bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Quality Improvement Program to Reduce Unnecessary Referrals for Adolescent Scoliosis
Authors: Vernacchio Louis , Trudell Emily K. , Hresko M. Timothy , Karlin Lawrence I. , Risko Wanessa
Published: February 2013

OBJECTIVE:

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a relatively common reason for referral to orthopedic surgery, but most referred patients do not require bracing or surgery. We developed a quality improvement (QI) program within the Pediatric Physicians’ Organization at Children’s, an independent practice association affiliated with Boston Children’s Hospital, to reduce unnecessary specialty referrals for AIS.

METHODS:

The QI program consisted of physician education, decision support tools available at the point of care, and longitudinal feedback of data on physician referrals for AIS. Referral patterns in the 2-year postintervention period were tracked and compared with those of the 2-year preintervention period. Clinical characteristics of referred patients were compared through claims analysis and chart review.

RESULTS:

Initial visits to orthopedic surgery for AIS declined from 5.1 to 4.1 per 1000 adolescents per year, a reduction of 20.4% (P = .01). Process control chart analysis showed a rapid change in referral patterns after the initiation of the program which was sustained over the 2-year postintervention period and demonstrated that 66 initial and 131 total AIS specialty visits were avoided as a result of the program.

CONCLUSIONS:

A QI program consisting of physician education, decision support available at the point of care, and longitudinal data feedback led to a sustained reduction in unnecessary referrals for AIS. This program can serve as a model for other programs that seek to shift the locus of care from specialists to primary care providers.
Importance of the 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzyme in clinical disorders
Authors: Feldman Karolina , Likó István , Nagy Zsolt , Szappanos Ágnes , Grolmusz Vince Kornél , Tóth Miklós , Rácz Károly , Patócs Attila
Published: February 2013

Glucocorticoids play an important role in the regulation of carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, they modulate the function of the immune system, and contribute to stress response. Increased and decreased production of glucocorticoids causes specific diseases. In addition to systemic hypo- or hypercortisolism, alteration of local synthesis and metabolism of cortisol may result in tissue-specific hypo- or hypercortisolism. One of the key enzymes participating in the local synthesis and metabolism of cortisol is the 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzyme. Two isoforms, type 1 and type 2 enzymes are located in the endoplasmic reticulum and catalyze the interconversion of hormonally active cortisol and inactive cortisone. The type 1 enzyme mainly works as an activator, and it is responsible for the generation of cortisol from cortisone in liver, adipose tissue, brain and bone. The gene encoding this enzyme is located on chromosome 1. The authors review the physiological and pathophysiological processes related to the function of the type 1 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzyme. They summarize the potential significance of polymorphic variants of the enzyme in clinical diseases as well as knowledge related to inhibitors of enzyme activity. Although further studies are still needed, inhibition of the enzyme activity may prove to be an effective tool for the treatment of several diseases such as obesity, osteoporosis and type 2 diabetes. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 283–293.
Hydrogel Composites Containing Carbon Nanobrushes as Tissue Scaffolds
Authors: Marks William H. , Yang Sze C. , Dombi George W. , Bhatia Sujata K.
Published: February 2013

The objective of this work is to examine the feasibility of electrically conductive hydrogel composites as scaffolds in tissue engineering and tissue regeneration, and to understand the properties of the composites as a growth matrix for clinically relevant cell lines. The composite is comprised of carbon nanobrushes embedded in a biocompatible poloxamer gel. This work assesses the ability of such composite gels to support the growth of fibroblasts and myocytes and eventually serve as a matrix to stimulate wound closure. In such a model, fibroblasts and myocytes are seeded on the hydrogel and bathed in culture medium. The experimental model assesses the ability of fibroblasts and myocytes to grow into and adhere to the gel. The work demonstrates that carbon nanobrushes can be dispersed within poloxamer gels, and that fibroblasts and myocytes can proliferate within homogenously dispersed carbon nanobrush-containing poloxamer gels. This work also examines the effects of carbon nanobrush content on the rheological properties of the poloxamer gel matrix and shows an improvement in several areas in the presence of carbon nanobrushes. Future work will examine the effects of design parameters such as carbon nanobrush content and matrix structure on wound healing, as well as the growth of tendons and other cell lines within the hydrogel composites. This work has relevance for tissue and cellular engineering and tissue regeneration in clinical medicine.
The Effects of the Mechanical Properties of the Confinement Material on Electromigration in Metallic Interconnects
Authors: Hau-Riege Stefan P. , Thompson Carl V.
Published: February 2013

New low-dielectric-constant inter-level dielectrics are being investigated as alternatives to SiO2 for future integrated circuits. In general, these materials have very different mechanical properties from SiO2. In the standard model, electromigration-induced stress evolution caused by changes in the number of available lattice sites in interconnects is described by an effective elastic modulus, B. Finite element calculations have been carried out to obtain B as a function of differences in the modulus, E, of interlevel dielectrics, for several stress-free homogeneous dilational strain configurations, for several line aspect ratios, and for different metallization schemes. In contradiction to earlier models, we find that for Cu-based metallization schemes with liners, a decrease in E by nearly two orders of magnitude has a relatively small effect on B, changing it by less than a factor of 2. However, B, and therefore the reliability of Cu interconnects can be strongly dependent on the modulus and thickness of the liner material.
Role of Facial Artery Musculomucosal Flap in Large and Recurrent Palatal Fistulae
Authors: Shetty Rahul , Lamba Shashank , Gupta Ashish Kumar
Published: February 2013

Objective

Palatal fistulas are not uncommon after palatoplasty. Although there are currently many techniques that can be used to close large palatal fistulae, most of these procedures are usually cumbersome and mostly unreliable with high recurrence rates. The facial artery musculomucosal (FAMM) flap was described to circumvent these problems. The purpose of this study was to review our experience with the FAMM flap to reconstruct palatal fistulas, most of them being recurrent.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective analysis was done of 11 FAMM flaps performed between January 2007 and March 2012.

