bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink: The false promise of virtual water
Authors: Barnes Jessica 
Published: November 2013

The concept of “virtual water,” which represents the volume of water needed to produce a particular quantity of agricultural commodity, has become popular among international water experts. Advocates of the concept argue that trade in virtual water can help even out the imbalances generated by the irregular distribution of water resources around the world – an attempt to make the world conform to an abstract model that some scholars have termed “virtualism”. This paper argues that the concept of virtual water is limited, however, by its reduction of water to a question of crop inputs alone, erasing both the labor of those who channel that water onto their fields and of the water itself as it moves through the landscape. The paper focuses on the case of Egypt, an arid country where water scarcity poses a critical challenge and where water experts are increasingly talking about virtual water as a policy solution. The government’s policy to decrease the area of water-intensive rice cultivation, limit rice exports, and increase rice imports exemplifies a virtual water logic. Yet, I argue, seeing water as being virtually embedded in rice obscures the way in which it washes salts from the soil of rice paddies and maintains soil quality. The fact that water fulfills multiple functions, beyond just that of feeding crops, helps explain why the government’s efforts to implement a policy that makes sense from a virtual water perspective have so far been unsuccessful. The paper concludes that attention to the labor of people and the resources that they mobilize reveals some of the socio-natural elements that may evade, challenge, and defy virtualisms.
Diagnostic value of apparent diffusion coefficient for the accurate assessment and differentiation of intracranial meningiomas
Authors: Bano Shazia , Waraich Mustansar Mahmood , Khan Muhammad Afzal , Buzdar Saeed Ahmad , Manzur Shahid 
Published: November 2013

Background Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) along with the calculation of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), is a novel, non-invasive, and reliable technique of choice for accurate assessment and for the treatment planning of different types of brain tumors. It is more advantageous in the distinction and differentiation of benign from malignant meningiomas on the basis of ADC values. Purpose To investigate the utility of DW magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to compare the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) obtained at two b-values for an authentic and preoperative characterization of meningiomas. Material and Methods Twenty-six patients with clinically diagnosed or histologically verified meningioma (18 benign and 8 malignant) underwent imaging including DWI at 1.5 T. DW images were obtained at b = 1000 s/mm2 and b = 2000 s/mm2, ADC maps were generated at both the b-values. Signal intensities (SIs) and ADCs for solid tumorous tissues, contralateral normal tissues, and peritumoral edema were calculated and normalized ADC (NADC) ratio were determined for tumorous tissues. SI scores, ADC maps, and ADC values were analyzed visually and quantitatively, and were compared at both the b-values. Results DW images at b = 2000 s/mm2 were more conspicuity (either hyperintense or hypointense) with improved contrast. The mean ADC of malignant meningiomas (0.64 ± 0.05 and 0.42 ± 0.03) was significantly lower ( P < 0.05) as compared with benign meningiomas (1.04 ± 0.12 and 0.80 ± 0.07) at both the b-values. Mean NADC ratio in the malignant type was also significantly lower ( P < 0.05) than the benign type at both the b-values. Mean ADC values for peritumoral edema do not differ between benign and malignant meningiomas. Conclusion 1.5-T DWI using high b-values improved our ability to differentiate benign from malignant meningiomas. DWI may play an important role in the preoperative radiological evaluation and the recognition of these types for proper surgical treatment.
Almost contractive coupled mapping in ordered complete metric spaces
Authors: Shatanawi Wasfi , Saadati Reza , Park Choonkil 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
In this paper, we introduce the notion of almost contractive mapping

F
:
X
×
X
→
X

with respect to the mapping

g
:
X
→
X

and establish some existence and uniqueness theorems of a coupled common coincidence point in ordered complete metric spaces. Also, we introduce an example to support our main results. Our results generalize several well-known comparable results in the literature.

MSC:54H25, 47H10, 34B15.
SNP genotyping reveals genetic diversity between cultivated landraces and contemporary varieties of tomato
Authors: Corrado Giandomenico , Piffanelli Pietro , Caramante Martina , Coppola Mariangela , Rao Rosa 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
The tomato (Solanum lycopersium L.) is the most widely grown vegetable in the world. It was domesticated in Latin America and Italy and Spain are considered secondary centers of diversification. This food crop has experienced severe genetic bottlenecks and modern breeding activities have been characterized by trait introgression from wild species and divergence in different market classes.

