bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
State-of-the-art review on low-velocity impact response of reinforced concrete beams
Authors: Adhikary Satadru Das , Li Bing , Fujikake Kazunori
Published: November 2015

Based on a comprehensive literature review, a state-of-the-art report on the strain rate dependent mechanical properties of materials involved in reinforced concrete (RC) structures and the structural response of RC beams under low-velocity impact is presented. Due to the prevalence of plentiful equations to calculate the dynamic increase factor of concrete strength in compression and tension, future research is needed to reach a general consensus. Two empirical equations were derived based on previous test data, and the applicability of the proposed equations is demonstrated. With the interpretation of previous data in the light of authors' test results, the issue related to a change in failure mode from flexural failure under static loading to shear failure under impact loading is discussed. Finally, several issues related to the impact response of beams are raised, and the need for future research is identified.
PAISAGEM E TURISTIFICAÇÃO: ESTUDO DE CASO EM CANOA QUEBRADA E MAJORLÂNDIA, CE, BRASIL.
Authors: Souza Roberto Sakamoto Rezende de
Published: November 2015

O presente artigo tem como proposta uma análise do processo de turistificação e suas implicações na transformação da paisagem de localidades turísticas litorâneas no Brasil, através de um estudo de caso na região do município de Aracati, no Ceará. Peguntamo-nos inicialmente qual o motivo de Canoa Quebrada ser o destino turístico mais estruturado, e, portanto, preferido pelos turistas que procuram a região. Propõe-se como ponto de partida para a pesquisa a investigação do discurso das fontes oficiais de informação sobre o processo de desenvolvimento turístico da região e o seu confrontamento com observações realizadas em visita de campo.PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Paisagem. Turistificação. Canoa Quebrada. LANDSCAPE AND TOURISTIFICATION: CASE STUDY IN CANOA QUEBRADA AND MAJORLÂNDIA,CE, BRASIL. ABSTRACT: This article presents an analysis of the touristification's process and its implications on the transformation of touristic locations on the Brazilian coast, through a case study that took place in Aracari, located in the state of Ceará. Initially, we wondered what was the reason that made Canoa Quebrada be the most structured touristic destination and, therefore, becoming the tourists' favorite destination in the region. It was proposed as a starting point for research the investigation of information official sources' speeches on the touristic development process in the region and its confrontation with observation during site visits.                                               PAISAJE Y TURISTIFICACIÓN: ESTUDIO DE CASO EN CANOA QUEBRADA Y MAJORLÂNDIA, CE, BRASIL. RESUMEN: El presente artículo tiene como propuesta un análisis del proceso de “turistificación” y sus implicaciones en la transformación del paisaje de asentamientos turísticos costeros en Brasil, a través de un estudio de caso en la región del municipio de Aracati, en el Estado de Ceará. Inicialmente nos preguntamos cual es la razón de por qué Canoa Quebrada se configura como el destino turístico más consolidado en cuanto a infraestructura y servicios y, por lo tanto, preferido por los turistas que buscan la región. Se propone como punto de partida para la investigación el desarrollo de un marco teórico conformado por diversas fuentes oficiales de información sobre el proceso de desarrollo turístico de la región y su confrontación con observaciones realizadas en visita a terreno.
O CORREDOR TRANSFRONTEIRIÇO: INTERAÇÃO E INTEGRAÇÃO ENTRE O AMAPÁ E A GUIANA FRANCESA
Authors: Tostes José Alberto , Ferreira José Francisco Carvalho
Published: November 2015

Os territórios transfronteiriços se constituem, em simultâneo, espaços de características multifacetadas, natureza diversa e ambientes complexos e espaços de contato e articulação, de encontro e cooperação. Tratados, por muito tempo, como lugares periféricos, eles assumem-se, hoje, como espaços estratégicos. É neste contexto que este artigo propõe o Corredor Transfronteiriço como uma base reflexiva para compreender a interação e integração do Amapá (Brasil) com a Guiana Francesa (França), dois territórios de fronteira. O objetivo principal deste artigo é definir e apresentar o conceito de Corredor Transfronteiriço, oferendo uma possibilidade de entendimento e fortalecimento das relações sócio-políticas, ambientais e econômicas destes territórios, em todas as suas percepções. Palavras-Chave: Corredor Transfronteiriço; integração; territórios de Fronteira; Amapá; Guiana Francesa. TRANSBOUNDARY CORRIDOR: INTERACTION AND INTEGRATION BETWEEN AMAPÁ AND FRENCH GUYANA ABSTRACTCross-border territories are, simultaneously, multi-faceted, diverse and complex environments spaces and contact and articulation, holding and cooperation spaces. Treated, for a long time, as peripheral places, they take up today as strategic ones. In this context, this article proposes the Transboundary Corridor as a reflexive basis for understanding the interaction and integration of Amapá (Brazil) with French Guyana (France), two border territories. The main purpose of this article is to define and introduce the concept of Transboundary Corridor, offering a possibility of understanding and strengthening the socio-political, environmental and economic relations of these two territories, in all its perceptions. Keywords: Transboundary Corridor; integration; border territories; Amapá; French Guyana  EL CORREDOR TRANSFRONTEIRIZO: INTERACCIÓN E INTEGRACIÓN ENTRE O AMAPÁ E A GUYANA FRANCESA RESUMENLos Territorios transfronterizos son al mismo tiempo espacios de múltiples facetas, de naturaleza diversa y entornos complejos y espacios de contacto y reunión conjunta y cooperación. Tratada, largo tiempo, como lugares periféricos, son, hoy en día, espacios estratégicos. En este contexto, el presente artículo se propone el Corredor Fronterizo como base reflexiva para la comprensión de la interacción e integración de Amapá (Brasil) con la Guayana Francesa (Francia), dos territorios fronterizos. El propósito principal de este artículo es definir e introducir el concepto de Corredor Transfronterizo, que ofrece una posibilidad de entendimiento y fortalecimiento de las relaciones socio-políticas, ambientales y económicas de estos territorios y su potencial, en todas sus percepciones. Palabras clave: Corredor Transfronterizo; integración; territorios fronterizos; Amapá; Guyana Francesa.
ÁGUA E SANEAMENTO: A MÍDIA VERSUS OS DADOS
Authors: Medeiros Herika Bastos de , Souza Luis Gabriel Rodrigues , Araújo Maria Socorro da Silva
Published: November 2015