Results

There were no major complications. Venous congestion was seen in two cases. Two flaps developed terminal marginal necrosis. One patient had suture line dehiscence. There were no recurrences of the fistula after repair. All patients had a satisfactory closure of the fistula.

Conclusion

FAMM flap is a reliable and versatile flap that provides like with the like tissue and is a good option for closure of recurrent wide palatal fistulae.
Predicting invertebrate herbivory from plant traits: Polycultures show strong nonadditive effects
Authors: Loranger Jessy , Meyer Sebastian T. , Shipley Bill , Kattge Jens , Loranger Hannah , Roscher Christiane , Wirth Christian , Weisser Wolfgang W.
Published: February 2013

Plant functional traits affect the capacity of herbivores to find, choose, and consume plants. However, in a community composed of different plant species, it is unclear what proportion of herbivory on a focal plant is explained by its own traits and which is explained by the characteristics of the surrounding vegetation (i.e., nonadditive effects). Moreover, nonadditive effects could be positive or negative, and it is not known if they are related to community properties such as diversity. To quantify nonadditive effects, we developed four different additive models based on monoculture herbivory rates or plant traits and combined them with measurements of standing invertebrate herbivore damage along an experimental plant diversity gradient ranging from monocultures to 60‐species mixtures.

In all four models, positive nonadditive effects were detected, i.e., herbivory levels were higher in polycultures than what was expected from monoculture data, and these effects contributed up to 25% of the observed variance in herbivory. Importantly, the nonadditive effects, which were defined as the deviance of the models' predictions from the observed herbivory, were positively correlated with the communities' plant species richness. Consequently, interspecific interactions appear to have an important impact on the levels of herbivory of a community. Identifying those community properties that capture the effects of these interactions is a next important challenge for our understanding of how the environment interacts with plant traits to drive levels of herbivory.
Seedling recruitment factors in low‐diversity Hawaiian wet forest: towards global comparisons among tropical forests
Authors: Inman-Narahari Faith , Ostertag Rebecca , Cordell Susan , Giardina Christian P. , Nelson-Kaula Kehauwealani , Sack Lawren
Published: February 2013

Recruitment limitations determine forest community regeneration patterns. Source limitation and dispersal limitation contribute to overall seed limitation, while environmental conditions and habitat associations influence establishment limitation. Several hypotheses have made contradictory predictions for how the relative importance of these limitations should vary with diversity. However, comparative data have not been available for low‐diversity tropical forests. We quantified recruitment limitations using 2.5 yrs of seed rain and seedling distribution data collected within a 4 ha forest dynamics plot in low‐diversity native‐dominated Hawaiian wet forest. We further quantified seedling irradiance and substrate habitat associations and niche overlap (using Pianka's niche overlap index). Additionally, we compared recruitment limitations and the frequency of seedling habitat associations across forests using the few available published data from sites employing similar field and analytical methods. In Hawaiian wet forest, seed dispersal more strongly limited recruitment than did establishment limitation across species, with 11 of 18 species completely seed limited (i.e., no seeds found). However, the relative importance of limitations varied greatly among species. For the three most abundant species, habitat conditions more strongly limited regeneration than did seed arrival, especially for the dominant canopy species, Metrosideros polymorpha, which was not seed limited. Most species were significantly associated with specific ranges of irradiance and/or substrates. Although habitat associations may indicate niche differentiation, Hawaiian species also showed significant niche overlap. Across the three forests compared, community‐wide mean seed and establishment limitation values were similar, despite wide variation in diversity. However, recruitment limitations differed strongly among species within forests due to species' life‐history differences. While seed limitation in Hawaiian forest was as high as in high‐diversity forests, mechanisms may differ; seed limitation in Hawaii may arise from loss of pollinators and dispersers rather than from a high proportion of rare species as occurs in high‐diversity forests. The strong habitat associations in Hawaiian forest relative to high‐diversity forests supported theoretical expectations that lower species diversity should increase the importance of habitat associations. However, these habitat associations were not linked to niche differentiation in Hawaii. Our findings suggest that high recruitment limitation may facilitate coexistence despite niche overlap in low‐diversity Hawaiian forest.
Water, climate, and social change in a fragile landscape
Authors: Hargrove W. L. , Borrok D. M. , Heyman J. M. , Tweedie C. W. , Ferregut C.
Published: February 2013

