bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pavon 76 Bread Wheat–Rye Translocations Improve Field Root Biomass Production under Diverse Nitrogen Management Systems
Authors: Kaggwa Ruth J. , Waines J. Giles , Wang Guangyao
Published: June 2015

The plant root system is earmarked as key to the next Green Revolution. Field experiments were conducted in 2010–2011 and 2011–2012 to determine the impact of N management system on root growth in cultivar Pavon 76 (Pavon), bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and wheat–rye (Secale cereale L.) translocations Pavon‐1RS.1AL (1RS.1AL), and Pavon‐1RS.1BL (1RS.1BL). The three genotypes were examined under organic N (manure) and synthetic N fertilizer regimes each at a high and low rate, and an unfertilized control. The translocated genotype 1RS.1BL had 23 and 9% higher total root biomass than Pavon in the 2010–2011 and 2011–2012 growing seasons, respectively. Compared to Pavon, root mass of genotypes 1RS.1AL and 1RS.1BL was 23.3 to 55.9 g m−3 higher in the top 40 cm of the soil profile and 15.1 to 31 g m−3 higher in soil profiles below 40 cm. The 1RS translocations also had higher root dry mass than Pavon under synthetic N, low organic N and the unfertilized control. Mean genotype grain yields for both growing seasons ranged from 3.8 to 4.1 Mg ha−1 and there were no differences between 1RS lines and Pavon. These studies show that the root system was enhanced without a subsequent loss of yield in a high yield potential environment; similar research is needed for low wheat yield potential environments.
World Water Resources and Achieving Water Security
Authors: Lal Rattan
Published: June 2015

Water is the elixir of life and a principal indicator of sustainable development. It is important to understand the magnitude of water resources, the hydrological cycle, and the impact of land use and management. Large area of Earth's surface is covered by water, but renewable fresh water resources are finite (∼2.5% of the total), unequally distributed geographically, and prone to eutrophication and pollution. Conceptually, water resources comprise of four categories: (i) blue water is the fresh surface and ground water (e.g., water in lakes, rivers, and aquifers), (ii) green water is the precipitation on land that is stored in the soil for plant use, (iii) gray water is contaminated by human use, and (iv) virtual water is embedded in agricultural and industrial produce. Water scarcity, when demand exceeds supply, occurs wherever the per capita availability of renewable freshwater is <1700 m3/yr. In contrast, water stress occurs when the per capita availability of renewable freshwater is <1000 m3/yr. Therefore, water security exists when all people at all times have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe, and clean water that meets their basic needs for an active and healthy life. Water footprint, the amount of water required to produce goods and services for human consumption, is increasing with increase in world population and its growing affluence. Thus, sustainable management of water involves technologies to increase the green water storage in soil, purify the gray water, reduce export of virtual water, increase water use efficiency, and desalinize brackish water.
Evaluation of the Use of Powdered Activated Carbon in Membrane Bioreactor for the Treatment of Bleach Pulp Mill Effluent
Authors: Amaral Míriam C. S. , Lange Liséte C. , Borges Cristiano P.
Published: June 2015

In this paper, the use of powered activated carbon (PAC) in membrane bioreactor (MBR) employed in the treatment of bleach pulp mill effluents was evaluated. The MBR was operated with hydraulic residence time of 9.5 h and PAC concentration of 10 g/L. The addition of PAC to the MBR reduced the average concentration of chemical oxygen demand (COD) in the permeate from 215 mg/L (82% removal efficiency) to 135 mg/L (88% removal efficiency), producing an effluent that can be reused on bleaching stage. Moreover, the addition of PAC to the MBR resulted in the reduction in applied pressure and provided a more stable operation during the monitoring period. This occurrence was probably due to the increase of critical flux after the addition of PAC. The fouling mechanism was investigated and the results showed that controlling the concentration of soluble microbial products (SMP) and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) by using PAC and keeping the operational flux below critical flux is of major importance for MBR operational sustainability.
Antibiotic Resistance inAeromonasUpstream and Downstream of a Water Resource Recovery Facility
Authors: Cisar Cindy R. , Henderson Samantha K. , Askew Maegan L. , Risenhoover Hollie G. , McAndrews Chrystle R. , Kennedy S. Dawn , Paine C. Sue
Published: June 2015

Aeromonas strains isolated from sediments upstream and downstream of a water resource recovery facility (WRRF) over a two‐year time period were tested for susceptibility to 13 antibiotics. Incidence of resistance to antibiotics, antibiotic resistance phenotypes, and diversity (based on resistance phenotypes) were compared in the two populations. At the beginning of the study, the upstream and downstream Aeromonas populations were different for incidence of antibiotic resistance (p < 0.01), resistance phenotypes (p < 0.005), and diversity. However, these differences declined over time and were not significant at the end of the study. These results (1) indicate that antibiotic resistance in Aeromonas in stream sediments fluctuates considerably over time and (2) suggest that WRRF effluent does not, when examined over the long term, affect antibiotic resistance in Aeromonas in downstream sediment.
Characteristics of Micro‐Nano Bubbles and Potential Application in Groundwater Bioremediation
Authors: Li Hengzhen , Hu Liming , Song Dejun , Lin Fei
Published: June 2015