Results
With the aim to examine patterns of polymorphism, characterize population structure and identify putative loci under positive selection, we genotyped 214 tomato accessions (which include cultivated landraces, commercial varieties and wild relatives) using a custom-made Illumina SNP-panel. Most of the 175 successfully scored SNP loci were found to be polymorphic. Population structure analysis and estimates of genetic differentiation indicated that landraces constitute distinct sub-populations. Furthermore, contemporary varieties could be separated in groups (processing, fresh and cherry) that are consistent with the recent breeding aimed at market-class specialization. In addition, at the 95% confidence level, we identified 30, 34 and 37 loci under positive selection between landraces and each of the groups of commercial variety (cherry, processing and fresh market, respectively). Their number and genomic locations imply the presence of some extended regions with high genetic variation between landraces and contemporary varieties.

Conclusions
Our work provides knowledge concerning the level and distribution of genetic variation within cultivated tomato landraces and increases our understanding of the genetic subdivision of contemporary varieties. The data indicate that adaptation and selection have led to a genomic signature in cultivated landraces and that the subpopulation structure of contemporary varieties is shaped by directed breeding and largely of recent origin. The genomic characterization presented here is an essential step towards a future exploitation of the available tomato genetic resources in research and breeding programs.
Characterization of the Pseudomonas aeruginosametalloendopeptidase, Mep72, a member of the Vfr regulon
Authors: Balyimez Aysegul , Colmer-Hamood Jane A , San Francisco Michael , Hamood Abdul N 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background

Pseudomonas aeruginosa Vfr (the virulence factor regulator) enhances P. aeruginosa virulence by positively regulating the expression of numerous virulence genes. A previous microarray analysis identified numerous genes positively regulated by Vfr in strain PAK, including the yet uncharacterized PA2782 and PA2783.

Results
In this study, we report the detailed characterization of PA2783 in the P. aeruginosa strain PAO1. RT-PCR analysis confirmed that PA2782-PA2783 constitute an operon. A mutation in vfr significantly reduced the expression of both genes. The predicted protein encoded by PA2783 contains a typical leader peptide at its amino terminus end as well as metalloendopeptidase and carbohydrate binding motifs at its amino terminus and carboxy terminus regions, respectively. An in-frame PA2783::phoA fusion encoded a hybrid protein that was exported to the periplasmic space of Escherichia coli and P. aeruginosa. In PAO1, the proteolytic activity of the PA2783-encoded protein was masked by other P. aeruginosa extracellular proteases but an E. coli strain carrying a PA2783 recombinant plasmid produced considerable proteolytic activity. The outer membrane fraction of an E. coli strain in which PA2783 was overexpressed contained specific endopeptidase activity. In the presence of cAMP, purified recombinant Vfr (rVfr) bound to a 98-bp fragment within the PA2782-PA2783 upstream region that carries a putative Vfr consensus sequence. Through a series of electrophoretic mobility shift assays, we localized rVfr binding to a 33-bp fragment that contains part of the Vfr consensus sequence and a 5-bp imperfect (3/5) inverted repeat at its 3′ and 5′ ends (TGGCG-N22-CGCTG). Deletion of either repeat eliminated Vfr binding.

Conclusions

PA2782 and PA2783 constitute an operon whose transcription is positively regulated by Vfr. The expression of PA2783 throughout the growth cycle of P. aeruginosa follows a unique pattern. PA2783 codes for a secreted metalloendopeptidase, which we named Mep72. Mep72, which has metalloendopeptidase and carbohydrate-binding domains, produced proteolytic and endopeptidase activities in E. coli. Vfr directly regulates the expression of the PA2782-mep72 operon by binding to its upstream region. However, unlike other Vfr-targeted genes, Vfr binding does not require an intact Vfr consensus binding sequence.
Morphometric profile of the localised renal tumors managed either by open or robot-assisted nephron-sparing surgery: the impact of scoring systems on the decision making process
Authors: Esen Tarık , Acar Ömer , Musaoğlu Ahmet , Vural Metin 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Nephrometric scoring systems aim to improve the manner in which tumoral complexity is measured and reported. Each system provides a way to objectively measure specific tumor features that influence technical feasibility. In this study we aimed to determine how nephrometric scoring systems tailored our approach to the surgical treatment of localised renal masses.