We present here and in the companion papers an analysis of sustainability in the Middle Rio Grande region of the U.S.‐Mexico border and propose an interdisciplinary research agenda focused on the coupled human and natural dimensions of water resources sustainability in the face of climate and social change in an international border region. Key threats to water sustainability in the Middle Rio Grande River region include: (1) increasing salinization of surface and ground water, (2) increasing water demand from a growing population in the El Paso/Ciudad Juarez area on top of an already high base demand from irrigated agriculture, (3) water quality impacts from agricultural, municipal, and industrial discharges to the river, (4) changing regional climate that portends increased frequency and intensity of droughts interspersed with more intensive rainfall and flooding events, and (5) disparate water planning and management systems between different states in the U.S. and between the U.S. and Mexico. In addition to these challenges, there is an increasing demand from a significant regional population who is (and has been historically) underserved in terms of access to affordable potable water. To address these challenges to water resources sustainability, we have focused on: (1) the determinants of resilience and transformability in an ecological/social setting on an international border and how they can be measured and predicted; and (2) the drivers of change … what are they (climate, social, etc.) and how are they impacting the coupled human and natural dimensions of water sustainability on the border? To tackle these challenges, we propose a research agenda based on a complex systems approach that focuses on the linkages and feedbacks of the natural, built/managed, and social dimensions of the surface and groundwater budget of the region. The approach that we propose incorporates elements of systems analysis, complexity science, and the use of modeling tools such as scenario planning and back‐casting to link the quantitative with the qualitative. This approach is unique for our region, as are our bi‐national focus and our conceptualization of “water capital”. In particular, the concept of water capital provides the basis for a new interdisciplinary paradigm that integrates social, economic, and natural sectors within a systems framework in order to understand and characterize water resources sustainability. This proposed approach would not only provide a framework for water sustainability decision making for our bi‐national region at the local, state, and federal levels, but could serve as a model for similar border regions and/or international rivers in arid and semi‐arid regions in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Structural Uncertainty Quantification with Immersed Interface Methods
Authors: Ahmadi Mohammad , Christie Mike , Gerritsen Margot
Published: February 2013

History matching with uncertainty quantification has been a topic of great interest over the last 10 years, with many algorithmic approaches developed, and many applications presented. Most of the applications focus on the uncertainty in the petrophysical properties of the reservoir, as that is by far the easiest to parameterise.

There are few papers that address the topic of structural uncertainty quantification, yet that is potentially the biggest component of subsurface uncertainty. The principal problem in accounting for structural uncertainty is the difficulty in parameterising subsurface structures, automatically gridding the reservoir model and ensuring that the grid will simulate in a reasonable time.

This paper presents a new approach to structural uncertainty quantification. We have adapted the immersed interface method from computational mechanics, used to model fluid flow in domains with moving boundaries, to reservoir simulation. The immersed interface method is used with an extended multipoint flux approximation to completely decouple the parameterisation of structural features from their representation on the grid.

Using this new technique, we are easily able to history match a 2D synthetic case where we simultaneously vary the top and bottom surfaces of a reservoir, the location and orientation of faults within the reservoir, and the location and size of pinchouts.
Toward Application of Higher Order Finite Volume Schemes to Porous Media Flow
Authors: Panchadhara Rohan , White Laurent , Trenev Dimitar
Published: February 2013

Multi-phase flow in porous media is governed by a non-linear parabolic equation for the pressure field and degenerate parabolic equations for the saturation fields. Although it is well understood that the pressure and saturation fields vary on different spatial and temporal scales, most conventional reservoir simulators apply the same discretization to both. Substantial computational advantages can be realized by using a coarse mesh, which can effectively capture the pressure variation, but does not provide sufficient accuracy for calculating variations in saturation. Hence, in this paper we investigate the use of higher-order methods to capture the sub-grid fine scale variations in the saturation profiles. Specifically, the moving least squares (MLS) technique [1], which is conceptually similar to multi-point-flux-approximation (MPFA) [2] techniques, is used to approximate higher-order hyperbolic and viscous fluxes in a multi-point fashion for finite-volume methods applied to porous media flow.

The primary focus of this study is to examine the feasibility of higher-order schemes for the purposes of reservoir simulation. To this end, two test cases are considered; (1) 1D strongly hyperbolic tracer flow (2) 2D standard quarter-five spot problem to illustrate the advantages of the MLS scheme over traditional two-point flux approximation (TPFA) [2] schemes. Predictions show that the MLS scheme allows for computation of high-order derivatives of field variables for a Godunov-type approach to hyperbolic problems in an efficient manner. Unlike standard piecewise continuous reconstruction, interpolation of field variables in MLS is continuous across interfaces. This facilitates direct and accurate reconstruction of fluxes of viscous nature. In addition, because the MLS scheme has the desirable attributes of a MPFA scheme, K-orthogonality of the underlying finite-volume mesh is enforced by default.
A Comparison of Various Formulations for Compositional Reservoir Simulation
Authors: Schmall Luiz , Varavei Abdoljalil , Sepehrnoori Kamy
Published: February 2013

Compositional reservoir simulation is a complex task that involves solving a large system of nonlinear equations arising from the discretization of partial differential equations (PDEs) for modeling fluid flow in porous media. In order to solve such a nonlinear system, the unknowns are grouped into primary and secondary variables. Since there are many unknowns in a compositional formulation of fluid flow in a reservoir, there are many approaches for selecting the primary and secondary variables. Such approaches lead to the development of various formulations that have been published in the petroleum literature.

