bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aesthetic Diversities in Acting Training
Authors: Freeman Barry , McLean Alex , Mroz Daniel , Norris Sonia , Wells Ker , Yamamoto Maiko Bae
Published: October 2014

How do we understand “diversities” in aesthetic styles to be manifest in current acting training institutions? Barry Freeman (moderator), Alex McLean, Daniel Mroz, Sonia Norris, Ker Wells, and Maiko Bae Yamamoto discuss issues around the development of theatre makers, the growing tendency of graduates to form companies immediately upon leaving training, the elusive questions of physical and intellectual rigour required for the development of original work, and the perceived conflicts between conventional and devised training.
Cultural Diversities in Acting Training
Authors: Aquino Nina Lee , Greyeyes Michael , King Alanis , Ouchi Mieko , Pierre Joseph Jomo , Youssef Marcus
Published: October 2014

What are the pressing issues around questions of ethnic and cultural diversities in acting training today? Nina Lee Aquino (moderator), Michael Greyeyes, Alanis King, Mieko Ouchi, Joseph Jomo Pierre, and Marcus Youssef discuss key issues around the ethics and politics of representations of ethnicity in the context of a former settler-invader colony, the ways in which the canon reinscribes dominant and generally Euro-centric norms around casting, intersections of patriarchy and racism in training situations, intersections of racism and class in training situations, and potential solutions to training situations that disadvantage students of colour.
Cerebrospinal fluid disturbances after 381 consecutive craniotomies for intracranial tumors in pediatric patients
Authors: Hosainey Sayied Abdol Mohieb , Lassen Benjamin , Helseth Eirik , Meling Torstein R.
Published: October 2014

Object

The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of CSF disturbances before and after intracranial surgery for pediatric brain tumors in a large, contemporary, single-institution consecutive series.

Methods

All pediatric patients (those < 18 years old), from a well-defined population of 3.0 million inhabitants, who underwent craniotomies for intracranial tumors at Oslo University Hospital in Rikshospitalet between 2000 and 2010 were included. The patients were identified from the authors' prospectively collected database. A thorough review of all medical charts was performed to validate all the database data.

Results

Included in the study were 381 consecutive craniotomies, performed on 302 patients (50.1% male, 49.9% female). The mean age of the patients in the study was 8.63 years (range 0–17.98 years). The follow-up rate was 100%. Primary craniotomies were performed in 282 cases (74%), while 99 cases (26%) were secondary craniotomies. Tumors were located supratentorially in 249 cases (65.3%), in the posterior fossa in 105 (27.6%), and in the brainstem/diencephalon in 27 (7.1%). The surgical approach was supratentorial in 260 cases (68.2%) and infratentorial in 121 (31.8%). Preoperative hydrocephalus was found in 124 cases (32.5%), and 71 (86.6%) of 82 achieved complete cure with tumor resection only. New-onset postoperative hydrocephalus was observed in 9 (3.5%) of 257 cases. The rate of postoperative CSF leaks was 6.3%.

Conclusions

Preoperative hydrocephalus was found in 32.5% of pediatric patients with brain tumors treated using craniotomies. Tumor resection alone cured preoperative hydrocephalus in 86.6% of cases and the incidence of new-onset hydrocephalus after craniotomy was only 3.5%.
Endoscopic disconnection of hypothalamic hamartomas: safety and feasibility of robot-assisted, thulium laser–based procedures
Authors: Calisto Amedeo , Dorfmüller Georg , Fohlen Martine , Bulteau Christine , Conti Alfredo , Delalande Olivier
Published: October 2014

Object

Hypothalamic hamartomas (HH) may induce drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), thereby requiring surgical treatment. Conventionally, treatment is aimed at removing the lesion, but a disconnection procedure has been shown to be safer and at least as effective. The thulium laser (Revolix) has been recently introduced in urological endoscopy because of its ability to deliver a smooth cut with good control of the extent of tissue damage. The authors sought to analyze the safety and efficacy of the thulium 2-μm laser applied through navigated, robot-assisted endoscopy in disconnection surgery for HHs.

Methods

Twenty patients with HH who were drug resistant were treated during a 12-month period. Conventional disconnection by monopolar coagulation (endoscopic electrode) was performed in 13 patients, and thulium laser disconnection was performed in the remaining 7 patients. The endoscope was inserted into the ventricle contralateral to the attachment of the HH on the third ventricular wall. Results in terms of safety, efficacy, and ease of use of the instrument were analyzed.

Results

All 20 patients achieved a satisfactory postoperative Engel score (Classes I–III). At 12 months, the Engel class was I or II in 8 of 13 patients (61.5%) who underwent monopolar coagulation and in 6 of 7 patients (85.7%) who underwent laser disconnection (p = 0.04). Seven of 13 patients (53.8%) who underwent monopolar coagulator disconnection and 2 of 7 patients (28.6%) who underwent laser disconnection had immediate postoperative complications. At the 3-month follow-up, only 2 patients (15.4%) treated by coagulation still experienced mild surgery-related recent memory deficits. No complications persisted at the 12-month follow-up.

