bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM INVOLVEMENT IN ADULT ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA: DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS, PROPHYLAXIS AND THERAPY
Authors: Del Principe Maria Ilaria , Maurillo Luca , Buccisano Francesco , Sconocchia Giuseppe , Cefalo Mariagiovanna , De Santis Giovanna , Di Veroli Ambra , Ditto Concetta , Nasso Daniela , Postorino Massimiliano , Refrigeri Marco , Attrotto Cristina , Del Poeta Giovanni , Amadori Sergio , Venditti Adriano
Published: November 2014

In adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), Central Nervous System (CNS) involvement is associated with a very poor prognosis. The diagnostic assessment of this condition relies on the use of neuroradiology, conventional cytology (CC) and flow cytometry (FCM). Among these approaches, which is the gold standard it is still a matter of debate. Neuroradiology and CC have a limited sensitivity with a higher rate of false negative results. FCM demonstrated a superior sensitivity over CC, particularly when low levels of CNS infiltrating cells are present. Although prospective studies of large series of patients are still awaited, a positive finding by FCM appears to anticipate an adverse outcome even if CC shows no infiltration. Current strategies for adult ALL CNS-directed prophylaxis or therapy involve systemic and intrathecal chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Actually, early and frequent intrathecal injection of cytostatic combined with systemic chemotherapy is the most effective strategy to reduce the frequency of CNS involvement. In patients with CNS overt ALL, at diagnosis or upon relapse, allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation might be considered. This review will discuss risk factors, diagnostic techniques for identification of CNS infiltration and modalities of prophylaxis and therapy to manage it.
The Exodus as negotiation of identity and human dignity between memory and myth
Authors: Bosman Hendrik L.
Published: November 2014

The rendition of the exodus in the Old Testament is an excellent example of cultural memory – a remembered past that resulted in collective memories that maintained the actuality or relevance of the past, without getting bogged down in the never ending agonising about the supposed ‘historical factuality’ of the past. In the Old Testament the exodus was remembered in diverging ways in different contexts and the ongoing need for identity and the influence of trauma were but two factors that influenced the manner in which the exodus was recalled. Despite unfavourable connotations it is again suggested that the exodus functioned as a founding myth in the evolving of Israelite and early Jewish identity. Such a heuristic goal will be less interested in establishing historically or archaeologically verifiable truth claims and more interested in how the memory of the exodus shaped identity and enabled human dignity in subsequent contexts of human suffering and oppression up to the present day.
National survey of paediatric audiological services for diagnosis and intervention in the South African private health care sector
Authors: Meyer Miriam E. , Swanepoel De Wet , Le Roux Talita
Published: November 2014

Objective: A national survey of early hearing detection and intervention services was undertaken to describe the current status of diagnostic and intervention services in the South African private health care sector.Methods: All private hospitals with obstetric units (n = 166) were surveyed telephonically. The data was integrated with data collected from self-administered questionnaires subsequently distributed nationally to private audiology practices providing hearing screening at the respective hospitals reporting hearing screening services (n = 87). Data was analysed descriptively to yield national percentages and frequency distributions.Results: Average reported age at diagnosis was 11 months. Most participants (74%) indicated that less than 20% of infants fitted with hearing aids received amplification before the age of 6 months. Most (64%) participants indicated that the average period between confirmed diagnosis and hearing aid fitting was 1 month, on par with international benchmarks. Only 16%–23% of participants included all diagnostic procedures recommended by the Health Professions Council of South Africa’s 2007 position statement for minimum diagnostic test batteries for infants and young children.Conclusions: Diagnosis of hearing loss, hearing aid fitting and audiological intervention is delayed significantly in the South African private health care sector. Improved services should include integrated systematic hospital-based screening as part of birthing packages with diagnostic referral to specialist paediatric audiologists for accurate assessment and management of patients in a timely manner.
The diagnostic evaluation of 640 slice computed tomography angiography in the diagnosis of coronary artery stenosis
Authors: Lei Ziqiao , Fu Qing , Shi Heshui , Xu Haibo , Han Ping , Yu Jianming
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT

Objective:

The aim was to evaluate diagnostic accuracy of 640 slice computed tomography angiography (640-CTCA) in diagnosis of coronary artery stenosis.

Materials and Methods:

Selective coronary angiography (SCA) and 640 slice CTCA were performed in 120 patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) (78 male, 42 female, aged from 36 to 79 years old, with an average of 58.23 years). Various post-processing reconstructions of coronary arteries and branches, such as volumetric imaging, multi-planar reconstruction, curved planar reconstruction, maximum intensity projection were used. The coronary segments, with statistical evaluations combined with its diameter ≥1.5 mm were collected to analyze the diagnosis accuracy of 640-CTCA on coronary artery stenosis, with SCA as the reference standard.

Results:

About 96.91% (1535/1584) of coronary artery segments were evaluable arteries, and the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of 640-CTCA for detecting coronary artery stenosis were 93.44%, 99.59%, 95.00% and 99.45% respectively. 3.09% (49/1584) of coronary artery segments could not be evaluated due to motion artifact in 21 segments, calcification in 18 segments and poor display of lumen in 10 segments. There were no significant differences in the diagnostic accuracy of coronary artery stenosis between 640-CTCA and SCA.

