bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of Cu, Mn, Ni, Sr and Zn release during decomposition of four types of litter in headwater riparian forests in northern Poland
Authors: Jonczak Jerzy , Parzych Agnieszka , Sobisz Zbigniew 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
The aim of the study was to compare the dynamics of Cu, Mn, Ni, Sr and Zn release during decomposition of leaves of Black alder (native material), Norway maple, Red oak and European beech (exogenous material) in the area of headwater riparian forests along the upper course of the Kamienna Creek (Northern Poland). Litter bag method was used in the experiment. Initial materials differed in terms of their chemical composition. Cu, Mn, Ni, Sr and Zn contents were low in general, and in fact, even a few times lower than limit values for decomposition rate. Different trends in the dynamics of the leaf metal content during decomposition were observed in particular tree species despite the fact, that every materials were exposed in the same site. Release dynamics was strongly affected by the content of metals in initial materials and in topsoil. Accumulation of Cu, Mn and Zn was observed during decomposition of poorest in the elements maple leaves, as well as Ni in alder leaves and Sr in the leaves of maple, alder and oak. In beech leaves we observed intensive leaching of Ni, whereas downward trends in the Cu concentration of beech leaves, as well as Mn and Zn in beech and oak leaves, were related to weight loss of the leaves. In some cases, the dynamics of metal release displayed a more complicated two- or three-stage character (release of Ni from maple and oak leaves; Cu from maple leaves; Sr from alder, maple and oak leaves; and Zn from alder and maple leaves).
An 854-Year Tree-Ring Chronology of Scots Pine for South-West Finland
Authors: Helama Samuli , Holopainen Jari , Timonen Mauri , Mielikäinen Kari 
Published: July 2014

AbstractA near-millennial tree-ring chronology (AD 1147-2000) is presented for south-west Finland and analyzed using dendroclimatic methods. This is a composite chronology comprising samples both from standing pine trees (Pinus sylvestris L.) and subfossil trunks as recovered from the lake sediments, with a total sample size of 189 tree-ring sample series. The series were dendrochronologically cross-dated to exact calendar years to portray variability in tree-ring widths on inter-annual and longer scales. Al though the studied chronology correlates statistically significantly with other long tree-ring width chronologies from Finland over their common period (AD 1520-1993), the south-west chronology did not exhibit similarly strong mid-summer temperature or spring/early-summer precipitation signals in comparison to published chronologies. On the other hand, the south-west chronology showed highest correlations to the North Atlantic Oscillation indices in winter/spring months, this association following a dendroclimatic feature common to pine chronologies over the region and adjacent areas. Paleoclimatic comparison showed that tree-rings had varied similarly to central European spring temperatures. It is postulated that the collected and dated tree-ring material could be studied for wood surface reflectance (blue channel light intensity) and stable isotopes, which both have recently shown to correlate notably well with summer temperatures.
A note on pseudobounded paratopological groups
Authors: Lin Fucai , Lin Shou , Sánchez Iván 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Let G be a paratopological group. Then G is said to be pseudobounded (resp. ω-pseudobounded) if forevery neighbourhood V of the identity e in G, there exists a natural number n such that G = V
n
(resp.we have G = ∪
n∈N V
n
). We show that every feebly compact (2-pseudocompact) pseudobounded (ω-pseudobounded)premeager paratopological group is a topological group. Also,we prove that if G is a totally ω-pseudoboundedparatopological group such that G is a Lusin space, then is G a topological group. We present some examplesof paratopological groups with interesting properties:
(1) There exists a metrizable, zero-dimensional and pseudobounded topological group;
(2) There exists a Hausdorff ω-pseudobounded paratopological group G such that G contains a dense subgroupwhich is not ω-pseudobounded;
(3) There exists a Hausdorff connected paratopological group which is not ω-pseudobounded.
Glacier response to climate perturbations: an accurate linear geometric model
Authors: Roe Gerard H. , Baker Marcia B. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIn order to understand the fundamental parameters governing glacier advance and retreat, and also the spectral properties of fluctuations in glacier length in response to noisy weather, we examine outputs of a numerical flowline model solving the shallow-ice equations with sliding. The numerical results reveal a surprising simplicity: the time evolution and spectral shape of glacier excursions depend on a single parameter, a time constant determined by the geometrical properties of the glacier. Furthermore, the numerical results reveal that perturbations in mass balance over the glacier surface set in motion a sequence of events that can be roughly described as occurring in three overlapping stages: (1) changes in interior thickness drive (2) changes in terminus flux, which in turn drive (3) changes in glacier length. A simple, third-order linear differential equation, which extends previous models in the literature, successfully captures these important features of the glacier flow. This three-stage linear model is readily invertible to recover climate history. It provides clear physical insight and analytical expressions for some important metrics of glacier behavior, such as variance, sensitivity and excursion probabilities. Finally, it facilitates uncertainty analysis. The linear model can also be adapted for arbitrary catchment geometry, and is applied to Nigardsbreen, Norway.
Les pluies provoquées, l'expérience de Ouagadougou (1974 et 1975)
Authors: Bougère Jacques 
Published: July 2014