Conclusions

The disconnection procedure is a safe and effective treatment strategy to treat drug-resistant epilepsy in patients with HHs. With the limitations of initial experience and a short-term follow-up, it appears that the thulium 2-μm laser has the technical features to replace the standard coagulation in this procedure.
Deep brain stimulation for the treatment of childhood dystonic cerebral palsy
Authors: Keen Joseph R. , Przekop Allison , Olaya Joffre E. , Zouros Alexander , Hsu Frank P. K.
Published: October 2014

Object

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) for dystonic cerebral palsy (CP) has rarely been reported, and its efficacy, though modest when compared with that for primary dystonia, remains unclear, especially in the pediatric population. The authors present a small series of children with dystonic CP who underwent bilateral pallidal DBS, to evaluate the treatment's efficacy and safety in the pediatric dystonic CP population.

Methods

The authors conducted a retrospective review of patients (under the age of 18 years) with dystonic CP who had undergone DBS of the bilateral globus pallidus internus between 2010 and 2012. Two of the authors independently assessed outcomes using the Barry-Albright Dystonia Scale (BADS) and the Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale–movement (BFMDRS-M).

Results

Five children were diagnosed with dystonic CP due to insults occurring before the age of 1 year. Mean age at surgery was 11 years (range 8–17 years), and the mean follow-up was 26.6 months (range 2–42 months). The mean target position was 20.6 mm lateral to the midcommissural point. The mean preoperative and postoperative BADS scores were 23.8 ± 4.9 (range 18.5–29.0) and 20.0 ± 5.5 (range 14.5–28.0), respectively, with a mean overall percent improvement of 16.0% (p = 0.14). The mean preoperative and postoperative BFMDRS-M scores were 73.3 ± 26.6 (range 38.5–102.0) and 52.4 ± 21.5 (range 34.0–80.0), respectively, with a mean overall percent improvement of 28.5% (p = 0.10). Those stimulated at least 23 months (4 patients) improved 18.3% (p = 0.14) on the BADS and 30.5% (p = 0.07) on the BFMDRS-M. The percentage improvement per body region yielded conflicting results between rating scales; however, BFMDRS-M scores for speech showed some of the greatest improvements. Two patients required hardware removal (1 complete system, 1 unilateral electrode) within 4 months after implantation because of infections that resolved with antibiotics.

Conclusions

All postoperative dystonia rating scale scores improved with pallidal stimulation, and the greatest improvements occurred in those stimulated the longest. The results were modest but comparable to findings in other similar series. Deep brain stimulation remains a viable treatment option for childhood dystonic CP, although young children may have an increased risk of infection. Of particular note, improvements in the BFMDRS-M subscores for speech were comparable to those for other muscle groups, a finding not previously reported.
The Nationwide Inpatient Sample database does not accurately reflect surgical indications for fusion
Authors: Gologorsky Yakov , Knightly John J. , Chi John H. , Groff Michael W.
Published: October 2014

Object

The rates of lumbar spinal fusion operations have increased dramatically over the past 2 decades, and several studies based on administrative databases such as the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) have suggested that the greatest rise is in the general categories of degenerative disc disease and disc herniation, neither of which is a well-accepted indication for lumbar fusion. The administrative databases classify cases with the International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM). The ICD-9-CM discharge codes are not generated by surgeons but rather are assigned by trained hospital medical coders. It is unclear how accurately they capture the surgeon's indication for fusion. The authors sought to compare the ICD-9-CM code(s) assigned by the medical coder to the surgeon's indication based on a review of the medical chart.

Methods

A retrospective review was undertaken of all lumbar fusions performed at our institution by the department of neurosurgery between 8/1/2011 and 8/31/2013. Based on the authors' review, the indication for fusion for each case was categorized as spondylolisthesis, deformity, tumor, infection, nonpathological fracture, pseudarthrosis, adjacent-level degeneration, stenosis, degenerative disc pathology, or disc herniation. These surgeon diagnoses were compared with the primary ICD-9-CM codes that were submitted to administrative databases.

Results

There were 178 lumbar fusion operations performed for 170 hospital admissions. There were 44 hospitalizations in which fusion was performed for tumor, infection, or nonpathological fracture; the remaining 126 were for degenerative diagnoses. For these degenerative cases, the primary ICD-9-CM diagnosis matched the surgeon's diagnosis in only 61 of 126 degenerative cases (48.4%). When both the primary and all secondary ICD-9-CM diagnoses were considered, the indication for fusion was identified in 100 of 126 cases (79.4%).

Conclusions

Characterizing indications for fusion based solely on primary ICD-9-CM codes extracted from large administrative databases does not accurately reflect the surgeon's indication. While these databases may accurately describe national rates of lumbar fusion surgery, the lack of fidelity in the source codes limits their role in accurately identifying indications for surgery. Studying relationships among indications, complications, and outcomes stratified solely by ICD-9-CM codes is not well founded.
Analysis of the growth pattern of a dermoid cyst
Authors: Fanous Andrew A. , Gupta Puneet , Li Veetai
Published: October 2014

