bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of the Invasive Ctenophore Species, Mnemiopsis Leidyi, on the Caspian Sea
Authors: Khoshnood Zahra , Khoshnood Reza , Ghobeitihasab Mehdi 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT
Human interventions on the Earth’s natural systems are evident even in remote regions of the Antarctic and rain forests deep within the Amazon. In addition to human-induced climate change and habitat destruction, an emerging anthropogenic threat to biodiversity is the drastic species re-distribution (the movement of species from one place to another due to human intervention) at a global scale.
This creates fertile conditions for biological invasions which in turn cause substantial economic and ecological losses. These human-mediated invasions, often referred to as “biological pollution”, are a worldwide problem that is increasing in frequency and magnitude, causing significant damage to the environment, economy and human health. Bioinvasions have strong impact on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning and stability. They are ranked as the second most important threat to biodiversity (after habitat destruction) by the World Conservation Union.
The Ctenophore, Mnemiopsis leidyi, is one of the invasive species that naturally lives in the Atlantic coastal waters of North America and South America, but discovered in Azov, Black, Caspian, North, Baltic and Mediterranean (north-eastern part) seas in early 1980s.
It seems that the main factor of its redistribution was the ballast waters of ships. As an alien species, Mnemiopsis leidyi caused many alterations in the Caspian Sea ecosystems. The fact that it feeds on the eggs of native fish Clopeonella spp., has resulted in a significant decline of its population; Clopeonella spp. were the main source of industrial fishing in the Caspian Sea and also the main source of food for precious fish species, the sturgeons, and therefore, their decline has caused a huge economical loss for the area's inhabitants and a significant decline of sturgeon populations.
This species has caused massive ecosystem changes and substantial economic losses in the late 1980s-1990s, and it has been recognized as a problem of main ecological concern for the sustainable development of the region, together with the high level of anthropogenic pressures on the Caspian Sea ecosystems. Some special characteristics of this species, such as adaptation to a wide range of salinity and temperature, high capability of reproduction, hermaphroditism and dissogeny, have led to huge increases of its mass, especially in southern regions of the Caspian Sea, the coastal waters of Iran. In addition, it has become clear that this species does not have any natural predators in the Caspian Sea, and also that it can feed on any organisms smaller than itself in size. Owing to these facts, it is a huge ecological threat for the Caspian Sea ecosystems. The aim of the present paper is to review the biological and ecological impacts of this invasive species on the Caspian Sea ecosystems.
Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area (Mpa) Bali - Indonesia: Why Need to be Protected?
Authors: Ruchimat Toni , Basuki Riyanto , Welly Marthen 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT
Nusa Penida comprises a group of islands in the south-east of Bali. This archipelago contains a high level of marine biodiversity and has significant tourism potential. In addition, Nusa Penida has aquaculture and fishing areas, which continue to be developed. Efforts towards conservation and sustainable use by means of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) provide an important solution to counteract increasing pressure on natural resources due to economic activities. Zoning system arrangements to protect marine biodiversity, as well as sustainable economic activities, form the highest priority in the management of the Nusa Penida MPA.
The paper provides an overview of the coastal ecosystem of Nusa Penida and the potential for sustainable utilization of natural resources, as well as demonstrates the socioeconomic condition of the Nusa Penida community. Rapid Ecological Assessment (REA) in 2009 for the marine ecosystems in the waters of Nusa Penida serves as baseline data to provide inputs for defining the MPA, including a zoning system and a management plan.
The ecological survey revealed 1,419 ha of coral reef with 296 species, 230 ha of mangrove with 13 species, and 108 ha of seagrass beds with 8 species. The assessment of fish biodiversity revealed 296 species of fish, including five that are new to science. Nusa Penida’s waters are home to marine megafauna such as sea turtles, sharks and cetaceans, also unique and charismatic fish such as ocean sunfish (Mola mola) and manta rays (Manta birostris), that occur predictably annually.
