bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Putative height acceleration following tethered cord release in children
Authors: Foster Kimberly A. , Lam Sandi , Lin Yimo , Greene Stephanie
Published: October 2014

Object

Tethered cord (TC) is a neurological disorder caused by tissue attachments that limit the normal movement of the spinal cord. A TC can be unmasked by a cutaneous abnormality or manifest clinically in myriad neurological, urological, and orthopedic symptoms. The relationship between TC and height is previously unknown. This study investigates the association between TC release and changes in height profiles in the pediatric population.

Methods

Fifty-two children undergoing first-time TC release at a single institution were examined retrospectively. Clinical symptoms, radiographic findings, pre- and postoperative height, and height-for-age percentiles were recorded and analyzed.

Results

Children with TC experienced a statistically significant increase in age-adjusted height percentiles after TC release (p = 0.0028), with a mean increase of 7 percentile points (from 48.1st to 54.9th percentile). When stratified by age, children 5 years or older (5–18 years) demonstrated a mean percentile increase of 10 percentile points (from 46.7th to 56.4th percentile) (p = 0.0001). Among the same age group, this effect scaled significantly with age (p = 0.02, beta coefficient −1.3). There was no significant difference in height-for-age after detethering surgery in children younger than 5 years. There was no significant association between the presence of clinical symptoms or specific radiographic findings and height outcomes after surgery. Overall, 56% of TC-related clinical symptoms improved after detethering (mean follow-up 4.6 months). Among children younger than 5 years, 82% of TC-related clinical symptoms improved after detethering (average follow-up 4.5 months); in children 5–18 years, 47% of symptoms improved after detethering (average follow-up 4.8 months).

Conclusions

The authors observed a statistically significant gain in height-for-age percentiles in children undergoing surgical release of TC. The authors' data suggest that such gains may be more significant in older children (≥ 5 years) and the increase appears to scale positively with youth in the older cohort. In this study, postoperative height gains did not appear to correlate with the presence of TC-related clinical symptoms or radiographic findings. Further investigation is necessary to elucidate any potential correlation between release of TC and height changes in children postoperatively.
Neurosurgical treatment of pediatric low-grade midbrain tumors: a single consecutive institutional series of 15 patients
Authors: Lundar Tryggve , Due-Tønnessen Bernt Johan , Egge Arild , Scheie David , Brandal Petter , Stensvold Einar , Due-Tønnessen Paulina
Published: October 2014

Object

The authors delineate the long-term results of surgical treatment for pediatric low-grade midbrain glioma.

Methods

A series of 15 consecutive patients (age range 0–15 years) who underwent primary tumor resection for a low-grade midbrain glioma during the years 1989–2010 were included in this retrospective study on surgical morbidity, mortality rate, academic achievement, and/or work participation. Gross motor function and activities of daily living were scored according to the Barthel Index.

Results

Of the 15 patients, 10 were in their 1st decade (age 0–9 years) and 5 were in their 2nd decade of life (age 10–15 years) at the time of surgery. The male/female ratio was 0.50 (5:10). No patients were lost to follow-up. One patient died in the postoperative period (32 days posttreatment). Another 2 patients died during follow-up. One patient succumbed to acute bleeding in the resection cavity 8 months after surgery, and the other died of shunt failure 21 years after initial treatment. Twelve patients are alive at the time of this writing, with follow-up periods from 3 to 24 years (median 8 years).

Among the 12 survivors, the Barthel Index scores were normal (100) in 11 patients and 80 in 1 patient. A total of 25 tumor resections were performed. In 1 patient, further resection was performed 5 days after initial resection due to MRI-confirmed residual tumor. Another 5 patients underwent repeat tumor resection after MRI-confirmed progressive tumor disease and clinical deterioration ranging from 3 months to 4 years after the initial operation. Three of these 5 patients also underwent a third resection, and 1 of the 3 underwent a fourth operation. Six children received adjuvant therapy: local radiotherapy in 2 patients, chemotherapy in 3 patients, and both in 1 patient. Twelve (80%) of the 15 patients needed treatment for persistent hydrocephalus.

Conclusions

Selected cases of low-grade midbrain gliomas may clearly benefit from resection with favorable results, even for prolonged periods. Three patients in the present series died, one of whom had a prolonged survival period of 21 years. Among the 12 survivors, stable long-term results appeared obtainable in at least 9. One patient died of acute hemorrhage 8 months after initial resection; otherwise, rapid tumor progression and death were not observed. Forty percent of the patients received adjuvant treatment, with local radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or both.
Magnetic resonance imaging localization with cod liver oil capsules for the minimally invasive approach to small intradural extramedullary tumors of the thoracolumbar spine
Authors: Turel Mazda K. , Rajshekhar Vedantam
Published: October 2014

Object

Accurate intraoperative localization of small intradural extramedullary thoracolumbar (T-1 to L-3 level) spinal cord tumors is vital when minimally invasive techniques, such as hemilaminectomy, are used to excise these lesions. In this study, the authors describe a simple and effective method of preoperative MRI localization of small intradural extramedullary tumors using cod liver oil capsules.

