bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genomic and Phenotypic Characterization of a Wild Medaka Population: Towards the Establishment of an Isogenic Population Genetic Resource in Fish
Authors: Spivakov Mikhail , Auer Thomas O , Peravali Ravindra , Dunham Ian , Dolle Dirk , Fujiyama Asao , Toyoda Atsushi , Aizu Tomoyuki , Minakuchi Yohei , Loosli Felix , Naruse Kiyoshi , Birney Ewan , Wittbrodt Joachim
Published: January 2014

Oryzias latipes (medaka) has been established as a vertebrate genetic model for more than a century and recently has been rediscovered outside its native Japan. The power of new sequencing methods now makes it possible to reinvigorate medaka genetics, in particular by establishing a near-isogenic panel derived from a single wild population. Here we characterize the genomes of wild medaka catches obtained from a single Southern Japanese population in Kiyosu as a precursor for the establishment of a near-isogenic panel of wild lines. The population is free of significant detrimental population structure and has advantageous linkage disequilibrium properties suitable for the establishment of the proposed panel. Analysis of morphometric traits in five representative inbred strains suggests phenotypic mapping will be feasible in the panel. In addition, high-throughput genome sequencing of these medaka strains confirms their evolutionary relationships on lines of geographic separation and provides further evidence that there has been little significant interbreeding between the Southern and Northern medaka population since the Southern/Northern population split. The sequence data suggest that the Southern Japanese medaka existed as a larger older population that went through a relatively recent bottleneck approximately 10,000 years ago. In addition, we detect patterns of recent positive selection in the Southern population. These data indicate that the genetic structure of the Kiyosu medaka samples is suitable for the establishment of a vertebrate near-isogenic panel and therefore inbreeding of 200 lines based on this population has commenced. Progress of this project can be tracked at http://www.ebi.ac.uk/birney-srv/medaka-ref-panel.
New Insights Into the Roles of NADPH Oxidases in Sexual Development and Ascospore Germination in Sordaria macrospora
Authors: Dirschnabel Daniela Elisabeth , Nowrousian Minou , Cano-Domínguez Nallely , Aguirre Jesus , Teichert Ines , Kück Ulrich
Published: January 2014

NADPH oxidase (NOX)-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) act as signaling determinants that induce different cellular processes. To characterize NOX function during fungal development, we utilized the genetically tractable ascomycete Sordaria macrospora. Genome sequencing of a sterile mutant led us to identify the NADPH oxidase encoding nox1 as a gene required for fruiting body formation, regular hyphal growth, and hyphal fusion. These phenotypes are shared by ∆nor1, lacking the NOX regulator NOR1. Further phenotypic analyses revealed a high correlation between increased ROS production and hyphal fusion deficiencies in ∆nox1 and other sterile mutants. A genome-wide transcriptional profiling analysis of mycelia and isolated protoperithecia from wild type and ∆nox1 revealed that nox1 inactivation affects the expression of genes related to cytoskeleton remodeling, hyphal fusion, metabolism, and mitochondrial respiration. Genetic analysis of ∆nox2, lacking the NADPH oxidase 2 gene, ∆nor1, and transcription factor deletion mutant ∆ste12, revealed a strict melanin-dependent ascospore germination defect, indicating a common genetic pathway for these three genes. We report that gsa3, encoding a G-protein α-subunit, and sac1, encoding cAMP-generating adenylate cyclase, act in a separate pathway during the germination process. The finding that cAMP inhibits ascospore germination in a melanin-dependent manner supports a model in which cAMP inhibits NOX2 activity, thus suggesting a link between both pathways. Our results expand the current knowledge on the role of NOX enzymes in fungal development and provide a frame to define upstream and downstream components of the NOX signaling pathways in fungi.
Between Quantum and Classical: Evolution of Electron Magnetic Resonance with Growth of a Spin System Size
Authors: Bates Brittany , Hilton James , Bonner Carl , Noginova Natalia
Published: January 2014

Systems with a single or several coupled electron spins are commonly described with the quantum approach while ferromagnetic domains with millions of coupled spins are classical systems. Large spin clusters and superparamagnetic nanoparticles contain hundreds of coupled electron spins, and are on the boundary between classical and quantum behavior. Electron magnetic resonance observed in ultra-fine iron oxide nanoparticles (∼ 5 nm size) reveals several features which are typical for paramagnetic spins and absent in macroscopic systems, including multiple quantum transitions observed at H0/n, where n = 2, 3, 4 and H0 is the field of the main resonance. In order to better understand the transition from quantum to classical behavior and magnetization dynamics at the nanoscale, we study the evolution of the EMR signal with increase of the particle size in suspensions of magnetite nanoparticles. The experimental data are compared with numerical simulations.
Surface modification of carbon nanomaterials by aminopropyltriethoxysilane
Authors: Michalak-Zwierz Katarzyna , Pietras-Ożga Dorota , Gdula Karolina , Zięba Emil , Borowski Piotr , Dąbrowski Andrzej , Barczak Mariusz
Published: January 2014