Abstract. - The drought which has been prevailing for several years in the Sudano-Sahelian region south of the Sahara has prompted the countries belonging to the African Interstate Committee for Hyaraulic Studies to launch a further campaign to study the possibilities of artificial rainmaking.
The article briefly explains the mecanism of precipitations which has been thoroughly studied and has furnished a starting-point for the experiments that have been carried out in Upper-Volta at the beginning and at the end of the rainy seasons (1974-1975), the results of which can be found here.
Early detection of disease progression after palliative chemotherapy in NSCLC patients by 18F-FDG-PET
Authors: Tauhardt E. , Reissig A. , Winkens T. , Freesmeyer M. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryAim: We investigated whether 18F-fluorodeo- xyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) is capable of detecting renewed disease progression earlier than computed tomography (CT) in patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have undergone chemotherapy as part of a palliative treatment plan. Patients, methods: 18 patients were studied retrospectively. Three FDG-PET/CT scans for initial and follow-up diagnostic purposes were evaluated. Palliative chemotherapy was administered between the first FDG-PET/CT scan (t0) and the second (t1), followed by a treatment-free interval between the second FDG-PET/CT scan (t1) and the third (t2). Maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) and largest diameters of lesions were determined for PET scans and the corresponding CTs. Lesion-based and patient-based assessments were performed, as were assessments according to RECIST/PER- CIST. Results: 82 lesions were identified in 18 patients. In interval t1-t2, the increase in diameter in the lesion-based evaluation was 5.0% (non-significant), while the patient based evaluation showed a non-significant reduction of 2.8%. Considering PET, both the lesion-based and patient-based evaluations found a significant increase in SUVmax by a median of 30.4 % and 45.8 %, respectively. PERCIST criteria at time point t2 identified ten more patients with progression than did REC- IST. Conclusion: In patients with NSCLC, renewed progression during the treatment-free interval after palliative chemotherapy can be detected earlier with PET than with CT. Thus, FDG-PET appears to be a useful diagnostic imaging procedure regarding this aspect. Its clinical relevance should be investigated in further studies.
Reporting of Medical Research Costs
Authors: Buijink A. W. G , Grobusch M. P. , Visser B. J. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryIncreasing numbers of research reporting guidelines are being published. These guidelines facilitate rigorous and complete reporting, and presentation of published studies. However, current reporting guidelines do not address issues related to costs of research methods. We propose to publish costs of research in order to increase transparency, efficiency, quality and ultimately reproducibility of scientific studies.
Bone Mineral Density Change in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A 5-year Followup Study
Authors: Zhu Tracy Y. , Griffith James F. , Au Sze-Ki , Tang Xiao-Lin , Kwok Anthony W. , Leung Ping-Chung , Li Edmund K. , Tam Lai-Shan 
Published: July 2014