Content of oxygen in water is a critical factor in increasing bioremediation efficiency for contaminated groundwater. Micro‐nano bubbles (MNBs) injection seems to be an effective technique for increasing oxygen in water compared with traditional air sparging technology with macrobubbles. Micro‐nano bubbles have larger interfacial area, higher inner pressure and density, and lower rising velocity in water, superior to that of macrobubbles. In this paper, MNBs with diameters ranging from 500 nm to 100 μm are investigated, with a specific focus on the oxygen mass transfer coefficient from inner bubbles to surrounding water. The influence of surfactant on the bubbles formation and dissolution is studied as well. The stability of MNBs is further investigated by means of zeta potential measurements and rising velocity analysis. The results show that MNBs can greatly increase oxygen content in water. Higher surfactant concentration in water will decrease the bubbles size, reduce the dissolution rate, and increase the zeta potential. Moreover, MNBs with greater zeta potential value tend to be more stable. Besides, the low rising velocity of MNBs contributes to the long stagnation in water. It is suggested that micro‐nano bubble aeration, a potential in groundwater remediation technology, can largely enhance the bioremediation effect.
Metal Ion Removal from Wastewaters by Sorption on Activated Carbon, Cement Kiln Dust, and Sawdust
Authors: Shaheen Sabry M. , Eissa Fawzy I. , Ghanem Khaled M. , El‐Din Hala M. Gamal , Anany Fathia S. Al
Published: June 2015

This study assessed the efficiency of activated carbon, cement kiln dust (CKD), and sawdust for the removal of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) from aqueous solutions under mono‐metal and competitive sorption systems and the removal of Cd, Cu, and Zn from different industrial wastewaters. Batch equilibrium experiments were conducted in a mono‐metal and competitive sorption system. The efficiency of the sorbents in the removal of Cd, Cu, and Zn from industrial wastewaters was also investigated. Cement kiln dust expressed the highest affinity for the metals followed by activated carbon and sawdust. Competition among the metals changed their distribution coefficient (Kd) with the sorbents. Sorption of Pb and Cu was higher than Cd and Zn. The average metal removal from the wastewaters varied from 74, 61, and 60% for Cd, Cu, and Zn, respectively, to nearly 100%. The efficiencies of CKD and activated carbon in removing metals were higher than sawdust, suggesting their potential as low‐cost sorbents for the removal of toxic metals from wastewaters.
Monitoring of Nitrate and Pesticide Pollution in Mnasra, Morocco Soil and Groundwater
Authors: Marouane Bouchra , Dahchour Abdelmalek , Dousset Sylvie , El Hajjaji Souad
Published: June 2015

This study evaluates the levels of nitrates and pesticides occurring in groundwater and agricultural soil in the Mnasra, Morocco area, a zone with intensive agricultural activity. A set of 108 water samples and 68 soil samples were collected from ten selected sites in the area during agricultural seasons, from May 2010 to September 2012. The results reveal that 89.7% of water samples exceeded the standard limit of nitrate concentrations for groundwater (50 mg/L). These results can be explained by the prevailing sandy nature of the soil in the area, the frequency of fertilizer usage, and the shallow level of the water table, which favors the leaching of nitrate from field to groundwater. In contrast, the selected pesticide molecules were not detected in the analysed soil and water samples; levels were below the quantification limit in all samples. This situation could be explained by the probable partial or total transformation of the molecules in soil.
On weakly Hurewicz spaces
Authors: Song Yan-Kui , Li Rui
Published: June 2015

A space X is weakly Hurewicz if for each sequence (Un : n ? N) of open covers
of X, there are a dense subset Y ? X and finite subfamilies Vn ? Un(n ? N)
such that for every point of Y is contained in SVn for all but finitely many
n. In this paper, we investigate the relationship between Hurewicz spaces
and weakly Hurewicz spaces, and also study topological properties of weakly
Hurewicz spaces.
Some remarks on regular integers modulo n
Authors: Apostol Brăduţ , Tóth László
Published: June 2015

An integer k is called regular (mod n) if there exists an integer x such that
k2x ? k (mod n). This holds true if and only if k possesses a weak order
(mod n), i.e., there is an integer m ? 1 such that km+1 ? k (mod n). Let
?(n) denote the number of regular integers (mod n) in the set {1,2,...,n}.
This is an analogue of Euler?s ? function. We introduce the
multidimensional generalization of ?, which is the analogue of Jordan?s
function. We establish identities for the power sums of regular integers
(mod n) and for some other finite sums and products over regular integers
(mod n), involving the Bernoulli polynomials, the Gamma function and the
cyclotomic polynomials, among others. We also deduce an analogue of Menon?s
identity and investigate the maximal orders of certain related functions.
Generalized fractional Hermite-Hadamard inequalities for twice differentiable s-convex functions
Authors: Noor Muhammad , Cristescu Gabriela , Awan Muhammad
Published: June 2015

Some Hermite-Hadamard type inequalities via Riemann-Liouville fractional
integral for twice differentiable functions having some s-convexity of second
kind properties are established. A class of s-affine of second kind functions
is identified such as these inequalities are sharp.
Advances on Ricceri’s most famous conjecture
Authors: García-Pacheco F.J. , Hill J.R.
Published: June 2015

