bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prostaglandin F2α regulates the expression of uterine activation proteins via multiple signalling pathways
Authors: Xu Chen , You Xingji , Liu Weina , Sun Qianqian , Ding Xiaoying , Huang Ying , Ni Xin
Published: October 2014

Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2A) has multiple roles in the birth process in addition to its vital contractile role. Our previous study has demonstrated that PGF2A can modulate uterine activation proteins (UAPs) in cultured pregnant human myometrial smooth muscle cells (HMSMCs). The objective of this study was to define the signalling pathways responsible for PGF2A modulation of UAPs in myometrium. It was found that PGF2A stimulated the expression of (GJA1) connexin 43 (CX43), prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) and oxytocin receptor (OTR) in cultured HMSMCs. The inhibitors of phospholipase C (PLC) and protein kinase C (PKC) blocked PGF2A-stimulated expression of CX43. The inhibitors of ERK, P38 and NFκB also blocked the effect of PGF2A on CX43 expression, whereas PI3K and calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) pathway inhibitors did not reverse the effect of PGF2A on CX43. For PTGS2 and OTR, PLC, PI3K, P38 and calcineurin/NFAT signalling pathways were involved in PGF2A action, whereas PKC and NFκB signalling were not involved. In addition, PGF2A activated NFAT, PI3K, NFκB, ERK and P38 signalling pathways. Our data suggest that PGF2A stimulates CX43, PTGS2 and OTR through divergent signalling pathways.
Development of a-SiC Thin Film Photoelectrodes and Hybrid PV/a-SiC Devices for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Hu J. , Zhu F. , Kunrath A. , Gaillard N.
Published: October 2014

In this communication, we report our efforts to develop amorphous silicon carbide (a-SiC) thin film photoelectrodes integrated with Si solar cells to form a monolithic, hybrid photovoltaic (PV)/a-SiC device capable of water splitting using sunlight as the only energy source. The main photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties of both the a-SiC photoelectrode and complete hybrid device fabricated by the plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) technique at low temperature (≤ 200°C) are discussed. The surface modification with metal nanoparticles, which is critical to PEC performances of the hybrid device, is also described. We show that, with the an a-SiC photoelectrode of p-i-n configuration and a high performance silicon heterojunction solar cell as driver, the photocurrent of the hybrid PV/a-SiC device has reached ∼5 mA/cm2. Additionally, the durability of such device has reached ∼800 hours in acidic electrolyte. Finally, we describe a roadmap for achieving the solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of >10% by optimizing the device configuration.
Sensores de reflectância e fluorescência na avaliação de teores de nitrogênio, produção de biomassa e produtividade do algodoeiro
Authors: Rossato Otavio Bagiotto , Andrade‑Sanchez Pedro , Guerra Saulo Philipe Sebastião , Crusciol Carlos Alexandre Costa
Published: October 2014

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o potencial de utilização dos sensores de reflectância e fluorescência na avaliação de teores de N‑NO3‑ no pecíolo, na produção de biomassa e na produtividade do algodoeiro. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso em arranjo fatorial 3x4, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram de três variedades de algodão (ST‑4288‑B2RF, ST‑4498‑B2RF e DP-164‑B2RF) e quatro doses de N (0, 45, 90 e 135 kg ha‑1). Aos 120 dias após a semeadura, foram realizadas leituras com sensores ópticos de reflectância e fluorescência. Não houve correlação significativa dos teores de N‑NO3‑ no pecíolo com os índices de reflectância; porém, houve correlação destes com a produção de biomassa (0,39) e a produtividade (0,32 a 0,41). Os índices do sensor de fluorescência correlacionaram-se significativamente com teores de N‑NO3‑ no pecíolo (0,34 a 0,61), produção de biomassa (0,30 a 0,53) e produtividade (0,34). Em comparação com os índices de reflectância, os de fluorescência apresentam maior capacidade de avaliar os teores de N‑NO3‑ no pecíolo, capacidade semelhante em detectar variação na biomassa e menor capacidade de detectar variação da produtividade do algodoeiro, quando se aplicam doses crescentes de N.
Preferences of the Central Reserve Bank of Peru and optimal monetary rules in the inflation targeting regime
Authors: Pasca Nilda Mercedes Cabrera , Aragón Edilean Kleber da Silva Bejarno , Portugal Marcelo Savino
Published: October 2014

This study aims to identify the preferences of the monetary authority in the Peruvian regime of inflation targeting through the derivation of optimal monetary rules. To achieve that, we used a calibration strategy based on the choice of values of the parameters of preferences that minimize the square deviation between the true interest rate and interest rate optimal simulation. The results showed that the monetary authority has applied a system of flexible inflation targeting, prioritizing the stabilization of inflation, but without disregarding gradualism in interest rates. On the other hand, concern over output stabilization has been minimal, revealing that the output gap has been important because it contains information about future inflation and not because it is considered a variable goal in itself. Finally, when the smoothing of the nominal exchange rate is considered in the loss function of the monetary authority, the rank order of preferences has been maintained and the smoothing of the exchange rate proved insignificant.
Management of Elderly Patients With Gliomas
Authors: Gállego Pérez-Larraya Jaime , Delattre Jean-Yves
Published: October 2014