Three types of carbon materials, ordered mesoporous carbon, glassy carbon and multiwalled carbon nanotubes, have been oxidized (wet treatment with nitric acid) and subsequently functionalized (by reaction with aminopropyltriethoxysilane) to introduce the amino groups onto the surface. Structural and chemical changes were monitored by several instrumental techniques such as nitrogen sorption measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry and elemental analysis. Both the porous structure and surface chemistry change significantly on oxidation and functionalization, albeit to different extent depending on the type of the material.
Neutralizing Th2 Inflammation in Neonatal Islets Prevents β-Cell Failure in Adult IUGR Rats
Authors: Jaeckle Santos Lane J. , Li Changhong , Doulias Paschalis-Thomas , Ischiropoulos Harry , Worthen G. Scott , Simmons Rebecca A.
Published: January 2014

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) leads to development of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in adulthood. The mechanisms underlying this phenomenon have not been fully elucidated. Inflammation is associated with T2D; however, it is unknown whether inflammation is causal or secondary to the altered metabolic state. Here we show that the mechanism by which IUGR leads to the development of T2D in adulthood is via transient recruitment of T-helper 2 (Th) lymphocytes and macrophages in fetal islets resulting in localized inflammation. Although this immune response is short-lived, it results in a permanent reduction in islet vascularity and impaired insulin secretion. Neutralizing interleukin-4 antibody therapy given only in the newborn period ameliorates inflammation and restores vascularity and β-cell function into adulthood, demonstrating a novel role for Th2 immune responses in the induction and progression of T2D. In the neonatal stage, inflammation and vascular changes are reversible and may define an important developmental window for therapeutic intervention to prevent adult-onset diabetes.
Hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde over supported palladium catalysts
Authors: Wąsikowska Karolina , Dmowska Paulina , Bączek Natalia , Strzelec Krzysztof , Pernak Juliusz , Markiewicz Bartosz
Published: January 2014

The selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde has been studied using palladium catalysts based on epoxy resin cured with ionic liquids. Characterization of palladium catalysts has involved the following methods: IR spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), AAS spectroscopy and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS). The investigated catalysts showed high stability and good recycling efficiency what makes them useful for a prolonged use. The factors influencing the selectivity of the supported catalysts were discussed.
Effect of 1-substituted imidazole derivatives for the curing process of epoxy- -isocyanate composition
Authors: Pilawka R. , Kowalska J. , Czech Z.
Published: January 2014

The kinetics of the curing process of isocyanate-epoxy materials hardened in the presence of 1- substituted imidazole derivatives was studied by the Coast-Redfern method. The extent of a conversion parameter of the curing process in two ways was calculated: DSC (peak area integration) and rheology (viscosity changes). The activation energy values were determined for epoxy-isocyanate cured in the presence of 0.5; 1.0 and 2.0 phr 1-substituted imidazole derivatives respectively. Increasing of accelerators amount results in decreasing the activation energy and other kinetic parameters.
Effect of boron on ZSM-5 catalyst for methanol to propylene conversion
Authors: Xu Aina , Ma Hongfang , Zhang Haitao , Weiyong Dingye , Fang Dingye
Published: January 2014

B-ZSM-5 catalysts were prepared by various modification methods with boric acid, including ion-exchange, impregnation and direct synthesis. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), NH3-Temperature Programmed Desorption (NH3-TPD), N2 adsorption-desorption, Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometry (FT-IR), 27Al and 11B MAS NMR spectra. The results revealed that the weak acidity of catalysts was significantly increased by modification. The catalytic activity was measured in a fixed bed at 460°C for methanol to propylene (MTP) reaction. The results of MTP reaction showed a great increment of the propylene selectivity for the boron modified samples, especially for the directly synthesized B-ZSM-5 which also displayed high activity and selectivity towards C2 =-C4 = olefins. It was found that the remarkable selectivity strongly depended on the intensity of weak acidity.
The dependance of an activity of vanadium catalysts on a carrier regeneration method and an active phase composition
Authors: Grzesiak Piotr , Grobela Marcin , Hłyń Tadeusz , Łukaszyk Joanna
Published: January 2014

The results of the research studies concerning the reaction rate of SO2 oxidation on the vanadium catalysts have been described. A carrier of the active phase - silica has been regenerated from spent vanadium mass by leaching with H2SO4 solution. The dependence of the oxidation reaction rate on the method of treating a catalyst carrier as well as the composition of an active phase of the new catalyst systems has been also presented.
Pedometer-Determined Physical Activity of Youth while Attending School: A Review
Authors: Brusseau Timothy A. , Hannon James C.
Published: January 2014

This review examined the pedometer literature focused on youth physical activity while they attend school. 30 studies have been published since 2003 with youth accumulating between 2500-8100 steps/ day. Between 35-53% of youth habitual physical activity takes place during school hours. International youth tend to be more active than US youth, with boys accumulating greater steps/day than girls. Youth are also more active on physical education days.
Physiological Elements Required by Dancers
Authors: Malkogeorgos Alexandros , Zaggelidou Eleni , Zaggelidis Georgios , Christos Galazoulas
Published: January 2014

