bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Management of flood hazard via hydro‐morphological river modelling. The case of the Mallero in Italian Alps
Authors: Radice A. , Rosatti G. , Ballio F. , Franzetti S. , Mauri M. , Spagnolatti M. , Garegnani G. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractFlash‐flood events in mountain basins often involve large volumes of sediment transported by the rivers, with significant changes in the bed morphology even within a single, short‐term event. By contrast, flood scenarios are most frequently devised under the assumption of a fixed‐bed condition, that is, neglecting the possible change of the river bed elevation during the reference flood. In this work, feasibility and positive outcome of incorporating sediment transport modelling into the evaluation of flood hazard are assessed with reference to the case of the Mallero River in northern Italy. A past flood event has been modelled by means of a fully coupled model of flow and sediment transport. Particular attention has been focused onto the town of Sondrio, located at the downstream end of the river. Results show that interpretation of the event dynamics and proper quantification of flood hazard for the town cannot be obtained without considering the morphologic evolution of the river bed due to sediment transport. In addition, reliability of the results of hydro‐morphologic modelling has been proved by extensive sensitivity analysis, showing a weak dependence of the findings on external forcing. Some arguments are thus provided towards the incorporation of morphologic processes into hazard assessment, landscape protection, scenario modelling and emergency management.
High pressure versus standard port system: Comparison of implantation and complications
Authors: Plumhans Cédric , Ocklenburg Christina , Verburg Frederik A. , Günther Rolf W. , Behrendt Florian F. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractIntroductionCompletely implantable access ports for high pressure contrast media injection have been in use in clinical routine for a relatively short time. The purpose of our study was to compare a high pressure port system with a standard port system with regard to implantation and complications.MethodsIn 94 oncological patients a completely implantable access port was implanted. Patients (n = 49) planned for oncological follow‐up computed tomography (CT) received a high pressure port system. Other patients (n = 45) received a standard port system. Intrainterventional pain perception, postinterventional catheter tip migration and complications were analyzed.ResultsNo major periinterventional complications occurred. Intrainterventional pain perception was not significantly different between the two groups. A significantly lower rate of tip migration was observed in the high pressure port group (P = 0.03) and when the port system was implanted on the right side (P = 0.03). In the standard port group catheter occlusion occurred in three patients (7%) and a catheter loop in one patient (2%) whereas no such complications occurred within the high pressure port group. Venous thrombosis was detected in one patient (2%) with a high pressure port; this did not occur in the standard port group.ConclusionsImplantation and use of a high pressure port device is safe and reliable: the complications are comparable to those of a standard port device. High pressure port systems should be considered for implantation, especially in patients who will require frequent CTs.
T‐helper 17 cells: The driving force of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Yoo In Seol , Lee Jeung Hoon , Song Seung Tak , Kim Jin Hyun , Lee Hyun Ji , Kang Seong Wook 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAimThere is growing evidence that two recently recognized, unique subsets of CD4+ T‐cells, T‐helper 17 cells (Th17) and CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T‐cells (Treg), may play important roles in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. This study sought to investigate the relationship between Th17 cells and psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis (PsA).MethodsPeripheral blood CD4+ T‐cells were isolated from 47 patients with psoriasis and 47 controls, and were cultured under various stimulatory conditions. The Th17 cells and regulatory Treg cells were detected by flow cytometry. Plasma interleukin (IL)‐17 was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsThe proportion of Th17 and Treg cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells showed no difference between patients with psoriasis and controls. However, psoriasis and PsA patients demonstrated a higher proportion of induced Th17 cells, which was correlated with psoriasis area severity index score. The level of plasma IL‐17A in psoriasis was higher than that in controls.ConclusionTh17 cells may play important roles in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
Musicality: Instinct or Acquired Skill?
Authors: Marcus Gary F. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractIs the human tendency toward musicality better thought of as the product of a specific, evolved instinct or an acquired skill? Developmental and evolutionary arguments are considered, along with issues of domain‐specificity. The article also considers the question of why humans might be consistently and intensely drawn to music if musicality is not in fact the product of a specifically evolved instinct.
Explaining Embodied Cognition Results
Authors: Lakoff George 
Published: September 2012

AbstractFrom the late 1950s until 1975, cognition was understood mainly as disembodied symbol manipulation in cognitive psychology, linguistics, artificial intelligence, and the nascent field of Cognitive Science. The idea of embodied cognition entered the field of Cognitive Linguistics at its beginning in 1975. Since then, cognitive linguists, working with neuroscientists, computer scientists, and experimental psychologists, have been developing a neural theory of thought and language (NTTL).Central to NTTL are the following ideas: (a) we think with our brains, that is, thought is physical and is carried out by functional neural circuitry; (b) what makes thought meaningful are the ways those neural circuits are connected to the body and characterize embodied experience; (c) so‐called abstract ideas are embodied in this way as well, as is language. Experimental results in embodied cognition are seen not only as confirming NTTL but also explained via NTTL, mostly via the neural theory of conceptual metaphor.Left behind more than three decades ago is the old idea that cognition uses the abstract manipulation of disembodied symbols that are meaningless in themselves but that somehow constitute internal “representations of external reality” without serious mediation by the body and brain. This article uniquely explains the connections between embodied cognition results since that time and results from cognitive linguistics, experimental psychology, computational modeling, and neuroscience.
