bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tolerance Evaluation of Vegetatively Established Miscanthus × giganteus to Herbicides
Authors: Li Xiao , Grey Timothy L. , Blanchett Brian H. , Lee R. Dewey , Webster Theodore M. , Vencill William K.
Published: December 2013

Giant miscanthus is under consideration as a biofuel crop in the United States; however, there is little information on weed management for the establishment and survival of this crop. Therefore, greenhouse and field studies using ornamental pots were conducted in summer 2011 at Tifton, GA, with the objective of screening potential PPI, PRE, and POST herbicides and herbicide combinations for giant miscanthus when establishing from vegetative rhizomes. For the POST treatments, giant miscanthus was established from rhizomes in 7.6-L containers in the field and treated with 27 POST herbicides to evaluate efficacy. Thifensulfuron, metsulfuron, tribenuron, chlorimuron, halosulfuron, rimsulfuron, cloransulam, pinoxaden, bentazon, and metribuzin did not significantly lower shoot height, reduce shoot dry weight, or increase injury compared with nontreated control (NTC) when evaluated at 4 wk after treatment. Nicosulfuron, trifloxysulfuron, sulfometuron, clodinafop, fluazifop, and pyrithiobac caused the greatest injury, reduced plant height, and reduced dry weights compared with the NTC. Sethoxydim, diclofop, flumioxazin, imazamox, imazapic, and imazethapyr decreased plant heights or resulted in increased injury. PPI and PRE treatments included 21 herbicides and herbicide combinations applied at two rates. Results indicated that most treatments containing atrazine, metribuzin, pendimethalin, acetochlor, metolachlor, and mesotrione did not injure or stunt growth; however, EPTC at 4.5 kg ai ha−1 significantly reduced height and dry weight and oxadiazon resulted in greater injury compared with NTC at both rates. These results indicate that PPI, PRE, and POST herbicides can be utilized for establishment of giant miscanthus from vegetative rhizomes. Considering the invasive potential of giant miscanthus, several POST herbicides evaluated in this study such as fluazifop, pyrithiobac, and sulfometuron may be viable options to control this species if it becomes invasive.
Camelina (Camelina sativa) Tolerance to Selected Preemergence Herbicides
Authors: Jha Prashant , Stougaard Robert N.
Published: December 2013

Camelina is an emerging oilseed crop suitable for biofuel production in dryland cropping systems of the northwestern United States. Currently, camelina growers have limited herbicide options available for weed control. Tolerance of camelina to PRE applications of quinclorac,S-metolachlor, dimethenamid-P, pendimethalin, and pyroxasulfone was evaluated at two locations (Kalispell in 2009 and 2010, and Huntley in 2010 and 2011) in Montana. Susceptibility to each herbicide was determined at three different rates. Quinclorac applied PRE at 280 to 840 g ai ha−1did not significantly injure camelina, and had no negative effect on plant density, biomass, flowering, and yield at either location.S-Metolachlor at 1,060 to 2,140 g ai ha−1caused less than 20% injury to camelina, with no reductions in plant density, biomass, and yield compared with the nontreated check. Dimethenamid-P applied at 630 g ai ha−1did not affect camelina density, biomass, flowering, and yield; however, at the 1,260 g ha−1rate, injury was as high as 60% (in the coarse-textured Kalispell soil), and plant density and yield were reduced as much as 50 and 31%, respectively, in addition to delayed flowering. Despite causing some visual injury to camelina, crop yield was not reduced by pendimethalin at the 1,060 or 2,130 g ai ha−1rate. Pyroxasulfone caused significant crop injury, stand loss, and yield reductions, and thus does not appear to be a viable option for weed control in camelina. Camelina plants that exhibited early-season injury showed robust growth and compensatory abilities, with lack of significant effect of herbicides on late-season plant height and biomass at least in one of the two locations. On the baseis of this research, quinclorac was the safest of all herbicides tested in camelina. Dimethenamid-P,S-metolachlor, and pendimethalin also may have an acceptable level of crop safety at lower use rates for possible registration in camelina.
Potential Damage to Sensitive Landscape Plants from Wood Chips of Aminocyclopyrachlor Damaged Trees
Authors: Patton Aaron J. , Ruhl Gail E. , Creswell Tom C. , Wan Ping , Scott David E. , Becovitz Joe D. , Weisenberger Daniel V.
Published: December 2013

Applications of aminocyclopyrachlor in 2011 to turf resulted in brown and twisted shoots, leaves, and needles; shoot dieback; and in some cases, death of trees and ornamental plants adjacent to treated turf areas. Our research objective was to determine if a sensitive plant could be injured from wood chips (mulch) obtained from aminocyclopyrachlor-damaged trees, and to quantify movement of aminocyclopyrachlor from contaminated wood chips into soil and its subsequent uptake by roots into landscape plant tissues. Tomatoes were grown under greenhouse conditions and mulched with chipped tree branches collected from honey locust and Norway spruce damaged 12 mo previously by aminocyclopyrachlor. Analysis of tomato tissue for aminocyclopyrachlor residues 32 d after mulching found aminocyclopyrachlor in all mulched tomato plants, which was consistent with observations of epinasty on tomato leaflets. Aminocyclopyrachlor residues ranged from 0.5 to 8.0 ppb in tomato plants while chipped tree branches contained 1.7 to 14.7 ppb. Aminocyclopyrachlor residues in the potting soil below the mulch ranged from below the quantifiable limit to 0.63 ppb, indicating that aminocyclopyrachlor can leach from wood chips into soil, causing plant injury. These results indicate that trees damaged by aminocyclopyrachlor should not be chipped and used for mulch or as an ingredient in compost.
Low Incidence of Pseudoprogression by Imaging in Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma Patients Treated With Cediranib in Combination With Chemoradiation
Authors: Pinho Marco C. , Polaskova Pavlina , Kalpathy-Cramer Jayashree , Jennings Dominique , Emblem Kyrre E. , Jain Rakesh K. , Rosen Bruce R. , Wen Patrick Y. , Sorensen A. Gregory , Batchelor Tracy T. , Gerstner Elizabeth R.
Published: December 2013