Dancing is an excellent alternative exercise for improving health related physical fitness elements. Dance performance requires support from enhanced physiological requirements necessary for dancers including cardiovascular fitness, muscle flexibility, muscular strength/power. A reduction in muscular strength associate with injury risk and many dancers succumb to problems such as the overtraining syndrome. Improvement in lower body muscular strength appears to have positive effects on aspects of dance performance and injury prevention. The qualities and benefits offered by dancing depend on the dance forms concerned but as a general rule, it improves physical health by developing strength, suppleness, coordination and balance in varying amounts. This literature study showed differences in fitness levels exist between in different dance forms but also in levels of dancers. As in most sports, dancing is a demanding exercise form for all styles dancers, taxing both aerobic and anaerobic processes and develops high levels of muscle tension. Joint mobility and body composition are also important parts of dance fitness. Dance training consists of technique and style training with an aim to increase the skill level of dancers. Furthermore, it needs more investigation whether improved physical fitness has positive effect on dance performance.
On pseudocompact topological Brandt λ0-extensions of semitopological monoids
Authors: Gutik Oleg , Pavlyk Kateryna
Published: January 2014

In the paper we investigate topological properties of a topological
Brandt λ0-extension B0λ(S) of a semitopological monoid
S with zero. In particular we prove that for every Tychonoff
pseudocompact (resp., Hausdorff countably compact, Hausdorff
compact) semitopological monoid S with zero there exists
a unique semiregular pseudocompact (resp., Hausdorff
countably compact, Hausdorff compact) extension B0λ(S) of S
and establish their Stone-Cˇ ech and Bohr compactifications.
We also describe a category whose objects are ingredients in
the constructions of pseudocompact (resp., countably compact,
sequentially compact, compact) topological Brandt λ0-
extensions of pseudocompact (resp., countably compact, sequentially
compact, compact) semitopological monoids with
zeros.
Immediate Effects of 2 Types of Braces on Pain and Grip Strength in People With Lateral Epicondylalgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bisset Leanne M. , Collins Natalie J. , Offord Sonia S.
Published: January 2014

Study Design

Repeated-measures, crossover, double-blinded randomized controlled trial.

Objectives

To compare the immediate effectiveness of 2 types of counterforce braces in improving pain-free grip strength, pressure pain threshold, and wrist angle during a gripping task in individuals with lateral epicondylalgia.

Background

Sports medicine management of lateral epicondylalgia often includes application of a counterforce brace, but the comparative effectiveness of different braces is unclear. The most common brace design consists of a single strap wrapped around the proximal forearm. A variation of this brace is the use of an additional strap that wraps above the elbow, which aims to provide further unloading to the injured tissue.

Methods

Pain-free grip strength, pressure pain threshold, and wrist angle during a gripping task were measured on 34 participants with a clinical diagnosis of lateral epicondylalgia (mean ± SD age, 47.8 ± 8.5 years). Measurements were made without a brace, as well as immediately before and after the application of 2 types of counterforce braces. Each condition was tested during a separate session, with a minimum of 48 hours between sessions. Analysis-of-variance models were used to test the differences within and between conditions.

Results

Pain-free grip strength (17.2 N; 95% confidence interval: 7.5, 26.8) and pressure pain threshold (42.2 kPa; 95% confidence interval: 16.5, 68.0) significantly improved on the affected side immediately following the intervention conditions as well as the control condition. There was no significant difference between braces or the control condition for any outcome.

Conclusion

Both types of counterforce braces had an immediate positive effect in participants with lateral epicondylalgia, without differences between interventions and similar to a no-brace control condition. Therefore, while the use of a brace may be helpful in managing immediate symptoms related to lateral epicondylalgia, the choice of which brace to use may be more a function of patient preference, comfort, and cost. Further research is required to investigate the comparative longer-term and clinical effects of the 2 braces. Trial registration: ACTRN12609000354280 ( www.anzctr.org.au ).

Level of Evidence

Therapy, level 2b. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2014;44(2):120–128. Epub 9 January 2014. doi:10.2519/jospt.2014.4744
Estimating leopard cat Prionailurus bengalensis densities using photographic captures and recaptures
Authors: Bashir Tawqir , Bhattacharya Tapajit , Poudyal Kamal , Sathyakumar Sambandam , Qureshi Qamar
Published: January 2014

Precise estimates of abundance and density are crucial for species conservation. For secretive felids, such as leopard cat Prionailurus bengalensis, acquiring such estimates based on conventional methods is difficult. We demonstrated the possibility of individual identification of leopard cats using coat patterns, and estimated their density using photographic capture‐recaptures in a small watershed (182 km2) of Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, Sikkim, India. On comparing the different body parts, we found that hind‐quarter had the maximum usability (83.9%) for individual identification. The overall photo‐capture rate representing an index of leopard cat relative abundance was calculated as 3.7 ± 1.27 captures/100 trap days. We used both non‐spatial and spatially explicit capture‐ recapture (SECR) approaches to estimate leopard cat abundance and density. Our spatially explicit models estimated leopard cat density as 17 ± 5.33 (maximum‐likelihood based approach) and 17.52 ± 5.52 (Bayesian approach with Markov chain Monte Carlo simulations) individuals/100 km2, while in our non‐spatial model, density estimates varied from 18.01 to 22.25 individuals/100 km2. Camera trap results also indicated that the leopard cat used temperate and subtropical habitats to a large extent. Our study validated the applicability of camera trap based capture‐recapture techniques to estimate the density of leopard cat. Therefore, we recommend the use of this technique with appropriate site‐specific modifications for population estimation and monitoring of this species throughout its distribution range.
Chick and juvenile survival of Japanese rock ptarmigan Lagopus muta japonica
Authors: Kobayashi Atsushi , Nakamura Hiroshi
Published: January 2014