Conclusion:

640-CTCA has a higher accuracy and specificity, which is a reliable tool in the screening of CAD, coronary surgery, preoperative evaluation and the postoperative follow-up.
Environmental Surveillance for Toxigenic Vibrio cholerae in Surface Waters of Haiti
Authors: Kahler Amy M. , Haley Bradd J. , Chen Arlene , Mull Bonnie J. , Tarr Cheryl L. , Turnsek Maryann , Katz Lee S. , Humphrys Michael S. , Derado Gordana , Freeman Nicole , Boncy Jacques , Colwell Rita R. , Huq Anwar , Hill Vincent R.
Published: November 2014

Epidemic cholera was reported in Haiti in 2010, with no information available on the occurrence or geographic distribution of toxigenic Vibrio cholerae in Haitian waters. In a series of field visits conducted in Haiti between 2011 and 2013, water and plankton samples were collected at 19 sites. Vibrio cholerae was detected using culture, polymerase chain reaction, and direct viable count methods (DFA-DVC). Cholera toxin genes were detected by polymerase chain reaction in broth enrichments of samples collected in all visits except March 2012. Toxigenic V. cholerae was isolated from river water in 2011 and 2013. Whole genome sequencing revealed that these isolates were a match to the outbreak strain. The DFA-DVC tests were positive for V. cholerae O1 in plankton samples collected from multiple sites. Results of this survey show that toxigenic V. cholerae could be recovered from surface waters in Haiti more than 2 years after the onset of the epidemic.
Circulating Serum Markers and QRS Scar Score in Chagas Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Clark Eva H. , Marks Morgan A. , Gilman Robert H. , Fernandez Antonio B. , Crawford Thomas C. , Samuels Aaron M. , Hidron Alicia I. , Galdos-Cardenas Gerson , Menacho-Mendez Gilberto Silvio , Bozo-Gutierrez Ricardo W. , Martin Diana L. , Bern Caryn
Published: November 2014

Approximately 8 million people have Trypanosoma cruzi infection, and nearly 30% will manifest Chagas cardiomyopathy (CC). Identification of reliable early indicators of CC risk would enable prioritization of treatment to those with the highest probability of future disease. Serum markers and electrocardiogram (EKG) changes were measured in 68 T. cruzi-infected individuals in various stages of cardiac disease and 17 individuals without T. cruzi infection or cardiac disease. T. cruzi-infected individuals were assigned to stage A (normal EKG/chest x-ray [CXR]), B (abnormal EKG/normal CXR), or C (abnormal EKG/cardiac structural changes). Ten serum markers were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)/Luminex, and QRS scores were calculated. Higher concentrations of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1), and TGFβ2 were associated with stage B compared with stage A. Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), Tissue Inhibitors of MMP 1, QRS score, and Brain Natriuretic Protein rose progressively with increasing CC severity. Elevated levels of several markers of cardiac damage and inflammation are seen in early CC and warrant additional evaluation in longitudinal studies.
Comparison of Three Molecular Methods for the Detection and Speciation of Five Human Plasmodium Species
Authors: Lau Yee Ling , Lai Meng Yee , Anthony Claudia N. , Chang Phooi Yee , Palaeya Vanitha , Fong Mun Yik , Mahmud Rohela
Published: November 2014

In this study, three molecular assays (real-time multiplex polymerase chain reaction [PCR], merozoite surface antigen gene [MSP]-multiplex PCR, and the PlasmoNex Multiplex PCR Kit) have been developed for diagnosis of Plasmodium species. In total, 52 microscopy-positive and 20 malaria-negative samples were used in this study. We found that real-time multiplex PCR was the most sensitive for detecting P. falciparum and P. knowlesi. The MSP-multiplex PCR assay and the PlasmoNex Multiplex PCR Kit were equally sensitive for diagnosing P. knowlesi infection, whereas the PlasmoNex Multiplex PCR Kit and real-time multiplex PCR showed similar sensitivity for detecting P. vivax. The three molecular assays displayed 100% specificity for detecting malaria samples. We observed no significant differences between MSP-multiplex PCR and the PlasmoNex multiplex PCR kit (McNemar's test: P = 0.1489). However, significant differences were observed comparing real-time multiplex PCR with the PlasmoNex Multiplex PCR Kit (McNemar's test: P = 0.0044) or real-time multiplex PCR with MSP-multiplex PCR (McNemar's test: P = 0.0012).
Use of Mosquito Preventive Measures is Associated with Increased RBC CR1 Levels in a Malaria Holoendemic Area of Western Kenya
Authors: King Christine , Du Ping , Otieno Walter , Stoute José A.
Published: November 2014