Methods
Charts of the patients with localised renal tumors, who were managed by either open or robot-assisted nephron-sparing surgery between May 2010 and June 2012, were retrospectively reviewed. Nephrometric scores [radius, exophytic/endophytic, nearness, anterior/posterior, location (R.E.N.A.L.) score, preoperative aspects and dimensions used for anatomic (P.A.D.U.A.) classification and centrality index (C-index)] were calculated based on preoperative imaging findings. Perioperative data were recorded. Morphometric characteristics of the renal masses were compared. Additionally, the difference between surgical alternative subgroups in terms of morphometric variables and the predictive power of each scoring system in determining the details of the surgical plan were investigated. Furthermore, surgical preferences in different nephrometric categories were compared.

Results
Mean R.E.N.A.L. and P.A.D.U.A. scores of the tumors treated with robotic surgery were significantly lower than those managed by open surgery. R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score showed significant differences between most of the surgical alternative subgroups. P.A.D.U.A. and C-index differences were significant only between robotic off-clamp and open clamped cases. Tumors that required open conversion had significantly higher mean R.E.N.A.L. and P.A.D.U.A. score. High R.E.N.A.L. score (cut-off: 6.5) and high P.A.D.U.A. score (cut-off: 7.5) were found to be significant predictors of the surgical route. Significantly more tumors with moderate R.E.N.A.L. score were managed through the open approach, while the significant majority of those with low R.E.N.A.L. and low P.A.D.U.A. score were operated by robotic assistance.

Conclusions
R.E.N.A.L. and P.A.D.U.A. scores influenced our surgical treatment strategy for localized renal masses. High R.E.N.A.L. and P.A.D.U.A. scores increased the likelihood of an open NSS.
Topical Brazilian propolis improves corneal wound healing and inflammation in rats following alkali burns
Authors: Martin Luiz Fernando Taranta , Rocha Eduardo Melani , Garcia Sérgio Britto , Paula Jayter Silva 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the Brazilian Scaptotrigona sp propolis, a widely used folk medicine, in corneal wound healing and inflammation.

Methods
Corneal epithelial defects of 1 mm in diameter were made in the right eyes of Wistar male adult rats by cauterization with silver nitrate sticks. Subsequently, they were divided in two groups (n = 40 rats/group): Brazilian propolis (BP) group was topically treated with a microemulsion containing 1% Brazilian propolis; vehicle (VH) group received the same formulation without propolis. The epithelial defect area was photographed and measured at t = 0 (wound induction), and after 12, 24, 48 and 120 h of treatment. The inflammatory response was evaluated based on counting of neutrophils. Epithelial regeneration rates were determined based on Ki-67 expression in basal epithelial cells. Comparisons were made using the Kruskal-Wallis and the Mann–Whitney U test.

Results
The BP group presented both smaller epithelial defect areas at 12, 24 and 48 h and fewer corneal infiltrating neutrophils at 24 and 48 h (P < 0.01) than the VH group. These effects were associated with more pervasive Ki-67 staining in the BP group at 12 and 24 h (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
Topically applied BP accelerated wound healing and reduced the inflammatory response to silver nitrate-induced corneal alkali burns in rats.
Stereotactic Body radiation therapy for liver tumors with or without rotational intensity modulated radiation therapy
Authors: Nouhaud Elodie , Créhange Gilles , Cueff Adèle , Quivrin Magali , Rouffiac-Thouant Magali , Mineur Laurent , Garcia Robin , Chamois Jérôme , Maingon Philippe 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for primary liver lesions and liver metastases treated with linear accelerators with or without rotational Intensity Modulated RadioTherapy (IMRT).

