climate warming on permafrost degradation and subsequent feedback to climate.
Determinants of the nutritional status of older adults in urban Lebanon
Authors: Mitri Rosy , Boulos Christa , Adib Salim M
Published: February 2016

Aim

To assess the nutritional status, and its association with sociodemographic factors, health and functional status of community‐dwelling older adults living in the Greater Beirut area.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study involving 905 randomly selected community dwelling older adults aged ≥65 years living in Greater Beirut (Beirut and surrounding suburbs). Participants completed a standardized questionnaire on sociodemographic factors, health characteristics, and functional and nutritional status, based on the Mini Nutritional Assessment.

Results

Among the older adults who participated in the study, 2.8% (95% CI 0.01–0.03) were malnourished, and 45.5% (95% CI 0.42–0.48) were at risk of malnutrition. Sociodemographic variables were not associated with the nutritional status. Variables significantly associated with poorer nutritional status were: poor perception of general health (OR 1.58, 95%CI 1.28–1.97), more chronic diseases (OR 2.05, 95% CI1.26–3.33), poor perception of oral health (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.14–1.61), depressive disorders (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.30–2.40), higher body mass index (OR 1.98, 95% CI1.67–2.34) and disability (OR 5.80, 95% CI 1.96–17.11).

Conclusions

The present study showed an unacceptable risk of malnutrition among Lebanese older adults, independent of age, sex and socioeconomic status. The presence of comorbidities, treated or not, affecting general and oral health emerged as major determinants of poor nutrition. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 424–432.
Ranking Authors and Institutions by Publications in Regional Science Journals: 2010–2014
Authors: Rickman Dan S. , Winters John V.
Published: February 2016

In this paper, authors and institutions are ranked based on the number of publications in 10 core regional science journals during the period 2010–2014. Alternative rankings are constructed by considering only publications in the top four of the 10 journals and also by adjusting for journal impact factors. Two impact factors are calculated for each regional science journal. The first is based on citations by the other nine core regional science journals, and the second by citations from all journals in the database Scopus. Discussion is included regarding the patterns and consistency of the rankings across alternative criteria. Comparisons also are made to previous regional science publication rankings of authors and institutions.
The Case of the Woman Who Did Never Dare to Fly: Headache Attributed to Imbalance Between Intrasinusal and External Air Pressure
Authors: Mainardi Federico , Maggioni Ferdinando , Zanchin Giorgio
Published: February 2016

Background

A new form of headache, Headache attributed to aeroplane travel (AH), has been recognized within the International Classification of Headache Disorders 3 beta (ICHD‐3beta). In 8 out of 85 AH cases we identified the coexistence of a headache with identical features of AH, but appearing during the rapid descent by car from a high mountain. Pain began shortly after the rapid descent from a medium altitude of 1920 m above sea level, the maximum peak of intensity developing within a few minutes. All of the patients reported the disappearance of pain within 20 minutes of the rapid descent.

Case

We recently observed a 36‐year‐old woman who experienced recurrent headache attacks that were constantly triggered by rapid descent from high altitude by car. Negatively shaped by this experience, the patient never dared to fly.

Conclusion

Headache attacks sharing the same features and occurring in three distinct conditions of pressure variations (aeroplane travel, rapid altitude mountain descent, snorkelling, or scuba diving) have already been reported, although the last two only anecdotally. If confirmed by further case series, they could be gathered together in a unique heading: Headache attributed to imbalance between intrasinusal and external air pressure within the 10th chapter: Headache attributed to disorders of the homoeostasis.
Optimisation for resveratrol accumulation during peanut germination with phenylalanine feeding & ultrasound‐treatment using response surface methodology
Authors: Yu Miao , Liu Hongzhi , Yang Ying , Shi Aimin , Liu Li , Hui Hui , Wang Qiang
Published: February 2016

Germinated peanut has been used as a novel functional food these days, which has almost six times trans‐resveratrol to peanut seeds. Resveratrol is a natural occurring stilbene phytoalexin phenolic compound produced in response to a variety of biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study, we investigated the effects of ultrasonic treatments and phenylalanine feeding simultaneously on enhancing resveratrol during peanut germination. The influences of germinal time, phenylalanine concentration as well as ultrasound frequency, treatment temperature and time on resveratrol accumulation in germinated peanut were studied, respectively. Subsequently, based on Box–Behnken design, interactive effects of the phenylalanine feeding & ultrasound parameters were evaluated. The optimum conditions for resveratrol accumulation were as follows: phenylalanine concentration at 0.8 mm, ultrasonic power at 240 W, ultrasonic treatment time at 30 min and ultrasonic treatment temperature at 35 °C. Using the optimum condition, resveratrol concentration in germinated peanuts reached 36.99 μg g−1 (DW), which was almost 9.4 times higher than that in the nongerminating peanut.
MicroRNA signatures characterizing caste‐independent ovarian activity in queen and worker honeybees (Apis mellifera L.)
Authors: Macedo L. M. F. , Nunes F. M. F. , Freitas F. C. P. , Pires C. V. , Tanaka E. D. , Martins J. R. , Piulachs M.‐D. , Cristino A. S. , Pinheiro D. G. , Simões Z. L. P.
Published: February 2016

