bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Response Surface Methodology for Optimization of Permeabilization Process of Baker’s Yeast
Authors: Trawczyńska Ilona , Wójcik Marek
Published: June 2014

Permeabilization was used for the purpose of transforming the cells of microorganisms into biocatalysts with an enhanced enzyme activity. Baker’s yeast cells were permeabilized with various organic solvents. A high degree of catalase activity was observed upon permeabilization with acetone, chloroform, isopropyl alcohol and ethyl acetate. Response surface methodology was used to model the effect of concentration of isopropyl alcohol, temperature and treatment time on the permeabilization of baker’s yeast cells to maximize the decomposition of H2O2. The optimum operating conditions for permeabilization were observed at 53.7% concentration of isopropyl alcohol, treatment time of 40 min and temperature of 15.6oC. A maximum value of catalase activity was found to be 6.188 U/g wet wt. and was ca. 60 times higher than the catalytic activity of yeast not treated by the permeabilization process.
Use of MgO to Promote the Oxyethylation Reaction of Lauryl Alcohol
Authors: Pilarska Agnieszka , Lukosek Marek , Siwińska-Stefańska Katarzyna , Pilarski Krzysztof , Jesionowski Teofil
Published: June 2014

Synthesis of magnesium hydroxide was performed by the precipitation method with the use of magnesium sulfate and sodium hydroxide. The infiuence of temperature and ratio of reagents was studied. Magnesium hydroxides, and the magnesium oxides obtained from them by thermal decomposition, were analyzed to determine their bulk density, polydispersity and particle size. The magnesium oxide with the largest surface area was tested as a catalyst in the oxyethylation of lauryl alcohol, and shown to be selective but poorly reactive in comparison with commercially available catalysts. Further studies are needed to improve its reactivity.
Pilot Study of Generation and Disposal of Municipal Solid Wastes in Selected Household in Rural Areas in the South-Western Poland
Authors: Strzelczyk Maria
Published: June 2014

Pilot study of the composition of wastes was carried out in 15 rural family households engaged in agricultural activity. In the study group the average resident of rural areas generates about 166 kg of municipal wastes annually. The conducted studies showed that the composition of municipal wastes coming from rural households changes seasonally. During the periods of summer and autumn, the quantity of bio-wastes increased distinctly. The average mass of wastes transferred to the companies engaged in the collection of wastes in the analyzed rural households is almost 50 kg · M–1. year–1. The studies showed that over 80% of organic wastes (kitchen and garden) is utilized in the place where they are generated. In the studies, organic wastes were collected selectively (in separate bags), which undoubtedly had infiuence on their humidity (70–90%). Laboratory analysis of these wastes showed that the ratio C:N in it was from 7 to 19, whereas pH lay within the limits from 5.8 to 6.9 indicating its very good properties for the composting process. Therefore composting of organic waste from rural household should be recommended as the best way for its disposal and the weight reduction of biodegradable waste going to landfills. Comparison of the analyzed variants showed that some waste other than kitchen and garden does not leave the holding (it is re-used or burned in home hearths).
Separation of 1,3-Propanediol from Aqueous Solutions by Ion Exchange Chromatography
Authors: Rukowicz Beata , Miesiąc Ireneusz , Alejski Krzysztof
Published: June 2014

1,3-propanediol is a promising monomer with many applications and can be produced by bioconversion of renewable resources. The separation of this product from fermentation broth is a difficult task. In this work, the application of cation exchange resin for the separation of 1,3-propanediol from model aqueous solution was examined. The best effect of separation of 1,3-propanediol from glycerol using sorption method was obtained for H+ resin form, although the observed partition coefficient of 1,3-propanediol was low. On the basis of the results of the sorption of 1,3-propanediol, the ionic forms of the resin were selected and used in the next experiments (H+, Ca2+, Ag+, Na+, Pb2+, Zn2+). The best results in ion exchange chromatography were obtained for cation exchange resin in H+ and Ca2+ form. The use of smaller particle size of resin and a longer length of the column allows to obtain better separation of mixtures.
Removal of Ni2+ from Aqueous Solutions by Adsorption Onto Magnetic Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposite
Authors: Konicki Wojciech , Pełech Iwona , Mijowska Ewa
Published: June 2014

The removal of Ni2+ from aqueous solution by magnetic multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposite (MMWCNTs-C) was investigated. MMWCNTs-C was characterized by X-ray Diffraction method (XRD), High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), surface area (BET), and Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The effects of initial concentration, contact time, solution pH, and temperature on the Ni2+ adsorption onto MMWCNTs-C were studied. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were applied to fit the adsorption data. The results showed that the adsorption isotherm data were fitted well to the Langmuir isotherm model with the maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of 2.11 mg g–1. The adsorption kinetics was best described by the pseudo-second-order model. The thermodynamic parameters, such as ΔHo, ΔGo and ΔSo, were also determined and evaluated. The adsorption of Ni2+ is generally spontaneous and thermodynamically favorable. The values of ΔHo and ΔGo indicate that the adsorption of Ni2+ onto MMWCNTs-C was a physisorption process.
Precipitation of Calcium Carbonate in the Presence of Urea at 293 K and 343 K
Authors: Białowicz Katarzyna , Kiełkowska Urszula
Published: June 2014