Dermoid cysts are rare lesions of the CNS with a slow rate of growth. For this reason, they are rarely discovered during infancy. Although benign, these cysts may be associated with devastating complications due to mass effect or meningitis. The discovery of completely asymptomatic dermoid cysts in the pediatric population is exceedingly rare; however, correct and prompt diagnosis is crucial for early surgical treatment to minimize morbidity and mortality. The authors report the unique case of a posterior fossa dermoid cyst discovered in a 5-month-old girl and monitored for 2.5 years with serial imaging studies before performing a resection. The imaging characteristics of dermoid cysts are reviewed, and the challenges associated with the radiographic diagnosis of such lesions are discussed. Analyzing the growth of this particular cyst on MRI allowed comment, for the first time to the authors' knowledge, regarding the growth rate of dermoid cysts. Unlike true tumors, which grow in an exponential pattern, the dermoid cyst in the reported case exhibited a linear growth pattern. The increase in volume followed the classic appearance of a cuboid sequence, which is also consistent with linear growth in all 3 dimensions.
Does patient ethnicity affect site of craniosynostosis?
Authors: Anderson Ian A. , Goomany Anand , Bonthron David T. , Bellew Maggie , Liddington Mark I. , Smith Ian M. , Russell John L. , Carter Lachlan M. , Guruswamy Velupandian , Goodden John R. , Chumas Paul D.
Published: October 2014

Object

There are no published papers examining the role of ethnicity on suture involvement in nonsyndromic craniosynostosis. The authors sought to examine whether there is a significant difference in the epidemiological pattern of suture(s) affected between different ethnic groups attending a regional craniofacial clinic with a diagnosis of nonsyndromic craniosynostosis.

Methods

A 5-year retrospective case-notes analysis of all cases involving patients attending a regional craniofacial clinic was undertaken. Cases were coded for the patients' declared ethnicity, suture(s) affected by synostosis, and the decision whether to have surgical correction of synostosis. The chi-square test was used to determine whether there were any differences in site of suture affected between ethnic groups.

Results

A total of 312 cases were identified. Of these 312 cases, ethnicity data were available for 296 cases (95%). The patient population was dominated by 2 ethnic groups: white patients (222 cases) and Asian patients (56 cases). There were both more cases of complex synostosis and fewer cases of sagittal synostosis than expected in the Asian patient cohort (χ2 = 9.217, p = 0.027).

Conclusions

There is a statistically significant difference in the prevalence of the various sutures affected within the nonsyndromic craniosynostosis patient cohort when Asian patients are compared with white patients. The data from this study also suggest that nonsyndromic craniosynostosis is more prevalent in the Asian community than in the white community, although there may be inaccuracies in the estimates of the background population data. A larger-scale, multinational analysis is needed to further evaluate the relationship between ethnicity and nonsyndromic craniosynostosis.
Clinical outcomes and fusion rates following anterior lumbar interbody fusion with bone graft substitute i-FACTOR, an anorganic bone matrix/P-15 composite
Authors: Mobbs Ralph J. , Maharaj Monish , Rao Prashanth J.
Published: October 2014

Object

Despite limited availability and the morbidity associated with autologous iliac crest bone graft (ICBG), its use in anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) procedures remains the gold standard to achieve arthrodesis. The search for alternative grafts yielding comparable or superior fusion outcomes with fewer complications continues. In particular, i-FACTOR, a novel bone graft substitute composed of anorganic bone matrix (ABM) with P-15 small peptide, is one example currently used widely in the dental community. Although preclinical studies have documented its usefulness, the role of i-FACTOR in ALIF procedures remains unknown.

The authors' goal was to determine the safety and efficacy of i-FACTOR bone graft composite used in patients who underwent ALIF by evaluating fusion rates and clinical outcomes.

Methods

A nonblinded cohort of patients who were all referred to a single surgeon's practice was prospectively studied. One hundred ten patients with degenerative spinal disease underwent single or multilevel ALIF using the ABM/P-15 bone graft composite with a mean of 24 months (minimum 15 months) of follow-up were enrolled in the study. Patient's clinical outcomes were assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index for low-back pain, the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey, Odom's criteria, and a visual analog scale for pain. Fine-cut CT scans were used to evaluate the progression to fusion.

Results

All patients who received i-FACTOR demonstrated radiographic evidence of bony induction and early incorporation of bone graft. At a mean of 24 months of follow-up (range 15–43 months), 97.5%, 81%, and 100% of patients, respectively, who had undergone single-, double-, and triple-level surgery exhibited fusion at all treated levels. The clinical outcomes demonstrated a statistically significant (p < 0.05) difference between preoperative and postoperative Oswestry Disability Index, 12-Item Short Form Health Survey, and visual analog scores.

Conclusions

The use of i-FACTOR bone graft substitute demonstrates promising results for facilitating successful fusion and improving clinical outcomes in patients who undergo ALIF surgery for degenerative spinal pathologies.
Age and Sex Related Changes in Weight of the Whole brain: a Postmortem Study
Authors: Fatema Kanij , Ara Shamim , Rahman Mushfika , Afroz Halima
Published: October 2014

Objective: Brain weight varies with age and gender. It decreases with age and also in many diseases. This cross-sectional analytical type of study was carried out to establish normal standard in different age groups in weight of the brain and to see the difference between sexes of adult Bangladeshi people. Materials and Methods: A total of 70 postmortem human brains of adult age groups ranging from 22-58 years in male and 22-48 years in female were collected from the unclaimed dead bodies during postmortem at the autopsy laboratory in the Department of Forensic Medicine, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, from January 2010 to December 2010. The samples were divided into four different age groups i.e. Group A (20-29 years), Group B (30-39 years), Group C (40-49 years) and Group D (50-59 years). The weight of the whole brain was measured and significant differences in weight of the whole brain between different age groups and between male and female were determined.Results: In male highest value of weight was 1326.67±41.53 gm in group A and lowest one was 1281.6±40.21 gm in group D. These values of female were 1235.56±48.51 gm in group A and 1197.14±38.61 gm in group C. Significant differences were found in mean weight of the whole brain in male and female in group A (p=0.001), B (p=0.001) and C (p=0.001). The difference of mean weight in different age groups was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The weight of the brain is higher in male than in female and it decreases with age. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i4.20554 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(4) 2014 p.396-400
An educational intervention program on knowledge about oral hygiene measures
Authors: Karim Farzana , Begum Jahanara
Published: October 2014

