bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Young Woman Presenting with Psychotic and Mood Symptoms from Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor (NMDA-R) Encephalitis: An Emerging Diagnosis
Authors: Yuan Neal , Glezer Anna
Published: March 2014

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) encephalitis, first characterized in 2005, is a neurological disease with prominent psychiatric features that frequently involves the consultation of psychiatrists. Since its discovery, the rate of diagnosis of new cases has increased rapidly and several epidemiological studies now confirm that NMDA-R encephalitis may be as common as many other prominent infectious etiologies of encephalitis. We describe a case of a young woman presenting initially with psychotic and mood symptoms who was found to have anti-NMDA-R encephalitis. We further provide details of her treatment and prolonged recovery process after hospital discharge with a review of the literature and discussion of the epidemiology, symptomology, diagnosis, and management of both the neurologic and psychiatric manifestations of this condition. Last, we contextualize the importance of anti-NMDA-R encephalitis for psychiatrists, highlighting the role for psychiatrists in establishing the initial diagnosis as well as in providing ongoing psychiatric care.
A new procedure for the treatment of an industrial waste containing flotation reagents
Authors: Milosavljevic Milutin , Mijin Dusan , Konstantinovic Sandra , Elezovic Natasa , Takic Ljiljana , Drazevic Ljubinka
Published: March 2014

Flotation reagents can be transformed to industrial waste if they are stored
for a long period of time. Also, if synthesis or drying process is not
performed under defined conditions in industrial plants, which produce
flotation reagents, batch of waste may arise and be stored as a waste. The
chemical composition of this waste depends on the phase in which it was
created, but typically includes: unreacted alkali hydroxide, solvent -
alcohol and trithiocarbonate and oxidation product - dixanthogenate. In this
paper a new laboratory procedure for the treatment of such wastes is
described. The identification and separation of industrial waste components
is also included. From the separated dixantogenate and xanthate a laboratory
synthesis of thioncarbamates is given. In addition, a semi-industrial
treatment of waste xanthate is presented. Synthesis of N-alkyl and
N,N-dialkyl-O-isobutylthioncarbamates were obtained from the filtrate
obtained in the first step. As a by-product, sodium thioglycolate was
produced. This by-product is transformed to a thioglycolic acid by the
addition of an acid. Also, the synthesis of thioncarbamates from
dixanthogenates, isolated from industrial waste as a cake, is desribed.
Described waste treatment is additionally interesting due to the production
of sulphur as another by-product. Laboratory synthesis gave thioncarbamates
in yields from 69.7 to 87.7 %, while the semi-industrial process for the
selected batches produced thioncarbamates in yields from 74.2 to 80.5 %.
Taking into account the importance of the synthesized compounds as selective
flotation reagents, a new procedure of their synthesis from industrial waste
is characterized by good yields and purity of the obtained compounds, the
simplicity of process, low environmental impact and short reaction times of
synthesis.
Morphometric parameters as risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament injuries: A MRI case-control study
Authors: Stijak Lazar , Bumbasirevic Marko , Kadija Marko , Stankovic Gordana , Herzog Richard , Filipovic Branislav
Published: March 2014

Background/Aim. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most frequently
injured ligament of the knee, representing 50% of all knee injuries. The aim
of this study was to determine the differences in the morphometry of knee
injury patients with an intact and a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
Methods. The study included 33 matched pairs of patients divided into two
groups: the study group with the diagnosis of anterior cruciate ligament
rupture, and the control group with the diagnosis of patellofemoral pain but
no anterior cruciate ligament lesion. The patients were matched on the basis
of 4 attributes: age, sex, type of lesion (whether it was profession-
related), and whether the lesion was left- or right-sided. Measurements were
carried out using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results. The anterior and
posterior edges of the anterior cruciate ligament in the control group were
highly significantly smaller (p < 0.01; in both cases). The control group
showed a statistically significantly larger width of the anterior cruciate
ligament (p < 0.05). A significant correlation between the width of the
anterior cruciate ligament and the width (p < 0.01) and height (p < 0.05) of
the intercondylar notch was found to exist in the control group, but not in
the study group (p > 0.05). The patients in the control group showed a
shorter but wider anterior cruciate ligament in comparison to their matched
pairs. The control group of patients was also characterized by the
correlation between the width of the intercondylar notch and the width of the
anterior cruciate ligament, which was not the case in the study group.
Conclusions. According to the results of our study we can say that a narrow
intercondylar notch contains a proportionally thin anterior cruciate
ligament, but we cannot say that this factor necessarily leads to rupture of
the anterior cruciate ligament.
Smallpox and globalization or the first achieved plannetary goal
Authors: Suvakovic Uros , Baljosevic Stevan , Obradovic Zarko
Published: March 2014

nema
Thermal oxidation of irradiated magnetic fluids and their component surfactants and dispersing oils
Authors: Zaharescu Traian , Setnescu Radu , Borbath Istvan
Published: March 2014