O objetivo desse trabalho é discutir o impacto ambiental e os efeitos dos poluentes ao meio ambientes. Ao mesmo tempo em que os dados de contaminação são divulgados, os governos, em contrapartida, apresentam na mídia planos para o futuro que não são cumpridos. Nesse sentido se faz imprescindível uma gestão ambiental comprometida com a sociedade, visando investimentos que realmente consigam apresentar retorno de melhoria de qualidade das águas. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Amazônia, Doenças de veiculação hídrica. Saneamento. AGUA Y SANEAMIENTO: LOS MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN FRENTE A LOS DATOS RESUMENEl objetivo de este trabajo es discutir el impacto ambiental y los efectos de los contaminantes para el medio ambiente. Al mismo tiempo que se comuniquen los datos de contaminación, los gobiernos, en cambio, característica en los medios de comunicación los planes para el futuro que no se cumplen. En este sentido si hace imprescindible gestión ambiental comprometida con la sociedad, con el objetivo de las inversiones que realmente pueden presentar retorno de mejora de la calidad del agua.   PALABRAS CLAVE: Amazonas, enfermedades transmitidas por el agua. Saneamiento.  WATER AND SANITATION: THE MEDIA VERSUS THE DATA SUMMARYThe objective of this work is to discuss the environmental impact and the effects of pollutants to the environment. At the same time that the contamination data are disclosed, Governments, in contrast, feature in the media plans for the future that are not met. In this sense if it makes essential environmental management committed to society, aiming at investments that really can submit return of water-quality improvement.   KEYWORDS: Amazon, waterborne diseases. Sanitation.
DESENVOLVIMENTO ARQUITETÔNICO DE JOÃO PESSOA ENTRE 1980 E 1990
Authors: Martins Rayssa Raphaely Souza
Published: November 2015

Este artigo aborda o desenvolvimento arquitetônico de João Pessoa – Paraíba entre os anos 1985 e 1994, a fim de identificar a repercussão da produção arquitetônica pós-moderna na capital pessoense e suas transformações na paisagem da cidade, através dos exemplares realizados na cidade e identificados através do referencial teórico. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Desenvolvimento arquitetônico; Pós-moderno; João Pessoa. ARCHITECTURAL DEVELOPMENT OF JOÃO PESSOA BETWEEN 1980 AND 1990 ABSTRACTThis article discusses the architectural development of João Pessoa - Paraíba between the years 1985 and 1994 in order to identify the impact of postmodern architectural production in pessoense capital and its transformations in the landscape of the city, through the copies held in the city and identified by the theoretical framework. KEYWORDS : Architectural Development; Postmodern; João Pessoa. EL DESARROLLO ARQUITECTÓNICO DE JOÃO PESSOA ENTRE 1980 Y 1990 RESUMENEste artículo aborda el desarrollo arquitectónico de João Pessoa - Paraíba entre los años 1985 y 1994 con el fin de identificar el impacto de la producción arquitectónica posmoderna en la capital pessoense y sus transformaciones en el paisaje de la ciudad, a través de las copias realizadas en la ciudad y identificadas por el marco teórico. PALABRAS CLAVE: Desarrollo Arquitectónico; Posmoderno; João Pessoa.
Is a European Practice of Mass Atrocity Prevention Emerging? The European Union, Responsibility to Protect and the 2011 Libya Crisis
Authors: De Franco Chiara , Rodt Annemarie Peen
Published: November 2015

Observers have classified the European Union (EU) as reluctant in its implementation of the “Responsibility to Protect” (R2P) (Task Force on the EU Prevention of Mass Atrocities, 2013). This contribution revisits that argument by employing a more nuanced interpretation of norm implementation than the binary conceptualisation typically applied. By appraising EU reactions to the 2011 Libyan crisis, we investigate whether a “European practice of mass atrocity prevention” is emerging and if so how this relates—or not—to R2P. We do this by investigating EU practices seeking to protect people from genocide, ethnic cleansing, war crimes and crimes against humanity—paying particular attention to the three pillars and four policy areas included in the R2P framework (ICISS, 2001). Our review of EU responses to Libya seeks to unveil whether and if so how EU practice related to mass atrocity prevention in that country rejected, adopted or indeed adapted R2P. The enquiry appraises both how R2P mattered to the EU response and how the Libya crisis affected the Union’s approach to mass atrocity prevention and within it R2P. In this way, the study asks how norms can change practice, but also how practice can change norms. As such, our focus is on the inter-relationship between principles and practices of protection.
Perpetrators, Presidents, and Profiteers: Teaching Genocide Prevention and Response through Classroom Simulation
Authors: Beorn Waitman Wade
Published: November 2015