Background: Health education is a process of transmission of knowledge and skills necessary for improvement in quality of life. Objectives: The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to evaluate the oral hygiene related knowledge among the population in a selected community before and after health education. Materials and Methods: A total of 106 respondents were taken purposively at South Pirerbag of Dhaka city. Baseline data were collected by pre-tested structured questionnaire. An educational intervention program was conducted by dividing the respondents into seven groups, 15 in each group; method was group discussion and lecture; poster, model of teeth and brush were the aids. Post intervention data were collected by the same questionnaire. Results: Among the respondents, 61.32% were male and 38.68% were female, mean age was 46.25 years, 35.85% had primary level education, monthly family income was Tk 5000-10000 in 66.98%. Before intervention 64.15% told that teeth should be cleaned twice daily, 62.26% told teeth should be cleaned by brush and paste and 2.83% told teeth should be cleaned after breakfast and night; whereas after intervention the result was 91.51%, 85.85% and 67.93% respectively. Before intervention 66.98% stated that tobacco is hazardous to health but 32.4% have no idea about the type of diseases that occur due to tobacco; whereas after intervention 89.62% told that tobacco is hazardous to health and most of them had idea about harmful effect of tobacco. Conclusion: Educational intervention program is effective to improve the knowledge of the respondents about oral hygiene. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i4.20589 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(4) 2014 p.421-426
Ethnic Cleansing and the Bible: A Moral Critique
Authors: Prior Michael
Published: October 2014

Even for secular Zionists, Jewish claims to exclusive title to ‘the land of Israel’ rest on the Bible. Although Political Zionism was an assault on Judaism, its settlement policy today has no more ardent supporters than Religious Zionists. The Bible salves whatever pangs of conscience they might have about the expulsion of the Palestinians: normal rules of morality are suspended, and ethnic cleansing is applauded. However, the Bible's land traditions pose fundamental moral questions, relating both to their content—they mandate the ethnic cleansing of Canaan—and to the ways they have been deployed in favour of various colonial enterprises, including Zionism. Nevertheless, neither has been sufficient to bother the biblical academy to the point of critical opposition. Academics have an ethical responsibility, and are accountable to a wider public. This essay proposes that a moral exegesis of the Bible and an ethical evaluation of its interpretation, not least as it refers to the Holy Land, is indispensable today.
The Binational Idea in Palestine and Israel: Historical Roots and Contemporary Debate
Authors: Ghanem As'ad
Published: October 2014

This article deals with the question of binationality in the Israeli Jewish–Palestinian framework in Israel/Palestine. The first part presents the relevant theoretical background, and the second sets forth the guidelines which lead one to think that the binational concept in Israel/Palestine is the only possible solution. The third part discusses the historical roots for the progress of the idea in Jewish and Palestinian thought. The fourth enumerates the forces preventing a separation between Israel and the West Bank and Gaza Strip, leading to the need to consider a solution based on establishing a common political framework. The fifth part evaluates the support for and the opposition to this idea and its prospects of being accepted among the Israeli and Palestinian publics. The final part presents general guidelines for a binational settlement between Israeli Jews and Palestinian Arabs in the joint state of Israel–Palestine.
Reinventing Maimonides: From Universalist Philosopher to Religious Fundamentalist (1967–2002)
Authors: Masalha Nur
Published: October 2014

This study focuses primarily on two strands of Jewish fundamentalism in Israel: the Zionist nationalist ‘messianic’ camp and the ultra-orthodox rabbis and non-Zionist religious parties. It explores the doctrinal differences between these two concerning the ‘messianic doctrine’, their attitudes towards Palestinian Christians, and their impact on Israeli foreign and domestic policies. The two currents invoke the interpretation of the Jewish Law of Moses Maimonides to justify their respective attitudes towards the Palestinians. The essay explores the ‘reinvention‘ of Maimonides by Jewish religious fundamentalists, who metamorphose him from being a rationalist and universalist philosopher—the most illustrious example of the Golden Age of Arabo–Islamic–Judaic symbiosis—into an anti-Arab religious zealot.
Differential Susceptibility of Bacteria to Mouse Paneth Cell a-Defensins under Anaerobic Conditions
Authors: Mastroianni Jennifer , Lu Wuyuan , Selsted Michael , Ouellette André
Published: October 2014

Small intestinal Paneth cells secrete a-defensin peptides, termed cryptdins (Crps) in mice, into the intestinal lumen, where they confer immunity to oral infections and define the composition of the ileal microbiota. In these studies, facultative bacteria maintained under aerobic or anaerobic conditions displayed differential sensitivities to mouse a-defensins under in vitro assay conditions. Regardless of oxygenation, Crps 2 and 3 had robust and similar bactericidal activities against S. typhimurium and S. flexneri, but Crp4 activity against S. flexneri was attenuated in the absence of oxygen. Anaerobic bacteria varied in their susceptibility to Crps 2-4, with Crp4 showing less activity than Crps 2 and 3 against Enterococcus faecalis, and Bacteroides fragilis in anaerobic assays, but Fusobacterium necrophorum was killed only by Crp4 and not by Crps 2 and 3. The influence of anaerobiosis in modulating Crp bactericidal activities in vitro suggests that a-defensin effects on the enteric microbiota may be subject to regulation by local oxygen tension.
Thermal Performance of Hollow Clay Brick with Low Emissivity Treatment in Surface Enclosures
Authors: Fioretti Roberto , Principi Paolo
Published: October 2014