Objective.To determine changes of bone mineral density (BMD) over a 5-year period in a cohort of female patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to identify factors predictive of BMD loss.Methods.Our longitudinal study involved 125 female patients with SLE with a mean (SD) age of 46.5 years (10.1) and a median disease duration of 10.4 years. Demographics and clinical data were collected and BMD at the femoral neck, total hip, and lumbar spine (L1-4) was performed by using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at baseline and followup.Results.Average percentage changes of BMD over a mean followup of 5 years were −2.41% at the femoral neck, −1.63% at the total hip, and −0.62% at the lumbar spine, with significant changes at both the femoral neck (p < 0.0001) and total hip (p < 0.0005), but not at the lumbar spine (p = 0.128). Disease flare, new organ damage, and use of glucocorticoids during followup were significantly associated with larger decreases in BMD. BMD loss was arrested at the femoral neck and BMD increased at the total hip and lumbar spine in patients receiving antiosteoporosis therapy. In multivariate analyses, use of antiosteoporosis therapy was independently associated with increased BMD at any site and new organ damage was an independent predictor of BMD loss at the femoral neck.Conclusion.Significant BMD loss at the hip over a period of 5 years was found in patients with SLE. Disease activity, disease damage, and use of glucocorticoids are the disease-specific variables that contribute to bone loss in SLE.
Clinical and Pathological Features of Microscopic Polyangiitis in 20 Children
Authors: Sun Liangzhong , Wang Haiyan , Jiang Xiaoyun , Mo Ying , Yue Zhihui , Huang Liuyi , Liu Ting 
Published: July 2014

Objective.To explore the clinical and pathological features of microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) in children.Methods.A retrospective analysis was performed of patients with pediatric MPA in our hospital over 10 years.Results.Data for 20 patients were collected; 16 patients had primary MPA (4 boys, 12 girls), with a median age of 8.9 years at the time of disease onset; 4 patients, all female, had antithyroid drug (ATD)-associated MPA, with an age range of 12.5 to 16.2 years at the time of disease onset. All patients exhibited renal involvement. Renal biopsies were performed in 14 patients. Fibrinoid exudation and necrosis of the glomerular capillaries were observed in all biopsy specimens. Crescents and scleroses were noted in 92.9% and 85.7% of these cases, respectively. The most frequent extrarenal organs involved were lungs, followed by the central nervous system (CNS), skin, and digestive system. Ninety percent of patients were positive for perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody, 94.1% were positive for myeloperoxidase, and 88.2% were positive for both. Forty-five percent of the patients had received steroid plus cyclophosphamide (CTX) pulse therapy for more than 3 months, and varying degrees of remission had been achieved in 88.9% of the patients.Conclusion.Both primary and ATD-associated MPA showed a female predisposition. Renal involvement was the most frequently observed condition, followed by involvement of lungs. CNS involvement was not rare in these pediatric patients. The efficacy of steroid plus CTX as induction therapy was evident in these patients.
Les évolutions du conflit syrien : la vision israélienne
Authors: Lombardi Roland 
Published: July 2014

Contrairement aux analyses occidentales, les observations israéliennes de la guerre civile syrienne et surtout de la durée de vie du régime se sont révélées plus mesurées et plus réalistes. Parfois contradictoires, elles ont néanmoins toujours traduit l’attitude réservée mais vigilante d’Israël sur le conflit. Le communautarisme, et surtout les enjeux géostratégiques de la République arabe syrienne, dirigée d’une main de fer par les Assad depuis 1970, expliquent le pragmatisme et le prisme purement sécuritaire des visions israéliennes sur l’évolution du drame syrien.
Leadership américain au Moyen-Orient : une relecture à l'aune du conflit syrien
Authors: Hage-Ali Chady 
Published: July 2014