The current progressive aging of the population is resulting in a continuous increase in the incidence of gliomas in elderly people, especially the most frequent subtype, glioblastoma (GBM). This sociohealth shift, known as the “silver tsunami,” has prompted the neuro-oncology community to investigate the role of specific antitumor treatments, such as surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and other targeted therapies, for these traditionally undertreated patients. Advanced age, a widely recognized poor prognostic factor in both low-grade glioma (LGG) and high-grade glioma patients, should no longer be the sole reason for excluding such older patients from receiving etiologic treatments. Far from it, results from recent prospective trials conducted on elderly patients with GBM demonstrate that active management of these patients can have a positive impact on survival without impairing either cognition or quality of life. Although prospective studies specifically addressing the management of grade 2 and 3 gliomas are lacking and thus needed, the aforementioned tendency toward acknowledging a therapeutic benefit for GBM patients might also apply to the treatment of patients with LGG and anaplastic gliomas. In order to optimize such etiologic treatment in conjunction with symptomatic management, neuro-oncology multidisciplinary boards must individually consider important features such as resectability of the tumor, functional and cognitive status, associated comorbidities, and social support.
Overcoming the tyranny of distance: making walking and cycling possible and preferable
Authors: Donovan Jenny
Published: October 2014

When intervening in the built environment, change is made not only to the physical environment, but also to the way people see their surroundings and the perceived opportunities that are available or denied to them. These interpretations may be unexpected and the infrastructure provided to enable people to undertake an activity (such as walking or cycling to public transport) may fail to facilitate that goal. It may even prove counterproductive. It may be quantitatively adequate but qualitatively inadequate. Consequently this paper looks beyond the output of such work to consider the outcome on the way people see their surroundings and the figurative doors it opens and closes for them. To this end, this paper suggests some of the subjective, qualitative aspects of people's surroundings that can reduce the ‘resistance’ of the built environment to walking and cycling in order to make it easier for people to decide to walk or cycle to use public transport, and in this way to help make active transport not just possible but preferable.
Estado actual del branding en las compañías spin-off y start-up académicas: caso universidades públicas en Colombia
Authors: Cruz-Carvajal Jonnathan J. , Hernández Umaña Iván D. , Duque Oliva Edison J.
Published: October 2014

Esta investigación tiene como fin describir el estado actual de los procesos de branding que efectúan las empresas tipo spin-off y start-upacadémicas en Colombia. Los hallazgos están basados en el estudio de caso de tres empresas tipo spin-off académico y tres start-upacadémico, provenientes de tres universidades públicas colombianas. Los datos son recopilados a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas aplicadas a los fundadores de las compañías, y a su vez analizados mediante la metodología de análisis de contenido cualitativo. Se empleó el modelo de análisis de branding para PYME descrito por Bresciani y Eppler (2010). Los resultados muestran la importancia de las actividades de branding para las empresas estudiadas. Nuevos factores fueron detectados como relevantes y particulares para los procesos de brandingen las spin-off y start-up académicas: la ausencia de departamentos de mercadeo, las actividades publicitarias como medio principal para efectuar presencia de marca, la figura del emprendedor como “representación viva” de la marca, los procesos de selección de personal y la importancia del respaldo de marca de la universidad. Se encontró que los factores que no han impulsado o permitido actividades de brandingen las empresas son la falta de recursos financieros, el desconocimiento del tema y la subvaloración de este. Finalmente se describió el proceso cíclico para el branding de la categoría de empresas analizadas.
Innovaciones biotecnológicas: una joven emprendedora en ciencia y tecnología
Authors: Leiva Bonilla Juan Carlos
Published: October 2014

Este caso presenta la situación de una emprendedora que, recién graduada de la universidad, decide formar su propia empresa junto con dos compañeros más, con el apoyo de un centro de incubación de empresas y después de ganar un concurso de emprendedores. La empresa compite en un mercado no tradicional, donde hay uso intensivo de conocimiento: la asesoría en ecoeficiencia. Al cumplir el primer año de operaciones, los dos socios de la protagonista decidieron dejar la empresa y ella se enfrenta a una serie de decisiones tanto de índole personal como empresarial. El caso tiene dos abordajes centrales: la creación de empresas entre personas jóvenes en un entorno como el costarricense, similar al de muchos países latinoamericanos; y la evaluación de ideas de negocios y posibles estrategias de ingreso al mercado.
Identification of Resistance to Soybean Aphids in Early Germplasm
Authors: Liu Guangyang , Xing Han , Diao Yanling , Yang Xuefeng , Sun Dan , Wang Qiang , Qi Ning , Lin Hong
Published: October 2014