Methods

Thirty-five patients with intradural tumors underwent preoperative MRI localization the evening prior to surgery. Patients were positioned prone in the MRI gantry, mimicking the intraoperative position. Nine capsules were placed in 3 rows to cover the lesion. This localization was used to guide the level for a minimally invasive approach using a hemilaminectomy to excise these tumors.

Results

The mean patient age was 51.5 ± 14.3 years, and the mean body mass index was 24.1 ± 3.5 kg/m2. Twenty-two tumors involved the thoracic spine, and 13 involved the upper lumbar spine from L-1 to L-3. The mean tumor size was 2.2 ± 1.0 cm. Localization was accurate in 34 patients (97.1%).

Conclusions

Accurate localization with the described method is quick, safe, cost-effective, and noninvasive with no exposure to radiation. It also reduces operating time by eliminating the need for intraoperative fluoroscopy.
Epidemiological profile of cervical lesion on Pap smear cytology and histopathological finding in Kosi region of Bihar
Authors: Karim Rakhshinda , Haque Nasim Ul
Published: October 2014

With decreasing incidence of cervical pathology in western world due to increasing awareness and screening programme. Contrary to it in India and developing countries cervical lesion, particularly cervical carcinoma is the leading cause of increasing morbidity, mortality and financial burden on society. The present study is an insight into the epidemiological profile of cervical lesion on Pap smear and histopathology finding in Kosi region of Bihar. The study was carried over the period of 2 years 8 months. Total 154 patients were enrolled in this study and were analysed for age, socio-economic status, parity, age at first pregnancy and symptoms using Pap smear with histopathological finding of cervical lesions. Data were analysed of which 79.23% (122) patients were in age groups 21-40 years, 72.08% (111) were from low socio-economic status, and 70.78% (109) were with parity 4 and more. 66.88% (103) patients delivered their first child below 20 years of age. 69.49% (107) patients presented with foul smelling vaginal discharge and pelvic pain. On pap smear and histopathological findings preinvasive (dysplasia, LGSIL, HGSIL) and invasive stage (carcinoma) constituted 26.61% (41) cases. The epidemiological pattern of cervical lesion in kosi region of Bihar is different from other study with presentation in younger age groups, high parity and markedly increased incidence of premalignant and malignant lesion on pap smear and histopathology findings. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i4.16641 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(4) 2014 p.427-430
Prevalence of Smoking among the Students resided at Dormitories in Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Iran
Authors: Shojaa Mahdieh , Qorbani Mostafa , Jouybari Leila Mahasti , Sanagoo Akram , Mohebi Ramin , Bamyar Roya , Aghaie Mehrdad
Published: October 2014

Introduction: Cigarette smoking leads to harmful physical and emotional problems and also is a predisposed factor for the addiction. The aim of this study was an attempt to determine the rate of prevalence and causes of smoking among the students of Golestan University of Medical Sciences who resided in the dormitories. Material & Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study conducted among the resident students of dormitories in 2010. The sample size consisted of all the university dormitory students. The data gathered using a validated and reliable questionnaire. The data analyzed using SPSS software and statistical tests including Chi-square, Logistic regression and Independent t-test. Results: Of 669 students, 538 (80%) of them filled out the questionnaires completely. 67.3% (362 subjects) were female. 6.1% (33 students) were smoker and 83.5% of them had experiences of cigarette smoking. The most important reasons for the smoking tendency were having a smoker friend in 33%, a personal interest 27% and as hobby in 24% of the cases. There were significant relation between age, sex, region and year of education with smoking (P<0.05). However, we couldnt find any significant relation between major and marital status with cigarette smoking (P>0.05).Conclusion: The results indicated low prevalence of cigarette smoking among the students. However, preventive measures should be taken to conduit youth toward healthier behaviors. It seems parental control and monitoring childrens friend finding are crucial issue.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i4.16727 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(4) 2014 p.460-465
Food, Nutrition and Health Care: diverse conceptions amongst adolescent population in a semi-urban Bangladeshi Muslim community
Authors: Khan AKM Dawlat , Islam AKM Mazharul
Published: October 2014

Objective: This study explores how the adolescents identify diet and why do they select these types of foods as diet and how they conceptualize health. Methodology: This is an empirical study conducted applying qualitative methods in a semi-urban Muslim community at Sylhet district in the northeastern region of Bangladesh. Data were collected through in-depth interviews. Results: Adolescents had diverse conceptions on foods related to nutrition and health care. Adolescents relate food categorization mainly with the price of food, function of foods and a number of sensory characteristics, such as taste, smell and color. They categorized foods according to the price of foods- poor and rich; and to the function of foods- hot and cold. They had different preferences in different genders according to the sensory characteristics of foods- black color, sour taste etc. They had also some gender specific taboo on some foods. Conclusion: This study reveals that adolescents have diversified thinking on foods related to nutrition and health care practices, which demands to provide special attention for improving their understanding on food, nutrition and health care. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i4.19165 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(4) 2014 p.391-395
Probiotics: concept and applications
Authors: Salam Md Abdus
Published: October 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i4.20550Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(4) 2014 p.373-376
Sociodemographic profile of families with mentally retarded children and its relation to stress
Authors: Siddiqui Aesha Farheen
Published: October 2014