The results of the precipitation of calcium carbonate from a waste post-distillation liquid (DS) and a sodium bicarbonate saturated solution – both from the Solvay method – in the presence of urea are presented. The investigation was carried out at 293 K and 343 K. Reagent dosage times of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 30 min, and urea concentrations of 5, 6 and 10 mol/dm3 were applied. The granulometric composition, the values of bulk and packing densities and the absorptiveness sorption of water and paraffin oil from the obtained calcium carbonate were investigated.
Putting Prosody First — Some Practical Solutions to a Perennial Problem: The Innovalangues Project
Authors: Frost Dan , Picavet Francis
Published: June 2014

This paper presents some of the difficulties of teaching languages, in particular English, in the context of LSP/LAP2 programmes in French universities. The main focus of this paper will be the importance of prosody, especially in English, as an area where these difficulties may be addressed. We will outline the various solutions that are currently being put into place as part of the Innovalangues project, a six-year international language teaching and research project headed by Université Stendhal (Grenoble 3), France. The project has substantial funding from the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research and its mission is to develop innovative tools and measures to help LSP/LAP learners reach B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). The languages concerned are English, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and possibly French as a foreign language. Initially the project will be focusing on the needs of Grenoble’s students, but the objective is to make the tools and resources developed freely available to the wider community. Oral production and reception are at the heart of Innovalangues. We believe, along with many other researchers, that prosody is key to comprehension and to intelligibility (Kjellin 1999a, Kjellin 1999b, Munro and Derwing 2011, Saito 2012), particularly given the important differences between English and French prosody (Delattre 1965; Hirst and Di Cristo 1998; Frost 2011). In this paper, we will present the particular difficulties inherent in teaching English (and other foreign languages) in the context of ESP/EAP3 in French universities and some of the solutions that we are implementing through this project (Picavet et al., 2012; Picavet et al 2013; Picavet and Frost 2014). These include an e-learning platform for which various tools are being developed, teacher training seminars focusing on prosody and the collection of data for research.
Formulaic Sequences as Fluency Devices in the Oral Production of Native Speakers of Polish
Authors: Guz Ewa
Published: June 2014

In this paper we attempt to determine the nature and strength of the relationship between the use of formulaic sequences and productive fluency of native speakers of Polish. In particular, we seek to validate the claim that speech characterized by a higher incidence of formulaic sequences is produced more rapidly and with fewer hesitation phenomena. The analysis is based on monologic speeches delivered by 45 speakers of L1 Polish. The data include both the recordings and their transcriptions annotated for a number of objective fluency measures. In the first part of the study the total of formulaic sequences is established for each sample. This is followed by determining a set of temporal measures of the speakers' output (speech rate, articulation rate, mean length of runs, mean length of pauses, phonation time ratio). The study provides some preliminary evidence of the fluency-enhancing role of formulaic language. Our results show that the use of formulaic sequences is positively and significantly correlated with speech rate, mean length of runs and phonation time ratio. This suggests that a higher concentration of formulaic material in output is associated with faster speed of speech, longer stretches of speech between pauses and an increased amount of time filled with speech.
The Impact of Rhythmic Distortions in Speech on Personality Assessment
Authors: Volín Jan , Poesová Kristýna , Skarnitzl Radek
Published: June 2014

The perennial question as to how perceived otherness in speech projects into listener assessment of one’s personality has been systematically investigated within the field of foreign accentedness, vocal communication of affective states and vocal stereotyping. In the present study, we aimed at exploring non-native listeners’ capacity to respond to differences in natural and modified native speech, particularly whether the manipulation of temporal structure in both stressed and unstressed syllables gives rise to any changes in the perception of the speaker’s personality. The respondents’ intuitive judgements were captured in the domain of the ‘nervousness category’ taken from the five-factor model of personality. Our results indicate an effect of temporal modifications on the listeners’ judgements. Analysis of variance for repeated measures confirmed a highly significant shift of personality evaluations towards the undesired traits (e.g., nervousness, anxiety, querulousness). Several interesting interactions with the semantic contents of the utterances and with the intrinsic qualities of the speakers’ voices were also found. We argue that the effects of accented speech go beyond conscious willingness to accept “otherness” and suggest a method for studying them.
Ab-initio studies of thermal and superconducting properties of HfX2 alloys (X = Tc, Re, and Os)
Authors: Sathyakumari V. , Sankar S. , Mahalakshmi K.
Published: June 2014

A systematic study of thermal properties such as the Debye temperature, specific heat coefficient, Grüneisen constant, electron-phonon coupling constant and transition temperature have been carried out using the results of electronic band structure and related characteristics, for hafnium superconducting alloys, namely, HfTc2, HfRe2 and HfOs2. Computation of the electronic band structure and associated properties has been carried out using the tight-binding-linear-muffin-tin-orbital (TBLMTO) method within atomic sphere approximation (ASA). The calculated values have been compared with the available results of literature data.
The Dose-Response Relationship Between Cumulative Lifting Load and Lumbar Disk Degeneration Based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings
Authors: Hung Yu-Ju , Shih Tiffany T-F. , Chen Bang-Bin , Hwang Yaw-Huei , Ma Li-Ping , Huang Wen-Chuan , Liou Saou-Hsing , Ho Ing-Kang , Guo Yue L.
Published: June 2014

Background

Lumbar disk degeneration (LDD) has been related to heavy physical loading. However, the quantification of the exposure has been controversial, and the dose-response relationship with the LDD has not been established.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the dose-response relationship between lifetime cumulative lifting load and LDD.

