bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eudragit S-100 coated sodium alginate microspheres of naproxen sodium: Formulation, optimization and in vitro evaluation / Alginatne mikrosfere naproksen natrija obložene Eudragitom S-100: Priprava, optimizacija i in vitro vrednovanje
Authors: Chawla Anuj , Sharma Pooja , Pawar Pravin
Published: January 2013

The aim of the study was to prepare site specific drug delivery of naproxen sodium using sodium alginate and Eudragit S-100 as a mucoadhesive and pH-sensitive polymer, respectively. Core microspheres of alginate were prepared by a modified emulsification method followed by cross-linking with CaCl2, which was further coated with the pH dependent polymer Eudragit S-100 (2.5 or 5 %) to prevent drug release in the upper gastrointestinal environment. Microspheres were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, particle size analysis, drug loading efficiency, in vitro mucoadhesive time study and in vitro drug release study in different simulated gastric fluids. Stability studies of the optimized formulation were carried out for 6 months. SEM images revealed that the surface morphology was rough and smooth for core and coated microspheres, respectively. Core microspheres showed better mucoadhesion compared to coated microspheres when applied to the mucosal surface of freshly excised goat colon. The optimized batch of core microspheres and coated microspheres exhibited 98.42 ± 0.96 and 95.58 ± 0.74 % drug release, respectively. Drug release from all sodium alginate microsphere formulations followed Higuchi kinetics. Moreover, drug release from Eudragit S-100 coated microspheres followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas equation with a Fickian kinetics mechanism. Stability study suggested that the degradation rate constant of microspheres was minimal, indicating 2 years shelf life of the formulation.
Antitumour evaluation of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) isolated from Calotropis gigantea L. flower / Evaluacija antitumorskog djelovanja di-(2-etilheksil)-ftalata (DEHP) izoliranog iz cvjetova Calotropis gigantea L.
Authors: Habib Muhammad Rowshanul , Karim Muhammad Rezaul
Published: January 2013

The objective of the study is to explore the anticancer activity of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) isolated from Calotropis gigantea flower against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells (EAC) in Swiss albino mice. The activity of DEHP was evaluated at doses of 10, 20 and 40 mg kg-1 body mass applied intraperitoneally. DEHP showed a significant decrease in viable cell count (p < 0.05), mass gain (due to tumour burden) and elevated the life span of EAC cell bearing mice. Altered hematological profiles such as RBC, hemoglobin, WBC and differential count were reverted to normal levels in DEHP-treated mice. DEHP also brought back altered biochemical parameters (glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, blood urea, SALP and SGOT) to normal level. Results of this study indicate that DEHP show potent dose dependent antitumour activity against EAC in vivo.
Pseudolite signal tests
Authors: Rapinski J. , Cellmer S. , Rzepecka Z.
Published: January 2013

Pseudolites are ground based GNSS signal transmitters that have already been used in the project where visibility to the GNSS satellites is limited, however there are still many issues that need enhancement. A prototype of a low-cost pseudolite is being designed and assembled at the University of Warmia and Mazury. The goal of the project is to apply the pseudolite as an augmentation to GNSS positioning tasks in geodetic engineering projects. This paper presents the results of first prototype testing in the area of code generation, carrier frequency and signal power.
Antimicrobial activity of leaf and flower extracts of Lippia Nodiflora L. (Verbenacea)
Authors: Zare Zahra , Majd Ahmed , Sattari Taher Nejad , Iranbakhsh Alireza , Mehrabian Sedigue
Published: January 2013

Antimicrobial activities of the methanolic extracts from the leaves and flowers of Lippia nodiflora L. (Verbenaceae), were studied by the disk diffusion method. The extracts showed antimicrobial impact on bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis, B. cereus, Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, K. oxytoca and Esherichia coli as well as fungi such Aspergillus niger and Candida albicanse. The results showed that increasing concentrations of extracts increased the antimicrobial activities in all of the microorganisms. Bacteria were more sensitive than fungi, and gram positive bacteria were more sensitive than gram negative ones.
The quantitative changes of ground beetles (Col., Carabidae) in BT and conventional maize crop in southern Poland
Authors: Twardowski Jacek P. , Bereś Paweł K. , Hurej Michał , Klukowski Zdzisław , Dąbrowski Zbigniew T. , Sowa Sławomir , Warzecha Roman
Published: January 2013

In the southern part of Poland, ground beetle fauna was studied in the first large-scale Bt maize experiment. The aim of this study was to determine the long term impact of the Bt maize cultivar in comparison to conventional plants, on selected non-target arthropods. The DKC 3421 YG cultivar (Bt maize) and the respective isogenic non-Bt varieties (DKC 3420) were cultivated at two locations: (a) Budziszów near Wrocław and in Głuchów near Rzeszów in the south-eastern region of Poland, in the 2008-2010 growing seasons. For comparative analysis, two additional non-Bt cultivars sprayed with a lambda-cyhalotrine insecticide were also included. To monitor population density of surface-active invertebrates of the Carabidae family, eighty pitfall traps were used at each location. The average number of ground beetle populations in the Bt-maize cultivar DKC 3421 YG did not significantly differ from the number of beetles in the conventional ones. Significant differences between the number of beetles occurred on individual dates only. Usually, these differences related to the considerably smaller total number of beetles in the whole replication. Probably, the variation in the number of beetles was caused by climatic factors or the terrain layout, therefore it cannot be related to the cultivar effect.
Nematodes associated with plant growth inhibition in the Wielkopolska region
Authors: Winiszewska Grażyna , Dmowska Ewa , Chałańska Aneta , Dobosz Renata , Kornobis Franciszek , Ilieva-Makulec Krassimira , Skwiercz Andrzej , Wolny Stefan , Ishaqe Elias
Published: January 2013