Background: Families dealing with mentally retarded children undergo stress. Sociodemographic factors play a role in stress and coping mechanisms. This paper highlighting on stress and its relation with demographic variables of families with mentally retarded children is a part of a broader study on stress and coping in families with mentally retarded children. Objectives: 1. Study the sociodemographic profile of families with mentally retarded children. 2. Study the association of stress with sociodemographic variables. Material and methods: A cross sectional study was done on hundred families of mentally retarded children enrolled in special schools at Indore. Sampling procedure was convenience sampling. The study tool was a validated, pretested instrument called as the Family interview for stress and coping in mental retardation, (FISC-MR). Results: Families were found to be suffering from stress. The stress ranged from mild to severe, however it was not significantly associated with the sociodemographic variables except with maternal education level. Conclusion: Families of mentally retarded children undergo stress. Socio-demographic factors play a role in the development of stress in families with mentally retarded children.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i4.20551 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(4) 2014 p.378-382
Determinants of Infant and Child Mortality in Bangladesh: Time Trends and Comparisons across South Asia
Authors: Karmaker S C , Lahiry S , Roy D C , Singha B
Published: October 2014

In spite of various effective intervention programs, the under-5 child mortality rate (U5MR) is still high in Bangladesh. The present paper focused on the levels, trends and determinants of U5MR in Bangladesh utilizing data from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS), 2007. Differential pattern in U5MR in Bangladesh was examined using life table technique as a bi-variate analysis and Cox proportional hazard model was used to analyze the determinants of U5MR mortality. Data from BDHS (2007) showed that U5MR during the five years preceding the survey was 65 per 1,000 live births, i.e. one in fifteen children born in Bangladesh died before reaching the fifth birthday. The risk of dying in the first month of life (37 per 1,000) was nearly two and a half times greater than in the subsequent 11 months (15 per 1,000). Deaths in the neonatal period accounted for 57 percent of all under-five deaths. In the Cox proportional hazard model analysis, factors such as the place of residence, parents education, fathers working status, sources of drinking water, type of toilet facility, wealth status, watching of television, mothers age, months of breastfeeding, birth interval had significant influence on infant and child mortality. The most significant predictors of neonatal, post-neonatal, infant and child mortality were residence, parents education, type of toilet facility, wealth status, watching TV, months of breastfeeding, and birth interval. Despite the improvement of medical technology, child mortality remained alarmingly high, indicating that demographic, socioeconomic, household and environmental conditions must be improved to substantially reduce child mortality in this population. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i4.20590 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(4) 2014 p.431-437
The Post-Zionist Discourse in Israel: 1990–2001
Authors: Pappé Ilan
Published: October 2014

This essay describes the development of the Post-Zionist critique within Israeli society, from the late 1980s, when it first appeared in academic works, and follows its dissemination into other areas of cultural activity (theatre, newspapers, films, TV and radio). It assesses the overall impact of post-Zionism on Israeli society, with particular stress on the way the recent Intifada (begun in September 2000) has influenced its fortunes in Israel, and raised some fears for the immediate future.
The Palestinians in Lebanon: New Restrictions on Property Ownership
Authors: El-Natour Souheil
Published: October 2014

It is estimated that there are some 373,440 Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, comprising some 10 per cent of the total refugee population registered by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). Despite the efforts of UNRWA in the health and educational fields their fate is, perhaps, the most uncertain and tragic of all the Palestinian refugees, considering the extent of their suffering, their deprivation of human rights, and the absence of any international, Arab or Palestinian body to care for them. This article investigates the new legal restrictions imposed on property-ownership by Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, which adds further to their miserable conditions.
Flavonoids Affect Host-Microbiota Crosstalk through TLR Modulation
Authors: Pérez-Cano Francisco , Massot-Cladera Malen , Rodríguez-Lagunas Maria , Castell Margarida
Published: October 2014

Interaction between host cells and microbes is known as crosstalk. Among other mechanisms, this takes place when certain molecules of the micro-organisms are recognized by the toll-like receptors (TLRs) in the body cells, mainly in the intestinal epithelial cells and in the immune cells. TLRs belong to the pattern-recognition receptors and represent the first line of defense against pathogens, playing a pivotal role in both innate and adaptive immunity. Dysregulation in the activity of such receptors can lead to the development of chronic and severe inflammation as well as immunological disorders. Among components present in the diet, flavonoids have been suggested as antioxidant dietary factors able to modulate TLR-mediated signaling pathways. This review focuses on the molecular targets involved in the modulatory action of flavonoids on TLR-mediated signaling pathways, providing an overview of the mechanisms involved in such action. Particular flavonoids have been able to modify the composition of the microbiota, to modulate TLR gene and protein expression, and to regulate the downstream signaling molecules involved in the TLR pathway. These synergistic mechanisms suggest the role of some flavonoids in the preventive effect on certain chronic diseases.
Use of a Simple GIS-Based Model in Mapping the Atmospheric Concentration of γ-HCH in Europe
Authors: Vizcaino Pilar , Pistocchi Alberto
Published: October 2014