Perhaps the most difficult aspect of genocide studies to impart to students is that of genocide prevention and response. However, without a critical understanding of these issues, our future leaders and policy makers may be at a disadvantage when faced with very real genocides. This article explores the benefits and challenges of teaching this topic through classroom simulation at the university level by discussing in-depth one simulation created and used by the author.
PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS IN SHAPING INVESTOR EXPECTATION ON CAPITAL MARKETS
Authors: Mikołajek-Gocejna Magdalena
Published: November 2015

Investor expectations about the course of future economic processes are one of the key factors influencing their decisions. It seems that expectations play a particular role because they constitute unobservable variables that can account for observable economic phenomena. Getting to know the process of how investor expectations are formed is a crucial element of description, interpretation and forecasting changes in the value of assets on financial markets, and especially changes in stock prices on capital markets which affect the value of publicly traded companies. The aim of this paper is to present the psychological factors shaping investor expectations and influencing the market value of companies, factors determining both the motivational and cognitive inclinations of investors. The main questions that arise from the background of the analysis conducted in this paper are: 1. whether awareness of the psychological determinants of investment decisions enables companies to consciously create long-term investor expectations, inspiring, in a sense, a more fundamental response from the capital market, 2. whether there is the potential to include investor expectations in the value-‑based management process and to make the transition from value-based management to expectations-based management.
THE APPLICATION OF BEHAVIOURAL FINANCE TO ENHANCE VOLUNTARY RETIREMENT SAVINGS – ARE THE SOLUTIONS UNIVERSAL AROUND THE WORLD?
Authors: Sieczkowski WOJCIECH
Published: November 2015

Behavioural finance is a promising solution to enhance voluntary retirement savings (VRS) and is gaining recognition around the world. Despite this, there may be some limitations to the transferability of its applications. This paper summarizes the key findings relevant to long-term savings and then analyses these aforementioned limitations, by first pointing to some methodological assumptions made, and then looking at the potential set of variables impacting the applications’ transferability.
Histological studies of cellular differentiation during somatic embryogenesis of coconut plumule-derived calli
Authors: Jayaraj K. Lakshmi , Bhavyashree U. , Fayas T.P. , Sajini K.K. , Rajesh M.K. , Karun Anitha
Published: November 2015

Since coconut is   one of the most recalcitrant species to generate in vitro, it is   necessary to study in detail about the cellular changes that occur during   somatic embryogenesis to enhance our knowledge about this phenomenon. In the   present study, coconut plumular tissues, the shoot meristem including leaf   primordia, were used as explants for in vitro regeneration studies.   Histological studies were carried out in different stages of plumule culture.   No noticeable growth was observed in 15 days old cultures. After 30 days,   meristematic cells could be identified. Abundance of meristematic cells,   foremost to the development of callus structures, was observed after 45 days.   After 75 days, globular friable calli were formed and histological studies   revealed the presence of meristematic centers which eventually formed somatic   embryos. The histological study of matured somatic embryos formed after 120   days of callus initiation showed a clear meristematic zone of parenchyma   cells, surrounded by vascular bundles. Histological studies, carried out for   certain abnormalities like compact calli, abnormal somatic embryoids with   rudimentary shoots and multiplied roots, revealed the presence of intact   cotyledonary leaves which seemed to inhibit the apical meristem development   of somatic embryoids. The presence of vascular bundles in the early stages of   callus formation might lead to the direct formation of meristemoids. These   results could aid future studies leading to enhanced control of the somatic   embryogenic process and greater efficiency of somatic embryo and plantlet   formation in coconut.
In vitro multiplication of Coffea arabica F1 hybrid (S.2800) and its performance in the field
Authors: Muniswamy B. , Sreenath H.L. , Samuel Stephen D. , Jayarama J.
Published: November 2015

See the pdf file here http://indsocplantationcrops.in/journal.php#
Growth and yield performance of Trinidad cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) collections in Karnataka
Authors: Apshara S. Elain
Published: November 2015

<span style="color: black; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;" lang="EN-GB">Please see the pdf file here: http://indsocplantationcrops.in/journal.php
Cumulative effects of insecticides on generalist predators and parasitoid population in cocoa ecosystem
Authors: Alagar M.
Published: November 2015

<span style="color: black; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;" lang="EN-GB">Please see the pdf file here: http://indsocplantationcrops.in/journal.php
Synthesis, biological evaluation and docking analysis of substituted piperidines and (2-methoxyphenyl)piperazines
Authors: Penjisevic Jelena , Sukalovic Vladimir , Andric Deana , Roglic Goran , Novakovic Irena , Soskic Vukic , Kostic-Rajacic Sladjana
Published: November 2015

