bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Episode of Late Blizzard, 25-26 March 2013
Authors: Danciu-Ciurlãu Doruţa
Published: August 2014

Climatologically speaking, March is a month of transition, from the cold season to a less cold season, and, therefore, weather phenomena occur in a different way from how they usually do during the cold season. The transition between seasons or a late winter can sometimes cause phenomena that usually happened in January or February, at the end of March. Such a case was the snowstorm occurred in two episodes (22nd - 24th and 25th - 27th of March 2013) in Romania in March 2013. In this paper is analyzed the first episode which affected southeastern Romania from different points of view: climatologically, synoptically, economically and social. It was used climatologically data over a period of 112 years, as well as a data for the first 3 month of 2013 which were provided by the National Meteorological Administration (NMA). It has been used synoptic maps, different pressure levels maps, and satellite data, radar data, soundings, all provided by the National Center of Weather Forecast of the NMA. Other type of information from the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situation (IGSU) or other ministries and media were also taken into consideration.
The role of advanced glycation end products in various types of neurodegenerative disease: a therapeutic approach
Authors: Salahuddin Parveen , Rabbani Gulam , Khan Rizwan
Published: August 2014

Protein glycation is initiated by a nucleophilic addition reaction between the free amino group from a protein, lipid or nucleic acid and the carbonyl group of a reducing sugar. This reaction forms a reversible Schiff base, which rearranges over a period of days to produce ketoamine or Amadori products. The Amadori products undergo dehydration and rearrangements and develop a cross-link between adjacent proteins, giving rise to protein aggregation or advanced glycation end products (AGEs). A number of studies have shown that glycation induces the formation of the β-sheet structure in β-amyloid protein, α-synuclein, transthyretin (TTR), copper-zinc superoxide dismutase 1 (Cu, Zn-SOD-1), and prion protein. Aggregation of the β-sheet structure in each case creates fibrillar structures, respectively causing Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, familial amyloid polyneuropathy, and prion disease. It has been suggested that oligomeric species of glycated α-synuclein and prion are more toxic than fibrils. This review focuses on the pathway of AGE formation, the synthesis of different types of AGE, and the molecular mechanisms by which glycation causes various types of neurodegenerative disease. It discusses several new therapeutic approaches that have been applied to treat these devastating disorders, including the use of various synthetic and naturally occurring inhibitors. Modulation of the AGE-RAGE axis is now considered promising in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, the review covers several defense enzymes and proteins in the human body that are important anti-glycating systems acting to prevent the development of neurodegenerative diseases.
Epidemiology and outcome of invasive pneumococcal disease among adults in Belgium, 2009–2011
Authors: Verhaegen J , Flamaing J , De Backer W , Delaere B , Van Herck K , Surmont F , Van Laethem Y , Van Damme P , Peetermans W
Published: August 2014

This epidemiological study examined morbidity and case fatality of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in adults in Belgium as well as distribution and antibiotic susceptibility of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes. Adults hospitalised with microbiologically proven IPD were prospectively enrolled. The study started in 2009 with patients aged ≥50 years, whereas in 2010 and 2011, patients aged ≥18 years were included. The clinical presentation, patient profile, treatment, outcome, and mortality were recorded during hospitalisation. Outcome was also assessed one month after discharge. Of the 1,875 patients with IPD identified, 1,332 were included in the analysis. Bacteraemic pneumonia, affecting 1,049 of the patients, was the most frequent IPD type (79%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cancer were the main comorbidities. One-third of patients required admission to intensive care unit. A total of 208 (16%) patients died during hospitalisation and an additional 21 (2%) within one month after discharge. Case fatality rates of ≥20% were observed in patients with chronic heart failure, hepatic disease, and renal insufficiency. Serotypes 7F, 1, 19A, and 3 were the most prevalent and together accounted for 47% (569/1,214) of all IPD cases and 42% (80/189) of mortality. Of the patient isolates, 21% (255/1,204) were resistant to erythromycin and 22% (264/1,204) to tetracycline. Penicillin non-susceptibility was mostly found in serotype 19A isolates. These baseline data are essential when assessing the impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccination in adults in the future.
Injectional anthrax - new presentation of an old disease
Authors: Berger T , Kassirer M , Aran A A
Published: August 2014

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Preface to first edition
Authors: Roy Bedanta , Banerjee Indrajit , Sathian Brijesh
Published: August 2014

Correction: On 15th August 2014 the third author of this paper was changed from 'Brijesh Shrestha' To 'Brijesh Sathian' on the NepJOL website. The PDF of the paper is correct.No abstract available.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jbs.v1i1.10925Journal of Biomedical Sciences 2014, 1(1): 1-2
Anthracnose of betel vine and its in vitro management
Authors: Ahmed Md Junayed , Hossain KS , Bashar MA
Published: August 2014