Design

This was a cross-sectional study.

Methods

Every participant received assessments with a questionnaire, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine, and estimation of lumbar disk compression load. The MRI assessments included assessment of disk dehydration, annulus tear, disk height narrowing, bulging, protrusion, extrusion, sequestration, degenerative and spondylolytic spondylolisthesis, foramina narrowing, and nerve root compression on each lumbar disk level. The compression load was predicted using a biomechanical software system.

Results

A total of 553 participants were recruited in this study and categorized into tertiles by cumulative lifting load (ie, <4.0 × 105, 4.0 × 105 to 8.9 × 106, and ≥8.9 × 106 Nh). The risk of LDD increased with cumulative lifting load. The best dose-response relationships were found at the L5–S1 disk level, in which high cumulative lifting load was associated with elevated odds ratios of 2.5 (95% confidence interval [95% CI]=1.5, 4.1) for dehydration and 4.1 (95% CI=1.9, 10.1) for disk height narrowing compared with low lifting load. Participants exposed to intermediate lifting load had an increased odds ratio of 2.1 (95% CI=1.3, 3.3) for bulging compared with low lifting load. The tests for trend were significant.

Limitations

There is no “gold standard” assessment tool for measuring the lumbar compression load.

Conclusions

The results suggest a dose-response relationship between cumulative lifting load and LDD.
Incorporating Self-Management in Prosthetic Rehabilitation: Case Report of an Integrated Knowledge-to-Action Process
Authors: van Twillert Sacha , Postema Klaas , Geertzen Jan H.B. , Lettinga Ant T.
Published: June 2014

Background

In improvement of clinical practice, unidirectional approaches of translating evidence into clinical practice have been pinpointed as main obstacles. The concept of engaged scholarship has been introduced to guide knowledge-to-action (KTA) processes, in which research knowledge and practical knowledge derived from therapists, patients, and organizational structures mutually inform each other. Accordingly, KTA experts should engage end-users earlier in knowledge translation and work in concert with them on both knowledge creation and knowledge implementation.

Purpose

The purposes of this case report are: (1) to provide an illustrative example of an evidence-informed improvement process in prosthetic rehabilitation in a local setting and (2) to articulate the bidirectional translation work incorporated into an integrated KTA process.

Case Description

A KTA expert translated research knowledge on self-management and task- and context-specific training into a functional prosthetic training program for patients with a lower limb amputation. Therapists contributed as co-creators to the translation process with practical knowledge of the specificities of the target group and local organizational context. The KTA expert moved the co-created knowledge into action in iterative and interactive steps with local therapists, patients, and managers.

Outcome

This bidirectional KTA translation process led to shared ownership of the functional prosthetic training program, in which self-management and task- and context-specific training principles and practices were integrated.

Discussion

Bidirectional knowledge translation builds on explicating and integrating the different knowledge practices of researchers, therapists, and their patients. Knowledge-to-action experts and end-users have their own roles and activities in such knowledge translation processes. Appreciating these different roles in genuine partnerships and acknowledging the distinct but equally valued knowledge practices can help in effectively translating evidence into action.
Emergence and molecular characterisation of non-toxigenic tox gene-bearing Corynebacterium diphtheriae biovar mitis in the United Kingdom, 2003–2012
Authors: Zakikhany K , Neal S , Efstratiou A
Published: June 2014

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Schistosoma haematobium infections acquired in Corsica, France, August 2013
Authors: Holtfreter M C , Moné H , Müller-Stöver I , Mouahid G , Richter J
Published: June 2014

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Assessment of the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) epidemic in the Middle East and risk of international spread using a novel maximum likelihood analysis approach
Authors: Poletto C , Pelat C , Lévy-Bruhl D , Yazdanpanah Y , Boëlle P Y , Colizza V
Published: June 2014

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Evaluation of the Health Protection Event-Based Surveillance for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games
Authors: Severi E , Kitching A , Crook P D
Published: June 2014

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Effects of the Attributes of Educational Interventions on Students’ Academic Performance
Authors: de Boer Hester , Donker Anouk S. , van der Werf Margaretha P. C.
Published: June 2014

This meta-analysis examined the influence of attributes related to the implementation of learning strategy instruction interventions on students’ academic performance, and also examined how the attributes related to the method of testing the intervention effects affected the actual effects measured. Using metaregression, we analyzed the influence of the subject domain in which the intervention was implemented, the implementer, its duration and intensity, student cooperation, and research method aspects (including measurement instrument). Most attributes moderated the intervention effect. Using forward regression analysis, we only needed four attributes to obtain the best model, however. This analysis showed that the intervention effect was lower when a standardized test was used for evaluation instead of an unstandardized test. Interventions implemented by assistants or researchers were more effective than those implemented by teachers or using computers. Cooperation had a negative, and session duration a positive, contribution. Together, these attributes explained 63.2% of the variance in effect, which stresses the importance of emphasizing not only the instructional focus of an intervention but also its other attributes.
The impact of patient age and comorbidities on the occurrence of “never events” in cerebrovascular surgery: an analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample
Authors: Wen Timothy , He Shuhan , Attenello Frank , Cen Steven Y. , Kim-Tenser May , Adamczyk Peter , Amar Arun P. , Sanossian Nerses , Mack William J.
Published: June 2014