This work aims at comparing various formulations to determine their suitability and assess the efficiency of such formulations for solving different scenarios using equation-of-state compositional reservoir simulations (immiscible gas injection, CO2 injection, and condensate gas production). To accomplish these objectives, several formulations for compositional reservoir simulations presented in the literature were implemented into an in-house reservoir simulator called General Purpose Adaptive Reservoir Simulator (GPAS) and their performances were compared.

As mentioned above, discretization of the governing PDEs leads to a system of nonlinear equations that needs to be linearized leading to a large system of linear equations that must be solved at every time step. In most cases, a variation of Newton’s method is used for linearizing the resulting nonlinear equations. The results of our comparison studies show that depending on the approach used, the number of Newton’s iterations for the resulting system of linear equations varies. As such, this will result in varied performance for the various formulations and case studies used for the simulation of different processes.

There are many papers in the literature that present comparison of different simulators. Although, these comparisons are useful, but in most cases such comparisons do not present various formulations for solving different case studies for compositional reservoir simulations under a common framework. Comparing various formulations under the same framework can lead to a thorough investigation of convergence properties and efficiencies for different formulations. Results of this work suggest that gains in performance, when simulating compositional reservoir simulations, can be obtained by selecting appropriate formulations.
Unstructured Cut-Cell Grids for Modeling Complex Reservoirs
Authors: Mallison Brad , Sword Charles , Viard Thomas , Milliken William , Cheng Amy
Published: February 2013

Effective workflows for translating earth models into simulation models require grids that preserve geologic accuracy, offer flexible resolution control, integrate tightly with upscaling, and can be generated easily. Corner-point grids and pillar-based unstructured grids fail to satisfy these objectives; hence, a truly 3D unstructured approach is required. This paper describes unstructured cut-cell gridding tools that address these needs and improve the integration of our overall reservoir modeling workflows.

The construction of simulation grids begins with the geologic model: a numerical representation of the reservoir structure, stratigraphy, and properties. Our gridding utilizes a geochronological (GeoChron) map from physical coordinates to an unfaulted and unfolded depositional coordinate system. The mapping is represented implicitly on a tetrahedral mesh that conforms to faults, and it facilitates accurate geostatistical modeling of static depositional properties. In the simplest use case, we create an explicit representation of the geologic model as an unstructured polyhedral grid. Away from faults and other discontinuities, the cells are hexahedral, highly orthogonal, and arranged in a structured manner. Geometric cutting operations create general polyhedra adjacent to faults and explicit contact polygons across faults. The conversion of implicit models to explicit grids is conceptually straightforward, but the implementation is nontrivial due to the limitations of finite precision arithmetic and the need to remove small cells formed in the cutting process.

In practice, simulation grids are often constructed at coarser resolutions than earth models. Our implementation of local grid coarsening and refinement exploits the flexibility of unstructured grids to minimize upscaling errors and preserve critical geologic features. Because the simulation grid and the geologic model are constructed using the same mapping, fine cells can be nested exactly inside coarse cells. Therefore, flow-based upscaling can be applied efficiently without resampling onto temporary local grids.

This paper describes algorithms and data structures for constructing, storing, and simulating cut-cell grids. Examples illustrate accurate modeling of normal faults, y-faults, overturned layers, and complex stratigraphy. Flow results, including a field sector model, show the suitability of cut-cell grids for simulation.
Ancient water and sanitation systems – applicability for the contemporary urban developing world
Authors: Bond T. , Roma E. , Foxon K. M. , Templeton M. R. , Buckley C. A.
Published: February 2013

The idea of implementing ancient water and wastewater technologies in the developing world is a persuasive one, since ancient systems had many features which would constitute sustainable and decentralised water and sanitation (WATSAN) provision in contemporary terminology. Latest figures indicate 2.6 billion people do not use improved sanitation and 1.1 billion practise open defecation, thus there is a huge need for sustainable and cost-effective WATSAN facilities, particularly in cities of the developing world. The objective of this study was to discuss and evaluate the applicability of selected ancient WATSAN systems for the contemporary developing world. Selected WATSAN systems in ancient Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, Egypt, Greece, Rome and the Yucatan peninsula are briefly introduced and then discussed in the context of the developing world. One relevant aspect is that public latrines and baths were not only a part of daily life in ancient Rome but also a focal point for socialising. As such they would appear to represent a model of how to promote use and acceptance of modern community toilets and ablution blocks. Although public or community toilets are not classified as improved sanitation by WHO/UNICEF, this is a debatable premise since examples such as Durban, South Africa, illustrate how community toilets continue to represent a WATSAN solution for urban areas with high population density. Meanwhile, given the need for dry sanitation technologies, toilets based on the production of enriched Terra Preta soil have potential applications in urban and rural agriculture and warrant further investigation.
High nitrogen removal rate using ANAMMOX process at short hydraulic retention time
Authors: Casagrande C. G. , Kunz A. , De Prá M. C. , Bressan C. R. , Soares H. M.
Published: February 2013