New advances towards a (positive) solution to Ricceri?s (most famous)
Conjecture are presented. One of these advances consists of showing that a
totally anti-proximinal absolutely convex subset of a vector space is
linearly open. We also prove that if every totally anti-proximinal convex
subset of a vector space is linearly open then Ricceri?s Conjecture holds
true. Finally we demonstrate that the concept of total anti-proximinality
does not make sense in the scope of pseudo-normed spaces.
Common fixed point results for four mappings on ordered vector metric spaces
Authors: Rahimi Hamidreza , Abbas Mujahid , Rad Ghasem
Published: June 2015

A vector metric space is a generalization of a metric space, where the metric
is Riesz space valued. We prove some common fixed point theorems for four
mappings in ordered vector metric spaces. Obtained results extend and
generalize well-known comparable results in the literature.
Fuzzy fixed point theorems in ordered cone metric spaces
Authors: Azam Akbar , Mehmood Nayyar , Rashid Maliha , Radenovic Stojan
Published: June 2015

In this article we introduce the notion of the multivalued fuzzy mappings
satisfying w.l.b property and l.b properties and prove some results for
multivalued generalize contractive fuzzy mappings in ordered-cone metric
spaces without the assumption of normality on cones. We generalize many
results in literature.
Intraoperative subcortical motor evoked potential stimulation: how close is the corticospinal tract?
Authors: Shiban Ehab , Krieg Sandro M. , Haller Bernhard , Buchmann Niels , Obermueller Thomas , Boeckh-Behrens Tobias , Wostrack Maria , Meyer Bernhard , Ringel Florian
Published: June 2015

OBJECT

Subcortical stimulation is a method used to evaluate the distance from the stimulation site to the corticospinal tract (CST) and to decide whether the resection of an adjacent lesion should be terminated to prevent damage to the CST. However, the correlation between stimulation intensity and distance to the CST has not yet been clearly assessed. The objective of this study was to investigate the appropriate correlation between the subcortical stimulation pattern and the distance to the CST.

METHODS

Monopolar subcortical motor evoked potential (MEP) mapping was performed in addition to continuous MEP monitoring in 37 consecutive patients with lesions located in motor-eloquent locations. The proximity of the resection cavity to the CST was identified by subcortical MEP mapping. At the end of resection, the point at which an MEP response was still measurable with minimal subcortical MEP intensity was marked with a titanium clip. At this location, different stimulation paradigms were executed with cathodal or anodal stimulation at 0.3-, 0.5-, and 0.7-msec pulse durations. Postoperatively, the distance between the CST as defined by postoperative diffusion tensor imaging fiber tracking and the titanium clip was measured. The correlation between this distance and the subcortical MEP electrical charge was calculated.

RESULTS

Subcortical MEP mapping was successful in all patients. There were no new permanent motor deficits. Transient new postoperative motor deficits were observed in 14% (5/36) of cases. Gross-total resection was achieved in 75% (27/36) and subtotal resection (> 80% of tumor mass) in 25% (9/36) of cases. Stimulation intensity with various pulse durations as well as current intensity was plotted against the measured distance between the CST and the titanium clip on postoperative MRI using diffusion-weighted imaging fiberitracking tractography. Correlational and regression analyses showed a nonlinear correlation between stimulation intensity and the distance to the CST. Cathodal stimulation appeared better suited for subcortical stimulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Subcortical MEP mapping is an excellent intraoperative method to determine the distance to the CST during resection of motor-eloquent lesions and is highly capable of further reducing the risk of a new neurological deficit.
Preservation of multidimensional quality of life after endoscopic pituitary adenoma resection
Authors: McCoul Edward D. , Bedrosian Jeffrey C. , Akselrod Olga , Anand Vijay K. , Schwartz Theodore H.
Published: June 2015

OBJECT

Pituitary adenomas are well suited to resection by a minimal-access endoscopic technique. Validation of this approach requires prospective outcome studies to determine the impact on quality of life (QOL). This study aims to assess the effect of endoscopic pituitary adenoma resection on site-specific and sinonasal-related QOL before and after endoscopic surgery using validated instruments.

METHODS

Consecutive adult patients undergoing endoscopic endonasal resection of pituitary adenoma were prospectively enrolled from a single tertiary care center. All patients completed the Anterior Skull Base Questionnaire (ASBQ) and the 22-Item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) preoperatively and then at regular intervals after surgery to assess their perceived QOL with regard to hormonal, surgical, and anatomical factors.

RESULTS

Eighty-one of 114 patients were eligible for study; median follow-up was 16 months. This cohort included 24 (29.6%) nonsecreting macroadenomas and 57 (70.4%) hypersecreting tumors. There was significant improvement in the mean ASBQ score at 12 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery (p < 0.05), while postoperative SNOT-22 scores, at the same time points, showed no significant difference from preoperative scores. Both ASBQ and SNOT-22 scores showed transient worsening at 3 weeks postoperatively. Subtotal resection correlated with worse QOL, both overall and among patients with hypersecreting tumors (p < 0.05). Extrasellar tumor extension, intraoperative CSF leakage, and a reconstruction technique during surgery did not impact postoperative QOL. Visual disturbances did not significantly alter QOL. There were no postoperative CSF leaks in this series.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic resection of pituitary adenoma is associated with long-term improvements in site-specific QOL and stability in sinonasal QOL when assessed pre- and postoperatively with validated instruments. Subtotal resection was the only factor that negatively impacted postoperative QOL. Therefore, gross-total resection should be attempted for all patients to optimize QOL after surgery.
An unusual complication of atrial fibrillation ablation: case report
Authors: Petrela Mentor , Rroji Arben , Enesi Eugen , Xhumari Artur , Lame Artid
Published: June 2015