The list of species of the plant parasitic nematodes presented in this paper (133 species belonging to 14 families) is based on the results of faunistic research conducted in the Wielkopolska region by Polish nematologists up until the year 2010, and the results obtained from the project “Elaboration of Innovative Methods for Rapid Identification of Nematodes Causing Damage to the Economy” managed by the Museum and Institute of Zoology of the Polish Academy of Sciences. During the two years of the project (2010-2011) we found 21 species of nematodes which had not yet been reported in the list of species from the Wielkopolska region. Two of them were reported for the first time in Poland.
Measurement and classification methods using the ASAE S572.1 reference nozzles
Authors: Fritz Bradley Keith , Hoffmann Wesley Clint , Czaczyk Zbigniew , Bagley William , Kruger Greg , Henry Ryan
Published: January 2013

An increasing number of spray nozzle and agrochemical manufacturers are incorporating droplet size measurements into both research and development. Each laboratory invariably has their own sampling setup and procedures. This is particularly true about measurement distance from the nozzle and concurrent airflow velocities. Both have been shown to significantly impact results from laser diffraction instruments. These differences can be overcome through the use of standardized reference nozzles and relative spray classification categories. Sets of references nozzles, which defined a set of classification category thresholds, were evaluated for droplet size under three concurrent air flow velocities (0.7, 3.1 and 6.7 m/s). There were significant, though numerically small, differences in the droplet size data between identical reference nozzles. The resulting droplet size data were used to categorize a number of additional spray nozzles at multiple pressure and air flow velocities. This was done to determine if similar classifications were given across the different airspeeds. Generally, droplet size classifications agreed for all airspeeds, with the few that did not, only differing by one category. When reporting droplet size data, it is critical that data generated from a set of reference nozzles also be presented as a means of providing a relative frame of reference.
Efficacy of fungicides and essential oils against bacterial diseases of fruit trees
Authors: Mikiciński Artur , Sobiczewski Piotr , Berczyński Stanisław
Published: January 2013

In the framework of the performed studies, the antibacterial activity of the following fungicides was evaluated: Miedzian 50 WG (active substance - a.s. 50% copper oxychloride), Ridomil MZ Gold 68 WG (a.s. 3.8% metalaxyl-M and 64%, mancozeb), Euparen Multi 50 WG (a.s. 50% tolylfluanid), Captan 80 WG [a.s. 80% N-(captan)], Dithane Neotec 75 WG (a.s. 75% mancozeb). The evaluation also concerned the essential oils: lavender, sage, lemon balm, clove, and a preparation based on thyme oil (BioZell). Each preparation and compound was tested against the following bacterial pathogens: Erwinia amylovora, Xanthomonas arboricola pv. corylina, X. arboricola pv. juglandis, Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae, Agrobacterium tumefaciens (presently Rhizobium radiobacter). Each preparation and compound was tested at a concentration of 1,000 ppm of active substance. Copper oxychloride was also tested at a concentration of 1,500 ppm. Among the tested fungicides, metalaxyl-M with mancozeb, mancozeb alone, and copper oxychloride inhibited all of the tested strains of pathogenic bacteria. Tolylfluanid did not inhibit any of the bacteria used. Out of the investigated essential oils, the strongest inhibitors of bacteria were: sage, cloves, and BioZell.

The protective activity of the above mentioned fungicides was also evaluated in vivo. They were assessed against fire blight on apple blossoms and pear fruitlets, against bacterial canker on sweet cherry fruitlets, and against crown gall on sunflower seedlings (the test plant). All fungicides were applied at the same concentrations as those in the in vitro tests. Only copper oxychloride was found to show protective activity against the studied diseases. This result indicates that the antibacterial properties of the other fungicides did not correspond with their activity on the plant organs used in the in vivo experiment.
Heat transfer during condensation of refrigerants in tubular minichannels
Authors: Bohdal Tadeusz , Charun Henryk , Sikora Małgorzata
Published: January 2013

The present paper describes the results of experimental investigations of heat transfer during condensation of R134a, R404A and R407C in pipe minichannels with internal diameters 0.31-3.30 mm. The results concern investigations of the local heat transfer coefficient. The results were compared with the correlations proposed by other authors. Within the range of examined parameters of the condensation process in minichannels made of stainless steel, it was established that the values of the heat transfer coefficient may be described with Akers et al., Mikielewicz and Shah correlations within a limited range of the mass flux density of the refrigerant and the minichannel diameter. On the basis of experimental investigations, the authors proposed their own correlation for the calculation of local heat transfer coefficient.
Experimental tests for the occurence of convective heat transfer within the bed of rectangular steel profiles
Authors: Wyczółkowski Rafał , Musiał Dorota
Published: January 2013

