bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil moisture changes after land abandonment in the Central Spanish Pyrenees
Authors: Errea M. P. , Lasanta T. , Ortigosa L. , Cerdá A.
Published: May 2015

The European mountainous areas, such as the Pyrenees, have suffered important land use changes since the beginning of the XX century. These changes affect the plant cover recovery process and then the runoff and sediment production. Soil moisture can be a key factor in the evolution of the abandoned land. It determines the vegetation recovery, runoff generation, sediment detachment and soil development through runoff and infiltration processes. This paper aims to study the influence of land-use and seasonality on soil moisture. Measurements were carried out weekly during 1997 and 1998 by means of the Time Domain Reflectrometry method. The selected land-uses were: Cereal (fertilised and with artica management), Fallow, Meadow, Abandoned (after fertilised cereal and artica management), Burnt (two plots under different post-fire recovery conditions), and the Control plot, which is a dense Scrubland. The results show that land-use is a key factor in the seasonal and spatial variability of soil moisture. The scrubland, meadow and fallow plots showed always a higher water content (> 30 % of soil moisture mean annual value), meanwhile the abandoned land stored less water (23 %). Burnt, artica and cereal plots had intermediate values. Seasonally, summer used to be the driest period as year 1998 confirmed. Nevertheless the year 1997 was extremely wet during summer due to the high rainfall values. Soil moisture was always higher than 10 %, even during the driest periods. Previous weekly rainfall and antecedent soil moisture explain 80 % of the variability. No relationship was found between the soil moisture changes and the variability amongst plots throughout the studied period.
Modelización de la pérdida de suelo en una cuenca endorreica del Pirineo oscense
Authors: López-Vicente M. , Navas A. , Machín J. , Gaspar L.
Published: May 2015

Erosion is a serious threat in Mediterranean regions, therefore assessment and quantification of soil losses at watershed scale is necessary. To promote soil conservation and assess the vulnerability of wetlands in the Estanque de arriba catchment, which is located in the province of Huesca (Spain), the semi-empirical soil erosion model SEMMED has been used. This model is based on the assessment of both the splash detachment and the runoff transport capacity rates per raster cell within the catchment to obtain a final map of annual soil erosion rate. Integration of the digital elevation model of the study area and the climatic and analytical database in the ArcGIS 9.0 has allowed generating maps for the different parameters and factors. In order to obtain the required values a field survey was carried out collecting a total of 80 samples of soil. The cumulative overland flow map has been calculated with the single flow, multiple flow and combined flow algorithms. The multiple flow algorithm has showed up as the best approach for modeling the drainage pattern of runoff, especially in flat areas. The mean splash detachment and transport capacity rates are 11.79 and 9641.28 kg m-2, respectively, whereas the mean rate of annual soil loss is 9.02 kg m-2 year-1. Crops of cereal and paths present the highest rates of soil loss, whereas the areas associated with sandy loam textures and high values of saturated hydrological conductivity present the lowest values. The external and internal boundaries of the catchment are characterized by no erosion processes.
Factores, predicción e implicaciones en la asignación de usos de suelo : revisión y reflexiones
Authors: Alarcón Luque J.
Published: May 2015

The recent researches on the land uses are related to the interest that are receiving in the last years the ecosystems monitoring and ecological processes modelling, specially as a result of the constant urbanization, afforestation and progressive desertification that are affecting many countries, and with the objective to consolidate suitable policies of land management and resource conservation. Land use distribution results from the link between the ecosystems and the human action, which is often unbalanced and unpredictable. Theories and models look for significant indicators that show the landscape conditions, pressures and social claims. This paper is a bibliographical revision of some scientific studies by means of which several excellent aspects are introduced to have them in account in the landscape management and in the efficient allocation of land uses.
Trascolación y pérdidas por interceptación en un bosque de roble melojo del Sistema Central
Authors: Morán Tejeda C. , Martínez Fernández J. , Hernández Santana V. , Cano Crespo A.
Published: May 2015

Interception, as the responsible process of the amount of precipitation never reaching the ground in vegetable communities, has been the object of several studies in various vegetation types, even though there are absences in the interception studies under some forested areas. This is the case of the Pyrenean oak (Quercus pyrenaica Willd.), one of the species that occupies more extension in the Iberian Peninsula, for which only a few studies have been carried out. In this sense, a study of the amount of throughfall in a small catchment covered by oak, has been conducted. To achieve this purpose, 64 throughfall collectors were placed in four different plots, which represent four different growth stages of the forest. In the analysis, the data monitored throughtout 25 months was used. This way, two complete seasonal periods could be sampled. The average percentage of throughfall in the catchment yields 14,9% of the total rainfall. This means that is evaporated to the atmosphere and is not part of the superficial hydrological cycle. In the period when the oaks have leaves, the average intercepted percentage was 18% and in the non-leaf period this percentage was the 11,9%.
Los diques de corrección hidrológica como instrumentos de cuantificación de la erosión
Authors: Romero Díaz A.
Published: May 2015