A series of sixteen novel substituted piperidines and
(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazines were synthesized, starting from the key
intermediates 1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-4-(piperidin-4-yl)piperazine and
1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-4-(piperidin-4-ylmethyl)piperazine. Biological
evaluation of the synthesized compounds was pointed out for seven compounds,
of which 1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-4-{[1-(2-nitrobenzyl)piperidin-4-yl]methyl}piperazine
had the highest affinity for the dopamine D2 receptor. For all seven
selected compounds docking analysis was performed in order to establish
their structure-to-activity relationship.
Invisible Cyclists and Disappearing Cycles
Authors: Joshi Rutul , Joseph Yogi
Published: November 2015

Cycles are fast disappearing from the urban landscape, popular culture, and everyday life in India. The marginalization of cycling is seen in the backdrop of an emerging automobile culture linked with rising incomes, post-liberalization and skewed notions of modernity. The continued dominance of motorized modes seeks to claim a larger share of road space mirroring the social power structure. The majority of urban cyclists in India are low-income workers or school-going children. Despite the emergence of a subculture of recreational cycling among higher-income groups, everyday cycling confronts social bias and neglect in urban policies and public projects. The rhetoric of sustainability and equity in the National Urban Transport Policy 2006 and pro-cycling initiatives in “best practice” transit projects are subverted by not building adequate enabling infrastructure. This article presents an overview of contentious issues related to cycling in Indian cities by examining the politics of inclusion and exclusion in urban policies.
Beyond Blank Spaces
Authors: Khatun Samia
Published: November 2015

From the 1860s, the colonial settlement of Beltana in the northern deserts of South Australia emerged as a transportation hub atop an existing, cosmopolitan center of Aboriginal trade. Viewing a colonial settlement on Kuyani land through a mobilities paradigm, this article examines intersecting settler and Aboriginal trajectories of movement through Beltana, illuminating their complex entanglements. Challenging the imperial myth of emptiness that shaped how Europeans saw the lands they invaded, this article renders visible the multiple imaginative geographies that existed at every colonial settlement. Examining mobility along Kuyani and Wangkangurru tracks alongside British mobilities, this article makes a methodological argument for writing multiaxial histories of settler colonialism.
Surgical anatomy and utility of pedicled vascularized tissue flaps for multilayered repair of skull base defects
Authors: Safavi-Abbasi Sam , Komune Noritaka , Archer Jacob B. , Sun Hai , Theodore Nicholas , James Jeffrey , Little Andrew S. , Nakaji Peter , Sughrue Michael E. , Rhoton Albert L. , Spetzler Robert F.
Published: November 2015

OBJECT

The objective of this study was to describe the surgical anatomy and technical nuances of various vascularized tissue flaps.

METHODS

The surgical anatomy of various tissue flaps and their vascular pedicles was studied in 5 colored silicone-injected anatomical specimens. Medical records were reviewed of 11 consecutive patients who underwent repair of extensive skull base defects with a combination of various vascularized flaps.

RESULTS

The supraorbital, supratrochlear, superficial temporal, greater auricular, and occipital arteries contribute to the vascular supply of the pericranium. The pericranial flap can be designed based on an axial blood supply. Laterally, various flaps are supplied by the deep or superficial temporal arteries. The nasoseptal flap is a vascular pedicled flap based on the nasoseptal artery. Patients with extensive skull base defects can undergo effective repair with dual flaps or triple flaps using these pedicled vascularized flaps.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple pedicled flaps are available for reconstitution of the skull base. Knowledge of the surgical anatomy of these flaps is crucial for the skull base surgeon. These vascularized tissue flaps can be used effectively as single or combination flaps. Multilayered closure of cranial base defects with vascularized tissue can be used safely and may lead to excellent repair outcomes.
Intracranial application of near-infrared light in a hemi-parkinsonian rat model: the impact on behavior and cell survival
Authors: Reinhart Florian , Massri Nabil El , Chabrol Claude , Cretallaz Celine , Johnstone Daniel M. , Torres Napoleon , Darlot Fannie , Costecalde Thomas , Stone Jonathan , Mitrofanis John , Benabid Alim-Louis , Moro Cécile
Published: November 2015

OBJECT

The authors of this study used a newly developed intracranial optical fiber device to deliver near-infrared light (NIr) to the midbrain of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned rats, a model of Parkinson’s disease. The authors explored whether NIr had any impact on apomorphine-induced turning behavior and whether it was neuroprotective.

METHODS

Two NIr powers (333 nW and 0.16 mW), modes of delivery (pulse and continuous), and total doses (634 mJ and 304 J) were tested, together with the feasibility of a midbrain implant site, one considered for later use in primates. Following a striatal 6-OHDA injection, the NIr optical fiber device was implanted surgically into the midline midbrain area of Wistar rats. Animals were tested for apomorphine-induced rotations, and then, 23 days later, their brains were aldehyde fixed for routine immunohistochemical analysis.