Background.

Chemoradiation (CRT) can significantly modify the radiographic appearance of malignant gliomas, especially within the immediate post-CRT period. Pseudoprogression (PsP) is an increasingly recognized phenomenon in this setting, and is thought to be secondary to increased permeability as a byproduct of the complex process of radiation-induced tissue injury, possibly enhanced by temozolomide. We sought to determine whether the addition of a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling inhibitor (cediranib) to conventional CRT had an impact on the frequency of PsP, by comparing two groups of patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma before, during, and after CRT.

Methods.

All patients underwent serial magnetic resonance imaging as part of institutional review board-approved clinical studies. Eleven patients in the control group received only chemoradiation, whereas 29 patients in the study group received chemoradiation and cediranib until disease progression or toxicity. Response assessment was defined according to Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology criteria, and patients with enlarging lesions were classified into true tumor progressions (TTP) or PsP, based on serial radiographic follow-up.

Results.

Two patients in the study group (7%) showed signs of apparent early tumor progression, and both were subsequently classified as TTP. Six patients in the control group (54%) showed signs of apparent early tumor progression, and three were subsequently classified as TTP and three as PsP. The frequency of PsP was significantly higher in the control group.

Conclusion.

Administration of a VEGF inhibitor during and after CRT modifies the expression of PsP by imaging.
Community stoichiometry in a changing world: combined effects of warming and eutrophication on phytoplankton dynamics
Authors: De Senerpont Domis Lisette N. , Van de Waal Dedmer B. , Helmsing Nico R. , Van Donk Ellen , Mooij Wolf. M.
Published: December 2013

The current changes in our climate will likely have far‐reaching consequences for aquatic ecosystems. These changes in the climate, however, do not act alone, and are often accompanied by additional stressors such as eutrophication. Both global warming and eutrophication have been shown to affect the timing and magnitude of phytoplankton blooms. Little is known about the combined effects of rising temperatures and eutrophication on the stoichiometry of entire phytoplankton communities. We exposed a natural phytoplankton spring community to different warming and phosphorus‐loading scenarios using a full‐factorial design. Our results demonstrate that rising temperatures promote the growth rate of an entire phytoplankton community. Furthermore, both rising temperatures and phosphorus loading stimulated the maximum biomass built up by the phytoplankton community. Rising temperatures led to higher carbon : nutrient stoichiometry of the phytoplankton community under phosphorus‐limited conditions. Such a shift towards higher carbon : nutrient ratios, in combination with a higher biomass buildup, suggests a temperature‐driven increase in nutrient use efficiency, the phytoplankton community. Importantly, with higher carbon : nutrient stoichiometry, phytoplankton is generally of poorer nutritional value for zooplankton. Thus, although warming may result in higher phytoplankton biomass, this may be accompanied by a stoichiometric mismatch between phytoplankton and their grazers, with possible consequences for the entire aquatic food web.
Flexible Assertive Community Treatment, Severity of Symptoms and Psychiatric Health Service Use, a Real life Observational Study
Authors: Drukker Marjan , Visser Ellen , Sytema Sjoerd , van Os Jim
Published: December 2013

Background:

Introduction of Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) may be associated with increased remission rates and changes in patterns of care. The present paper reports on differences in psychosocial functioning and health care use between patients in FACT and two groups of patients not currently provided with a specific model of community service.

Methods:

The ongoing "Pharmacotherapy Monitoring and Outcome Survey" provided routine outcome measures of patients using antipsychotics in the north of the Netherlands. Level of psychosocial functioning was assessed using the Health of the Nations Outcome Scales (HoNOS) and matched with psychiatric health care consumption obtained from the Psychiatric Case Register. Patients who never received FACT, patients ever in FACT but not at assessment date, and patients in FACT were identified. Data were subjected to multilevel linear regression analysis.

Results:

Data showed that most patients in FACT also had non-FACT episodes after the start of FACT. Furthermore, patients in FACT displayed higher levels of psychosocial functioning and used more outpatient care than the other two groups.

Conclusions:

Patients in FACT receive more outpatient care and have better psychosocial functioning. However, causal inferences cannot be derived from these data. In addition, membership of a FACT-team in this setting did not last indefinitely.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Young People after L’Aquila Earthquake
Authors: Bianchini Valeria , Roncone Rita , Tomassini Annarita , Necozione Stefano , Cifone Maria Grazia , Casacchia Massimo , Pollice Rocco
Published: December 2013

Objective:

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) emerges as the best validated therapeutic approach for children and adolescents who experienced trauma-related symptoms, particularly associated with anxiety or mood disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the CBT efficacy among young people exposed to L’Aquila earthquake, in 2009.