External walls made with hollow clay brick or block are widely used for their thermal, acoustic and structural properties. However, the performance of the bricks frequently does not conform with the minimum legal requirements or the values required for high efficiency buildings, and for this reason, they need to be integrated with layers of thermal insulation. In this paper, the thermal behavior of hollow clay block with low emissivity treatment on the internal cavity surfaces has been investigated. The purpose of this application is to obtain a reduction in the thermal conductivity of the block by lowering the radiative heat exchange in the enclosures. The aims of this paper are to indicate a methodology for evaluating the thermal performance of the brick and to provide information about the benefits that should be obtained. Theoretical evaluations are carried out on several bricks (12 geometries simulated with two different thermal conductivities of the clay), using a finite elements model. The heat exchange procedure is implemented in accordance with the standard, so as to obtain standardized values of the thermal characteristics of the block. Several values of emissivity are hypothesized, related to different kinds of coating. Finally, the values of the thermal transmittance of walls built with the evaluated blocks have been calculated and compared. The results show how coating the internal surface of the cavity provides a reduction in the thermal conductivity of the block, of between 26% and 45%, for a surface emissivity of 0.1.
Beyond Batch Processing: Towards Real-Time and Streaming Big Data
Authors: Shahrivari Saeed
Published: October 2014

Today, big data are generated from many sources, and there is a huge demand for storing, managing, processing, and querying on big data. The MapReduce model and its counterpart open source implementation Hadoop, has proven itself as the de facto solution to big data processing, and is inherently designed for batch and high throughput processing jobs. Although Hadoop is very suitable for batch jobs, there is an increasing demand for non-batch requirements like: interactive jobs, real-time queries, and big data streams. Since Hadoop is not suitable for these non-batch workloads, new solutions are proposed to these new challenges. In this article, we discussed two categories of these solutions: real-time processing, and stream processing of big data. For each category, we discussed paradigms, strengths and differences to Hadoop. We also introduced some practical systems and frameworks for each category. Finally, some simple experiments were performed to approve effectiveness of new solutions compared to available Hadoop-based solutions.
Changes of Polyphenolic Substances in the Anatomical Parts of Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.) during Its Growth Phases
Authors: Bystricka Judita , Musilova Janette , Tomas Jan , Vollmannova Alena , Lachman Jaromir , Kavalcova Petra
Published: October 2014

In this study the changes of total polyphenolics in different anatomical parts (stems, leaves, flowers and seeds) of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.) during vegetation period were analysed. The content of total polyphenolics was evaluated in growth phase I (formation of buds), phase II (at the beginning of flowering), phase III (full blossoming) and phase IV (full ripeness). In all growth phases (GP) the stems and leaves were evaluated and statistically significant differences in polyphenolics content between the two parts were confirmed. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.01) in polyphenolics content (in GP II and III) between stems and leaves; and between stems and flowers were found. In flowers an average of 13.8 times higher and in leaves 6 times higher concentration of polyphenolics in comparison with stems was measured. In GP III the content of polyphenolics in common buckwheat was following: flowers > leaves > achene > stems. In flowers an average of 11.9 times higher, in leaves 8.3 times higher and in achenes 5.9 times higher contents of polyphenolics compared with stems were found. In GP III and IV (leaves, achenes, stems) the leaves contained in average 20 times higher and achenes 5.6 times higher polyphenolics than stems.
Bioluminescence ATP Monitoring for the Routine Assessment of Food Contact Surface Cleanliness in a University Canteen
Authors: Osimani Andrea , Garofalo Cristiana , Clementi Francesca , Tavoletti Stefano , Aquilanti Lucia
Published: October 2014

ATP bioluminescence monitoring and traditional microbiological analyses (viable counting of total mesophilic aerobes, coliforms and Escherichia coli) were used to evaluate the effectiveness of Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP) at a university canteen which uses a HACCP-based approach. To that end, 10 cleaning control points (CPs), including food contact surfaces at risk of contamination from product residues or microbial growth, were analysed during an 8-month monitoring period. Arbitrary acceptability limits were set for both microbial loads and ATP bioluminescence readings. A highly significant correlation (r = 0.99) between the means of ATP bioluminescence readings and the viable counts of total mesophilic aerobes was seen, thus revealing a strong association of these parameters with the level of surface contamination. Among CPs, the raw meat and multi-purpose chopping boards showed the highest criticalities. Although ATP bioluminescence technology cannot substitute traditional microbiological analyses for the determination of microbial load on food contact surfaces, it has proved to be a powerful tool for the real time monitoring of surface cleanliness at mass catering plants, for verify the correct application of SSOP, and hence for their implementation/revision in the case of poor hygiene.
Are Delta-Aminolevulinate Dehydratase Inhibition and Metal Concentrations Additional Factors for the Age-Related Cognitive Decline?
Authors: Baierle Marília , Charão Mariele , Göethel Gabriela , Barth Anelise , Fracasso Rafael , Bubols Guilherme , Sauer Elisa , Campanharo Sarah , Rocha Rafael , Saint'Pierre Tatiana , Bordignon Suelen , Zibetti Murilo , Trentini Clarissa , Ávila Daiana , Gioda Adriana , Garcia Solange
Published: October 2014