The authors report a complication of catheter ablation that, to their knowledge, has never been previously reported. A 63-year-old man had undergone successful transvenous catheter thermoablation for atrial fibrillation. The patient remained well until 3 days prior to further admission when he noticed itching in the right frontal area of his scalp. On palpating his scalp, he discovered a metallic body projecting out of it and he proceeded to extract 20 cm of wire from his head. The following day a progressive left hemiplegia developed, and the patient experienced a deteriorating level of consciousness. A CT scan of the brain showed a right frontotemporal intraparenchymal hemorrhage and revealed a metallic structure in the middle of the hematoma. The hematoma was evacuated and a decompressive craniotomy was performed. The guidewire was identified, but it was only possible to extract part of it. It was covered by fibrous tissue, secondary to inflammatory reaction. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of guidewire-induced brain hemorrhage. The guidewire apparently had not been removed and had spontaneously migrated from the heart to the brain and beyond to the scalp where it then exited the patient’s head. The patient had been well before he attempted to pull out the wire. Earlier identification of the iatrogenic complication of a retained guidewire might have prevented the fatal outcome in this case.
Longitudinal evaluation of corticospinal tract in patients with resected brainstem cavernous malformations using high-definition fiber tractography and diffusion connectometry analysis: preliminary experience
Authors: Faraji Amir H. , Abhinav Kumar , Jarbo Kevin , Yeh Fang-Cheng , Shin Samuel S. , Pathak Sudhir , Hirsch Barry E. , Schneider Walter , Fernandez-Miranda Juan C. , Friedlander Robert M.
Published: June 2015

OBJECT

Brainstem cavernous malformations (CMs) are challenging due to a higher symptomatic hemorrhage rate and potential morbidity associated with their resection. The authors aimed to preoperatively define the relationship of CMs to the perilesional corticospinal tracts (CSTs) by obtaining qualitative and quantitative data using high-definition fiber tractography. These data were examined postoperatively by using longitudinal scans and in relation to patients’ symptomatology. The extent of involvement of the CST was further evaluated longitudinally using the automated “diffusion connectometry” analysis.

METHODS

Fiber tractography was performed with DSI Studio using a quantitative anisotropy (QA)-based generalized deterministic tracking algorithm. Qualitatively, CST was classified as being “disrupted” and/or “displaced.” Quantitative analysis involved obtaining mean QA values for the CST and its perilesional and nonperilesional segments. The contralateral CST was used for comparison. Diffusion connectometry analysis included comparison of patients’ data with a template from 90 normal subjects.

RESULTS

Three patients (mean age 22 years) with symptomatic pontomesencephalic hemorrhagic CMs and varying degrees of hemiparesis were identified. The mean follow-up period was 37.3 months. Qualitatively, CST was partially disrupted and displaced in all. Direction of the displacement was different in each case and progressively improved corresponding with the patient’s neurological status. No patient experienced neurological decline related to the resection. The perilesional mean QA percentage decreases supported tract disruption and decreased further over the follow-up period (Case 1, 26%–49%; Case 2, 35%–66%; and Case 3, 63%–78%). Diffusion connectometry demonstrated rostrocaudal involvement of the CST consistent with the quantitative data.

CONCLUSIONS

Hemorrhagic brainstem CMs can disrupt and displace perilesional white matter tracts with the latter occurring in unpredictable directions. This requires the use of tractography to accurately define their orientation to optimize surgical entry point, minimize morbidity, and enhance neurological outcomes. Observed anisotropy decreases in the perilesional segments are consistent with neural injury following hemorrhagic insults. A model using these values in different CST segments can be used to longitudinally monitor its craniocaudal integrity. Diffusion connectometry is a complementary approach providing longitudinal information on the rostrocaudal involvement of the CST.
Correlation of high delta-like ligand 4 expression with peritumoral brain edema and its prediction of poor prognosis in patients with primary high-grade gliomas
Authors: Qiu Xian-xin , Wang Chen-hong , Lin Zhi-xiong , You Na , Wang Xing-fu , Chen Yu-peng , Chen Long , Liu Shui-yuan , Kang De-zhi
Published: June 2015

OBJECT

Peritumoral brain edema (PTBE) is a common phenomenon associated with high-grade gliomas (HGGs). In this study, the authors investigated the expression of Notch delta-like ligand 4 (DLL4) and its correlation with PTBE and prognosis in patients with an HGG.

METHODS

Tumors from 99 patients with HGG were analyzed for DLL4 expression using immunohistochemistry. PTBE on preoperative MR images and the relationship between PTBE and DLL4 expression were evaluated. The effect of DLL4 on patient prognosis was assessed by using Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox proportional hazard models.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemistry results revealed that the expression of DLL4 was distributed primarily within the cytoplasm of tumor vascular endothelial cells and seldom detected in tumor cells. DLL4 expression was correlated positively with the degree of edema (r = 0.845 and p < 0.001, Spearman’s test). In addition, DLL4 was an independent predictor of prognosis in patients with HGGs (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

DLL4 expression was correlated positively with the degree of PTBE and was an independent unfavorable prognostic indicator in patients with HGG.
Brief intraoperative heparinization and blood loss in anterior lumbar spine surgery
Authors: Sim Emma M. , Claydon Matthew H. , Parker Rhiannon M. , Malham Gregory M.
Published: June 2015

OBJECT

The anterior approach to the lumbar spine may be associated with iliac artery thrombosis. Intraoperative heparin can be administered to prevent thrombosis; however, there is a concern that this will increase the procedural blood loss. The aim of this study was to examine whether intraoperative heparin can be administered without increasing blood loss in anterior lumbar spine surgery.