The state-of-the-art of atmospheric contaminant transport modeling provides accurate estimation of chemical concentrations. However, existing complex models, sophisticated in terms of process description and potentially highly accurate, may entail expensive setups and require very detailed input data. In contexts where detailed predictions are not needed (e.g., for regulatory risk assessment or life cycle impact assessment of chemicals), simple models allowing quick evaluation of contaminants may be preferable. The goal of this paper is to illustrate and critically discuss the use of a simple equation proposed by Pistocchi and Galmarini (2010), which can be implemented through basic GIS functions, to predict atmospheric concentrations of lindane (γ-HCH) in Europe from both local and remote sources. Concentrations were computed for 1995 and 2005 assuming different modes of use of lindane and consequently different spatial patterns of emissions. Results were compared with those from the well-established MSCE-POP model (2005) developed within EMEP (European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme), and with available monitoring data, showing acceptable correspondence in terms of the orders of magnitude and spatial distribution of concentrations, especially when the background effect of emissions from extracontinental sources, estimated using the same equation, is added to European emissions.
What Can We Learn from the Household Electricity Survey?
Authors: Godoy-Shimizu Daniel , Palmer Jason , Terry Nicola
Published: October 2014

The reasons for high carbon emissions from domestic buildings are complex, and have both social and technical dimensions. At the same time, it is costly and very time-consuming to gather reliable data on energy use in the home. The authors had early access to data from the Household Electricity Survey—the most detailed survey of electricity consumption in UK homes ever undertaken—which monitored 250 homes. The data enabled the authors to investigate a series of socio-technical questions drawn up by the UK Government: Why do some households use far more energy than average, whereas others use much less? What potential is there for shifting “peak load” so that electricity demand is more even through the day? Why is base load electricity use so high? The answers were seldom definitive, but statistical tests found significant correlations between high electricity use and social grade, large household size, unemployment and middle age; and between low electricity use and single-person households, small dwellings, and retirement. This paper draws out key findings from the work, and examines how these insights affect our broader understanding of carbon emissions from the built environment.
Building Performance Analysis and Simulation: We’ve Come a Long Way
Authors: Ugursal V.
Published: October 2014

Back in 1981, when I started doing building energy performance simulation for pre-design and energy efficiency retrofit work, building simulation was in its infancy. There were only a handful of building energy simulation programs, with DOE-2, ESP-II, BLAST, TRACE and MERIWHETHER being the most commonly used ones by consultants [1]. These programs required "mainframe" computers, so I used to prepare the input files on a Radio Shack TRS-80, send it over a telephone modem to a company in Toronto that ran the simulation on a mainframe computer overnight and shipped the printed output to me by courier in the morning. Each run had a turn-around time of almost 48 h, and the run-time and courier charges were about $100, almost as much as a day's salary for a young engineer. [...]
A Novel Modeling of Molten-Salt Heat Storage Systems in Thermal Solar Power Plants
Authors: Menéndez Rogelio , Martínez Juan , Prieto Miguel , Barcia Lourdes , Sánchez Juan
Published: October 2014

Many thermal solar power plants use thermal oil as heat transfer fluid, and molten salts as thermal energy storage. Oil absorbs energy from sun light, and transfers it to a water-steam cycle across heat exchangers, to be converted into electric energy by means of a turbogenerator, or to be stored in a thermal energy storage system so that it can be later transferred to the water-steam cycle. The complexity of these thermal solar plants is rather high, as they combine traditional engineering used in power stations (water-steam cycle) or petrochemical (oil piping), with the new solar (parabolic trough collector) and heat storage (molten salts) technologies. With the engineering of these plants being relatively new, regulation of the thermal energy storage system is currently achieved in manual or semiautomatic ways, controlling its variables with proportional-integral-derivative (PID) regulators. This makes the overall performance of these plants non optimal. This work focuses on energy storage systems based on molten salt, and defines a complete model of the process. By defining such a model, the ground for future research into optimal control methods will be established. The accuracy of the model will be determined by comparing the results it provides and those measured in the molten-salt heat storage system of an actual power plant.
VBSM: VCC-Based Black Box Service Model with Enhanced Data Integrity
Authors: Kang Won , Lee Jae , Park Jong
Published: October 2014