Queen and worker honeybees differ profoundly in reproductive capacity. The queen of this complex society, with 200 highly active ovarioles in each ovary, is the fertile caste, whereas the workers have approximately 20 ovarioles as a result of receiving a different diet during larval development. In a regular queenright colony, the workers have inactive ovaries and do not reproduce. However, if the queen is sensed to be absent, some of the workers activate their ovaries, producing viable haploid eggs that develop into males. Here, a deep‐sequenced ovary transcriptome library of reproductive workers was used as supporting data to assess the dynamic expression of the regulatory molecules and microRNAs (miRNAs) of reproductive and nonreproductive honeybee females. In this library, most of the differentially expressed miRNAs are related to ovary physiology or oogenesis. When we quantified the dynamic expression of 19 miRNAs in the active and inactive worker ovaries and compared their expression in the ovaries of virgin and mated queens, we noted that some miRNAs (miR‐1, miR‐31a, miR‐13b, miR‐125, let‐7 RNA, miR‐100, miR‐276, miR‐12, miR‐263a, miR‐306, miR‐317, miR‐92a and miR‐9a) could be used to identify reproductive and nonreproductive statuses independent of caste. Furthermore, integrative gene networks suggested that some candidate miRNAs function in the process of ovary activation in worker bees.
Understanding Transit Asylum Migration: Evidence from Serbia
Authors: Lukić Vesna
Published: February 2016

Due to its geographic location and borders along the European Union (EU), in recent years, the Republic of Serbia has faced an increased number of irregular migrants from third‐world countries claiming asylum on their way into a western EU member state. Some of these migrants stay for a while in asylum centres in Serbia to rest or renew contacts. In order to explore the main socio‐demographic features of the study population, their migration history and intentions, a questionnaire‐based research was conducted in Banja Koviljača asylum centre. The results also give insights into the underlying question “how” and the role of social networks in migration. Most of asylum seekers are unmarried males at peak working age, from countries affected by war and political turmoil. The results indicate this is a transit migration where, besides fleeing to safety, economic status and migration networks have a significant impact on migration flows.
DNA methylation and mRNA expression of HLA‐DQA1 alleles in type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Cepek Pavel , Zajacova Marta , Kotrbova‐Kozak Anna , Silhova Elena , Cerna Marie
Published: February 2016

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) belongs among polygenic multifactorial autoimmune diseases. The highest risk is associated with human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class II genes, including HLA‐DQA1 gene. Our aim was to investigate DNA methylation of HLA‐DQA1 promoter alleles (QAP) and correlate methylation status with individual HLA‐DQA1 allele expression of patients with T1D and healthy controls. DNA methylation is one of the epigenetic modifications that regulate gene expression and is known to be shaped by the environment.Sixty one patients with T1D and 39 healthy controls were involved in this study. Isolated DNA was treated with sodium bisulphite and HLA‐DQA1 promoter sequence was amplified using nested PCR. After sequencing, DNA methylation of HLA‐DQA1 promoter alleles was analysed. Individual mRNA HLA‐DQA1 relative allele expression was assessed using two different endogenous controls (PPIA, DRA). We have found statistically significant differences in HLA‐DQA1 allele 02:01 expression (PPIA normalization, Pcorr = 0·041; DRA normalization, Pcorr = 0·052) between healthy controls and patients with T1D. The complete methylation profile of the HLA‐DQA1 promoter was gained with the most methylated allele DQA1*02:01 and the least methylated DQA1*05:01 in both studied groups. Methylation profile observed in patients with T1D and healthy controls was similar, and no correlation between HLA‐DQA1 allele expression and DNA methylation was found. Although we have not proved significant methylation differences between the two groups, detailed DNA methylation status and its correlation with expression of each HLA‐DQA1 allele in patients with T1D have been described for the first time.
Contracts choice for supply chain under inflation
Authors: Wan Nana , Chen Xu
Published: February 2016

Inflation causes an increase in the retail price and a decrease in the market demand, both arise from the problem of seasonal product management and occur during the long production lead time. As an effective tool for hedging against the risks, option contracts, including call, put, and bidirectional option contracts, have been proved to benefit two members in a one‐supplier and one‐retailer supply chain under inflation. The aim of this paper is to examine the effect of different option contacts on the decisions and performances for both the supplier and the retailer under inflation. Our results suggest that the retailer prefers adopting portfolio contracts with bidirectional options under inflation, whereas the supplier is inclined to provide call option contracts under inflation. Our study also reveals that call option contracts are implemented ultimately by the supply chain under inflation because of the supplier's market dominant position.
Relaxor Ferroelectric Behavior in Barium Strontium Titanate
Authors: Garten Lauren M. , Burch Matthew , Gupta Arnab Sen , Haislmaier Ryan , Gopalan Venkataraman , Dickey Elizabeth C. , Trolier‐McKinstry Susan
Published: February 2016