Methods:

one year after the disaster, 39 young subjects as a case group (CBT treated) and 24 as a comparison group (no CBT treated) were evaluated with the Impact of Event Scale Revised (IES-R), the General Health Questionnaire-12 items (GHQ-12) and the Brief Cope. CBT was conducted in 12 sessions (once per week for 3 months). After CBT intervention, both groups were evaluated again with the same psychometric instruments.

Results:

our results show a significantly decrease in post traumatic symptoms and psychological distress severity in CBT group. It was attributable to an improvement in each of three PTSD dimensions (intrusion, avoidance, and arousal) and in the total score of IES-R (p< 0.04). Among CBT treated group, subjects that adopted “planning/problem solving” coping strategies (p < .02) and “religiosity” (p < .045) show higher improvement in psychological distress.

Conclusions:

our findings show the efficacy of CBT and the influence of individual coping strategies in the improvement of posttraumatic stress symptoms and psychological distress among young people seeking help from an outpatients service for young people with psychiatric problems (the SMILE) after the catastrophic disaster in L’Aquila.
The Advantage of a Total Knee Arthroplasty with Rotating Platform is Only Theoretical: Prospective Analysis of 1,152 Arthroplasties
Authors: Delport H.P.
Published: December 2013

Background:

The aim of total knee surgery is to provide patients with end-stage osteoarthritis of the knee with both pain relief and a functional range of motion with a securely fixed prosthesis for the long term. Many types of implants are designed to achieve these goals. Only clinical outcome studies are able to substantiate the superiority of one design over another. Our primary research question was to determine whether patients receiving a rotating platform implant had a better functional outcome.

Methods:

A total of 1,152 Performance Total Knee Arthroplastiesin 943 patients were studied prospectively. In 561 cases, the cruciate retaining model (CR) was used. In 591 cases the cruciate substituting with posterior-stabilized model (PS) was implanted (324 cases with a fixed bearing (PSFB) and 267 cases with a rotating platform (PSRP)).

Results:

The Clinical KSS score was similar for the three types at 1, 5, 10 and 15 years post-operatively. The Functional score also remained similar for all types until 10 years; at 15 years functional results of the CR group decreased.

Conclusions:

Neither clinically nor radiographically did the use of a rotating platform prove to be more advantageous than fixed bearing tibial components. Thus, the advantage of a Total Knee Arthroplasty with Rotating Platform remains theoretical.
Using a Configuration System to Design Toilets and Place Installation Shafts
Authors: Kudsk Anders , Hvam Lars , Thuesen Christian Langhoff
Published: December 2013

The aim of this research is to discover how configuration systems can support a product’s design process when a high degree of variation is required and a very open or endless space exists for possible configurations. The article is based on an industrial case involving a firm that wishes to offer a bathroom configurator to architects. The aim of the configurator is to help architects design a bathroom according to relevent requirements and norms. In offering the configurator, the firm aims to enable a design that can be coordinated with a prefabricated installation shaft sold by the firm, and also to create customer leads. Four scenarios are developed for how design can be supported by four different types of configuration technologies. The four scenarios are evaluated in relation to a number of functional and technical requirements. The scenarios indicate that a good and varied range of opportunities exist for using configuration systems in the construction industry. They also show that it can be done without fundamentally changing the present process.
Book Review
Authors: Watanabe Olena , Wheeler Patrick
Published: December 2013

DANIEL KAHNEMAN, Thinking, Fast and Slow (New York, NY: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2011, ISBN978-0-374-27563-1, 499 pages, $15.00)
Prooxidative and antioxidative properties of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) callus in vitro and young in vivo plantlets in response to copper ions
Authors: Lukatkin Alexander S. , Michailova Irina D. , Teixeira da Silva Jaime A.
Published: December 2013

The effects of different concentrations of copper ions (Cu2+ in the form of CuSO4 × 5H2O) on in vivo cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. ‘Edinstvo’) seedlings as well as on in vitro hypocotyl-derived callus were considered. Callus induction from hypocotyls was more prolific than from roots or cotyledons. Thus, callus obtained from hypocotyls of 7-day-old cucumber plants was cultured for 5 weeks on Murashige and Skoog medium containing 4 mg dm-3 2,4-D + 1 mg dm-3 BA supplemented with 0.01 mM, 0.1 mM or 1.0 mM of Cu2+. Biochemical indices related to oxidative stress were assessed. Cu2+ at 0.01 mM stimulated callus induction but 1.0 mM Cu2+ negatively affected callus formation and growth. LPO intensity was significantly lower than the control at all concentrations of Cu2+ but significantly higher than the control in plants exposed to 0.01 or 0.1 mM Cu2+. A similar trend was observed for the generation of the superoxide radical in both callus and plantlets. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APOX) activity increased in both callus and plantlets, but the level of increase in these antioxidant enzyme systems depended on the Cu2+ concentration. Cu2+ ions had a stronger (i.e., more negative) influence on oxidative stress in cucumber seedlings than on cucumber callus.
A contribution to the bryoflora of the Western Ghats in Karnataka State, India
Authors: Schwarz Uwe , Frahm Jan-Peter
Published: December 2013