Malaria is responsible for close to 1 million deaths each year, mostly among African children. Red blood cells (RBCs) of children with severe malarial anemia show loss of complement regulatory proteins such as complement receptor 1 (CR1). We carried out this study to identify socio-economic, environmental, and biological factors associated with the loss of RBC CR1. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a malaria holoendemic area of western Kenya. Twelve socioeconomic, environmental, and biological factors were examined for a relationship with RBC CR1 level using bivariate linear regression followed by creation of a multivariate linear regression model. A significant positive relationship between RBC CR1 level and use of mosquito countermeasures was found. However, there was no evidence of a significant relationship between RBC CR1 level and malaria infection or parasitemia level. Reducing mosquito exposure may aid in the prevention of severe malarial anemia by reducing the number of infections and thus preserving RBC CR1.
RETENCIÓN DE CARBONO EN RODALES PARA LA PRODUCCIÓN DE MADERA EN Pinus caribaea Morelet var. caribaea B. & G., EN LA REGIÓN DE TOPE DE COLLANTES, GUAMUHAYA, PROVINCIA SANCTI SPIRITUS
Authors: Mercadet Alicia , Álvarez Arnaldo , Rodríguez Yolanis , Gómez Luis M. , Valle Manuel , Ramos Roberto , Morales Dariel , Toledo Jesús , León Jorge
Published: November 2014

En Cuba no existen antecedentes sobre cómo abordar de forma integrada la producción de madera para aserrío y la retención de carbono. Se establecieron 30 parcelas temporales de 500 m2 en plantaciones de Pinus caribaea Morelet var. caribaea Barret y Golfari en la región de Tope de Collantes, ubicada en el macizo montañoso de Guamuhaya, provincia Sancti Spiritus, Cuba; en ellas se midieron el diámetro normal (d1,30), la altura total y el grosor de corteza por árbol (GCa), calculando el volumen total con corteza por árbol (VTcca), el rendimiento por hectárea (R) y la retención de carbono (C). Se analizaron las tendencias de variación de estas variables con el espaciamiento manteniendo fijos los efectos sitio y edad primero y confundiendo el efecto sitio dentro del efecto espaciamiento después. En todos los casos el d1,30 y el VTcca presentaron tendencias ascendentes con el aumento del espaciamiento, en tanto que el GCa, el R y el C presentaron tendencias descendentes, sugiriendo que para combinar la producción de madera para aserrío con la retención de carbono, resulta conveniente identificar un espaciamiento de compromiso entre ambas variables, que para esta especie y en estas condiciones resultó ser de 990 árboles*ha-1, equivalente a 3,2 m x 3,2 m.
COMPOSIÇÃO E ESTRUTURA DA VEGETAÇÃO RIPÁRIA NA SUB-BACIA DO CÓRREGO DO CINTRA (BOTUCATU − SP)
Authors: Belluta Ivalde , Valente José Pedro Serra , Carvalho Lídia Raquel de , Silva Assunta Maria Marques da , Engel Vera Lex
Published: November 2014

As Cuestas Basálticas apresentam-se na paisagem da região central do Estado de São Paulo e caracterizam-se pela Floresta Estacional Semidecidual. O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar a estrutura, estádio sucessional e a diversidade da mata ripária integrante da sub-bacia do córrego do Cintra, situada na região da Cuesta de Botucatu. O método fitossociológico utilizado em três áreas foi o de ponto-quadrante com dois indivíduos amostrados em cada quadrante e de tamanho > 5 m e < 5 m de altura. Foi utilizado o teste de Friedman na comparação das espécies arbóreas nas três áreas, seguido do teste de Dunn, ao nível de 5% de significância. Os índices analisados foram dominância relativa − DoR, densidade relativa − DR, e índice de valor de cobertura − IVC, obtidos através de cálculo em planilha eletrônica; o estádio sucessional foi determinado pela proporção relativa entre os números de indivíduos de espécies de diferentes sinúsias identificadas; a diversidade de espécies foi estudada com base nos índices de diversidade de Shannon-Wiener (H’), Pielou (J) e Simpson, conotação 1-D, através do programa Past. Nas três áreas de amostragem foram encontradas 2.241 indivíduos arbóreos de 145 espécies, pertencentes a 55 famílias botânicas, sendo as mais representativas Fabaceae com 16,3%; Lauraceae, Myrtaceae e Boraginaceae com 7% cada, totalizando 37,3% da amostragem total. As espécies com maior DoR, DR e IVC nas áreas 1, 2 e 3 respectivamente foram Calophyllum brasiliense, Piptadenia gonoacantha e Gochnatia polymorpha. O estádio sucessional na área 1 foi considerado mais tardio, na área 2 intermediário, e pioneiro na área 3, além da diversidade (H’A1 = 4,08; H’A2 = 3,79; H’A3 = 3,31 nats/ind-1) das espécies, que foi considerada alta e boa equabilidade nas três áreas. Portanto, na área 3 os índices indicaram maior dominância de poucas espécies que está em processo de sucessão, com a necessidade de revegetação e regeneração florestal.
PROPOSTA DE CERTIFICAÇÃO DE PRODUTOS EM MADEIRA LAMINADA COLADA
Authors: Furtado Francisco Raphael Cabral , Terezo Rodrigo Figueiredo
Published: November 2014