The paper describes tests intended to examine the occurrence
of natural convection within the space occupied by 40×20 mm rectangular
steel sections. Within these tests the bed of four layers of section was
heated by the electric palate heater. Depending on the manner in which
the heater was positioned, the tests were divided into two series. In the
case of heating from above, the heat flowing through the bed is transferred
only by conduction and radiation. When heating the bed from below, in
addition to conduction and radiation, also a convective heat transfer will
occur. Should this be the case, it will result in the intensification of the heat
exchange. The results of measurements carried out have not demonstrated
that the occurrence of any possible natural convection would influence the
development of a temperature field in this type of charge.
Partial limb skeleton of a “giant penguin” Anthropornis from the Eocene of Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Jadwiszczak Piotr
Published: January 2013

: The fossil record of the Antarctic penguins is dated to the late Paleocene of Sey− mour (Marambio) Island, but the largest sphenisciforms, generaAnthropornisandPalae−eudyptes, originate from the Eocene La Meseta Formation. Here, the most complete large−scale reconstruction of a limb skeleton (a whole wing and a partial hind leg) of a Paleogene Antarctic penguin is reported. All bones are attributable to a single individual identified asAnthropornissp. The comparative and functional analyses of the material indi− cate that this bird was most probably well−adapted to land and sea while having a number of intriguing features. The modern−grade carpometacarpal morphology is unique among known Eocene Antarctic species and all but one more northerly taxa.
Succession of vascular plants in front of retreating glaciers in central Spitsbergen
Authors: Prach Karel , Rachlewicz Grzegorz
Published: January 2013

Vegetation succession in front of five retreating glaciers was studied using phytosociological relevés (60) located at different distances between the Little Ice Age (LIA) moraines and the present glacier fronts around Petunia Bay. Approximate dating of succession stages was based on a study of the changing position of glacier fronts in the past approximately 100 years. The described succession corresponds to the uni-directional, non-replacement model of succession. All constituent species, except one, present in the nearby old tundra have colonized the glacier forelands since the end of the LIA. The first species appeared about 5 years after deglaciation. The latest succession stages closely re- semble the old tundra.
Variability of contemporary vegetation around Petuniabukta, central Spitsbergen
Authors: Prach Karel , Klimešová Jitka , Košnar Jiří , Redčenko Olexii , Hais Martin
Published: January 2013

Vegetation was described in various spatial scales in the area of 37.8 km2 including distinguishing vegetation units, vegetation mapping, recording phytosociological relevés (53), and completing species lists of vascular plants (86), mosses (124) and lichens (40). Phytosociological relevés were elaborated using ordination methods DCA and CCA. The relevés formed clusters corresponding well to a priori assigned vegetation units. Slope and stoniness significantly influenced the vegetation pattern. Despite the high latitude (nearly 80° N), the vegetation is rather rich in species. Non-native species do not expand. The moss Bryum dichotomum is reported for the first time from Svalbard archipelago.
Heterosis and heterobeltiosis of yield associated traits in rapeseed cultivars under limited nitrogen application
Authors: Rameeh Valiollah
Published: January 2013

Half F2 diallel crosses of six spring cultivars of rapeseed (Brassicanapus L.) were used to estimate heterosis effects of yield components, seed yield, oil percentage, and oil yield under limited nitrogen condition. Significant mean squares of general and specific combining abilities (GCA and SCA) were detected for pods per main axis, pods per plant, length of pod, seeds per pods, 1000-seed weight, seed yield, and oil content and oil yield indicated respectively the importance of additive and non-additive genetic effects for these traits. High narrowsense heritability estimates for 1000-seed weight, oil percentage, and oil yield indicating the prime importance of additive genetic effects for these traits. Most of the cross combinations with significant positive heterobeltiosis for seed yield had also significant heterobeltiosis effects for pods per plant and pods on main axis; therefore these traits can be used as indirect selection criteria for improving seed yield. Significant positive correlation of mean performances with heterosis and heterobeltiosis effects for most of the traits except 1000-seed weight indicated that selection of the superior crosses based on heterosis and heterobeltiosis effects will be effective for their mean performances improving these traits except 1000- seed weight. Significant positive correlation was determined between pods per plant and seed yield, indicating that this trait can be used as good selection criterion for seed yield improvement. The crosses including RAS-3/99 × RW-008911 and RAS- 3/99 × RGS-003 with high significant positive heterobeltiosis effects of seed yield were superior combinations for seed yield increasing.
Characterization of some upland cotton varieties using AFLP and NIR techniques
Authors: Saleh Basel
Published: January 2013

