bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isotopic and time series investigations of recent stalagmites (1945–2018), Schlossberg tunnels, Graz, Austria: implications for climate change in Central Europe
Authors: Bojar Ana-Voica , Lécuyer Christophe , Duliu Octavian G. , Bojar Hans-Peter , Fourel François 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

For the first time, we present a decadal-scale stable isotope record (δ
18
O, δ
13
C) of 67 speleothem calcite samples coming from an artificial tunnel network located in Graz, Austria. Stable isotope data are interpreted with the help of time series (TS) analysis of mean air temperatures (MAT) and mean annual precipitations (MAP) that have been monitored and recorded in a neighbouring meteorological station. Speleothem records have proved to be very useful in reconstructing changes of environmental conditions. For studied stalagmites, which grew between 1945 and 2018, the δ
18
O values average −18.64‰ and range from −23‰ to −17‰ (VPDB, Vienna Pee Dee Belemnite), suggesting variable climatic conditions. The δ
18
O values of calcite increase along the growth axis and are correlated with high temporal resolution MAT, MAP and weighted mean annual δ
18
O of precipitations. For the same time interval, while the temperature TS show an increasing trend, with a steeper gradient since the 1980s, the precipitation TS presents a weak decreasing tendency. Increase in the δ
13
C values of speleothems from −33‰ to −24‰ (VPDB) is correlated with increasing temperature and drought, associated CO
2
degassing and soil erosion over the tunnel system.
Stable isotope geochemistry of pedogenic carbonates in calcareous materials, Iran: a review and synthesis
Authors: Bayat Omid , Karimi Alireza , Amundson Ronald 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

The stable isotopic composition of pedogenic carbonate forms in equilibrium with environmental parameters and, thus, records palaeoenvironmental signals. The aims of this study are to synthesize available data on the stable isotopic composition of Quaternary pedogenic carbonates in calcareous parent materials of Iran and to decipher paleoenvironmental implications of the isotopic data for the country. Isotopic composition and microfabric of pedogenic carbonates in 18 pedons in both gravelly (calcareous alluvium in central Iran) and non-gravelly deposits (calcareous loess in northeastern Iran) have been investigated. The results indicate that in limestone-derived soils of central Iran
in situ
weathering of calcareous pebbles is a major source of Ca for genesis of the carbonates, and carbonate features consist of micritic calcite crystals. In the loessic soils of northeastern Iran, pedogenic carbonates show a dominance of nodule morphology and are classified as orthic nodules. Microfabric analysis reveals that most of the carbonates have not been altered by diagenetic processes, especially the Holocene carbonates, and are suitable for isotopic study and palaeoreconstructions. In limestone-derived soils within the arid region of central Iran, the δ
18
O and the δ
13
C values of carbonates indicate their enrichment due to the effects of evaporative water loss, a decline in plant density and the entrance of atmospheric CO
2
into the soils. In semi-arid ecosystems of central and northeastern Iran, most of the Holocene carbonates have formed in equilibrium with the ambient environment and are suitable for palaeoenvironmental reconstructions. The combination of carbon and oxygen isotopic data demonstrates the dominant role of climate in determining the δ
13
C values of carbonates. There is a strong relationship between the δ
13
C values of carbonates and rainfall, and between O isotopes and aridity indices. Stable isotope patterns in Holocene soils appear to provide data for models that can then be used to interpret the many localities where Pleistocene-aged soils and associated carbonate exist.
Time series analysis of the
δ
2
H,
δ
18
O and d
excess
values in correlation with monthly temperature, relative humidity and precipitation in Râmnicu Vâlcea, Romania: 2012–2018
Authors: Varlam Carmen , Duliu Octavian G. , Ionete Roxana Elena , Costinel Diana 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