Check dams have as a main purpose to retain sediments and reduce the peak flows in torrential rivers and ravines. The sediments retained upstream of the dams constitute a very valuable information source to quantify soil erosion and transport at basin scale. The aim of this work is to use the accumulated sediments in 425 check dams constructed in the Quipar River (a tributary of the Segura River, SE Spain, with an area of 826 km2). From all the check dams constructed in two periods (1962 and 1996), in 378 it was possible to quantify the volume of retained sediments, amounting to a total of 687.416 tons. Besides, erosion rates were estimated in 195 check dams. Erosion rates show a high variability. Average erosion for the whole basin of the Quipar River is about 4 t ha-1 yr -1, a value similar to that obtained by bathimetric techniques, although much lower than that calculated with USLE. Lithology is the most determinant factor in explaining the erosion rate, in such a manner that check dams withy the highest erosion rates are located on marls, conversely to those on limestones.
Funcionamiento hidrológico de una pequeña cuenca de montaña con morfologías acarcavadas en el Pirineo Central
Authors: Nadal-Romero E. , Regüés D. , Latron J. , Lana-Renault N. , Serrano-Muela M. P. , Martí-Bono C.
Published: May 2015

The Araguás catchment has been monitored since 2004 to study weathering, erosion and the hydrological and sediment response in order to understand the dynamics of a badland area in a relatively humid environment. This paper studies the main hydrological characteristics of the Araguás catchment, a representative badland area in a subhumid mountain environment. 79 floods have been recorded between October 2005 and April 2007. The results obtained confirm the temporal variability in the hydrological response within a small catchment with badland areas, and its high capacity of reaction against precipitation. Storm-flow mainly depends on the combination between rainfall volume and antecedent baseflow. On the other hand, a significant correlation was observed between maximum rainfall intensity and peak flow values. Moreover, seasonal differences were observed: during the dry season, significant correlations were observed between maximum rainfall intensity and peak flow; during the wet season this significant correlation disappeared and relationships with antecedent moisture conditions improved. Finally, the shape of the different hydrographs suggests two different hydrological patterns, due to runoff generation mechanisms.
Glaciares rocosos del sector central de la Montaña Cantábrica : indicadores paleoambientales
Authors: Pellitero R. , Serrano E. , González Trueba J. J.
Published: May 2015

Los glaciares rocosos son considerados geoindicadores fiables de la existencia de permafrost, asociado a unas temperatura media anual por debajo de -2ºC. Los glaciares rocosos y lóbulos protalud relictos son formas bien conservadas que nos permiten inferir el ambiente en que fueron activos. El presente artículo analiza la distribución y características de los 32 glaciares rocosos y 9 lóbulos protalud del área central de la Cordillera Cantábrica. A partir de la forma, orientación, altitud y situación morfoestratigráfica de los glaciares rocosos se establecen 5 fases morfogenéticas. Finalmente se propone una hipótesis cronológica y una aproximación paleoclimática para dichas fases.
La explotación ganadera como estrategia para frenar la pérdida de fertilidad en montaña
Authors: Fillat Estaqué Federico
Published: May 2015

*Resumen no disponible*
Morfología del circo de Tucarroya (Macizo de Monte Perdido, Pirineo Aragonés)
Authors: Nicolás-Martínez P. M.
Published: May 2015

*Resumen no disponible*
Pautas de comportamiento del turismo en la estación de esquí de Valdezcaray (Rioja)
Authors: Arnáez Vadillo J.
Published: May 2015

*Resumen no disponible*
Problems of the dynamics of some romanian river channels
Authors: Ichim Ionita , Batuca Dan , Radoane María
Published: May 2015

El presente trabajo pretende discutir la dinámica de algunas secciones transversales de varios ríos situados bajo diferentes condiciones de caudal, carga de sedimentos, tamaño de los depósitos del lecho, tipo de cauce e intervención antrópica. En cortos intervalos de tiempo caracterizados por elevadas crecidas y ciclos estacionales, se ha comprobado una alternancia de agradación e incisión cuya amplitud puede ir más allá de 1-1,5 m. Para largos intervalos de tiempo (años) destacamos la alternancia de fenómenos de agradación y degradación con una amplitud de hasta 2-3 m. e incluso más. Evaluamos también las condiciones de la estabilidad morfológica de los cauces, obteniendo exponentes de la descarga en una estación con un relativamente amplio espacio de variación.
El papel de la escorrentía en la organización textural de suelos cultivados en pendiente : modelos en viñedos de La Rioja
Authors: Lasanta Martínez Teodoro , Ortigosa Izquierdo Luis
Published: May 2015

Se estudian los cambios granulométricos en viñas cultivadas en pendiente. Diversas muestras se han tomado de la parte alta y baja de diferentes viñas. Los resultados se hallan en relación con el tipo de gestión agrícola y con una serie de variables físicas que condicionan la escorrentía superficial
Disolución de rocas carbonatadas : Cuantificación del proceso actual de karstificación en el macizo de la Piedra de San Martín (Pirineo Occidental)
Authors: López Martínez Jerónimo
Published: May 2015