Object

As health care administrators focus on patient safety and cost-effectiveness, methodical assessment of quality outcome measures is critical. In 2008 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published a series of “never events” that included 11 hospital-acquired conditions (HACs) for which related costs of treatment are not reimbursed. Cerebrovascular procedures (CVPs) are complex and are often performed in patients with significant medical comorbidities.

Methods

This study examines the impact of patient age and medical comorbidities on the occurrence of CMS-defined HACs, as well as the effect of these factors on the length of stay (LOS) and hospitalization charges in patients undergoing common CVPs.

Results

The HACs occurred at a frequency of 0.49% (1.33% in the intracranial procedures and 0.33% in the carotid procedures). Falls/trauma (n = 4610, 72.3% HACs, 357 HACs per 100,000 CVPs) and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (n = 714, 11.2% HACs, 55 HACs per 100,000 CVPs) were the most common events. Age and the presence of ≥ 2 comorbidities were strong independent predictors of HACs (p < 0.0001). The occurrence of HACs negatively impacts both LOS and hospital costs. Patients with at least 1 HAC were 10 times more likely to have prolonged LOS (≥ 90th percentile) (p < 0.0001), and 8 times more likely to have high inpatient costs (≥ 90th percentile) (p < 0.0001) when adjusting for patient and hospital factors.

Conclusions

Improved quality protocols focused on individual patient characteristics might help to decrease the frequency of HACs in this high-risk population. These data suggest that risk adjustment according to underlying patient factors may be warranted when considering reimbursement for costs related to HACs in the setting of CVPs.
Microvascular decompression of a C-2 segmental-type vertebral artery producing trigeminal hypesthesia
Authors: Sellin Jonathan N. , Al-Hafez Baraa , Duckworth Edward A. M.
Published: June 2014

The authors report a case of trigeminal hypesthesia caused by compression of the spinal cord by a C-2 segmental-type vertebral artery (VA) that was successfully treated with microvascular decompression. Aberrant intradural VA loops have been reported as causes of cervical myelopathy, some of which improved with microvascular decompression. A 52-year-old man presented with progressive complaints of headache, dizziness, left facial numbness, and left upper-extremity paresthesia that worsened when turning his head to the right. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine showed the left VA passing intradurally between the axis and atlas, foregoing the C-1 foramen transversarium, and impinging on the spinal cord. The patient underwent left C-1 and C-2 hemilaminectomies followed by microvascular decompression of an aberrant VA loop compressing the spinal cord. The patient subsequently reported complete resolution of symptoms.
Female sex as a risk factor for the growth of asymptomatic unruptured cerebral saccular aneurysms in elderly patients
Authors: Kubo Yoshitaka , Koji Takahiro , Kashimura Hiroshi , Otawara Yasunari , Ogawa Akira , Ogasawara Kuniaki
Published: June 2014

Object

The prevalence of patients with asymptomatic unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) increases with the advancing age of the general population. The goal of the present study was to identify risk factors for the growth of UIAs detected with serial MR angiography (MRA) in patients 70 years of age or older.

Methods

This prospective study enrolled 79 patients (age range 70–84 years) with 98 UIAs. Patients were followed up every 4 months, including an assessment of the aneurysm diameter and morphological changes on MRA, neurological status, and other medical conditions. Aneurysm growth was categorized into two different patterns on the basis of the MRA findings: 1) maximum increase in aneurysm diameter of 2 mm or more; and 2) obvious morphological change, such as the appearance of a bleb.

Results

The mean duration of follow-up was 38.5 months (250.2 patient-years). Aneurysm rupture did not occur, but aneurysm growth was observed in 8 aneurysms (8 patients) during the study period. Univariate analysis showed that female sex, patient age ≥ 75 years, and an aneurysm location in the internal carotid artery (ICA) or middle cerebral artery (MCA) were associated with aneurysm growth (p = 0.04, p = 0.04, and p < 0.001, respectively). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that female sex was the only independent predictor of aneurysm growth (p = 0.0313, OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.3–30.2).

Conclusions

Female sex is an independent risk factor for the growth of UIAs in elderly patients. In addition, an age ≥ 75 years and aneurysm location in the ICA or MCA are characteristics that may warrant additional attention during follow-up imaging.
Lateral inferior cerebellar peduncle approach to dorsolateral medullary cavernous malformation
Authors: Deshmukh Vivek R. , Rangel-Castilla Leonardo , Spetzler Robert F.
Published: June 2014

Object

Brainstem cavernous malformations (BSCMs) present a unique therapeutic challenge to neurosurgeons. Resection of BSCMs is typically reserved for lesions that reach pial or ependymal surfaces. The current study investigates the lateral inferior cerebellar peduncle as a corridor to dorsolateral medullary BSCMs.