This study was performed to assess genetic variability and chemical components of five upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) varieties grown in Syria using AFLP and NIR techniques. These varieties present considerable interest for genetic studies and plant improvement. Twenty-one AFLP PCs primer combinations yielded 1,017 discernible loci of which 495 (50.569%) were polymorphic. Selected markers/primer pairs were ranged between 22 (E-AGA/T-GAA) and 89 (E-GAA/ T-CTT) fragments with an average of 48.429 fragments per primer pair. Marker Index (MI) average for AFLP markers was estimated to be 5.036. Our data revealed that both techniques gave relatively similar results regarding the degree of relatedness among the tested varieties. The pattern generated in NIR technique partially correlated with the other one revealed by AFLP technique. Summarizing all results obtained from NIR and AFLP techniques, we could conclude that chemical structure was relatively reflected in genetic variation among the tested cotton varieties.
Study of silicon and nitrogen effects on yield components and shoot ions nutrient composition in rice
Authors: Gerami Mahyar , Rameeh Valiollah
Published: January 2013

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is an important crop in Iran and other parts of the word and it is also a staple food of nearly one-half of world‘s population contributing high calorie intake. Silicon is considered as a beneficial and nitrogen as an essential element for rice production. In order to study the effects of silicon and nitrogen on some yield components and shoot nutrition ion compositions in rice, a hydroponic culture experiment was conducted under the greenhouse condition. Two factors, including silicon and nitrogen, each one with three levels (0, 50, and 100 ppm) were studied in a completely randomized design in factorial arrangement with 3 replications. The traits including panicle length, unfilled grains, 1000- grain weight and shoot ions including silicon, potassium, and nitrogen were significantly affected by applied silicon levels. All the traits were affected by nitrogen levels except unfilled grains and shoot potassium concentration. The highest grain yield was detected at 100 ppm of silicon application. Shoot silicon ranged from 5.01 to 6.92 ppm in 0 and 100 ppm silicon application. Shoot potassium was increased in high levels of silicon treatment. Significant negative correlation of unfilled grain with shoot silicon and potassium indicated that increasing these shoot ions had reduction effects on unfilled grains. Significant positive correlation was determined between shoot potassium and 1000-grain weight, implied that this trait was affected by indirect effect of silicon via shoot potassium increasing.
Competitiveness of products, equipment and technological processes in machine-building
Authors: Shabaycovitch Victor
Published: January 2013

Competitiveness of products, equipment and technological processes in machine-building

In the times of crisis, the competitive edge of a desired production acquires a special value. The paper considers the structure of competitiveness as a unity of quality, expenditure, profit and prices. It describes a method of forming competitiveness exemplifying, at the same time, an erroneous interpretation of competitiveness and methods of its “rapid determination”. To analyze and synthesize an integral level of competitiveness, one may use the SADT-method of detailed step-by-step hierarchy of the objects under study.
Possibility of NOx emission reduction from combustion process using sewage sludge gasification gas as an additional fuel
Authors: Werle Sebastian
Published: January 2013

In the paper, a numerical simulation of the co-combustion process of sewage sludge gasifi cation syngas in a hard coal-fi red boiler was done. Two different syngases (SS1 and SS2) were taken in consideration. Additional (reburning) fuel was injected into the combustion chamber, which was modeled as a plug fl ow reactor (PFR). The molar fl ow rates ratio of reburning fuel is assumed to be 5.0%, 7.5%, 10.0%, 12.5% and 15.0% of the whole exhaust. The simulations were conducted for constant pressure equal to 1atm for temperatures range from 600 to 1400 K. It was assumed that a fl ue gases which enters the reburning zone contains 300 ppm of NO and that during combustion only NO is formed without other NOx. Results show that that gas from sewage sludge gasifi cation gives reburning effi ciency of up to 90%. Calculation shows also an optimum value of temperature reburning for gas from sewage sludge gasifi cation which is equal to 1200 K. The type of the sewage sludge has no strong infl uence on the NO reduction.
Zagłada widziana zza oceanu
Authors: Buryła Sławomir
Published: January 2013

This article is concerned with the life and work of Sydor Rey. It focuses on Rey’s volume of short stories entitled Castaways, taking it as a reference point for a series of comparisons of the way in which Polish writers in exile who had to rely on second-hand accounts tried to represent the experience of the Holocaust.
Anthropometric data for developing industrial standards in apparel manufacturing for the home market
Authors: Shehi Ermira , Spahiu Tatjana , Guxho Genti
Published: January 2013

Anthropometric data for developing industrial standards in apparel manufacturing for the home market

Standard measurements identifying body measurements are very important in apparel manufacturing because
they help in identifying different sizes, economize the material, and decide on production quantities according the
needs. Despite this, the industry has not accepted any one particular system for garment sizing so far. It is a wellknown
fact that the production companies and merchandisers use their own sizing system as a marketing tool
convincing customers of the advantages over other products available in the market. Despite the sizing system
used, all the systems are based on the myth that humans have a body with proportional measurements. At the same
time, the changes in life styles, nutrition and ethnic composition of populations lead to changes in the distribution
of body dimensions (e.g., the obesity epidemic), and require regular updating of anthropometric data collections.
Regarding the consumption of the garment products in Albania, there are about 840 garment companies mainly
working for the foreign market. Only 2% of them produce for the home market, in a low percentage of their total
production. The number of companies aiming to enter into the full package of production is increasing considerably,
even those registering their brand name for the Albanian market. We can find examples of garment and shoes
production companies going for the full cycle production for the home market in Tirana, Fier, Berat, Kavaja, and
Shkoder. The industrial full cycle production for the home market requires anthropometric measurements and
setting up the sartorial system. There is no sizing system in Albania that the producers can refer to. The industrial
standard helps manufacturers to improve mass-produced garment and reduce cost of production.
Consumption of the sewing thread of jean pant using taguchi design analysis
Authors: Jaouachi B. , Khedher F. , Mili F.
Published: January 2013