The anaerobic ammonium oxidation (ANAMMOX) is a chemolithoautotrophic process, which converts NH4+ to N2 using nitrite (NO2−) as the electron acceptor. This process has very high nitrogen removal rates (NRRs) and is an alternative to classical nitrification/denitrification wastewater treatment. In the present work, a strategy for nitrogen removal using ANAMMOX process was tested evaluating their performance when submitted to high loading rates and very short hydraulic retention times (HRTs). An up-flow ANAMMOX column reactor was inoculated with 30% biomass (v v−1) fed from 100 to 200 mg L−1 of total N (NO2−-N + NH4+-N) at 35 °C. After start-up and process stability the maximum NRR in the up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor was 18.3 g-N L−1 d−1 operated at 0.2 h of HRT. FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) analysis and process stoichiometry confirmed that ANAMMOX was the prevalent process for nitrogen removal during the experiments. The results point out that high NRRs can be obtained at very short HRTs using up-flow ANAMMOX column reactor configuration.
Removal of radioactive Cs from gravel conglomerate using water containing air bubbles
Authors: Ueda Yoshikatsu , Tokuda Yomei , Shigeto Fujimura , Nihei Naoto , Oka Toru
Published: February 2013

Remediation of sites contaminated with radioactive material such as Cs is important because of the risk posed to human health. Here, we report the effectiveness of water containing air bubbles with a diameter around 100 nm (nanobubbled water, NB water) for the removal of radioactive Cs. Laboratory experiments confirmed that NB water is more effective than purified water and as effective as water with neutral detergent in the removal of Cs-137 from gravel. Moreover, NB water retains its effectiveness even after storage for 7 d. Finally, NB water produced onsite from tap water was found to be effective for removal of radioactive Cs from gravel conglomerate in Fukushima, Japan.
Quality control considerations for size exclusion chromatography with online ICP-MS: a powerful tool for evaluating the size dependence of metal–organic matter complexation
Authors: McKenzie Erica R. , Young Thomas M.
Published: February 2013

Size exclusion chromatography (SEC), which separates molecules based on molecular volume, can be coupled with online inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to explore size-dependent metal–natural organic matter (NOM) complexation. To make effective use of this analytical dual detector system, the operator should be mindful of quality control measures. Al, Cr, Fe, Se, and Sn all exhibited columnless attenuation, which indicated unintended interactions with system components. Based on signal-to-noise ratio and peak reproducibility between duplicate analyses of environmental samples, consistent peak time and height were observed for Mg, Cl, Mn, Cu, Br, and Pb. Al, V, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, Se, Cd, Sn, and Sb were less consistent overall, but produced consistent measurements in select samples. Ultrafiltering and centrifuging produced similar peak distributions, but glass fiber filtration produced more high molecular weight (MW) peaks. Storage in glass also produced more high MW peaks than did plastic bottles.
Degradation of malachite green by dielectric barrier discharge plasma
Authors: Manoj Kumar Reddy P. , Ramaraju B. , Subrahmanyam Ch.
Published: February 2013

Oxidative decomposition of aqueous organic pollutant malachite green (MG) was studied in a dielectric barrier discharge reactor operated under ambient conditions. Total organic carbon content analysis confirmed the mineralization of the pollutant leading to the formation of carbon dioxide, which was confirmed by an infrared analyzer. Typical results indicated that the degradation rate increases with increasing applied voltage and decreases with increasing concentration. Dye degradation followed first order kinetics. The intermediate products formed during the degradation of MG were identified by a high resolution mass spectrometer (HR-MS) and proposed a plausible mechanism for the mineralization process.
In situ gas fuel production during the treatment of textile wastewater at supercritical conditions
Authors: Kıpçak Ekin , Akgün Mesut
Published: February 2013

Supercritical water gasification has recently received much attention as a potential alternative to energy conversion methods applied to aqueous/non-aqueous biomass sources, industrial wastes or fossil fuels such as coal because of the unique physical properties of water above its critical conditions (i.e. 374.8 °C and 22.1 MPa). This paper presents the results obtained for the hydrothermal gasification of textile wastewater at supercritical conditions. The experiments were carried out at five reaction temperatures (between 450 and 650 °C) and five reaction times (between 30 and 150 s), under a constant pressure of 25 MPa. It was found that the gaseous products contained considerable amounts of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and C1–C4 hydrocarbons, such as methane, ethane, propane and propylene. The maximum amount of the obtained gaseous product was 1.23 mL per mL textile wastewater, at a reaction temperature of 600 °C, with a reaction time of 150 s. At this state, the product comprised 13.02% hydrogen, 38.93% methane, 4.33% ethane, 0.10% propane, 0.01% propylene, 7.97% carbon monoxide, 27.22% carbon dioxide and 8.00% nitrogen. In addition, a 62.88% decrease in the total organic carbon (TOC) content was observed and the color of the wastewater was removed. Moreover, for the hydrothermal decomposition of the textile wastewater, a first-order reaction rate was designated with an activation energy of 50.42 (±2.33) kJ/mol and a pre-exponential factor of 13.29 (±0.41) s−1.
Micropropagation of Dianthus deltoides L. through shoot tip and nodal cuttings culture
Authors: Markovic Marija , Popovic Marija , Vilotic Dragica
Published: February 2013