A Madeira Laminada Colada – MLC é um produto inovador de alto valor agregado, porém ainda não participa de programas de qualidade a exemplo do Programa Nacional de Qualidade da Madeira – PNQM e Programa Brasileiro da Qualidade e Produtividade do Habitat – PBQP-H. O presente trabalho visou oportunizar maior visibilidade ao produto em MLC, aferir maior segurança na sua concepção e utilização, estimular a participação das empresas produtoras de MLC em programas nacionais de qualidade. Para tanto, foram realizadas pesquisas sobre os produtos ofertados pelas empresas brasileiras de MLC, visitas às indústrias, consultas às normas técnicas e resoluções do Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia – INMETRO. Com base nesse levantamento foi elaborada esta proposta de um programa de qualidade voltado para produtos em MLC de uso estrutural e não estrutural. A implantação desta proposta de programa de qualidade facilitará a obtenção de subsídios às empresas e estimulará o consumo de MLC no mercado da construção civil.
Tail Dependence of Financial Stocks and CDS Markets – Evidence Using Copula Methods and Simulation-Based Inference
Authors: da Silva Paulo Pereira , Rebelo Paulo Tomaz , Afonso Cristina
Published: November 2014

Using copula methods and simulation-based inference, the authors investigate the association between the performance of a stock index formed by European financial institutions and a basket of CDS contracts of the same sector. Their analysis focuses on (i) assessing the dependence structure of the markets when extreme events occur, and (ii) checking the validity of the conclusion by Merton (On the Pricing of Corporate Debt: The Risk Structure of Interest Rates, 1974) and other similar structural models that there is an intensification of the relationship between stock prices and credit spreads after large negative shocks in the value of firms’ assets. The authors show that there is a large tail dependence between the two portfolios. However, the dependence structure seems to be similar with respect to positive and negative innovations in the indexes. Their findings suggest that credit models’ implications do not apply to financial firms, likely because the implicit subsidies from governments to financial institutions are distorting the dependency structure.
Sport and Social Movements
Authors: Harvey Jean , Horne John , Safai Parissa , Darnell Simon , Courchesne-O’Neill Sébastien
Published: November 2014