This work deals with the evaluation of sewing thread consumption in jeans and classic pants clothing. Six different
input parameters are chosen and used for investigation. To objectively evaluate their contributions, a Taguchi design
analysis was applied. Based on the comparison between each input parameter effect, this experimental analysis
helped us to classify the overall tested factors. Indeed, our findings show that the sewing yarn affects widely the
thread consumption during stitching of the pant. In spite of their non negligible impact, the number of stitches per
cm and the needle type can be considered as influential input factors on thread consumption. In our experimental
design the other tested factors were kept constant.
Minimally invasive treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage with magnetic resonance–guided focused ultrasound
Authors: Monteith Stephen J. , Harnof Sagi , Medel Ricky , Popp Britney , Wintermark Max , Lopes M. Beatriz S. , Kassell Neal F. , Elias W. Jeff , Snell John , Eames Matthew , Zadicario Eyal , Moldovan Krisztina , Sheehan Jason
Published: January 2013

Object

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a major cause of death and disability throughout the world. Surgical techniques are limited by their invasive nature and the associated disability caused during clot removal. Preliminary data have shown promise for the feasibility of transcranial MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) sonothrombolysis in liquefying the clotted blood in ICH and thereby facilitating minimally invasive evacuation of the clot via a twist-drill craniostomy and aspiration tube.

Methods and Results

In an in vitro model, the following optimum transcranial sonothrombolysis parameters were determined: transducer center frequency 230 kHz, power 3950 W, pulse repetition rate 1 kHz, duty cycle 10%, and sonication duration 30 seconds. Safety studies were performed in swine (n = 20). In a swine model of ICH, MRgFUS sonothrombolysis of 4 ml ICH was performed. Magnetic resonance imaging and histological examination demonstrated complete lysis of the ICH without additional brain injury, blood-brain barrier breakdown, or thermal necrosis due to sonothrombolysis. A novel cadaveric model of ICH was developed with 40-ml clots implanted into fresh cadaveric brains (n = 10). Intracerebral hemorrhages were successfully liquefied (> 95%) with transcranial MRgFUS in a highly accurate fashion, permitting minimally invasive aspiration of the lysate under MRI guidance.

Conclusions

The feasibility of transcranial MRgFUS sonothrombolysis was demonstrated in in vitro and cadaveric models of ICH. Initial in vivo safety data in a swine model of ICH suggest the process to be safe. Minimally invasive treatment of ICH with MRgFUS warrants evaluation in the setting of a clinical trial.
The lucid interval associated with epidural bleeding: evolving understanding
Authors: Ganz Jeremy C.
Published: January 2013

The aim of this paper was to elucidate the evolution of our understanding of the term “lucid interval.” A number of texts were reviewed to assess their suitability for analysis. The primary requirement was that the text contain detailed descriptions of a series of patients. Details of the clinical course, the findings and timing of surgery, and, when relevant, the time of death and postmortem findings were required. Books written by Henri-François Le Dran, Percival Pott, and James Hill fulfilled these criteria. Surgical findings included the presence and type of fractures, changes in the bone, separation of periosteum, malodorous or purulent material, tense brain, and hematoma. Postmortem findings supplemented and/or complemented the surgical findings. The courses of the patients were then tabulated, and the correlation between different clinical and operative findings was thereby determined.

Our understanding of a lucid interval began in the early 18th century with the work of Henri-François Le Dran and Percival Pott in London. They did not, however, demonstrate an interval without symptoms between trauma and deterioration in patients with epidural hematomas (EDHs). The interval they described was longer than usually expected with EDHs and occurred exclusively in patients who had a posttraumatic infection. In 1751, James Hill, from Dumfries, Scotland, described the first hematoma-related lucid interval in a patient with a subdural hematoma. The first case of a lucid interval associated with an EDH was described by John Abernethy. In the 19th century, Jonathan Hutchinson and Walter Jacobson described the interval as it is known today, in cases of EDH. The most recent work on the topic came from studies in Cincinnati and Oslo, where it was demonstrated that bleeding can separate dura mater and that hemorrhage into the epidural space can be shunted out via the veins. This shunting could delay the accumulation of a hematoma and thus the rise in intracranial pressure, which in turn would delay the development of symptoms.