Micropropagation (shoot tip and nodal cuttings culture) was used for the
rapid propagation of the non-invasive, decorative, native plants of maiden
pink (Dianthus deltoides L.) in order to preserve their genetic diversity. In
vitro culture was successfully established on Murashige and Skoog medium (MS)
using seeds as the initial material. In the shoot multiplication phase, the
explants were cultured on MS medium supplemented with different
concentrations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA).
The highest multiplication rate was achieved on a medium containing 0.1 mgL-1
of BAP and 0.1 mgL-1 of NAA. The rooting was successful on a hormone-free
medium (100%), and the highest percentage of microplant acclimatization (97%)
was recorded in a 4: 1 mixture of peat and sand.
Antiproliferative effects of some medicinal plants on HeLa cells
Authors: Cenic-Milosevic Desanka , Tambur Z. , Bokonjic D. , Ivancajic S. , Stanojkovic Tatjana , Grozdanic Nadja , Juranic Zorica
Published: February 2013

Medicinal plants maintain the health and vitality of individuals, and also
have potential curative effect on various diseases, including cancer. In this
study were investigated the antiproliferative effects of water extracts of
previously obtained ethanolic dry extracts of three different medicinal
plants (Echinacea angustifolia, Salvia officinalis and Melissa officinalis)
on cell lines derived from human cervix adenocarcinoma (HeLa cells). The best
cytotoxic activity (IC50 = 43.52 ?g/ml) on HeLa cell lines was exhibited by
Echinacea angustifolia. The extract of Salvia officinalis also showed a good
cytotoxic activity against HeLa cell lines; the IC50 value was 70.41 ?g/ml.
Melissa officinalis manifested a slightly weaker cytotoxic activity and an
IC50 value of 122.22 ?g/ml.
Changes in expression of GFAP, ApoE and APP mRNA and protein levels in the adult rat brain following cortical injury
Authors: Loncarevic-Vasiljkovic Natasa , Pesic Vesna , Tanic N. , Milanovic Desanka , Mladenovic-Djordjevic Aleksandra , Perovic Milka , Kanazir Selma , Ruzdijic Sabera
Published: February 2013

The recovery period following cortical injury (CI) is characterized by a
dynamic and highly complex interplay between beneficial and detrimental
events. The aim of this study was to examine the expressions of Glial
Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP), Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and Amyloid
Precursor Protein (APP), all of which are involved in brain plasticity and
neurodegeneration. Our results reveal that CI strongly influenced GFAP, ApoE
and APP mRNA expression, as well as GFAP and ApoE protein expression.
Considering the pivotal role of these proteins in the brain, the obtained
results point to their potential contribution in neurodegeneration and
consequent Alzheimer?s disease development.
A comparative study of the removal of lead, cadmium and zinc ions from aqueous solutions by natural and Fe(III)-modified zeolite
Authors: Mihajlovic Marija , Lazarevic Slavica , Jankovic-Castvan Ivona , Jokic Bojan , Janackovic Djordje , Petrovic Rada
Published: February 2013

The main purpose of this research was to explain the differences in the
adsorption mechanisms and adsorption capacities of natural and
Fe(III)-modified zeolite for Pb2+, Zn2+ and Cd2+ ions. The adsorbents were
characterized with respect to their phase composition, morphology, specific
surface area, cation exchange capacity and point of zero charge. Batch
adsorption experiments were performed as a function of the initial ion
concentration and temperature, at constant initial pH value of 5.5 ? 0.1. The
adsorption isotherms at 25, 40, 55 and 70?C suggest that the sequence of
adsorption efficiency of both zeolites is Pb2+ > Zn2+ > Cd2+. The adsorption
capacities of both zeolites increased with increasing temperature. The
equilibrium adsorption data were best described by the Langmuir adsorption
isotherm. This study revealed that the adsorption capacity of the
Fe(III)-modified zeolite is much higher than that of natural zeolite for all
investigated ions owing to the higher: specific adsorption caused by the new
functional groups formed on the zeolite surface; ion exchange due to the
presence of easily exchangeable ions; and hydroxide precipitation caused by
higher point of zero charge of the Fe(III)-modified zeolite compared to
natural zeolite.
Testing sunflower inbred lines for tolerance to Phoma black stem
Authors: Dedic Bosko
Published: February 2013

Phoma black stem is caused by a widespread pathogen Phoma macdonaldii
Boerema. The disease occurs regularly, causing damage by early defoliation
and premature ripening. Complete resistance of sunflower to this disease has
never been found, but there are reports of differences in response by
different genotypes. Fifty-four new inbred lines were tested in our trials
conducted at the Rimski Sancevi experimental field. Plants in one trial were
non-irrigated, and irrigated in another. Sunflower plants were artificially
inoculated with mycelial plugs in the bud stage. The length of stem lesions
was measured and compared using an analysis of variance. Disease intensity
was generally more severe in the nonirrigated field. There were significant
differences in tolerance to Phoma black stem among the tested lines in both
trials. The percentage of tolerant genotypes was 1.8%.
Antifeeding activity of several plant extracts against Lymantria dispar L. (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) larvae
Authors: Gvozdenac Sonja , Indjic Dusanka , Vukovic Slavica , Grahovac Mila , Tanaskovic Snezana
Published: February 2013