Methods

In this retrospective review, the authors present the cases of 4 patients (3 women and 1 man) who had a symptomatic dorsolateral cavernous malformation with radiographic and clinical evidence of hemorrhage.

Results

All patients underwent excision of the cavernous malformation via a far-lateral suboccipital craniotomy through the foramen of Luschka and with an incision in the inferior cerebellar peduncle. On intraoperative examination, 2 of the 4 patients had hemosiderin staining on the surface of the peduncle. All lesions were completely excised and all patients had a good or excellent outcome (modified Rankin Scale scores of 0 or 1).

Conclusions

This case series illustrates that intrinsic lesions of the dorsolateral medulla can be safely removed laterally through the foramen of Luschka and the inferior cerebellar peduncle.
Asymptomatic lipomas of the medullary conus: surgical treatment versus conservative management
Authors: Talamonti Giuseppe , D'Aliberti Giuseppe , Nichelatti Michele , Debernardi Alberto , Picano Marco , Redaelli Tiziana
Published: June 2014

Object

The goal of this study was to compare long-term results of surgery with the outcomes of conservative treatment in patients with asymptomatic lipomas of the conus medullaris.

Methods

The parents of 56 consecutive children with a diagnosis of asymptomatic lipoma of the conus medullaris underwent detailed neurosurgical consultation. The pros and cons of both prophylactic surgery and conservative treatment were carefully presented. Both options were offered, and the parents were free to choose the preferred management. A total of 32 children underwent surgical treatment, and 24 were conservatively treated. Afterward, all patients entered the same protocol of serial neurological and urological follow-up at the Centro Spina Bifida. The mean follow-up periods were 9.7 years in the surgical treatment group and 10.4 years in the conservative treatment group.

Results

Permanent surgical morbidity was 3.1% (1 patient). During follow-up, tethered cord syndrome occurred in 9.7% of the surgically treated patients (3 of 32 patients) and in 29.1% of the conservatively managed children (7 of 24 patients). This difference did not result in statistical significance, but a clear trend in favor of surgery emerged. Young age at surgery and a cord/sac ratio < 50% appeared to be determining factors in the prevention of subsequent tethered cord syndrome.

Conclusions

The small size of this series does not provide enough statistical evidence that surgical treatment can really improve the natural history of asymptomatic lipomas of the conus medullaris. Nevertheless, surgery appears at least advisable since it reduces by 75% the odds of TCS (p = 0.067), which is quite close to statistical significance.
Role of dorsal rhizotomy in spinal cord injury–induced spasticity
Authors: Reynolds Renee M. , Morton Ryan P. , Walker Marion L. , Massagli Teresa L. , Browd Samuel R.
Published: June 2014

Selective dorsal rhizotomy may have a role in the management of spinal cord injury (SCI)–induced spasticity. Spasticity and spasms are common sequelae of SCI in children. Depending on the clinical scenario, treatments may include physical and occupational therapy, oral medications, chemodenervation, and neurosurgical interventions. Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) is used in the management of spasticity in selected children with cerebral palsy, but, to the authors' knowledge, its use has not been reported in children with SCI. The authors describe the cases of 3 pediatric patients with SCI and associated spasticity treated with SDR. Two of the 3 patients have had significant long-term improvement in their preoperative spasticity. Although the third patient also experienced initial relief, his spasticity quickly returned to its preoperative severity, necessitating additional therapies. Selective dorsal rhizotomy may have a place in the treatment of selected children with spasticity due to SCI.
Tethered cord due to caudal lipomeningocele associated with a lumbar dural arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Mavani Sandip B. , Nadkarni Trimurti D.
Published: June 2014

A 29-year-old man presented with progressive paraparesis associated with sensory impairment in both lower limbs for the past 2 years. He was experiencing the sensation of incomplete urinary evacuation. The patient had undergone an earlier operation for a lumbar lipomeningocele at birth. Magnetic resonance images of the lumbosacral spine showed a low-lying conus medullaris adherent to a caudal lipoma. There was a leash of abnormal vascular channels in the adjacent subarachnoid space. The patient underwent spinal angiography that revealed a dural arteriovenous fistula (AVF) principally fed by the left fourth lumbar (L-4) radicular branch. At surgery the cord was detethered by disconnection of the sacral lipoma. The dural fistula was obliterated by occlusion of the L-4 radicular feeder close to the nidus of the fistula. Postoperatively, the patient experienced an immediate relief of sensation of tightness in both lower limbs. There was a gradual improvement of power and sensation at the 6-month follow-up examination. According to the authors' literature search, the present case is a unique report of a rare association of spinal cord tethering due to a caudal lipoma associated with a lumbar dural AVF. The present report discusses the etiopathology, presentation, and management of this case.
Fabrication of CdS/CdTe-Based Thin Film Solar Cells Using an Electrochemical Technique
Authors: Dharmadasa I. , Bingham P. , Echendu O. , Salim H. , Druffel T. , Dharmadasa R. , Sumanasekera G. , Dharmasena R. , Dergacheva M. , Mit K. , Urazov K. , Bowen L. , Walls M. , Abbas A.
Published: June 2014