The lucid interval as previously conceived was not properly understood by the French school or by Percival Pott and Benjamin Bell, who all described a symptom-free period prior to the development of infection. The first to have a proper understanding of the interval in relation to an EDH was John Abernethy. The modern description and definition of the lucid interval was the work of Hutchinson and Jacobson in the latter half of the 19th century. Understanding of the pathophysiology of the lucid interval has been advanced by the work of Ford and McLaurin in Cincinnati and a group in Oslo, with the demonstration of what it takes to loosen dura and how an arteriovenous shunt slows down for a while the accumulation of an EDH.
Training to acquire psychomotor skills for endoscopic endonasal surgery using a personal webcam trainer
Authors: Hirayama Ryuichi , Fujimoto Yasunori , Umegaki Masao , Kagawa Naoki , Kinoshita Manabu , Hashimoto Naoya , Yoshimine Toshiki
Published: January 2013

Object

Existing training methods for neuroendoscopic surgery have mainly emphasized the acquisition of anatomical knowledge and procedures for operating an endoscope and instruments. For laparoscopic surgery, various training systems have been developed to teach handling of an endoscope as well as the manipulation of instruments for speedy and precise endoscopic performance using both hands. In endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES), especially using a binostril approach to the skull base and intradural lesions, the learning of more meticulous manipulation of instruments is mandatory, and it may be necessary to develop another type of training method for acquiring psychomotor skills for EES. Authors of the present study developed an inexpensive, portable personal trainer using a webcam and objectively evaluated its utility.

Methods

Twenty-five neurosurgeons volunteered for this study and were divided into 2 groups, a novice group (19 neurosurgeons) and an experienced group (6 neurosurgeons). Before and after the exercises of set tasks with a webcam box trainer, the basic endoscopic skills of each participant were objectively assessed using the virtual reality simulator (LapSim) while executing 2 virtual tasks: grasping and instrument navigation. Scores for the following 11 performance variables were recorded: instrument time, instrument misses, instrument path length, and instrument angular path (all of which were measured in both hands), as well as tissue damage, max damage, and finally overall score. Instrument time was indicated as movement speed; instrument path length and instrument angular path as movement efficiency; and instrument misses, tissue damage, and max damage as movement precision.

Results

In the novice group, movement speed and efficiency were significantly improved after the training. In the experienced group, significant improvement was not shown in the majority of virtual tasks. Before the training, significantly greater movement speed and efficiency were demonstrated in the experienced group, but no difference in movement precision was shown between the 2 groups. After the training, no significant differences were shown between the 2 groups in the majority of the virtual tasks. Analysis revealed that the webcam trainer improved the basic skills of the novices, increasing movement speed and efficiency without sacrificing movement precision.

Conclusions

Novices using this unique webcam trainer showed improvement in psychomotor skills for EES. The authors believe that training in terms of basic endoscopic skills is meaningful and that the webcam training system can play a role in daily off-the-job training for EES.
Rhombencephalosynapsis: embryopathology and management strategies of associated neurosurgical conditions with a review of the literature
Authors: Weaver John , Manjila Sunil , Bahuleyan Biji , Bangert Barbara A. , Cohen Alan R.
Published: January 2013

Object

Rhombencephalosynapsis (RS) is a rare congenital posterior fossa malformation characterized by dorsal fusion of the cerebellar hemispheres, hypogenesis or agenesis of the vermis, and fusion of the dentate nuclei and superior cerebellar peduncles. The objective of this institutional study is to review the clinical conditions associated with RS and analyze the varied biological profile of this unique condition.

Methods

The study data were collected retrospectively from the medical records of patients at Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital. After required institutional review board approval, the authors obtained information regarding the cases of RS reviewed by the Departments of Radiology, Genetics, and/or Pediatric Neurology. Medical charts were systematically reviewed, and 9 patients were analyzed in detail.

Results

The authors describe 6 cases of RS and 3 cases of partial RS. This case series demonstrates an association between RS and symptomatic hydrocephalus (7 of 9 patients) and RS and Chiari malformation (5 of 9 patients). Patients with symptomatic hydrocephalus underwent endoscopic third ventriculostomy or ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion. One of the patients with an associated Chiari malformation underwent foramen magnum decompression.

Conclusions

The authors present a large case series of RS. Patients with RS often had hydrocephalus and/or a Chiari Type I or II hindbrain malformation. Neuroimaging findings of RS are presented along with hypotheses to explain the embryopathology of this unusual condition.
A multicenter analysis of factors associated with change in height after adolescent idiopathic scoliosis deformity surgery in 447 patients
Authors: Hwang Steven W. , Samdani Amer F. , Lonner Baron S. , Marks Michelle C. , Bastrom Tracey P. , Betz Randal R. , Cahill Patrick J.
Published: January 2013

Object

In the surgical management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), patients are often preoperatively informed that they will gain height as a result of their surgery. However, current estimations conflict significantly and do not have any clinical correlation. The authors developed a formula that would predict postoperative gains in height after deformity correction in AIS.

Methods

A large, multicenter, prospective database was retrospectively queried for AIS patients with Lenke Type 1, 2, or 3 curves having undergone posterior spinal fusion alone. A univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to identify which factors contributed significantly to changes in height.

Results

Four hundred forty-seven patients were included in the series. Factors correlating with changes in postoperative height included: upper thoracic curve magnitude, main thoracic curve magnitude, lumbar curve magnitude, T2–12 kyphosis, T5–12 kyphosis, curve flexibility, number of levels fused, presence of Ponte osteotomies, total preoperative coronal Cobb angle, change in coronal curve magnitude, total preoperative sagittal curvature, change in sagittal curvature, and thoracic curve correction.