The incidence of anthracnose disease was observed lowest in December (10.87%) and highest in July (80.50%) at the three selected betel vine fields of Shalon village in Moulvibazar district. The young stems were found more prone to attack than the old ones. Pathogenicity test showed Colletotrichum dematium and C. gloeosporioides produced characteristic disease symptoms on betel stems. Among them C. dematium is a new document as a pathogen of anthracnose of betel vine. Out of five fungicides, complete inhibition of both the pathogens in vitro occurred with corozole EC (25% propiconazole), folicur EC (25% tebuconazole) and trooper WP (75% tricyclazole). Among the four antagonistic fungi, Penicillium sp. showed more antagonistic potentiality against the pathogens. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v23i2.20092 Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 23(2): 127-133, 2014
Species type and forest health assessment via hyperspectral remote sensing in the part of Himalayan range, India
Authors: Singh Dharmendra , Singh Sarnam , Lekshmi VR , Dutta Sukumar , Nazma Dr , Ali Md Shahjahan , Ahmed Ashfaque
Published: August 2014

Ground spectra using analytical spectral device were collected for dominant species in Rajpur and Mussoorie hills of Lesser Himalayas of India for mapping dominant plant species. Hyperspectral remote sensing data (EO?1) was used for classification of temperate species such as Quercus leucotrichophora, Cedrus deodara, Thuja orientalis, subtropical species like Pinus roxburghii, and tropical species such as Shorea robusta, Lantana camara, etc. using Spectral Angle Mapper. A total of 14 species were mapped along with the 4 other land use/cover classes (Agriculture, settlement, main river course, barren land). Map accuracy was 77% assessed on the basis of 66 ground truth ground control point. The exotic species, Lantana camara was mapped in the area which has been found to be distributed from tropical to lower temperate regions and was showing impact on the health of the neighboring species which was derived from the Hyperion data. Large impact has been observed in the Shorea robusta species and its health distribution map showed 48% healthy and 52% less healthy part. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v23i2.20093 Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 23(2): 135-146, 2014
Effects of phosphorus deficiency on ion transport and its correlation with sugar content and anatomical structure in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L. cv. Bari chola-5) seedlings
Authors: Karim Amatun , Rashid Parveen , Samad Rafat , Karmoker JL
Published: August 2014

Phosphorus deficiency stimulated accumulation of Na+ in the root but declined in the shoot of chickpea seedlings. K+ content in the root and the shoot increased initially followed by a decrease. Phosphorus deficiency inhibited the accumulation of NO3?, PO43? and also sugar content both in the root and shoot. It also caused a decline in the accumulation of total sugar only in the root. The interrelationship between the effect of phosphorus deficiency on ion transport and anatomical structure was discussed. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v23i2.20095 Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 23(2): 157-164, 2014
Adaptation of items of bayley scales of infant development-II (BSID-II) suitable for Bangladeshi infants
Authors: Parveen Monowara , Rahman Syed Tanveer , Islam Shaheen , Zaman Sultana Sarwatara , Hamadani Jena , Khan Naila Zaman
Published: August 2014

The purpose of this study was to culturally adapt the items of Bayley Scales of Infant Development?II (BSID?II) for administration upon Bangladeshi infants. The adaptation procedure was conducted by following four steps: (i) field survey on normative sample, (ii) national expertise opinion, (iii) international expertise consultancy and (iv) picture sensitivity review. The culture based problems of the original BSID?II were identified from the initial field survey. Major problems identified by the examiners were unfamiliarity of the children with the items (pictures, words and materials). These assessments were evaluated by the national and international consultants. The uncommon items were changed to culturally recognizable ones while Bangla words were replaced to make the test culture?fair. At last, the adapted test was given to 22 healthy children to assess picture sensitivity of the test and found suitable where the infants attentively responded to the items. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v23i2.20099 Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 23(2): 187-195, 2014
Fabrication of Bioactive Surfaces by Functionalization of Electroactive and Surface-Active Block Copolymers
Authors: Olubi Omotunde , London Laurisa , Sannigrahi Biswajit , Nagappan Peri , Williams Michael , Khan Ishrat
Published: August 2014

Biofunctional block copolymers are becoming increasingly attractive materials as active components in biosensors and other nanoscale electronic devices. We have described two different classes of block copolymers with biofuctional properties. Biofunctionality for block copolymers is achieved through functionalization with appropriate biospecific ligands. We have synthesized block copolymers of electroactive poly(3-decylthiophene) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate by atom transfer radical polymerization. The block copolymers were functionalized with the dinitrophenyl (DNP) groups, which are capable of binding to Immunoglobulin E (IgE) on cell surfaces. The block copolymers were shown to be redox active. Additionally, the triblock copolymer of α, ω-bi-biotin (poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly (styrene)-b-poly(ethylene oxide)) was also synthesized to study their capacity to bind fluorescently tagged avidin. The surface-active property of the poly(ethylene oxide) block improved the availability of the biotin functional groups on the polymer surfaces. Fluorescence microscopy observations confirm the specific binding of biotin with avidin.
Catalyst-Controlled Site-Selectivity Switching in Pd-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling of Dihaloarenes
Authors: Manabe Kei , Yamaguchi Miyuki
Published: August 2014