Physiological and growth responses of switchgrass (Panicum virgatumL.) in native stands under passive air temperature manipulation
Authors: Hartman Jeffrey C. , Nippert Jesse B. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractIn the centralGreatPlains ofNorthAmerica, climate change predictions include increases in mean annual temperature of 1.5–5.5 °C by 2100. Ecosystem responses to increased temperatures are likely to be regulated by dominant plant species, such as the potential biofuel speciesPanicum virgatum(switchgrass) in the tallgrass prairie. To describe the potential physiological and whole‐plant responses of this species to future changes in air temperatures, we used louvered open‐sided chambers (louveredOSC; 1 × 1 m, adjustable height) to passively alter canopy temperature in native stands ofP. virgatumgrowing in tallgrass prairie at varying topographic positions (upland/lowland). The altered temperature treatment decreased daily mean temperatures by 1 °C and maximum temperatures by 4 °C inMay andJune, lowered daytime stomatal conductance and transpiration, decreased tiller density, increased specific leaf area, and delayed flowering. Among topographic contrasts, aboveground biomass, flowering tiller density, and tiller weight were greater in lowland sites compared to upland sites, with no temperature treatment interactions. Differences in biomass production responded more to topography than the altered temperature treatment, as soil water status varied considerably between topographic positions. These results indicate that while water availability as a function of topography was a strong driver of plant biomass, many leaf‐level physiological processes were responsive to the small decreases in daily mean and maximum temperature, irrespective of landscape position. The varying responses of leaf‐level gas exchange and whole‐plant growth ofP. virgatumin native stands to altered air temperature or topographic position illustrate that accurately forecasting yields forP. virgatumin mixed communities will require greater integration of physiological responses to simulated climate change (increased temperature) and resource availability over natural environmental gradients (soil moisture).
Synthetic polyploid production of Miscanthus sacchariflorus,Miscanthus sinensis, and Miscanthus x giganteus
Authors: Chae Won Byoung , Hong Sae J. , Gifford Justin M. , Lane Rayburn Albert , Widholm Jack M. , Juvik John A. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractPlants from the genus Miscanthus are potential renewable sources of lignocellulosic biomass for energy production. A potential strategy for Miscanthus crop improvement involves interspecific manipulation of ploidy levels to generate superior germplasm and to circumvent reproductive barriers for the introduction of new genetic variation into core germplasm. Synthetic autotetraploid lines of Miscanthus sacchariflorus and Miscanthus sinensis, and autoallohexaploid Miscanthus x giganteus were produced in tissue culture from oryzalin treatments to seed‐ and immature inflorescence‐derived callus lines. This is the first report of the genome doubling of diploid M. sacchariflorus. Genome doubling of diploid M. sinensis, M. sacchariflorus, and triploid M. x giganteus to generate tetraploid and hexaploid lines was confirmed by stomata size, nuclear DNA content, and chromosome counts. A putative pentaploid line was also identified among the M. x giganteus synthetic polyploid lines by nuclear DNA content and chromosome counts. Comparisons of phenotypic performance of synthetic polyploid lines with their diploid and triploid progenitors in the greenhouse found species‐specific differences in plant tiller number, height, and flowering time among the doubled lines. Stem diameter tended to increase after polyploidization but there were no significant improvements in biomass traits. Under field conditions, M. x giganteus synthetic hexaploid lines showed greater phenotypic variation, in terms of plant height, stem diameter, and tiller number, than their progenitor lines. Production of synthetic autopolyploid lines displaying significant phenotypic variation suggests that ploidy manipulation can introduce useful genetic diversity in the limited Miscanthus germplasm currently available in the United States. The role of polyploidization in the evolution and breeding of the genus Miscanthus is discussed.