Thin film solar cells based on cadmium telluride (CdTe) are complex devices which have great potential for achieving high conversion efficiencies. Lack of understanding in materials issues and device physics slows down the rapid progress of these devices. This paper combines relevant results from the literature with new results from a research programme based on electro-plated CdS and CdTe. A wide range of analytical techniques was used to investigate the materials and device structures. It has been experimentally found that n-, i- and p-type CdTe can be grown easily by electroplating. These material layers consist of nano- and micro-rod type or columnar type grains, growing normal to the substrate. Stoichiometric materials exhibit the highest crystallinity and resistivity, and layers grown closer to these conditions show n → p or p → n conversion upon heat treatment. The general trend of CdCl2 treatment is to gradually change the CdTe material’s n-type electrical property towards i-type or p-type conduction. This work also identifies a rapid structural transition of CdTe layer at 385 ± 5 °C and a slow structural transition at higher temperatures when annealed or grown at high temperature. The second transition occurs after 430 °C and requires more work to understand this gradual transition. This work also identifies the existence of two different solar cell configurations for CdS/CdTe which creates a complex situation. Finally, the paper presents the way forward with next generation CdTe-based solar cells utilising low-cost materials in their columnar nature in graded bandgap structures. These devices could absorb UV, visible and IR radiation from the solar spectrum and combine impact ionisation and impurity photovoltaic (PV) effect as well as making use of IR photons from the surroundings when fully optimised.
Analysis of Occupants’ Visual Perception to Refine Indoor Lighting Environment for Office Tasks
Authors: Lee Ji-Hyun , Moon Jin , Kim Sooyoung
Published: June 2014

The combined effects of color temperature and illuminance in a small office on visual response and mood under various lighting conditions were examined in this study. Visual annoyance tests were conducted using a sample of 20 subjects in a full-scale mock-up test space. Computer and paper-based reading tasks were conducted for 500 lx and 750 lx illuminance levels under 3,000 K, 4,000 K and 6,500 K conditions. Two hypotheses were considered for the test in this study. The primary hypothesis was that visual perception is affected by the color temperatures of light sources. The secondary hypothesis was that better moods, such as relaxed and cozy feelings, are associated with low color temperatures given equal illuminance levels. The visual environment under the 3,000 K condition was characterized by glare and brightness, resulting in visual discomfort when target illuminance was higher than 500 lx. Occupants preferred 500 lx under the 6,500 K condition, and 500 lx and 750 lx under the 4,000 K condition, reporting better visual satisfaction when performing office tasks. Prediction models for visual comfort suggest that the less that subjects are visually bothered by light during tasks, the more visual comfort they feel. User satisfaction with light source color is critical for the prediction of visual comfort under different lighting conditions. Visual comfort was the most influential factor on mood. Lower color temperature was associated with better mood at lower illuminance levels, while higher color temperature was preferred at higher illuminance levels.
Fast Coordinated Control of DFIG Wind Turbine Generators for Low and High Voltage Ride-Through
Authors: Wang Yun , Wu Qiuwei , Xu Honghua , Guo Qinglai , Sun Hongbin
Published: June 2014

This paper presents a fast coordinated control scheme of the rotor side converter (RSC), the Direct Current (DC) chopper and the grid side converter (GSC) of doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) wind turbine generators (WTGs) to improve the low voltage ride through (LVRT) and high voltage ride through (HVRT) capability of the DFIG WTGs. The characteristics of DFIG WTGs under voltage sags and swells were studied focusing on the DFIG WTG stator flux and rotor voltages during the transient periods of grid voltage changes. The protection schemes of the rotor crowbar circuit and the DC chopper circuit were proposed considering the characteristics of the DFIG WTGs during voltage changes. The fast coordinated control of RSC and GSC were developed based on the characteristic analysis in order to realize efficient LVRT and HVRT of the DFIG WTGs. The proposed fast coordinated control schemes were verified by time domain simulations using Matlab-Simulink.
The Role of the Protein Corona in Fiber Structure-Activity Relationships
Authors: Kucki Melanie , Kaiser Jean-Pierre , Clift Martin , Rothen-Rutishauser Barbara , Petri-Fink Alke , Wick Peter
Published: June 2014

When nanomaterials enter biological fluids, they are immediately covered by biomolecules, particularly proteins, forming the so-called protein corona. The dynamic nature and complexity of the protein corona can impact upon the biological effects and distribution of nanomaterials with an organism. Therefore, the protein corona is an important factor in determining the biological impact of any nanomaterials. The protein adsorption pattern is determined by various factors, including the bio-fluids’ protein composition, the nanomaterials’ physicochemical properties, as well as the time and type of exposure. Predominantly, research has focused upon spherical nano-objects, however, due to their ever-increasing potential use within human based applications, and, therefore, heightening and inevitable exposure to the human body, little is known regarding how proteins interact with nanofibers. Therefore, the present review focuses on the current knowledge as to how the geometry of man-made (nano)fibers, carbon nanotubes (in comparison with asbestos fibers), affects their interaction with proteins within biological fluids. Summarizing state-of the art methodologies applied to dissect protein-binding signatures, it is further discussed whether the protein corona composition of fibrous and non-fibrous materials differ, as well as what impact the protein corona has on (nano)fiber uptake, intracellular distribution and their subsequent toxicity.
Association between Urine Phthalate Levels and Poor Attentional Performance in Children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder with Evidence of Dopamine Gene-Phthalate Interaction
Authors: Park Subin , Kim Bung-Nyun , Cho Soo-Churl , Kim Yeni , Kim Jae-Won , Lee Ju-Young , Hong Soon-Beom , Shin Min-Sup , Yoo Hee , Im Hosub , Cheong Jae , Han Doug
Published: June 2014