To investigate the influence of local climate and transboundary circulation of moisture on the stable isotope of precipitation in Ramnicu Valcea, Romania, monthly values of
δ
2
H,
δ
18
O, deuterium excess (d
excess
), temperature, relative humidity and precipitation were determined between January 2012 and December 2018. Monthly analysis showed differences in d
excess
varying between 24.2‰ (October 2015) and −23.7‰ (July 2013) with a multi-annual average of 6.1 ± 5.9‰, suggesting an Atlantic origin of moisture with episodic Mediterranean transport. Also a significant correlation between the North Atlantic Oscillation on the local temperature during winter season was noticed. The local meteoric water line (LMWL) for the entire period showed slope and intercept values similar to those for neighbouring localities with the same altitude. When the analysis was extended to summer (April–October) and winter (November–March) seasons, the LMWL slope and intercept were different, reflecting the summer–winter difference in temperatures and air circulation. The monthly values of all parameters formed equal-spaced time series whose detailed analysis confirmed at
p <
0.01 that
δ
2
H,
δ
18
O, temperature and relative humidity show a well-evidenced one-year periodicity. In contrast, precipitation and d
excess
seasonality were almost unrecognizable, most probably owing to the reduced number of observations.
Why There Is a Vestibular Sense, or How Metacognition Individuates the Senses
Authors: Garzorz Isabelle , Deroy Ophelia 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Should the vestibular system be counted as a sense? This basic conceptual question remains surprisingly controversial. While it is possible to distinguish specific vestibular organs, it is not clear that this suffices to identify a genuine vestibular sense because of the supposed absence of a distinctive vestibular personal-level manifestation. The vestibular organs instead contribute to more general multisensory representations, whose name still suggest that they have a distinct ‘sensory’ contribution. The vestibular case shows a good example of the challenge of individuating the senses when multisensory interactions are the norm, neurally, representationally and phenomenally. Here, we propose that an additional metacognitive criterion can be used to single out a distinct sense, besides the existence of specific organs and despite the fact that the information coming from these organs is integrated with other sensory information. We argue that it is possible for human perceivers to monitor information coming from distinct organs, despite their integration, as exhibited and measured through metacognitive performance. Based on the vestibular case, we suggest that metacognitive awareness of the information coming from sensory organs constitutes a new criterion to individuate a sense through both physiological and personal criteria. This new way of individuating the senses accommodates both the specialised nature of sensory receptors as well as the intricate multisensory aspect of neural processes and experience, while maintaining the idea that each sense contributes something special to how we monitor the world and ourselves, at the subjective level.
Intersectionality and Comparative Antidiscrimination Law
Authors: Atrey Shreya 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
This volume in the Brill Research Perspectives in Comparative Discrimination Law addresses intersectionality from the lens of comparative antidiscrimination law. The term ‘intersectionality’ was coined by Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw in 1989. As a field, intersectionality has a longer history, of nearly two hundred years. Meanwhile, comparative antidiscrimination law as a field may be just over a few decades old. Thus, intersectionality’s tryst with antidiscrimination law is a fairly recent one. Developed as a critique of antidiscrimination law, intersectionality has had a significant influence on it. Yet, intersectionality’s logic does not seem to have infiltrated the logic of antidiscrimination law completely. Comparative antidiscrimination law continues to develop with intersectionality in sight, but rarely, in step. On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Crenshaw’s seminal article that coined the term in the context of antidiscrimination law, Shreya Atrey explores this irony. Her article provides a meta-narrative of the development of the two fields with the purpose of showing what appear to be orthogonal trajectories.
Sparing the hippocampus and the hypothalamic- pituitary region during whole brain radiotherapy: a volumetric modulated arc therapy planning study
Authors: Mehta P. , Janssen S. , Fahlbusch F. B. , Schmid S. M. , Gebauer J. , Cremers F. , Ziemann C. , Tartz M. , Rades D. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Feasibility testing of a simultaneous sparing approach of hippocampus, hypothalamus and pituitary gland in patients undergoing whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) with and without a concomitant boost to metastatic sites.

Introduction
Cognitive impairment and hormonal dysfunction are common side effects of cranial radiotherapy. A reduced dose application to the patho-physiologically involved functional brain areas, i.e. hippocampus, hypothalamus and pituitary gland, could reduce these common side effects. While hippocampal sparing is already a common practice to improve cognitive outcome, technical experience of additional combined sparing of the hypothalamus/pituitary gland (HT-P) is insufficient.