Le tragique et dévastateur conflit en Syrie est un « cas d’école » qui révèle « l’impuissance de la puissance » autant qu’il préfigure les nouveaux équilibres au Moyen-Orient. Le leadership des États-Unis ressort écorné de cette expérience. On le dit vacillant et son remplacement ne serait qu’une question de temps. Les lacunes stratégiques de « Obama II » ont été mises en évidence. Oscillant entre l’hypothèse pessimiste d’une « fin d’ère américaine » au Moyen-Orient et celle du « reculer pour mieux sauter », l’état actuel, la formulation et les perspectives de ce leadership méritent que l’on s’y attarde.
Pourquoi la femme aujourd'hui ?
Authors: Thomas Olivier 
Published: July 2014

L’intérêt récent porté à l’addiction au féminin ne trouve-t-il pas son origine dans l’intérêt porté à la mère ? La mère défaillante, la mère maltraitante ou abandonnique, cette mère qui se détourne de son enfant, la mère morte comme la nomme André Green ? L’auteur après avoir démontré que l’addiction au féminin était une solution auto-thérapeutique passionnelle suite à un traumatisme, interroge le lien entre l’être femme et l’être mère à travers la lecture d’un cas clinique.
Current Options in the Management of Pellucid Marginal Degeneration
Authors: Moshirfar Majid , Edmonds Jason N. , Behunin Nicholas L. , Christiansen Steven M. 
Published: July 2014

PURPOSE:To review and evaluate current and future directions in the diagnosis and surgical management of pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD), including penetrating keratoplasty, full-thickness crescentic wedge resection (FTCWR), deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK), crescentic lamellar wedge resection (CLWR), crescentic lamellar keratoplasty, tuck-in lamellar keratoplasty (TILK), toric phakic intraocular lens (PIOL) implantation, intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation (ICRS), corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL), and combined therapies. This is the first review article looking at the literature specific to PMD.METHODS:Review of published studies.RESULTS:Reported data for each treatment is presented. Penetrating keratoplasty is the treatment of last resort in PMD and is effective, but with considerable complications. DALK provides visual outcomes similar to penetrating keratoplasty without the risk of immune-mediated graft rejection, but its complexity and relative novelty limit its acceptance. FTCWR has good visual outcomes, but with significant astigmatic drift. CLWR is effective, but lacks long-term results. Crescentic lamellar keratoplasty and TILK are effective, but technically difficult and without long-term results. Toric PIOL implantation is effective, but ectasia progression is a concern. ICRS implantation can delay penetrating keratoplasty and improve contact lens tolerance, but does not treat the underlying process. CXL demonstrates effectiveness without complications, although data are limited and long-term results are needed. Combining treatments such as ICRS, CXL, toric PIOL implantation, and refractive surgery is promising, but additional studies are needed to investigate their efficacy and safety.CONCLUSIONS:Although little is understood about the etiology, pathophysiology, epidemiology, and genetics of PMD, new treatments are improving visual outcomes and reducing complications. Corneal collagen cross-linking is especially exciting because it halts disease progression. Combined treatments and improved screening could eliminate the need for surgical management in most cases of PMD.[J Refract Surg.2014;30(7):474–485.]
Modified Technique for Combining DMEK With Glued Intrascleral Haptic Fixation of a Posterior Chamber IOL as a Single-Stage Procedure
Authors: Jacob Soosan , Agarwal Amar , Kumar Dhivya Ashok , Agarwal Ashvin , Agarwal Athiya , Satish Kaladevi 
Published: July 2014

PURPOSE:
To describe changes in the surgical technique required for combining Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty with glued intrascleral haptic fixation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens ([IOL] glued IOL) as a single-stage surgery in patients diagnosed as having aphakic or pseudophakic bullous keratopathy.

METHODS:
Six patients with corneal decompensation and inadequate capsular support requiring implantation/exchange of an IOL underwent a single staged glued IOL with Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty at a tertiary care center. Stability of the anterior chamber and structure of iris diaphragm–IOL complex were assessed intraoperatively by injecting air and, when required, iridoplasty was performed. Patients were observed postoperatively.