We estimated clutch size, hatching success, chick survival before independence from hens and juvenile survival after independence in Japanese rock ptarmigan Lagopus muta japonica during 2006‐2012 on Mt. Norikura, Honshu, Japan. The tame behaviour of this subspecies provided us a unique opportunity to observe them at a close range throughout the period from hatching to adulthood. The average clutch size was 5.7 ± 0.1 (± SE). We estimated the average hatching success to be 0.602 ± 0.880, the average nest hatching success to be 0.733 ± 1.071, the average hatchability of successful nests to be 0.907 ± 0.017 and average female survival during June, as an indicator of their survival during laying and the incubation periods, to be 0.905 ± 0.055. We attributed all egg losses to predation by carnivores. Clutch size, nest success, hatchability and female survival during June did not vary among years. Chick survival decreased sharply during the first four weeks of the brooding season. The average annual chick survival until independence was 0.278 ± 0.097, but it varied from 0.096 ± 0.051 to 0.639 ± 0.084. Survival of juveniles after independence was higher than for chicks before independence. Average over‐winter survival of juveniles was larger and was 0.902 ± 0.015. We estimated the average reproductive success of Japanese rock ptarmigan from egg‐laying to one year old to be 0.586 ± 0.883 birds/breeding female. Weather conditions, especially rainfall, during the first two weeks of the brooding season appeared to negatively affect chick survival.
Training Veterinary Students in Shelter Medicine: A Service-Learning Community-Classroom Technique
Authors: Stevens Brenda J. , Gruen Margaret E.
Published: January 2014

Shelter medicine is a rapidly developing field of great importance, and shelters themselves provide abundant training opportunities for veterinary medical students. Students trained in shelter medicine have opportunities to practice zoonotic and species-specific infectious disease control, behavioral evaluation and management, primary care, animal welfare, ethics, and public policy issues. A range of sheltering systems now exists, from brick-and-mortar facilities to networks of foster homes with no centralized facility. Exposure to a single shelter setting may not allow students to understand the full range of sheltering systems that exist; a community-classroom approach introduces students to a diverse array of sheltering systems while providing practical experience. This article presents the details and results of a series of 2-week elective clinical rotations with a focus on field and service learning in animal shelters. The overall aim was to provide opportunities that familiarized students with sheltering systems and delivered primary-care training. Other priorities included increasing awareness of public health concerns and equipping students to evaluate shelters on design, operating protocols, infectious disease control, animal enrichment, and community outreach. Students were required to participate in rounds and complete a project that addressed a need recognized by them during the rotation. This article includes costs associated with the rotation, a blueprint for how the rotation was carried out at our institution, and details of shelters visited and animals treated, including a breakdown of treatments provided. Also discussed are the student projects and student feedback on this valuable clinical experience.
Magnetic resonance imaging properties of convective delivery in diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas
Authors: Chittiboina Prashant , Heiss John D. , Warren Katherine E. , Lonser Russell R.
Published: January 2014

Object

Coinfused surrogate imaging tracers can provide direct insight into the properties of convection-enhanced delivery (CED) in the nervous system. To better understand the distributive properties of CED in a clinical circumstance, the authors analyzed the imaging findings in pediatric diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) patients undergoing coinfusion of Gd-DTPA and interleukin-13–Pseudomonas exotoxin (IL13-PE).

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing CED (maximal rates of 5 or 10 μl/minute) of Gd-DTPA (1 or 5 mM) and IL13-PE (0.125 μg/ml or 0.25 μg/ml) for DIPG were included. Real-time MRI was performed during infusions, and imaging results were analyzed.

Results

Four patients (2 males, 2 females; mean age at initial infusion 13.0 ± 5.3 years; range 5–17 years) underwent 5 infusions into DIPGs. Brainstem infusions were clearly identified on T1-weighted MR images at 1-mM (1 infusion) and 5-mM (4 infusions) coinfused Gd-DTPA concentrations. While the volume of distribution (Vd) increased progressively with volume of infusion (Vi) (mean volume 2.5 ± 0.9 ml; range 1.1–3.7 ml), final Vd:Vi ratios were significantly reduced with lower Gd-DTPA concentration (Vd:Vi for 1 mM of 1.6 compared with a mean Vd:Vi ratio for 5 mM of 3.3 ± 1.0) (p = 0.04). Similarly, anatomical distribution patterns were affected by preferential flow along parallel axial fiber tracts, into prior infusion cannula tracts and intraparenchymal air pockets, and leak back around the infusion cannula at the highest rate of infusion.