Methods
Twenty patients were included in the planning study. In 11 patients, a total dose of 36 Gy of WBRT (2 Gy per fraction) plus a simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) of 9 Gy (0.5 Gy per fraction, total dose: 45 Gy) to the brain metastases was applied. In 9 patients, prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) was simulated with a total dose of 30 Gy (2 Gy per fraction). In both patient cohorts, a sparing approach of the hippocampus and the HT-P area was simulated during WBRT. For all treatment plans, volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) was used. Quality assurance included assessment of homogeneity, conformality and target coverage.

Results
The mean dose to the hippocampus and HT-P region was limited to less than 50% of the prescribed dose to the planning target volume (PTV) in all treatment plans. Dose homogeneity (HI) of the target volume was satisfying (median HI = 0.16 for WBRT+SIB and 0.1 for PCI) and target coverage (conformation number, CN) was not compromised (median CN = 0.82 for SIB and 0.86 for PCI).

Conclusion
Simultaneous dose reduction to the hippocampus and the HT-P area did not compromise the PTV coverage in patients undergoing WBRT+SIB or PCI using VMAT. While the feasibility of the presented approach is promising, prospective neurologic, endocrine outcome and safety studies are required.
Insulinoma presenting as hypoglycemia during lactose tolerance testing: a case report
Authors: Munro Vicki , McDonell Laura M. , Keough Valerie , Siddiqi Ferhan S. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Insulinoma is a rare functioning pancreatic endocrine tumor, typically presenting as a sporadic solitary lesion causing hypoglycemia. While these tumors can lead to marked autonomic and neuroglycopenic symptoms, the diagnosis is often delayed.

Case presentation
We present a case of a 60-year-old Caucasian man presenting with a 1-year history of progressive episodic confusion and an unexpected finding of symptomatic hypoglycemia during a lactose tolerance test. Further inquiry revealed an 8-year history of more subtle episodic neuroglycopenic symptoms preceding his presentation. After additional biochemical testing suggested a diagnosis of insulinoma, abdominal imaging was performed and revealed a 1.2-cm tumor in the tail of the pancreas. Following laparoscopic resection of the tumor, the patient had complete resolution of his symptoms and maintained normal glucose levels.

Conclusions
The clinical presentation of functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors can be subtle and nonspecific. As such, clinicians should remain vigilant for insulinoma when symptomatic hypoglycemia is present. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an insulinoma found after hypoglycemia was detected during lactose tolerance testing.
The Mechanical Properties of Alkali-Activated Slag-Silica Fume Cement Pastes by Mixing Method
Authors: Kim Taewan , Kang Choonghyun 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe mixing method is the investigation of the characteristics of alkali-activated cement paste (AACP) with slag and silica fume (SF) of 1: 1. The basic mixing method is ASTM C305, which is defined as 1st-cycle. There are three factors considered in this experiment; (i) the addition of mixing time (2nd-cycle), (ii) the concentration of activator depending on the amount of mixing water, and (iii) the mixing sequence of slag and SF. It was found that the second cycle, the additional mixing time, had the effect of improving the mechanical properties. In addition, accelerated activation through the mixing of slag with a high concentration of alkali solution in the 1st-cycle increases the hydration products and decreases the porosity and increases the mechanical properties. Therefore, it was found that the change of the mixing method in the AACP composed of slag and SF 1: 1 has a great influence on the mechanical properties. As a result, the method of first mixing slag in aqueous solution of high alkali concentration in AASC mixed with slag and SF improves the mechanical properties.
Diffuse leptomeningeal glioneuronal tumor: a double misnomer? A report of two cases
Authors: Appay Romain , Pages Mélanie , Colin Carole , Jones David T. W. , Varlet Pascale , Figarella-Branger Dominique 
Published: June 2020