The soybean aphid (Aphis glycines Matsumura) causes agricultural losses worldwide. Identifying sources of soybean resistance to the soybean aphid is a key strategy in preventing crop damage caused by this pest. Three hundred accessions of cultivated soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and two hundred accessions of wild soybean (G. soja) originally from northeastern China were evaluated in 2011 and 2012. The objectives of this study were to identify sources and types of resistance to the soybean aphid in early‐maturing soybean germplasm. First, two preliminary choice tests were performed. Accessions that had been identified as aphid resistant in the two choice tests were simultaneously re‐evaluated in a pot choice test, pot no‐choice test, and field no‐choice test to determine the type of resistance. The results of all tests showed that 4 of the 500 accessions were resistant to the soybean aphid. The results of a confirmation test indicated that the logarithmic value and the damage index 25 d after inoculation of accessions ZDD0326, ZDD0219, ZYD00022, and ZYD00033 were significantly (P < 0.05) different from those of susceptible checks in the pot choice test. Accessions ZDD0219, ZYD00022, and ZYD00033 had significantly lower logarithmic values and significantly lower damage index (DI) values than the susceptible checks in the pot and field no‐choice tests (P < 0.05). Evidence indicated that ZDD0219, ZYD00022, and ZYD00033 have antibiotic resistance, and ZDD0326 has antixenosis resistance.
Evaluation of a Modified Hybrid‐Maize Model Incorporating a Newly Developed Module of Plastic Film Mulching
Authors: Hou Peng , Cui Zhenling , Bu Lingduo , Yang Haishun , Zhang Fusuo , Li Shaokun
Published: October 2014

Understanding maize (Zea mays L.) growth, development, and production under plastic film mulching is useful to improve crop management strategies and increase grain yield in areas with limited water and low temperatures. A new plastic film mulching module for the Hybrid‐Maize model was developed to simulate maize development and grain yield. This paper evaluates the performance of the new model at Changwu experimental station, northwest China, and at the 852 farm and Qixing farm in northeast China, compared with the original Hybrid‐Maize model. Compared with measured data, the root mean square error (RMSE) and normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) values for leaf area index (LAI) were 1.0 and 29% for the original model and 0.72 and 20% for the modified model, respectively. The RMSE and NRMSE values for the aboveground dry matter simulated by the original model were 2674 kg ha−1 and 24% compared with 1552 kg ha−1 and 14% by the new model. The RMSE and NRMSE values for the grain dry matter were 495 kg ha−1 and 5.5% by the original model and 441 kg ha−1 and 4.9% by the modified model. The RMSE and NRMSE values for the LAI and aboveground and grain dry matter were all lower for the modified model, indicating improved simulations. With the modified model, simulated aboveground dry matter and LAI increased >14 and 30%, respectively, compared with the original model. However, the modified model overestimated LAI and aboveground dry matter in the maize vegetative stage.
Genomewide Selection of Parental Inbreds: Classes of Loci and Virtual Biparental Populations
Authors: Bernardo Rex
Published: October 2014

Having information on the distribution of progeny in a biparental cross—before the cross is made—would be helpful. My objectives were (i) to determine if genomewide markers can be used to accurately predict genotypic values at different classes of loci between two parents (P1 and P2) and (ii) to propose and analyze the use of virtual populations for choosing parents in inbred development. Prior estimates of genomewide marker effects (28,626 single nucleotide polymorphism loci) for silking date and kernel protein among 284 maize (Zea mays L.) inbreds were used. Four classes of loci were determined by which parents had the favorable allele: both P1 and P2; P1 only; P2 only; and neither parent. Simulations indicated that when genomewide predictions for the trait as a whole were accurate, predictions of genotypic value at each class of loci were also accurate. The maize data, however, indicated limited practical value of the classes of loci in choosing P1 and P2. Virtual populations of 1000 doubled haploids were simulated for each of 45 P1 × P2 crosses to predict the population mean, variance (VDH), and mean of the best 10% of doubled haploids (U0.10). The predicted mean, predicted VDH, and predicted U0.10 for silking date and protein concentration behaved as expected from quantitative genetics theory and were consistent with the genetic backgrounds of the maize inbreds. The usefulness of virtual populations for choosing parents needs to be validated either by empirical experiments or by their routine use in a breeding program.
Environment, Harvest Regimen, and Ontogeny Change Lespedeza cuneata Condensed Tannin and Nitrogen
Authors: Muir James P. , Terrill Thomas H. , Kamisetti Nagender Rao , Bow J. Randal
Published: October 2014

Condensed tannins (CT) from sericea lespedeza [Lespedeza cuneata (Dumont de Courset) G. Don], a hardy and widely adapted forage legume, have potential for methane emission suppression, rumen protein bypass, gastrointestinal nematode suppression, and pest fly suppression in ruminants. Nitrogen (N) from this herbaceous legume can also be an important component of crude protein in ruminant diets. The concentrations and yields of CT and N, however, have not been studied across a wide range of environments, harvest regimens, or plant maturities. Our results from Texas and Georgia indicate that CT concentrations increased with rainfall, decreased with maturity, and were highly dependent on harvest regimen (P ≤ 0.05). Condensed tannin concentrations ranged (P ≤ 0.05) from 32.7 to 106.1 g CT kg−1 dry matter (DM) and CT DM yields from 274 to 771 kg ha−1 yr−1. Nitrogen concentrations ranged (P ≤ 0.05) from 14.6 to 28.4 g kg−1 DM and N DM yields from 46 to 231 kg ha−1 yr−1. If pellets or hay of sericea lespedeza are to be commercialized specifically for their CT and N content, analysis and labeling will be beneficial because of this variability.
Elevated CO2 and Temperature Affect Composition and in vitro Degradability of Timothy Roots
Authors: Bertrand Annick , Piva Angela , Tremblay Gaëtan F. , Bélanger Gilles , Castonguay Yves , Seguin Philippe
Published: October 2014