Sport and Social Movements: From the Local to the Global is the first book-length treatment of the way social movements have intersected and continue to intersect with sport. It traces the history of various social movements associated with labour, women, rights (civil, racial, disability and sexual), peace and the environment and their relationship to sport and sports mega-events such as the Olympic Games. Based on research conducted by a multinational team of authors, the book includes a valuable chronology of social movements, illustrations of key episodes in the development of the relationships between sport and different social movements and an agenda for future research and scholarship. Written in a clear and comprehensive style it is suitable for all levels of higher education, researchers and the general reader who want to know more about the role that sport has played in the development of social movements and campaigns for social justice.
Aerosol characterization at the Saharan AERONET site Tamanrasset
Authors: Guirado C. , Cuevas E. , Cachorro V. E. , Toledano C. , Alonso-Pérez S. , Bustos J. J. , Basart S. , Romero P. M. , Camino C. , Mimouni M. , Zeudmi L. , Goloub P. , Baldasano J. M. , de Frutos A. M.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. More than 2 years of columnar atmospheric aerosol measurements (2006–2009) at the Tamanrasset site (22.79° N, 5.53° E, 1377 m a.s.l.), in the heart of the Sahara, are analysed. Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) level 2.0 data were used. The KCICLO (K is the name of a constant and ciclo means cycle in Spanish) method was applied to a part of the level 1.5 data series to improve the quality of the results. The annual variability of aerosol optical depth (AOD) and Ångström exponent (AE) has been found to be strongly linked to the convective boundary layer (CBL) thermodynamic features. The dry-cool season (autumn and winter) is characterized by a shallow CBL and very low mean turbidity (AOD ~ 0.09 at 440 nm, AE ~ 0.62). The wet-hot season (spring and summer) is dominated by high turbidity of coarse dust particles (AE ~ 0.28, AOD ~ 0.39 at 440 nm) and a deep CBL. The aerosol-type characterization shows desert mineral dust as the prevailing aerosol. Both pure Saharan dust and very clear sky conditions are observed depending on the season. However, several case studies indicate an anthropogenic fine mode contribution from the industrial areas in Libya and Algeria. The concentration weighted trajectory (CWT) source apportionment method was used to identify potential sources of air masses arriving at Tamanrasset at several heights for each season. Microphysical and optical properties and precipitable water vapour were also investigated.
The MACC-II 2007–2008 reanalysis: atmospheric dust evaluation and characterization over Northern Africa and Middle East
Authors: Cuevas E. , Camino C. , Benedetti A. , Basart S. , Terradellas E. , Baldasano J. M. , Morcrette J.-J. , Marticorena B. , Goloub P. , Mortier A. , Berjón A. , Hernández Y. , Gil-Ojeda M. , Schulz M.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. In the present work, atmospheric mineral dust from a MACC-II short reanalysis run for two years (2007–2008), has been evaluated over Northern Africa and Middle East using satellite aerosol products (from MISR, MODIS and OMI satellite sensors), ground-based AERONET data, in-situ PM10 concentrations from AMMA, and extinction vertical profiles from two ground-based lidars and CALIOP. The MACC-II aerosol optical depth (AOD) spatial and temporal (seasonal and interannual) variability shows good agreement with those provided by satellite sensors. The capability of the model to reproduce AOD, Ångström exponent (AE) and dust optical depth (DOD) from daily to seasonal time-scale is quantified over twenty-six AERONET stations located in eight geographically distinct regions by using statistical parameters. Overall DOD seasonal variation is fairly well simulated by MACC-II in all regions, although the correlation is significantly higher in dust transport regions than in dust source regions. The ability of MACC-II in reproducing dust vertical profiles has been assessed by comparing seasonal averaged extinction vertical profiles simulated by MACC-II under dust conditions with corresponding extinction profiles obtained with lidar instruments at M'Bour and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and with CALIOP. We find a good agreement in dust layers structures and averaged extinction vertical profiles between MACC-II, the lidars and CALIOP above the marine boundary layer from 1 to 6 km. Surface dust daily mean concentrations from MACC-II reanalysis has been evaluated with daily averaged PM10 at three monitoring stations of the Sahelian Dust Transect. MACC-II correctly reproduces daily to interannual surface dust concentration variability, although it underestimates daily and monthly means all year long, especially in winter and early spring (dry season). MACC-II reproduces well the dust variability recorded along the station-transect which reflects the variability in dust emission by different Saharan sources, but fails in reproducing the sporadic and very strong dust events associated to mesoscale convective systems during the wet season.
A mixed finite-element formulation for the modal analysis of electromagnetic waveguides featuring improved low-frequency resolution of transmission line modes
Authors: Baltes R. , Al Ahmar J. , Farle O. , Dyczij-Edlinger R.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. This paper presents an improved finite-element formulation for axially uniform electromagnetic waveguides. It allows for both dielectric and conduction losses and covers the entire range from optics down to the static limit. Propagation coefficients of small magnitude, particularly those of transmission line modes in the low-frequency regime, are computed much more accurately than with previous approaches.
Meteor heights during the recent solar minimum
Authors: Jacobi Ch.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Average meteor heights have been continuously observed using a SKiYMET VHF radar at Collm (51.3° N, 13.0° E) since late summer of 2004. Initially, the daily mean meteor height was about 89.4 km. Since that time, average meteor heights have decreased. This is consistent with earlier results on middle atmosphere temperature change from the literature and from earlier results of low-frequency reflection height changes measured at Kühlungsborn and Collm. During the recent solar minimum 2008/2009 the meteor heights further decreased. Linear fitting of a trend and a solar cycle to the heights reveals a linear decrease of about −56 m year−1 and a solar cycle effect of +450 m per 100 sfu. Assuming that meteor heights, on a long-term average, approximately refer to a level of constant pressure, this decrease can be converted to a mean middle atmosphere linear temperature decrease of −0.23 K year−1 and a solar cycle effect of +1.8 K per 100 sfu during the last decade, which is in the range of observed trends reported in the literature.
Seasonal and inter-annual variability of the quasi 2 day wave over Collm (51.3° N, 13° E) as obtained from VHF meteor radar measurements
Authors: Lilienthal F. , Jacobi Ch.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. The quasi 2 day wave (QTDW) over Collm (51° N, 13° E) has been studied between September 2004 and September 2013 using a VHF meteor radar. The 9 year mean amplitudes show a strong summer maximum with several irregular bursts and much weaker winter maxima. In summer, the meridional amplitude is slightly larger than the zonal one with about 15 m s−1 at 91 km height. Phase differences are slightly higher than 90°, which indicates a polarization that is nearly circular. On an average the QTDW is amplified after a maximum of zonal wind shear. This can be realized in the summer mesospheric jet where the zonal wind component has its minimum or, in other words, the easterly jet maximizes. Thus, instability is found as a likely forcing mechanism. QTDW amplitudes exhibit considerable inter-annual variability. In particular, there is a possible relation between the QTDW amplitude and the 11-year solar cycle in winter but not in summer.
Local microwave heating of sand molds as a means to overcome design limitations in sand mold casting
Authors: Wiedenmann O. , Ramakrishnan R. , Saal P. , Kılıç E. , Siart U. , Eibert T. F. , Volk W.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Microwave induced selective heating outmatches conventional mold heating by convective heat transfer in means of energy efficiency and cycle time. Moreover, it provides the opportunity of a local manipulation of solidification and cooling processes within the sand casting mold. In this paper, we investigate the suitability of different highly absorbing materials to indirectly heat up the mostly microwave transparent sand mold. The temperature-dependent permittivity of the involved materials is determined by resonator experiments and subsequently used to simulate the electromagnetic field and the thermodynamic response of the sand mold prior to a metal casting process. Experimental results are presented and compared with the outcome of the coupled electromagnetic-thermodynamic simulations and the influence of local microwave heating on the solidification and cooling of the cast is studied.
Ionospheric research in Germany prior to Karl Rawer
Authors: Schlegel K.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. This brief historical review summarizes the work and achievements of German researchers on ionospheric problems before Karl Rawer started his scientific career in 1937.
An extended mode-matching model for improved relative permittivity measurements using a split-cylinder resonator
Authors: Zinal S. , Arz U.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. In this paper we present an extended mode-matching model for a split-cylinder resonator involving TE and TM resonant modes. The new model enhances the known TE0np mode-matching model by improving mode identification and distortion analysis and providing better frequency range coverage for relative permittivity estimation. In order to verify the new model, measured spectra of several substrate materials are analyzed and the estimation results are compared with those of the TE0np mode-matching model.
On parallel random number generation for accelerating simulations of communication systems
Authors: Brugger C. , Weithoffer S. , de Schryver C. , Wasenmüller U. , Wehn N.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Powerful compute clusters and multi-core systems have become widely available in research and industry nowadays. This boost in utilizable computational power tempts people to run compute-intensive tasks on those clusters, either for speed or accuracy reasons. Especially Monte Carlo simulations with their inherent parallelism promise very high speedups. Nevertheless, the quality of Monte Carlo simulations strongly depends on the quality of the employed random numbers. In this work we present a comprehensive analysis of state-of-the-art pseudo random number generators like the MT19937 or the WELL generator used for parallel stream generation in different settings. These random number generators can be realized in hardware as well as in software and help to accelerate the analysis (or simulation) of communications systems. We show that it is possible to generate high-quality parallel random number streams with both generators, as long as some configuration constraints are met. We furthermore depict that distributed simulations with those generator types are viable even to very high degrees of parallelism.