The development of barium strontium titanate‐based tunable dielectrics is currently hindered by high losses in the paraelectric phase. Barium strontium titanate (BST) thin films and ceramics show a range of ferroelectric transition behavior, from normal, diffuse, and relaxor‐like ferroelectric responses, depending on the sample preparation route. Rayleigh analysis, the temperature‐dependent dielectric response, and the optical second harmonic generation were used to characterize the ferroelectric response of bulk and thin film BST. Ferroelectricity is observed to persist in BST for 30°C above the global phase transition temperature in ceramics and over 50°C in thin films. Piezoresponse force microscopy on BST ceramics with extensive residual ferroelectricity reveals the coexistence of nanoscale polar regions, typical of relaxor ferroelectrics, as well as micrometer scale domain structures. The nature of the phase transition was probed using electron energy loss spectroscopy and found to correlated with the nanoscale A‐site chemical inhomogeneity in the samples.
Ni‐Ti Codoped Hibonite Ceramic Pigments by Combustion Synthesis: Crystal Structure and Optical Properties
Authors: Ardit Matteo , Borcănescu Silvana , Cruciani Giuseppe , Dondi Michele , Lazău Ioan , Păcurariu Cornelia , Zanelli Chiara
Published: February 2016

Hibonite (CaAl12O19, space group [s.g.] P63/mmc) has the structural formula A[XII]M1[VI] M2[V]M32[IV]M42[VI]M56[VI]O19, where Ca is 12‐fold coordinated at site A and Al3+ ions are distributed over five different sites: three distinct octahedra [M1 (point symmetry D3d), M4 (C3v) and M5 (Cs)], the M3 tetrahedron (C3v), and the unusual fivefold coordinated trigonal bipyramid M2 (D3h). Hibonite is able to accommodate a wide range of ions with different valence and coordination, making its structure a promising ceramic pigment. One of the main challenges is to understand and control incorporation mechanisms and the threshold of chromophores solubility. It is known that M2+ ions tend to be hosted at the M3 site, while M4+ ions are preferentially accommodated at the M4 site: the introduction of divalent ions might be promoted by the associated incorporation of tetravalent cations, which ensure the lattice electroneutrality and are ordered over the M4 face‐sharing octahedral dimers. In this work, the mechanism of the coupled substitution 2Al3+→(Ni2++Ti4+) was investigated by combining X‐ray powder diffraction and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy techniques. Hibonite turquoise pigments with increasing Ni+Ti doping (CaAl12‒2xNixTixO19 where x = 0.1‒2.0 apfu) were prepared by combustion synthesis, utilizing a fuel mixture (urea, glycine, β‐alanine) set up according to their compatibility with metal nitrates used as raw materials. The ignition temperature of combustion reaction was 400°C, but samples underwent an additional annealing at 1200°C. Samples up to x = 0.4 are monophasic; for higher doping, hibonite is the main component accompanied by growing percentages of spinel and perovskite phases. The Ni and Ti addition induced a regular increase in the hibonite unit‐cell parameters until x = 1.0, that is proportional to the amount and difference in ionic radii of dopants. In particular, an elongation of the 〈M–O〉 bond distances of both M3 and M4 sites was observed. In terms of optical parameters, Ni2+ is preferentially incorporated in tetrahedral coordination, up to 0.3 apfu at the M3 site, and at the M4 octahedron as well (up to 0.19 apfu). The crystal field strength of fourfold coordinated Ni2+ is regularly decreasing, implying an elongation of the local Ni–O bond that is coherent with the volume increasing from AlO4 to NiO4 tetrahedra registered by XRD. Ti4+ ions are accommodated at both the M2 and M4 octahedra which expand proportionally to the amount of dopants. Pigment purity and color strength vary with doping depending on the multistep mechanism of Ni and Ti incorporation in the hibonite lattice.
Precipitation and Growth Mechanism of Diverse Sr5(PO4)3F Particles
Authors: Chai Baoyan , Hao Luyuan , Mao Xiaojian , Xu Xin , Li Xiaokai , Jiang Benxue , Zhang Long
Published: February 2016

Strontium fluorapatite particles with tunable morphologies and geometries were successfully synthesized via a precipitation system by adjusting the pH value and temperature. Several analysis techniques were used to investigate and characterize the particles. The surface energy was calculated using first‐principle calculations based on density functional theory. Capsule‐like nanosized primary grains with axial growth directions parallel to the c‐axis were synthesized at higher pH values, resulting from the difference in surface energy for the different planes of the Sr5(PO4)3F lattice. Bundle‐like clusters were obtained at a pH value of ~7, which was attributed to a combination of the difference in surface energy and the phenomenon of heterogeneous nucleation occurring at low degrees of supersaturation. The study determined the approaches necessary to manufacture Sr5(PO4)3F powders with specific characteristics for different applications.
Lattice Defects Induce Multiferroic Responses in Ce, La‐Substituted BaFe0.01Ti0.99O3 Nanostructures
Authors: Verma Kuldeep Chand , Kotnala Ravinder Kumar
Published: February 2016