A lo largo de un año y en las cuatro estaciones climatológicas se han efectuado muestreos de la precipitación, los manantiales y ciertos puntos del interior del macizo de la Piedra de San Martín, uno de los más importantes conjuntos kársticos de los Pirineos y destacado también a escala mundial.
Los resultados de los análisis químicos efectuados, unidos a los datos hidrológicos y climáticos conocidos, nos han permitido establecer una cuantificación aproximada de la tasa actual de disolución de la roca caliza de edad Santoniense que constituye el macizo, siendo dicha tasa el equivalente a 125 mm. de espesor de roca caliza cada 1.000 años.
Los datos observados en el macizo de la Piedra de San Martín concuerdan con lo apuntado por otros autores referente a que entre los factores -precipitación, temperatura y presión parcial de C02- que más influyen en la reacción principal que produce la karstificación (H20-C02-C03Ca), el más importante es la cantidad de precipitación. Asimismo, el valor obtenido en nuestro caso para la tasa de denudación apoya la existencia de una relación lineal entre denudación en un macizo kárstico y precipitación, acoplándose de forma notable a la gráfica correspondiente a dicha relación establecida para distintos lugares de la Tierra sometidos a diversos climas.
Biogas production from synthetic sago wastewater by anaerobic digestion: Optimization and treatment
Authors: Sangeetha V. , Sivakumar V.
Published: May 2015

Sago processing industries generate a voluminous amount of wastewater with
extremely high concentration of organic pollutants, resulting in water
pollution. Anaerobic digestion has employed for reduction of COD and
maximization of biogas production using synthetic sago wastewater by batch
process. Mixed culture obtained from sago industry sludge was used as a
source for microorganism. Response surface methodology was used to optimize
the variables, such as pH, initial BOD, temperature and retention time.
Statistical results were assessed with various descriptive, such as p value,
lack of fit (F-test), coefficient of R2 determination, and adequate
precision values. Pareto Analysis of Variance revealed that the coefficients
of determination value (R2) of % COD removal, % BOD removal and biogas
production were 0.994, 0.993 and 0.988. The optimum condition in which
maximum COD removal (81.85%), BOD removal (91.61%) and biogas production of
99.4 ml/day was achieved at pH 7 with an initial BOD of 1374 mg/l, and with
the retention time of 10 days at 32oC.
Geodesic survey and modernization of a route as the task of optimization
Authors: Nowak Edward
Published: May 2015

A geodesic survey of an existing route requires one to determine the approximation curve by means of optimization using the total least squares method (TLSM). The objective function of the LSM was found to be a square of the Mahalanobis distance in the adjustment field ν. In approximation tasks, the Mahalanobis distance is the distance from a survey point to the desired curve. In the case of linear regression, this distance is codirectional with a coordinate axis; in orthogonal regression, it is codirectional with the normal line to the curve. Accepting the Mahalanobis distance from the survey point as a quasi-observation allows us to conduct adjustment using a numerically exact parametric procedure.

Analysis of the potential application of splines under the NURBS (non-uniform rational B-spline) industrial standard with respect to route approximation has identified two issues: a lack of the value of the localizing parameter for a given survey point and the use of vector parameters that define the shape of the curve. The value of the localizing parameter was determined by projecting the survey point onto the curve. This projection, together with the aforementioned Mahalanobis distance, splits the position vector of the curve into two orthogonal constituents within the local coordinate system of the curve. A similar system corresponds to points that form the control polygonal chain and allows us to find their position with the help of a scalar variable that determines the shape of the curve by moving a knot toward the normal line.
A new geoid for Brunei Darussalam by the collocation method
Authors: Lyszkowicz Adam , Birylo Monika , Becek Kazimierz
Published: May 2015

Computation of a new gravimetric geoid in Brunei was carried out using terrestrial, airborne and altimetric gravity data and the EGM08 geopotential model by the collocation method. The computations were carried out by the „remove-restore” technique. In order to have better insight in the quality of input data the estimation of accuracy of the gravity data and geoid undulations from GPS/levelling data was carried out using EGM08 geopotential model. It shows a poor quality of GPS/levelling data. Result of the computation is the gravimetric geoid for the territory of Brunei computed by collocation method with an accuracy estimated below of ±0.3 m.
Biochanin a and Daidzein Influence Meiotic Maturation of Pig Oocytes in a Different Manner
Authors: Hošková K. , Křivohlávková L. , Kadlečková L. , Rajmon R. , Drábek O. , Jílek F.
Published: May 2015

The aim of the study was to determine the influence of different concentrations of phytoestrogens biochanin A (BIO A; 20, 40, 50μg ml-1) and daidzein (DAI; 10, 20, 40, 50μg ml-1) on the course of meiotic maturation of pig oocytes. After a 24-hour cultivation, a stage of nuclear maturation was achieved and the areas of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), as an indicator of cumulus expansion, were evaluated. The effects of both contaminants on oocytes were mani - fested from the lowest concentration used. Nuclear maturation was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner in the case of BIO A. Effects of DAI reached a plateau at a concentration of 20μg ml-1.Possible relationship to limited solubility of DAI was excluded because limits of DAI solubility in culture medium were confirmed at 50 μg ml-1.The cumulus expansion was also influenced in a different manner - reduction of the COC’s area by BIO A was dose-dependent, whereas DAI had the strongest effect on CCs in the lowest and highest concentrations used. Both phytoestrogens negatively influence the meiotic maturation of porcine oocytes but there are significant differences in their concrete effects which could relate to the diverse mechanisms of their acting on target cells.
Sam Shepard's Anti-Western Silent Tongue as Cultural Critique
Authors: Wynands Sandra
Published: May 2015