Pd-catalyzed, site-selective mono-cross-coupling of substrates with two identical halo groups is a useful method for synthesizing substituted monohalogenated arenes. Such arenes constitute an important class of compounds, which are commonly identified as drug components and synthetic intermediates. Traditionally, these site-selective reactions have been realized in a “substrate-controlled” manner, which is based on the steric and electronic differences between the two carbon-halogen bonds of the substrate. Recently, an alternative strategy, “catalyst-controlled” site-selective cross-coupling, has emerged. In this strategy, the preferred reaction site of a dihaloarene can be switched, merely by changing the catalyst used. This type of selective reaction further expands the utility of Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling. In this review, we summarize the reported examples of catalyst-controlled site-selectivity switching in Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling of dihaloarenes.
Histological Lesions, Cell Cycle Arrest, Apoptosis and T Cell Subsets Changes of Spleen in Chicken Fed Aflatoxin-contaminated Corn
Authors: Peng Xi , Zhang Keying , Bai Shiping , Ding Xuemei , Zeng Qiufeng , Yang Jun , Fang Jing , Chen Kejie
Published: August 2014

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of corn naturally contaminated with aflatoxin B1 and aflatoxin B2 on pathological lesions, apoptosis, cell cycle phases and T lymphocyte subsets of spleen, and to provide an experimental basis for understanding the mechanism of aflatoxin-induced immunosuppression. A total of 900 COBB500 male broilers were randomly allocated into five groups with six replicates per group and 30 birds per replicate. The experiment lasted for 6 weeks and the five dietary treatments consisted of control, 25% contaminated corn, 50% contaminated corn, 75% contaminated corn and 100% contaminated corn groups. The histopathological spleen lesions from the contaminated corn groups was characterized as congestion of red pulp, increased necrotic cells and vacuoles in the splenic corpuscle and periarterial lymphatic sheath. The contaminated corn intake significantly increased relative weight of spleen, percentages of apoptotic splenocytes, induced cell cycle arrest of splenocytes, increased the percentages of CD3+CD8+ T cells and decreased the ratios of CD3+CD4+ to CD3+CD8+. The results suggest that AFB-induced immunosuppression maybe closely related to the lesions of spleen.
Recent Advances of Stem Cell Therapy for Retinitis Pigmentosa
Authors: He Yuxi , Zhang Yan , Liu Xin , Ghazaryan Emma , Li Ying , Xie Jianan , Su Guanfang
Published: August 2014

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited retinal disorders characterized by progressive loss of photoreceptors and eventually leads to retina degeneration and atrophy. Until now, the exact pathogenesis and etiology of this disease has not been clear, and many approaches for RP therapies have been carried out in animals and in clinical trials. In recent years, stem cell transplantation-based attempts made some progress, especially the transplantation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). This review will provide an overview of stem cell-based treatment of RP and its main problems, to provide evidence for the safety and feasibility for further clinical treatment.
Immunoproteome of Aspergillus fumigatus Using Sera of Patients with Invasive Aspergillosis
Authors: Virginio Emylli , Kubitschek-Barreira Paula , Batista Marjorie , Schirmer Marcelo , Abdelhay Eliana , Shikanai-Yasuda Maria , Lopes-Bezerra Leila
Published: August 2014

Invasive aspergillosis is a life-threatening lung or systemic infection caused by the opportunistic mold Aspergillus fumigatus. The disease affects mainly immunocompromised hosts, and patients with hematological malignances or who have been submitted to stem cell transplantation are at high risk. Despite the current use of Platelia™ Aspergillus as a diagnostic test, the early diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis remains a major challenge in improving the prognosis of the disease. In this study, we used an immunoproteomic approach to identify proteins that could be putative candidates for the early diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis. Antigenic proteins expressed in the first steps of A. fumigatus germination occurring in a human host were revealed using 2-D Western immunoblots with the serum of patients who had previously been classified as probable and proven for invasive aspergillosis. Forty antigenic proteins were identified using mass spectrometry (MS/MS). A BLAST analysis revealed that two of these proteins showed low homology with proteins of either the human host or etiological agents of other invasive fungal infections. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing specific antigenic proteins of A. fumigatus germlings that are recognized by sera of patients with confirmed invasive aspergillosis who were from two separate hospital units.
Magnetite Nanostructures as Novel Strategies for Anti-Infectious Therapy
Authors: Liakos Ioannis , Grumezescu Alexandru , Holban Alina
Published: August 2014

This review highlights the current situation of antimicrobial resistance and the use of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in developing novel routes for fighting infectious diseases. The most important two directions developed recently are: (i) improved delivery of antimicrobial compounds based on a drastic decrease of the minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) of the drug used independently; and (ii) inhibition of microbial attachment and biofilm development on coated medical surfaces. These new directions represent promising alternatives in the development of new strategies to eradicate and prevent microbial infections that involve resistant and biofilm-embedded bacteria. Recent promising applications of MNPs, as the development of delivery nanocarriers and improved nanovehicles for the therapy of different diseases are discussed, together with the mechanisms of microbial inhibition.
Effect of Redox Modulating NRF2 Activators on Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Choi Bo-hyun , Kang Kyung-Shin , Kwak Mi-Kyoung
Published: August 2014