Single‐phase multiferroic Ba(Fe0.67Ce0.33)0.01Ti0.99O3 (BFTO:Ce) and Ba(Fe0.67La0.33)0.01Ti0.99O3 (BFTO:La) nanostructures were synthesized by a hydrothermal method (180°C/48 h). Rietveld refinement of X‐ray diffraction could confirm crystalline phase and lattice deformation by Ce, La into BFTO. The Ce and La doping induce nanoaggregation‐type BFTO nanostructural product due to their ionic size effect and chemical behavior with OH− ions. Raman active modes show tetragonal phase and defects due to vacancies in the BFTO lattice. Photoluminescence spectrum involves multiple visible emissions due to defects/vacancies. The observed ferroelectric polarization is enhanced due to shape/size effect of nanoparticles, lattice distortion, and filling of d orbital in the perovskite BaTiO3. The room‐temperature magnetic behavior is described due to antiferromagnetic interactions that strengthen by Ce and La doping. The zero‐field cooling and field cooling magnetic measurement at 500 Oe indicates antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic transition. Dynamic magnetoelectric coupling was investigated, and maximum longitudinal magnetoelectric coefficient is 62.65 and 49.79 mV/cmOe, respectively, measured for BFTO:Ce and BFTO:La. The magnetocapacitance measurements induce negative values that described in terms of magnetoresistance and magnetic phase transition effects. The influence of oxygen vacancy on multiferroicity is evaluated by valance states of O ions.
Novel Low‐Firing Forsterite‐Based Microwave Dielectric for LTCC Applications
Authors: Zhang Jie , Yue Zhenxing , Luo Yu , Zhang Xiaohua , Li Longtu
Published: February 2016

A novel low‐temperature sintering microwave dielectric based on forsterite (Mg2SiO4) ceramics was synthesized through the solid‐state reaction method. The effects of LiF additions on the sinterability, phase composition, microstructure, and microwave dielectric properties of Mg2SiO4 were investigated. It demonstrated that LiF could significantly broaden the processing window (~300°C) for Mg2SiO4, and more importantly the sintering temperature could be lowered below 900°C, maintaining excellent microwave dielectric properties simultaneously. The 2 wt% LiF‐doped samples could be well‐sintered at 800°C and possessed a εr ~ 6.81, a high Q×f ~ 167 000 GHz, and a τf ~ −47.9 ppm/°C, having a very good potential for LTCC integration applications.
Lead‐Free (Ba0.70Sr0.30)TiO3‐Modified Bi0.5(Na0.80K0.20)0.5TiO3 Ceramics with Large Electric Field–Induced Strains
Authors: Jaita Pharatree , Watcharapasorn Anucha , Kumar Nitish , Jiansirisomboon Sukanda , Cann David P.
Published: February 2016

The dielectric, ferroelectric, and electric field–induced strain behavior of Bi0.5(Na0.80K0.20)0.5TiO3 (BNKT) ceramics modified with (Ba0.70Sr0.30)O3 (BST) were investigated as a function of composition and temperature. The ceramic samples were synthesized by a solid‐state mixed oxide method and sintered at 1125°C for 2 h. The XRD and Raman spectra showed coexisting rhombohedral and tetragonal phases throughout the entire compositional range with the tetragonal phase becoming dominant at higher BST concentrations. For all compositions, the temperature dependence of the dielectric spectra revealed a frequency dependence that is characteristic of a relaxor mechanism. This suggests that these ceramics lacked long‐range order and it appears that the maximum disorder was observed for the composition with 5 mol% BST (BNKT–0.05BST sample). This was evidenced by the observation of pinched hysteresis loops, even at room temperature, and a significant decrease in the Pr and Ec values which resulted in large electric field–induced strains (Smax) of 0.40% and a normalized strain coefficient ( = Smax/Emax) of 732 pm/V. This significant strain enhancement at the composition of x = 0.05 may be attributed to both a composition‐induced structural phase transition and a field‐induced relaxor to ferroelectric phase transition.
Effect of Yb Codoping on the Phase Transition, and Electrical and Photoluminescence Properties in KNLN:Er/xYb Ceramics
Authors: Wang Jia , Luo Laihui , Huang Yinpeng , Li Weiping
Published: February 2016

Ceramics 0.94(K0.5Na0.5)NbO3−0.06LiNbO3:Er/xYb with x = 0, 0.002, 0.004, 0.006, 0.008 were fabricated in this study, and phase structure, dielectric, piezoelectric, ferroelectric, and upconversion photoluminescence properties of the ceramics were systematically studied. Results show that all ceramics are in the polymorphic phase transition region near room temperature. However, a relaxor‐like phase transition was observed as Yb increasing to over x = 0.004. The optimized dielectric, piezoelectric, and ferroelectric properties, and maximized photoluminescence intensity ratio are obtained at x = 0.004. And the electrical and photoluminescence properties of the ceramics were discussed from the point view of the normal to relaxor‐like ferroelectric phase transition. The present study demonstrates that both the electrical and upconversion photoluminescence properties of the ceramics have an intimate correlation with the normal to relaxor‐like ferroelectric transition induced by Yb doping.
Mullite–Nickel Magnetic Nanocomposite Fibers Obtained from Electrospinning Followed by Thermal Reduction
Authors: Chen Zhaoxi , Gu Yu , Aprelev Pavel , Kornev Konstantin , Luzinov Igor , Chen Jie , Peng Fei
Published: February 2016