In 1993, hard on the heels of Dances with Wolves, Sam Shepard's small budget Western, Silent Tongue, made a fleeting appearance in art-house movie theatres. The film received appreciative coverage in those publications for which paying attention to offbeat, slightly avant-gardist cultural manifestations is part of their liberal self- image, but not unexpectedly, mainstream media took no heed. Instead, Dances with Wolves was heralded as a culturally authentic, politically correct, revisionist Western.
Genocide and Identity (Geo)Politics: Bridging State Reasoning and Diaspora Activism
Authors: DerGhougassian Khatchik
Published: May 2015

Since the independence of Armenia in 1991, the question of whether and how to include the Armenian Genocide on the state’s foreign policy agenda has become the most important issue of controversy between the republic and the global Armenian diaspora. International recognition of the genocide and demands for reparations have been central to diaspora activism and have defined what experts conceptualize as “identity politics.” The Armenian state, however, has been reluctant to include the issue on its political agenda. Eager to establish diplomatic relations with Turkey and open their shared border—closed since 1993—for trade and economic development, Yerevan has insisted on “relations without preconditions” with Ankara. There is, therefore, a clear gap between the state reasoning and diaspora activism. This paper looks at identity politics and state reasoning through the lenses of international relations theory to examine the divide between the two parties and how it might be bridged. It employs Yossi Shain’s framework of diaspora politics to study the relationship between the Armenian diaspora and state concerning the question of the genocide. It argues that an area of convergence followed the failure of the Armenian-Turkish agreement of 2009, which is evidence of an ongoing social construction of identity geopolitics toward a bridging of the gap.
Interview with Dr. Tom Catena, Physician-Surgeon, Mother of Mercy Hospital in Gidel, South Kordofan (Nuba Mountains), Sudan
Authors: Totten Samuel
Published: May 2015

The following interview of Dr. Tom Catena by Samuel Totten was largely conducted in the Nuba Mountains, Sudan. Catena, a US citizen with a medical degree from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, has what one can aptly describe as legendary status in the Nuba Mountains. He is the only physician-surgeon at the only hospital in the Nuba Mountains. Due to the fact that he cares for anyone who shows up at Mother Mercy Hospital in Gidel, he has seen up-close the human impact of the bombs the government of Sudan has dropped almost daily on the civilians of the Nuba Mountains since June 2011, as well as the impact of civilians being forced off their farms due to the aerial bombings—that run the entire gamut from malnutrition to starvation. His thoughts on the current crisis in the Nuba Mountains are fascinating and insightful.
Targeted Therapies in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer—Beyond EGFR and ALK
Authors: Rothschild Sacha
Published: May 2015

Systemic therapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has undergone a dramatic paradigm shift over the past decade. Advances in our understanding of the underlying biology of NSCLC have revealed distinct molecular subtypes. A substantial proportion of NSCLC depends on oncogenic molecular aberrations (so-called “driver mutations”) for their malignant phenotype. Personalized therapy encompasses the strategy of matching these subtypes with effective targeted therapies. EGFR mutations and ALK translocation are the most effectively targeted oncogenes in NSCLC. EGFR mutations and ALK gene rearrangements are successfully being targeted with specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The number of molecular subgroups of NSCLC continues to grow. The scope of this review is to discuss recent data on novel molecular targets as ROS1, BRAF, KRAS, HER2, c-MET, RET, PIK3CA, FGFR1 and DDR2. Thereby the review will focus on therapeutic strategies targeting these aberrations. Moreover, the emerging challenge of acquired resistance to initially effective therapies will be discussed.
Are Women in Turkey Both Risks and Resources in Disaster Management?
Authors: Işık Özden , Özer Naşide , Sayın Nurdan , Mishal Afet , Gündoğdu Oğuz , Özçep Ferhat
Published: May 2015

From a global perspective, the universality of gender-related societal issues is particularly significant. Although gender inequality is considered a sociological problem, the large number of female victims in disasters warrants an assessment of disaster management sciences. In this article, related concepts are discussed based on their relevance sociologically and in disaster management to develop a common terminology and examine this complex topic, which is rooted in different social profiles and anthropological heterogeneity throughout the world. A brief history is discussed, and significant examples are provided from different disasters in Turkey to illustrate why a woman-oriented approach should be adopted when evaluating concepts of gender inequality. Observations of disasters have shown that it is important to apply international standards (humanitarian charter and minimum disaster response standards), especially during periods of response and rehabilitation. Relevant factors related to gender should be included in these standards, such as women’s health and hygiene, which will be discussed in more detail. A woman-based approach is designed in relation to two aspects: risks and resources. Thus, gender-sensitive methods of mitigating and preventing disasters are provided. The main purpose of the article is to contribute to the development of a universal culture that prioritizes gender in disaster management.
Heterophil/Lymphocyte Alterations as a Measure of Stress in American Alligators in Relation to Anthropogenic Disturbance in a Louisiana Intermediate Marsh
Authors: Murray Christopher , Rheubert Justin , Easter Michael , Merchant Mark , Crother Brian
Published: May 2015