Marine tourism, seaweed farming and capture fisheries are the main economic activities for the income of the coastal community. Nusa Penida is visited by more than 200,000 tourists each year. The tourists dive in 20 dive-spots arround the waters. There are 308 ha of seaweed farming that produce more than 50 tons per month. About 850 local fishermen depend for their livelihood on the fishing grounds around the waters of Nusa Penida for their livelihood. In total, some 46,000 residents depend on the marine biodiversity of the archipelago for their livelihood.
Destructive fishing and over-fishing are serious threats to the reef ecosystem within the Nusa Penida MPA, as well as to the sustainable fisheries. The lack of a clear zoning system and its attendant regulation of uses for Nusa Penida’s coastal area and marine resources mean potential conflicts between marine tourism, seaweed farming and the fisheries. The establishment of the MPA with a management plan is imperative to regulate the sustainable use of marine resources.
Determinants of Guideline Use in Primary Care Physical Therapy: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Attitudes, Knowledge, and Behavior
Authors: Bernhardsson Susanne , Johansson Kajsa , Nilsen Per , Öberg Birgitta , Larsson Maria E.H. 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundUnderstanding of attitudes, knowledge, and behavior related to evidence-based practice (EBP) and use of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines in primary care physical therapy is limited.ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were: (1) to investigate self-reported attitudes, knowledge, behavior, prerequisites, and barriers related to EBP and guideline use among physical therapists in primary care and (2) to explore associations of self-reported use of guidelines with these social cognitive factors along with demographic and workplace characteristics.DesignThis was a cross-sectional survey.MethodsA web-based survey of 419 physical therapists in primary care in western Sweden was performed. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to examine factors associated with guideline use.ResultsThe response rate was 64.7%. Most respondents had positive attitudes toward EBP and guidelines: 90% considered EBP necessary, and 96% considered guidelines important. Approximately two thirds reported confidence in finding and using evidence. One third reported being aware of guidelines. Thirteen percent knew where to find guidelines, and only 9% reported having easy access to guidelines. Fewer than half reported using guidelines frequently. The most important barriers to using guidelines were lack of time, poor availability, and limited access to guidelines. Young age and brief work experience were associated with positive attitudes toward EBP. A postgraduate degree was associated with higher application of EBP. Positive attitudes, awareness of guidelines, considering guidelines to facilitate practice, and knowing how to integrate patient preferences with guideline use were associated with frequent use of guidelines.LimitationsData were self-reported, which may have increased the risk of social desirability bias.ConclusionsUse of guidelines was not as frequent as could be expected in view of the positive attitudes toward EBP and guidelines among physical therapists. Awareness of and perceived access to guidelines were limited. The identified determinants can be addressed when developing guideline implementation strategies.
Microstructural aspects of ceramic hollow microspheres reinforced metal matrix composites
Authors: Orbulov Imre Norbert , Májlinger Kornél 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Ceramic hollow microsphere reinforced metal matrix syntactic foams were produced by means of pressure infiltration. The reinforcing ceramic hollow microsphere's (SL300) microstructure was investigated. The microspheres contained various oxide ceramics, mainly Al2O3 and SiO2. The samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction measurements and energy dispersive spectroscopy maps. The results showed that the Al2O3 and SiO2 distribution in the wall of the microspheres is not equal; Al2O3 needles are embedded in the surrounding mullite and SiO2 phase. Line energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy measurements showed that, due to the above mentioned uneven distribution of Al2O3 rich particles, a chemical exchange reaction took place between the aluminium alloy matrix and the microspheres and because of that the wall of the hollow microspheres became damaged.