Magnetic fluid applications require stability under demanding conditions. Complete magnetic fluids and their component surfactants and dispersing oils were irradiated. Their subsequent thermal oxidation was characterized by chemiluminescence and DSC. Except for polyisobutylsuccinic anhydride, irradiation sensitized the components toward oxidation. The components were ranked by stability. Complete fluids were more stable than would be predicted from their components suggesting that they may be used for nuclear applications.
Nasal Peak Inspiratory and Expiratory Flow Measurements for Assessing Nasal Obstruction in Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Kirtsreesakul Virat , Leelapong Jitanong , Ruttanaphol Suwalee
Published: March 2014

Background

Although nasal peak flow measurements have been proposed as a simple alternative method to assess nasal patency, which of nasal peak expiratory flow or nasal peak inspiratory flow (NPEF/NPIF) or the peak expiratory flow index or peak inspiratory flow index (PEFI/PIFI; the ratios between nasal and oral PEF or nasal and oral PIF, respectively) is the more accurate method is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between NPEF, NPIF, PEFI, and PIFI, and blocked nose score (BNS) and mucociliary clearance time (MCCT) in diagnostic and follow-up assessments.

Methods

Ninety-nine allergic rhinitis (AR) patients were treated with 220 micrograms once daily of intranasal triamcinolone acetonide for 28 days. BNS, NPEF, NPIF, PEFI, and PIFI and MCCT were used to evaluate treatment outcome. Correlations of initial visit scores and score changes after treatment between peak flow rates and BNSs and MCCTs were analyzed.

Results

All nasal symptoms, peak flows, and MCCTs showed statistically significant improvements after the nasal steroid treatment. PEFI showed the best negative correlation with BNS and MCCTs, followed by PIFI, NPEF, and NPIF. Nasal peak flows showed better correlations with MCCTs than BNSs. Mean changes of peak flow rates between visits showed better correlation with BNSs and MCCTs than absolute values of peak flow rates at the initial visit.

Conclusion

Among nasal peak flow measurements, PEFI is the most appropriate objective tool for assessing nasal patency in AR. Peak flows can indicate underlying mucosal inflammation and are more sensitive to assess score changes after treatment than cross-sectional assessment at the initial visit.
Evaluation of Olfaction in Patients with Pemphigus Vulgaris
Authors: Meric Aysenur , Dogan Remzi , Veyseller Bayram , Su Ozlem , Ozucer Berke , Tugrul Selahattin , Ozturan Orhan
Published: March 2014

Background

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune disease characterized by acantholysis. PV decreases quality of life and leads to morbidity and mortality. Although the association between PV and otolaryngeal disease has been studied, its effect on olfaction has not been investigated objectively and quantitatively.

Methods

Twenty-eight patients with PV and 28 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Lesions were identified nasal endoscopic examination. Nasal symptoms (itching, obstruction, pain, bleeding, and crusting) were recorded. Volunteers were asked to evaluate the factor function via a visual analog scale. The Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center (CCCRC) olfactory test was performed (butanol threshold test and identification test), and the score was calculated as the mean ± SD.

Results

The mean age of the PV group (group 1: 10 male 18 female subjects) was 48.7 ± 8.9 years. The mean age of the control group (group 2: 17 male and 11 female subjects) was 48.0 ± 1.1 years. All nasal symptoms, except itching, were more severe in the PV group (p < 0.05). Nasal lesions were more common in the PV group (p = 0.0001). Evaluation of olfactory function revealed significantly lower score in the PV group for both the butanol threshold test and the identification testing as well as the CCCRC total score (p = 0.001). PV patients with nasal lesions had significantly more nasal symptoms (p < 0.05). A negative correlation was found between the number of lesions and the olfactory scores in group 1 for the butanol threshold test, identification testing, and the CCCRC total scores, respectively (p = 0.002, p = 0.010, and p = 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

PV causes olfactory dysfunction leading to eventual hyposmia that decreases quality of life. We suggest that olfactory testing be included in PV evaluation for the diagnosis and treatment of hyposmia, when necessary.
A Simple Animal Model of Staphylococcus Aureus Biofilm in Sinusitis
Authors: Jia Minghui , Chen Zhongchun , Du Xin , Guo Yongwei , Sun Tingyu , Zhao Xia
Published: March 2014

Background

Previous research suggested that the biofilm of Staphylococcus aureus contributes greatly to the recalcitrant nature of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). However, the lack of a simple and stable animal model limited further study in this field. The aim of this study was to ate a convenient animal model of S. aureus biofilms in the maxillary sinus of rabbit.

Methods

New Zealand white rabbits were used as model animals and incised vertically along the median line of the nasal dorsum to expose the anterolateral wall of maxillary sinus, on which a 1.5-mm-diameter hole was drilled to enter the sinus cavity. Through the hole, a piece of gelatin sponge was inserted and then inoculated bacterial suspension into the maxillary sinus. One to 8 weeks after the surgery, the sinus mucosa were harvested and examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining.

