bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Working with Men in Groups from an Integrity Model Perspective
Authors: Nahon Danielle , Lander Nedra R.
Published: May 2013

This paper offers theoretical and philosophical conceptual framework for clinicians and researchers to address impasses in working with men's groups. Framed in an Integrity model, values-based perspective, it examines the role of the clinician/researcher in men's psychotherapy and counselling groups. Based on over forty years of group work with men in clinical/mental health tertiary care and community settings, this article highlights the role of values in: (a) group composition and intake; (b) the therapeutic group process; (c) the formulation of a conceptual vehicle for men to understand themselves as a function of their values; and (d) the role of the group therapist and researcher with the potential for a hidden or masked bias in the therapist or the theory.
The Boy's Forum: An Evaluation of a Brief Intervention to Empower Middle-School Urban Boys
Authors: O'Neil James M. , Challenger Clewiston , Renzulli Sara , Crapser Bryce , Webster Emily
Published: May 2013

Programs for middle-school boys are needed because data suggests that young adolescent males have problems as they grow and develop. Few gender role interventions for boys have been evaluated or published in the professional literature. Conceptual justification for boy's programs is given using psychosocial theory, gender role transitions, multicultural aspects of masculinity, and positive/healthy masculinity. A short term, inexpensive intervention, “The Boy's Forum,” was implemented for middle-school boys who were predominately Hispanic and African American. The Boy's Forum explained the hazards of growing up male (Goldberg, 1977) but also emphasized positive masculinity through empowerment, emotional awareness, and personal problem solving. The use of media, group discussions, empowerment themes, and adult self-disclosure to promote boy's psychosocial growth are described. Evaluation of the program occurred before the program, immediately after the program and three weeks later. Results indicate that a majority of boys attending the Boy's Forum reported that the programming positively affected their thinking, feelings, and to a lesser extent their behaviors over a three-week period. Limitations of the evaluation of this program, recommendations for future research, and the need for future curricular development for boys are discussed.
Impact of global cerebral atrophy on clinical outcome after subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Tam Alan K. H. , Kapadia Anish , Ilodigwe Don , Li Zeyu , Schweizer Tom A. , Macdonald R. Loch
Published: May 2013

Object

Atrophy in specific brain areas correlates with poor neuropsychological outcome after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Few studies have compared global atrophy in SAH with outcome. The authors examined the relationship between global brain atrophy, clinical factors, and outcome after SAH.

Methods

This study was a post hoc exploratory analysis of the Clazosentan to Overcome Neurological Ischemia and Infarction Occurring After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (CONSCIOUS-1) trial, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 413 patients with aneurysmal SAH. Patients with infarctions or areas of encephalomalacia on CT, and those with large clip/coil artifacts, were excluded. The 97 remaining patients underwent CT at baseline and 6 weeks, which was analyzed using voxel-based volumetric measurements. The percentage difference in volume between time points was compared against clinical variables. The relationship with clinical outcome was modeled using univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

Older age, male sex, and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) during intensive care stay were significantly associated with brain atrophy. Greater brain atrophy was significantly associated with poor outcome on the modified Rankin scale (mRS), severity of deficits on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), worse executive functioning, and lower EuroQol Group–5D (EQ-5D) score. Adjusted for confounders, brain atrophy was not significantly associated with Mini-Mental State Examination and Functional Status Examination scores. Brain atrophy was not associated with angiographic vasospasm or delayed ischemic neurological deficit.

Conclusions

Worse mRS score, NIHSS score, executive functioning, and EQ-5D scores were associated with greater brain atrophy and older age, male sex, and SIRS burden. These data suggest outcome is associated with factors that cause global brain injury independent of focal brain injury.
Prospective validation of a patient-reported nasal quality-of-life tool for endonasal skull base surgery: The Anterior Skull Base Nasal Inventory-12
Authors: Little Andrew S. , Kelly Daniel , Milligan John , Griffiths Chester , Rosseau Gail , Prevedello Daniel M. , Carrau Ricardo , Jahnke Heidi , Chaloner Charlene , O'Leary Judith , Chapple Kristina , Nakaji Peter , White William L.
Published: May 2013

Object

Patient-reported quality-of-life (QOL) end points are becoming increasingly important health care metrics. To date, no nasal morbidity instrument specifically designed for patients undergoing endonasal skull base surgery has been developed. In this study, the authors describe the development and validation of a site-specific nasal morbidity instrument to assess patient-reported rhinological outcomes following endonasal skull base surgery.

Methods

Eligible patients included those with planned endonasal transsphenoidal surgery for sellar pathology identified in outpatient neurosurgical clinics of 3 skull base centers from October 2011 to July 2012. An initial 23-question pool was developed by subject matter experts, review of the literature, and from the results of a previous validation study to assess for common rhinological complaints. Symptoms were ranked by patients from “No Problem” to “Severe Problem” on a 6-point Likert scale. Exploratory factor analysis, change scores, and importance rank were calculated to define the final instrument consisting of 12 items (The Anterior Skull Base Nasal Inventory-12, or ASK Nasal-12). Psychometric validation of the final instrument was performed using standard statistical techniques.