METHODS

A prospective study of consecutive anterior approaches for lumbar spine surgery was performed between January 2009 and June 2014 by a single vascular surgeon and a single spine surgeon. Patients underwent an anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) at L4–5 and/or L5–S1, a total disc replacement (TDR) at L4–5 and/or L5–S1, or a hybrid procedure with a TDR at L4–5 and an ALIF at L5–S1. Heparin was administered intravenously when arterial flow to the lower limbs was interrupted during the procedure. Heparin was usually reversed on removal of the causative retraction.

RESULTS

The cohort consisted of 188 patients with a mean age of 41.7 years; 96 (51.1%) were male. Eighty-four patients (44.7%) had an ALIF, 57 (30.3%) had a TDR, and 47 (25.0%) had a hybrid operation with a TDR at L4–5 and an ALIF at L5–S1. One hundred thirty-four patients (71.3%) underwent a single-level procedure (26.9% L4–5 and 73.1% L5–S1) and 54 (28.7%) underwent a 2-level procedure (L4–5 and L5–S1). Seventy-two patients (38.3%) received heparinization intraoperatively. Heparin was predominantly administered during hybrid operations (68.1%), 2-level procedures (70.4%), and procedures involving the L4–5 level (80.6%).

There were no intraoperative ischemic vascular complications reported in this series. There was 1 postoperative deep venous thrombosis.

The overall mean estimated blood loss (EBL) for the heparin group (389.7 ml) was significantly higher than for the nonheparin group (160.5 ml) (p < 0.0001). However, when all variables were analyzed with multiple linear regression, only the prosthesis used and level treated were found to be significant in blood loss (p < 0.05). The highest blood loss occurred in hybrid procedures (448.1 ml), followed by TDR (302.5 ml) and ALIF (99.7 ml). There were statistically significant differences between the EBL during ALIF compared with TDR and hybrid (p < 0.0001), but not between TDR and hybrid. The L4–5 level was associated with significantly higher blood loss (384.9 ml) compared with L5–S1 (111.4 ml) (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

During an anterior exposure for lumbar spine surgery, the administration of heparin does not significantly increase blood loss. The prosthesis used and level treated were found to significantly increase blood loss, with TDR and the L4–5 level having greater blood loss compared with ALIF and L5–S1, respectively. Heparin can be administered safely to help prevent thrombotic intraoperative vascular complications without increasing blood loss.
Relationship between ventricular size, white matter injury, and neurocognition in children with stable, treated hydrocephalus
Authors: Kulkarni Abhaya V. , Donnelly Ruth , Mabbott Donald J. , Widjaja Elysa
Published: June 2015

OBJECT

Larger-than-normal ventricles can persist in children following hydrocephalus treatment, even if they are asymptomatic and clinically well. This study aims to answer the following question: do large ventricles result in brain injuries that are detectable on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and/or in measurable neurocognitive deficits in children with stable, treated hydrocephalus that are not seen in children with small ventricles?

METHODS

For this prospective study, we recruited 23 children (age range 8–18 years) with hydrocephalus due to aqueductal stenosis or tectal glioma who were asymptomatic following hydrocephalus treatment that had been performed at least 2 years earlier. All patients underwent detailed DTI and a full battery of neuropsychological tests. Correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between DTI parameters, neurocognitive tests, and ventricular size. The false-discovery rate method was used to adjust for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS

The median age of these 23 children at the time of assessment was 15.0 years (interquartile range [IQR] 12.1–17.6 years), and the median age at the first hydrocephalus treatment was 5.8 years (IQR 2.2 months–12.8 years). At the time of assessment, 17 children had undergone endoscopic third ventriculostomy and 6 children had received a shunt. After adjusting for multiple comparisons, there were no significant correlations between any neurocognitive test and ventricular volume, any DTI parameter and ventricular volume, or any DTI parameter and neurocognitive test.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data do not show an association between large ventricular size and additional white matter injury or worse neurocognitive deficits in asymptomatic children with stable, treated hydrocephalus caused by a discrete blockage of the cerebral aqueduct. Further investigations using larger patient samples are needed to validate these results.
Towards a Better Understanding of Sub-Saharan Settlement Mounds before AD 1400: The Tells of Sadia on the Seno Plain (Dogon Country, Mali)
Authors: Huysecom Eric , Ozainne Sylvain , Jeanbourquin Chrystel , Mayor Anne , Canetti Marie , Loukou Serge , Chaix Louis , Eichhorn Barbara , Lespez Laurent , Le Drézen Yann , Guindo Nema
Published: June 2015