Results

All rabbits tolerated the surgical procedures and had developed sinusitis by the time they were killed. SEM revealed that biofilms were presented in 100% of rabbits who had bacteria infected for ≥2 weeks, during which the ciliated epithelial cells were encapsulated and gradually destroyed. H&E staining revealed morphological changes of the epithelial cells and infiltration of inflammatory cells in subepithelial layer, which showed a strong correlation with the results of SEM.

Conclusion

This biofilm model of sinusitis avoids excessive damage to the nasal cavity and sinuses of the rabbits. It may be a desirable animal model for studying the pathogenesis and eradication strategies of bacterial biofilms in sinusitis.
Management of Highly Placed Canine with Multi-Loop
Authors: Lim Dennis , Manandhar Pushkar , Basukala Dharma Laxmi
Published: March 2014

Maxillary canines are known as the corner stones of mouth. They are considered to be important for esthetics and for functional occlusion. Any disturbance in the eruption process leading to an aberrant position will hamper esthetics as well as function. Such conditions can be treated orthodontically in various ways including the alignment of canine into proper arch. This report describes two cases of leveling and alignment of highly placed canine into proper occlusion using multi-loop.
Comparison of Cleaning Power Between Alcohol Ethoxylates or Methyl Ester Ethoxylates Having Different EO Chain Lengths and a Common Anionic Surfactant
Authors: Nagai Yu , Togawa Natsumi , Tagawa Yumiko , Gotoh Keiko
Published: March 2014

Cleaning power of different surfactants was investigated using a model detergent system consisting of a PET film and stearic acid. Surfactants used were alcohol ethoxylates (AE, C12) and methyl ester ethoxylates (MEE, C12) with different ethylene oxide (EO) chain lengths. For comparison with these nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactant, sodium alkyl sulfate (AS, C12), was chosen. After depositing stearic acid, the PET film was cleaned in aqueous surfactant solutions by applying stirring as a mechanical action for soil removal. The amounts of stearic acid deposited on the PET film before and after the cleaning were obtained by binary processing of microscopic images of the PET film surface, from which the removal efficiency was calculated. The surface tension γ and the contact angle on the PET film θ of the surfactant solution were measured by the pendant drop and the sessile drop method, respectively. For the nonionic surfactants, critical micelle concentration, cmc, and γ and θ above cmc decreased with decreasing EO chain length. The removal efficiency of stearic acid increased with increasing surfactant concentration and further increase in the removal above cmc was observed in the cases of AE and MEE with EO chain length of 10. The removal efficiencies obtained in all systems had good relation with both γ and θ, indicating that the penetration of the surfactant solution between stearic acid and the PET film in the contact zone was a dominant factor in the soil removal in the present system.
Softening Effect of Bentonite and Redeposition of Solid Impurities on Washed Cotton Fabric
Authors: Carrion-Fite Francisco-Javier
Published: March 2014

The aim of this work is to propose a contribution to obtain an improvement in the redeposition of solid impurities on cotton fabric during washing with ecological surfactants and also the enhancement of their smoothness. For that purpose, sodium bentonite was added to the detergent formulations to produce a smoothing effect while washing, to obtain what is known as “softergent”. Thus, smoothing with this product, the necessity of adding softener in the last rinse during washing is eliminated, with the savings of softeners and time and more ecological waste water. This was possible given the excellent compatibility of the bentonite with all the components of the detergent. As a water-soluble inorganic salt, bentonite is environmentally friendly. The surfactants used in the detergent formulations were the anionic sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) and the two non-ionic surfactants, APG and AE with 7 m. EO, which were used separately and in mixtures of different proportions of anionic and non-ionic surfactants. The sodium bentonite (composed mainly of silicates and aluminates) was used with two types of particle size, without surface treatment and with and without ammoniumsilicone softener treatment to show the effect on their behaviour. The redeposition behaviour on the cotton fabric and the smoothness produced after washing with bentonite microparticles in the detergent formulation, depending on use of the surfactants alone or in the different proportions of anionic : non-ionic surfactants were measured. The smoothness of cotton fabrics produced by the bentonite microparticles after washing was evaluated by hand. A relationship between handle and inorganic ash contents was established. Also, the electrical double layer of the bentonites was measured in the presence of the surfactants tested.
Physicochemical Characterization and in vivo Skin Performance of a Novel Alkyl Polyglucoside Emulsifier in Natural Cosmetic Cream-Bases
Authors: Markovic Dragana Bogdanovic , Tasic-Kostov Marija , Lukic Milica , Isailovic Tanja , Krstonosic Veljko , Daniels Rolf , Savic Snezana
Published: March 2014

Alkyl polyglucosides (APGs) are a perfect amphiphilic structure, with excellent surface activity and solubility feature. The aim of this study is to develop a simple system, with a relatively low emulsifier content, composed of materials mainly naturally based and with no additional fatty alcohol. Hydroxystearyl alcohol and Hydroxystearyl glucoside, prepared with Jojoba and Hazelnut oil, medium chain triglycerides with or without Xylitylglucoside and Anhydroxylitol and Xylitol, have been investigated by using microscopy, rheology, thermal analysis, pH and conductimetry. Cyclic stress and in vivo skin irritation tests were also conducted. The investigated natural APG emulsifier has a capacity to form simple and stable emulsions of desirable rheological profile with improved hydration potential and to renew damaged skin, thus it can be safely applied as stabilizer in cosmetic and prospective pharmaceutical cream-bases.
Complex negative adjectives in Japanese: The relation between syntactic and morphological constructions
Authors: Kishimoto Hideki , Booij Geert
Published: March 2014