RESULTS

The results showed that there was no evidence of tissue toxicity by NIr in the midbrain. After 6-OHDA lesion, regardless of mode of delivery or total dose, NIr reduced apomorphine-induced rotations at the stronger, but not at the weaker, power. The authors found that neuroprotection, as assessed by tyrosine hydroxylase expression in midbrain dopaminergic cells, could account for some, but not all, of the observed behavioral improvements; the groups that were associated with fewer rotations did not all necessarily have a greater number of surviving cells. There may have been other “symptomatic” elements contributing to behavioral improvements in these rats.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, when delivered at the appropriate power, delivery mode, and dosage, NIr treatment provided both improved behavior and neuroprotection in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats.
Magnetic resonance imaging artifact following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with a trabecular metal cage
Authors: Elliott Cameron A. , Fox Richard , Ashforth Robert , Gourishankar Sita , Nataraj Andrew
Published: November 2015

OBJECT

This study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of postoperative MRI artifact on the assessment of ongoing spinal cord or nerve root compression after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) using a trabecular tantalum cage or bone autograft or allograft.

METHODS

The authors conducted a retrospective review of postoperative MRI studies of patients treated surgically for cervical disc degenerative disease or cervical instability secondary to trauma. Standard ACDF with either a trabecular tantalum cage or interbody bone graft had been performed. Postoperative MR images were shown twice in random order to each of 3 assessors (2 spine surgeons, 1 neuroradiologist) to determine whether the presence of a tantalum interbody cage and/or anterior cervical fixation plate or screws imparted MRI artifact significant enough to prevent reliable postoperative assessment of ongoing spinal cord or nerve root compression.

RESULTS

A total of 63 patients were identified. One group of 29 patients received a tantalum interbody cage, with 13 patients (45%) undergoing anterior plate fixation. A second group of 34 patients received bone auto- or allograft, with 23 (68%) undergoing anterior plate fixation. The paramagnetic implant construct artifact had minimal impact on visualization of postoperative surgical level spinal cord compression. In the cage group, 98% (171/174) of the cases were rated as assessable versus 99% in the bone graft group (201/204), with high intraobserver reliability. In contrast, for the assessment of ongoing surgical level nerve root compression, the presence of a tantalum cage significantly decreased visualization of nerve roots to 70% (121/174) in comparison with 85% (173/204) in the bone graft group (p < 0.001). When sequences using turbo spin echo (TSE), a T2-weighted axial sequence, were acquired, nerve roots were rated as assessable in 88% (69/78) of cases; when only axial T2-weighted sequences were available, the nerve roots were rated as assessable in 54% (52/96) of cases (p < 0.01). The presence of anterior plate fixation had minimal impact on visualization of the spinal cord (99% [213/216] for plated cases vs 98% [159/162] for nonplated cases; p = 1.0) or nerve roots (79% [170/216] for plated cases vs 77% [124/162] for nonplated cases; p = 0.62).

CONCLUSIONS

Interbody fusion with tantalum cage following anterior cervical discectomy imparts significant paramagnetic artifact, which significantly decreases visualization and assessment of ongoing surgical level nerve root, but not spinal cord, compression. Anterior plate constructs do not affect visualization of these structures. TSE T2-weighted sequences significantly improve nerve root visualization and should be performed as part of a standard postoperative protocol when imaging the cervical spine following interbody implantation of materials with potential for paramagnetic artifact.
Neuron-derived orphan receptor 1 transduces survival signals in neuronal cells in response to hypoxia-induced apoptotic insults
Authors: Chio Chung-Ching , Wei Li , Chen Tyng Guey , Lin Chien-Min , Shieh Ja-Ping , Yeh Poh-Shiow , Chen Ruei-Ming
Published: November 2015

OBJECT

Hypoxia can induce cell death or trigger adaptive mechanisms to guarantee cell survival. Neuron-derived orphan receptor 1 (NOR-1) works as an early-response protein in response to a variety of environmental stresses. In this study, the authors evaluated the roles of NOR-1 in hypoxia-induced neuronal insults.

METHODS

Neuro-2a cells were exposed to oxygen/glucose deprivation (OGD). Cell viability, cell morphology, cas-pase-3 activity, DNA fragmentation, and cell apoptosis were assayed to determine the mechanisms of OGD-induced neuronal insults. RNA and protein analyses were carried out to evaluate the effects of OGD on expressions of NOR-1, cAMP response element-binding (CREB), and cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein 2 (cIAP2) genes. Translations of these gene expressions were knocked down using RNA interference. Mice subjected to traumatic brain injury (TBI) and NOR-1 was immunodetected.

RESULTS

Exposure of neuro-2a cells to OGD decreased cell viability in a time-dependent manner. Additionally, OGD led to cell shrinkage, DNA fragmentation, and cell apoptosis. In parallel, treatment of neuro-2a cells with OGD time dependently increased cellular NOR-1 mRNA and protein expressions. Interestingly, administration of TBI also augmented NOR-1 levels in the impacted regions of mice. As to the mechanism, exposure to OGD increased nuclear levels of the transcription factor CREB protein. Downregulating CREB expression using RNA interference simultaneously inhibited OGD-induced NOR-1 mRNA expression. Also, levels of cIAP2 mRNA and protein in neuro-2a cells were augmented by OGD. After reducing cIAP2 translation, OGD-induced cell death was reduced. Sequentially, application of NOR-1 small interfering RNA to neuro-2a cells significantly inhibited OGD-induced cIAP2 mRNA expression and concurrently alleviated hypoxia-induced alterations in cell viability, caspase-3 activation, DNA damage, and cell apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that NOR-1 can transduce survival signals in neuronal cells responsible for hypoxiainduced apoptotic insults through activation of a CREB/cIAP2-dependent mechanism.
Early craniometric tools as a predecessor to neurosurgical stereotaxis
Authors: Serletis Demitre , Pait T. Glenn
Published: November 2015