Nano preparation of Dy3+ substituted ceria via urea-formaldehyde gel combustion route
Authors: Biswas Mridula , Bandyopadhyay Siddhartha 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Nanocrystalline ceria powders have been synthesised via the gel combustion route, using for the first time urea formaldehyde as fuel for doping of dysprosium oxide. This synthesis route can produce well-crystallised powder within a one step combustion process, eliminating the need for further calcinations. The formation sequences have been described through differential scanning calorimetry-thermo gravimetric analysis study and the crystallinity of the powder was examined using X-ray diffraction, selected area electron diffraction and high resolution patterns. Lattice parameter was found to increase with doping concentration. Very fine grains in the size range of 3–5 nm are found to occur in the form of large and soft agglomerates (50–130 nm). The optical band gap suggests that those powders with low dopant concentration may have useful applications in UV-shielding and in transparent conducting film.
Microstructural and thermodynamic investigations on friction stir welded Mg/Al-joints
Authors: Klag Otmar , Gröbner Joachim , Wagner Guntram , Schmid-Fetzer Rainer , Eifler Dietmar 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
With friction stir welding it is possible to join light metals in the solid state. However joints between dissimilar metals are a special challenge. At the Institute of Materials Science and Engineering of the University of Kaiserslautern the friction stir weldability of magnesium–aluminium-joints was investigated. For the realization of high strength joints between these materials the knowledge of the developing microstructure in the welding zone is of especially high interest. Therefore, light microscopic and scanning electron microscopic investigations were carried out and the results compared with phase diagrams and phase fractions for the bonding zone which were calculated at Institute of Metallurgy of the University of Clausthal.
Development of Sn–Cu–Sb alloys for making lead- and bismuth-free pewter
Authors: Wong Yew Hoong , Ramesh S. , Tan C. Y. , Projjal B. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
A systematic study on the development of a set of Sn–Cu–Sb alloys and their characteristics, such as phases evolved, mechanical properties, physical properties, and microstructures, that are commonly sought for making pewter is presented. Alloys with various nominal compositions of Sn–Cu (1–3%)–Sb (3–6%) were prepared and they were die cast for complete characterization. The samples were characterized for hardness, malleability, density, microstructure, and phase identification. The study is expected to help in selecting the right composition of the alloys for making pewter with appropriate combination of properties.
On the Pressure Dependency of the Bagley Correction
Authors: Van Puyvelde P. , Vananroye A. , Hanot A.-S. , Dees M. , Mangnus M. , Hermans N. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
The effect of pressure on the viscosity of polymer melts is an often forgotten parameter due to the inherent difficulty to measure this quantity. Different experimental approaches have already been undertaken in literature in the past. A popular methodology to measure the pressure dependence of the viscosity is to use a capillary rheometer equipped with a counter pressure chamber in which the exit pressure can be controlled. In order to process the data, one of the key elements is the Bagley correction that is required to determine the correct entrance pressure at a specific shear rate. In all analysis approaches presented in literature on data at controlled exit pressure, the Bagley correction was always determined at atmospheric exit pressure, disgarding possible effects of an enhanced exit pressure. In this paper, a new analytical approach is presented that for the first time allows for a direct assessment of the entrance pressures obtained when capillary measurements are performed with controlled counter pressures. It is demonstrated, using polycarbonate, that the entrance pressure correction needed to obtain correct viscosity values under pressure is significantly different than the one needed to correct measurements performed at atmospheric exit pressure.
Durable thrombosis in a rat model of arteriovenous malformation treated with radiosurgery and vascular targeting
Authors: Reddy Rajesh , Hong Duong T. T. , Fairhall Jacob M. , Smee Robert I. , Stoodley Marcus A. 
Published: November 2013