Lymantria dispar L. is the most devastating polyphagous pest of deciduous
forests, orchards and urban greenery. To prevent damages that L. dispar
larvae cause in forestry, agriculture and horticulture, mechanical measures
and the use of biological insecticides are the most frequently applied
practices. However, the use of conventional insecticides is inevitable in
crop protection and forest management on smaller areas, especially in
gradation years. However, inadequate use of these chemicals has led to
disturbance of biocoenotic balance, outbreaks of some previously less harmful
organisms and pesticide residues in soil and watercourses in some regions. To
mitigate these consequences it is necessary to harmonize L. dispar control
with integrated management principles by applying selective and less toxic
insecticides. Therefore, the potential of botanical insecticides and
antifeeding substances is gaining in importance. The aim of this study was to
assess the influence of ethanol extracts (1, 2 and 5%) of Ambrosia
artemisiifolia L., Erigeron canadensis L., Daucus carota L., Morus alba L.
and Aesculus hippocastanum L. on the feeding intensity of L. dispar larvae,
i.e. to evaluate their antifeeding activity under the conditions of
?no-choice? test. Ten larvae per repetition were placed in Petri dishes and
offered oak leaf slices (2 x 9 cm2/repetition) previously dipped in plant
extract or ethanol (1, 2, and 5%) for the control. Feeding intensity,
expressed as a percentage of consumed leaf area (%), was measured after 48 h.
For assessing the antifeeding activity of plant extracts AFI was calculated
and the extracts were classified according to scale: no antifeeding activity,
slight antifeeding activity, moderate antifeeding activity and strong
antifeeding activity. Data were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA and Duncan`s
multiple range test. The results indicate that plant species, i.e. the origin
of extracts, had a significant influence on the feeding intensity of L.
dispar larvae, while concentration and interaction (plant species x
concentration) were not factors of influence. Ae. hippocastanum and M. alba
extracts significantly reduced the consumed leaf area (6.24, 18.93%,
respectively), compared to the control (97.59%), while the extract of D.
carota had a phagostimulative effect (98.88%). Based on AFI values, Ae.
hippocastanum extract (87.10-89.05%) had a strong antifeeding activity, and
M. alba medium-to-strong (64.33-71.37%).
Greenhouse and field evaluation of two biopesticides against Tetranychus urticae and Panonychus ulmi (Acari: Tetranychidae)
Authors: Marcic Dejan , Prijovic Mirjana , Drobnjakovic Tanja , Medjo Irena , Peric Pantelija , Milenkovic Slobodan
Published: February 2013

The mycopesticide Naturalis (based on Beauveria bassiana strain ATCC 74040)
and botanical pesticide Kingbo (based on oxymatrine, an alkaloid from Sophora
flavescens, a traditional Chinese herb) were tested against the two-spotted
spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) on greenhouse vegetables and the European
red mite (Panonychus ulmi) on apples. These biopesticide products were
applied twice at 5-day interval and concentrations of 0.1% and 0.2%, and
their effectiveness was compared to abamectin-based products and the
synthetic acaricides acrinathrin and spirodiclofen, applied once at their
recommended rates. The mycopesticide Naturalis, applied at 0.1% concentration
against T. urticae on cucumber, reduced mite population density by 85-86%,
achieving 91-93% efficacy. In a trial on tomato, efficacy reached some 96%,
while population density was reduced by 93%. In a field trial on apple,
Naturalis demonstrated an increasing and long-lasting effectiveness against
the summer population of P. ulmi of nearly 100%, and population reduction was
achieved in assessments 30 days after the first treatment. Naturalis applied
at a double rate achieved a somewhat better effect but only in the first
trial. The botanical pesticide Kingbo, applied at 0.1% concentration,
demonstrated very high control efficacy (?98%) and population density
reduction (?96%) of T. urticae in both trials. A high and long-lasting
effectiveness of this bioacaricide was also achieved in a trial on P. ulmi.
Its concentration of 0.2% achieved similar effect. The results in these
trials indicate that applications of the mycopesticide Naturalis and the
botanical pesticide Kingbo can provide effective control of T. urticae on
cucumber and tomato grown in greenhouses, as well as P. ulmi on apple.
Application of liquid chromatography with diode-array detector for determination of acetamiprid and 6-chloronicotinic acid residues in sweet cherry samples
Authors: Lazic Sanja , Sunjka Dragana , Grahovac Nada , Guzsvány Valéria , Bagi Ferenc , Budakov Dragana
Published: February 2013