Numerous anthropogenic factors represent environmental threats to Gulf Coast wetland ecosystems and associated fauna. American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) have been subject to long-term management and used as ecological and physiological indicators of habitat quality in response to anthropogenic events and stochastic natural disasters. The present study monitored heterophil to lymphocyte ratios (an indicator of stress), in American alligators in a Louisiana intermediate marsh from 2009 to 2011, a time period that coincides with an oil inundation event that occurred in 2011. Sixteen alligators were observed and processed morphometrically (total length, snout-vent length and body mass). Heterophil to lymphocyte ratios were negatively correlated with size, suggesting larger American alligators were physiologically more resilient to the disturbance, more able to actively avoid these poor conditions, or are less affected by localized disturbance.
Analyses of Sporocarps, Morphotyped Ectomycorrhizae, Environmental ITS and LSU Sequences Identify Common Genera that Occur at a Periglacial Site
Authors: Jumpponen Ari , Brown Shawn , Trappe James , Cázares Efrén , Strömmer Rauni
Published: May 2015

Periglacial substrates exposed by retreating glaciers represent extreme and sensitive environments defined by a variety of abiotic stressors that challenge organismal establishment and survival. The simple communities often residing at these sites enable their analyses in depth. We utilized existing data and mined published sporocarp, morphotyped ectomycorrhizae (ECM), as well as environmental sequence data of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit (LSU) regions of the ribosomal RNA gene to identify taxa that occur at a glacier forefront in the North Cascades Mountains in Washington State in the USA. The discrete data types consistently identified several common and widely distributed genera, perhaps best exemplified by Inocybe and Laccaria. Although we expected low diversity and richness, our environmental sequence data included 37 ITS and 26 LSU operational taxonomic units (OTUs) that likely form ECM. While environmental surveys of metabarcode markers detected large numbers of targeted ECM taxa, both the fruiting body and the morphotype datasets included genera that were undetected in either of the metabarcode datasets. These included hypogeous (Hymenogaster) and epigeous (Lactarius) taxa, some of which may produce large sporocarps but may possess small and/or spatially patchy genets. We highlight the importance of combining various data types to provide a comprehensive view of a fungal community, even in an environment assumed to host communities of low species richness and diversity.
Enhanced Supersaturation and Oral Absorption of Sirolimus Using an Amorphous Solid Dispersion Based on Eudragit® E
Authors: Cho Youngseok , Ha Eun-Sol , Baek In-Hwan , Kim Min-Soo , Cho Cheong-Weon , Hwang Sung-Joo
Published: May 2015

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of Eudragit® E/HCl (E-SD) on the degradation of sirolimus in simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2) and to develop a new oral formulation of sirolimus using E-SD solid dispersions to enhance oral bioavailability. Sirolimus-loaded solid dispersions were fabricated by a spray drying process. A kinetic solubility test demonstrated that the sirolimus/E-SD/TPGS (1/8/1) solid dispersion had a maximum solubility of 196.7 μg/mL within 0.5 h that gradually decreased to 173.4 μg/mL after 12 h. According to the dissolution study, the most suitable formulation was the sirolimus/E-SD/TPGS (1/8/1) solid dispersion in simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2), owing to enhanced stability and degree of supersaturation of E-SD and TPGS. Furthermore, pharmacokinetic studies in rats indicated that compared to the physical mixture and sirolimus/HPMC/TPGS (1/8/1) solid dispersion, the sirolimus/E-SD/TPGS (1/8/1) solid dispersion significantly improved oral absorption of sirolimus. E-SD significantly inhibited the degradation of sirolimus in a dose-dependent manner. E-SD also significantly inhibited the precipitation of sirolimus compared to hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC). Therefore, the results from the present study suggest that the sirolimus-loaded E-SD/TPGS solid dispersion has great potential in clinical applications.
Synthesis, 18F-Radiolabelling and Biological Characterization of Novel Fluoroalkylated Triazine Derivatives for in Vivo Imaging of Phosphodiesterase 2A in Brain via Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: Schröder Susann , Wenzel Barbara , Deuther-Conrad Winnie , Teodoro Rodrigo , Egerland Ute , Kranz Mathias , Scheunemann Matthias , Höfgen Norbert , Steinbach Jörg , Brust Peter
Published: May 2015

Phosphodiesterase 2A (PDE2A) is highly and specifically expressed in particular brain regions that are affected by neurological disorders and in certain tumors. Development of a specific PDE2A radioligand would enable molecular imaging of the PDE2A protein via positron emission tomography (PET). Herein we report on the syntheses of three novel fluoroalkylated triazine derivatives (TA2–4) and on the evaluation of their effect on the enzymatic activity of human PDE2A. The most potent PDE2A inhibitors were 18F-radiolabelled ([18F]TA3 and [18F]TA4) and investigated regarding their potential as PET radioligands for imaging of PDE2A in mouse brain. In vitro autoradiography on rat brain displayed region-specific distribution of [18F]TA3 and [18F]TA4, which is consistent with the expression pattern of PDE2A protein. Metabolism studies of both [18F]TA3 and [18F]TA4 in mice showed a significant accumulation of two major radiometabolites of each radioligand in brain as investigated by micellar radio-chromatography. Small-animal PET/MR studies in mice using [18F]TA3 revealed a constantly increasing uptake of activity in the non-target region cerebellum, which may be caused by the accumulation of brain penetrating radiometabolites. Hence, [18F]TA3 and [18F]TA4 are exclusively suitable for in vitro investigation of PDE2A. Nevertheless, further structural modification of these promising radioligands might result in metabolically stable derivatives.
A Herbal Formula HT048, Citrus unshiu and Crataegus pinnatifida, Prevents Obesity by Inhibiting Adipogenesis and Lipogenesis in 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes and HFD-Induced Obese Rats
Authors: Lee Yoon , Kim Young-Sik , Song Mikyung , Lee Minsu , Park Juyeon , Kim Hocheol
Published: May 2015