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is featured by a progressive decline of kidney function and is mainly caused by chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension. CKD is a complex disease due to cardiovascular complications and high morbidity; however, there is no single treatment to improve kidney function in CKD patients. Since biological markers representing oxidative stress are significantly elevated in CKD patients, oxidative stress is receiving attention as a contributing factor to CKD pathology. Nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (NRF2) is a predominant transcription factor that regulates the expression of a wide array of genes encoding antioxidant proteins, thiol molecules and their generating enzymes, detoxifying enzymes, and stress response proteins, all of which can counteract inflammatory and oxidative damages. There is considerable experimental evidence suggesting that NRF2 signaling plays a protective role in renal injuries that are caused by various pathologic conditions. In addition, impaired NRF2 activity and consequent target gene repression have been observed in CKD animals. Therefore, a pharmacological intervention activating NRF2 signaling can be beneficial in protecting against kidney dysfunction in CKD. This review article provides an overview of the role of NRF2 in experimental CKD models and describes current findings on the renoprotective effects of naturally occurring NRF2 activators, including sulforaphane, resveratrol, curcumin, and cinnamic aldehyde. These experimental results, coupled with recent clinical experiences with a synthetic triterpenoid, bardoxolone methyl, have brought a light of hope for ameliorating CKD progression by preventing oxidative stress and maintaining cellular redox homeostasis.
The Use of the Calcitonin Minimal Recognition Module for the Design of DOPA-Containing Fibrillar Assemblies
Authors: Fichman Galit , Guterman Tom , Adler-Abramovich Lihi , Gazit Ehud
Published: August 2014

Amyloid deposits are insoluble fibrous protein aggregates, identified in numerous diseases, which self-assemble through molecular recognition. This process is facilitated by short amino acid sequences, identified as minimal modules. Peptides corresponding to these motifs can be used for the formation of amyloid-like fibrillar assemblies in vitro. Such assemblies hold broad appeal in nanobiotechnology due to their ordered structure and to their ability to be functionalized. The catechol functional group, present in the non-coded L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) amino acid, can take part in diverse chemical interactions. Moreover, DOPA-incorporated polymers have demonstrated adhesive properties and redox activity. In this work, amyloid-like fibrillar assemblies were formed through the self-assembly of a pentapeptide containing DOPA residues, Asp-DOPA-Asn-Lys-DOPA. The design of this peptide was based on the minimal amyloidogenic recognition motif of the human calcitonin hormone, Asp-Phe-Asn-Lys-Phe, the first amyloidogenic pentapeptide identified. By substituting phenylalanine with DOPA, we obtained DOPA-functionalized amyloid-like assemblies in water. Electron microscopy revealed elongated, linear fibril-like nanometric assemblies. Secondary structure analysis indicated the presence of amyloid-characteristic β-sheet structures as well as random coil structures. Deposition of silver on the DOPA-incorporated assemblies suggested redox activity and demonstrated the applicative potential of this novel nanobiomaterial.
Intra-and-Inter Species Biomass Prediction in a Plantation Forest: Testing the Utility of High Spatial Resolution Spaceborne Multispectral RapidEye Sensor and Advanced Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Dube Timothy , Mutanga Onisimo , Elhadi Adam , Ismail Riyad
Published: August 2014

The quantification of aboveground biomass using remote sensing is critical for better understanding the role of forests in carbon sequestration and for informed sustainable management. Although remote sensing techniques have been proven useful in assessing forest biomass in general, more is required to investigate their capabilities in predicting intra-and-inter species biomass which are mainly characterised by non-linear relationships. In this study, we tested two machine learning algorithms, Stochastic Gradient Boosting (SGB) and Random Forest (RF) regression trees to predict intra-and-inter species biomass using high resolution RapidEye reflectance bands as well as the derived vegetation indices in a commercial plantation. The results showed that the SGB algorithm yielded the best performance for intra-and-inter species biomass prediction; using all the predictor variables as well as based on the most important selected variables. For example using the most important variables the algorithm produced an R2 of 0.80 and RMSE of 16.93 t·ha−1 for E. grandis; R2 of 0.79, RMSE of 17.27 t·ha−1 for P. taeda and R2 of 0.61, RMSE of 43.39 t·ha−1 for the combined species data sets. Comparatively, RF yielded plausible results only for E. dunii (R2 of 0.79; RMSE of 7.18 t·ha−1). We demonstrated that although the two statistical methods were able to predict biomass accurately, RF produced weaker results as compared to SGB when applied to combined species dataset. The result underscores the relevance of stochastic models in predicting biomass drawn from different species and genera using the new generation high resolution RapidEye sensor with strategically positioned bands.
Directional Navigation Improves Opportunistic Communication for Emergencies
Authors: Kokuti Andras , Gelenbe Erol
Published: August 2014

We present a novel direction based shortest path search algorithm to guide evacuees during an emergency. It uses opportunistic communications (oppcomms) with low-cost wearable mobile nodes that can exchange packets at close range of a few to some tens of meters without help of an infrastructure. The algorithm seeks the shortest path to exits which are safest with regard to a hazard, and is integrated into an autonomous Emergency Support System (ESS) to guide evacuees in a built environment. The algorithm proposed that ESSs are evaluated with the DBES (Distributed Building Evacuation Simulator) by simulating a shopping centre where fire is spreading. The results show that the directional path finding algorithm can offer significant improvements for the evacuees.
Rapid, Single-Molecule Assays in Nano/Micro-Fluidic Chips with Arrays of Closely Spaced Parallel Channels Fabricated by Femtosecond Laser Machining
Authors: Canfield Brian , King Jason , Robinson William , Hofmeister William , Davis Lloyd
Published: August 2014