AbstractDiffuse leptomeningeal glioneuronal tumor (DLGNT) was introduced, for the first time, as a provisional entity in the 2016 WHO classification of central nervous system tumors. DLGNT mainly occur in children and characterized by a widespread leptomeningeal growth occasionally associated with intraspinal tumor nodules, an oligodendroglial-like cytology, glioneuronal differentiation and MAP-Kinase activation associated with either solitary 1p deletion or 1p/19q codeletion in the absence of IDH mutation.We report here two unexpected DLGNTs adult cases, characterized by a unique supratentorial circumscribed intraparenchymal tumor without leptomeningeal involvement in spite of long follow-up. In both cases, the diagnosis of DLGNT was made after DNA-methylation profiling which demonstrated that one case belonged to the DLGNT class whereas the other remained not classifiable but showed on CNV the characteristic genetic findings recorded in DLGNT. Both cases harbored 1p/19q codeletion associated with KIAA1549:BRAF fusion in one case and with BRAF V600E and PIK3CA E545A mutations, in the other.Our study enlarges the clinical and molecular spectrum of DLGNTs, and points out that the terminology of DLGNTs is not fully appropriate since some cases could have neither diffuse growth nor leptomeningeal dissemination. This suggests that DLGNTs encompass a wide spectrum of tumors that has yet to be fully clarified.
Mal-angulation of femoral rotational osteotomies causes more postoperative sagittal mechanical leg axis deviation in supracondylar than in subtrochanteric procedures
Authors: Jud Lukas , Andronic Octavian , Vlachopoulos Lazaros , Fucentese Sandro F. , Zingg Patrick O. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Purpose
Alteration of the postoperative frontal mechanical leg axis is a known problem in femoral rotational osteotomies. However, the maintenance of the sagittal mechanical leg axis seems also important. Goal of this study was to investigate the impact of femoral rotational osteotomies on the sagittal mechanical leg axis and to identify the degree of mal-angulation of the osteotomy planes that alter the postoperative sagittal alignment relevantly.

Methods
Using 3D bone models of two patients with a pathologic femoral torsion (42° antetorsion and 6° retrotorsion), subtrochanteric and supracondylar rotational osteotomies were simulated first with an osteotomy plane perpendicular to the mechanical femoral axis (baseline osteotomy plane), second with predefined mal-angulated osteotomy planes. Subsequently, five different degrees of rotation were applied and the postoperative deviations of the sagittal mechanical leg axes were analyzed.

Results
Using the baseline osteotomy plane, the sagittal mechanical leg axis changed by 0.4° ± 0.5° over both models. Using the mal-angulated osteotomy planes, maximum deviation of the sagittal mechanical leg axis of 4.0° ± 1.2° and 11.0° ± 2.0° was observed for subtrochanteric and for supracondylar procedures, respectively. Relevant changes of more than 2° were already observed with mal-angulation of 10° in the frontal plane and 15° of rotation in supracondylar procedures.