Methods
Patients with either hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma or metastatic liver lesions who had one to three lesions treated with SBRT in a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Tumor response was evaluated according to EASL criteria 3 months after SBRT completion using MRI and/or abdominal CT scan. Responses were categorised as: Stable Disease (SD), Partial Response (PR), Complete Response (CR), Local Progression or Distant Progression in cases of new intra-hepatic lesions out-of-field or extra-hepatic metastases. Local Control (LC), Progression Free Survival (PFS), Overall Survival (OS) and treatment-related toxicities are reported.

Results
Between 2007 and 2012, 20 patients with a total of 24 lesions were treated with SBRT. Fourteen patients presented hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the others had either metastatic lesions from colorectal cancer (CRC) or cholangiocarcinoma. The median diameter of the lesions was 23 mm (5–98).
The dose per fraction ranged from 6 to 20 Gy with a median total dose of 60 Gy (range: 36–60 Gy). The dose was prescribed to the 80% isodose line covering the PTV.
The median follow-up was 24 months (15.7-29.7).
The actuarial LC rate was 78% for patients with HCC and 83% for those with adenocarcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma. Median OS was 37 months and OS rates were 83% at 12 and 24 months for HCC and 100% for adenocarcinoma. PFS was 54% for HCC and 50% for other types of tumors at 24 months.
Acute grade 3–4 toxicities occurred in 2 patients; a small proportion of the other patients experienced grade 1 or 2 toxicities.

Conclusions
SBRT provides excellent local control with minimal side effects in selected patients.
Remarkable prevalence of coeliac disease in patients with irritable bowel syndrome plus fibromyalgia in comparison with those with isolated irritable bowel syndrome: a case-finding study
Authors: Rodrigo Luis , Blanco Ignacio , Bobes Julio , de Serres Frederick J 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) are two common central sensitization disorders frequently associated in the same patient, and some of these patients with IBS plus FMS (IBS/FMS) could actually be undiagnosed of coeliac disease (CD). The present study was an active case finding for CD in two IBS cohorts, one constituted by IBS/FMS subjects and the other by people with isolated IBS.

Methods
A total of 104 patients (89.4% females) fulfilling the 1990 ACR criteria for FMS and the Rome III criteria for IBS classification and 125 unrelated age- and sex-matched IBS patients without FMS underwent the following studies: haematological, coagulation and biochemistry tests, serological and genetic markers for CD (i.e., tissue transglutaminase 2 (tTG-2) and major histocompatibility complex HLA-DQ2/HLA-DQ8), multiple gastric and duodenal biopsies, FMS tender points (TPs), Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Visual Analogue Scales (VASs) for tiredness and gastrointestinal complaints.

Results
As a whole, IBS/FMS patients scored much worse in quality of life and VAS scores than those with isolated IBS (P < 0.001). Seven subjects (6.7%) from the IBS/FMS group displayed HLA-DQ2/HLA-DQ8 positivity, high tTG-2 serum levels and duodenal villous atrophy, concordant with CD. Interestingly enough, these seven patients were started on a gluten-free diet (GFD), showing a remarkable improvement in their digestive and systemic symptoms on follow-up.