Recently, intelligent transport systems have been applied to vehicle cloud environments. Such technology is especially useful for the systematic management of road traffic. Moreover, automobiles are increasingly equipped with a black box for accident prevention and preservation of evidence. Vehicle black boxes have become mandatory because black box images and voice data have served as forensic evidence in courts. However, the data from black boxes can be forged or modified by man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks and message hijacking. In this paper, we propose a vehicle cloud computing-based black box service model that can provide integrity for black box data through digital signatures in vehicle cloud computing (VCC) environments. Our proposed model protects against MITM attacks and message hijacking using only a hash value and digital signature. Moreover, a mirroring technique (RAID 1) provides backup and recovery to protect the data from a traffic accident.
A Phase I Study of High-Dose Calcitriol in Combination with Temozolomide for Patients with Metastatic Melanoma
Authors: Pettijohn Erin , Martone Brenda , Rademaker Alfred , Kuzel Timothy
Published: October 2014

Background: Temozolomide is efficacious as an oral alternative for patients with metastatic melanoma (MM). Calcitriol has anti-proliferative properties and vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms are associated with alterations in melanoma susceptibility and progression. Methods: Tem 150 mg/m2 was administered on days 2–8 and 16–22 every 28 days. Calcitriol was given on days 1 and 15 every 28 days. VDR gene analysis was completed using PCR-RFLP based assays. Tolerability was the primary objective with secondary objectives of time to progression (TTP) and overall survival (OS). Results: Twenty pts with MM were registered. Cytopenias and thrombosis were the most common grade 3 or 4 toxicities. Median TTP was 1.8 mo. Pts with high-risk VDR genotype tt+/−ff (n = 6) had an OS of 3.8 mo from time of enrollment, compared to 7.4 mo for those with non-tt/ff genotypes (n = 11), although not statistically significant (HR = 1.20, 95% CI 0.41–3.53, p = 0.74). Conclusions: The extended dosing of Tem with calcitriol is a well-tolerated regimen. The trend toward improved OS in non-tt/ff VDR genotypes is consistent with prior studies associating the tt/ff genotype with biologic aggressiveness.
Decomposition of Cyclohexane on Ni3Al Thin Foil Intermetallic Catalyst
Authors: Jóźwik Paweł , Salerno Marco , Stępniowski Wojciech , Bojar Zbigniew , Krawczyk Krzysztof
Published: October 2014

Micro-grained thin foils made of Ni3Al intermetallic alloy were fabricated, according to a previously described procedure, and tested as catalyst for decomposition of cyclohexane. The conversion efficiency of the catalyst was evaluated in a synthetic air atmosphere, and found to be as high as 98.7% ± 1.0% at 600 °C and 86.7% ± 3.6% at 500 °C. During the reaction, the growth of carbon nanofibers on the catalysts surface was observed. The chemical and phase composition of the nanofibers was investigated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), finding them to be made of graphitic carbon. Additionally, nanoparticles of nickel appear to be incorporated in the fibers. The obtained material is promising for large scale fabrication in industrial applications because of its high efficiency in the hydrocarbon decomposition, the simple fabrication procedure, and the form of self-supporting foils with the presence of additional carbon nanofibers that increase its efficiency.
Impact of Trans-Resveratrol-Sulfates and -Glucuronides on Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Activity, Nitric Oxide Release and Intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Ladurner Angela , Schachner Daniel , Schueller Katharina , Pignitter Marc , Heiss Elke , Somoza Veronika , Dirsch Verena
Published: October 2014

Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a polyphenolic natural product mainly present in grape skin, berries and peanuts. In the vasculature resveratrol is thought to boost endothelial function by increasing endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression, by enhancing eNOS activity, and by reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Recent studies show that dietary resveratrol is metabolized in the liver and intestine into resveratrol-sulfate and -glucuronide derivatives questioning the relevance of multiple reported mechanistic in vitro data on resveratrol. In this study, we compare side by side different physiologically relevant resveratrol metabolites (resveratrol sulfates- and -glucuronides) and their parent compound in their influence on eNOS enzyme activity, endothelial NO release, and intracellular ROS levels. In contrast to resveratrol, none of the tested resveratrol metabolites elevated eNOS enzyme activity and endothelial NO release or affected intracellular ROS levels, leaving the possibility that not tested metabolites are active and able to explain in vivo findings.
Mathematical Modeling of Microbial Community Dynamics: A Methodological Review
Authors: Song Hyun-Seob , Cannon William , Beliaev Alexander , Konopka Allan
Published: October 2014

Microorganisms in nature form diverse communities that dynamically change in structure and function in response to environmental variations. As a complex adaptive system, microbial communities show higher-order properties that are not present in individual microbes, but arise from their interactions. Predictive mathematical models not only help to understand the underlying principles of the dynamics and emergent properties of natural and synthetic microbial communities, but also provide key knowledge required for engineering them. In this article, we provide an overview of mathematical tools that include not only current mainstream approaches, but also less traditional approaches that, in our opinion, can be potentially useful. We discuss a broad range of methods ranging from low-resolution supra-organismal to high-resolution individual-based modeling. Particularly, we highlight the integrative approaches that synergistically combine disparate methods. In conclusion, we provide our outlook for the key aspects that should be further developed to move microbial community modeling towards greater predictive power.
Experimental Characterisation of Fluid Mechanics in a Spinner Flask Bioreactor
Authors: Ismadi Mohd-Zulhilmi , Hourigan Kerry , Fouras Andreas
Published: October 2014