Climate change is expected to affect the growth and metabolism of both aboveground and belowground parts of most crop species including timothy (Phleum pratense L.), a major forage grass species in northern regions. Our objective was to assess the effects of predicted increases in CO2 concentration and temperature on root chemical composition and degradability of timothy grown under contrasted N fertilization. Timothy was grown in growth chambers under either 400 or 600 µmol mol−1 of CO2 at day and night temperatures of either 22 and 10°C or 25 and 15°C and was fertilized with 0, 60, or 120 kg N ha−1. Root degradability was characterized using two in vitro enzymatic methods: in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) and enzyme‐released glucose from cell walls (CW), while root composition was determined for N and C concentrations and enzyme‐released hemicellulose and pectin concentrations. Increasing temperature and atmospheric CO2 concentration generally decreased N concentration and increased the C/N ratio and decreased root degradability assessed by the two enzymatic methods under all three N rates. When both factors were considered together, root N concentration was 13% lower and the C/N ratio was 19% greater under predicted future conditions than under current conditions at first harvest. Both enzymatic approaches showed that root degradability was lower under elevated CO2 and temperature compared with current conditions with an estimated average reduction of 6.3% with the IVTD method and 15.5% with the enzyme‐released glucose method. Predicted future conditions of elevated CO2 and temperature decreased timothy root degradability across a wide range of N fertilization compared with current conditions and this could increase its potential for soil C sequestration.
Stability of Soybean Aphid Resistance in Soybean Across Different Temperatures
Authors: Chirumamilla Anitha , Hill Curtis B. , Hartman Glen L.
Published: October 2014

The soybean aphid (Aphis glycines Matsumura) is the most important insect pest posing a threat to soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] grain production in the United States. Soybean cultivars with resistance are currently being deployed to aid in management of the pest. Temperature has been reported to influence the expression of host plant resistance against crop pests. The objective of this study was to determine if temperatures, 14, 21, and 28°C, altered resistance expression in four aphid‐resistant soybean genotypes, LD05‐16611 (with the Rag1 resistance gene), PI 200538 (Rag2), PI 567541B (rag1c, rag4), and PI 567597C (antixenosis) compared to a susceptible soybean genotype (Williams 82) when challenged with soybean aphid. A replicated no‐choice experiment was conducted and aphid populations of the three soybean aphid biotypes, 1, 2, and 3, were enumerated 14 d after inoculating the five soybean genotypes. Significant interactions were found in the analysis of the effects of temperature, soybean genotype, and aphid biotype on aphid populations. Responses between soybean genotypes and aphid biotypes were consistent with previous reports with the exception of PI 567541B, which had lower resistance against aphid biotype 1 than found in an earlier study. At 14°C, there was limited aphid population growth on all soybean genotypes, including Williams 82. At 21 and 28°C, resistance expression was stable in LD05‐16611 (Rag1), PI 567541B (rag1c, rag4), and PI 567597C (antixenosis), relative to susceptible Williams 82; however, resistance expressed in PI 200538 (Rag2) was significantly stronger at 28°C than at 21°C, as indicated by differences in aphid population size that were found. Results of this study indicated that soybean aphid virulence variability had a stronger influence on the effectiveness of soybean aphid resistance than did temperature, and that the aphid resistance tested in this study would remain stable or be stronger in temperatures ranging between 21 and 28°C.
Decomposition of Dairy Manure Assessed in the Field by Monitoring Natural Abundance of 13C
Authors: Carpenter-Boggs Lynne A. , Carlson Bryan R. , Higgins Stewart S. , Stöckle Claudio O.
Published: October 2014

Decomposition rate constants, k, for organic amendments in soil are generally determined from laboratory incubations. Whether these incubations can be extrapolated to field conditions is an open question. Reliable decay constants are necessary to predict the C sequestration potential of organic soil amendments. We applied fresh dairy manure from corn (Zea mays L. subsp. mays.)‐fed cows to sandy loam soil to characterize the decomposition and retention of manure under dryland field conditions. The δ13C of amended soil was analyzed over 114 d to determine k of the manure. The resulting k was 0.0642 d−1. At this rate, about 1% of the manure C remained in the soil after 10 wk. Literature reports of k for cattle manure from laboratory incubations bracketed our results. The use of native isotope abundance permitted the study of amendment decomposition under field conditions within a growing season and indicated that dairy manure contributed little to long‐term soil C storage.
Measurement and Modeling of Diffusive Tortuosity in Saturated Soils: A Pedotransfer Function Approach
Authors: Chakraborty Poulamee , Das Bhabani S.
Published: October 2014