Results

One hundred four patients enrolled in the study. All patients completed the preoperative survey and 100 patients (96%) completed the survey 2–4 weeks after surgery. Internal consistency of the final instrument was 0.88. Concurrent validity measures demonstrated a strong correlation between overall nasal functioning and total scores (p < 0.001). Test-retest reliability measures demonstrated a significant intraclass correlation between responses (p < 0.001). Effect size as calculated by standardized response mean suggested a large effect (0.84). Discriminant validity calculations demonstrated that the instrument was able to discriminate between preoperative and postoperative patients (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

This prospective study demonstrates that the ASK Nasal-12 is a validated, site-specific, unidimensional rhinological outcomes tool sensitive to clinical change. It can be used in conjunction with multidimensional QOL instruments to assess patient-reported nasal perceptions in endonasal skull base surgery. This instrument is being used as a primary outcome measure in an ongoing multicenter nasal morbidity study. Clinical trial registration no.: NCT01504399 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
Ophthalmological outcome after resection of tumors based on the pineal gland
Authors: Hart Michael G. , Sarkies Nicholas J. , Santarius Thomas , Kirollos Ramez W.
Published: May 2013

Object

Descriptions of visual dysfunction in pineal gland tumors tend to focus on upward gaze palsy alone. The authors aimed to characterize the nature, incidence, and functional significance of ophthalmological dysfunction after resection of tumors based on the pineal gland.

Methods

Review of a retrospective case series was performed and included consecutive patients who underwent surgery performed by a consultant neurosurgeon between 2002 and 2011. Only tumors specifically based on the pineal gland were included; tumors encroaching on the pineal gland from other regions were excluded. All patients with visual signs and/or symptoms were reviewed by a specialist consultant neuroophthalmologist to accurately characterize the nature of their deficits. Visual disturbance was defined as visual symptoms caused by a disturbance of ocular motility.

Results

A total of 20 patients underwent resection of pineal gland tumors. Complete resection was obtained in 85%, and there were no perioperative deaths. Visual disturbance was present in 35% at presentation; of those who had normal ocular motility preoperatively 82% had normal motility postoperatively. In total, 55% of patients had residual visual disturbance postoperatively. Although upward gaze tended to improve, significant functional deficits remained, particularly with regard to complex convergence and accommodation dysfunction. Prisms were used in 25% but were only ever partially effective. Visual outcome was only related to preoperative visual status and tumor volume (multivariate analysis).

Conclusions

Long-term visual morbidity after pineal gland tumor resection is common and leads to significant functional impairment. Improvement in deficits rarely occurs spontaneously, and prisms only have limited effectiveness, probably due to the dynamic nature of supranuclear ocular movement coordination.
Complex dural arteriovenous fistula in Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome
Authors: Moon Karam , Ducruet Andrew F. , Crowley R. Webster , Klas Kathleen , Bristol Ruth , Albuquerque Felipe C.
Published: May 2013

In this paper the authors report the case of a complex dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) with high-risk features in a 14-year-old girl with Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome (BRRS), a phosphatase and tensin homolog–associated syndrome, presenting with signs and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) that had previously been attributed to pseudotumor cerebri. This fistula was obliterated following 2 stages of embolization, and the patient experienced immediate symptomatic improvement. At the 2-month follow-up evaluation, the fistula remained angiographically occluded, and her symptoms continue to improve. This is the third reported case of an intracranial dAVF in a patient with BRRS. Because high-risk dAVFs can result in devastating morbidity, early detection with vascular imaging is crucial for patients with BRRS presenting with signs of increased ICP. Goals of treatment should include complete fistula obliteration whenever possible.
Outcomes in treatment for primary spinal anaplastic ependymomas: a retrospective series of 20 patients
Authors: Liu XiaoDong , Sun Bing , Xu QiWu , Che XiaoMing , Hu Jie , Gu ShiXin , Shou JiaJun
Published: May 2013

Object

Little is known regarding the anaplastic variant of primary ependymomas that involve the spinal cord. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of primary spinal anaplastic ependymomas (PSAEs).

Methods

Medical records were reviewed in 20 patients with pathologically proven PSAEs who underwent surgical treatment at the Department of Neurosurgery in Huashan Hospital between 1999 and 2008.

Results

This series included 7 women and 13 men between the ages of 2 and 67 years (mean 31.9 years). The mean preoperative course was 9.3 months (range 20 days to 48 months). The most common PSAE locations were the cervical and thoracic spinal cords. The most common presenting symptom was weakness, followed by numbness, bowel or bladder dysfunction, and pain. Gross-total resection (GTR) was achieved in 17 patients, and a subtotal removal was performed in 3 patients. Nine patients received radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy. The mean follow-up duration was 83.5 months. Functional assessment of the 10 patients available at the latest follow-up evaluation showed that 2 had worsened and 8 remained unchanged from their preoperative status. There were 2 local recurrences and 1 lung metastasis.