Object
Radiosurgical treatment of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) has the significant shortcomings of being limited to lesions smaller than 3 cm in diameter and of a latency-to-cure time of up to 3 years. A possible method of overcoming these limitations is stimulation of thrombosis by using vascular targeting. Using an animal model of AVM, the authors examined the durability of the thrombosis induced by the vascular-targeting agents lipopolysaccharide and soluble tissue factor conjugate (LPS/sTF).

Methods
Stereotactic radiosurgery or sham radiation was administered to 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats serving as an animal model of AVM; 24 hours after this intervention, the rats received an intravenous injection of LPS/sTF or normal saline. The animals were killed at 1, 7, 30, or 90 days after treatment. Immediately beforehand, angiography was performed, and model AVM tissue was harvested for histological analysis to assess rates of vessel thrombosis.

Results
Among rats that received radiosurgery and LPS/sTF, induced thrombosis occurred in 58% of small AVM vessels; among those that received radiosurgery and saline, thrombosis occurred in 12% of small AVM vessels (diameter < 200 μm); and among those that received LPS/sTF but no radiosurgery, thrombosis occurred at an intermediate rate of 43%. No systemic toxicity or intravascular thrombosis remote from the target region was detected in any of the animals.

Conclusions
Vascular targeting can increase intravascular thrombosis after radiosurgery, and the vessel occlusion is durable. Further work is needed to refine this approach to AVM treatment, which shows promise as a way to overcome the limitations of radiosurgery.
Novel pressure-sensing skin for detecting impending tissue damage during neuroendoscopy
Authors: Codd Patrick J. , Veaceslav Arabagi , Gosline Andrew H. , Dupont Pierre E. 
Published: November 2013

Object
Endoscopy plays an increasingly important role in minimally invasive neurosurgery. Visual feedback from the endoscope tip helps the surgeon prevent unwanted tissue contact. However, critical feedback regarding tissue deformation and trauma from proximal endoscope components is currently unavailable. A system for force feedback along the endoscope length could provide significant clinical benefit by warning of impending damage.
The authors manufactured and tested a novel pressure-sensing polymer skin for use in pressure feedback during intracranial endoscopy.

Methods
A photolithography process on a silicon wafer was used to produce a pattern of 80-μm-tall extrusions to serve as a positive mold for the sensor array. A thin layer of polydimethylsiloxane polymer was molded onto these features. Demolding the polymer from the wafer and sealing with another polymer layer resulted in microchannels. These microchannels were filled with a conductive liquid metal and connected to recording hardware. Spiral channel patterns were designed to create a 3 × 3 array of pressure-sensor pads, which were wrapped around a standard neuroendoscope operating sheath. Pressure readings from the compressed sensor array were translated into a color-coded graphic user interface. Calibration experiments were conducted, and the sensor was evaluated through cortical compression tests on explanted ovine brain.

Results
The sensing endoscope operating sheath was successfully calibrated to detect and display pressures within a range consistent with normal and tissue-threatening compressions.

Conclusions
Force-feedback mechanisms for the neuroendoscopist are critically lacking with contemporary endoscopes. The authors designed a pressure-sensing skin technology for improved pressure feedback during endoscopy as a means for minimizing collateral tissue damage during endoscopy.
Relationship between biomechanical changes at adjacent segments and number of fused bone grafts in multilevel cervical fusions: a finite element investigation
Authors: Hussain Mozammil , Nassr Ahmad , Natarajan Raghu N. , An Howard S. , Andersson Gunnar B. J. 
Published: November 2013

Object
Biomechanical studies have shown that anterior cervical fusion construct stiffness and arthrodesis rates vary with different reconstruction techniques; however, the behavior of the adjacent segments in the setting of different procedures is poorly understood. This study was designed to investigate the adjacent-segment biomechanics after 3 different anterior cervical decompression and fusion techniques, including 3-level discectomy and fusion, 2-level corpectomy and fusion, and a corpectomy-discectomy hybrid technique. The authors hypothesized that biomechanical changes at the segments immediately superior and inferior to the multilevel fusion would be inversely proportional to the number of fused bone grafts and that these changes would be related to the type of fusion technique.

Methods
A previously validated 3D finite element model of an intact C3–T1 segment was used. Three C4–7 fusion models were built from this intact model by varying the number of bone grafts used to span the decompression: a 1-graft model (2-level corpectomy), a 2-graft model (C-5 corpectomy and C6–7 discectomy), and a 3-graft model (3-level discectomy). The corpectomy and discectomy models were also previously validated and compared well with the literature findings. Range of motion, disc stresses, and posterior facet loads at the segments superior (C3–4) and inferior (C7–T1) to the fusion construct were assessed.

Results
Motion, disc stresses, and posterior facet loads generally increased at both of the adjacent segments in relation to the intact model. Greater biomechanical changes were noted in the superior C3–4 segment than in the inferior C7–T1 segment. Increasing the number of bone grafts from 1 to 2 and from 2 to 3 was associated with a lower magnitude of biomechanical changes at the adjacent segments.