Based on fieldtrips of the authors in 2012, a list of species collected in a small area of the Western Ghats (Coorg District, state of Karnataka) is presented. It includes 18 species of liverworts and hornworts as well as 76 species of mosses. 27 species of mosses are newly reported for the state of Karnataka, 6 species are new for Coorg province. Holomitrium javanicum Dozy & Molk. is reported as new to India. Campylopus sedgwickii Dix. described from Sri Lanka and so far only known from the type locality is a new synonym of C. recurvus Mitt. The list gives a rough inventory of the bryoflora in altitudes between 900 m and 1750 m and can be regarded as typical for the northern Western Ghats.
Notes on the lichen genus Ochrolechia in Bolivia
Authors: Kukwa Martin , Flakus Pamela Rodriguez , Flakus Adam
Published: December 2013

The paper presents new records for four taxa of Ochrolechia A. Massal. from Bolivia, of which three, O. austroamericana (Räsänen) Räsänen, O. subpallescens f. Verseghy uruguayensis Verseghy and O. upsaliensis (L.) A. Massal., are new for the country. Ochrolechia subpallescens f. uruguayensis is shown to differ chemically from O. subpallescens s.str., but its taxonomic rank needs to be clarified with molecular studies. Ochrolechia africana Vain. is also reported for the first time for Tanzania and Uruguay, and O. austroamericana for Ecuador.
Antiretroviral therapy for prevention of HIV transmission: implications for Europe
Authors: Cambiano V , O’Connor J , Phillips A N , Rodger A , Lodwick R , Pharris A , Lampe F , Nakagawa F , Smith C , van de Laar M J
Published: December 2013

The aim of this review is to summarise the evidence on the population-level effect of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in preventing HIV infections, and to discuss potential implications in the European context of recommending starting ART when the CD4 count is above 350 cells/mm3. The ability of ART to reduce the risk of HIV transmission has been reported in observational studies and in a randomised controlled trial (HPTN 052), in which ART initiation reduced HIV transmission by 96% within serodiscordant couples. As yet, there is no direct evidence for such an effect among men having sex with men or people who inject drugs. HPTN 052 led international organisations to develop recommendations with a higher CD4 threshold for ART initiation. However, there remains a lack of strong evidence of clinical benefit for HIV-positive individuals starting ART with CD4 count above 350 cells/mm3. The main goal of ART provision should be to increase ART coverage for all those in need, based on the current guidelines, and the offer of ART to those who wish to reduce infectivity; increased HIV testing is therefore a key requirement. Other proven prevention means such as condom use and harm reduction for people who inject drugs remain critical.
Alumina Supported Synthesis of Some α,β– Unsaturated Heterocyclic Acids
Authors: Mishra A. D.
Published: December 2013

Solid supported synthesis of some novel 3- (5'- substituted-2-furyl/thienyl) propen -2- oic acids has been carried out from malonic acid and 5- substituted furan/thiophene-2-carboxaldehydes under microwave irradiations in solvent free condition. The reaction completed in one step via condensation affording 88-96% of yield within 4-6 minutes. The reactions are accompanied with easy work-up, limited use of organic solvents and the use of inexpensive and hazard- free chemicals. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jncs.v29i0.9229Journal of Nepal Chemical SocietyVol. 29, 2012Page: 1-4Uploaded date : 12/3/2013
Conductance of Sodium dodecyl sulphate in Presence and in Absence of KCl and NaBr in Methanol-Water mixed solvent media at 308. 15 K
Authors: Niraula Tulasi Prasad , Chatterjee Sujeet Kumar , Bhattarai Ajaya
Published: December 2013

Correction: On 10/01/2014, the first author of this paper was changed from Tulsi Ram Niraula to Tulasi Prasad NiraulaPrecise measurements on conductivity of sodium dodecyl sulphate in presence and in absence of KCl and NaBr in methanol-water mixed solvent media containing 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 volume fractions of methanol at 308.15K are reported. The concentrations were varied from ~ 0.001 to ~ 0.05 mol-1. The results showed a sharp increase in conductivity with increase in concentration of sodium dodecyl sulphate. Also,the conductivity of sodium dodecyl sulphate increases with addition of salts. The conductivity of sodium dodecyl sulphate decreases with increase in amount of methanol. The conductance of sodium dodecyl sulphate is found more in presence of KCl than NaBr in methanol-water mixed solvent media containing 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 volume fractions of methanol. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jncs.v29i0.9230Journal of Nepal Chemical SocietyVol. 29, 2012Page: 5-10Uploaded date : 12/3/2013
Development of Natural Cation Exchanger for the Treatment of Lead ions from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Homagai Puspa Lal
Published: December 2013

Cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin are the main constituents found in sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) bagasse having many surface active sites containing hydroxyl and/or phenolic groups which are effective for chemical modification. The biowaste was first charred with concentrated sulphuric acid and then the charred aminated sugarcane bagasse (CASB) was prepared by reduction followed by oxidation. The developed bio-sorbent was characterized by SEM, TGA/DTA, FTIR and elemental analysis. Batch adsorption methods were carried out to determine Pb+2 sorption capacities at different pH ranges and sorbate concentrations. The maximum adsorption capacity for Pb+2 was found to be 323 mg g-1 with an efficiency of 98% at pH 4.The experimental data showed a good fit to Langmuir isotherm as compared to Freundlich isotherm models. The kinetics was best fitted with the pseudo-second order model. The adsorption equilibrium was attained within 20 min. The high adsorption capacity and fast kinetics results of the charred aminated sugarcane bagasse indicated that it might be potential adsorbent for the removal of lead from contaminated water. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jncs.v29i0.9235Journal of Nepal Chemical SocietyVol. 29, 2012Page: 34-43Uploaded date : 12/3/2013
Removal of Chromium (VI) from Aqueous Solution using Charred Pomegranate Waste
Authors: Gautam Rajendra Prasad , Pokhrel Megh Raj
Published: December 2013

Removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution was studied using charred pomegranate fruit waste [CPW] as a new low cost biosorbent under batch method at room temperature. Its efficiency for removal of Cr(VI) was compared with raw pomegranate fruit waste[RPW]. Various sorption parameters such as contact time, initial concentration of Cr(VI) ion and effect of pH on the adsorption capacity of the biosorbent were studied. The adsorbent was effective for quantitative removal of Cr(VI) ions in highly acidic condition (pH=1) and equilibrium has been achieved in 2 hours. The adsorption isotherm data were fitted to Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models and the model parameters were evaluated. Spectrophotometric method using diphenylcarbazide as a complexing reagent was used to analyze the chromium content in synthetic samples and the landfill site effluent collected from Kuleshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jncs.v29i0.9256Journal of Nepal Chemical Society Vol. 29, 2012 Page:  81-88 Uploaded date: 12/5/2013
Clinical Evaluation of Fixed Partial Dentures with Cast Joined Pontics
Authors: Thapa Dipak
Published: December 2013

Introduction: It requires great skill and material selection to achieve proper solder joint. It is more difficult to perform when one is working with the base alloy. Similar joint can be achieved by cast joining. But no clinical evaluation has been described in the literature about this technique. Objective: To evaluate the clinical success of cast joining in porcelain fused to base alloy fixed partial denture. Materials & Method: The metal frameworks of long span fixed partial denture that did not fit satisfactorily during metal try-in were sectioned through pontics. The pontics were grossly reduced and designed to achieve mechanical interlocking. Then they were connected by self-cure acrylic resin in the patients’ mouth after achieving proper fit. They were reinvested in casting rings and recasting was done. After further try-in, ceramic application were completed and cemented in patients’ mouth. Marginal fit, cervical caries, mechanical strength and metal ceramic bond in joined areas were clinically assessed using Ryge Clinical Criteria. Result: 15 patients were available for follow up. Each patient had worn the fixed partial denture for more than a year. When clinically assessed the marginal fits were acceptable. None of the patients had any cervical caries. None of the fixed partial denture had failed mechanically. There were no cases of ceramic fracture in the pontics areas. Conclusion: Cast joining could be one of the alternative techniques of soldering and welding in fixed partial denture provided that the split is done through the pontic area and well designed to achieve maximum mechanical interlocking. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ojn.v3i1.9284 Orthodontic Journal of Nepal, Vol.3, No.1, 2013: 58-62
Acute subdural hematoma from bridging vein rupture: a potential mechanism for growth
Authors: Miller Jimmy D. , Nader Remi
Published: December 2013

Most acute subdural hematomas (ASDHs) develop after rupture of a bridging vein or veins. The anatomy of the bridging vein predisposes to its tearing within the border cell layer of the dura mater. Thus, the subdural hematoma actually forms within the dura. The hematoma grows by continued bleeding into the border cell layer. However, the venous pressure would not be expected to cause a large hematoma. Therefore, some type of mechanism must account for the hematoma's expansion.

Cerebral venous pressure (CVP) has been demonstrated in animal models to be slightly higher than intracranial pressure (ICP), and CVP tracks the ICP as pressure variations occur. The elevation of CVP as the ICP increases is thought to result from an increase in outflow resistance of the terminal portion of the bridging veins. This probably results from a Starling resistor model or, less likely, from a muscular sphincter.

A hypothesis is derived to explain the mechanism of ASDH enlargement. Tearing of one or more bridging veins causes these vessels to bleed into the dural border cell layer. Subsequent ICP elevation from the ASDH, cerebral swelling, or other cause results in elevation of the CVP by increased outflow resistance in the intact bridging veins. The increased ICP causes further bleeding into the hematoma cavity via the torn bridging veins. Thus, the ASDH enlarges via a positive feedback mechanism.

Enlargement of an ASDH would cease as blood within the hematoma cavity coagulates. This would stop the dissection of the dural border cell layer, and pressure within the hematoma cavity would equalize with that in the torn bridging vein or veins.
Incidence of cranial nerve palsy after preoperative embolization of glomus jugulare tumors using Onyx
Authors: Gaynor Brandon G. , Elhammady Mohamed Samy , Jethanamest Daniel , Angeli Simon I. , Aziz-Sultan Mohammad A.
Published: December 2013

Object

The resection of glomus jugulare tumors can be challenging because of their inherent vascularity. Preoperative embolization has been advocated as a means of reducing operative times, blood loss, and surgical complications. However, the incidence of cranial neuropathy associated with the embolization of these tumors has not been established. The authors of this study describe their experience with cranial neuropathy following transarterial embolization of glomus jugulare tumors using ethylene vinyl alcohol (Onyx, eV3 Inc.).

Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed all cases of glomus jugulare tumors that had been treated with preoperative embolization using Onyx at their institution in the period from 2006 to 2012. Patient demographics, clinical presentation, grade and amount of Onyx used, degree of angiographic devascularization, and procedural complications were recorded.

Results

Over a 6-year period, 11 patients with glomus jugulare tumors underwent preoperative embolization with Onyx. All embolization procedures were completed in one session. The overall mean percent of tumor devascularization was 90.7%. No evidence of nontarget embolization was seen on postembolization angiograms. There were 2 cases (18%) of permanent cranial neuropathy attributed to the embolization procedures (facial nerve paralysis and lower cranial nerve dysfunction).

Conclusions

Embolizing glomus jugulare tumors with Onyx can produce a dramatic reduction in tumor vascularity. However, the intimate anatomical relationship and overlapping blood supply between these tumors and cranial nerves may contribute to a high incidence of cranial neuropathy following Onyx embolization.
Risk factors indicating the need for cranial CT scans in elderly patients with head trauma: an Austrian trial and comparison with the Canadian CT Head Rule
Authors: Wolf Harald , Machold Wolfgang , Frantal Sophie , Kecht Mathias , Pajenda Gholam , Leitgeb Johannes , Widhalm Harald , Hajdu Stefan , Sarahrudi Kambiz
Published: December 2013

Object

This study presents newly defined risk factors for detecting clinically important brain injury requiring neurosurgical intervention and intensive care, and compares it with the Canadian CT Head Rule (CCHR).

Methods

This prospective cohort study was conducted in a single Austrian Level-I trauma center and enrolled a consecutive sample of mildly head-injured adults who presented to the emergency department with witnessed loss of consciousness, disorientation, or amnesia, and a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 13–15. The studied population consisted of a large number of elderly patients living in Vienna. The aim of the study was to investigate risk factors that help to predict the need for immediate cranial CT in patients with mild head trauma.

Results

Among the 12,786 enrolled patients, 1307 received a cranial CT scan. Four hundred eighty-nine patients (37.4%) with a mean age of 63.9 ± 22.8 years had evidence of an acute traumatic intracranial lesion on CT. Three patients (< 0.1%) were admitted to the intensive care unit for neurological observation and received oropharyngeal intubation. Seventeen patients (0.1%) underwent neurosurgical intervention. In 818 patients (62.6%), no evidence of an acute trauma-related lesion was found on CT. Data analysis showed that the presence of at least 1 of the following factors can predict the necessity of cranial CT: amnesia, GCS score, age > 65 years, loss of consciousness, nausea or vomiting, hypocoagulation, dementia or a history of ischemic stroke, anisocoria, skull fracture, and development of a focal neurological deficit. Patients requiring neurosurgical intervention were detected with a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 67% by using the authors' analysis. In contrast, the use of the CCHR in these patients detected the need for neurosurgical intervention with a sensitivity of only 80% and a specificity of 72%.

Conclusions

The use of the suggested parameters proved to be superior in the detection of high-risk patients who sustained a mild head trauma compared with the CCHR rules. Further validation of these results in a multicenter setting is needed. Clinical trial registration no.: NCT00451789 (ClinicalTrials.gov.)
Theoretical study of a reaction mechanism of tropospheric interest: CH3CH2F + OH
Authors: Wang Hongliang , Wang Bingxing , Wang Bingli , Yang Bing
Published: December 2013

Dual-level electronic structure calculation has been performed to investigate the mechanism and all possible channels of OH radical reaction with CH3CH2F. Geometries and frequencies are computed at the B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level of theory for all stationary points and complexes and transition states are located. Potential energy surfaces are constructed at the PMP2/cc-pVTZ//B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level + ZPE correction. Four types of reaction channels are identified: hydrogen abstraction, fluorine abstraction and attack on carbon atom along or perpendicular to the C–C bond axis. Hydrogen abstraction channels have lower barriers and are more exothermic, while out-of-plane β–H abstraction with the lowest barrier is competitive with a–H abstraction. Due to the high energy barrier, contributions of non-H abstraction channels are excluded. The influence of hydrogen bonding interaction is clearly observed in the barrier heights.
Volume loss from lower Peyto Glacier, Alberta, Canada, between 1966 and 2010
Authors: Kehrl Laura M. , Hawley Robert L. , Osterberg Erich C. , Winski Dominic A. , Lee Alexander P.
Published: December 2013

Mass loss from mountain glaciers contributes to sea-level rise and reduces freshwater availability in glacier-fed river basins, with negative effects on hydropower generation, agriculture and the health of aquatic ecosystems. In this study, we determine the volume of lower Peyto Glacier, Alberta, Canada, from ground-penetrating radar surveys in 2008–10, and compare our volume estimate with previous estimates from 1966 and 1984. The long-term record of mass-balance estimates on Peyto Glacier highlights Peyto’s importance as an ‘index’ glacier for the region. We calculate a mean volume of (3.39 ± 0.30) × 107 m3 for the glacier snout for the period 2008–10. Glacier volume decreased linearly from 1966 to 2010. If this trend persists, the glacier snout will disappear by ~2019 and Peyto Glacier will have retreated by ~1 km. Our results agree with modelling studies, which suggest that Peyto Glacier and other nearby glaciers along the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rocky Mountains will likely lose 80–90% of their present-day volume by 2100.
On the formation of blue ice on Byrd Glacier, Antarctica
Authors: Ligtenberg S.R.M. , Lenaerts J.T.M. , Van Den Broeke M.R. , Scambos T.A.
Published: December 2013