Role of iron replacement in the management of preoperative anemia
Authors: BISBE ELVIRA 
Published: September 2012

SUMMARYPreoperative anemia is an independent risk factor for allogeneic blood transfusion in surgical procedures associated with moderate‐to‐high perioperative blood loss. Allogeneic blood transfusion and preoperative anemia have been independently associated with worse postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing major surgery. In addition, hematinic deficiency may blunt the recovery from postoperative anemia. Therefore, patients scheduled for major surgery can benefit from preoperative correction of absolute or functional iron deficiency. In both cases, intravenous (IV) iron is safe and effective for treating preoperative anemia, leading to a median hemoglobin increase of 1–3 g/dL in one month, depending of the type of surgery. The availability of new IV iron formulations allowing rapid administration of high single doses may reduce the number of treatment sessions, thus contributing to a wider use of IV iron as a blood‐saving strategy in surgical patients.
Lassa Fever in West Africa: Evidence for an Expanded Region of Endemicity
Authors: Sogoba N. , Feldmann H. , Safronetz D. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryLassa virus (LASV) is endemic in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia (known as the Mano River region) and Nigeria and Lassa fever cases from these countries are being reported annually. Recent investigations have found evidence for an expanded endemicity zone between the two known Lassa endemic regions indicating that LASV is more widely distributed throughout the Tropical Wooded Savanna ecozone in West Africa.
Flexibility of Mobile Laboratory Unit in Support of Patient Management During the 2007 Ebola‐Zaire Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Grolla A. , Jones S. , Kobinger G. , Sprecher A. , Girard G. , Yao M. , Roth C. , Artsob H. , Feldmann H. , Strong J. E. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryThe mobile laboratory provides a safe, rapid and flexible platform to provide effective diagnosis of Ebola virus as well as additional differential diagnostic agents in remote settings of equatorial Africa. During the 2007 Democratic Republic of Congo outbreak of Ebola‐Zaire, the mobile laboratory was set up in two different locations by two separate teams within a day of equipment arriving in each location. The first location was in Mweka where our laboratory took over the diagnostic laboratory space of the local hospital, whereas the second location, approximately 50 km south near Kampungu at the epicentre of the outbreak, required local labour to fabricate a tent structure as a suitable pre‐existing structure was not available. In both settings, the laboratory was able to quickly set up, providing accurate and efficient molecular diagnostics (within 3 h of receiving samples) for 67 individuals, including four cases of Ebola, seven cases of Shigella and 13 cases of malaria. This rapid turn‐around time provides an important role in the support of patient management and epidemiological surveillance.
Emerging and Exotic Zoonotic Disease Preparedness and Response in the United States – Coordination of the Animal Health Component
Authors: Levings Randall L. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryFor the response to a zoonotic disease outbreak to be effective, animal health authorities and disease specialists must be involved. Animal health measures are commonly directed at known diseases that threaten the health of animals and impact owners. The measures have long been applied to zoonotic diseases, including tuberculosis and brucellosis, and can be applied to emerging diseases. One Health (veterinary, public, wildlife and environmental health) and all‐hazards preparedness work have done much to aid interdisciplinary understanding and planning for zoonotic diseases, although further improvements are needed. Actions along the prevention, preparedness, response and recovery continuum should be considered. Prevention of outbreaks consists largely of import controls on animals and animal products and biosecurity. Preparedness includes situational awareness, research, tool acquisition, modelling, training and exercises, animal movement traceability and policy development. Response would include detection systems and specialized personnel, institutions, authorities, strategies, methods and tools, including movement control, depopulation and vaccination if available and appropriate. The specialized elements would be applied within a general (nationally standardized) system of response. Recovery steps begin with continuity of business measures during the response and are intended to restore pre‐event conditions. The surveillance for novel influenza A viruses in swine and humans and the preparedness for and response to the recent influenza pandemic illustrate the cooperation possible between the animal and public health communities.
6th International Conference on Emerging Zoonoses
Authors: Kahn R. E. , Morozov I. , Feldmann H. , Richt J. A. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryThe 6th International Conference on Emerging Zoonoses, held at Cancun, Mexico, 24–27 February 2011, offered 84 participants from 18 countries, a snapshot of current research in numerous zoonoses caused by viruses, bacteria or prions. Co‐chaired by Professors Heinz Feldmann and Jürgen Richt, the conference explored 10 topics: (i) The ecology of emerging zoonotic diseases; (ii) The role of wildlife in emerging zoonoses; (iii) Cross‐species transmission of zoonotic pathogens; (iv) Emerging and neglected influenza viruses; (v) Haemorrhagic fever viruses; (vi) Emerging bacterial diseases; (vii) Outbreak responses to zoonotic diseases; (viii) Food‐borne zoonotic diseases; (ix) Prion diseases; and (x) Modelling and prediction of emergence of zoonoses. Human medicine, veterinary medicine and environmental challenges are viewed as a unity, which must be considered under the umbrella of ‘One Health’. Several presentations attempted to integrate the insights gained from field data with mathematical models in the search for effective control measures of specific zoonoses. The overriding objective of the research presentations was to create, improve and use the tools essential to address the risk of contagions in a globalized society. In seeking to fulfil this objective, a three‐step approach has often been applied: (i) use cultured cells, model and natural animal hosts and human clinical models to study infection; (ii) combine traditional histopathological and biochemical approaches with functional genomics, proteomics and computational biology; and (iii) obtain signatures of virulence and insights into mechanisms of host defense response, immune evasion and pathogenesis. This meeting review summarizes 39 of the conference presentations and mentions briefly the 16 articles in this Special Supplement, most of which were presented at the conference in earlier versions. The full affiliations of all presenters and many colleagues have been included to facilitate further inquiries from readers.