Aging is often accompanied by cognitive impairments and influenced by oxidative status and chemical imbalances. Thus, this study was conducted to examine whether age-related cognitive deficit is associated with oxidative damage, especially with inhibition of the enzyme delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase (ALA-D), as well as to verify the influence of some metals in the enzyme activity and cognitive performance. Blood ALA-D activity, essential (Fe, Zn, Cu, Se) and non-essential metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, As, Cr, Ni, V) were measured in 50 elderly and 20 healthy young subjects. Cognitive function was assessed by tests from Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease (CERAD) battery and other. The elderly group presented decreased ALA-D activity compared to the young group. The index of ALA-D reactivation was similar to both study groups, but negatively associated with metals. The mean levels of essential metals were within the reference values, while the most toxic metals were above them in both groups. Cognitive function impairments were observed in elderly group and were associated with decreased ALA-D activity, with lower levels of Se and higher levels of toxic metals (Hg and V). Results suggest that the reduced ALA-D activity in elderly can be an additional factor involved in cognitive decline, since its inhibition throughout life could lead to accumulation of the neurotoxic compound ALA. Toxic metals were found to contribute to cognitive decline and also to influence ALA-D reactivation.
Squamosamide Derivative FLZ Protects Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells from Oxidative Stress through Activation of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)-AKT Signaling
Authors: Cheng Li-Bo , Chen Chun-Ming , Zhong Hong , Zhu Li-Juan
Published: October 2014

Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell apoptosis is attributed to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) pathogenesis. FLZ, a novel synthetic squamosamide derivative from a Chinese herb, Annona glabra, has displayed significant cyto-protective activity. In the current study, we explored the pro-survival effect of FLZ in oxidative stressed-RPE cells and studied the underlying signaling mechanisms. Our results showed that FLZ attenuated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced viability decrease and apoptosis in the RPE cell line (ARPE-19 cells) and in primary mouse RPE cells. Western blotting results showed that FLZ activated AKT signaling in RPE cells. The AKT-specific inhibitor, MK-2206, the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pan inhibitor, wortmannin, and AKT1-shRNA (short hairpin RNA) depletion almost abolished FLZ-mediated pro-survival/anti-apoptosis activity. We discovered that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) trans-activation mediated FLZ-induced AKT activation and the pro-survival effect in RPE cells, and the anti-apoptosis effect of FLZ against H2O2 was inhibited by the EGFR inhibitor, PD153035, or by EGFR shRNA-knockdown. In conclusion, FLZ protects RPE cells from oxidative stress through activation of EGFR-AKT signaling, and our results suggest that FLZ might have therapeutic values for AMD.
Cartilage Turnover Reflected by Metabolic Processing of Type II Collagen: A Novel Marker of Anabolic Function in Chondrocytes
Authors: Gudmann Natasja , Wang Jianxia , Hoielt Sabine , Chen Pingping , Siebuhr Anne , He Yi , Christiansen Thorbjørn , Karsdal Morten , Bay-Jensen Anne
Published: October 2014

The aim of this study was to enable measurement of cartilage formation by a novel biomarker of type II collagen formation. The competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) Pro-C2 was developed and characterized for assessment of the beta splice variant of type II procollagen (PIIBNP). This is expected to originate primarily from remodeling of hyaline cartilage. A mouse monoclonal antibody (Mab) was raised in mouse, targeting specifically PIIBNP (QDVRQPG) and used in development of the assay. The specificity, sensitivity, 4-parameter fit and stability of the assay were tested. Levels of PIIBNP were quantified in human serum (0.6–2.2 nM), human amniotic fluid (163–188 nM) and sera from different animal species, e.g., fetal bovine serum (851–901 nM) with general good linearity (100% (SD 7.6) recovery) and good intra- and inter-assay variation (CV% < 10). Dose (0.1 to 100 ng/mL) and time (7, 14 and 21 days) dependent release of PIIBNP were evaluated in the conditioned medium from bovine cartilage explants (BEX) and human cartilage explants (HEX) upon stimulation with insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and fibroblastic growth factor-2 (FGF-2). TGF-β1 and IGF-1 in concentrations of 10–100 ng/mL significantly (p < 0.05) induced release of PIIBNP in BEX compared to conditions without treatment (WO). In HEX, IGF-1 100 ng/mL was able to induce a significant increase of PIIBNP after one week compared to WO. FGF-2 did not induce a PIIBNP release in our models. To our knowledge this is the first assay, which is able to specifically evaluate PIIBNP excretion. The Pro-C2 assay seems to provide a promising and novel marker of type II collagen formation.
Characterization, Expression Profile, and Promoter Analysis of the Rhodeus uyekii Vitellogenin Ao1 Gene
Authors: Kong Hee , Kim Ju , Moon Ji , Kim Woo-Jin , Kim Hyung , Park Jung , Cho Hyun , An Cheul
Published: October 2014