Japanese has a fairly large set of complex adjectives formed by combining a noun with the adjective nai ‘null, empty’. The complex negative adjectives have the remarkable property that they allow nominative case marking to appear inside them optionally. We argue that these complex negative adjectives can be classified into three classes, and that the differences in their syntactic behaviour can be accounted for by positing three distinct morphosyntactic configurations (ranging from a fully phrasal structure to a complex word involving morphological compounding). Some, though not all, complex negative adjectives with case marking show a behaviour which suggests that they constitute single lexical units, while at the same time their components are susceptible to syntactic operations that normally do not apply to the internal structure of words. The data on the Japanese complex adjectives illustrate that adjectives formed via quasi-noun incorporation do not constitute words in a strict morphological sense, in that the entire complexes behave as lexical units, while their components remain visible syntactically.
Variations of Soil Lead in Different Land Uses Along the Urbanization Gradient in the Beijing Metropolitan Area
Authors: Mao Qizheng , Huang Ganlin , Ma Keming , Sun Zexiang
Published: March 2014

Understanding the spatial pattern of soil lead (Pb) levels is essential to protecting human health. Most previous studies have examined soil Pb distributions by either urbanization gradient or land-use type. Few studies, however, have examined both factors together. It remains unclear whether the impacts of land use on soil Pb levels are consistent along the urbanization gradient. To fill this gap, we investigated variations in soil Pb level under different land-use types along the urbanization gradient in Beijing, China. We classified the degree of urbanization as the urban core, transitional zone, or suburban area and the land-use type as industrial area, roadside, residential area, institutional area, road greenbelt, park, or forest. Our results showed that the range of soil Pb levels in Beijing is <1 mg/kg–292 mg/kg, with a mean of 22 mg/kg. Along the urbanization gradient, the mean soil Pb level increased from the suburban area to the urban core. Land-use types have an impact on soil Pb levels, however, when the degree of urbanization is considered, the impact from land use on soil Pb level was only significant in the transitional zone. Parks and road greenbelts were found to have lower soil Pb, primarily due to soil restoration. Roadside and residential areas were found to have higher soil Pb because of traffic emissions, leaded paint, and previous industrial contamination. In the urban core and suburban area, the soil Pb level showed no significant differences among various land-use types. Given the results of soil Pb in various land-use types, we suggest that future studies consider the urbanization gradient in which different land-use samples are located.
The Role of Chemokines in Hepatitis C Virus-Mediated Liver Disease
Authors: Brass Anette , Brenndörfer Erwin
Published: March 2014

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a global health problem affecting more than 170 million people. A chronic HCV infection is associated with liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. To enable viral persistence, HCV has developed mechanisms to modulate both innate and adaptive immunity. The recruitment of antiviral immune cells in the liver is mainly dependent on the release of specific chemokines. Thus, the modulation of their expression could represent an efficient viral escape mechanism to hamper specific immune cell migration to the liver during the acute phase of the infection. HCV-mediated changes in hepatic immune cell chemotaxis during the chronic phase of the infection are significantly affecting antiviral immunity and tissue damage and thus influence survival of both the host and the virus. This review summarizes our current understanding of the HCV-mediated modulation of chemokine expression and of its impact on the development of liver disease. A profound knowledge of the strategies used by HCV to interfere with the host’s immune response and the pro-fibrotic and pro-carcinogenic activities of HCV is essential to be able to design effective immunotherapies against HCV and HCV-mediated liver diseases.
Toxicological Assessment of Inhaled Nanoparticles: Role of in Vivo, ex Vivo, in Vitro, and in Silico Studies
Authors: Fröhlich Eleonore , Salar-Behzadi Sharareh
Published: March 2014

The alveolar epithelium of the lung is by far the most permeable epithelial barrier of the human body. The risk for adverse effects by inhaled nanoparticles (NPs) depends on their hazard (negative action on cells and organism) and on exposure (concentration in the inhaled air and pattern of deposition in the lung). With the development of advanced in vitro models, not only in vivo, but also cellular studies can be used for toxicological testing. Advanced in vitro studies use combinations of cells cultured in the air-liquid interface. These cultures are useful for particle uptake and mechanistic studies. Whole-body, nose-only, and lung-only exposures of animals could help to determine retention of NPs in the body. Both approaches also have their limitations; cellular studies cannot mimic the entire organism and data obtained by inhalation exposure of rodents have limitations due to differences in the respiratory system from that of humans. Simulation programs for lung deposition in humans could help to determine the relevance of the biological findings. Combination of biological data generated in different biological models and in silico modeling appears suitable for a realistic estimation of potential risks by inhalation exposure to NPs.
New Type-I and Type-II Clathrates in the Systems Cs–Na–Ga–Si, Rb–Na–Ga–Si, and Rb–Na–Zn–Si
Authors: Schäfer Marion , Bobev Svilen
Published: March 2014