In this paper the authors trace the history of early craniometry, referring to the technique of obtaining cranial measurements for the accurate correlation of external skull landmarks to specific brain regions. Largely drawing on methods from the newly emerging fields of physical anthropology and phrenology in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, basic mathematical concepts were combined with simplistic (yet at the time, innovative) mechanical tools, leading to the first known attempts at craniocerebral topography. It is important to acknowledge the pioneers of this pre-imaging epoch, who applied creativity and ingenuity to tackle the challenge of reproducibly and reliably accessing a specific target in the brain. In particular, with the emergence of Broca’s theory of cortical localization, in vivo craniometric tools, and the introduction of 3D coordinate systems, several innovative devices were conceived that subsequently paved the way for modern-day stereotactic techniques. In this context, the authors present a comprehensive and systematic review of the most popular craniometric tools developed during this time period (prior to the stereotactic era) for the purposes of craniocerebral measurement and target localization.
Decompressive hemicraniectomy: predictors of functional outcome in patients with ischemic stroke
Authors: Daou Badih , Kent Anthony P. , Montano Maria , Chalouhi Nohra , Starke Robert M. , Tjoumakaris Stavropoula , Rosenwasser Robert H. , Jabbour Pascal
Published: November 2015

OBJECT

Patients presenting with large-territory ischemic strokes may develop intractable cerebral edema that puts them at risk of death unless intervention is performed. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of outcome for decompressive hemicraniectomy (DH) in ischemic stroke.

METHODS

The authors conducted a retrospective electronic medical record review of 1624 patients from 2006 to 2014. Subjects were screened for DH secondary to ischemic stroke involving the middle cerebral artery, internal carotid artery, or both. Ninety-five individuals were identified. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed for an array of clinical variables in relationship to functional outcome according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Clinical outcome was assessed at 90 days and at the latest follow-up (mean duration 16.5 months).

RESULTS

The mean mRS score at 90 days and at the latest follow-up post-DH was 4. Good functional outcome was observed in 40% of patients at 90 days and in 48% of patient at the latest follow-up. The mortality rate at 90 days was 18% and at the last follow-up 20%. Univariate analysis identified a greater likelihood of poor functional outcome (mRS scores of 4–6) in patients with a history of stroke (OR 6.54 [95% CI1.39–30.66]; p = 0.017), peak midline shift (MLS) > 10 mm (OR 3.35 [95% CI 1.33–8.47]; p = 0.011), or a history of myocardial infarction (OR 8.95 [95% CI1.10–72.76]; p = 0.04). Multivariate analysis demonstrated elevated odds of poor functional outcome associated with a history of stroke (OR 9.14 [95% CI 1.78–47.05]; p = 0.008), MLS > 10 mm (OR 5.15 [95% CI 1.58–16.79; p = 0.007), a history of diabetes (OR 5.63 [95% CI 1.52–20.88]; p = 0.01), delayed time from onset of stroke to DH (OR 1.32 [95% CI 1.02–1.72]; p = 0.037), and evidence of pupillary dilation prior to DH (OR 4.19 [95% CI 1.06–16.51]; p = 0.04). Patients with infarction involving the dominant hemisphere had higher odds of unfavorable functional outcome at 90 days (OR 4.73 [95% CI 1.36–16.44]; p = 0.014), but at the latest follow-up, cerebral dominance was not significantly related to outcome (OR 1.63 [95% CI 0.61–4.34]; p = 0.328).

CONCLUSIONS

History of stroke, diabetes, myocardial infarction, peak MLS > 10 mm, increasing duration from onset of stroke to DH, and presence of pupillary dilation prior to intervention are associated with a worse functional outcome.
Periventricular anastomosis in moyamoya disease: detecting fragile collateral vessels with MR angiography
Authors: Funaki Takeshi , Takahashi Jun C. , Yoshida Kazumichi , Takagi Yasushi , Fushimi Yasutaka , Kikuchi Takayuki , Mineharu Yohei , Okada Tomohisa , Morimoto Takaaki , Miyamoto Susumu
Published: November 2015

OBJECT

The authors’ aim in this paper was to determine whether periventricular anastomosis, a novel term for the abnormal collateral vessels typical of moyamoya disease, is reliably measured with MR angiography and is associated with intracranial hemorrhage.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study sampled consecutive patients with moyamoya disease or moyamoya syndrome at a single institution. Periventricular anastomoses were detected using MR angiography images reformatted as sliding-thin-slab maximum-intensity-projection coronal images and were scored according to 3 subtypes: lenticulostriate, thalamic, and choroidal types. The association between periventricular anastomosis and hemorrhagic presentation at onset was evaluated using multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Of 136 eligible patients, 122 were analyzed. Eighteen (14.8%) patients presented with intracranial hemorrhage with neurological symptoms at onset. Intra- and interrater agreement for rating of the periventricular anastomosis score was good (κw = 0.65 and 0.70, respectively). The prevalence of hemorrhagic presentation increased with the periventricular anastomosis score: 2.8% for Score 0, 8.8% for Score 1, 18.9% for Score 2, and 46.7% for Score 3 (p < 0.01 for trend). Univariate analysis revealed that age (p = 0.02) and periventricular anastomosis score (p < 0.01) were factors tentatively associated with hemorrhagic presentation. The score remained statistically significant after adjustment for age (OR 3.38 [95% CI 1.84–7.00]).