Conclusions

Magnetic resonance imaging of a coinfused Gd-DTPA surrogate tracer provided direct insight into the properties of CED in a clinical application. While clinically relevant Vds can be achieved by convective delivery, specific tissue properties can affect distribution volume and pattern, including Gd-DTPA concentration, preferential flow patterns, and infusion rate. Understanding of these properties of CED can enhance its clinical application. Part of clinical trial no. NCT00880061 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
Association of Serum testosterone Level with Depression in Parkinsons Disease
Authors: Rahman Hasan Zahidur , Islam Md. Rafiqul , Salam Abdus , Bhuiyan Md. Moniruzzaman , Rizvi Abu Nasir , Barman Kanuj Kumar , Alam Sk. Mahbub
Published: January 2014

Background: Depression is a non-motor symptom in Parkinsons disease (PD) as well as elderly population due to testosterone deficiency (TD). Because of similarity between depression in PD and for testosterone deficiency, clinician may fail to recognize and treat TD in patients with PD. Objectives: Our aim was to find out the association between serum total testosterone level and depression in men with Parkinson disease. Methods:This was a case control study carried out in the OPD of department of Neurology, Department of Psychiatry and Department of Biochemistry, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) on total of 64 subjects where 34 were cases and 30 were controls age ranging from 40 to 85 years of age. Results: This analysis showed serum testosterone levels were significantly low in PD patients with depression compared to controls ( 4.90±1.86 ng/ml in cases and 6.66±1.18 ng/ml in control group with Odds ratio is 2.071; 95% CI 1.587-2.704). Significantly (P <0.05) low levels of serum testosterone were noted in case suffering from depression more than one year (4.56±1.82 ng/ml vs 6.18±1.50 ng/ml). Serum testosterone level was significantly (<0.001) low in stage III PD patients with depression compared to control (4.96±1.41 ng/ml vs 7.30±1.23 ng/ml). Conclusion: Low serum testosterone level is an important factor causing depression in PD patients. Also progression of PD and duration. Bangladesh Journal of Neuroscience 2011; Vol. 27 (2) : 57-63 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjn.v27i2.17541
Abdominal Obesity is a Risk Factor for Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Rahman Touhidur , Hassanuzzaman Md. , Islam Muhitul , Masihuzzaman Sam , Khondoker Mahbubulalam , Das Priyatosh Chandra
Published: January 2014

We carried out case control study aimed to evaluate abdominal obesity as a risk factor for ischemic stroke. Though it became established as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, still its association with stroke is less clear. We have taken ninety cases with ischemic stroke and compare waist to hip ratio & waist circumference with same numbers of age and sex matched stroke free people as controls. There are standard markers of abdominal obesity & their cut-off values and ways of measurement were taken from International Diabetic Federation. Both increase waist to hip ratio (63.3% in cases & 26.7% in controls) and increase waist circumference (66.7% in cases & 25.6% in controls) were significant (P<.05) and showed marked strength of association (odds ratio >1) in ischemic stroke patients. After adjusting the significant risk factors in all age and sex matched cases and controls by conditional logistic regression analysis, WHR and WC still showed significant strength of association with ischemic stroke in all groups. The increase abdominal obesity markers were found to have greater association in both female and male cases in relation to their control counterparts. So, in the light of current study we may suggest that abdominal obesity defined as increase waist circumference and waist to hip ratio attribute considerably to the estimate of ischemic stroke events. Bangladesh Journal of Neuroscience 2011; Vol. 27 (2) : 69-73 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjn.v27i2.17545
Invasion of Meningioma Cell in Bony Hyperostosis- an Observational Study of 34 Cases
Authors: Satter AM Rejaus , Talha KA , Rashid Farzana , Selina Farhana , Khan Md. Mamun , Hossain ATM Mosharef , Shaikh Abdul Kader
Published: January 2014

Background: Meningiomas are usually globular encapsulated tumors. They are extra axial tumors attached to dura and compress the underlying brain without invading it. Abnormalities of bone are frequently encountered in Meningiomas. Hyperostosis or endosotsis are certainly more common than destruction of bone. Aims and Objective: Aim of study was to observe the percentage of tumour cell invasion in to the hyperostosis part of intracranial meningiomas. Materials and methods: This is an observational analytic study. Sample size was 34. Place of study was department of Neurosurgery of Square Hospitals Ltd. All the patients with the histological diagnosis of meningioma were included in to this study. Result: Female patients were predominant. Highest number of patients was from 41 to 50 years age group. Convexity meningiomas were commonest (35%) followed by parasagittal meningiomas. According to histopathological subtype meningothelimatous was commonest (56%) followed by psammomatous. About one fourth meningioma patients (26.47%) presented with hyperostosis. Among the hyperostosis patients in 44.44% patients cause of hyperostosis was due to tumour cell invasion into hyperostosis part. Conclusion: Tumour cell invasion is one of the causes of hyperostosis in intracranial meningiomas which was responsible in more than one third cases in this study. Bangladesh Journal of Neuroscience 2011; Vol. 27 (2) : 78-82 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjn.v27i2.17573
Fontanelle as an Indicator of Hydrocephalus in Early Childhood
Authors: Islam Md. Aminul , Amin Md. Rezaul , Rahman Md. Atikur , Hossain Md. Akhlaque , Barua Kanak Kanti , Hossain Mafzal
Published: January 2014