When combined in a multivariate regression analysis the following variables remained significant: thoracic curve magnitude (p < 0.01), number of levels fused (p < 0.01), change in total sagittal curvature (p < 0.01), and the presence of osteotomies (p = 0.03). The contribution from the thoracic curve magnitude was significantly greater than any of the other parameters identified (R2 = 0.140). Change in height (in cm) = ([thoracic curve magnitude × 0.039] + [number of levels fused × 0.193] − [change in sagittal curvature × 0.033] + [x × 0.375]) − 1.858, where x = 1 if 1 or more osteotomies were performed and x = 0 if no osteotomy was performed.

Conclusions

The authors' results suggest that changes in the coronal plane contribute more significantly to height changes than those in the sagittal plane and approximately 0.39 cm of height gain can be expected for each 10° of coronal curve preoperatively. Unfortunately, a significant fraction of the postoperative height changes cannot be predicted by currently measured parameters.
Energy Efficient Routing in Wireless Sensor Networks Through Balanced Clustering
Authors: Nikolidakis Stefanos , Kandris Dionisis , Vergados Dimitrios , Douligeris Christos
Published: January 2013

The wide utilization of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) is obstructed by the severely limited energy constraints of the individual sensor nodes. This is the reason why a large part of the research in WSNs focuses on the development of energy efficient routing protocols. In this paper, a new protocol called Equalized Cluster Head Election Routing Protocol (ECHERP), which pursues energy conservation through balanced clustering, is proposed. ECHERP models the network as a linear system and, using the Gaussian elimination algorithm, calculates the combinations of nodes that can be chosen as cluster heads in order to extend the network lifetime. The performance evaluation of ECHERP is carried out through simulation tests, which evince the effectiveness of this protocol in terms of network energy efficiency when compared against other well-known protocols.
Enzyme-Catalyzed Transetherification of Alkoxysilanes
Authors: Abbate Vincenzo , Brandstadt Kurt , Taylor Peter , Bassindale Alan
Published: January 2013

We report the first evidence of an enzyme-catalyzed transetherification of model alkoxysilanes. During an extensive enzymatic screening in the search for new biocatalysts for silicon-oxygen bond formation, we found that certain enzymes promoted the transetherification of alkoxysilanes when tert-butanol or 1-octanol were used as the reaction solvents.
Information and Metabolism in Bacterial Chemotaxis
Authors: Auletta Gennaro
Published: January 2013

One of the most important issues in theoretical biology is to understand how control mechanisms are deployed by organisms to maintain their homeostasis and ensure their survival. A crucial issue is how organisms deal with environmental information in a way that ensures appropriate exchanges with the environment — even in the most basic of life forms (namely, bacteria). In this paper, I present an information theoretic formulation of how Escherichia coli responds to environmental information during chemotaxis and, more generally, a cybernetic model of the relationship between information and biophysical (metabolic) dynamics.
The Liang-Kleeman Information Flow: Theory and Applications
Authors: Liang X.
Published: January 2013

Information flow, or information transfer as it may be referred to, is a fundamental notion in general physics which has wide applications in scientific disciplines. Recently, a rigorous formalism has been established with respect to both deterministic and stochastic systems, with flow measures explicitly obtained. These measures possess some important properties, among which is flow or transfer asymmetry. The formalism has been validated and put to application with a variety of benchmark systems, such as the baker transformation, Hénon map, truncated Burgers-Hopf system, Langevin equation, etc. In the chaotic Burgers-Hopf system, all the transfers, save for one, are essentially zero, indicating that the processes underlying a dynamical phenomenon, albeit complex, could be simple. (Truth is simple.) In the Langevin equation case, it is found that there could be no information flowing from one certain time series to another series, though the two are highly correlated. Information flow/transfer provides a potential measure of the cause–effect relation between dynamical events, a relation usually hidden behind the correlation in a traditional sense.
pH Dependence of the Fluorescence Lifetime of FAD in Solution and in Cells
Authors: Islam Md. , Honma Masato , Nakabayashi Takakazu , Kinjo Masataka , Ohta Nobuhiro
Published: January 2013

We have studied physiological parameters in a living cell using fluorescence lifetime imaging of endogenous chromophores. In this study, pH dependence of the fluorescence lifetime of flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), that is a significant cofactor exhibiting autofluorescence, has been investigated in buffer solution and in cells. The fluorescence lifetime of FAD remained unchanged with pH 5 to 9 in solution. However, the fluorescence lifetime in HeLa cells was found to decrease with increasing intracellular pH, suggesting that pH in a single cell can be estimated from the fluorescence lifetime imaging of FAD without adding exogenous fluorescent probes.
Vitamin D and Death by Sunshine
Authors: Dixon Katie , Tongkao-On Wannit , Sequeira Vanessa , Carter Sally , Song Eric , Rybchyn Mark , Gordon-Thomson Clare , Mason Rebecca
Published: January 2013