Mullite–nickel nanocomposite fibers with Ni nanoparticles of controllable size, dispersion, and consequent magnetic properties were fabricated using sol–gel/electrospinning method, followed by thermal reduction. The fibers were electrospun from an aqueous solution containing sol–gel mullite precursor and nickel nitrate. These fibers were then heat treated in the reducing atmosphere between 550°C and 750°C to achieve fine‐dis persed metallic Ni nanoparticles (NPs). After the Ni2+ was reduced to Ni NPs at 750°C for 10 h, the fibers were then directly transformed to the mullite fibers at 1000°C without the undesirable intermediate spinel phase. In many high‐temperature applications, mullite is the desired phase than spinel. If not fully reduced, the Ni2+ cations induce early precipitation of spinel phase before mullite can be formed. This spinel phase was a solid solution between Al2NiO4 and Al‐Si spinels, which later reacted with the residual silica and formed a mixture of mullite and spinel at 1400°C. The formation of spinel phase was suppressed or fully eliminated with chemically reducing Ni2+ to metal NPs. The average size of nickel NPs within the fibers was ~20 nm, insensitive of the Ni concentration and reducing temperature. However, the Ni NPs on the fiber surface grew as large as ~80 nm due to fast surface diffusion. The magnetic nanocomposites exhibited ferromagnetism with saturation magnetization (Ms) close to pure nickel of the same nominal weight, but coercivity (Hc) much smaller than the bulk nickel, indicating the nature of bimodal magnetic nanoparticle distributions. The majority of small Ni NPs (~20 nm) within the fibers exhibited superparamagnetism, while the minor portion of relatively large NPs (50–80 nm) showed ferromagnetism.
From Social Values to P‐Values: The Social Epistemology of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Authors: John Stephen
Published: February 2016

In this article I ask two questions prompted by the phenomenon of ‘politically patterned’ climate change denial. First, can an individual's political commitments provide her with good reasons not to defer to cognitive experts’ testimony? Building on work in philosophy of science on inductive risk, I argue they can. Second, can an individual's political commitments provide her with good reasons not to defer to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's testimony? I argue that they cannot (at least, in the way identified in the first part of the article), because of the high epistemic standards which govern that body's assertions. The conclusion discusses the theoretical and practical implications of my arguments.
Divide and Rule Better: On Subsidiarity, Legitimacy and the Epistemic Aim of Political Decision‐Making
Authors: Allard‐Tremblay Yann
Published: February 2016

How should a political society be structured so as to legitimately distribute political power? One principle advanced to answer this question is the principle of subsidiarity. According to this principle, the default locus of political power is with the lowest competent political unit. This article argues that subsidiarity is a structural principle of a conception of political legitimacy informed by epistemic considerations. Broadly, the argument is that political societies organised according to the principle of subsidiarity can more effectively achieve political decisions that can justifiably appear to be correct from the point of view of those subject to them. The article presents two considerations in order to establish a pro tanto case for acting separately before presenting five additional epistemic considerations that establish a prima facie case for acting separately. The article then shows that political legitimacy and the epistemic aim of decision‐making can sometimes be served more effectively and efficiently by allowing higher‐level political units to assist lower‐level political units.
Comparison Between the Kinetics of Conventional Maceration and A Cyclic Pressurization Extraction Process for the Production of Lemon Liqueur Using A Numerical Model
Authors: Naviglio Daniele , Formato Andrea , Vitulano Manuela , Cozzolino Imma , Ferrara Lydia , Zanoelo Everton Fernando , Gallo Monica
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this study was to compare two extraction processes for the production of lemon liqueur (limoncello)—the traditional maceration of lemon peels and a cyclically pressurized extraction process also known as rapid solid‐liquid dynamic extraction (RSLDE) that uses a Naviglio extractor. To evaluate the extraction efficiency of the two processes, dry matter obtained by the evaporation of the extracts was used to construct kinetics curves. The dry matter was directly proportional to the amount of the active principle (terpenes) extracted and consequently to the total concentration. Alcoholic extracts were analysed by gas chromatography (GC) to monitor the extraction kinetics for major components of the terpene fraction and for minor components of essential oils. Moreover, alcoholic extracts were analysed by UV spectrophotometry to identify the more abundant chemical species, while the organoleptic tests (i.e., a consumer test) performed on the final product (limoncello) provided an indication of the taste of the final product and revealed features undetectable with instrumental analytical techniques. To better understand the phenomenon considered, a numerical simulation was performed to evaluate and compare the matter flow of extractable compounds during the process.