The fish Vitellogenin (Vg) gene has been applied as a biomarker for exposure to estrogenic compounds in the aquatic environment. In this study, we cloned and characterized Vg cDNA from the Korean rose bitterling Rhodeus uyekii (Ru-Vg). The Ru-Vg cDNA encodes a 1424-amino-acid polypeptide that belongs to the VgAo1 family and contains a putative signal peptide, lipovitellin I, phosvitin, and lipovitellin II, but does not contain the vWFD domain or the C-terminal peptide. The deduced Ru-Vg protein has high amino acid identity (73.97%–32.17%) with fish Vg proteins. Pairwise alignment and phylogenetic analysis revealed that Ru-Vg is most closely related to Acheilognathus yamatsutae Vg. Ru-Vg transcripts were detected using quantitative polymerase chain reaction in all tissues tested, with the highest level of expression observed in the ovary. Ru-Vg mRNA was upregulated in R. uyekii hepatopancreas cells in response to treatment with 17β-estradiol (E2) or 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2). Luciferase reporter expression, driven by the 5'-regulatory region of the Ru-Vg gene spanning from −1020 bp to the start codon was induced by the estrogen receptor and was synergistically activated by treatment with E2 or EE2. These results suggest that R. uyekii and the Ru-Vg gene may be useful as biomarkers for exposure to E2 or EE2.
4,5-Dimethylbenzene-1,2-dimethanol
Authors: Gnanasekaran Krishna , Bunce Richard , Berlin K.
Published: October 2014

An efficient and cost-effective synthesis of 4,5-dimethylbenzene-1,2-dimethanol is reported. The synthesis is accomplished in three steps with an overall yield of 80%.
Suppression of 3C-Inclusion Formation during Growth of 4H-SiC Si-Face Homoepitaxial Layers with a 1° Off-Angle
Authors: Masumoto Keiko , Asamizu Hirokuni , Tamura Kentaro , Kudou Chiaki , Nishio Johji , Kojima Kazutoshi , Ohno Toshiyuki , Okumura Hajime
Published: October 2014

We grew epitaxial layers on 4H-silicon carbide (SiC) Si-face substrates with a 1° off-angle. The suppression of 3C-inclusion formation during growth at a high C/Si ratio was investigated, because a growth technique with a high C/Si ratio is needed to decrease residual nitrogen incorporation. 3C inclusions were generated both at the interface between the substrate and epitaxial layer, and during epitaxial growth. 3C-SiC nucleation is proposed to trigger the formation of 3C inclusions. We suppressed 3C-inclusion formation by performing deep in situ etching and using a high C/Si ratio, which removed substrate surface damage and improved the 4H-SiC stability, respectively. The as-grown epitaxial layers had rough surfaces because of step bunching due to the deep in situ etching, but the rough surface became smooth after chemical mechanical polishing treatment. These techniques allow the growth of epitaxial layers with 1° off-angles for a wide range of doping concentrations.
Photocatalytic H2 Production Using Pt-TiO2 in the Presence of Oxalic Acid: Influence of the Noble Metal Size and the Carrier Gas Flow Rate
Authors: Kmetykó Ákos , Mogyorósi Károly , Gerse Viktória , Kónya Zoltán , Pusztai Péter , Dombi András , Hernádi Klára
Published: October 2014

The primary objective of the experiments was to investigate the differences in the photocatalytic performance when commercially available Aeroxide P25 TiO2 photocatalyst was deposited with differently sized Pt nanoparticles with identical platinum content (1 wt%). The noble metal deposition onto the TiO2 surface was achieved by in situ chemical reduction (CRIS) or by mixing chemically reduced Pt nanoparticle containing sols to the aqueous suspensions of the photocatalysts (sol-impregnated samples, CRSIM). Fine and low-scale control of the size of resulting Pt nanoparticles was obtained through variation of the trisodium citrate concentration during the syntheses. The reducing reagent was NaBH4. Photocatalytic activity of the samples and the reaction mechanism were examined during UV irradiation (λmax = 365 nm) in the presence of oxalic acid (50 mM) as a sacrificial hole scavenger component. The H2 evolution rates proved to be strongly dependent on the Pt particle size, as well as the irradiation time. A significant change of H2 formation rate during the oxalic acid transformation was observed which is unusual. It is probably regulated both by the decomposition rate of accumulated oxalic acid and the H+/H2 redox potential on the surface of the catalyst. The later potential is influenced by the concentration of the dissolved H2 gas in the reaction mixture.
Antimicrobial Activity of Peptides Derived from Olive Flounder Lipopolysaccharide Binding Protein/Bactericidal Permeability-Increasing Protein (LBP/BPI)
Authors: Nam Bo-Hye , Moon Ji-Young , Park Eun-Hee , Kim Young-Ok , Kim Dong-Gyun , Kong Hee , Kim Woo-Jin , Jee Young , An Cheul , Park Nam , Seo Jung-Kil
Published: October 2014

We describe the antimicrobial function of peptides derived from the C-terminus of the olive flounder LBP BPI precursor protein. The investigated peptides, namely, ofLBP1N, ofLBP2A, ofLBP4N, ofLBP5A, and ofLBP6A, formed α-helical structures, showing significant antimicrobial activity against several Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, and the yeast Candida albicans, but very limited hemolytic activities. The biological activities of these five analogs were evaluated against biomembranes or artificial membranes for the development of candidate therapeutic agents. Gel retardation studies revealed that peptides bound to DNA and inhibited migration on an agarose gel. In addition, we demonstrated that ofLBP6A inhibited polymerase chain reaction. These results suggested that the ofLBP-derived peptide bactericidal mechanism may be related to the interaction with intracellular components such as DNA or polymerase.
Intramolecular Azide to Alkene Cycloadditions for the Construction of Pyrrolobenzodiazepines and Azetidino-Benzodiazepines
Authors: Hemming Karl , Chambers Christopher , Jamshaid Faisal , O'Gorman Paul
Published: October 2014