The spinner flask bioreactor has been widely used in in vitro cell culturing processes due to its superiority in providing a homogeneous culture environment compared to traditional culturing methods. However, there is limited understanding of the flow fields in these bioreactors, and optimum culture conditions are yet to be determined. This article presents the experimental characterization of the flow field within a spinner flask at varying speeds (10 RPM to 80 RPM) and impeller positions. An optical, non-invasive measurement technique, Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), was employed to illustrate the fluid flow and calculate the stresses and vorticity associated with the flow within the flask. The largest recirculation structure was observed in the meridional plane at the highest impeller position while the highest shear stress region was observed at the base of the spinner flask. The study provides an overview of the fluid structure within the spinner flask in the meridional and azimuthal planes. Furthermore, the results presented in this study give an accurate quantification of the range of stresses for the given impeller speeds. These results provide estimates of the biomechanical properties within the type of spinner flask used in many published cell studies.
An Energy Efficient MAC Protocol for Multi-Hop Swallowable Body Sensor Networks
Authors: Lin Lin , Yang Chengfeng , Wong Kai , Yan Hao , Shen Junwen , Phee Soo
Published: October 2014

Swallowable body sensor networks (BSNs) are composed of sensors which are swallowed by patients and send the collected data to the outside coordinator. These sensors are energy constraint and the batteries are difficult to be replaced. The medium access control (MAC) protocol plays an important role in energy management. This paper investigates an energy efficient MAC protocol design for swallowable BSNs. Multi-hop communication is analyzed and proved more energy efficient than single-hop communication within the human body when the circuitry power is low. Based on this result, a centrally controlled time slotting schedule is proposed. The major workload is shifted from the sensors to the coordinator. The coordinator collects the path-loss map and calculates the schedules, including routing, slot assignment and transmission power. Sensor nodes follow the schedules to send data in a multi-hop way. The proposed protocol is compared with the IEEE 802.15.6 protocol in terms of energy consumption. The results show that it is more energy efficient than IEEE 802.15.6 for swallowable BSN scenarios.
Chinese Public Willingness to Pay to Avoid Having Nuclear Power Plants in the Neighborhood
Authors: Sun Chuanwang , Lyu Nan , Ouyang Xiaoling
Published: October 2014

In spite of the decreasing share of nuclear power all over the world, China resumed the approval of large-scale construction of nuclear power plants in 2012. However, influenced by the worldwide spreading anti-nuclear attitudes, people who live near nuclear power plants showed increasing concerns about nuclear risks. Consequently, the Not In My Backyard (NIMBY) syndrome of nuclear power plants should be evaluated prudently to support the healthy development of nuclear power in China. Based on the face-to-face survey data, this study estimates Chinese public willingness to pay (WTP) to avoid having nuclear power plants in the neighborhood. The respondents include both residents who currently live near and those who would live near nuclear power plants in the future. Considering the possible presence of the sample selection bias caused by protest responses, this paper constructs a two-step sample selection model with the protest responses and the double bounded dichotomous choice (DBDC) questions. Using the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM), we measure the effects of influencing factors of public WTP and study the decay of WTP with longer distances from nuclear power plants. The results suggest that most people are willing to pay higher electricity prices to avoid having nuclear power plants in the neighborhood. Comparing the WTP to avoid having nuclear power plants nearby with the current electricity price, we find that there is an increase of 56.7% and 69.1% of respondents’ WTP for a nuclear power plant located 80 km and 30 km, respectively.
A Loop Region in the N-Terminal Domain of Ebola Virus VP40 Is Important in Viral Assembly, Budding, and Egress
Authors: Adu-Gyamfi Emmanuel , Soni Smita , Jee Clara , Digman Michelle , Gratton Enrico , Stahelin Robert
Published: October 2014

Ebola virus (EBOV) causes viral hemorrhagic fever in humans and can have clinical fatality rates of ~60%. The EBOV genome consists of negative sense RNA that encodes seven proteins including viral protein 40 (VP40). VP40 is the major Ebola virus matrix protein and regulates assembly and egress of infectious Ebola virus particles. It is well established that VP40 assembles on the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane of human cells to regulate viral budding where VP40 can produce virus like particles (VLPs) without other Ebola virus proteins present. The mechanistic details, however, of VP40 lipid-interactions and protein-protein interactions that are important for viral release remain to be elucidated. Here, we mutated a loop region in the N-terminal domain of VP40 (Lys127, Thr129, and Asn130) and find that mutations (K127A, T129A, and N130A) in this loop region reduce plasma membrane localization of VP40. Additionally, using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy and number and brightness analysis we demonstrate these mutations greatly reduce VP40 oligomerization. Lastly, VLP assays demonstrate these mutations significantly reduce VLP release from cells. Taken together, these studies identify an important loop region in VP40 that may be essential to viral egress.
Vulnerability Assessment of Environmental and Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources in Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Sultanate of Oman
Authors: Al-Kalbani Mohammed , Price Martin , Abahussain Asma , Ahmed Mushtaque , O'Higgins Timothy
Published: October 2014