Although there is some evidence supporting the existence of an association between prenatal maternal or postnatal child’s urine phthalate metabolite concentrations and poor attentional performances, the interaction between urine phthalate metabolite levels and genetic variation for neuropsychological deficit of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has not been examined. The aim of this study was to determine whether phthalate metabolites in urine are associated with poor neuropsychological performance in children with ADHD, and whether such association is affected by genotype-phthalate interaction. A cross-sectional examination of urine phthalate metabolite concentrations and the continuous performance test (CPT) were performed in 179 Korean children with ADHD recruited from department of psychiatry of university hospital. Correlations between urine phthalate metabolite concentrations and the CPT scores were investigated, and the interaction of phthalate metabolite levels with the selected polymorphisms at major candidate genes for ADHD, namely dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4), dopamine transporter, α-2A-adrenergic receptor, and norepinephrine transporter genes. For the subjects with the DRD4 4/4 genotype, there were significant associations of the urine phthalate metabolite concentrations with the number of omission errors, the number of commission errors, and the response time variability scores on the CPT. However, for the subjects without the DRD4 4/4 genotype, no significant associations were found. The results of this study suggest a possible association between phthalate metabolite concentrations and poor attentional performances of ADHD as well as a genetic influence on this association. Further prospective and epigenetic studies are needed to investigate causality and pathophysiological mechanisms.
Biochemical Alterations during the Obese-Aging Process in Female and Male Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)-Treated Mice
Authors: Hernández-Bautista René , Alarcón-Aguilar Francisco , Del C. Escobar-Villanueva María , Almanza-Pérez Julio , Merino-Aguilar Héctor , Fainstein Mina , López-Diazguerrero Norma
Published: June 2014

Obesity, from children to the elderly, has increased in the world at an alarming rate over the past three decades, implying long-term detrimental consequences for individual’s health. Obesity and aging are known to be risk factors for metabolic disorder development, insulin resistance and inflammation, but their relationship is not fully understood. Prevention and appropriate therapies for metabolic disorders and physical disabilities in older adults have become a major public health challenge. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate inflammation markers, biochemical parameters and glucose homeostasis during the obese-aging process, to understand the relationship between obesity and health span during the lifetime. In order to do this, the monosodium glutamate (MSG) obesity mice model was used, and data were evaluated at 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 months in both female and male mice. Our results showed that obesity was a major factor contributing to premature alterations in MSG-treated mice metabolism; however, at older ages, obesity effects were attenuated and MSG-mice became more similar to normal mice. At a younger age (four months old), the Lee index, triglycerides, total cholesterol, TNF-α and transaminases levels increased; while adiponectin decreased and glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity levels were remarkably altered. However, from 16 months old-on, the Lee index and TNF-α levels diminished significantly, while adiponectin increased, and glucose and insulin homeostasis was recovered. In summary, MSG-treated obese mice showed metabolic changes and differential susceptibility by gender throughout life and during the aging process. Understanding metabolic differences between genders during the lifespan will allow the discovery of specific preventive treatment strategies for chronic diseases and functional decline.
Critical Role for the Protons in FRTL-5 Thyroid Cells: Nuclear Sphingomyelinase Induced-Damage
Authors: Albi Elisabetta , Perrella Giuseppina , Lazzarini Andrea , Cataldi Samuela , Lazzarini Remo , Floridi Alessandro , Ambesi-Impiombato Francesco , Curcio Francesco
Published: June 2014

Proliferating thyroid cells are more sensitive to UV-C radiations than quiescent cells. The effect is mediated by nuclear phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin metabolism. It was demonstrated that proton beams arrest cell growth and stimulate apoptosis but until now there have been no indications in the literature about their possible mechanism of action. Here we studied the effect of protons on FRTL-5 cells in culture. We showed that proton beams stimulate slightly nuclear neutral sphingomyelinase activity and inhibit nuclear sphingomyelin-synthase activity in quiescent cells whereas stimulate strongly nuclear neutral sphingomyelinase activity and do not change nuclear sphingomyelin-synthase activity in proliferating cells. The study of neutral sphingomyelinase/sphingomyelin-synthase ratio, a marker of functional state of the cells, indicated that proton beams induce FRTL-5 cells in a proapoptotic state if the cells are quiescent and in an initial apoptotic state if the cells are proliferating. The changes of cell life are accompanied by a decrease of nuclear sphingomyelin and increase of bax protein.
An Initial Assessment of the Economic Value of Coastal and Freshwater Wetlands in West Asia
Authors: Eppink Florian , Brander Luke , Wagtendonk Alfred
Published: June 2014