The effective diffusion coefficient (Da) is a key solute transport parameter in soil. Soil diffusive tortuosity (τ) influences Da by defining the effective diffusion path in soil. Both Da and τ are generally estimated using small, undisturbed soil samples in the laboratory or, at best, measured in field plots not exceeding a few square meters in area. Consequently, few studies are available where both τ and Da values have been experimentally determined. This study acquired a set of 100 diffusive τ values and associated soil properties measured from soils collected from the states of Odisha and West Bengal in eastern India. Tortuosity values were estimated from batch diffusion experiments conducted using spherical soil aggregates made by resizing undisturbed soil cores. The radial diffusion model was used to estimate Da and τ values from the batch diffusion data. Estimated τ values ranged from 1.0 to 3.04, covering the porosity (φ) range of 0.25 to 0.60, and compared well with those published in the literature. Several existing models for τ were assessed to parameterize the τ–φ relationship. Because most available models failed to describe the data set, a pedotransfer function (PTF) approach was followed to estimate τ. A single PTF could not describe the τ data set. Therefore, a fuzzy‐clustering approach was followed that showed the presence of two distinct groups of cluster means for τ and φ. These results suggest that simple statistical or analytical models for τ–φ may not be sufficient to represent the tortuous pore structure in soil.
Deficits of hand coordination and laterality of carotid endarterectomy
Authors: Heyer Eric J. , Mallon Kaitlin A. , Mergeche Joanna L. , Stern Yaakov , Connolly E. Sander
Published: October 2014

OBJECT

Neurocognitive performance is used to assess multiple cognitive domains, including motor coordination, before and after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Although gross motor strength is impaired with ischemia of large cortical areas or of the internal capsule, the authors hypothesize that patients undergoing CEA demonstrate significant motor deficits of hand coordination contralateral to the operative side, which is more clearly manifest in the nondominant hand than in the dominant hand with ischemia of smaller cortical areas.

METHODS

The neurocognitive performance of 374 patients was evaluated with a battery of neuropsychometric tests. Both asymptomatic and symptomatic patients undergoing CEA were included. The authors evaluated the patients' dominant and nondominant hand performance on the Grooved Pegboard test, a test of hand coordination, to demonstrate their functional laterality. Neurocognitive dysfunction was evaluated as the difference in performance before and after CEA according to group-rate and event-rate analyses. The z scores were generated for all tests using a reference group of patients who were having simple spine surgery. Dominant and nondominant motor coordination functions were evaluated as raw scores and as calculated z scores.

RESULTS

According to event-rate analysis, significantly more patients undergoing CEA of the opposite carotid artery demonstrated nondominant than dominant hand deficits of coordination (41.2% vs 26.4%, respectively, p = 0.02). Similarly, according to group-rate analysis, in patients undergoing CEA of the opposite carotid artery, raw difference scores from the Grooved Pegboard test reflected greater nondominant than dominant hand deficits of coordination (21.0 ± 54.4 vs 9.7 ± 37.0, respectively, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing CEA of the opposite carotid artery are more likely to demonstrate nondominant than dominant hand deficits of coordination because of greater dexterity in the dominant hand before surgery.
Endoscopic fenestration at the splenial-habenular junctional area for symptomatic cavum and tumor at the foramen of Monro: case reports and anatomical review
Authors: Idris Zamzuri , Johnson Jason Raj , Abdullah Jafri Malin
Published: October 2014

The splenial-habenular junctional area is an alternative site for neuroendoscopic fenestration to divert CSF flow into the quadrigeminal cistern in cases in which endoscopic third ventriculostomy is not amenable. In some patients with obstructive hydrocephalus, the splenium of the corpus callosum can be elevated from the habenular complex. This exposes the membranous connection between the splenium and habenula, which can be fenestrated to divert the CSF flow into the quadrigeminal cistern. This technique can be performed in patients in whom the foramen of Monro or the third ventricle is blocked by a lesion. Here, the authors present 3 complex cases that were managed by neuronavigation-guided transventricular transcavum endoscopic fenestration of the splenial-habenular junctional area. These cases may increase the knowledge and understanding of the anatomy of this region.
Dorsal midline hemivertebra at the lumbosacral junction: report of 2 cases
Authors: Ansari Shaheryar F. , Rodgers Richard B. , Fulkerson Daniel H.
Published: October 2014

Congenital scoliosis from laterally located hemivertebrae at the lumbosacral junction has been described previously. However, dorsally located midline hemivertebrae at this location have not been reported. The authors describe the presentation, treatment, and outcomes of 2 patients (1 male and 1 female) with this rare malformation. All clinical and radiographic records were reviewed. Outcomes were recorded using survey instruments (Oswestry Disability Index and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey). Radiographic assessment of bony fusion was performed using CT scanning 1 year after surgery.