Systematic studies in the systems Cs–Na–Ga–Si, Rb–Na–Ga–Si, and Rb–Na–Zn–Si yielded the novel type-I clathrates with refined compositions Cs6Na2Ga8.25Si37.75(3), Rb6.34Na1.66(2)Ga8.02Si37.98(3), and Rb5.20Na2.80(4)Zn3.85Si42.15(2) (cubic, ), as well as the type-II clathrates with formulae Cs8Na16Ga22.7Si113.3(1), Rb8.4Na15.6(1)Ga19.6Si116.4(1), and Rb8Na16Zn8.4Si127.6(1) (cubic, ). In each system, the type-I and -II compounds are always co-crystallizing, irrespective of the reaction conditions. The structures derived from single-crystal X-ray diffraction confirm complete ordering of Cs and Na atoms, and nearly complete ordering of the Rb and Na guest atoms. The framework-building Si atoms are randomly substituted by Ga or Zn atoms on all framework sites with notable difference in the substitution patterns between the type-I and type-II structure. This, and other details of the crystal chemistry are discussed in this paper.
Global Patterns of Material Flows and their Socio-Economic and Environmental Implications: A MFA Study on All Countries World-Wide from 1980 to 2009
Authors: Giljum Stefan , Dittrich Monika , Lieber Mirko , Lutter Stephan
Published: March 2014

This paper assesses world-wide patterns of material extraction, trade, consumption and productivity based on a new data set for economy-wide material flows, covering used materials for all countries world-wide between 1980 and 2009. We show that global material extraction has grown by more than 90% over the past 30 years and is reaching almost 70 billion tonnes today. Also, trade volumes in physical terms have increased by a factor of 2.5 over the past 30 years, and in 2009, 9.3 billion tonnes of raw materials and products were traded around the globe. China has turned into the biggest consumer of materials world-wide and together with the US, India, Brazil and Russia, consumes more than 50% of all globally extracted materials. We also show that the per-capita consumption levels are very uneven, with a factor of more than 60 between the country with the lowest and highest consumption in 2009. On average, each human being consumed 10 tonnes of materials in 2009, 2 tonnes more than in 1980. We discuss whether decoupling of economies’ growth from resource use has occurred and analyse interrelations of material use with human development. Finally, we elaborate on key environmental problems related to various material groups.
Phenotypic characterization of the CRISPA (ARP gene) mutant of pea (Pisum sativum; Fabaceae): A reevaluation
Authors: DeMason Darleen A. , Chetty Venkateswari
Published: March 2014

• Premise of the study: Leaf form and development are controlled genetically. The ARP genes encode MYB transcription factors that interact with Class 1 KNOX genes in a regulatory module that controls meristem‐leaf determinations and is highly conserved in plants. ARP loss of function alleles and subsequent KNOX1 overexpression cause many unusual leaf phenotypes including loss or partial loss of the ability to produce a lamina and production of “knots” on leaf blades. CRISPA (CRI) is the ARP gene in pea, and a number of its mutant alleles are known.

• Methods: We made morphological and anatomical evaluations of cri‐1 mutant plants while controlling for genetic background and for heteroblastic effects, and we used aldehyde fixation and resin preparations for anatomical analysis. Further, we compared gene expression in WT and cri‐1 shoot tips and HOP1/PsKN1 and CRI expression in other leaf mutants.

• Key results: The cri‐1 plants had more extensive abnormalities in the proximal than in the distal regions of the leaf, including ectopic stipules, narrow leaflets, and shortened petioles with excessive adaxial expansion. “Knots” were morphologically and anatomically variable but consisted of vascularized out‐pocketing of the adaxial leaflet surface. HOP1/PsKN1 and UNI mRNA levels were higher in cri‐1 shoot tips, and some auxin‐regulated genes were lower. Low LE expression suggests that the GA level is high in cri‐1 shoot tips.

• Conclusions: The CRISPA gene of pea suppresses KNOX1 genes and UNI and functions to (1) maintain proximal‐distal regions in their appropriate positions, (2) restrict excessive adaxial cell proliferation, and (3) promote laminar expansion.
EFFICIENCY EVALUATION OF AN ALGISTATIC TREATMENT BASED ON BARLEY STRAW IN A HYPERTROPHIC POND
Authors: Prygiel Emilie , Charriau Adeline , Descamps Romain , Prygiel Jean , Ouddane Baghdad , Billon Gabriel
Published: March 2014