Blue-ice areas (BIAs) cover ~1% of the East Antarctic ice sheet and are visual evidence of persistent ablation. In these regions, more snow is sublimated and/or eroded than is accumulated. The physical processes driving the formation of BIAs are poorly understood. Here we combine a firndensification model with high-resolution (5.5 km) maps of surface mass balance and ice velocity to simulate the build-up and removal of a firn layer along an ice flowline passing Byrd Glacier. A BIA is formed once the complete firn layer is removed. Feedback processes, which enhance blue-ice formation through the difference in surface characteristics of snow and ice, are examined using sensitivity simulations. The presence of blue ice on Byrd Glacier is found to be mainly determined by (1) ice velocity, (2) surface mass balance and (3) the characteristics (thickness, mass) of the firn layer prior to entering the ablation area. With a moderate decrease of the surface mass balance, the location and extent of the simulated BIA on Byrd Glacier is found to be in good qualitative agreement with MODIS optical imagery.
Pipeline of Known Chemical Classes of Antibiotics
Authors: De Souza Mendes Cristina , De Souza Antunes Adelaide
Published: December 2013

Many approaches are used to discover new antibiotic compounds, one of the most widespread being the chemical modification of known antibiotics. This type of discovery has been so important in the development of new antibiotics that most antibiotics used today belong to the same chemical classes as antibiotics discovered in the 1950s and 1960s. Even though the discovery of new classes of antibiotics is urgently needed, the chemical modification of antibiotics in known classes is still widely used to discover new antibiotics, resulting in a great number of compounds in the discovery and clinical pipeline that belong to existing classes. In this scenario, the present article presents an overview of the R&D pipeline of new antibiotics in known classes of antibiotics, from discovery to clinical trial, in order to map out the technological trends in this type of antibiotic R&D, aiming to identify the chemical classes attracting most interest, their spectrum of activity, and the new subclasses under development. The result of the study shows that the new antibiotics in the pipeline belong to the following chemical classes: quinolones, aminoglycosides, macrolides, oxazolidinones, tetracyclines, pleuromutilins, beta-lactams, lipoglycopeptides, polymyxins and cyclic lipopeptides.
Beyond Gene Delivery: Strategies to Engineer the Surfaces of Viral Vectors
Authors: Capasso Cristian , Hirvinen Mari , Cerullo Vincenzo
Published: December 2013

Viral vectors have been extensively studied due to their great transduction efficiency compared to non-viral vectors. These vectors have been used extensively in gene therapy, enabling the comprehension of, not only the advantages of these vectors, but also the limitations, such as the activation of the immune system after vector administration. Moreover, the need to control the target of the vector has led to the development of chemical and non-chemical modifications of the vector surface, allowing researchers to modify the tropism and biodistribution profile of the vector, leading to the production of viral vectors able to target different tissues and organs. This review describes recent non-genetic modifications of the surfaces of viral vectors to decrease immune system activation and to control tissue targeting. The developments described herein provide opportunities for applications of gene therapy to treat acquired disorders and genetic diseases and to become useful tools in regenerative medicine.
Butylated Hydroxyanisole Blocks the Occurrence of Tumor Associated Macrophages in Tobacco Smoke Carcinogen-Induced Lung Tumorigenesis
Authors: Zhang Yan , Choksi Swati , Liu Zheng-Gang
Published: December 2013

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) promote tumorigenesis because of their proangiogenic and immune-suppressive functions. Here, we report that butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) blocks occurrence of tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) in tobacco smoke carcinogen-induced lung tumorigenesis. Continuous administration of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), a ROS inhibitor, before or after NNK treatment significantly blocked tumor development, although less effectively when BHA is administered after NNK treatment. Strikingly, BHA abolished the occurrence of F4/80+ macrophages with similar efficiency no matter whether it was administered before or after NNK treatment. Detection of cells from bronchioalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) confirmed that BHA markedly inhibited the accumulation of macrophages while slightly reducing the number of lymphocytes that were induced by NNK. Immunohistological staining showed that BHA specifically abolished the occurrence of CD206+ TAMs when it was administered before or after NNK treatment. Western blot analysis of TAMs markers, arginase I and Ym-1, showed that BHA blocked NNK-induced TAMs accumulation. Our study clearly demonstrated that inhibiting the occurrence of TAMs by BHA contributes to the inhibition of tobacco smoke carcinogen-induced tumorigenesis, suggesting ROS inhibitors may serve as a therapeutic target for treating smoke-induced lung cancer.
Nonparametric Information Geometry: From Divergence Function to Referential-Representational Biduality on Statistical Manifolds
Authors: Zhang Jun
Published: December 2013