Cost-effective pharmaceutical drug discovery depends on increasing assay throughput while reducing reagent needs. To this end, we are developing an ultrasensitive, fluorescence-based platform that incorporates a nano/micro-fluidic chip with an array of closely spaced channels for parallelized optical readout of single-molecule assays. Here we describe the use of direct femtosecond laser machining to fabricate several hundred closely spaced channels on the surfaces of fused silica substrates. The channels are sealed by bonding to a microscope cover slip spin-coated with a thin film of poly(dimethylsiloxane). Single-molecule detection experiments are conducted using a custom-built, wide-field microscope. The array of channels is epi-illuminated by a line-generating red diode laser, resulting in a line focus just a few microns thick across a 500 micron field of view. A dilute aqueous solution of fluorescently labeled biomolecules is loaded into the device and fluorescence is detected with an electron-multiplying CCD camera, allowing acquisition rates up to 7 kHz for each microchannel. Matched digital filtering based on experimental parameters is used to perform an initial, rapid assessment of detected fluorescence. More detailed analysis is obtained through fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. Simulated fluorescence data is shown to agree well with experimental values.
Integrated Thermal-Energy Analysis of Innovative Translucent White Marble for Building Envelope Application
Authors: Rosso Federica , Pisello Anna , Cotana Franco , Ferrero Marco
Published: August 2014

Marble is a natural material, used in the construction field since antiquity. It has always been used to communicate monumentality and solidity. Nowadays new technologies permit marble to express new languages: particularly, translucent marble technology overturns the concept of solidity. The main issue to address is the lack of thermal-energy performance of such a thin stone layer as the only facade component. Conversely, Bianco Carrara and Statuario marbles, for instance, have intrinsic benefits as natural cool materials, due to their high solar reflectance and thermal emissivity. Thus, this paper analyzes the thermal-energy and environmental behavior of marble facade for a new designed building in New York City. An integrated analysis of the energy performance of the marble skin is performed through a preliminary experimental characterization, carried out for two different types of naturally white marble, for comparative purposes. Then, a dynamic simulation model of the building is developed to evaluate year-round benefits and drawbacks of the translucent marble envelope in terms of indoor thermal comfort and air-conditioning requirement. The analysis showed how the proposed marble facade is able to decrease the energy requirement for cooling up to 6%, demonstrating possible relevant perspectives for marble-based facades, even in energy-efficient buildings.
Treatment of Pegylated Interferon-α2a in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients Demonstrating a Spontaneous Decline in HBV DNA after Acute Exacerbation
Authors: Cai Qingxian , Chen Fengjuan , Shao Xiaoqiong , Zhang Xiaohong , Zhao Zhixin , Gao Zhiliang
Published: August 2014

Background

Acute exacerbation (AE) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is usually followed by a spontaneous decline in HBV DNA levels. The subsequent treatment is controversial. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of pegylated interferon-α2a (PEG-IFN-α2a) for such CHB patients.

Methods

A total of 74 hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive patients with a spontaneous HBV DNA decline (by >2 log10 IU•ml-1, compared with baseline levels before antiviral treatment) after AE (alanine aminotransferase [ALT]: 10–30-fold the upper limit of normal [ULN], total bilirubin [TBIL]: 2–20 mg•dl-1, prothrombin time activity >60%) were included. In total, 22 patients (group A) received PEG-IFN-α2a treatment (180 μg•kg-1•week-1, when ALT was <10 ULN and TBIL<2 mg•dl-1) for 48 weeks, with 48 weeks of treatment-free follow-up. Twenty-one patients (group B) selected continual entecavir therapy. Thirty-one patients (group C, control group) received routine liver-protective drugs.

Results

At week 96, virological response rates were 90.5%, 100% and 48%, and ALT normalization rates were 81%, 95% and 40% for groups A, B and C, respectively. HBeAg seroconversion rates were 71.4%, 45% and 32% in groups A, B and C, respectively. A high hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss rate was observed in PEG-IFN-α2a-treated patients, while no entecavir-treated patients achieved HBsAg loss. Group A patients suffered from typical PEG-IFN therapy-related adverse events. No severe adverse event was observed in any groups.

Conclusions

PEG-IFN-α2a is effective and safe for treating CHB patients demonstrating a spontaneous decline in HBV DNA after AE, and yields an increased likelihood of HBsAg loss.
Meaningful Learning: Theoretical Support for Concept-Based Teaching
Authors: Getha-Eby Teresa J. , Beery Theresa , Xu Yin , O’Brien Beth A.
Published: August 2014

Novice nurses’ inability to transfer classroom knowledge to the bedside has been implicated in adverse patient outcomes, including death. Concept-based teaching is a pedagogy found to improve knowledge transfer. Concept-based teaching emanates from a constructivist paradigm of teaching and learning and can be implemented most effectively when the underlying theory and principles are applied. Ausubel’s theory of meaningful learning and its construct of substantive knowledge integration provides a model to help educators to understand, implement, and evaluate concept-based teaching. Contemporary findings from the fields of cognitive psychology, human development, and neurobiology provide empirical evidence of the relationship between concept-based teaching, meaningful learning, and knowledge transfer. This article describes constructivist principles and meaningful learning as they apply to nursing pedagogy. [J Nurs Educ.2014;53(9):494–500.]
Limb salvage in musculoskeletal oncology: Recent advances
Authors: Puri Ajay
Published: August 2014