Eutrophication processes were closely examined in a hypertrophic pond that was subjected to a barley straw treatment to inhibit cyanobacteria blooms. A phytoplankton activity was present from February to November 2010 with Chlorophyll a concentrations that ranged between 8 and 83 μg L-1 . The good oxygenation of the pond provided by primary production all along the year seems to maintain an oxic layer at the top of the sedimentary column. A high-frequency monitoring of algal development pointed out the end of the diatom bloom at the end of April and the growth of green algae from beginning of May. One month later, the development of cyanobacteria supplanted other algae several times. The implementation of barley straw does not seem to hinder the growth of cyanobacteria in June, August and September and do not promote the development of other algae potentially favoured by such a treatment. As a consequence, a barley straw treatment does not seem to be really appropriate for this kind of ponds in Northern France and more tests should still be undertaken to prove its real efficiency.
BIOINDICATION OF TRACE METAL POLLUTION IN THE ATMOSPHERE OF BAKU CITY USING LIGUSTRUM JAPONICUM, OLEA EUROPEA, AND PYRACANTHA COCCINEA LEAVES
Authors: Youssef Naglaa , Markert Bernd , Gurbanov Elshad , Sevnic Haciyeva , Wünschmann Simone
Published: March 2014

The leaves of Ligustrum japonicum (Oleaceae), Olea europaea (Oleaceae), and Pyracantha coccinea (Rosaceae) were evaluated with the aim of using them as bioindicators for trace metal contamination in Baku city, Azerbaijan, one of the most highly polluted cities worldwide. These species of trees are the most abundant in urban and rural areas of Azerbaijan, because of high tolerance against climatic influences due to their modesty and adaptability. Concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, and Pb were determined in the leaves by AAS method. The samples were collected at three locations with different degrees of trace metal pollution (industrial, high traffic, and reference [botanical garden] site). The highest element concentrations were detected at sites of high traffic. Up to 70 times higher Pb concentrations could be found in the leaves of the trees that reflect the known Pb problem around Baku. The results presented give a first impression of a correlation between the degree of trace metal contamination in the environment and the trace metal concentration in the leaves of L. japonicum and O. europaea
EVALUATION WITH STREAM CHARACTERISTICS OF DOWNSTREAM FLOOD PROBLEMS AFTER DAM CONSTRUCTION
Authors: Bagatur Tamer , Hamidi Nizamettin
Published: March 2014

The food may cause serious loss of life and property. The evaluation of food events is necessary for the planning and design of engineering projects. In a dam, food problems should be considered for both upstream and downstream conditions. The characteristics of food problems can be derived from observation of dam sites. Tis paper aims to evaluate the impact of food hazards from spillway based on downstream conditions after dam construction. Also, the paper discusses downstream food problems depending on stream characteristics in an example dam site. In results, three reasons are determined for downstream foods problems: control problems of spillway gates, the naturally developing vegetation through channel flow line and incompetence of stream cross-section for carrying of food flows. Therefore, downstream conditions should be investigated before dam construction. Tis investigation can be considered in the planning phase. In addition, the cross-section and longitudinal profile of stream should be controlled via maintenance of stream after dam construction. In stream cross-section problems (such as vegetation, incompetence and irregularities), some modifications (e.g. straighten, deepen, and widen) can be applied with engineering works.
Micrornas: Role and Therapeutic Targets in Viral Hepatitis
Authors: van der Ree Meike H , de Bruijne Joep , Kootstra Neeltje A , Jansen Peter LM , Reesink Hendrik W
Published: March 2014

MicroRNAs regulate gene expression by binding to the 3‘-untranslated region (UTR) of target messenger RNAs (mRNAs). The importance of microRNAs has been shown for several liver diseases, for example, viral hepatitis. Micro-RNA-122 is highly abundant in the liver and is involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism. MicroRNA-122 is also an important host factor for the HCV and promotes HCV replication. In contrast to HCV, microRNA-122 inhibits replication of the HBV. MicroRNA-122 acts as a tumour suppressor and reduced levels of microRNA-122 are associated with hepatocellular carcinoma. MicroRNAs other than microRNA-122 have been linked to viral hepatitis, fibrosis and inflammation. In this review, we discuss function and clinical implications of microRNA-122 and other microRNAs in liver diseases, especially viral hepatitis.
The Five Faces of Quebec
Authors: Gagnon Alain-G.
Published: March 2014

Les différents usages de concepts clés tels que ceux de nationalité politique, nation, société distincte, Province-État et démocratie multinationale ont une influence considérable sur la façon dont on conçoit les entités constituantes au sein des États fédéraux. Mon intention dans ce chapitre est de présenter les principaux visages ou images du Québec et les récits politiques qui sont apparus et qui ont refait surface depuis le début de la Révolution tranquille au Québec (Gagnon et Montcalm, 1990), ainsi que d’évaluer leur impact sur la vision des Canadiens et des Québécois. D’emblée, j’ai choisi de ne pas inclure la notion de nation sans État pour dépeindre le Québec, puisque cette communauté politique s’est dotée d’un appareil d’État considérable. Que ce soit en matière de paradiplomatie, d’éducation, de culture, d’économie ou d’affaires intergouvernementales, les activités du Québec dans ces domaines rendraient de nombreux pays existants envieux à l’égard de ses réalisations. Les concepts de nation minoritaire et de société globale se révèlent moins pertinents pour analyser la dynamique Québec-Canada puisque les Québécois estiment qu’ils forment l’une des deux principales communautés politiques du pays.
Small Worlds in the Spanish Autonomic State
Authors: Tudela Aranda José
Published: March 2014