Conclusions

Patients with PSAEs presented with a much shorter preoperative course than patients with Grade II ependymomas in previous studies. Patients with tumors that involved the cervical spinal cord experienced a worse outcome. Surgical removal of PSAEs, with the goal of GTR, is beneficial to patients. The role of radiation therapy and chemotherapy in PSAEs remains to be determined in further studies.
Comparison of operative and nonoperative management of spinal epidural abscess: a retrospective review of clinical and laboratory predictors of neurological outcome
Authors: Connor David E. , Chittiboina Prashant , Caldito Gloria , Nanda Anil
Published: May 2013

Object

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA), once considered a rare occurrence, has showed a rapid increase in incidence over the past 20–30 years. Recent reports have advocated for conservative, nonoperative management of this devastating disorder with appropriate risk stratification. Crucial to a successful management strategy are decisive diagnosis, prompt intervention, and consistent follow-up care. The authors present a review of their institutional experience with operative and nonoperative management of SEA to assess morbidity and mortality and the accuracy of microbiological diagnosis.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of patient charts, microbiology reports, operative records, and radiology reports was performed on all cases involving patients admitted with the diagnosis of SEA between July 1998 and May 2009.

Results

Seventy-seven cases were reviewed (median patient age 51.4 years, range 17–78 years). Axial pain was the most common presenting symptom (67.5% of cases). Presenting signs included focal weakness (55.8%), radiculopathy (28.6%), and myelopathy (5.2%). Abscesses were localized to the lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spine, respectively, in 39 (50.6%), 20 (26.0%), and 18 (23.4%) of the patients. Peripheral blood cultures were negative in 32 (45.1%) of 71 patients. Surgical site or interventional biopsy cultures were diagnostic in 52 cases (78.8%), with concordant blood culture results in 36 (60.0%). Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was the most frequent isolate in 24 cases (31.2%). The mean time from admission to surgery was 5.5 days (range 0–42 days; within 72 hours in 66.7% of cases). Outcome data were available in 72 cases. At discharge, patient condition had improved or resolved in 57 cases (79.2%), improved minimally in 6 (8.3%), and showed no improvement or worsening in 9 (12.5%). Patient age and premorbid weakness were the only factors found to be significantly associated with outcome (p = 0.04 and 0.012, respectively).

Conclusions

These results strongly support immediate surgical decompression combined with appropriately tailored antibiotic therapy for the treatment of symptomatic SEA presenting with focal neurological deficit. The nonsuperiority discovered in other patient subsets may be due to allocation biases between surgically treated and nonsurgically treated cohorts. The present data demonstrate the accuracy of peripheral blood culture for the prediction of causative organisms and confirm patient age as a predictor of outcomes.
Treatment of a carotid cavernous fistula via direct transovale cavernous sinus puncture
Authors: Gil Alberto , López-Ibor Luis , Lopez-Flores Gerardo , Cuellar Hugo , Murias Eduardo , Rodríguez-Boto Gregorio
Published: May 2013

Endovascular treatment is the treatment of choice for indirect carotid cavernous fistulas (CCFs). Direct surgical obliteration of CCFs is recommended in highly symptomatic patients or in those with an aggressive pattern of venous drainage. However, this is a technically challenging approach associated with significant procedural morbidity. The authors present a case in which they decided to attempt a novel access to the cavernous sinus through the foramen ovale before recommending surgery for an otherwise untreatable dural CCF.

This 52-year-old man with an indirect CCF and neurological deficit had undergone several attempts to embolize the shunt by means of the standard approaches. Ultimately direct cavernous sinus access was obtained through the foramen ovale, resulting in complete obliteration of the shunt. The occlusion was radiographically stable at the 6-month follow-up evaluation, and the patient has remained asymptomatic. Percutaneous transovale puncture of a CCF is a feasible alternative to accessing the cavernous sinus when traditional transvenous catheterization or direct superior ophthalmic vein approach is not possible.
Attempted bladder reinnervation and creation of a scratch reflex for bladder emptying through a somatic-to-autonomic intradural anastomosis
Authors: Tuite Gerald F. , Storrs Bruce B. , Homsy Yves L. , Gaskill Sarah J. , Polsky Ethan G. , Reilly Margaret A. , Gonzalez-Gomez Ignacio , Winesett S. Parrish , Rodriguez Luis F. , Carey Carolyn M. , Perlman Sharon A. , Tetreault Lisa
Published: May 2013

An intradural somatic-to-autonomic anastomosis, or Xiao procedure, has been described to create a “skin-CNS-bladder” reflex that improves bladder and bowel function in patients with neurogenic bladder and bowel dysfunction. The authors present their experience with a 10-year-old boy with chronic neurogenic bladder and bowel dysfunction related to spinal cord injury who underwent the Xiao procedure. After undergoing a left L-5 ventral root to left S2–3 intradural anastomosis, the patient reported that his bladder and bowel dysfunction improved between 6 and 12 months. Two years after the procedure, however, he reported that there was no change in his bladder or bowel dysfunction as compared with his condition prior to the procedure. Frequent, systematic multidisciplinary evaluations produced conflicting data.

Electrophysiological and histological evaluation of the previously performed anastomosis during surgical reexploration 3 years after the Xiao procedure revealed that the anastomosis was in anatomical continuity but neuroma formation had prevented reinnervation. Nerve action potentials were not demonstrable across the anastomosis, and stimulation of the nerve above and below the anastomosis created no bladder or perineal contractions.