The treatment of musculoskeletal sarcomas has made vast strides in the last few decades. From an era where amputation was the only option to the current day function preserving resections and complex reconstructions has been a major advance. The objectives of extremity reconstruction after oncologic resection include providing skeletal stability where necessary, adequate wound coverage to allow early subsequent adjuvant therapy, optimising the aesthetic outcome and preservation of functional capability with early return to function. This article highlights the concepts of surgical margins in oncology, discusses the principles governing safe surgical resection in these tumors and summarises the current modalities and recent developments relevant to reconstruction after limb salvage. The rationale of choice of a particular resection modality, the unique challenges of reconstruction in skeletally immature individuals and the impact of adjuvant modalities like chemotherapy and radiotherapy on surgical outcomes are also discussed.
Three-dimensional assessment of unilateral subcondylar fracture using computed tomography after open reduction
Authors: Devireddy Sathya Kumar , Kumar R. V. Kishore , Gali Rajasekhar , Kanubaddy Sridhar Reddy , Dasari Mallikarjuna Rao , Siddhartha Mannava
Published: August 2014

Objective: The aim was to assess the accuracy of three-dimensional anatomical reductions achieved by open method of treatment in cases of displaced unilateral mandibular subcondylar fractures using preoperative (pre op) and postoperative (post op) computed tomography (CT) scans. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, 10 patients with unilateral sub condylar fractures confirmed by an orthopantomogram were included. A pre op and post op CT after 1 week of surgical procedure was taken in axial, coronal and sagittal plane along with three-dimensional reconstruction. Standard anatomical parameters, which undergo changes due to fractures of the mandibular condyle were measured in pre and post op CT scans in three planes and statistically analysed for the accuracy of the reduction comparing the following variables: (a) Pre op fractured and nonfractured side (b) post op fractured and nonfractured side (c) pre op fractured and post op fractured side. P <; 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Three-dimensional anatomical reduction was possible in 9 out of 10 cases (90%). The statistical analysis of each parameter in three variables revealed (P <; 0.05) that there was a gross change in the dimensions of the parameters obtained in pre op fractured and nonfractured side. When these parameters were assessed in post op CT for the three variables there was no statistical difference between the post op fractured side and non fractured side. The same parameters were analysed for the three variables in pre op fractured and post op fractured side and found significant statistical difference suggesting a considerable change in the dimensions of the fractured side post operatively. Conclusion: The statistical and clinical results in our study emphasised that it is possible to fix the condyle in three-dimensional anatomical positions with open method of treatment and avoid post op degenerative joint changes. CT is the ideal imaging tool and should be used on a regular basis for cases of condylar fractures.
A novel method for blood volume estimation using trivalent chromium in rabbit models
Authors: Baby Prathap Moothamadathil , Kumar Pramod , Kumar Rajesh , Jacob Sanu S. , Rawat Dinesh , Binu V. S. , Karun Kalesh M.
Published: August 2014