Le modèle de décentralisation politique en Espagne fait face, depuis ces dernières années, à de nouveaux défis. Ces défis sont la conséquence de la crise économique et de son impact sur l’organisation territoriale, mais également du désir d’indépendance manifesté par certains importants partis politiques catalans. Le présent article considère que pour comprendre ces problèmes, il est nécessaire de présenter une brève description du modèle espagnol d’organisation territoriale, ainsi que son évolution. C’est à travers cette description que seront traités les défis liés à la crise économique et, en particulier, l’identification des causes de certains problèmes spécifiques. De là découle aussi la question de la sécession de la Catalogne, directement liée à cette problématique.
De la douleur d'écrire
Authors: Gómez-Mango Edmundo
Published: March 2014

Résumé
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS (FINITE ELEMENT METHOD) OF BRACE EFFECTS ON THE ADOLESCENT IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS DURING 24 HOURS
Authors: Gohari Ehsan , Haghpanahi Mohammad , Parnianpour Mohammad , Ganjavian Mohammad Saleh , Kamyab Mojtaba
Published: March 2014

In the adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) treatment, a brace is prescribed to the patients who have 20 to 45° curves on their spines to prevent the disorder's advancement. For the analysis of Milwaukee brace effects during time, finite element models (FEMs) of the spine (the thoracolumbar region) and the ribcage (contained 10 pairs of the ribs and the sternum) were prepared for two patients. For modeling the spine part, a new element was used in which a disc (as viscoelastic 3D beam) and a vertebra (as rigid link) were modeled as an element and the ribs and the sternum modeled by 3D elastic beams. The gravity, Milwaukee brace constraints and the forces of the brace's different regions were considered as the FEM boundary conditions. By running the patients' FEMs, the spine deformities of each patient were predicted for 24 h. For AIS patients, the brace should not only correct the deformity of the spine by inserting the forces, but also support the spine from the bending moments being caused by the gravity forces in different spine regions. Moreover, in studying scoliosis pathomechanisms, the stresses in different levels of the vertebra are important. Therefore, the bending moments and compressive stresses, caused by the gravity forces, were calculated in each level of the vertebra and the brace forces effects on them were analyzed. According to the patients' FEM responses, for the female patient: lumbar scoliosis was increased, thoracic scoliosis was decreased and kyphosis and lordosis were increased, and for the male patient: lumbar scoliosis was increased, kyphosis was increased and lordosis was decreased. In standing position, the brace forces reduced the bending moment and the compressive stress in vertebral levels of thoracolumbar region for the female patient and increased them for the male patient.
An Exercise in Inter-Religious Conceptualization
Authors: Lévy Pierre
Published: March 2014

Inter-religious dialogue is expected to increasingly take on the form of online creative conversations that rely on digital data and documents. The first part of this chapter is about the current symbolic obstacles on the road to cultural and religious “intercomprehension” in this context: mainly the incompatibility and the cultural biases of classification systems. To overcome these obstacles (and some others), the authors propose using IEML (Information Economy MetaLanguage), a computable language specially suited to the online intercultural dialogue that was developed at the Canada Research Chair in collective intelligence at the University of Ottawa. The second and main part of this chapter presents some examples of the application of basic IEML categories to the religious domain.
All in the Family
Authors: Cannon Douglas F.
Published: March 2014

This chapter suggests that religion communicators examine their understanding of relationship in terms of their faith perspectives. Do communicators create relationships by building consensus and communities of belief, or did God establish relationships between people by creating the human family? Ideas hold communities of belief together. Disagreements threaten community bonds. The majority works to maintain consensus and silence dissent. Family connections tolerate disunity. Even when people disagree, they remain family members. The main threat to the family is loss of dialogue. Diverse family members want to engage different viewpoints to discern truth. Seeing relationships in family terms could have theological and practical appeals for religion communicators as they try to resolve conflicts, foster cooperation, and manage dialogues with publics. Religion communicators, especially those from Abrahamic faiths, might approach family disputes differently from the win-lose asymmetrical standpoint often seen in business. Religion communicators could downplay instrumental practices based solely on persuasion and consensus. Religion communicators could focus on generating robust dialogue, hearing all sides of an issue, and discerning God's truths.
Behave Yourself!
Authors: Lund Jane , Snell Carolyn
Published: March 2014

Research into the design, delivery, support, and administration of Online Distance Learning (ODL) programmes in higher education is developing but still nascent with theories and discourses from many areas of traditional education being examined and developed to address the particular affordances of online education. Whilst debate continues about the procurement of and best application of educational technologies and systems, one aspect of the debate seems clear, that the technology and content alone is not “e-learning.” Directing someone to an online repository does not mean learning will necessarily take place. Whilst the technology and the content are essential, both are important only insofar as the affordances they provide for learning to take place. Using empirical evidence, this chapter argues that the actions of the tutor are therefore pivotal in an educational environment where the learning process is directed at more than simply accessing information.
Online Culture and Classical Culture
Authors: Atay Simber
Published: March 2014