Introduction: The parameters of fontanelle can be very reliable and helpful source to assess the internal status of hydrocephalus in early childhood. Methods and Materials: We have studied the parameters of 69 patients of hydrocephalus in early childhood to assess the status of hydrocephalus. All the patients - who were admitted in the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University from January 2002 to December 2003. Results: All patients were evaluated clinically as well as with imaging study. The age range was from newborn to 12 months. There was male preponderance; male to female ratio was 2.6:1. Clinical evaluation of head and face showed 97.10% patients had open anterior fontanelle, 88.41% had apparent large head, 59.04% had presence of sunset sign. Analysis of anterior fontanelle showed 66.67% had bulged fontanelle, 30.43% had flat fontanelle and 2.90% had concave fontanelle. Evaluation of the clinical status of posterior fontanelle revealed that 23.19% had open posterior fontanelle. Among them 15.94% had bulged and 7.25% had flat fontanelle. Conclusion: By analyzing the result we found that clinical evaluation of fontanelle gives good guidance to assess the status of hydrocephalus in early childhood. Bangladesh Journal of Neuroscience 2011; Vol. 27 (2) : 83-86 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjn.v27i2.17574
Risk Factors of Stroke in Young and Old Age Group Admitted in a Tertiary Level Hospital, Dhaka - A Comparative Study
Authors: Miah Md. Nurul Amin , Azhar MA , Rahman Aminur , Halder Durba , Akteruzzaman Md. , Kundu Narayn Chandra
Published: January 2014

Background: Stroke is an important cause of death and disability. Prevalence of stroke in Bangladesh differs with age. The risk factors in young differ in comparison to old age group. In this study risk factors of stroke in young in comparison to old age group were evaluated. Objectives: To compare the risk factors associated with stroke in young adult and to those of old age group. Methodology: This comparative study conducted in the department of Medicine and Neurology, Sir Salimullah Medical College & Mitford Hospital, Dhaka from January 2008 to June 2009. One hundred two stroke patient of above 15 years of age were confirmed by CT scan or MRI of brain those were included in young and old age groups. The risk factors of stroke were defined in terms of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, ischemic heart diseases, valvular heart disease, history of transient ischemic attack or stroke, smoking and oral contraceptive pill. Results: Of total 102 cases 17 were young adults and 85 old patients between 19 to 100 years. Mean age young adult was 39.76 (± 6.379) and old age was 65.06 (± 11.238). 61.7% were male & 38.2% were female and the ratio was 1.6:1. Amongst male 58.8% patients were smoker in each age group and only 2.9% old patients were alcoholic. Only 17.6% had previous history of transient ischemic attack or stroke in each age group. 58.8% of young and 48.2% of old were hypertensive. 7% old patients had history of ischemic heart disease. 5.9% of young and 2.4% of old patients had valvular heart disease but no patient had vasculitis. 16.7% old patients had diabetes mellitus. 4.9% of total patients (young 11.8% and 3.5% old) were oral contraceptive pill user. Out of all patients 24.7% old patients and 5.9% young adult was dyslipidaemic. Among all patients 66.7% patients had the Ischemic stroke and 33.3% patients had the hemorrhagic stroke. 68.2% old patients and 58.8% young patients had Ischemic stroke; 31.8% old patients and 41.2% young patients had hemorrhagic stroke. Conclusion: In young age group smoking, transient ischemic attack or stroke, hypertension, valvular heart disease, oral contraceptive pill and in old age group smoking, transient ischemic attack or stroke, hypertension, Ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidaemia were found significant risk factors for development of stroke. So modification of risk factors may reduce the incidence of stroke. Bangladesh Journal of Neuroscience 2011; Vol. 27 (2) : 94-100 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjn.v27i2.17576
Madelung Deformity - A Case Report with Literature Review.
Authors: Islam Md. Rafiqul , Uddin Mohammad Najim , Rahman Hasan Zahidur
Published: January 2014

Madelung deformity (MD) is a rare autosomaldominant disordercharacterized by epiphyseal growth plate disturbance in distal ulnar sidewhereina progressive ulnar and volar tilt of itsarticular surface occurs in associationwith a dorsal subluxation of the distalulna.Diagnosis of the diseaseis by correlation of clinical data with radiological findings and genetic transmission.In this study, radiographic findings ofa 16 years old female patient progressive bilateral wrist joint deformity and bowing of distal end of forearm without significant functional impairment and systemic complaints and diagnosed as Primary Madelung deformity, is reported. Bangladesh Journal of Neuroscience 2011; Vol. 27 (2) : 101-104 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjn.v27i2.17577
La Cour européenne et la garantie juridictionnelle de l’inviolabilité du domicile en matière fiscale (harmonies et discordes dans le dialogue des juges de l’impôt)
Authors: Mangiavillano Alexandre
Published: January 2014

En rendant l’arrêt Ravon et autres c. France le 21 février 2008, la Cour européenne des droits de l’homme a sanctionné la pratique et le modèle français des perquisitions fiscales sur le fondement du droit à un procès équitable (art. 6 § 1 CEDH) et du droit à un recours juridictionnel effectif (art. 13 CEDH). Ce faisant, elle est intervenue dans un dialogue que les juges constitutionnels entretiennent depuis les années 80, essentiellement en Europe et sur le continent américain, et qui vise à concilier la lutte contre la fraude fiscale et la protection de la vie privée. Si le domicile d’un contribuable peut faire l’objet d’une perquisition par l’administration fiscale, c’est en effet à la stricte condition que celle-ci y soit autorisée par un juge. Cette garantie juridictionnelle de l’inviolabilité du domicile doit pourtant obéir à un standard minimum, que la France, selon la Cour européenne, n’a pas respecté, et qui a nécessité une réforme législative attendue depuis longtemps par une doctrine parfois excessive. L’étude des régimes juridiques de plusieurs pays aura montré la cohérence de la décision de la Cour européenne, bien que son argumentation, comme sa rédaction, soient parfois discutables.
Droit européen des contrats: mythe ou réalité? L’enjeu et les difficultés d’une terminologie commune
Authors: Tenenbaum Aline
Published: January 2014