This is the first clinical report on the outcome of the Xiao procedure in a child with spinal cord injury outside of China. It is impossible to draw broad conclusions about the efficacy of the procedure based on a single patient with no demonstrable benefit. However, future studies should carefully interpret transient improvements in bladder function, urodynamic findings, and the patient's ability to void in response to scratching after the Xiao procedure. The authors' experience with the featured patient, in whom reinnervation could not be demonstrated, suggests that such changes could be related to factors other than the establishment of a skin-CNS-bladder reflex as a result of a somatic-to-autonomic anastomosis.
Longitudinal quantitative analysis of the tuber-to-brain proportion in patients with tuberous sclerosis
Authors: Hersh David S. , Chun Jonathan , Weiner Howard L. , Pulitzer Steven , Rusinek Henry , Roth Jonathan , Devinsky Orrin , Milla Sarah S.
Published: May 2013

Object

In patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), the tuber-to-brain proportion (TBP) is a marker of seizure severity and cognitive function. However, few studies have quantified the TBP. Furthermore, authors of these studies have measured the TBP at only a single time point, despite the fact that tuber cells were found to express proliferation markers, suggesting that they may be dynamic lesions. Authors of the present study used a semi-automated tuber segmentation program to determine whether the TBP changes over time.

Methods

Axial FLAIR MR images were retrospectively identified for patients with TSC who had undergone imaging at the authors' institution between February 1998 and June 2009. Using FireVoxel software, the TBP was measured for each patient at a minimum interval of 2 years.

Results

Twelve patients meeting the study inclusion criteria were identified. The mean TBP was 1.88% (range 0.38%–3.70%). Eight patients demonstrated minimal changes and 3 patients demonstrated small increases in TBP. The remaining patient exhibited a decrease of 1.00%, which correlated with a visible decrease in the size of 2 cerebellar lesions.

Conclusions

Semi-automated brain segmentation is a valuable tool in the longitudinal study of tubers. A subset of patients with TSC, particularly those with cerebellar lesions, may exhibit changes in the TBP over time.
Registration of ‘Lynx’ Winter Pea
Authors: McGee Rebecca J. , Nelson Howard , McPhee Kevin E.
Published: May 2013

‘Lynx’ (Reg. No. CV‐28, PI 666111) pea (Pisum sativum L.)—developed by the USDA‐ARS Grain Legume Genetics and Physiology Research Unit in cooperation with the Washington Agriculture Research Center, Pullman, WA, and Central Washington Grain Growers, Wilbur, WA—was released in 2012 as an upright, semi‐leafless, autumn‐sown, cold‐hardy pea cultivar. Lynx was developed with a modified bulk pedigree breeding system. It was identified as an F7 selection from the cross PS9530174/PS9530726 (Cross no. X98P103) and evaluated as PS05300180W. Lynx was evaluated in autumn‐sown yield trials for a total of 21 location‐years in Washington. Across all locations, the grain yield of Lynx averaged 3248 kg ha−1, and the plants reached maturity in approximately 298 d. Lynx has short internodes, white unpigmented flowers, and seeds with green cotyledons and a clear seed coat. The average 100‐seed weight is 12.2 g. Lynx will be integrated as a rotational crop in the winter grain/summer fallow farming systems in North Central Washington. It is anticipated that the end use will be as a component in wildlife forage plots.
Registration of MD25‐26ne, MD25‐27, and MD25‐87 Germplasm Lines of Cotton with Superior Yield, Fiber Quality, and Pest Resistance
Authors: Meredith William R.
Published: May 2013

Three noncommercial cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) lines were released by the USDA‐ARS: MD25‐26ne (Reg. No. GP‐962, PI 666042), MD25‐27 (Reg. No. GP‐963, PI 666043), and MD25‐87 (Reg. No. GP‐964, PI 666044). These three lines are reselections out of MD 25. The objective of this research was to select lines with combinations of yield and fiber quality that were superior to those of MD 25. Starting with 153 F3 random MD 25 selections, reselections were made in 2009, 2010, and 2011 that resulted in three MD lines being retained. The 2010 and 2011 strains tests from multiple Stoneville environments showed that the three selected MD 25 lines had an average yield of 1517 kg ha−1, whereas the average yield of MD 25 itself was 1363 kg ha−1. In 2011, across the eight Regional High Quality (RHQ) Tests, the average yields of the three MD 25 selections and of the 12 transgenic cultivars were 1276 and 1295 kg ha−1, respectively, and their average yarn tenacities were 135 and 117 mN tex−1, respectively. In 2011, average yields across 13 locations in the Regional Breeders Testing Network (RBTN) for the three MD25 lines and for the three test checks were 1487 and 1413 kg ha−1. The average RBTN fiber‐quality scores for the three selections and the three RBTN check cultivars were 78.7 and 52.2. None of the other 24 test entries exceeded the average of the three MD 25 lines. For the second fiber‐quality score (QS2), the ranks of the three entries were 1, 2, and 4. The average QS2s for the three MD 25 lines and three check cultivars were 81.2 and 67.5. In other RBTN and RHQ tests, the three selected MD 25 lines showed resistance to tarnished plant bugs (Lygus spp.) and good resistance to the root‐knot nematode [Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood]. The combination of high yield, good fiber quality, and pest resistance make these three lines useful for further cotton improvement.
Decreases in Mercury Wet Deposition over the United States during 2004–2010: Roles of Domestic and Global Background Emission Reductions
Authors: Zhang Yanxu , Jaeglé Lyatt
Published: May 2013