Practical Applications

The mathematical model shown in this work is a scientific novelty because it is not reported in the previous literature. Indeed, the curves obtained from the kinetic analysis of the two solid‐liquid extraction procedures were interpolated to obtain a numerical model, which regulated the two extraction processes. Comparison between the kinetics of the extraction procedures showed that the rapid solid‐liquid dynamic extraction (RSLDE) process was 120 times faster than maceration and had a greater efficiency in a short time. Finally, a method proposed to follow the kinetics of the dilution of alcohol by water contained in the peels using the Karl Fisher titration method was important for establishing the alcoholic content of the beverage.
Misoprostol for Prevention of Postpartum Hemorrhage at Home Birth in Afghanistan: Program Expansion Experience
Authors: Haver Jaime , Ansari Nasratullah , Zainullah Partamin , Kim Young‐Mi , Tappis Hannah
Published: February 2016

Introduction

Afghanistan has a maternal mortality ratio of 400 per 100,000 live births. Hemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal death. Two‐thirds of births occur at home. A pilot program conducted from 2005 to 2007 demonstrated the effectiveness of using community health workers for advance distribution of misoprostol to pregnant women for self‐administration immediately following birth to prevent postpartum hemorrhage. The Ministry of Public Health requested an expansion of the pilot to study implementation on a larger scale before adopting the intervention as national policy. The purpose of this before‐and‐after study was to determine the effectiveness of advance distribution of misoprostol for self‐administration across 20 districts in Afghanistan and identify any adverse events that occurred during expansion.

Methods

Cross‐sectional household surveys were conducted pre‐ (n = 408) and postintervention (n = 408) to assess the effect of the program on uterotonic use among women who had recently given birth. Maternal death audits and verbal autopsies were conducted to investigate peripartum maternal deaths that occurred during implementation in the 20 districts.

Results

Uterotonic use among women in the sample increased from 50.3% preintervention to 74.3% postintervention. Because of a large‐scale investment in Afghanistan in training and deployment of community midwives, it was assumed that all women who gave birth in facilities received a uterotonic. A significant difference in uterotonic use at home births was observed among women who lived farthest from a health facility (> 90 minutes self‐reported travel time) compared to women who lived closer (88.5% vs 38.9%; P < .0001). All women who accepted misoprostol and gave birth at home used the drug. No maternal deaths were identified among those women who used misoprostol.

Discussion

The results of this study build on the findings of the pilot program and provide evidence on the effectiveness, primarily measured by uterotonic use, of an expansion of advance distribution of misoprostol for self‐administration.
Neural substrates of the ‘low‐level’ system for speech articulation: Evidence from primary opercular syndrome
Authors: Silveri Maria Caterina , Incordino Francesco , Lo Monaco Rita , Bizzarro Alessandra , Masullo Carlo , Piludu Francesca , Colosimo Cesare
Published: February 2016

We describe a patient with progressive disorder of speech, without language impairment (opercular syndrome). Morphometric analysis confirmed asymmetric volume reduction of the precentral areas (>left). Diffusion imaging showed significant white matter changes in the left frontal lobe, with specific involvement of the left corticobulbar tract and connections between supplementary/pre‐supplementary motor areas and the frontal operculum (frontal aslant tract). We suggest that the organization of expressive language includes a ‘low level’ motor system principally distributed in the left hemisphere that shows specific susceptibility to neurodegeneration, distinct from neural systems subtending praxic, and cognitive aspects of language.
Physical exercise as a treatment for adult and juvenile myositis
Authors: Alexanderson H.
Published: February 2016

There is growing evidence to support the safety and efficacy of exercise in patients with adult and juvenile idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. Five randomized controlled trials including adult patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis (DM) and additional open studies have demonstrated reduced impairment and activity limitation as well as improved quality of life. In addition, recent studies have shown reduced disease activity assessed by consensus disease activity measures and reduced expression of genes regulating inflammation and fibrosis. Furthermore, exercise could improve muscle aerobic capacity as shown by increased mitochondrial enzyme activity. These data suggest that intensive aerobic exercise and resistance training could reduce disease activity and inflammation and improve muscle metabolism. Encouraging results have been reported from available open studies including patients with inclusion body myositis (IBM) and juvenile DM, indicating reduced impairment, activity limitation and improved quality of life also in these patients. Larger studies are needed to increase understanding of the effects of exercise in patients with active, recent‐onset polymyositis and DM as well as in patients with IBM and juvenile DM.
Prevalence of White Matter and Periventricular Magnetic Resonance Hyperintensities in Asymptomatic Volunteers
Authors: Fazekas Franz , Schmidt Reinhold , Offenbacher Hans , Niederkorn Kurt , Horner Susanna , Payer Franz , Lechner Helmut
Published: February 2016

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of 101 asymptomatic volunteers ranging in age from 31 to 84 years (mean, 55 yr) was performed to determine the prevalence and extent of unexpected white matter (WMH) and periventricular hyperintensities (PVH) in the “normal” population. Twenty‐nine had followup studies after 11 to 28 months (mean, 15 mo). Predominantly punctate WMHs were present in 48%. Increasing prevalence was associated with aging and was significantly higher in individuals with major cerebrovascular risk factors (P < 0.05). PVH was noted in 45% and consisted mainly of caps and lines. Volunteers with more extensive WMHs (6%) or PVH (4%) had risk factors or were above 60 years of age. The repeat scans exhibited no significant changes.
Pineal Region Tumors with Large Cystic Components: Report of Two Cases
Authors: Chadduck William M. , Boop Frederick A. , Glasler Charles M. , Husain Muhammad
Published: February 2016