In the Niger Bend, many studies have shown the existence of settlement mounds which mainly developed between the 1st millennium BC and the 15th century AD. While knowledge about tell-type sites in sub-Saharan Africa has advanced in recent years, many aspects of this topic remain poorly understood. Considering the vast geographic area and time span, there is very little accurate chronostratigraphic information available. This relative lack of long sequences strongly limits the diachronic integration of cultural, economic and environmental data, necessary to unravel the socio-economic mechanisms underlying the emergence and development of this type of site. In this paper, we present the results of the excavations we recently conducted on a group of settlement mounds at Sadia, on the Seno Plain (Dogon Country, Mali), which allow a precise chronological, cultural and environmental sequence to be defined. By combining this work and the results from an extensive approach applied throughout the Dogon Country for more than fifteen years, we provide a scenario for the Seno tells and an insight into the development of Sahelian rural societies, including considerations on their interactions with the early State polities of the Niger Bend, prior to AD 1400.
Pleistocene Archaeology and Chronology of Putslaagte 8 (PL8) Rockshelter, Western Cape, South Africa
Authors: Mackay Alex , Jacobs Zenobia , Steele Teresa E.
Published: June 2015

We report on excavations of a small rock shelter — Putslaagte 8 (PL8) — located on the arid interior fringe of South Africa’s Fynbos biome. The shelter preserves a long sequence of Holocene and late Pleistocene occupation dating back beyond 75,000 years BP. This paper presents data on the technological, faunal and chronological sequence. Occupation is markedly pulsed and includes three late Pleistocene Later Stone Age (LSA) units (macrolithic, Robberg and early LSA), as well as several distinct Middle Stone Age (MSA) components from Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 3–5. Pulsing may reflect the arid and possibly marginal environments in which the shelter is situated, and to that end some elements of the sequence contrast with occupational patterns towards the coast. Viewed in a regional setting PL8 suggests: 1) complementarity of resource movements between the coast and interior in terminal MIS 2; 2) distinctions in material selection, and possibly technology, between the coast and interior in earlier MIS 2; 3) an MSA lasting to at least 40,000 years before present; 4) a weak Howiesons Poort and post-Howiesons Poort in the interior; 5) possibly distinct periods of denticulate manufacture within the MIS 5 MSA; 6) highly localised patterns of material acquisition in the earlier MSA.
A Comparison of Closed-Loop Performance of Multirotor Configurations Using Non-Linear Dynamic Inversion Control
Authors: Ireland Murray , Vargas Aldo , Anderson David
Published: June 2015

Multirotor is the umbrella term for the family of unmanned aircraft, which include the quadrotor, hexarotor and other vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft that employ multiple main rotors for lift and control. Development and testing of novel multirotor designs has been aided by the proliferation of 3D printing and inexpensive flight controllers and components. Different multirotor configurations exhibit specific strengths, while presenting unique challenges with regards to design and control. This article highlights the primary differences between three multirotor platforms: a quadrotor; a fully-actuated hexarotor; and an octorotor. Each platform is modelled and then controlled using non-linear dynamic inversion. The differences in dynamics, control and performance are then discussed.
Impacts of Boundary Conditions on the Simulation of Atmospheric Fields Using RegCM4 over CORDEX East Asia
Authors: Suh Myoung , Oh Seok
Published: June 2015

The impacts of boundary conditions (BCs) on simulations of RegCM4 for mid-to-upper atmospheric fields over the CORDEX (COordinated Regional Downscaling EXperiment) East Asia domain were investigated using two datasets from integrations over 20 years (1989–2008) with two BCs (ERA and R2). The two datasets showed large differences for the atmospheric variables regardless of the geographic locations, heights, and seasons. The ERA dataset at 850 hPa displayed stronger northerly winds in the western Pacific Ocean, colder temperatures around northern India, and higher relative humidity compared with the R2 dataset during summer. The large differences in the BCs resulted in the significantly different simulations of RegCM4 in both surface and atmospheric variables. The temperatures and wind simulated at 850 hPa with the ERA dataset were warmer and stronger, respectively, than those simulated with the R2 dataset during summer. In addition, RegCM4 with the ERA dataset as a BC generally simulated a stronger southerly wind at 850 hPa over eastern China and more unstable environments than with the R2 dataset, and accordingly generated more precipitation over the eastern part of the domain. Contrary to the forcing data, the trends of simulated relative humidity and the mixing ratios from the two different BCs showed similar patterns irrespective of height and season. The significant impacts of the BCs on the simulation results indicate the importance of BCs in regional climate simulations.
Entropy of Weighted Graphs with Randi´c Weights
Authors: Chen Zengqiang , Dehmer Matthias , Emmert-Streib Frank , Shi Yongtang
Published: June 2015

Shannon entropies for networks have been widely introduced. However, entropies for weighted graphs have been little investigated. Inspired by the work due to Eagle et al., we introduce the concept of graph entropy for special weighted graphs. Furthermore, we prove extremal properties by using elementary methods of classes of weighted graphs, and in particular, the one due to Bollobás and Erdös, which is also called the Randi´c weight. As a result, we derived statements on dendrimers that have been proven useful for applications. Finally, some open problems are presented.
Tail Risk Constraints and Maximum Entropy
Authors: Geman Donald , Geman Hélyette , Taleb Nassim
Published: June 2015