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that periventricular anastomosis detected with MR angiography can be scored with good intra- and interrater reliability and is associated with hemorrhagic presentation at onset in moyamoya disease. The clinical utility of periventricular anastomosis as a predictor for hemorrhage should be validated in further prospective studies.
Screening via CT angiogram after traumatic cervical spine fractures: narrowing imaging to improve cost effectiveness. Experience of a Level I trauma center
Authors: Lockwood Megan M. , Smith Gabriel A. , Tanenbaum Joseph , Lubelski Daniel , Seicean Andreea , Pace Jonathan , Benzel Edward C. , Mroz Thomas E. , Steinmetz Michael P.
Published: November 2015

OBJECT

Screening for vertebral artery injury (VAI) following cervical spine fractures is routinely performed across trauma centers in North America. From 2002 to 2007, the total number of neck CT angiography (CTA) studies performed in the Medicare population after trauma increased from 9796 to 115,021. In the era of cost-effective medical care, the authors aimed to evaluate the utility of CTA screening in detecting VAI and reduce chances of posterior circulation strokes after traumatic cervical spine fractures.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all patients presenting with cervical spine fractures to Northeast Ohio’s Level I trauma institution from 2002 to 2012 was performed.

RESULTS

There was a total of 1717 cervical spine fractures in patients presenting to Northeast Ohio’s Level I trauma institution between 2002 and 2012. CTA screening was performed in 732 patients, and 51 patients (0.7%) were found to have a VAI. Fracture patterns with increased odds of VAI were C-1 and C-2 combined fractures, transverse foramen fractures, and subluxation of adjacent vertebral levels. Ten posterior circulation strokes were identified in this patient population (0.6%) and found in only 4 of 51 cases of VAI (7.8%). High-risk fractures defined by Denver Criteria, VAI, and antiplatelet treatment of VAI were not independent predictors of stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

Cost-effective screening must be reevaluated in the setting of blunt cervical spine fractures on a case-by-case basis. Further prospective studies must be performed to elucidate the utility of screening for VAI and posterior circulation stroke prevention, if identified.
Correlation of quality of life and functional outcome measures for cervical spondylotic myelopathy
Authors: Lubelski Daniel , Alvin Matthew D. , Nesterenko Sergiy , Sundar Swetha J. , Thompson Nicolas R. , Benzel Edward C. , Mroz Thomas E.
Published: November 2015

OBJECT

Studies comparing surgical treatments for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) are heterogeneous, using a variety of different quality of life (QOL) outcomes and myelopathy-specific measures. This study sought to evaluate the relationship of these measures to each other, and to better understand their use in evaluating patients with CSM.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed in all patients with CSM who underwent either ventral or dorsal cervical spine surgery at a single tertiary-care institution between January 2008 and July 2013. Severity of myelopathy was assessed pre- and postoperatively using both the Nurick scale and the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) classification of disability. Prospectively collected QOL outcomes data included Pain Disability Questionnaire (PDQ), Patient Health Questionnaire–9 (PHQ-9), and EQ-5D. Spearman rank correlations were calculated to assess the construct convergent validity for each pair of health status measures (HSMs). To assess each HSM’s ability to discriminate favorable EQ-5D index, we performed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and assessed the area under the curve (AUC).

RESULTS

A total of 119 patients were included. The PDQ total score had the highest correlation with EQ-5D index (Spearman’s rho = −0.82). Neither of the myelopathy scales (mJOA or Nurick) had strong correlations between themselves (0.41) or with the other QOL measures (absolute value range 0.13–0.49). In contrast, the QOL measures correlated relatively well with each other (absolute value range 0.68–0.97). For predicting favorable EQ-5D outcomes, PDQ total score had an AUC of 0.909. The AUCs were significantly greater for the QOL measures in comparison with the myelopathy measures (AUCs were 0.677 and 0.607 for mJOA and Nurick scale scores, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The authors found that all included measures of QOL and CSM-specific (mJOA or Nurick scale) measures were valid and responsive. The PDQ was the most predictive of positive QOL after surgery (as measured by the EQ-5D index) for patients with CSM. The substantially lower correlation between myelopathy and QOL outcomes, compared with the various QOL measures themselves, suggests that these questionnaires are measuring different aspects of the patient experience. Solely assessing the myelopathy or disease-specific signs and symptoms is likely insufficient to fully understand and appreciate clinical outcome in its totality. These questionnaire types should be used together to best evaluate patients pre- and postoperatively.
Mild traumatic brain injury in children is associated with a low risk for posttraumatic seizures
Authors: Huguenard Anna L. , Miller Brandon A. , Sarda Samir , Capasse Meredith , Reisner Andrew , Chern Joshua J.
Published: November 2015

OBJECT

Of the 1.7 million traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in the US, a third occur in patients under 14 years of age. The rate of posttraumatic epilepsy (PTE) may be as high as 19% after severe pediatric TBI, but the risk for seizures after mild TBI is unknown. Although the rate of seizures after mild TBI may be low, current practice is often driven by high clinical concern for posttraumatic seizures. In this study, the authors evaluated electroencephalography (EEG) results and antiepileptic drug (AED) use in a large cohort of children with mild TBI to estimate the incidence of posttraumatic seizures in this population.