Both patients presented with back and leg pain, urinary hesitancy/incontinence, difficulty sitting and lying down, waddling gait, and restriction of movement. Imaging showed a wedge-shaped dorsal deformity that stretched the nerve roots and compressed the canal. Both patients underwent resection of the hemivertebra with posterolateral instrumented fusion from L-2 to the pelvis. The female patient had a low-lying conus and underwent sectioning of the filum terminale. Both patients showed improvement in the ability to sit and lie flat and in bowel and bladder function after surgery. The authors describe their experience with 2 patients with similar, rare congenital bony deformities at the lumbosacral junction. To their knowledge, similar cases have not been previously reported.
Spinal subdural abscess following epidural steroid injection
Authors: Kraeutler Matthew J. , Bozzay Joseph D. , Walker Matthew P. , John Kuruvilla
Published: October 2014

The authors report the case of a 58-year-old man who presented with a cervicothoracolumbosacral spinal subdural abscess about a month after receiving an epidural steroid injection for management of low-back pain due to L5–S1 disc herniation. Although he presented with symptoms concerning for a spinal etiology, the subdural empyema was not evident on the initial MRI study and was observed on imaging 5 days later. This patient was successfully managed with surgical intervention and antibiotic treatment, and he is doing well more than 21 months after the operation. It is possible that a prior history of disc herniation or other spinal abnormality may increase a patient's risk of developing spinal subdural empyema. This case illustrates the risk of infection following spinal epidural steroid injections and the importance of early recognition and intervention to successfully treat an extensive subdural abscess.
Low-molecular-weight, fatty-acid esters as potential low-temperature drilling fluids for ice coring
Authors: Xu Huiwen , Han Lili , Cao Pinlu , Guo Mingyi , Han Junjie , Yu Dahui , Talalay Pavel
Published: October 2014

A challenge for future deep-ice coring in central Antarctica is to identify an appropriate inert drilling fluid with no undesirable physical or chemical characteristics. The drilling fluids currently in use (kerosene-based fluids with density-increasing additives, ethanol and n-butyl acetate) are not intelligent choices for the future from safety, environmental and some technological standpoints. Recently proposed drilling fluids based upon ESTISOL™ have high viscosity at low temperatures, which severely limits their application in cold environments. This paper presents our research into the application of low-molecular-weight, fatty-acid esters (FAEs), substances commonly used in the fragrance and flavoring industries. According to available data, selected FAEs are not hazardous to human health. Considering density requirements alone, ethyl butyrate and n-propyl propionate best meet our present needs. The viscosities of these two chemicals are also the lowest among studied FAEs, not exceeding 4 mPas at temperatures down to −60°C. Both compounds are highly volatile, and insoluble in water. Such properties are attractive, but the applicability of FAEs to deep, cold, ice drilling can be evaluated only after field-based, practical experiments in test boreholes.
An Integrated Downstream Process Development Strategy along QbD Principles
Authors: Meitz Andrea , Sagmeister Patrick , Langemann Timo , Herwig Christoph
Published: October 2014

The development, optimization, and analysis of downstream processes are challenged by a high number of potentially critical process parameters that need to be investigated using lab-scale experiments. These process parameters are spread across multiple unit operations and potentially show interactions across unit operations. In this contribution, we present a novel strategy for bioprocess development that considers the risk of parameter interactions across unit operations for efficient experimental design. A novel risk assessment tool (interaction matrix) is introduced to the Quality by Design (QbD) workflow. Using this tool, the risk of interaction across unit operations is rated. Subsequently, a design of experiments (DoE) across unit operations is conducted that has the power to reveal multivariate interdependencies. The power of the presented strategy is demonstrated for protein isolation steps of an inclusion body process, focusing on the quality attribute inclusion body purity. The concentration of Triton X-100 in the course of inclusion body (IB) purification was shown to interact with the g-number of the subsequent centrifugation step. The presented strategy targets a holistic view on the process and allows handling of a high number of experimental parameters across unit operations using minimal experimental effort. It is generically applicable for process development along QbD principles.
Early Word Recognition and Later Language Skills
Authors: Junge Caroline , Cutler Anne
Published: October 2014

Recent behavioral and electrophysiological evidence has highlighted the long-term importance for language skills of an early ability to recognize words in continuous speech. We here present further tests of this long-term link in the form of follow-up studies conducted with two (separate) groups of infants who had earlier participated in speech segmentation tasks. Each study extends prior follow-up tests: Study 1 by using a novel follow-up measure that taps into online processing, Study 2 by assessing language performance relationships over a longer time span than previously tested. Results of Study 1 show that brain correlates of speech segmentation ability at 10 months are positively related to 16-month-olds’ target fixations in a looking-while-listening task. Results of Study 2 show that infant speech segmentation ability no longer directly predicts language profiles at the age of five. However, a meta-analysis across our results and those of similar studies (Study 3) reveals that age at follow-up does not moderate effect size. Together, the results suggest that infants’ ability to recognize words in speech certainly benefits early vocabulary development; further observed relationships of later language skills to early word recognition may be consequent upon this vocabulary size effect.
Valuing Indoor Air Quality Benefits in a Healthcare Construction Project with Real Option Analysis
Authors: Kajander Juho-Kusti , Sivunen Matti , Junnila Seppo
Published: October 2014