A rapid and simple method for simultaneous determination of acetamiprid and
its metabolite 6-chloronicotinic acid in sweet cherry samples has been
developed. This residue analysis method is based on the reversed phase
separation on C18 column with gradient elution. Analytes? determination and
quantification were performed by high performance liquid chromatography
(HPLC) with diode-array detector and chromatograms were extracted at 230 nm.
Extraction efficiency experiments demonstrated the ability of this method to
extract neonicotinoids from sweet cherry samples. These insecticides were
extracted with a mixture of acetonitril/0.1N ammonium-chloride (8/2, v/v).
The average recoveries of acetamiprid and 6-chlornicotinic acid from sweet
cherry samples were in the range of 95-101% and 73-83%, respectively, with
the associated relative standard deviations (RSDs) <5%. Expanded measurement
uncertainties for the analyzed compounds were 2.7 and 3.01%. The limit of
quantification (LOQ) was 10 ?g/kg and 30 ?g/kg for acetamiprid and
6-chloronicotinic acid, respectively. Thus, the developed HPLC/DAD method can
be considered a useful tool for sensitive and rapid determination of
acetamiprid and 6-chloronicotinic acid. Hence, the method may find further
application in the analysis of real sweet cherry samples contaminated with
these insecticides at a ppb level.
Protective effects of dietary fibre against manganese-induced neurobehavioral aberrations in rats
Authors: Shi Xiu-Quan , Yan Wei , Wang Ke-Yue , Fan Qi-Yuan , Zou Yan
Published: February 2013

We tested the hypothesis that dietary fi bre (DF) has protective effects against manganese (Mn)-induced neurotoxicity. Forty-eight one-month old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups: control, 16 % DF, Mn (50 mg kg-1 body weight), Mn+ 4 % DF, Mn+ 8 % DF, and Mn+ 16 % DF. After oral administration of Mn (as MnCl2) by intragastric tube during one month, we determined Mn concentrations in the blood, liver, cerebral cortex, and stool and tested neurobehavioral functions. Administration of Mn was associated with increased Mn concentration in the blood, liver, and cerebral cortex and increased Mn excretion in the stool. Aberrations in neurobehavioral performance included increases in escape latency and number of errors and decrease in step-down latency. Irrespective of the applied dose, the addition of DF in forage decreased tissue Mn concentrations and increased Mn excretion rate in the stool by 20 % to 35 %. All neurobehavioral aberrations were also improved. Our fi ndings show that oral exposure to Mn may cause neurobehavioral abnormalities in adult rats that could be effi ciently alleviated by concomitant supplementation of DF in animal feed.
Glutathione Conjugates of Ochratoxin a as Biomarkers of Exposure / Glutationski Konjugati Okratoksina A Kao Biomarkeri Izloženosti
Authors: Tozlovanu Mariana , Canadas Delphine , Pfohl-Leszkowicz Annie , Frenette Christine , Paugh Robert J. , Manderville Richard A.
Published: February 2013

In the present study the photoreactivity of the fungal carcinogen ochratoxin A (OTA) has been utilised to generate authentic samples of reduced glutathione (GSH) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) conjugates of the parent toxin. These conjugates, along with the nontoxic OTα, which is generated through hydrolysis of the amide bond of OTA by carboxypeptidase A, were utilised as biomarkers to study the metabolism of OTA in the liver and kidney of male and female Dark Agouti rats. Male rats are more susceptible than female rats to OTA carcinogenesis with the kidney being the target organ. Our studies show that the distribution of OTA in male and female rat kidney is not significantly different. However, the extent of OTA metabolism was greater in male than female rats. Much higher levels of OTα were detected in the liver compared to the kidney, and formation of OTα is a detoxification pathway for OTA. These findings suggest that differences in metabolism between male and female rats could provide an explanation for the higher sensitivity of male rats to OTA toxicity
Chronic effects of environmental biomass smoke on lung histopathology in turkish non-smoking women: a case series
Authors: Gunbatar Hulya , Sertogullarindan Bunyamin , Ozbay Bulent , Avcu Serhat , Bulut Gulay , Kosem Mustafa
Published: February 2013

Biomass is widely used for fuel in developing countries. Particles and gases of biomass burning may cause changes in the lung. In this prospective study we investigated histopathological changes in the lungs of 42 non-smoking women [mean age (59±10) years] caused by biomass smoke. We valuated exposure to biomass smoke, case histories, and the fi ndings of physical examination, radiology, bronchoscopy, and lung histopathology. Mean exposure to biomass smoke was (28±9) hour-year (1 hour-year equals 365 hours of exposure per year with average exposure of 1 hour a day). The radiological fi ndings were mass (42 %), reticulonodular opacities (31 %), mediastinal lymphadenopathy (26 %), pleuro-parenchymal fi brotic banding (19 %), widening of the pulmonary artery (14 %), ground glass (11 %), mosaic perfusion (9 %), consolidation (9 %), segmental or subsegmental atelectasis (7 %), and bronchiectasis (7 %). The patients were diagnosed with lung cancer (35 %), interstitial lung disease (31 %), sarcoidosis (9 %), tuberculosis (9 %), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (4 %), chronic bronchitis (9 %), and metastasis (4 %). Bronchoscopy showed pilies, oedema, erythema, bronchus narrowing, endobronchial tumour, mucosal irregularity, increased vascularisation, blue-black anthracotic plaques, mucosal oedema, and purulent secretion. Transbronchial biopsies revealed neutrophil and lymphocyte leucocytes in the perivascular, peribronchiolar, and interalveolar septa, slightly enlarged connective tissue, thickening of the basal membrane, thickening of interalveolar septa, intimal and medial thickening of the vascular wall and vascular lumen narrowing, anthracosis between the cells and in the bronchiole epithelium. These fi ndings confi rm that biomass smoke has important toxic effects on the lung parenchyma, interstitium, and pulmonary vessels that may result in malignancies.