HT048 is a combination composed of Crataegus pinnatifida leaf and Citrus unshiu peel extracts. This study aimed to investigate potential anti-obesity effect of the combination. The 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with different doses of HT048 and triglyceride accumulation, glycerol release and adipogenesis-related genes were analyzed. For in vivo study, male Sprague Dawley rats were divided according to experimental diets: the chow diet group, the high-fat diet (HFD) group, the HFD supplemented with orlistat group, the HFD supplemented with HT048 group (0.2% or 0.4%) for 12 weeks. We measured the body weight, serum lipid levels and the expression of genes involved lipid metabolism. HT048 treatment dose-dependently suppressed adipocyte differentiation and stimulated glycerol release. The expressions of PPARγ and C/EBPα mRNA were decreased by HT048 treatment in adipocytes. HT048 supplementation significantly reduced the body and fat weights in vivo. Serum lipid levels were significantly lower in the HT048 supplemented groups than those of the HFD group. Expression of the hepatic lipogenesis-related genes were decreased and expression of the β-oxidation-related genes were increased in rats fed HT048 compared to that of animals fed HFD. These results suggest that HT048 has a potential benefit in preventing obesity through the inhibition of lipogenesis and adipogenesis.
Supporting Keyword Search for Image Retrieval with Integration of Probabilistic Annotation
Authors: Zhou Tie , Wang Ling , Ryu Keun
Published: May 2015

The ever-increasing quantities of digital photo resources are annotated with enriching vocabularies to form semantic annotations. Photo-sharing social networks have boosted the need for efficient and intuitive querying to respond to user requirements in large-scale image collections. In order to help users formulate efficient and effective image retrieval, we present a novel integration of a probabilistic model based on keyword query architecture that models the probability distribution of image annotations: allowing users to obtain satisfactory results from image retrieval via the integration of multiple annotations. We focus on the annotation integration step in order to specify the meaning of each image annotation, thus leading to the most representative annotations of the intent of a keyword search. For this demonstration, we show how a probabilistic model has been integrated to semantic annotations to allow users to intuitively define explicit and precise keyword queries in order to retrieve satisfactory image results distributed in heterogeneous large data sources. Our experiments on SBU (collected by Stony Brook University) database show that (i) our integrated annotation contains higher quality representatives and semantic matches; and (ii) the results indicating annotation integration can indeed improve image search result quality.
Arctan-Gravity Model
Authors: Kruglov Sergey
Published: May 2015

A new gravity model with the function F(R) = (1/β) arctan (βR – β2R2) instead of the Ricci scalar in the Einstein–Hilbert action, describing inflation of the Universe, is suggested and analyzed. We obtain constant curvature solutions of the model in the Jordan frame. Performing the conformal transformation of the metric, the potential and the mass of a scalar degree of freedom in the Einstein frame are found. The slow-roll and cosmological parameters of the model are evaluated. It was demonstrated that the index of the scalar spectrum power law, ns, is in agreement with the PLANCK data.
Modulation of DNA Damage and Repair Pathways by Human Tumour Viruses
Authors: Hollingworth Robert , Grand Roger
Published: May 2015

With between 10% and 15% of human cancers attributable to viral infection, there is great interest, from both a scientific and clinical viewpoint, as to how these pathogens modulate host cell functions. Seven human tumour viruses have been identified as being involved in the development of specific malignancies. It has long been known that the introduction of chromosomal aberrations is a common feature of viral infections. Intensive research over the past two decades has subsequently revealed that viruses specifically interact with cellular mechanisms responsible for the recognition and repair of DNA lesions, collectively known as the DNA damage response (DDR). These interactions can involve activation and deactivation of individual DDR pathways as well as the recruitment of specific proteins to sites of viral replication. Since the DDR has evolved to protect the genome from the accumulation of deleterious mutations, deregulation is inevitably associated with an increased risk of tumour formation. This review summarises the current literature regarding the complex relationship between known human tumour viruses and the DDR and aims to shed light on how these interactions can contribute to genomic instability and ultimately the development of human cancers.
The Agrobacterium tumefaciens Ti Plasmid Virulence Gene virE2 Reduces Sri Lankan Cassava Mosaic Virus Infection in Transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana Plants
Authors: Resmi Thulasi , Hohn Thomas , Hohn Barbara , Veluthambi Karuppannan
Published: May 2015

Cassava mosaic disease is a major constraint to cassava cultivation worldwide. In India, the disease is caused by Indian cassava mosaic virus (ICMV) and Sri Lankan cassava mosaic virus (SLCMV). The Agrobacterium Ti plasmid virulence gene virE2, encoding a nuclear-localized, single-stranded DNA binding protein, was introduced into Nicotiana benthamiana to develop tolerance against SLCMV. Leaf discs of transgenic N. benthamiana plants, harboring the virE2 gene, complemented a virE2 mutation in A. tumefaciens and produced tumours. Three tested virE2 transgenic plants displayed reduction in disease symptoms upon agroinoculation with SLCMV DNA A and DNA B partial dimers. A pronounced reduction in viral DNA accumulation was observed in all three virE2 transgenic plants. Thus, virE2 is an effective candidate gene to develop tolerance against the cassava mosaic disease and possibly other DNA virus diseases.
Canaux d'irrigation anciens et télédétection dans la région de Samarcande (Ancient irrigation network and remote sensing in the Samarkand area)
Authors: Le Tourneau François-Michel
Published: May 2015