The coupling of proline- and azetidinone-substituted alkenes to 2-azidobenzoic and 2-azidobenzenesulfonic acid gives precursors that undergo intramolecular azide to alkene 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions to give imine-, triazoline- or aziridine-containing pyrrolo[1,4]benzodiazepines (PBDs), pyrrolo[1,2,5]benzothiadiazepines (PBTDs), and azetidino[1,4]benzodiazepines. The imines and aziridines are formed after loss of nitrogen from a triazoline cycloadduct. The PBDs are a potent class of antitumour antibiotics.
Substrate Specificity and Enzyme Recycling Using Chitosan Immobilized Laccase
Authors: Skoronski Everton , Fernandes Mylena , Magalhães Maria , Da Silva Gustavo , João Jair , Soares Carlos , Júnior Agenor
Published: October 2014

The immobilization of laccase (Aspergillus sp.) on chitosan by cross-linking and its application in bioconversion of phenolic compounds in batch reactors were studied. Investigation was performed using laccase immobilized via chemical cross-linking due to the higher enzymatic operational stability of this method as compared to immobilization via physical adsorption. To assess the influence of different substrate functional groups on the enzyme’s catalytic efficiency, substrate specificity was investigated using chitosan-immobilized laccase and eighteen different phenol derivatives. It was observed that 4-nitrophenol was not oxidized, while 2,5-xylenol, 2,6-xylenol, 2,3,5-trimethylphenol, syringaldazine, 2,6-dimetoxyphenol and ethylphenol showed reaction yields up 90% at 40 °C. The kinetic of process, enzyme recyclability and operational stability were studied. In batch reactors, it was not possible to reuse the enzyme when it was applied to syringaldazne bioconversion. However, when the enzyme was applied to bioconversion of 2,6-DMP, the activity was stable for eight reaction batches.
Synthesis of Mannosylated Polyethylenimine and Its Potential Application as Cell-Targeting Non-Viral Vector for Gene Therapy
Authors: Hu Ying , Xu Bei-Hua , Xu Jiao-Jiao , Shou Dan , Gao Jian-Qing
Published: October 2014

Mannose polyethylenimine with a molecular weight of 25 k (Man-PEI25k) was synthesized via a phenylisothiocyanate bridge using mannopyranosylphenyl isothiocyanate as a coupling reagent, and characterized by 1H NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) and FT-IR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) analysis. Spherical nanoparticles were formed with diameters of 80–250 nm when the copolymer was mixed with DNA at various charge ratios of copolymer/DNA (N/P). Gel electrophoresis demonstrated that the DNA had been condensed and retained by the PEI derivates at low N/P ratios. The Man-PEI25k/DNA complexes were less cytotoxic than the PEI complexes with a molecular weight of 25 k (PEI25k) at the same N/P ratio. Laser scan confocal microscopy and flow cytometry confirmed that the Man-PEI25k/DNA complexes gave higher cell uptake efficiency in (Dendritic cells) DC2.4 cells than HeLa cells. The transfection efficiency of Man-PEI25k was higher than that of PEI25k towards DC2.4 cells. These results indicated that Man-PEI25k could be used as a potential DC-targeting non-viral vector for gene therapy.
Evaluation of Coastline Changes under Human Intervention Using Multi-Temporal High-Resolution Images: A Case Study of the Zhoushan Islands, China
Authors: Zhang Xiaoping , Pan Delu , Chen Jianyu , Zhao Jianhua , Zhu Qiankun , Huang Haiqing
Published: October 2014

Continued sea-level rise and coastal development have led to considerable concerns on coastline changes along inhabited islands. Analysis of long-term coastline changes of islands is however limited due to unavailable data and the cost of field work. In this study, high-resolution images taken from 1970–2011 at an interval of about 10 years and topographic maps were collected to determine coastline changes and their drivers in the Zhoushan Islands, China. Results show that nearly all inhabited islands appeared to have noteworthy seaward expansion during the past four decades. Coastline change rates varied among islands, and the annual change rate of Zhoushan Island (the main island) reached 12.83 ± 0.17 m/year during the same period. Since 2003, the study area has been dominated by artificial coast. The proportion of harbor/port and urban/industrial coast has significantly increased, while rocky coasts and shelter-farm coasts have shrunk greatly. Preliminary analysis of drivers for these coastline changes across the Zhoushan Islands highlights the roles of human policies during different periods as well as location, which were the dominant factors controlling the great spatial and temporal complexity of coastline changes of the major islands. Sediment supply from the Yangtze River decreased after the completion of the Three Gorges Dam in 2003; however, the Zhoushan coast rapidly accreted seaward during the last decade and the artificial siltation, coastal engineering, and harbor dredging materials could be responsible for the observed coastline changes. Pressured by rapid development of the port industry, the Zhoushan coast may face unprecedented challenges in coastal use in the near future. This research provides the basic background information for future studies on coastal protection and management.