Soil CO2 efflux from mountainous windthrow areas: dynamics over 12 years post-disturbance
Authors: Mayer M. , Matthews B. , Schindlbacher A. , Katzensteiner K.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Windthrow-driven changes in carbon (C) allocation and soil microclimate can affect soil carbon dioxide (CO2) efflux (Fsoil) from forest ecosystems. Although Fsoil is the dominant C flux following stand-replacing disturbance, the effects of catastrophic windthrow on Fsoil are still poorly understood. We measured Fsoil at a montane mixed-forest site and at a subalpine spruce forest site from 2009 until 2012. Each site consisted of an undisturbed forest stand and two adjacent partially cleared (stem-fraction-harvested) windthrow areas, which differed with regard to the time since disturbance. The combination of chronosequence and direct time-series approaches enabled us to investigate Fsoil dynamics over 12 years post-disturbance. At both sites Fsoil rates did not differ significantly from those of the undisturbed stands in the initial phase after disturbance (1–6 years). In the later phase after disturbance (9–12 years), Fsoil rates were significantly higher than in the corresponding undisturbed stand. Soil temperature increased significantly following windthrow (by 2.9–4.8 °C), especially in the initial phase post-disturbance when vegetation cover was sparse. A significant part (15–31%) of Fsoil from the windthrow areas was attributed to the increase in soil temperature. According to our estimates, ~500–700 g C m−2 year−1 are released via Fsoil from south-facing forest sites in the Austrian Calcareous Alps in the initial 6 years after windthrow. With a high browsing pressure suppressing tree regeneration, post-disturbance net loss of ecosystem C to the atmosphere is likely to be substantial unless forest management is proactive in regenerating such sites. An increase in the frequency of forest disturbance by windthrow could therefore decrease soil C stocks and feed back positively on rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations.
The implementation of the CLaMS Lagrangian transport core into the chemistry climate model EMAC 2.40.1: application on age of air and transport of long-lived trace species
Authors: Hoppe C. M. , Hoffmann L. , Konopka P. , Grooß J.-U. , Ploeger F. , Günther G. , Jöckel P. , Müller R.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Lagrangian transport schemes have proven to be useful tools for modelling stratospheric trace gas transport since they are less diffusive than classical Eulerian schemes and therefore especially well suited for maintaining steep tracer gradients. Here, we present the implementation of the full-Lagrangian transport core of the Chemical Lagrangian Model of the Stratosphere (CLaMS) into the ECHAM/MESSy Atmospheric Chemistry model (EMAC). We performed a 10-year time-slice simulation to evaluate the coupled model system EMAC/CLaMS. Simulated zonal mean age of air distributions are compared to age of air derived from airborne measurements, showing a good overall representation of the stratospheric circulation. Results from the new Lagrangian transport scheme are compared to tracer distributions calculated with the standard flux-form semi-Lagrangian (FFSL) transport scheme in EMAC. The differences in the resulting tracer distributions are most pronounced in the regions of strong transport barriers. The polar vortices are presented as an example for isolated air masses which are surrounded by a strong transport barrier and simulated trace gas distributions are compared to satellite measurements. The analysis of CFC-11, N2O, CH4, and age of air in the polar vortex regions shows that the CLaMS Lagrangian transport scheme produces a stronger, more realistic transport barrier at the edge of the polar vortex than the FFSL transport scheme of EMAC. Differences in simulated age of air range up to 1 year in the Arctic polar vortex in late winter/early spring. The new coupled model system EMAC/CLaMS thus constitutes a suitable tool for future model studies of stratospheric tracer transport.
A co-design prototyping approach for building a Precinct Planning Tool
Authors: Pettit C.J. , Glackin S. , Trubka R. , Ngo T. , Lade O. , Newton P. , Newman P.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. As the world is becoming increasingly urbanized there is a need for more sustainability-oriented planning of our cities. Policy and decision-makers are interested in the use of evidenced based approaches and tools that will support collaborative planning. There are a number of tools in the domain of spatial planning and decision support systems that have been built over the last few decades but the uptake and use of these tools is somewhat limited. In the context of Australia there is significant urban growth occurring across the major cities and a need to provision planners and developers with precinct planning tools to assist in managing infill and the densification of the existing urban fabric in a carbon constrained economy. In this paper we describe the development of a new precinct planning tool known as the Envision Scenario Planner (ESP), which is being applied initially in two cities, Melbourne and Perth to assist in the urban design and planning of Greyfield sites. To set the scene in this paper we firstly provide a brief review of the existing state of play of visualization and modelling tools available to urban planners in Australia. The focus on the paper will be to introduce an iterative co-design prototyping approach for developing a best practice precinct planning support tool (ESP) from an earlier tool known as ENVISION. The first step of the approach is an exposure workshop with experts to refine the proposed tool workflow and its functionality. Subsequent iterations of the prototype are then exposed to larger audiences for validation and testing. In this paper we will describe the process and the preliminary findings in implementing the first phase of this iterative co-design prototype approach.
An Accurate Heading Solution using MEMS-based Gyroscope and Magnetometer Integrated System (Preliminary Results)
Authors: El-Diasty M.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. An accurate heading solution is required for many applications and it can be achieved by high grade (high cost) gyroscopes (gyros) which may not be suitable for such applications. Micro-Electro Mechanical Systems-based (MEMS) is an emerging technology, which has the potential of providing heading solution using a low cost MEMS-based gyro. However, MEMS-gyro-based heading solution drifts significantly over time. The heading solution can also be estimated using MEMS-based magnetometer by measuring the horizontal components of the Earth magnetic field. The MEMS-magnetometer-based heading solution does not drift over time, but are contaminated by high level of noise and may be disturbed by the presence of magnetic field sources such as metal objects. This paper proposed an accurate heading estimation procedure based on the integration of MEMS-based gyro and magnetometer measurements that correct gyro and magnetometer measurements where gyro angular rates of changes are estimated using magnetometer measurements and then integrated with the measured gyro angular rates of changes with a robust filter to estimate the heading. The proposed integration solution is implemented using two data sets; one was conducted in static mode without magnetic disturbances and the second was conducted in kinematic mode with magnetic disturbances. The results showed that the proposed integrated heading solution provides accurate, smoothed and undisturbed solution when compared with magnetometerbased and gyro-based heading solutions.
Evaluation of spatial accessibility to primary healthcare using GIS
Authors: Jamtsho S. , Corner R. J.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Primary health care is considered to be one of the most important aspects of the health care system in any country, which directly helps in improving the health of the population. Potential spatial accessibility is a very important component of the primary health care system. One technique for studying spatial accessibility is by computing a gravity-based measure within a geographic information system (GIS) framework. In this study, straight-line distances between the associated population clusters and the health facilities and the provider-to-population ratio were used to compute the spatial accessibility of the population clusters for the whole country. Bhutan has been chosen as the case study area because it is quite easy to acquire and process data for the whole country due to its small size and population. The spatial accessibility measure of the 203 sub-districts shows noticeable disparities in health care accessibility in this country with about only 19 sub-districts achieving good health accessibility ranking. This study also examines a number of different health accessibility policy scenarios which can assist in identifying the most effective health policy from amongst many probable planning scenarios. Such a health accessibility measuring system can be incorporated into an existing spatial health system in developing countries to facilitate the proper planning and equitable distribution of health resources.
Estimation of sedimentary proxy records together with associated uncertainty
Authors: Goswami B. , Heitzig J. , Rehfeld K. , Marwan N. , Anoop A. , Prasad S. , Kurths J.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Sedimentary proxy records constitute a significant portion of the recorded evidence that allows us to investigate paleoclimatic conditions and variability. However, uncertainties in the dating of proxy archives limit our ability to fix the timing of past events and interpret proxy record intercomparisons. While there are various age-modeling approaches to improve the estimation of the age–depth relations of archives, relatively little focus has been placed on the propagation of the age (and radiocarbon calibration) uncertainties into the final proxy record. We present a generic Bayesian framework to estimate proxy records along with their associated uncertainty, starting with the radiometric age–depth and proxy–depth measurements, and a radiometric calibration curve if required. We provide analytical expressions for the posterior proxy probability distributions at any given calendar age, from which the expected proxy values and their uncertainty can be estimated. We illustrate our method using two synthetic data sets and then use it to construct the proxy records for groundwater inflow and surface erosion from Lonar lake in central India. Our analysis reveals interrelations between the uncertainty of the proxy record over time and the variance of proxies along the depth of the archive. For the Lonar lake proxies, we show that, rather than the age uncertainties, it is the proxy variance combined with calibration uncertainty that accounts for most of the final uncertainty. We represent the proxy records as probability distributions on a precise, error-free timescale that makes further time series analyses and intercomparisons of proxies relatively simple and clear. Our approach provides a coherent understanding of age uncertainties within sedimentary proxy records that involve radiometric dating. It can be potentially used within existing age modeling structures to bring forth a reliable and consistent framework for proxy record estimation.
The Transformative Potential of Learning Through Service While “Doing” Classroom-Based Research
Authors: Breunig Mary
Published: November 2014