Climate change and its consequences present one of the most important threats to water resources systems which are vulnerable to such changes due to their limited adaptive capacity. Water resources in arid mountain regions, such as Al Jabal Al Akhdar; northern Sultanate of Oman, are vulnerable to the potential adverse impacts of environmental and climate change. Besides climatic change, current demographic trends, economic development and related land use changes are exerting pressures and have direct impacts on increasing demands for water resources and their vulnerability. In this study, vulnerability assessment was carried out using guidelines prepared by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Peking University to evaluate four components of the water resource system: water resources stress, water development pressure, ecological health, and management capacity. The calculated vulnerability index (VI) was high, indicating that the water resources are experiencing levels of stress. Ecosystem deterioration was the dominant parameter and management capacity was the dominant category driving the vulnerability on water resources. The vulnerability assessment will support policy and decision makers in evaluating options to modify existing policies. It will also help in developing long-term strategic plans for climate change mitigation and adaptation measures and implement effective policies for sustainable water resources management, and therefore the sustenance of human wellbeing in the region.
Géographie morte-vivante. Les espaces indéterminés des zombies
Authors: Borzakian Manouk
Published: October 2014

Le succès croissant, depuis la fin des années 1960, des films de zombies, atteste de leur capacité à entrer en résonance avec les préoccupations de la société nord-américaine, ce que confirme la réappropriation par Hollywood de ce genre issu du cinéma indépendant. Cet article analyse en détails six films réalisés par George Romero, précurseur du genre. Il montre que la figure du zombie s’inscrit dans un mouvement d’identification par la société nord-américaine d’une altérité nouvelle car interne, génératrice d’une menace inédite contre sa cohésion. Corollairement, les films de zombies reposent sur une logique de retranchement de leurs personnages, de mise à distance immunitaire de l’Autre, et véhiculent les représentations d’un espace dénué de sens et désocialisé, traduction de l’effondrement de l’état de droit et d’une angoisse existentielle face à une perte de sens de l’espace.
Le sport, un marqueur majeur de la jeunesse
Authors: Augustin Jean-Pierre , Fuchs Julien
Published: October 2014

Les activités physiques et sportives ont connu un développement massif chez les jeunes depuis les années 1960. D’un côté, les associations sportives sont de loin celles qui rassemblent le plus grand nombre d’entre eux. D’un autre côté, face aux sports institutionnalisés, de nouvelles pratiques, accompagnant le processus d’individuation de la société, se développent en marge des pratiques traditionnelles. Le texte part de l’hypothèse que les deux types d’activités sont complémentaires et que l’on n’assiste pas, chez les jeunes, au rejet de la culture associative traditionnelle. Il rappelle d’abord la pluralité des cultures sportives des jeunes, évoque ensuite des champs d’étude à creuser et souligne enfin les grandes tendances de leur évolution.
Accompagner le développement de la TPE dans son écosystème entrepreneurial
Authors: Cloutier Martin , Cueille Sandrine , Recasens Gilles
Published: October 2014

Cet article présente une analyse internationale comparée de deux groupes d’accompagnants orientés vers le développement entrepreneurial de jeunes TPE, situés l’un en France, l’autre au Québec. Les résultats permettent de faire émerger la perspective des accompagnants sur ce thème en référence à la notion d’écosystème entrepreneurial. Ils indiquent une convergence dans les pratiques de gouvernance de l’accompagnement au sujet de la couverture, de la cohérence des interrelations, ainsi que la cohésion des actions d’accompagnement. Ils en soulignent également une adaptation contextuelle nécessaire, par une évaluation selon les spécificités des cas à l’étude, de l’importance et de la faisabilité perçues des actions d’accompagnement proposées.
Des classes populaires (encore) mobilisées ? Sociabilité et engagements municipaux dans une commune périurbaine
Authors: Girard Violaine
Published: October 2014

Longtemps demeurés absents des représentations sociales du périurbain, les ménages populaires sont désormais nombreux à vivre dans ce type d’espace. On connaît cependant peu de choses sur les modalités concrètes de mobilisation qui sont les leurs dans ces espaces résidentiels. Cet article s’attache, à partir d’une enquête ethnographique menée dans une commune périurbaine dominée par les ménages des classes populaires, aux formes de sociabilité locale dans lesquels ceux-ci sont engagés. Loin de correspondre aux engagements caractéristiques des classes moyennes à fort capital culturel, leurs pratiques n’en sont pas pour autant marquées du sceau d’un strict repli sur la sphère domestique. Les scènes associatives et municipales apparaissent au contraire comme d’importants lieux de mobilisation pour des ménages issus des fractions supérieures des classes populaires qui y construisent collectivement les signes de leur appartenance locale et de leur respectabilité sociale.
L'agriculture urbaine en question : épiphénomène ou révolution lente ?
Authors: Aubry Christine , Consalès Jean-Noël , Kebir Leïla , Barraqué Bernard
Published: October 2014