Two patients with neurological findings of midline intracranial masses displayed cystic components extending into the thalamus. In one patient, absent tumor markers, nonspecific pathological findings by stereotactic biopsy, and the large thalamic cystic component suggested a diagnosis of astrocytoma rather than germinoma. In the other, cystic neuroimaging findings and the pathological specimen obtained by stereotactic biopsy suggested a thalamic astrocytoma; however, elevated alpha fetoprotein and chorionic gonadotropin levels indicated embryonal cell carcinoma, confirmed by subsequent surgery. Because large cystic components are unusual and usually noted in astrocytomas and teratomas, this report extends the spectrum of imaging findings in pineal region tumors.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Anatomy of the Cranial Nerves
Authors: Mazalewski James G. , Manzi Steven V. , Schnitzlein H. N. , Murtagh F. Reed
Published: February 2016

Correlation of findings on neurological examination of the cranial nerves with gross anatomy, neuroanatomy, and neuropathology provides the optimal diagnostic use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Illustrations of the anatomy of each of the cranial nerves, with concise labeling of relevant anatomical relationships, are compared with brief neurological summaries and MRis of patients.
Ultrasonic Imaging of the Internal Jugular Vein
Authors: Müller H. R.
Published: February 2016

The ultrasonographic anatomy of the internal jugular vein is described. Current uses of ultrasonic imaging of this vessel are discussed, with special attention given to its use for calculating volume flow.
Color Velocity Imaging: Introduction to a New Ultrasound Technology
Authors: Tegeler Charles H. , Kremkau Frederick W. , Hitchings Lloyd P.
Published: February 2016

Noninvasive ultrasound is the preferred methodology for the initial evaluation of carotid atherosclerosis. Since the early use of continuous‐wave Doppler to assess carotid artery flow velocity blindly, neurosonology has progressed through crude B‐mode imaging, spectral analysis of the Doppler signal, and gray‐scale duplex Doppler/B‐mode imaging, to color‐flow Doppler duplex imaging. The latter allows color coding of Doppler data based on the velocity of blood flow. The combination of color‐flow Doppler with gray‐scale B‐mode imaging allows simultaneous visual display of anatomical and hemodynamic information. Physical limitations of color‐flow duplex Doppler imaging may affect the clinical utility of these techniques. Problems with pulse repetition frequency, aliasing, resolution capability of the color data, and interpolation of data make some applications difficult. Color velocity imaging uses the data contained in the gray‐scale B‐mode image scan lines to determine velocity of blood flow, and it offers potential advantages over conventional color‐flow duplex Doppler for the assessment of carotid atherosclerosis and hemodynamics. Initial comparison of spectral Doppler and color velocity imaging data suggests that the latter is an accurate method to assess blood flow velocity. Understanding of the validity, utility, and prognostic advantages offered by color velocity imaging awaits careful prospective clinical studies.
New Method for Optimal Stabilization of the Transcranial Doppler Transducer during Monitoring: Normal Controls and Patient Application
Authors: Gomez Camilo R. , McLaughlin James R.
Published: February 2016

Maintaining proper alignment of the transcranial Doppler probe during continuous monitoring has been a major limiting factor in its clinical and experimental application. We recently developed a simple yet reliable method of probe stabilization that allows continuous monitoring of blood flow velocities from any of the vessels accessible through the transtemporal window without regard to patient position or head movement. Under laboratory conditions, blood flow velocities were recorded in 5 subjects in the supine, sitting, standing, and headdown positions. Also, measurements were carried out during flexion, extension, lateral rotation, and tilting of the neck. In addition, 1 0 patients were successfully monitored in the acute stroke unit for periods of 12 to 72 hours. There was excellent preservation of Doppler waveforms during all these maneuvers. This device offers a method of stabilizing transcranial Doppler transducers during continuous monitoring, which is more practical than those available so far. It results in an expansion of the potential clinical and experimental applications of this ultrasonic technique.
Enhanced Resolution of Pituitary Fossa by Threeߚdimensional Fatsuppressed GradientߚEcho Magnetic Resonance: Before and After Gadolinium Enhancement
Authors: Rao Vijay M. , Vinitski Simon , Babaria Ashok , Flanders Adam , Mishkin Mark M. , Gonzalez Carlos
Published: February 2016