Indoor air quality (IAQ) can produce significant economic benefits for the tenant during the use of the building. However, currently the potential economic benefits on a tenant’s employees’ health and performance are not considered in feasibility studies for IAQ investments. Here, the economic value refers to benefits that can be expressed numerically in terms of money such as cost savings and increased revenues and that which impacts the building user organization’s financial profitability. This paper is one of the first known studies to explore real option analysis (ROA) as a potential approach to evaluate the life-cycle profitability of investments in IAQ. The research is carried out as a case study, which is a healthcare construction project in Finland. The main finding of this paper is that ROA seems to provide a viable method for the evaluation of investments in IAQ. In the case study, the economic benefits of IAQ to the tenant are noticeable. The real option value of the economic benefits of better IAQ is almost 4 million euros and the real option pay-off of the IAQ investment exceeds 0.5 million euros. The results are indicative only but imply that ROA is a promising method to evaluate investments in IAQ.
Standard of Care and Promising New Agents for Triple Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Mancini Patrizia , Angeloni Antonio , Risi Emanuela , Orsi Errico , Mezi Silvia
Published: October 2014

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a cluster of heterogeneous diseases, all of them sharing the lack of expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors and HER2 protein. They are characterized by different biological, molecular and clinical features, including a poor prognosis despite the increased sensitivity to the current cytotoxic therapies. Several studies have identified important molecular features which enable further subdivision of this type of tumor. We are drawing from genomics, transcription and translation analysis at different levels, to improve our knowledge of the molecular alterations along the pathways which are activated during carcinogenesis and tumor progression. How this information should be used for the rational selection of therapy is an ongoing challenge and the subject of numerous research studies in progress. Currently, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), HSP90 and Aurora inhibitors are most used as targeting agents in metastatic setting clinical trials. In this paper we will review the current knowledge about the genetic subtypes of TNBC and their different responses to conventional therapeutic strategies, as well as to some new promising molecular target agents, aimed to achieve more tailored therapies.
Congener Profiles and Source-Wise Phase Partitioning Analysis of PCDDs/Fs and PCBs in Gyeonggi-Do Ambient Air, South Korea
Authors: Heo Jongwon , Kim Donggi , Lee Gangwoong
Published: October 2014

The atmospheric concentrations and gas–particle partitioning of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDDs/Fs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were investigated at two sites (Suwon and Ansan) in Gyeonggi-do, a heavily industrialized area of Korea, during the year 2010. The sum level (Σ17) of PCDDs/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs (dl-PCBs) in the ambient air at Suwon and Ansan ranged from 0.04 to 0.30 pg-TEQ·m−3 (geometric mean: 0.09 pg-TEQ·m−3) and 0.17 to 0.63 pg-TEQ·m−3 (geometric mean: 0.36 pg-TEQ·m−3), respectively. Moreover, the geometric mean concentrations of Σ180 PCBs at Suwon and Ansan were 233.6 pg·m−3 and 274.2 pg·m−3, respectively, and di-chlorinated biphenyls and tri-chlorinated biphenyls were the predominant homologs. Among the PCB congeners, 3,3'-dichlorobiphenyl (PCB-11) was the dominant species at both sites during all sampling periods, comprising up to 15.1% of Σ180 PCBs at Ansan and 24.6% at Suwon. We evaluated their gas-to-particle equilibriums by conducting regression between the particle–gas partition coefficient Kp (m3·ug−1) and the corresponding subcooled liquid vapor pressure (PL°). The slope (m) values for log–log plots of Kp vs. PL° were steeper in industrial areas owing to local source proximity. Moreover, owing to enhanced emissions from combustion-related sources at low temperatures, PCDD/Fs exhibited the largest deviation from the regression line of the particle–gas partition coefficient. Incinerators were found to be the primary emission source of atmospheric PCDDs/Fs, whereas re-evaporation from pre-existing environmental loads (e.g., storage areas or spilled soil and water bodies) was the dominant source for PCBs.
Host Plant Volatiles and the Sexual Reproduction of the Potato Aphid, Macrosiphum euphorbiae
Authors: Hurley Jessica , Takemoto Hiroyuki , Takabayashi Junji , McNeil Jeremy
Published: October 2014

In late summer, heteroecious aphids, such as the potato aphid, Macrosiphum euphorbiae, move from their secondary summer host plants to primary host plants, where the sexual oviparae mate and lay diapausing eggs. We tested the hypothesis that volatiles of the primary host, Rosa rugosa, would attract the gynoparae, the parthenogenetic alate morph that produce oviparae, as well as the alate males foraging for suitable mates. In wind tunnel assays, both gynoparae and males oriented towards and reached rose cuttings significantly more often than other odour sources, including potato, a major secondary host. The response of males was as high to rose cuttings alone as to potato with a calling virgin oviparous female. These findings are discussed within the seasonal ecology of host alternating aphids.
Synthesis and Characterization of Fatty Acid/Amino Acid Self-Assemblies
Authors: Gajowy Joanna , Bolikal Durgadas , Kohn Joachim , Fray Miroslawa
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we discuss the synthesis and self-assembling behavior of new copolymers derived from fatty acid/amino acid components, namely dimers of linoleic acid (DLA) and tyrosine derived diphenols containing alkyl ester pendent chains, designated as “R” (DTR). Specific pendent chains were ethyl (E) and hexyl (H). These poly(aliphatic/aromatic-ester-amide)s were further reacted with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly(ethylene glycol methyl ether) of different molecular masses, thus resulting in ABA type (hydrophilic-hydrophobic-hydrophilic) triblock copolymers. We used Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies to evaluate the chemical structure of the final materials. The molecular masses were estimated by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) measurements. The self-organization of these new polymeric systems into micellar/nanospheric structures in aqueous environment was evaluated using ultraviolet/visible (UV-VIS) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The polymers were found to spontaneously self-assemble into nanoparticles with sizes in the range 196–239 nm and critical micelle concentration (CMC) of 0.125–0.250 mg/mL. The results are quite promising and these materials are capable of self-organizing into well-defined micelles/nanospheres encapsulating bioactive molecules, e.g., vitamins or antibacterial peptides for antibacterial coatings on medical devices.
Detection of Foreign Matter in Transfusion Solution Based on Gaussian Background Modeling and an Optimized BP Neural Network
Authors: Zhou Fuqiang , Su Zhen , Chai Xinghua , Chen Lipeng
Published: October 2014