L’agriculture urbaine semble aujourd’hui opérer son retour dans les villes des pays occidentaux. Les initiatives publiques, privées, associatives et même entrepreneuriales foisonnent. Si l’engouement pour le développement de ces initiatives est certain compte tenu des services rendus (fonction nourricière, sociale, environnementale), des voix discordantes se font entendre et remettent en question le bien-fondé de cette agriculture souvent non professionnelle. Considérée par certains comme anecdotique dans la consommation alimentaire de la plupart des citadins, ou comme un phénomène de mode voire un loisir pour urbains, elle est même parfois remise en question en tant qu’agriculture. L’interview croisée restituée ici, entre Christine Aubry et Jean-Noël Consalès, a pour objectif de faire le point sur l’état des débats autour de cette question renouvelée de l’agriculture urbaine. On y découvre une agriculture plurielle, un terreau d’innovation et peut-être les signes d’une transformation du monde agricole.
Les nouveaux musulmans : entre surexposition et invisibilité
Authors: Fregosi Franck
Published: October 2014

Si les médias mettent l’accent sur les nouveaux musulmans qui s’engagent dans la voie du djihad, la réalité des conversions à l’islam en France est bien plus complexe... et ne date pas d’hier. Et la majorité des convertis préfèrent vivre leur foi nouvelle dans le cadre privé et en toute discrétion.
Bien pratiquer la nature... pour protéger les Calanques ?
Authors: Ginelli Ludovic , Marquet Vincent , Deldrève Valérie
Published: October 2014

En œuvrant à la protection du massif des Calanques de Marseille dès la fin du xix e siècle, des associations excursionnistes ont aussi élaboré et prescrit son bon usage, alors hygiéniste et érudit. Ces acteurs et leurs valeurs n’ont plus le monopole de cette définition. Aujourd’hui « doux » et éclectique plutôt que « sain » et élitiste, le « bon usage » du site se serait‑il démocratisé ? Cette interrogation trouve une acuité particulière avec la création récente du Parc national des Calanques.
A Low Cost Implementation of an Existing Hands-on Laboratory Experiment in Electronic Engineering
Authors: Onime Clement , Zennaro Marco , Uhomoibhi James
Published: October 2014

In engineering the pedagogical content of most formative programmes includes a significant amount of practical laboratory hands-on activity designed to deliver knowledge acquisition from actual experience alongside traditional face-to-face classroom based lectures and tutorials; this hands-on aspect is not always adequately addressed by current e-learning platforms.

An innovative approach to e-learning in engineering, named computer aided engineering education (CAEE) is about the use of computer aids for the enhanced, interactive delivery of educational materials in different fields of engineering through two separate but related components; one for classroom and another for practical hands-on laboratory work. The component for hands-on laboratory practical work focuses on the use of mixed reality (video-based augmented reality) tools on mobile devices/platforms.

This paper presents the computer aided engineering education (CAEE) implementation of a laboratory experiment in micro-electronics that highlights some features such as the ability to closely implement an existing laboratory based hands-on experiment with lower associated costs and the ability to conduct the experiment off-line while maintaining existing pedagogical contents and standards.
Applying Chosen Teaching Methods in Technical Education
Authors: Noga Henryk
Published: October 2014

Education, also the technical one, is supposed to prepare students for adult life, not only by providing them with ready-made knowledge, but first of all by equipping students with an ability to learn, gather and select information. Active methods influence students’ senses, allowing for a better understanding and remembering the subject matter.

The study shows some didactic methods used in technical education. The attention has been aid to inventive, exploratory, and inventive-exploratory methods.
Preparatory Mathematics Course for Non-Traditional Engineering Students
Authors: Kälberer Nina , Böhmer Cornelia , Tschirpke Katrin , Petendra Brigitte , Beck-Meuth Eva Maria
Published: October 2014

This paper reports the concept of a preparatory mathematics course for non-traditional students in electrical engineering, and its evaluation. The blended-learning course is part of the initial study phase smoothing the transition to learning at university level. The instructional design of the preparatory course is aligned with that of the Bachelor’s study program. However, it takes place prior to the beginning of the first semester. The initial phase additionally encompasses the whole first semester with different courses meant to help students getting ready for studying. Prospective students indicated that they needed to refresh their knowledge in mathematics. Thus, a preparatory mathematics course was given priority. This course serves several purposes: Students get an impression of the requirements in mathematics necessary for the study program; they refresh their basic knowledge; they make themselves familiar with self-organized learning and the blended-learning concept of the program. Design and implementation were evaluated with a questionnaire at the end of the course and after the first semester. The results show that the course is an appropriate instrument prior to engineering studies in order to prepare and support non-traditional students. In the conclusions potential for improvement is identified.