Wet deposition of mercury (Hg) across the United States is influenced by changes in atmospheric conditions, domestic emissions and global background emissions. We examine trends in Hg precipitation concentrations at 47 Mercury Deposition Network (MDN) sites during 2004–2010 by using the GEOS-Chem nested-grid Hg simulation. We run the model with constant anthropogenic emissions and subtract the model results from the observations. This helps to remove the variability in observed Hg concentrations caused by meteorological factors, including precipitation. We find significant decreasing trends in Hg concentrations in precipitation at MDN sites in the Northeast (−4.1 ± 0.49% yr−1) and Midwest (−2.7 ± 0.68% yr−1). Over the Southeast (−0.53 ± 0.59% yr−1), trends are weaker and not significant, while over the West, trends are highly variable. We conduct model simulations assuming a 45% decrease in Hg emissions from domestic sources in the modeled period and a uniform 12% decrease in background atmospheric Hg concentrations. The combination of domestic emission reductions and decreasing background concentrations explains the observed trends over the Northeast and Midwest, with domestic emission reductions accounting for 58–46% of the decreasing trends. Over the Southeast, we overestimate the observed decreasing trend, indicating potential issues with our assumption of uniformly decreasing background Hg concentrations.
Novel Systemic Therapies in Advanced Liposarcoma: A Review of Recent Clinical Trial Results
Authors: Tseng William , Somaiah Neeta , Lazar Alexander , Lev Dina , Pollock Raphael
Published: May 2013

Liposarcoma is one of the most common adult soft tissue sarcomas and consists of three histologic subtypes (well and dedifferentiated, myxoid/round cell, and pleomorphic). Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for localized disease; however for unresectable or metastatic disease, effective treatment options are currently limited. In the past decade, a better understanding of the distinct genetic and molecular aberrations for each of the three histologic subtypes has led to the development of several novel systemic therapies. Data from phase I and early phase II clinical trials have been reported. Despite challenges with conducting clinical trials in liposarcoma, preliminary results for several of these novel, biology-driven therapies are encouraging.
The Computer is a Medium, Not a Tool: Collaborative Media Challenging Interaction Design
Authors: Löwgren Jonas , Reimer Bo
Published: May 2013

Collaborative media entail an emerging set of digitally mediated practices, characterized by collaborative communicative action within organically developing, cross-medial infrastructures. We argue that computers are increasingly turning from tools into (collaborative) media in everyday use, and that this shift poses a significant challenge to the discipline of interaction design. Particularly prominent aspects of the challenge include the way design processes are conceptualized and structured, and the way in which communicative perspectives take precedence over instrumental ones.
Drifting Down the Technologization of Life: Could Choreography-Based Interaction Design Support us in Engaging with the World and our Embodied Living?
Authors: Parviainen Jaana , Tuuri Kai , Pirhonen Antti
Published: May 2013

The development of interactive technology is often based on the assumption of need to reduce the physical action and cognitive load of the user. However, recent conceptualizations, supported by research in various fields of science, emphasize human physical action in cognitive processes and knowledge formation. In fact, physical and closely related imaginary movement can be seen as the quintessence of humanity. Acknowledging this should imply a new approach to the design of interactive technology. In the current study, we propose a choreographic approach for shifting the focal point of interaction design to the aspects of human activity and movement within a technologized context. Hence, the proposed approach does not isolate use-related actions, which traditionally have been emphasized in interaction design, from the other activities of a person. The application of the methodological approach is divided into micro, local and macro levels, thus covering actions from minimal muscular activity of an individual to global movement-relevant issues.
Community Participation and Benefits in REDD+: A Review of Initial Outcomes and Lessons
Authors: Lawlor Kathleen , Madeira Erin , Blockhus Jill , Ganz David
Published: May 2013

The advent of initiatives to reduce emissions from deforestation and degradation and enhance forest carbon stocks (REDD+) in developing countries has raised much concern regarding impacts on local communities. To inform this debate, we analyze the initial outcomes of those REDD+ projects that systematically report on their socio-economic dimensions. To categorize and compare projects, we develop a participation and benefits framework that considers REDD+’s effects on local populations’ opportunities (jobs, income), security (of tenure and ecosystem services), and empowerment (participation in land use and development decisions). We find material benefits, in terms of jobs and income, to be, thus far, modest. On the other hand, we find that many projects are helping populations gain tenure rights. A majority of projects are obtaining local populations’ free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC). However, for those projects interacting with multiple populations, extent of participation and effects on forest access are often uneven. Our participation and benefits framework can be a useful tool for identifying the multi-faceted socio-economic impacts of REDD+, which are realized under different timescales. The framework and initial trends reported here can be used to build hypotheses for future REDD+ impact evaluations and contribute to evolving theories of incentive-based environmental policy.
Predicting Future Conflict under REDD+ Implementation
Authors: Patel Toral , Dhiaulhaq Ahmad , Gritten David , Yasmi Yurdi , De Bruyn Toon , Paudel Naya , Luintel Harisharan , Khatri Dil , Silori Chandra , Suzuki Regan
Published: May 2013