In imaging small anatomical parts such as the pituitary fossa, thin sections enhance the spatial resolution. Gradient recalled images (GRASS) using three‐dimensional volume data produce ultrathin contiguous sections with a high signal‐to‐noise ratio. In this study, conventional spin‐echo magnetic resonance images (MRis) of the pituitary fossa were compared to threedimensional gradient recalled MRI in 5 volunteers and 10 patients suspected of having pituitary gland abnormalities. Utility of fat suppression was also assessed, along with gadolinium enhancement. Conventional spin‐echo and three‐dimensional spoiled GRASS images, three‐dimensional spoiled GRASS images without and with fat suppression (Group II), and three‐dimensional spoiled GRASS images with fat suppression before and after gadolinium enhancement were compared. Three‐dimensional spoiled GRASS images provided better delineation of the pituitary fossa structures. There was differential enhancement between the normal gland and pituitary tumors. The fat suppression technique following gadolinium administration helped separate the high signal of tumor from the high signal of the clivus marrow. In conclusion, T1‐weighted three‐dimensional gradient‐echo images with fat suppression following gadolinium enhancement appear promising in evaluation.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Thalamus following Cryothalamotomy for Parkinson's Disease and Dystonia
Authors: Vining E. , Duckwiler G. , Udkoff R. , Rand R. , Lufkin R.
Published: February 2016

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on 3 patients after cryothalamotomy, one of whom had bilateral cryothalamotomies. The time between surgery and MRI ranged from 23 days to 6.5 months. Images made 3 to 4 weeks after surgery showed a lesion of high signal intensity on both T1‐weighted and T2‐weighted images, and an additional central area of low signal intensity on T1‐weighted images. Images obtained at 2, 4, and 6.5 months after surgery showed smaller lesions with low signal intensity on T1‐weighted and T2‐weighted images, a pattern consistent with resolving hematoma after cryothalamotomy.
Cystic Necrosis of the Cervical Spinal Cord: Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Correlation
Authors: Hardjasudarma Mardjohan , Davis Patricia , Eisenberg Ronald Lee , Mirfakhraee Mansour
Published: February 2016

Compression of the cervical spinal cord may lead to necrosis, which can manifest itself as the so‐called snake eyes appearance on computed tomography‐myelography. As demonstrated by the case presented here, similar findings can be obtained by magnetic resonance imaging. We can expect this to become a more common finding, not only because the use of magnetic resonance imaging has become more widespread, but also because of the noninvasive nature of this modality, in contrast to computed tomography‐myelography.
Air Microbubbles as a Contrast Medium in Transcranial Doppler Sonography
Authors: Ries Fernand , Kaal Klaus , Schultheiss Rolf , Solymosi László , Schlief Reinhard
Published: February 2016

An insufficient signal‐to‐noise ratio is a significant limiting factor in assessing intracranial hemodynamic parameters by transcranial Doppler sonography. To establish the feasibility and validity of signal enhancement in transcranial Doppler sonography, stabilized air microbubbles bound to galactose microparticles as a carrier (SHU 454) were used in an animal model. The disadvantage of a short‐lasting effect is caused by instability of the contrast medium and a consequent reduced capacity to pass through the lung. Eight pigs received SHU 454 intraarterially in various concentrations and forms of application during transcranial monitoring of the middle cerebral artery with a 2‐MHz pulsed ultrasound device. The effect was reproducible, dependent on the dose and application modalities. The best results were obtained with low concentrations (100 mg of microparticlesjml of suspension) and low injection speeds (0. 5− 1.0 ml/sec) into the common carotid artery by injection pump, reaching a homogeneous average enhancement of 6 to 1 2 dB over at least 5 minutes. Histological examination of the brain showed no evidence of air embolization. Further development requires a stable solution with similar properties and an ability to pass through the lung, therefore being suitable for intravenous application in humans.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Computed Tomography, and Autopsy Findings after Cardiorespiratory Arrest
Authors: Schmidt R. , Fazekas F. , Kleinert R. , Offenbacher H. , Payer F. , Porsch G.
Published: February 2016

A 29‐year‐old man had temporary cardiorespiratory arrest. Eight hours later, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed scattered hyperintense gyri and a marked high signal intensity of the caudate nuclei and the putamen. Computed tomography (CT) displayed no focal abnormalities but only diffuse brain swelling and blood in the subarachnoid space. The patient died 17 hours after the arrest. Histopathological findings were consistent with early ischemic brain damage. Perivascular infiltrates, probably inflammatory, involved the entire brainstem. Neither MRI nor CT demonstrated brainstem encephalitis, the presumed cause for the arrest. This observation suggests a high sensitivity of MRI for cerebral damage caused by global hypoxemia, yielding valuable diagnostic and prognostic information after resuscitation.
Cerebral Metabolic Changes in Patients with Brain Tumors Demonstrated by Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: Powe John E. , Alavi Jane B. , Alavi Abass , Hackney David , Reivich Martin
Published: February 2016

Positron emission tomography (PET) studies (38 scans) were performed using 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) in 37 patients with diagnosed cerebral tumors. Suppression of FDG utilization in cerebral cortex was identified in 32 scans (84%). Whereas this suppression involved only a small region of the cerebral cortex immediately adjacent to the tumor on 8 scans, extensive areas of diminished FDG uptake were seen on the remaining 24. A complex relationship between the presence of edema, glucose metabolism of the primary lesion, histological grade of malignancy, and presence or absence of cortical suppression occurred. The strongest correlation was observed between the presence of edema determined by computed tomography andjor magnetic resonance imaging and the degree of cortical suppression of glucose metabolism. Cerebral edema was present in 21 (88%) of 24 patients with extensive cortical suppression but none of the 6 without cortical suppression.