Divergence functions are the non-symmetric “distance” on the manifold, Μθ, of parametric probability density functions over a measure space, (Χ,μ). Classical information geometry prescribes, on Μθ: (i) a Riemannian metric given by the Fisher information; (ii) a pair of dual connections (giving rise to the family of α-connections) that preserve the metric under parallel transport by their joint actions; and (iii) a family of divergence functions ( α-divergence) defined on Μθ x Μθ, which induce the metric and the dual connections. Here, we construct an extension of this differential geometric structure from Μθ (that of parametric probability density functions) to the manifold, Μ, of non-parametric functions on X, removing the positivity and normalization constraints. The generalized Fisher information and α-connections on M are induced by an α-parameterized family of divergence functions, reflecting the fundamental convex inequality associated with any smooth and strictly convex function. The infinite-dimensional manifold, M, has zero curvature for all these α-connections; hence, the generally non-zero curvature of M can be interpreted as arising from an embedding of Μθ into Μ. Furthermore, when a parametric model (after a monotonic scaling) forms an affine submanifold, its natural and expectation parameters form biorthogonal coordinates, and such a submanifold is dually flat for α = ± 1, generalizing the results of Amari’s α-embedding. The present analysis illuminates two different types of duality in information geometry, one concerning the referential status of a point (measurable function) expressed in the divergence function (“referential duality”) and the other concerning its representation under an arbitrary monotone scaling (“representational duality”).
Spatial Distribution of Cosmetic-Procedure Businesses in Two U.S. Cities: A Pilot Mapping and Validation Study
Authors: Austin S. , Gordon Allegra , Kennedy Grace , Sonneville Kendrin , Blossom Jeffrey , Blood Emily
Published: December 2013

Cosmetic procedures have proliferated rapidly over the past few decades, with over $11 billion spent on cosmetic surgeries and other minimally invasive procedures and another $2.9 billion spent on U.V. indoor tanning in 2012 in the United States alone. While research interest is increasing in tandem with the growth of the industry, methods have yet to be developed to identify and geographically locate the myriad types of businesses purveying cosmetic procedures. Geographic location of cosmetic-procedure businesses is a critical element in understanding the public health impact of this industry; however no studies we are aware of have developed valid and feasible methods for spatial analyses of these types of businesses. The aim of this pilot validation study was to establish the feasibility of identifying businesses offering surgical and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures and to characterize the spatial distribution of these businesses. We developed and tested three methods for creating a geocoded list of cosmetic-procedure businesses in Boston (MA) and Seattle (WA), USA, comparing each method on sensitivity and staff time required per confirmed cosmetic-procedure business. Methods varied substantially. Our findings represent an important step toward enabling rigorous health-linked spatial analyses of the health implications of this little-understood industry.
Facile Synthesis of Mono-Dispersed Polystyrene (PS)/Ag Composite Microspheres via Modified Chemical Reduction
Authors: Zhu Wen , Wu Yuanyuan , Yan Changhao , Wang Chengyin , Zhang Ming , Wu Zhonglian
Published: December 2013

A modified method based on in situ chemical reduction was developed to prepare mono-dispersed polystyrene/silver (PS/Ag) composite microspheres. In this approach; mono-dispersed PS microspheres were synthesized through dispersion polymerization using poly-vinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a dispersant at first. Then, poly-dopamine (PDA) was fabricated to functionally modify the surfaces of PS microspheres. With the addition of [Ag(NH3)2]+ to the PS dispersion, [Ag(NH3)2]+ complex ions were absorbed and reduced to silver nanoparticles on the surfaces of PS-PDA microspheres to form PS/Ag composite microspheres. PVP acted both as a solvent of the metallic precursor and as a reducing agent. PDA also acted both as a chemical protocol to immobilize the silver nanoparticles at the PS surface and as a reducing agent. Therefore, no additional reducing agents were needed. The resulting composite microspheres were characterized by TEM, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), XRD, UV-Vis and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The results showed that Ag nanoparticles (NPs) were homogeneously immobilized onto the PS microspheres’ surface in the presence of PDA and PVP. PS/Ag composite microspheres were well formed with a uniform and compact shell layer and were adjustable in terms of their optical property.
Evaluation of the Performance of Grouting Materials for Saturated Riprap
Authors: Kim Daehyeon , Jung Sinkyu , Cha Kyungsub
Published: December 2013

In this study, four types of grout were developed to evaluate the effect of grouting of saturated riprap layers on ground water flow. The developed types of grout are divided into a quick-setting type and a general-type, and also into high and low viscosities. A number of grout tests were performed in a model acrylic chamber, 0.4 m in diameter and 2.0 m in length, for visual observation of injection. To reproduce the field flow condition of the saturated riprap layers (approach flow), the grout tests were carried out at 0 cm/s and 100 cm/s for the flow speed and 10 L/min for the grout injection speed after installing a flow injection opening on the lower part of the chamber. Based on the results of the grout tests, the injection of each grout in the saturated riprap layers was examined to find out the most effective grout.
Calculating Restart States for Systems Modeled by Operations Using Supervisory Control Theory
Authors: Bergagård Patrik , Fabian Martin
Published: December 2013

This paper presents a supervisory control theory based offline method for calculating restart states in a manufacturing control system. Given these precalculated restart states, an operator can be given correct instructions for how to resynchronize the control system and the manufacturing resources during the online restart process. The proposed method enables restart after unforeseen errors. It is assumed that the control system is modeled by operations and that possible operation sequences emerge through dependencies between the operations. The paper shows how reexecution requirements may be included in the calculation to obtain a correct behavior for the restarted system. In addition, it is shown how to filter out restart states that require less effort for the operator during the online restart, and how to adapt the nominal production to always enable restart in desired restart states.