La réflexion sur le droit européen des contrats, tant au niveau des autorités communautaires que des groupes de réflexion nationaux, met en évidence une difficulté première : celle de s’entendre sur un vocabulaire commun. La recherche d’une terminologie commune resterait un mythe si elle aboutissait à établir une terminologie entièrement nouvelle, dont la vocation serait d’être utilisée uniquement pour le futur Cadre commun de référence. Elle pourrait, en revanche, déboucher sur une réalité si elle était fondée sur le vocabulaire existant, employé par les États membres : la terminologie qui en résulterait serait alors partagée et clarifiée.
La protection de la biodiversité en Inde du point de vue des investisseurs industriels étrangers ou les utopies de la diversité
Authors: Lamèthe Didier
Published: January 2014

Pays où s’affrontent une philosophie protectionniste à l’égard de l’environnement et un développement industriel forcené et anarchique, l’Inde possède un corps fédéral et étatique (dans chaque Etat indien) des règles en matière de protection de l’environnement et de la biodiversité, reflets effectifs du droit international de l’environnement. Néanmoins, on doit admettre que ce corps homogène de règles est mis en oeuvre de façon marginale, en raison d’une tendance à la corruption ancrée dans les administrations indiennes locales. Pareille situation n’évite pas normalement la réparation judiciaire des dommages par le pollueur payeur. Du point de vue de l’investisseur étranger, il faut relever qu’un tel investisseur fait l’objet d’une discrimination pour l’application des règles par les administrations locales par rapport à une société 100% locale. De fait, l’application effective des règles suppose une volonté politico-administrative forte, dont on trouve des traces au niveau des idées fédérales, atténuées par un manque de conviction locale réelle.
Weather and climate socio-economic impacts in Central America for the management and protection of world heritage sites and the Diquis Delta culture in Costa Rica (a case study)
Authors: Amador J. A. , Alfaro E. J.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. The Central America region hosts a valuable amount of World Heritage Sites (WHS), many of them located in areas of floods, landslides, drought, high winds, intense precipitations, and earthquakes. The effective management of WHS requires the understanding of this type of environmental phenomena and their potential impacts on these sites. The objective of this work is twofold. To make an analysis of some of the atmospheric systems (easterly waves, cold fronts and tropical cyclones [TCs]) hitting Central America, to estimate their effects on socio-economic activities and potential impacts on WHS during the period 2002–2012. The second objective is to identify, for a case study, the potential effects of hydro-meteorological events associated with a tropical storm on the Diquis Delta region in southern Costa Rica. This site, an important unique archeological site of stone spheres, has been proposed by this country as a WHS. To achieve both, public data bases like HURDAT (North Atlantic Hurricane Database), and information from regional newspapers and National Emergency Committees, among other sources, were used for the study of socio-economic impacts caused by these natural hazards. To accomplish the latter, course resolution NCEP/NCAR (National Center for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research) Reanalysis atmospheric data served to initialize version 5 of a numerical atmospheric mesoscale model (MM5). This approach permitted to obtain higher resolution gridded data for a set of atmospheric variables for a case study associated with the formation of tropical storm Alma upon the Pacific basin. The MM5 resulted winds and precipitation, among other variables, were then used to evaluate potential impacts on the WHS region. Among the systems analyzed for Central America, TCs were the ones that most severely impacted regional social life and worsened the already weak regional economies. During the period analyzed, TCs affected regions where WHS are very relevant to cultural life and touristic income. The MM5 derived data shows its potential for providing detailed space-time atmospheric data to help quantify and anticipate impacts for WHS protection and management. The overall results are expected to bring the attention of organizations and governments about the importance of socio-economic and cultural losses associated with the impacts caused by natural hazards near WHS in the region.
Winter to summer evolution of pCO2 in surface water and air–sea CO2 flux in the seasonal ice zone of the Southern Ocean
Authors: Nomura D. , Yoshikawa-Inoue H. , Kobayashi S. , Nakaoka S. , Nakata K. , Hashida G.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. Partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) in surface water and vertical profiles of the aqueous carbonate system were measured during austral summer in the Indian sector of the Southern Ocean (64–67° S, 32–58° E) in January~2006 to understand the CO2 dynamics of seawater in the seasonal ice zone. Surface-water pCO2 ranged from 275 to 400 μatm, and longitudinal variations reflected the dominant influence of water temperature and dilution by sea-ice meltwater between 32° and 40° E and biological productivity between 40° and 58° E. Using carbonate system data from the temperature minimum layer, we examined the winter-to-summer evolution of surface-water pCO2 and the factors affecting it. Our results indicate that pCO2 increased by as much as 32 μatm, resulting mainly from the increase in water temperature. In synchrony with changes in sea ice concentration and surface-water pCO2, air–sea CO2 flux with considering the exchange of CO2 between sea ice and atmosphere, changed from −1.1 to +0.9 mmol C m−2 day−1 between winter and summer. These results suggest that for the atmosphere, the seasonal ice zone acts as a CO2 sink in winter and a CO2 source in summer immediately after ice melt. Subsequent biological productivity likely decreases surface-water pCO2 and air–sea CO2 flux becomes negative, such that in summer the study area is a CO2 sink with respect to the atmosphere.