RESULTS:

One patient had partial graft detachment requiring re-bubbling and 1 patient had a small peripheral detachment with spontaneous resolution. The graft remained attached in all patients. An iridoplasty was required for 2 patients. Visual acuity improved in all patients. The mean preoperative and postoperative corrected distance visual acuity were 0.11 ± 0.07 and 0.7 ± 0.17, respectively. There was significant change in the corrected distance visual acuity after surgery (
P
= .028). The mean postoperative endothelial cell density at 6 months was 1,710.3 ± 205.8 cells/mm
2
.

CONCLUSIONS:
Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty with glued IOL provides stable IOL with decreased pseudophacodonesis for better graft fixation. Iris diaphragm covering IOL optic all around is essential to restore bicamerality, allows sufficiently sized, non-migrating air bubbles, and decreases graft detachment and dislocation both intraoperatively and postoperatively. A need for iridoplasty must be confirmed intra-operatively.

[
J Refract Surg.
2014;30(7):492–496.]
Minimally Invasive Scleral Fixation of an IOL Using a Suture Thread Inserter Combined With 25-Gauge Vitrectomy
Authors: Nishitsuka Koichi , Yamashita Hidetoshi 
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate a novel surgical technique for IOL fixation using a newly designed suture thread inserter.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
Scleral fixation of an IOL combined with 25-gauge vitrectomy was performed in 13 patients (eight aphakic eyes and five with IOL dislocation). Conjunctival peritomy was performed and scleral tunnels were created at the 2- and 8-o’clock positions. An infusion cannula was inserted through the inferotemporal sclera, and two cannulas were inserted through the scleral tunnels 1.5 or 2.0 mm posterior to the corneal limbus. After vitrectomy, the loop of the 10-0 polypropylene suture was inserted into the ports with a suture thread inserter. The haptics of the foldable IOL were sutured via the cow-hitch method. Haptic externalization was performed in eyes with IOL dislocation. After removing the infusion cannulas, the 10-0 polypropylene sutures were tied to scleral tunnels.

RESULTS:
In all cases, the IOL was fixed stably and visual acuity was improved. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION:
Scleral IOL fixation with a suture thread inserter combined with 25-gauge vitrectomy appears to be safe and minimally invasive for aphakic eyes and cases of IOL dislocation. The thread inserter mitigates the risk of hemorrhage.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2014;45:318–321.]
SHORT TERM ADVANTAGES OF A PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP FOR TUBERCULOSIS IN GUINEA BISSAU: REDUCTION OF MORTALITY AND INCREASED DIAGNOSTIC CAPACITY
Authors: Vieira Fina , Sanha Mamadu Saliu , Riccardi Fabio , Colombatti Raffaella 
Published: July 2014

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is widespread in Africa, but weak health systems in developing countries, often display poor quality of care with delays in case identification, irrational therapy and drug shortage, clinical mismanagement, unnecessary expenditures for patients, reduced adherence and increased mortality. Public-private partnership has demonstrated to increase TB case detection, but less is known about its effects on quality of care, mortality and costs for hospitalized TB patients. Methods: Clinical outcomes and costs for TB patients at the TB National Reference Center of Bissau, in Guine Bissau, West Africa were determined during the first 5 months of the public-private management and compared to the ones of previous years when the hospitals was under direct Government’s management. Results: 215 (2009) and 194 (2013) patients were admitted, respectively. Improvement (p<0.05) was observed in mortality reduction (21% vs 6%), analysis prescription and diagnosis (39% vs 100%), cause of death determination (50% vs 85%), treatment abandonment (15 vs 1). Direct costs for patients during TB diagnostic pathway and inpatient care were significantly reduced, 475 vs 0 USD. Conclusions: Public-private partnerships displays important short term benefits in National TB reference centers, even in post-conflict and low-resource countries. Further studies could aid in determining the overall long term benefits of this type of cooperation and the specific characteristic of TB and concomitant hematologic and infectious diseases in TB admitted patients.