Abstract. - The irrigation network is very developped in the valley of Samarkand and some archaeologists assume that many of the canals still in use are very old. But in order to produce an analysis of this network, we will need an accurate map of it. We would like to produce this map automatically from a SPOT image, but the usual tools like vegetation or water indexes don't give results good enough. We thus realize a filter able to use all the informations present in the image, that is spectral and geometric indications, in order to detect the canals. The results are far better, and can be improved by integrating them inside a G.I.S.
Flux téléphoniques, taille de la ville et intensité des contacts interurbains (Telephone calls, size of the town and relationships between towns)
Authors: Gillon Pascal
Published: May 2015

Résumé. - Les flux téléphoniques sont un indicateur synthétique pertinent de la vie de relation : ils permettent une analyse du comportement des villes à travers les contacts entretenus avec des partenaires. La taille de la ville est le meilleur facteur explicatif pour le volume de flux téléphoniques émis et reçus. Mais, elle est aussi étroitement liée au nombre de partenaires en contact et par là-même au degré de concentration du trafic. Elle explique encore la portée de la ville exprimée par la distance à laquelle elle émet plus de 50 % de son trafic. Plus une ville est petite et plus elle concentre son trafic sur un nombre restreint de partenaires proches. Enfin, associée à la distance, la taille explique l'intensité des liaisons et le gradient qui va de la domination à la coopération entre villes.
Langues « dominantes » et identités nationales dans les Etats baltes (Dominant languages and national identities in the Baltic states)
Authors: Cabouret Michel
Published: May 2015

Résumé. - La promotion des langues baltes indo-européennes (lette et lituanien) et de l'estonien, idiome ouralique, longtemps méprisées et opprimées, reléguées au rang de dialectes surtout paysans a été une des bases essentielles de la prise de conscience de leur nationalité par les locuteurs respectifs de celles-ci. Le sentiment national appuyé sur la langue (et aussi sur la religion dominante du moins en Estonie la confession réformée luthérienne et en Lituanie le catholicisme romain) est devenu au début du vingtième siècle le fondement de la création de nouveaux Etats, expression politique des nationalités nées elles-mêmes du creuset des langues parlées en commun.
Vers l'affirmation d'une nouvelle maritimité dans les villes portuaires baltes (Towards a new maritimity in the Baltic Spaces : micro-spatial aspects)
Authors: Hyzy Violette
Published: May 2015

Résumé. - L'ouverture à l'économie de marché entraîne dans les Pays Baltes la réactivation d'un système portuaire qui n'a cessé, au fil du temps, d'occuper une place déterminante dans la production de richesse nationale. A l'heure actuelle, l'émergence dans les ports de nouveaux axes de spécialisation, de nouveaux acteurs économiques, alors que le contexte régional redevient porteur, renferme des perspectives de développement encourageantes à la fois pour les Pays Baltes et pour leurs partenaires occidentaux.
La nouvelle Estonie et le Mare Balticum (The new Estonia and Mare Balticum)
Authors: Sanguin André-Louis
Published: May 2015

Abstract. - The collapsus of communism makes the old affinities and traditional gravitations to emerge again within the Baltic world. Up to now, Estonia was suffering from a fragmented historical context. Since 1991, the Soviet legacy's management makes up its chief inner geopolitical challenge. The relationships with Russia are tainted with a border and ethno-minority litigation. The Estonia's return to Mare Balticum involves it towards new paths to be broken and towards some neighbouring cooperations. The Balto-Skandia concept improved by De Geer and Kant could be used as a basis for Estonia's further insertion into European Union. Such an opportunity will award it a more complete play within Baltic world.
Enjeux technologiques et infrastructurels en Europe médiane (Technological and infrastructural states in Median Europe)
Authors: Wakermann Gabriel
Published: May 2015

Résumé. - Les difficultés de la transition en Europe médiane vers la démocratie et l'économie de marché sont tributaires en grande partie du retard technologique et de l'inadaptation infrastructurelle en matière de communications, matérielles et immatérielles. Ces insuffisances rendent parfois illusoires et généralement difficiles les investissements destinés à la promotion des entreprises et à celle des ressources humaines. Il importe ainsi de conférer à l'aménagement du territoire un rôle primordial, dans la mesure où il est seul à même de conditionner une évolution coordonnée de l'économie et de la société.
Problèmes d'organisation administrative des capitales d'Europe centrale orientale (Problems of administrative organization of central eastern european capitals)
Authors: Rey Violette
Published: May 2015