METHODS

Patients presenting to Children’s Hospital of Atlanta for mild TBI from 2010 to 2013 were evaluated. Five thousand one hundred forty-eight patients with mild TBI were studied and divided into 3 groups: 4168 who were discharged from the emergency department, 868 who were admitted without neurosurgical intervention, and 112 who underwent neurosurgical procedures (craniotomy for hematoma evacuation or elevation of depressed skull fractures) but were discharged without an extended stay. Demographic information, CT characteristics, EEG reports, and prescriptions for AEDs were analyzed. Long-term follow-up was sought for all patients who underwent EEG. Correlation between EEG result and AED use was also evaluated.

RESULTS

All patients underwent head CT, and admitted patients were more likely to have an abnormal study (p < 0.0001). EEG evaluations were performed for less than 1.0% of patients in all 3 categories, without significant differences between groups (p = 0.97). Clinicians prescribed AEDs in less than 2.0% of patients for all groups, without significant differences between groups (p = 0.094). Even fewer children continue to see a neurologist for long-term seizure management. The EEG result had good negative predictive value, but only an abnormal EEG reading that was diagnostic of seizures correlated significantly with AED prescription (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

EEG utilization and AED prescription was low in all 3 groups, indicating that seizures following mild TBI are likely rare events. EEG has good negative predictive value for patients who did not receive AEDs, but has poorer positive predictive value for AED use.
Clinical significance of changes in pB–C2 distance in patients with Chiari Type I malformations following posterior fossa decompression: a single-institution experience
Authors: Bonney Phillip A. , Maurer Adrian J. , Cheema Ahmed A. , Duong Quyen , Glenn Chad A. , Safavi-Abbasi Sam , Stoner Julie A. , Mapstone Timothy B.
Published: November 2015

OBJECT

The coexistence of Chiari malformation Type I (CM-I) and ventral brainstem compression (VBSC) has been well documented, but the change in VBSC after posterior fossa decompression (PFD) has undergone little investigation. In this study the authors evaluated VBSC in patients with CM-I and determined the change in VBSC after PFD, correlating changes in VBSC with clinical status and the need for further intervention.

METHODS

Patients who underwent PFD for CM-I by the senior author from November 2005 to January 2013 with complete radiological records were included in the analysis. The following data were obtained: objective measure of VBSC (pB–C2 distance); relationship of odontoid to Chamberlain’s, McGregor’s, McRae’s, and Wackenheim’s lines; clival length; foramen magnum diameter; and basal angle. Statistical analyses were performed using paired t-tests and a mixed-effects ANOVA model.

RESULTS

Thirty-one patients were included in the analysis. The mean age of the cohort was 10.0 years. There was a small but statistically significant increase in pB–C2 postoperatively (0.5 mm, p < 0.0001, mixed-effects ANOVA). Eleven patients had postoperative pB–C2 values greater than 9 mm. The mean distance from the odontoid tip to Wackenheim’s line did not change after PFD, signifying postoperative occipitocervical stability. No patients underwent transoral odontoidectomy or occipitocervical fusion. No patients experienced clinical deterioration after PFD.

CONCLUSIONS

The increase in pB–C2 in patients undergoing PFD may occur as a result of releasing the posterior vector on the ventral dura, allowing it to relax posteriorly. This increase appears to be well-tolerated, and a postoperative pB–C2 measurement of more than 9 mm in light of stable craniocervical metrics and a nonworsened clinical examination does not warrant further intervention.
GSK-3β is Dephosphorylated by PP2A in a Leu309 Methylation-Independent Manner
Authors: Chu Dandan , Tan Jianxin , Xie Shutao , Jin Nana , Yin Xiaomin , Gong Cheng-Xin , Iqbal Khalid , Liu Fei
Published: November 2015

Hyperphosphorylation of tau is pivotally involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related tauopathies. Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) and protein phosphate 2A (PP2A) are crucial enzymes to regulate tau phosphorylation. GSK-3β activity is regulated by its inhibitory phosphorylation at Ser9. We previously reported the cross-talk between GSK-3β and PP2A signaling and showed that PP2A could dephosphorylate GSK-3β at Ser9. Here, we investigated the dephosphorylation of GSK-3β in brain extracts in the presence of phosphatase inhibitors and found that a PP2A-like phosphatase activity was required for dephosphorylation of GSK-3β at Ser9. PP2A interacted with GSK-3β and suppressed its Ser9 phosphorylation in vitro and in HEK-293FT cells. Activity of PP2A negatively correlated to the level of phosphorylated GSK-3β in kainic acid-induced excitotoxic mouse brain. Alteration of methylation of the catalytic subunit of PP2A (PP2Ac) at Leu309 did not affect GSK-3β phosphorylation. These findings suggest that Leu309 methylation is not required for PP2A to dephosphorylate GSK-3β at Ser9.