With the current complexity of issues facing forest and land management, the implementation of the REDD+ initiative comes with significant risks, including conflict. While the exact nature and shape of conflict in REDD+ implementation is difficult to pinpoint, this study aims to build a preliminary predictive framework to identify possible sources of impairment that may result in conflict over management of forests and natural resources. The framework was developed from an extensive literature review and was tested in three REDD+ pilot project sites in Nepal. The results indicate that most of the sources of impairment are present in all study sites, particularly issues relating to benefit sharing, which have been main drivers of conflict prior to REDD+. While we found that the application of the framework has been useful in the Nepalese context, there are some limitations in its scope and precision. Nonetheless, this study points to important implications with regards to REDD+ implementation and conflict management that can be useful for policy makers and practitioners involved in REDD+ strategy designs, as well as other areas of forest management involving outsiders and communities.
Cationic Antimicrobial Polymers and Their Assemblies
Authors: Carmona-Ribeiro Ana , De Melo Carrasco Letícia
Published: May 2013

Cationic compounds are promising candidates for development of antimicrobial agents. Positive charges attached to surfaces, particles, polymers, peptides or bilayers have been used as antimicrobial agents by themselves or in sophisticated formulations. The main positively charged moieties in these natural or synthetic structures are quaternary ammonium groups, resulting in quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs). The advantage of amphiphilic cationic polymers when compared to small amphiphilic molecules is their enhanced microbicidal activity. Besides, many of these polymeric structures also show low toxicity to human cells; a major requirement for biomedical applications. Determination of the specific elements in polymers, which affect their antimicrobial activity, has been previously difficult due to broad molecular weight distributions and random sequences characteristic of radical polymerization. With the advances in polymerization control, selection of well defined polymers and structures are allowing greater insight into their structure-antimicrobial activity relationship. On the other hand, antimicrobial polymers grafted or self-assembled to inert or non inert vehicles can yield hybrid antimicrobial nanostructures or films, which can act as antimicrobials by themselves or deliver bioactive molecules for a variety of applications, such as wound dressing, photodynamic antimicrobial therapy, food packing and preservation and antifouling applications.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Tryptophan Hydroxylase-1: Binding Modes and Free Energy Analysis to Phenylalanine Derivative Inhibitors
Authors: Zhong Hao , Huang Wei , He Gu , Peng Cheng , Wu Fengbo , Ouyang Liang
Published: May 2013

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that modulates many central and peripheral functions. Tryptophan hydroxylase-1 (TPH1) is a key enzyme of serotonin synthesis. In the current study, the interaction mechanism of phenylalanine derivative TPH1 inhibitors was investigated using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, free energy calculations, free energy decomposition analysis and computational alanine scanning. The predicted binding free energies of these complexes are consistent with the experimental data. The analysis of the individual energy terms indicates that although the van der Waals and electrostatics interaction contributions are important in distinguishing the binding affinities of these inhibitors, the electrostatic contribution plays a more crucial role in that. Moreover, it is observed that different configurations of the naphthalene substituent could form different binding patterns with protein, yet lead to similar inhibitory potency. The combination of different molecular modeling techniques is an efficient way to interpret the interaction mechanism of inhibitors and our work could provide valuable information for the TPH1 inhibitor design in the future.
Posttranslational Modifications of GLUT4 Affect Its Subcellular Localization and Translocation
Authors: Sadler Jessica , Bryant Nia , Gould Gwyn , Welburn Cassie
Published: May 2013

The facilitative glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) is expressed in adipose and muscle and plays a vital role in whole body glucose homeostasis. In the absence of insulin, only ~1% of cellular GLUT4 is present at the plasma membrane, with the vast majority localizing to intracellular organelles. GLUT4 is retained intracellularly by continuous trafficking through two inter-related cycles. GLUT4 passes through recycling endosomes, the trans Golgi network and an insulin-sensitive intracellular compartment, termed GLUT4-storage vesicles or GSVs. It is from GSVs that GLUT4 is mobilized to the cell surface in response to insulin, where it increases the rate of glucose uptake into the cell. As with many physiological responses to external stimuli, this regulated trafficking event involves multiple posttranslational modifications. This review outlines the roles of posttranslational modifications of GLUT4 on its function and insulin-regulated trafficking.
Microarray Analysis of Transcriptional Responses to Abscisic Acid and Salt Stress in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Liu Yujia , Ji Xiaoyu , Zheng Lei , Nie Xianguang , Wang Yucheng
Published: May 2013

Abscisic acid (ABA) plays a crucial role in plant responses to abiotic stress. To investigate differences in plant responses to salt and ABA stimulus, differences in gene expression in Arabidopsis in response to salt and ABA were compared using an Agilent oligo microarray. A total of 144 and 139 genes were significantly up- and downregulated, respectively, under NaCl stress, while 406 and 381 genes were significantly up- and downregulated, respectively, under ABA stress conditions. In addition, 31 genes were upregulated by both NaCl and ABA stresses, and 23 genes were downregulated by these stressors, suggesting that these genes may play similar roles in plant responses to salt and ABA stress. Gene ontology (GO) analysis revealed four subgroups of genes, including genes in the GO categories “Molecular transducer activity”, “Growth”, “Biological adhesion” and “Pigmentation”, which were expressed in response to ABA stress but not NaCl stress. In addition, genes that play specific roles during salt or ABA stress were identified. Our results may help elucidate differences in the response of plants to salt and ABA stress.
A Novel Colorimetric Immunoassay Utilizing the Peroxidase Mimicking Activity of Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Woo Min-Ah , Kim Moon , Jung Jae , Park Ki , Seo Tae , Park Hyun
Published: May 2013