This paper proposes a new method to detect and identify foreign matter mixed in a plastic bottle filled with transfusion solution. A spin-stop mechanism and mixed illumination style are applied to obtain high contrast images between moving foreign matter and a static transfusion background. The Gaussian mixture model is used to model the complex background of the transfusion image and to extract moving objects. A set of features of moving objects are extracted and selected by the ReliefF algorithm, and optimal feature vectors are fed into the back propagation (BP) neural network to distinguish between foreign matter and bubbles. The mind evolutionary algorithm (MEA) is applied to optimize the connection weights and thresholds of the BP neural network to obtain a higher classification accuracy and faster convergence rate. Experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively detect visible foreign matter in 250-mL transfusion bottles. The misdetection rate and false alarm rate are low, and the detection accuracy and detection speed are satisfactory.
Accurate Orientation Estimation Using AHRS under Conditions of Magnetic Distortion
Authors: Yadav Nagesh , Bleakley Chris
Published: October 2014

Low cost, compact attitude heading reference systems (AHRS) are now being used to track human body movements in indoor environments by estimation of the 3D orientation of body segments. In many of these systems, heading estimation is achieved by monitoring the strength of the Earth’s magnetic field. However, the Earth’s magnetic field can be locally distorted due to the proximity of ferrous and/or magnetic objects. Herein, we propose a novel method for accurate 3D orientation estimation using an AHRS, comprised of an accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetometer, under conditions of magnetic field distortion. The system performs online detection and compensation for magnetic disturbances, due to, for example, the presence of ferrous objects. The magnetic distortions are detected by exploiting variations in magnetic dip angle, relative to the gravity vector, and in magnetic strength. We investigate and show the advantages of using both magnetic strength and magnetic dip angle for detecting the presence of magnetic distortions. The correction method is based on a particle filter, which performs the correction using an adaptive cost function and by adapting the variance during particle resampling, so as to place more emphasis on the results of dead reckoning of the gyroscope measurements and less on the magnetometer readings. The proposed method was tested in an indoor environment in the presence of various magnetic distortions and under various accelerations (up to 3 g). In the experiments, the proposed algorithm achieves <2° static peak-to-peak error and <5° dynamic peak-to-peak error, significantly outperforming previous methods.
An Efficient Algorithm for Direction Finding against Unknown Mutual Coupling
Authors: Wang Weijiang , Ren Shiwei , Ding Yingtao , Wang Haoyu
Published: October 2014

In this paper, an algorithm of direction finding is proposed in the presence of unknown mutual coupling. The preliminary direction of arrival (DOA) is estimated using the whole array for high resolution. Further refinement can then be conducted by estimating the angularly dependent coefficients (ADCs) with the subspace theory. The mutual coupling coefficients are finally determined by solving the least squares problem with all of the ADCs utilized without discarding any. Simulation results show that the proposed method can achieve better performance at a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) with a small-sized array and is more robust, compared with the similar processes employing the initial DOA estimation and further improvement iteratively.
Host–guest-driven color change in water: influence of cyclodextrin on the structure of a copper complex of poly((4-hydroxy-3-(pyridin-3-yldiazenyl)phenethyl)methacrylamide-co-dimethylacrylamide)
Authors: Retzmann Nils , Maatz Gero , Ritter Helmut
Published: October 2014

In the present work we report the synthesis of poly((4-hydroxy-3-(pyridin-3-yldiazenyl)phenethyl)methacrylamide-co-dimethylacrylamide) and its reversible optical and complex-forming properties due to copper and cyclodextrin (CD) interactions. Color changing effects are characterized by UV–vis spectroscopy and the supramolecular behavior is investigated by dynamic light scattering experiments.
Information in Systems Theory
Authors: Dima Ioan Constantin
Published: October 2014

This chapter deals with the issue of information in systems theory. Systems theory requires the use of undistorted information in approaching both the system, as such, and its components, including the relation established between them. Systems theory places the study of automatically adjusted systems at its very centre. The management of systems must provide those actions of eliminating the negative consequences caused by distorting the information used in the system. The following chapter discusses the theoretical approach of the “system” concept, use of the analysis and synthesis method in systems theory, modelling and simulating the systems, automatic adjustment systems, automatic adjustment system-management system interdependence, systems management, and more. The conclusion emphasizes the role of information in the management of systems and the possible distortions of information that can occur when it is not properly used in the system.