Conclusions
At segments adjacent to the fusion level, biomechanical changes are not limited solely to the discs, but also propagate to the posterior facets. These changes in discs and posterior facets were found to be lower for discectomy than for corpectomy, thereby supporting the current study hypothesis of inverse relationship between the adjacent-segment variations and the number of fused bone grafts. Such changes may go on to influence the likelihood of adjacent-segment degeneration accordingly. Further studies are warranted to identify the causes and true impact of these observed changes.
Waldsterben in Neumexiko: Wie erklären wir dies unseren Kindern? (Essay)
Authors: Dobbertin Michèle Kaennel 
Published: November 2013

Forest decline in New Mexico: what shall we tell the kids? (Essay)
Climate change-related drought and higher temperatures may directly or indirectly cause forests to die or to be replaced by another vegetation type. As suggested, among others, by two international scientific articles published in 2010 and 2012, the magnitude of these phenomena may be greater than expected. No matter how relevant these studies are, their potential negative impact on the general public should not be underestimated, in particular if the media overstate or distort the scientists' conclusions. Looking back at the forest decline debate of the 1990s and based on discussions with an American forest ecologist, this article offers positive approaches to communicate to the general public an environmental issue to be taken seriously.
Eichenrückgang in Schweizer Naturwaldreservaten
Authors: Rohner Brigitte , Bugmann Harald , Brang Peter , Wunder Jan , Bigler Christof 
Published: November 2013

Oak decline in Swiss natural forest reserves
Knowledge on the natural potential of oaks (Quercus spp.) in Switzerland is important for both nature conservation and adaptation to climate change. To assess this natural potential, we analysed tree ring and inventory data collected in Swiss natural forest reserves. Influences of monthly climate variables on oak growth were determined by response functions, whereas generalized linear mixed-effects models were used to identify the influence of climate and site variables on oak mortality. Oak growth was most strongly limited by summer precipitation. Oak mortality reached values between 0% and 25% per year for the individual inventory period; it decreased with tree diameter and increased with stand basal area and mean precipitation during the inventory period. Because stand basal area has continuously increased since the first inventory, the oak proportion decreased in most reserves. In increasingly dense stands, oaks were outcompeted by more shade-tolerant species such as beech. For the investigated sites, a gain of relative competitiveness of oaks in the course of ongoing climate change was not evident. Regarding the preservation of oak proportions in managed forests, protection measures should therefore still be combined with targeted interventions for reducing the competitive pressure.
Medusaegraptus (Chlorophyta, Dasycladales) from the Pridolian to middle Lochkovian Indian Point Formation, New Brunswick, Canada
Authors: LoDuca Steve T. , Miller Randall F. , Wilson Reginald A. 
Published: November 2013

Carbonaceous compressions from the Pridolian to middle Lochkovian Indian Point Formation in the Flatlands area of New Brunswick comprising a central axis with irregularly arranged unbranched appendages are assigned to Medusaegraptusmirabilis. This is the first report of intact thalli of this noncalcified macroalgal taxon from a locality outside of western New York. The biotic composition, stratigraphic context, and sedimentology of this occurrence suggest a shallow-marine depositional setting roughly comparable to that for the type material of Medusaegraptus mirabilis from Gasport, New York.RÉSUMÉLes fossiles carbonés comprimés de la formation d’Indian Point, située dans la région de Flatlands du Nouveau-Brunswick et qui date du Pridolien au Lochkovien moyen, sont attribués àMedusaegraptus mirabilis; ils présentent un axe central avec des appendices non ramifiés et disposés de façon irrégulière. C’est la première fois qu’on signale la présence de thalles intacts de ce taxon de macroalgues non calcifiées dans une localité ailleurs que dans l’ouest de l’État de New York. La composition biotique, le contexte stratigraphique et les données sédimentologiques permettent de penser à un dépôt marin peu profond à peu près comparable à ce qu’on trouve dans le cas de Medusaegraptus mirabilis de Gasport, dans l’État de New York.[Traduit par la redaction]