A simple colorimetric immunoassay system, based on the peroxidase mimicking activity of Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), has been developed to detect clinically important antigenic molecules. MNPs with ca. 10 nm in diameter were synthesized and conjugated with specific antibodies against target molecules, such as rotaviruses and breast cancer cells. Conjugation of the MNPs with antibodies (MNP-Abs) enabled specific recognition of the corresponding target antigenic molecules through the generation of color signals arising from the colorimetric reaction between the selected peroxidase substrate, 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) and H2O2. Based on the MNP-promoted colorimetric reaction, the target molecules were detected and quantified by measuring absorbance intensities corresponding to the oxidized form of TMB. Owing to the higher stabilities and economic feasibilities of MNPs as compared to horseradish peroxidase (HRP), the new colorimetric system employing MNP-Abs has the potential of serving as a potent immunoassay that should substitute for conventional HRP-based immunoassays. The strategy employed to develop the new methodology has the potential of being extended to the construction of simple diagnostic systems for a variety of biomolecules related to human cancers and infectious diseases, particularly in the realm of point-of-care applications.
Factors Affecting Ankle Support Device Usage in Young Basketball Players
Authors: Cusimano Michael , Faress Ahmed , Luong Wilson , Amin Khizer , Eid Joanne , Abdelshaheed Tamer , Russell Kelly
Published: May 2013

This cross-sectional study explores factors affecting the decision of basketball players to wear ankle support devices (ASDs). A questionnaire regarding attitudes towards ASD usage was developed based on the Health Belief Model (HBM). The questionnaire assessed HBM perceptions (susceptibility, severity, benefits, and barriers) and modifying factors (demographic, personal history of ankle injury, influence of coach to preventive action) that may affect an athlete’s decision to wear ASDs. One hundred forty basketball players competing at the recreational, high school, or university levels completed the questionnaire, with the questionnaires being completed at the basketball gymnasium or at home. It was found that athletes whose coaches enforced ASD use were significantly more likely to wear them (OR: 35.71; 95% CI: 10.01, 127.36), as were athletes who perceived ankle injuries to be severe (OR: 2.77; 95% CI: 1.04, 7.37). Previous injury did not significantly increase the odds of using an ASD. The combined influence of coach enforcement and previous injury had the greatest effect on increasing ASD use. The largest barrier to ASD use was a lack of aesthetic appeal. Strategies aimed at increasing players’ willingness to wear ankle protection should be emphasized among coaches and parents as this may increase use of ASDs.
TiB2-Based Composites for Ultra-High-Temperature Devices, Fabricated by SHS, Combining Strong and Weak Exothermic Reactions
Authors: Ziemnicka-Sylwester Marta
Published: May 2013

TiB2-based ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) were fabricated using elemental powders of Ti, B and C. The self-propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS) was carried out for the highly exothermic “in situ” reaction of TiB2 formation and the “tailing” synthesis of boron carbide characterized by weak exothermicity. Two series of samples were fabricated, one of them being prepared with additional milling of raw materials. The effects of TiB2 vol fraction as well as grain size of reactant were investigated. The results revealed that combustion was not successful for a TiB2:B4C molar ratio of 0.96, which corresponds to 40 vol% of TiB2 in the composite, however the SHS reaction was initiated and self-propagated for the intended TiB2:B4C molar ratio of 2.16 or above. Finally B13C2 was formed as the matrix phase in each composite. Significant importance of the grain size of the C precursor with regard to the reaction completeness, which affected the microstructure homogeneity and hardness of investigated composites, was proved in this study. The grain size of Ti powder did not influence the microstructure of TiB2 grains. The best properties (HV = 25.5 GPa, average grain size of 9 μm and homogenous microstructure), were obtained for material containing 80 vol% of TiB2, fabricated using a graphite precursor of 2 μm.
Application-Oriented Chemical Optimization of a Metakaolin Based Geopolymer
Authors: Ferone Claudio , Colangelo Francesco , Roviello Giuseppina , Asprone Domenico , Menna Costantino , Balsamo Alberto , Prota Andrea , Cioffi Raffaele , Manfredi Gaetano
Published: May 2013

In this study the development of a metakaolin based geopolymeric mortar to be used as bonding matrix for external strengthening of reinforced concrete beams is reported. Four geopolymer formulations have been obtained by varying the composition of the activating solution in terms of SiO2/Na2O ratio. The obtained samples have been characterized from a structural, microstructural and mechanical point of view. The differences in structure and microstructure have been correlated to the mechanical properties. A major issue of drying shrinkage has been encountered in the high Si/Al ratio samples. In the light of the characterization results, the optimal geopolymer composition was then applied to fasten steel fibers to reinforced concrete beams. The mechanical behavior of the strengthened reinforced beams was evaluated by four-points bending tests, which were performed also on reinforced concrete beams as they are for comparison. The preliminary results of the bending tests point out an excellent behavior of the geopolymeric mixture tested, with the failure load of the reinforced beams roughly twice that of the control beam.
Liquid Foam Templates Associated with the Sol-Gel Process for Production of Zirconia Ceramic Foams
Authors: Beozzo Cristiane , Alves-Rosa Marinalva , Pulcinelli Sandra , Santilli Celso
Published: May 2013