Online culture is founded on classical culture. Internet presents us synchronically actual information and archetypical experiences. Each virtual navigator, has his/her own odyssey or own labyrinth. Cultural and political facts are manifesting on Internet in a faster, more open, free, efficient way than real life. Actual Internet information produces and creates continuously a knowledge accumulation, certainly full of inspiration for intellectuals.
Exploring Massively Multiplayer Online Gaming as an Emerging Trend in Distance Education
Authors: Seo Kay Kyeong-Ju , Johnson Cass
Published: March 2014

Online gaming is becoming a commonplace activity for all age groups, but particularly student-age individuals engaging in distance learning. Within the gaming environments, players involve themselves in events and interactions, collaboration, extensive reading, evaluation, and communications. Incorporating these activities into instruction can create a richer learning environment that leverages student interest and motivation. An important pedagogical aspect to keep in mind in adopting this tool is assessment. Student assessment should be considered as to whether traditional methods of performance evaluation are sufficient for such innovative learning contexts, or whether non-traditional methods should be adopted to leverage the changing contexts of the environments. The purpose of this chapter is to explore what educational benefits online gaming can bring to distance learning contexts and how assessment can be adapted to incorporate this new venue of potential educational curricula.
Digital Storytelling and Creativity through E-Learning
Authors: Eristi Suzan Duygu Bedir
Published: March 2014

Technological developments have brought innovation, transformation, and change into a number of environments. Education settings constitute the basis of these environments. Among the technological developments in educational environments are technology applications that allow individuals to express themselves better, to recognize their own potential, and to develop themselves. The digital storytelling approach, one of such applications, provides students with several opportunities that enable them to use technology as active participant designers in the process of putting forward their creativity and that allow them to create their own original and creative languages. The digital storytelling approach reveals students' creativity as well as provides a multifaceted environment to help students acquire various skills and efficacies such as technology use efficacy, sophisticated literacy skills, multi-cultural viewpoints, critical thinking skills, problem solving skills, and capability of putting different perspectives into practice. In such a multifaceted environment, students inevitably demonstrate their creativity. Effective integration of creative digital storytelling applications into e-learning environments will result in an interactive process since, within the framework of e-learning, digital storytelling helps students to develop a creative, multi-cultural, project-based viewpoint that allows access to rich sources and that has a universal interaction. This chapter discusses how digital storytelling can be connected with creativity, based on e-learning system. The discussion of the chapter serves to determine the reflections of the digital storytelling approach on creativity and to associate digital storytelling with the e-learning-based application process. This chapter focuses on the aim throughout the narrative literature review.
Trends in Distance Education
Authors: Karatas Sercin , Ozcan Seher , Polat Erhan , Yilmaz Yakup , Topuz Arif Cem
Published: March 2014

This chapter reveals the trends of the research conducted in between 2007-2012 on distance education theories. The literature was examined and analyzed based on theories, topics, research methods, statistics used, and the data collected in the research. Within this scope, full-text papers in the databases of EBSCO, Springer, Elsevier e-Reference, ERIC, JSTOR, SAGE, and ULAKBIM were reviewed, and a total of 209 articles were identified. The analysis outlines the trends in distance education and attempts to determine the deficiencies and gaps. The discovery of deficiencies and gaps are believed to not only raise awareness about the existing needs but also guide further studies.
Emerging Trends in Distance Education and Teachers' Education in Ghana
Authors: Kumi-Yeboah Alex , Blankson Herbert , Young III William
Published: March 2014

In the past two decades, there has been rapid demand for higher education in Ghana. This has created continued pressure on the government to institute viable alternative solutions to curb the incidence where qualified applicants are often denied admission to higher education due to limited infrastructural facilities. Distance education has emerged as the best alternative means to help provide admission to qualified applicants, especially those in the field of teacher education. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze secondary data from two public universities that offered teacher education degree programs in distance education. Results indicate an increased progression of students in teacher education programs in distance education over the last ten years. This chapter offers background information on distance education with emphasis on teacher education in Ghana. In addition, the chapter discusses the results of secondary data, prospects, and challenges facing distance and teacher education in Ghana. Possible solutions, recommendations for future research, and conclusions follow.
Sharing the Load
Authors: McMahon Muireann , Bhamra Tracy
Published: March 2014

Today there is an impetus on professional designers to practice in a responsible and ‘sustainable' manner, with equal emphasis on society, economy and environment (Fletcher & Dewberry, 2002). This is an enormous challenge as the competencies needed to develop these types of holistic solutions are extremely complex. This chapter describes a Pedagogical Innovation in the discipline of Product Design regarding the important role international collaborative projects can play in introducing these competencies into design practice. Iterative cycles of Action Research describe three such projects. A brief over-view of the project logistics is followed by an analysis of the participant experiences. The findings show that building capacity for sustainable design, through collaboration, is not a simple or ‘one size fits all' approach. The research learning advises on how future projects should be structured and delivered and how the competencies acquired could bring about a change in designers behaviours towards a more sustainable future.