Experiential education and service-learning are “buzz words” within many educational circles. The purpose of this study was to explore students’ (N=18) and professor experiences with/in a student-directed experiential education elective course, with a particular focus on a service-learning initiative. Stephen Brookfield’s critical incident questionnaire (1995) and transformative phenomenology served as the guiding frameworks for this study. The results yielded four themes, including: 1) Sense of accomplishment, 2) Feelings of frustration, 3) Questioning student-directed course experience, and 4) Experiences from self-study participation. This study serves to further confirm that engaging in service-learning projects within a student-directed course can lead to a strong sense of accomplishment despite feelings of frustration and resistance.
L’apprentissage par l’expérience et l’apprentissage par le service sont des expressions au goût du jour dans de nombreux milieux éducatifs. L’objectif de cette étude était d’explorer les expériences des professeurs et des étudiants dans un cours facultatif axé sur l’apprentissage par l’expérience dirigé par les étudiants, dont l’accent portait sur les initiatives d’apprentissage par le service. Le questionnaire de Stephen Brookfield sur les incidents critiques (1995) ainsi que la phénoménologie transformatrice ont servi de cadres conceptuels pour cette étude. Les résultats ont mené aux quatre thèmes suivants : 1) sens d’accomplissement, 2) sens de frustration, 3) questionnement sur l’expérience d’un cours dirigé par les étudiants, et 4) expérience dérivée de la participation à l’auto-formation. Cette étude confirme de nouveau que le fait de s’engager dans des projets d’auto-formation dans un cours dirigé par les étudiants peut aboutir à un sens profond d’accomplissement, malgré certains sentiments de frustration et de résistance.
Conjunctival Epithelial Cells Cultivated Ex Vivo from Patients with Total Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency
Authors: Silber Paulo C. , Ricardo José R.S. , Cristovam Priscila C. , Hazarbassanov Rossen M. , Dreyfuss Juliana L. , Gomes José A.P.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