Background: Blood volume measurement though important in management of critically ill-patients is not routinely estimated in clinical practice owing to labour intensive, intricate and time consuming nature of existing methods. Aims: The aim was to compare blood volume estimations using trivalent chromium [51 Cr(III)] and standard Evans blue dye (EBD) method in New Zealand white rabbit models and establish correction-factor (CF). Materials and Methods: Blood volume estimation in 33 rabbits was carried out using EBD method and concentration determined using spectrophotometric assay followed by blood volume estimation using direct injection of 51Cr(III). Twenty out of 33 rabbits were used to find CF by dividing blood volume estimation using EBD with blood volume estimation using 51Cr(III). CF is validated in 13 rabbits by multiplying it with blood volume estimation values obtained using 51Cr(III). Results: The mean circulating blood volume of 33 rabbits using EBD was 142.02 ± 22.77 ml or 65.76 ± 9.31 ml/kg and using 51Cr(III) was estimated to be 195.66 ± 47.30 ml or 89.81 ± 17.88 ml/kg. The CF was found to be 0.77. The mean blood volume of 13 rabbits measured using EBD was 139.54 ± 27.19 ml or 66.33 ± 8.26 ml/kg and using 51Cr(III) with CF was 152.73 ± 46.25 ml or 71.87 ± 13.81 ml/kg (P = 0.11). Conclusions: The estimation of blood volume using 51Cr(III) was comparable to standard EBD method using CF. With further research in this direction, we envisage human blood volume estimation using 51Cr(III) to find its application in acute clinical settings.
Impact of updated traffic emissions on HONO mixing ratios simulated for urban site in Houston, Texas
Authors: Czader B. H. , Choi Y. , Li X. , Alvarez S. , Lefer B.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Recent measurements in Houston show that HONO traffic emissions are 1.7% of NOx emissions which is about twice the previously estimated value of 0.8% based on tunnel measurements in 2001. The 0.8% value is widely used to estimate mobile emissions of HONO for air quality modeling applications. This study applies the newly estimated HONO/NOx ratio in the WRF-SMOKE-CMAQ modeling system and estimates the impact of higher HONO traffic emissions on its mixing ratios. Since applied emission inventory resulted in overestimates of NOx mixing ratios and because HONO emissions and chemical formation depends on the magnitude of NOx, thus, before proceeding with HONO emission modifications emissions of NOx were adjusted to reflect current emission trends. The modeled mixing ratios of NOx were evaluated against measured data from a number of sites in the Houston area. Overall, the NOx mean value dropped from 11.11 ppbv in the base case to 7.59 ppbv in the NOx adjusted case becoming much closer to the observed mean of 7.76 ppbv. The Index of Agreement (IOA) is improved in the reduced NOx case (0.71 vs. 0.75) and the Absolute Mean Error (AME) is lowered from 6.76 to 4.94. The modeled mixing ratios of HONO were evaluated against the actual observed values attained at the Moody Tower in Houston. The model could not reproduce the morning HONO peaks when the low HONO/NOx ratio of 0.008 was used to estimate HONO emissions. Doubling HONO emissions from mobile sources resulted in higher mixing ratios, the mean value increased from 0.30 to 0.41 ppbv becoming closer to the observed mean concentrations of 0.69 but still low; AME was slightly reduced from 0.46 to 0.43. IOA for simulation that used the 2001 emission values is 0.63 while for simulation with higher HONO emission it increased to 0.70. Increased HONO emissions impacted OH mixing ratio, up to about 6% increase was found during morning and mid-day hours. The impact on ozone is marginal. This study results sheds light on the underestimated HONO and OH in the morning from global/regional chemical transport models with the typical emission of 0.8% HONO emission out of the total NOx emissions.
Novel methods for predicting gas-particle partitioning during the formation of secondary organic aerosol
Authors: Wania F. , Lei Y. D. , Wang C. , Abbatt J. P. D. , Goss K.-U.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Several methods have been presented in the literature to predict an organic chemical's equilibrium partitioning between the water insoluble organic matter (WIOM) component of aerosol and the gas phase, Ki, WIOM as a function of temperature. They include (i) polyparameter linear free energy relationships calibrated with empirical aerosol sorption data, as well as (ii) the solvation models implemented in SPARC and (iii) the quantum-chemical software Cosmotherm, which predict solvation equilibria from molecular structure alone. We demonstrate that these methods can be used to predict Ki, WIOM for large numbers of individual molecules implicated in secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation, including those with multiple functional groups. Although very different in their theoretical foundations, these methods give remarkably consistent results for the products of the reaction of normal alkanes with OH, i.e. their partition coefficients Ki, WIOM generally agree within one order of magnitude over a range of more than ten orders of magnitude. This level of agreement is much better than that achieved by different vapour pressure estimation methods that are more commonly used in the SOA community. Also, in contrast to the agreement between vapour pressure estimates, that between the Ki, WIOM estimates does not deteriorate with increasing number of functional groups. Furthermore, these partitioning coefficients Ki, WIOM are found to predict the SOA mass yield in chamber experiments of the oxidation of normal alkanes as good or better than a vapour pressure based method. If a Ki, WIOM prediction method was based on one or more surrogate molecules representing the solvation properties of the mixed OM phase of SOA, the choice of those molecule(s) was found to have a relatively minor effect on the predicted Ki, WIOM, as long as the molecule(s) are not very polar. This suggests that a single surrogate molecule, such as 1-octanol or a hypothetical SOA structure proposed by Kalberer et al. (2004), may often be sufficient to represent the WIOM component of the SOA phase, greatly simplifying the prediction. The presented methods could substitute for vapour pressure based methods in studies such as the explicit modeling of SOA formation from single precursor molecules in chamber experiments or the assignment of SOA-forming molecules to volatility basis sets.
Rapid formation of large aggregates during the spring bloom of Kerguelen Island: observations and model comparisons