Evaluation of TRMM 3B42 (TMPA) precipitation estimates and WRF retrospective precipitation simulation over the Pacific-Andean basin into Ecuador and Peru
Authors: Ochoa A. , Pineda L. , Willems P. , Crespo P.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. An important issue for the Pacific-Andean basin in western South-America is whether the latest satellite-based and Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) model outputs, provide the potential to compensate data scarcity. Based on a comprehensive dataset of ground precipitation, the performance of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) 3B42V7 and its predecessor version the 3B42V6, and the Weather Research Forecast (WRF) precipitation product (OA-NOSA30) are evaluated over 21 sub-catchments situated in the westernmost N-S axis of South America: the Pacific-Andean Basin in Ecuador and Peru (PAEP). In general, precipitation estimates from TRMM and OA-NOSA30 capture the seasonal features of precipitation in the study area. Quantitatively, only the Southern sub-catchments of Ecuador and Northern Peru (3.6–6° S) are relatively well estimated by both methods. The accuracy of both approaches is considerably less in the northern and central basins of Ecuador (0–3.6° S). It is shown that the detection probability is better for light precipitation (less than 5 mm day−1). Compared to its predecessor 3B42V7 shows modest basin-wide improvements in reducing biases. The improvement is specific to the coastal and open ocean sub-catchments. In view of hydrological applications, the correlation of TMPA's and OA-NOSA30 estimates with observations increases with time aggregation. The correlation is higher for the monthly time aggregation in comparison with the daily, weekly and 15-daily time scales. Furthermore, it is found that TMPA performs better than OA-NOSA30 in generating the spatial distribution of mean annual precipitation.
Raising risk preparedness through flood risk communication
Authors: Maidl E. , Buchecker M.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. During the last decade, most European countries have produced risk maps of natural hazards, but little is known about how to communicate these maps most effectively to the public. In October 2011, Zurich's local authorities informed owners of buildings located in the urban flood hazard area about potential flood damage, the probability of flood events and protection measures. The campaign was based on the assumptions that informing citizens increases their risk awareness and that citizens who are aware of risks are more likely to undertake appropriate actions to protect themselves and their property. This study is intended as a contribution to a better understanding the factors influencing flood risk preparedness, with a special focus on the effects of such a one-way risk communication strategy. We conducted a standardized mail survey of 1500 property owners in the hazard areas in Zurich. The questionnaire comprised items measuring respondents' risk awareness, risk preparedness, flood experience, information seeking behaviour, knowledge about flood risk, evaluation of the information material, risk acceptance, kind of property owned, attachment to the property, trust in local authorities, and socio-demographic variables. Multivariate data analysis revealed that the average level of risk awareness and preparedness was low, but our results confirmed that the campaign had a statistically significant effect on the level of preparedness. The main factors influencing the respondents' intention to prepare for a flood were the extent to which they evaluated the information material positively and their risk awareness. Those who had never taken any interest in floods previously were less likely to read the material. For future campaigns, we therefore recommend repeated communication of relevant information tailored to the needs of the target population.
Variations of soil profile characteristics due to varying time spans since ice retreat in the inner Nordfjord, western Norway
Authors: Navas A. , Laute K. , Beylich A. A. , Gaspar L.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. In the Erdalen and Bødalen drainage basins located in the inner Nordfjord in western Norway the soils have been formed after deglaciation. The climate in the uppermost valley areas is sub-arctic oceanic and the lithology consists of Precambrian granitic orthogneisses on which Leptosols and Regosols are the most common soils. The Little Ice Age glacier advance affected parts of the valleys with the maximum glacier extent around AD 1750. In this study five sites on moraine and colluvium materials were selected to examine the main soil properties to assess if soil profile characteristics and pattern of fallout radionuclides (FRNs) and environmental radionuclides (ERNs) are affected by different stages of ice retreat. The Leptosols on the moraines are shallow, poorly developed and vegetated with moss and small birches. The two selected profiles show different radionuclide activities and grain size distribution. The sampled soils on the colluviums outside the LIA glacier limit became ice-free during the Preboral. The Regosols present better-developed profiles, thicker organic horizons and are fully covered by grasses. Activity of 137Cs and 210Pbex concentrate at the topsoil and decrease sharply with depth. The grain size distribution of these soils also reflects the difference in geomorphic processes that have affected the colluvium sites. Significant lower mass activities of FRNs are found in soils on the moraines than on colluviums. Variations of ERNs activities in the valleys are related to characteristics soil mineralogical composition. These results indicate differences in soil development that are consistent with the age of ice retreat. In addition, the pattern distribution of 137Cs and 210Pbex activities differs in the soils related to the LIA glacier limits in the drainage basins.