Diagnostic accuracy of electrophoretic analysis of native or defribrinated plasma using serum as a reference sample
Authors: Errico Giorgia , Giordano Alessia , Paltrinieri Saverio 
Published: September 2012

BackgroundElectrophoretic analysis of plasma may provide inaccurate results unless plasma is defibrinated with ethanol.ObjectiveThe aim of this study, conducted following the Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy (STARD), was to determine whether cellulose acetate (CAE), agarose gel (AGE), and capillary zone (CZE) electrophoresis of native plasma (NP) and defibrinated plasma (DP) provided the same information as serum electrophoretograms.MethodsSerum, NP, and DP electrophoretograms obtained using the 3 methods were examined visually by 3 observers to identify changes in globulin fractions and provide diagnostic interpretations. Using serum analysis as the reference method, sensitivity, specificity, and positive likelihood ratio of NP and DP electrophoretograms to identify abnormal globulin profiles were calculated.ResultsSpecimens from 46 dogs were analyzed. Albumin and α1‐ and γ‐globulin fractions were lower and β2‐globulin fractions higher in NP than in serum and DP. Interpretations of NP electrophoretograms were the same as for serum in 54.8% (CAE), 51.2% (AGE), and 51.6% (CZE), revealed an increased β‐globulin fraction in 32.3–41.5%, and resulted in misinterpretation, especially for CZE analysis, in 4.7–16.1% of the dogs; all dogs with abnormal serum electrophoretograms were identified correctly using NP. Analysis of DP was similar to serum analysis in about 2/3 of the dogs. In the others, defibrination did not resolve spurious plasma findings or induced additional changes. Up to 75 and 27% of NP and DP electrophoretograms, respectively, were abnormal in dogs with normal serum electrophoretograms. Sensitivity for NP and DP analysis was high, but specificity for NP was poor.ConclusionsAnalysis of NP provides the same information as serum analysis in > 50% of cases, and, despite low specificity, could preliminarily exclude the presence of abnormalities when only plasma is available. If electrophoretograms are not normalized by defibrination, electrophoretic abnormalities are likely present, and electrophoresis should be repeated using serum.
Reconnecting Proficiency, Literacy, and Culture: From Theory to Practice
Authors: Warford Mark K. , White William L. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractWhat does it mean to capably communicate across languages? This article introduces two theoretical models and a lesson plan format designed to facilitate the integration of proficiency, literacy, and culture teaching in foreign language teaching. The Second Symbolic Competencies Model configures proficiency and literacy as subordinate clusters of symbolic tools that flow from a cultural core. With regard to the literacy corner of the triad, the Composite Textual Comprehension Model focuses on the often neglected mistransference of learners’ first language and culture in interpreting second language texts. Both models find congruence in the Sociocultural Model Lesson Plan.
Protective effects of captopril in diabetic rats exposed to ischemia/reperfusion renal injury
Authors: Fouad Amr A , Al-Mulhim Abdulruhman S , Jresat Iyad , Morsy Mohamed A 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Objectives
To investigate the potential protective effects of captopril, the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, in diabetic rats exposed to ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) renal injury.

Methods
Following successful induction of diabetes, captopril treatment (50 mg/kg/day, p.o.) was applied for 4 weeks, after which bilateral renal ischaemia was induced for 30 min followed by reperfusion for 24 h.

Results
Captopril significantly attenuated hyperglycaemia and hypoinsulinaemia in diabetic rats, and significantly reduced the elevations of serum creatinine and aldosterone levels, and renal malondialdehyde, tumour necrosis factor-α and nitric oxide (NO), and prevented the depletion of reduced glutathione caused by I/R in diabetic rats. Histopathological renal tissue damage induced by I/R in diabetic rats was ameliorated by captopril treatment. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that captopril significantly attenuated the reduction of insulin content in pancreatic islet β-cells, and decreased the I/R-induced expression of inducible NO synthase, nuclear factor-κB, Fas ligand and caspase-3, and increased the expression of survivin and heme oxygenase-1 in the kidney tissue of diabetic rats.

Conclusions
Captopril represents a potential candidate to reduce the risk of renal injury induced by ischaemia/reperfusion in type 2 diabetes.