Authors: Jouandet M.-P. , Jackson G. A. , Carlotti F. , Picheral M. , Stemmann L. , Blain S.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. While production of aggregates and their subsequent sinking is known to be one pathway for the downward movement of organic matter from the euphotic zone, the rapid transition from non-aggregated to aggregated particles has not been reported previously. We made one vertical profile of particle size distributions (PSD; sizes ranging from 0.052 to several millimeters in equivalent spherical diameter) at pre-bloom stage and seven vertical profiles 3 weeks later over a 48 h period at early bloom stage using the Underwater Vision Profiler during the Kerguelen Ocean and Plateau Compared Study cruise 2 (KEOPS2, October–November 2011). In these naturally iron-fertilized waters southeast of Kerguelen Island (Southern Ocean), the total particle numerical abundance increased by more than fourfold within this time period. A massive total volume increase associated with particle size distribution changes was observed over the 48 h survey, showing the rapid formation of large particles and their accumulation at the base of the mixed layer. The results of a one-dimensional particle dynamics model support coagulation as the mechanism responsible for the rapid aggregate formation and the development of the VT subsurface maxima. The comparison of VT profiles between early bloom stage and pre-bloom stage indicates an increase of particulate export below 200 m when bloom has developed. These results highlight the role of coagulation in forming large particles and triggering carbon export at the early stage of a naturally iron-fertilized bloom, while zooplankton grazing may dominate later in the season. The rapid changes observed illustrate the critical need to measure carbon export flux with high sampling temporal resolution. Our results are the first published in situ observations of the rapid accumulation of marine aggregates and their export and the general agreement of this rapid event with a model of phytoplankton growth and coagulation.
Low-molecular-weight hydroxyacids in marine atmospheric aerosol: evidence of a marine microbial origin
Authors: Miyazaki Y. , Sawano M. , Kawamura K.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Lactic acid (LA) and glycolic acid (GA), which are low-molecular-weight hydroxyacids, were identified in the particle and gas phases within the marine atmospheric boundary layer over the western subarctic North Pacific. A major portion of LA (81%) and GA (57%) was present in the particulate phase, which is consistent with the presence of a hydroxyl group in these molecules leading to the low volatility of the compounds. The average concentration (±SD) of LA in more biologically influenced marine aerosols (33 ± 58 ng m−3) was substantially higher than that in less biologically influenced aerosols (11 ± 12 ng m−3). Over the oceanic region of phytoplankton blooms, the concentration of aerosol LA was comparable to that of oxalic acid, which was the most abundant diacid during the study period. A positive correlation was found between the LA concentrations in more biologically influenced aerosols and chlorophyll a in seawater (r2 = 0.56), suggesting an important production of aerosol LA possibly associated with microbial (e.g., lactobacillus) activity in seawater and/or aerosols. Our finding provides a new insight into the poorly quantified microbial sources of marine organic aerosols (OAs) because such low-molecular-weight hydroxyacids are key intermediates for OA formation.
Bryophyte colonization history of the virgin volcanic island Surtsey, Iceland
Authors: Ingimundardóttir G. V. , Weibull H. , Cronberg N.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. The island Surtsey was formed in a volcanic eruption south of Iceland in 1963–1967 and has since then been protected and monitored by scientists. The first two moss species were found on Surtsey as early as 1967 and several new bryophyte species were discovered every year until 1973 when regular sampling ended. Systematic bryophyte inventories in a grid of 100 m × 100 m quadrats were made in 1971 and 1972: the number of observed species doubled, with 36 species found in 1971 and 72 species in 1972. Here we report results from an inventory in 2008, when every other of the grid's quadrats were searched for bryophytes. Despite lower sampling intensity than in 1972, distributional expansion and contraction of earlier colonists was revealed as well as the presence of new colonists. A total of 38 species were discovered, 15 of those were not encountered in 1972 and eight had never been reported from Surtsey before (Bryum elegans, Ceratodon heterophyllus, Didymodon rigidulus, Eurhynchium praelongum, Schistidium confertum, S. papillosum, Tortula hoppeana and T. muralis). Habitat loss due to erosion and reduced thermal activity in combination with successional vegetation changes are likely to have played a significant role in the decline of some bryophyte species which were abundant in 1972 (Leptobryum pyriforme, Schistidium apocarpum coll., Funaria hygrometrica, Philonotis spp., Pohlia spp, Schistidium strictum, Sanionia uncinata) while others have continued to thrive and expand (e.g. Schistidium maritimum, Racomitrium lanuginosum, R. ericoides, R. fasciculare and Bryum argenteum). Some species (especially Bryum spp.) benefit from the formation of new habitats, such as grassland within a gull colony, which was established in 1984. Several newcomers are rarely producing sporophytes on Iceland and are unlikely to have been dispersed by airborne spores. They are more likely to have been introduced to Surtsey by seagulls in the form of vegetative fragments or dispersal agents (Bryum elegans, Didymodon rigidulus, Eurhynchium praelongum, Ceratodon heterophyllus and Ulota phyllantha). The establishment of the gull colony also means that leakage of nutrients from the nesting area is, at least locally, downplaying the relative importance of nitrogen fixation by cyanobacteria growing in bryophyte shoots.
A sparse reconstruction method for the estimation of multiresolution emission fields via atmospheric inversion
Authors: Ray J. , Lee J. , Yadav V. , Lefantzi S. , Michalak A. M. , van Bloemen Waanders B.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. We present a sparse reconstruction scheme that can also be used to ensure non-negativity when fitting wavelet-based random field models to limited observations in non-rectangular geometries. The method is relevant when multiresolution fields are estimated using linear inverse problems. Examples include the estimation of emission fields for many anthropogenic pollutants using atmospheric inversion or hydraulic conductivity in aquifers from flow measurements. The scheme is based on three new developments. Firstly, we extend an existing sparse reconstruction method, Stagewise Orthogonal Matching Pursuit (StOMP), to incorporate prior information on the target field. Secondly, we develop an iterative method that uses StOMP to impose non-negativity on the estimated field. Finally, we devise a method, based on compressive sensing, to limit the estimated field within an irregularly shaped domain. We demonstrate the method on the estimation of fossil-fuel CO2 (ffCO2) emissions in the lower 48 states of the US. The application uses a recently developed multiresolution random field model and synthetic observations of ffCO2 concentrations from a limited set of measurement sites. We find that our method for limiting the estimated field within an irregularly shaped region is about a factor of 10 faster than conventional approaches. It also reduces the overall computational cost by a factor of two. Further, the sparse reconstruction scheme imposes non-negativity without introducing strong nonlinearities, such as those introduced by employing log-transformed fields, and thus reaps the benefits of simplicity and computational speed that are characteristic of linear inverse problems.