Portfolio selection in the financial literature has essentially been analyzed under two central assumptions: full knowledge of the joint probability distribution of the returns of the securities that will comprise the target portfolio; and investors’ preferences are expressed through a utility function. In the real world, operators build portfolios under risk constraints which are expressed both by their clients and regulators and which bear on the maximal loss that may be generated over a given time period at a given confidence level (the so-called Value at Risk of the position). Interestingly, in the finance literature, a serious discussion of how much or little is known from a probabilistic standpoint about the multi-dimensional density of the assets’ returns seems to be of limited relevance. Our approach in contrast is to highlight these issues and then adopt throughout a framework of entropy maximization to represent the real world ignorance of the “true” probability distributions, both univariate and multivariate, of traded securities’ returns. In this setting, we identify the optimal portfolio under a number of downside risk constraints. Two interesting results are exhibited: (i) the left- tail constraints are sufficiently powerful to override all other considerations in the conventional theory; (ii) the “barbell portfolio” (maximal certainty/ low risk in one set of holdings, maximal uncertainty in another), which is quite familiar to traders, naturally emerges in our construction.
Chemical Profile, Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activity of Algerian Citrus Essential Oils and Their Application in Sardina pilchardus
Authors: Djenane Djamel
Published: June 2015

Stored fish are frequently contaminated by foodborne pathogens. Lipid oxidation and microbial growth during storage are also important factors in the shelf-life of fresh fish. In order to ensure the safety of fish items, there is a need for control measures which are effective through natural inhibitory antimicrobials. It is also necessary to determine the efficacy of these products for fish protection against oxidative damage, to avoid deleterious changes and loss of commercial and nutritional value. Some synthetic chemicals used as preservatives have been reported to cause harmful effects to the environment and the consumers. The present investigation reports on the extraction by hydrodistillation and the chemical composition of three citrus peel essential oils (EOs): orange (Citrus sinensis L.), lemon (Citrus limonum L.) and bergamot (Citrus aurantium L.) from Algeria. Yields for EOs were between 0.50% and 0.70%. The chemical composition of these EOs was determined by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The results showed that the studied oils are made up mainly of limonene (77.37%) for orange essential oil (EO); linalyl acetate (37.28%), linalool (23.36%), for bergamot EO; and finally limonene (51.39%), β-pinene (17.04%) and γ-terpinene (13.46%) for lemon EO. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of the EOs was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) using the agar diffusion technique. Results revealed that lemon EO had more antibacterial effects than that from other EOs. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) showed a range of 0.25–0.40 μL/mL. Lemon and bergamot citrus peel EOs were added at 1 × MIC and 4 × MIC values to Sardina pilchardus (S. pilchardus) experimentally inoculated with S. aureus at a level of 3.5 log10 CFU/g and stored at 8 ± 1 °C. The results obtained revealed that the 4 × MIC value of bergamot reduced completely the growth of S. aureus from day 2 until the end of storage. The presence of EOs significantly extended lipid stability. Samples treated with bergamot EO displayed greater antioxidant activity than lemon EO. In fact, the oxidation rate is inversely proportional to the concentration of EO. At 1 × MIC and 4 × MIC values of bergamot EO, the levels of malonaldehyde compared to the control samples were 1.66 and 1.28 mg malonaldehyde/kg at the end of storage, corresponding to inhibition percentages of 42.76% and 55.87%, respectively. These results suggest the possibility that citrus EOs could be used as a way of combating the growth of common causes of food poisoning and used as potent natural preservatives to contribute to the reduction of lipid oxidation in sardines.
1H NMR Spectroscopy and MVA Analysis of Diplodus sargus Eating the Exotic Pest Caulerpa cylindracea
Authors: De Pascali Sandra , Del Coco Laura , Felline Serena , Mollo Ernesto , Terlizzi Antonio , Fanizzi Francesco
Published: June 2015

The green alga Caulerpa cylindracea is a non-autochthonous and invasive species that is severely affecting the native communities in the Mediterranean Sea. Recent researches show that the native edible fish Diplodus sargus actively feeds on this alga and cellular and physiological alterations have been related to the novel alimentary habits. The complex effects of such a trophic exposure to the invasive pest are still poorly understood. Here we report on the metabolic profiles of plasma from D. sargus individuals exposed to C. cylindracea along the southern Italian coast, using 1H NMR spectroscopy and multivariate analysis (Principal Component Analysis, PCA, Orthogonal Partial Least Square, PLS, and Orthogonal Partial Least Square Discriminant Analysis, OPLS-DA). Fish were sampled in two seasonal periods from three different locations, each characterized by a different degree of algal abundance. The levels of the algal bisindole alkaloid caulerpin, which is accumulated in the fish tissues, was used as an indicator of the trophic exposure to the seaweed and related to the plasma metabolic profiles. The profiles appeared clearly influenced by the sampling period beside the content of caulerpin, while the analyses also supported a moderate alteration of lipid and choline metabolism related to the Caulerpa-based diet.
Drimane Sesquiterpene-Conjugated Amino Acids from a Marine Isolate of the Fungus Talaromyces minioluteus (Penicillium Minioluteum)
Authors: Ngokpol Suthatip , Suwakulsiri Wittaya , Sureram Sanya , Lirdprapamongkol Kriengsak , Aree Thammarat , Wiyakrutta Suthep , Mahidol Chulabhorn , Ruchirawat Somsak , Kittakoop Prasat
Published: June 2015