The unique properties of ceramic foams enable their use in a variety of applications. This work investigated the effects of different parameters on the production of zirconia ceramic foam using the sol-gel process associated with liquid foam templates. Evaluation was made of the influence of the thermal treatment temperature on the porous and crystalline characteristics of foams manufactured using different amounts of sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) surfactant. A maximum pore volume, with high porosity (94%) and a bimodal pore size distribution, was observed for the ceramic foam produced with 10% SDS. Macropores, with an average size of around 30 μm, were obtained irrespective of the SDS amount, while the average size of the supermesopores increased systematically as the SDS amount was increased up to 10%, after which it decreased. X-ray diffraction analyses showed that the sample treated at 500 °C was amorphous, while crystallization into a tetragonal metastable phase occurred at 600 °C due to the presence of sulfate groups in the zirconia structure. At 800 and 1000 °C the monoclinic phase was observed, which is thermodynamically stable at these temperatures.
Experimental Study of Membrane Fouling during Crossflow Microfiltration of Yeast and Bacteria Suspensions: Towards an Analysis at the Microscopic Level
Authors: Hassan Ines , Ennouri Monia , Lafforgue Christine , Schmitz Philippe , Ayadi Abdelmoneim
Published: May 2013

Microfiltration of model cell suspensions combining macroscopic and microscopic approaches was studied in order to better understand microbial membrane fouling mechanisms. The respective impact of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast and Escherichia coli bacteria on crossflow microfiltration performances was investigated using a multichannel ceramic 0.2 µm membrane. Pure yeast suspensions (5 µm ovoid cells) and mixtures of yeast and bacteria (1 to 2.5 µm rod shape cells) were considered in order to analyse the effect of interaction between these two microorganisms on fouling reversibility. The resistances varied significantly with the concentration and characteristics of the microorganisms. Membrane fouling with pure yeast suspension was mainly reversible. For yeast and bacteria mixed suspensions (6 g L−1 yeast concentration) the increase in bacteria from 0.15 to 0.30 g L−1 increased the percentage of normalized reversible resistance. At 10 g L−1 yeast concentration, the addition of bacteria tends to increase the percentage of normalized irreversible resistance. For the objective of performing local analysis of fouling, an original filtration chamber allowing direct in situ observation of the cake by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was designed, developed and validated. This device will be used in future studies to characterize cake structure at the microscopic scale.
Characterization of Phenolic Constituents from Ephedra Herb Extract
Authors: Amakura Yoshiaki , Yoshimura Morio , Yamakami Saori , Yoshida Takashi , Wakana Daigo , Hyuga Masashi , Hyuga Sumiko , Hanawa Toshihiko , Goda Yukihiro
Published: May 2013

Nine known compounds: trans-cinnamic acid, catechin, syringin, epicatechin, symplocoside, kaempferol 3-O-rhamnoside 7-O-glucoside, isovitexin 2-O-rhamnoside, herbacetin 7-O-glucoside, and pollenitin B and a new flavonoid glycoside, characterized as herbacetin 7-O-neohesperidoside (1) on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and chemical evidence, were isolated from a traditional crude drug, “Ephedra herb extract”. Compound 1 had no effects on HGF-induced motility, whereas herbacetin, which is an aglycone of 1, significantly inhibited it.
Oxidative Debromination and Degradation of Tetrabromo-bisphenol A by a Functionalized Silica-Supported Iron(III)-tetrakis(p-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin Catalyst
Authors: Zhu Qianqian , Mizutani Yusuke , Maeno Shohei , Fukushima Masami
Published: May 2013

Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), a commonly used brominated flame retardant, also functions as an endocrine disruptor. Thus, the degradation of TBBPA has attracted considerable interest among the scientific community. Iron(III)-porphyrin complexes are generally regarded as “green” catalysts and have been reported to catalyze the efficient degradation and dehalogenation of halogenated phenols in environmental wastewaters. However, they are quickly deactivated due to self-degradation in the presence of an oxygen donor, such as KHSO5. In the present study, an iron(III)-tetrakis (p-sulfonatophenyl)-porphyrin (FeTPPS) was immobilized on imidazole-modified silica (FeTPPS/IPS) via coordination of the Fe(III) with the nitrogen atom in imidazole to suppress self-degradation and thus enhance the catalyst reusability. The oxidative degradation and debromination of TBBPA and the influence of humic acid (HA), a major component in leachates, on the oxidation of TBBPA was investigated. More than 95% of the TBBPA was degraded in the pH range from 3 to 8 in the absence of HA, while the optimal pH for the reaction was at pH 8 in the presence of HA. Although the rate of degradation was decreased in the presence of HA, over 95% of the TBBPA was degraded within 12 h in the presence of 28 mg-C L−1 of HA. At pH 8, the FeTPPS/IPS catalyst could be reused up to 10 times without any detectable loss of activity for TBBPA for degradation and debromination, even in the presence of HA.