Exposure to sunlight is the major cause of skin cancer. Ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the sun causes damage to DNA by direct absorption and can cause skin cell death. UV also causes production of reactive oxygen species that may interact with DNA to indirectly cause oxidative DNA damage. UV increases accumulation of p53 in skin cells, which upregulates repair genes but promotes death of irreparably damaged cells. A benefit of sunlight is vitamin D, which is formed following exposure of 7-dehydrocholesterol in skin cells to UV. The relatively inert vitamin D is metabolized to various biologically active compounds, including 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. Therapeutic use of vitamin D compounds has proven beneficial in several cancer types, but more recently these compounds have been shown to prevent UV-induced cell death and DNA damage in human skin cells. Here, we discuss the effects of vitamin D compounds in skin cells that have been exposed to UV. Specifically, we examine the various signaling pathways involved in the vitamin D-induced protection of skin cells from UV.
Use of an Ophthalmic Viscosurgical Device for Experimental Retinal Detachment in Rabbit Eyes
Authors: Hirata Akira , Yamamoto Soichiro , Okinami Satoshi
Published: January 2013

To investigate the temporary tamponade effects of an ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD) for experimental retinal tears, we performed vitrectomy in four rabbit eyes and created a posterior vitreous detachment and artificial retinal tear to produce retinal detachment. The retina was flattened with liquid perfluorocarbon (PFC), the area peripheral to the tear was photocoagulated, an OVD was applied to the retinal tear surface below the PFC and the PFC was removed by aspiration. In the control group, PFC was removed without application of OVD. At one, three and seven days postoperatively, funduscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed to examine the sealing process of the retinal tear. In OVD-treated eyes, the OVD remained on the retinal surface, and the retinal tear was patched for ≥ 3 days postoperatively. By seven days postoperatively, the OVD on the retinal surface had disappeared, and the retina was reattached. In control eyes, the edge of the retinal tear was rolled, and retinal detachment persisted. In OVD-treated eyes, the border of the retinal tear was indistinct, and the defect area was significantly decreased. These results show that application of an OVD effectively seals retinal tears and eliminates retinal detachments.
Photocatalytic Oxidation of Low-Level Airborne 2-Propanol and Trichloroethylene over Titania Irradiated with Bulb-Type Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Jo Wan-Kuen
Published: January 2013

This study examined the photocatalytic oxidation of gas-phase trichloroethylene (TCE) and 2-propanol, at indoor levels, over titanium dioxide (TiO2) irradiated with light-emitting diodes (LED) under different operational conditions. TiO2 powder baked at 450 °C exhibited the highest photocatalytic decomposition efficiency (PDE) for TCE, while all photocatalysts baked at different temperatures showed similar PDEs for 2-propanol. The average PDEs of TCE over a three hour period were four, four, five, and 51% for TiO2 powders baked at 150, 250, 350, and 450 °C, respectively. The average PDEs of 2-propanol were 95, 97, 98, and 96% for TiO2 powders baked at 150, 250, 350, and 450 °C, respectively. The ratio of anatase at 2θ = 25.2° to rutile at 2θ = 27.4° was lowest for the TiO2 powder baked at 450 °C. Although the LED-irradiated TiO2 system revealed lower PDEs of TCE and 2-propanol when compared to those of the eight watt, black-light lamp-irradiated TiO2 system, the results for the PDEs normalized to the energy consumption were reversed. Other operational parameters, such as relative humidity, input concentrations, flow rate, and feeding type were also found to influence the photocatalytic performance of the UV LED-irradiated TiO2 system when applied to the cleaning of TCE and 2-propanol at indoor air levels.
Isolation and Structural Determination of Two Novel Phlorotannins from the Brown Alga Ecklonia kurome Okamura, and Their Radical Scavenging Activities
Authors: Yotsu-Yamashita Mari , Kondo Sawako , Segawa Shinya , Lin Yi-Chin , Toyohara Haruhiko , Ito Hisatomi , Konoki Keiichi , Cho Yuko , Uchida Takafumi
Published: January 2013

Two novel phlorotannins with a molecular weight of 974, temporarily named 974-A and 974-B, were isolated from the polyphenol powder prepared from the edible marine brown alga Ecklonia kurome Okamura, and their chemical structures were determined by spectroscopic method. The isolated yield of the total of 974-A and 974-B was approximately 4% (w/w) from the polyphenol powder. In 974-A, the carbon at the C2′ position in the A ring of phlorofucofuroeckol-A forms a C–C bond with the carbon at the C2″ position of the C ring of triphloretol-B, while in 974-B, phlorofucofuroeckol-B and triphloretol-B form a C–C bond in the same manner as in 974-A. These structures were supported by high resolution-MS/MS data. To evaluate the antioxidant activities, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and intracellular radical scavenging assay, using 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA), were performed for 974-A, 974-B, and four known phlorotannins. The results of the DPPH assay showed that the IC50 values of 974-A, 974-B, phlorofucofuroeckol-A, and dieckol were significantly smaller than those of phlorofucofuroeckol-B, phloroglucinol, α-tocopherol, and ascorbic acid. Furthermore, the DCFH-DA assay suggested that 974-A, 974-B, and dieckol reduce intracellular reactive oxygen species most strongly among the tested compounds.