Conclusions
The findings of this screening indicate that a non-negligible percentage of IBS/FMS patients are CD patients, whose symptoms can improve and in whom long-term CD-related complications might possibly be prevented with a strict lifelong GFD.
Mass Loss and Nose Shape Change on Ogive-nose Steel Projectiles During Concrete Penetration
Authors: Wu Hai-Jun , Huang Feng-Lei , Wang Yi-Nan , Duan Zhou-Ping , Shan Yu 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
The mass loss of the nose of projectile is an obvious phenomenon in high-speed penetration into concrete target. The mass loss percentage depends linearly on the impact velocities of projectile according to experimental data fitting results. A semi-empirical model, which can calculate the ogive-nose shape change due to mass loss, is developed in this paper. The modified penetration model shows that the penetration depth is influenced by nose erosion.
Energy Absorption Characteristics of Closed-cell AZ91 Magnesium Alloy Foam
Authors: Chen Li , Zhang Qing-Ming , Liu Chun-Lei , Zhang Xiao-Wei , Long Ren-Rong 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
The energy absorption characteristics of foam materials can be represented by specific energy absorption W, energy absorption efficiency E and ideal energy absorption efficiency I. The influences of strain rate, cell size, relative density and the content of SiC on energy absorption characteristics of magnesium alloy foam were investigated by dynamic compression experiments. The experimental results showed that the cell size of magnesium alloy foam had significant effect on energy absorption characteristics and the strain rate effect of closed-cell AZ91 magnesium with larger cell size was more sensitive, and the strain rate effect was more sensitive to the closed-cell AZ91 magnesium with larger cell size. The energy absorption characteristics could be optimized by adjusting the cell size. Moreover, the influence of relative density on energy absorption characteristics was not significant and high content of SiC particle had unfavorable effect on energy absorption properties of magnesium foam.
Error Estimates of Homogenization Theory
Authors: Song Wei-Dong , Ning Jian-Guo , Wang Jing , Li Jian-Qiao 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Basic assumptions are introduced into a homogenization theory which is described in the form of elliptic differential equations with a small parameter. Homogenization operators are used to solve the equations by asymptotic expansion methods, and error estimates of homogenization solutions are given.
Phraseologie: übersetzerische Entscheidungen zwischen Text und Wörterbuch. Analytische Beobachtungen anhand der deutsch-slowenischen literarischen Übersetzung
Authors: Jesenšek Vida 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Most phrasemes contain varied semantic, stylistic, functionally pragmatic, and text-forming properties. Furthermore, phrasemes also contain additional semantic and pragmatic properties. Hence, they are regarded as complex for the translation process. Their complexity becomes even more evident during literary translation. The relationship between dictionary equivalence and text equivalence within interlingual connections is considered as particularly important. Consequently, it is observed in the present paper. The research is based on recorded instances of translated phrasemes between German as the source language and Slovene as the target language. The paper outlines how original German phrasemes were translated into Slovene, which translation procedures and strategies were applied, and to what extent dictionaries were used during the translation process. It has become evident that contrastive-linguistically defined and lexicographically documented phraseological system equivalence does not sufficiently cater for the active translator. The active translator namely principally seeks functionally pragmatic interlingual equivalence, which has to be determined in compliance with a given context. The analysis has shown many phrasemes to feature specific semantic characteristics. Consequently, the meaning of each phraseme is essentially dependent on context. Meanings of phrasemes vary significantly and can lexicographically be accurately deduced only by taking different contexts into consideration. Requirements for highlighting phraseology in dictionaries appropriately - in order for dictionaries to be applicable as viable translation aids - should therefore be based on the essential semantic characteristics of phrasemes in order to enable the user (translator) to access a vast repository of tentative translation equivalents.
An Alternative Approach to Enlightenment Age Lexicography: The Universal Dictionary of Trade and Commerce
Authors: Tarp Sven , Bothma Theo J.D. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
This article deals with lexicography from the Age of Enlightenment. The idea is not only to understand what was done but also to see if anything relevant to modern lexicography could be retrieved from this historical experience. With this objective, it will have a closer look at a specific eighteenth-century dictionary, viz. Malachy Postlethwayt’s Universal Dictionary of Trade and Commerce, published in four editions between 1751 and 1774. This work is selected because it is one of the most comprehensive and complex specialised dictionaries produced in that era. The article will first place the dictionary in its historical environment. It will then make a detailed study of its very rich content with a view to systematising the various types of lexicographical data included as well as the structures applied to assist the users when navigating through its highly complex pages. The analysis will show the great variety of items which Postlethwayt put into his dictionary in order to meet the multi-facetted needs of a broad group of users. In some aspects, the dictionary displays very advanced features which may even inspire modern lexicography, especially online lexicography. It seems that relevant lexicographical knowledge from the Age of Enlightenment was more or less forgotten due to the predominance of the erroneous idea that dictionaries are books of words and not of “things” as many eighteenth- century lexicographers described their products. The article therefore makes a call to recover the holistic Enlightenment Age vision of lexicography and re-integrate “dictionaries of things” into modern lexicographical theory and practice.