Many countries in West Asia, defined in this study as the Arabic-speaking countries of the Arabian Peninsula plus Turkey and Iran, have enacted environmental conservation laws but regional underlying drivers of environment change, such as rising incomes and fast-growing populations, continue to put pressure on remaining wetlands. This paper aims to inform conservation efforts by presenting the first regional assessment of the economic value of coastal and freshwater wetlands in West Asia. Using scenario analysis we find that, dependent on the discount rate used, the present value of the regional economic loss of not protecting wetlands by 2050 is between US dollar 2.3 billion and US dollar 7.2 billion (expressed in 2007 US dollars). The method used for this assessment, however, is not suitable for expressing national realities adequately. We therefore suggest that detailed localized studies are conducted to improve insight into the drivers and the social and economic effects of wetland loss in West Asia.
Bis(2,3-dibromo-4,5-dihydroxybenzyl) Ether, a Marine Algae Derived Bromophenol, Inhibits the Growth of Botrytis cinerea and Interacts with DNA Molecules
Authors: Liu Ming , Wang Genzhu , Xiao Lin , Xu Xuanli , Liu Xiaohui , Xu Pingxiang , Lin Xiukun
Published: June 2014

Bis(2,3-dibromo-4,5-dihydroxybenzyl) ether (BDDE) is a bromophenol isolated from marine algae. Previous reports have shown that BDDE possesses cytotoxic and antibacterial activity. In the present study, we demonstrate that BDDE displays broad-spectrum antifungal activities, especially on Botrytis cinerea. BDDE inhibits the growth of B. cinerea cultured on a solid medium of potato dextrose agar (PDA) as well as on the potato dextrose broth (PDB) medium. Moreover, BDDE decreases the incidence of fruit decay and severity of strawberries infected with B. cinerea. Further studies have revealed that BDDE decreases the germination rate and inhibits the mycelial growth of B. cinerea. The inhibition mechanisms are related to the disruption of the cell membrane integrity in B. cinerea spores and newly formed germ tubes. This study also suggests that BDDE possibly interacts with DNA via intercalation and minor groove binding. The studies provide evidence that BDDE has potential application in the control of gray mold after fruit harvest and the compound could serve as a candidate or lead template for rational drug design and for the development of antifungal agents.
Type II Collagen and Gelatin from Silvertip Shark (Carcharhinus albimarginatus) Cartilage: Isolation, Purification, Physicochemical and Antioxidant Properties
Authors: Jeevithan Elango , Bao Bin , Bu Yongshi , Zhou Yu , Zhao Qingbo , Wu Wenhui
Published: June 2014

Type II acid soluble collagen (CIIA), pepsin soluble collagen (CIIP) and type II gelatin (GII) were isolated from silvertip shark (Carcharhinus albimarginatus) cartilage and examined for their physicochemical and antioxidant properties. GII had a higher hydroxyproline content (173 mg/g) than the collagens and cartilage. CIIA, CIIP and GII were composed of two identical α1 and β chains and were characterized as type II. Amino acid analysis of CIIA, CIIP and GII indicated imino acid contents of 150, 156 and 153 amino acid residues per 1000 residues, respectively. Differing Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of CIIA, CIIP and GII were observed, which suggested that the isolation process affected the secondary structure and molecular order of collagen, particularly the triple-helical structure. The denaturation temperature of GII (32.5 °C) was higher than that of CIIA and CIIP. The antioxidant activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals and the reducing power of CIIP was greater than that of CIIA and GII. SEM microstructure of the collagens depicted a porous, fibrillary and multi-layered structure. Accordingly, the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of type II collagens (CIIA, CIIP) and GII isolated from shark cartilage were found to be suitable for biomedical applications.
Adenovirus Carrying Gene Encoding Haliotis discus discus Sialic Acid Binding Lectin Induces Cancer Cell Apoptosis
Authors: Yang Xinyan , Wu Liqin , Duan Xuemei , Cui Lianzhen , Luo Jingjing , Li Gongchu
Published: June 2014

Lectins exist widely in marine bioresources such as bacteria, algae, invertebrate animals and fishes. Some purified marine lectins have been found to elicit cytotoxicity to cancer cells. However, there are few reports describing the cytotoxic effect of marine lectins on cancer cells through virus-mediated gene delivery. We show here that a replication-deficient adenovirus-carrying gene encoding Haliotis discus discus sialic acid binding lectin (Ad.FLAG-HddSBL) suppressed cancer cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis, as compared to the control virus Ad.FLAG. A down-regulated level of anti-apoptosis factor Bcl-2 was suggested to be responsible for the apoptosis induced by Ad.FLAG-HddSBL infection. Further subcellular localization studies revealed that HddSBL distributed in cell membrane, ER, and the nucleus, but not in mitochondria and Golgi apparatus. In contrast, a previously reported mannose-binding lectin Pinellia pedatisecta agglutinin entered the nucleus as well, but did not distribute in inner membrane systems, suggesting differed intracellular sialylation and mannosylation, which may provide different targets for lectin binding. Further cancer-specific controlling of HddSBL expression and animal studies may help to provide insights into a novel way of anti-cancer marine lectin gene therapy. Lectins may provide a reservoir of anti-cancer genes.