Reconstruction of the ocular surface is challenging. As an alternative to mucosal and limbal epithelial, we study the feasibility of cultivated human conjunctival epithelial (HCjE) cells of patients with total limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD).

Methods

We studied superior forniceal conjunctival biopsies harvested from 9 living donors with total LSCD of several etiologies who underwent surgery for ocular surface reconstruction. The conjunctival explants were cultivated on serum and growth factor supplemented DMEM/F12 under submerged conditions on denuded human amniotic membrane and tissue culture dishes. The area of cell growth was assessed. Cell morphology was analyzed by light microscopy, impression cytology, and transmission electron microscopy. Cultures were evaluated for epithelial cytokeratins (CK3, CK19), proliferation marker (Ki-67), and putative stem cells markers (ABCG2 and p63). Confocal immunofluorescence was also performed to assess CK3, CK19, Ki-67, ABCG2, and p63.

Results

The HCjE cells cultivated ex vivo were successfully expanded on denuded amniotic membrane but with a slower growth than in the tissue culture dish. Transmission electron microscopy showed stratified epithelium with microvilli, desmosomes, and hemidesmosomes. Impression cytology showed PAS+ cells that resembled goblet cells. Immunocytochemical analysis showed positivity for CK3, CK19, Ki-67, ABCG2, and p63. Confocal immunofluorescence was positive for CK3, CK19, Ki-67, ABCG2, and p63.

Conclusions

Our results showed that it is possible to cultivate HCjE cells ex vivo of patients with ocular surface diseases. This method is important for ocular surface reconstruction in patients with bilateral total LSCD.
Analysis of Hip Range of Motion in Everyday Life: A Pilot Study
Authors: Charbonnier Caecilia , Chagué Sylvain , Schmid Jérôme , Kolo Frank C. , Bernardoni Massimiliano , Christofilopoulos Panayiotis
Published: November 2014

Patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty are increasingly younger and have a higher demand concerning hip range of motion. To date, there is no clear consensus as to the amplitude of the “normal hip” in everyday life. It is also unknown if the physical examination is an accurate test for setting the values of true hip motion. The purpose of this study was: 1) to precisely determine the necessary hip joint mobility for everyday tasks in young active subjects to be used in computer simulations of prosthetic models in order to evaluate impingement and instability during their practice; 2) to assess the accuracy of passive hip range of motion measurements during clinical examination. A total of 4 healthy volunteers underwent Magnetic Resonance Imaging and 2 motion capture experiments. During experiment 1, routine activities were recorded and applied to prosthetic hip 3D models including nine cup configurations. During experiment 2, a clinical examination was performed, while the motion of the subjects was simultaneously captured. Important hip flexion (mean range 95°-107°) was measured during daily activities that could expose the prosthetic hip to impingement and instability. The error made by the clinicians during physical examination varied in the range of ±10°, except for flexion and abduction where the error was higher. This study provides useful information for the surgical planning to help restore hip mobility and stability, when dealing with young active patients. The physical examination seems to be a precise method for determining passive hip motion, if care is taken to stabilise the pelvis during hip flexion and abduction.