Four new sesquiterpene lactones (3, 4, 6 and 7) and three known compounds, purpuride (1), berkedrimane B (2) and purpuride B (5), were isolated from the marine fungus, Talaromyces minioluteus (Penicillium minioluteum). New compounds were drimane sesquiterpenes conjugated with N-acetyl-l-valine, and their structures were elucidated by analysis of spectroscopic data, as well as by single crystal X-ray analysis. The isolated compounds could not inhibit the apoptosis-regulating enzyme, caspase-3, while three of the compounds (2, 3 and 7) exhibited weak cytotoxic activity.
Peniciadametizine A, a Dithiodiketopiperazine with a Unique Spiro[furan-2,7'-pyrazino[1,2-b][1,2]oxazine] Skeleton, and a Related Analogue, Peniciadametizine B, from the Marine Sponge-Derived Fungus Penicillium adametzioides
Authors: Liu Yang , Mándi Attila , Li Xiao-Ming , Meng Ling-Hong , Kurtán Tibor , Wang Bin-Gui
Published: June 2015

Peniciadametizine A (1); a new dithiodiketopiperazine derivative possessing a unique spiro[furan-2,7'-pyrazino[1,2-b][1,2]oxazine] skeleton, together with a highly oxygenated new analogue, peniciadametizine B (2); as well as two known compounds, brasiliamide A (3); and viridicatumtoxin (4), were isolated and identified from Penicillium adametzioides AS-53, a fungus obtained from an unidentified marine sponge. The unambiguous assignment of the relative and absolute configuration for the spiro center C-2 of compound 1 was solved by the combination of NMR and ECD measurements with Density-Functional Theory (DFT) conformational analysis and Time-Dependent Density-Functional Theory-Electronic Circular Dichroism (TDDFT-ECD) calculations. The spiro[furan-2,7'-pyrazino[1,2-b][1,2]oxazine] skeleton of 1 has not been reported yet among natural products and the biosynthetic pathway for 1 and 2 was discussed. Compounds 1 and 2 showed inhibitory activity against the pathogenic fungus Alternaria brassicae.
Effect of Marine Collagen Peptides on Physiological and Neurobehavioral Development of Male Rats with Perinatal Asphyxia
Authors: Xu Linlin , Dong Wenhong , Zhao Jie , Xu Yajun
Published: June 2015

Asphyxia during delivery produces long-term deficits in brain development. We investigated the neuroprotective effects of marine collagen peptides (MCPs), isolated from Chum Salmon skin by enzymatic hydrolysis, on male rats with perinatal asphyxia (PA). PA was performed by immersing rat fetuses with uterine horns removed from ready-to-deliver rats into a water bath for 15 min. Caesarean-delivered pups were used as controls. PA rats were intragastrically administered with 0.33 g/kg, 1.0 g/kg and 3.0 g/kg body weight MCPs from postnatal day 0 (PND 0) till the age of 90-days. Behavioral tests were carried out at PND21, PND 28 and PND 90. The results indicated that MCPs facilitated early body weight gain of the PA pups, however had little effects on early physiological development. Behavioral tests revealed that MCPs facilitated long-term learning and memory of the pups with PA through reducing oxidative damage and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the brain, and increasing hippocampus phosphorylated cAMP-response element binding protein (p-CREB) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression.
Molecular Characterisation of the Haemagglutinin Glycan-Binding Specificity of Egg-Adapted Vaccine Strains of the Pandemic 2009 H1N1 Swine Influenza A Virus
Authors: Carbone Vincenzo , Schneider Elena , Rockman Steve , Baker Mark , Huang Johnny , Ong Chi , Cooper Matthew , Yuriev Elizabeth , Li Jian , Velkov Tony
Published: June 2015

The haemagglutinin (HA) glycan binding selectivity of H1N1 influenza viruses is an important determinant for the host range of the virus and egg-adaption during vaccine production. This study integrates glycan binding data with structure-recognition models to examine the impact of the K123N, D225G and Q226R mutations (as seen in the HA of vaccine strains of the pandemic 2009 H1N1 swine influenza A virus). The glycan-binding selectivity of three A/California/07/09 vaccine production strains, and purified recombinant A/California/07/09 HAs harboring these mutations was examined via a solid-phase ELISA assay. Wild-type A/California/07/09 recombinant HA bound specifically to α2,6-linked sialyl-glycans, with no affinity for the α2,3-linked sialyl-glycans in the array. In contrast, the vaccine virus strains and recombinant HA harboring the Q226R HA mutation displayed a comparable pattern of highly specific binding to α2,3-linked sialyl-glycans, with a negligible affinity for α2,6-linked sialyl-glycans. The D225G A/California/07/09 recombinant HA displayed an enhanced binding affinity for both α2,6- and α2,3-linked sialyl-glycans in the array. Notably its α2,6-glycan affinity was generally higher compared to its α2,3-glycan affinity, which may explain why the double mutant was not naturally selected during egg-adaption of the virus. The K123N mutation which introduces a glycosylation site proximal to the receptor binding site, did not impact the α2,3/α2,6 glycan selectivity, however, it lowered the overall glycan binding affinity of the HA; suggesting glycosylation may interfere with receptor binding. Docking models and ‘per residues’ scoring were employed to provide a structure-recognition rational for the experimental glycan binding data. Collectively, the glycan binding data inform future vaccine design strategies to introduce the D225G or Q226R amino acid substitutions into recombinant H1N1 viruses.
Pharmaceuticals Best Paper Award 2015
Authors: Vanden Eynde Jean Jacques
Published: June 2015

It is always a difficult task for a jury to classify articles from a selection of outstanding manuscripts. [...]