Conclusion
Relevant changes of the postoperative sagittal mechanical leg axis could be observed with just slight mal-angulation of the osteotomy planes, in particular in supracondylar procedures and in cases with higher degrees of rotation. However, osteotomies perpendicular to the femoral mechanical axis showed no relevant alterations.
Lime treatment of a diesel-contaminated coarse-grained soil for reuse in geotechnical applications
Authors: Correia Natalia de Souza , Portelinha Fernando Henrique Martins , Mendes Igor Santos , da Silva Jose Wilson Batista 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPotential reuse of oil-contaminated soils guidance policies are demonstrating ways to reuse these materials in engineering applications. However, the engineering properties of these materials are highly altered after contamination. Alternatively, chemical stabilization treatments can improve oil-contaminated soil properties for its reuse in geotechnical applications. This study investigates the effect of a diesel contamination on a coarse-grained soil and assesses the viability of a lime treatment. Laboratory tests included pH, Atterberg limits, compaction, unconfined compression strength (UCS), California Bearing Ratio (CBR) and tensile strength, RX-diffraction and scanning electron micrographs before and after lime treatment. Tests were performed on natural soil, diesel-contaminated soils (2, 4, 8, 12, and 16% of diesel) and lime treated diesel-contaminated soils (2, 4, 6 and 8% of lime). Diesel drastically changed soil plasticity and strength properties. Lime stabilization of diesel-contaminated soils was efficient to recapture soil natural properties with low lime contents. The influence of oil and lime in soil mechanical properties and mineralogical characteristics was evidenced in this study. The presence of oil drastically altered soil mechanical properties. Crystallization of calcite was present in both natural and oil-contaminated soils treated with lime, increasing particles flocculation. The presence of oil favored dolomite formation. Lime was significate in enhancing oil-contaminated soil mechanical properties, such as UCS, indirect tensile strength and CBR, mainly due to carbonation reactions. Oil-contaminated soil mixtures showed increase in mechanical properties after lime treatment and curing period.
Pyogenic spondylodiscitis of the lumbar spine related to anastomotic fistula after surgery for esophageal cancer: a case report
Authors: Akama Yuichi , Matsutani Takeshi , Hagiwara Nobutoshi , Umezawa Hiroki , Nomura Tsutomu , Hanawa Hidetsugu , Mishima Keisuke , Taniai Nobuhiko , Yoshida Hiroshi 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Pyogenic spondylodiscitis is an extremely rare complication of esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.

Case presentation
A 70-year-old Japanese man, with a previous medical history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and laryngeal cancer, received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and underwent thoracoscopic esophagectomy with gastric tube reconstruction for advanced esophageal cancer. Cervical esophagogastrostomy with circular-stapled end-to-side anastomosis was performed. However, partial necrosis in the gastric tube developed to form refractory anastomotic fistula. Two months after the initial surgery, debridement and free jejunal transfer reconstruction with the pectoralis major muscle flap were performed. Although the postoperative course of the second surgery was uneventful, the patient complained of severe lower back pain and fever. The patient was diagnosed with pyogenic spondylodiscitis according to the results of the magnetic resonance imaging. Enterobacter cloacae were isolated from the arterial blood culture. Sensitive antibiotics were administered continuously, and the patient required to use a lumbar corset for 2 months. Subsequently, his physiological signs and symptoms had completely disappeared.

Conclusion
To the best of our knowledge, this case study is the first study that reported pyogenic spondylodiscitis of the lumbar spine, a complication of cervical anastomotic fistula after surgery for advanced esophageal cancer.
Agnucastoside C, isolated from Moringa oleifera ameliorates thyrotoxicosis and liver abnormalities in female mice
Authors: Sunhre Lata , Kar Anand , Panda Sunanda 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
In the present investigation an attempt was made to evaluate the potential of agnucastoside C (ACC), isolated from the leaves of Moringa oleifera in ameliorating thyrotoxicosis, hepatic lipid peroxidation (LPO) and hyperglycemia in female mice.

Methods
L-thyroxine (L-T4) at 0.5 mg/kg/d was administered through intra-peritoneal route for 15 consecutive days to induce thyrotoxicosis and then the effects of three different doses (10, 20 and 30 mg/kg body weight) of the isolated ACC for 21 days were investigated on the changes in serum thyroid hormones, insulin, glucose, different lipids; hepatic lipid peroxidation, enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, advanced oxidation protein products, reduced glutathione and in lipid peroxides.

Results
Following the administration of L-T4, serum T3, T4, insulin, glucose levels and the tissue LPO were increased with a decrease in serum thyroid stimulating hormone and antioxidative enzymes. However, administration of the test compound to hyperthyroid animals significantly decreased the levels of thyroid hormones, glucose and lipid peroxidation and normalized the concentration of insulin and tissue antioxidants, suggesting its antithyroid, antihyperglycemic and antiperoxidative potential. The T4-induced adverse effects on liver histology were also abolished. These findings suggest the possible use of the test compound in ameliorating thyrotoxicosis.

Conclusion
ACC exhibited antithyroidic, antihypoglycemic, antioxidative and insulin normalizing activities.