Abstract. - The reforms of city government applied to capitals are a central issue of post communism reforms in public administration. Three problems are underlined : many new actors, overlapping juridictions between districts governments and the central municipality, poor budgets unequally distributed. The paper is focused on the tensions between local municipalities, central municipality and the state government. After a first period of high fragmentation of powers between them, which would be for the future, according to the wish to enter in European Community ?
Vers la ville, vers le village, tendances récentes du peuplement en Roumanie (Towards the city, towards the village, recent trends of settlement in Romania)
Authors: Emsellem Karine
Published: May 2015

Abstract. - In Romania, the recent changes in the settlement system are various. One trend concerning a part of the population is a "return to the village". It seems to be the most original change, but also the most complexe one. Since 1990, the rural depopulation, yet massive and rapide, has been strongly reduced and partially replace by the movements from the town to the countryside : the migratory flows between urban and rural areas are henceforward balanced. The regional importance of this return of the population to the village seems to be directly related to the extent of the earlier departures. Thus, the rural Moldavia is the region where this process is the most significant. This process is certainly a result of the recent general crisis, but it is also a consequence of older demographic, politic and cultural changes.
After the Parade
: Military Nurses’ Reintegration Experiences from the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars
Authors: Doherty Mary Ellen , Scannell-Desch Elizabeth
Published: May 2015

The purpose of the current study was to describe reintegration experiences of U.S. military nurses returning from deployments in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. A qualitative study using a phenomenological method was conducted. The population comprised nurses who served in the U.S. Army, Navy, or Air Force in Iraq or Afghanistan during 2003–2013, including Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve nurses. Purposive sampling with Veteran and professional nursing organizations yielded a sample of 35 nurses. Nine themes emerged from analysis: (a)
homecoming
; (b)
renegotiating roles
; (c)
painful memories of trauma
; (d)
getting help
; (e)
needing a clinical change of scenery
; (f)
petty complaints and trivial whining
; (g)
military unit or civilian job: support versus lack of support
; (h)
family and social networks: support versus lack of support
; and (i)
reintegration: a new normal
. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services
,
53
(5), 28–35.]
GOOD OUTCOME FOR VERY HIGH RISK ADULT B-CELL ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKAEMIA CARRYING GENETIC ABNORMALITIES t(4;11)(q21;q23) or t(9;22)(q34;q11), IF PROMPTLY SUBMITTED TO ALLOGENEIC TRANSPLANTATION, AFTER OBTAINING A GOOD MOLECULAR REMISSION.
Authors: Parma Matteo , Vigano' Clara , Fumagalli Monica , Colnaghi Federica , Colombo Arianna , Mottadelli Federica , Rossi Vincenzo , Elli Elena , Terruzzi Elisabetta , Belotti Angelo , Cazzaniga Giovanni , Pogliani Enrico Maria , Pioltelli Pietro
Published: May 2015

Background and Objectives: Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) carrying t(9;22) or t(4;11) genetic abnormalities represents a very high risk subtype of disease (VHR-ALL). Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) still remains the only curative option also in the Imatinib era. In the last years low molecular level of minimal residual disease (MRD) before HSCT was reported as one of the best favourable indexes for survival in ALL. Here we observed that even these patients can show a favourable outcome, if submitted to HSCT with very low MRD. Methods: We considered 18 consecutive VHR-ALL patients eligible to HSCT. 16 of them were transplanted upon first remission, as soon as possible, employing myelo-ablative conditioning regimens. Molecular MRD has been evaluated before and after HSCT.Results: Immediately before HSCT MRD revealed: complete molecular remission (MRDneg) for 5 patients and a level <1x10-3 for 7 patients; 100 days after HSCT we had: MRDneg for 7 patients and a decrease for all the others after HSCT. After tapering of immunosuppressive drugs, 13 patients reached the MRDneg in a median time of 8 months (range 3-16); Based on intention to treat analysis: 14/18 patients are alive and disease free at the time of analysis, overall survival and event free survival is of 78% and 66% respectively, with an average follow-up of 45 months (range 6-84) since HSCT. Conclusion: Early transplantation with low MRD level seems to be correlated with a favourable outcome also in VHR-ALL
Proper Postsurgical Pain Management in Orthopaedics: Reviewing the Efficacy of Wound Infiltration with Liposomal Bupivacaine (EXPAREL)
Authors: Sabesan Vani , Jelsema Timothy R , Lombardo Daniel J
Published: May 2015

Adequate postoperative pain management after an orthopaedic procedure is critical for patient well-being, acceptable clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. Current literature suggests over 80% of surgical patients’ state they have moderate to severe pain within 24 hours postoperatively. The standard in pain management for more than 40 years has been opioids, medications known for their many adverse effects and limited efficacy. Recently, a multimodal approach to pain control has been sought after for optimal postoperative pain management. This approach utilizes multiple methods of pain management, such as nerve blocks, wound infiltration with local anesthetics and oral analgesics, to concomitantly reduce postoperative pain. Liposomal bupivacaine, EXPAREL, has been shown to reduce pain for as long as 96 hours postoperatively in select studies. These studies have included both hard and soft-tissue procedures. The goal of this review is to examine the literature on EXPAREL and provide a comprehensive presentation for orthopaedic surgeons to apply to their practices.

Sabesan V, Jelsema TR, Lombardo DJ. Proper Postsurgical Pain Management in Orthopaedics: Reviewing the Efficacy of Wound Infiltration with Liposomal Bupivacaine (EXPAREL). The Duke Orthop J 2015;5(1):6-9.