bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis (BIVA) in Slovak population: application in a clinical sample
Authors: Siváková Daniela , Vondrová Diana , Valkovič Peter , Cvíčelová Marta , Danková Zuzana , Luptáková Lenka
Published: August 2013

The purpose of this study is to provide new data on body composition in the Slovak population, particularly impedance vector components according to sex and age, relevant for bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) in a clinical sample. The reference sample consisted of 1543 apparently healthy individuals (1007 females and 536 males), aged from 18 to 92 years and of 60 patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) (26 females and 34 males), aged from 40 to 81 years. Bioelectrical parameters of resistance (R) and reactance (Xc) were measured with a monofrequency analyser (BIA 101). BIVA was used to analyse tissue electric properties in control subjects and patients with PD. The mean vector position differed significantly between PD patients and healthy controls in males of age subgroups 60–69 years and 70–79 years, respectively. These results were conterminous with significant Hotelling’s T2-test; 60–69 y T2=7.8, P=0.024 and 70–79 y T2=7.6, P=0.026. In the RXc-score graph three patients had values outside the 95% ellipse. Altered tissue electric properties were present in 23.5% of males and 15.4% of females. Distribution of impedance vector components in different age categories of healthy Slovak subjects are relevant to comparative population studies and to clinical practice.
Hes-1-targeting siRNA inhibits the maturation of murine myeloid-derived dendritic cells
Authors: Chen Guoliang , Yu Chunyan , Xing Feiyue , You Pengtao , Di Jingfang , Zeng Shan , Liu Jing
Published: August 2013

Activation of Notch by Jagged-1 may plays a pivotal role in maturation of dendritic cells (DCs), but the mechanism has not been completely defined. In the present study, Hes-1 (Hairy/enhancer-of-split)-targeting siRNA was used to confirm a role of Jagged-1-Notch signaling pathway activation in maturation of murine bone marrow-derived DCs and to search for a target that plays a critical role. The results showed that compared with the control, lipopolysaccharide or Zymosan A groups, Jagged-1 (a soluble Jagged 1/Fc chimera protein) effectively increased expression of Hes-1 and Deltex-1 mRNA, which could be reversed by DAPT (2, 4-diamino-5-phenylthiazole), a specific inhibitor of the Notch signaling pathway. Hes-1-targeting siRNA could successfully down-regulate the endogenous Hes-1 expression in the DCs. Concurrently, a significant down-regulation of CD40, CD80, CD86 and MHC-II expressions on the surface of the DCs was found with the reduction of IL-12 yielded by the DCs. Our results demonstrate that Hes-1-targeting siRNA can inhibit the maturation of the DCs induced by Jagged-1, indicating Hes-1 may be an important target of Notch signaling mediating the maturation of DCs.
DFT study on [4+2] and [2+2] cycloadditions to [60] fullerene
Authors: Peyghan Ali , Noei Maziar
Published: August 2013

The functionalisation of C60 fullerene with 2,3-dimethylene-1,4-dioxane (I) and 2,5-dioxabicyclo [4.2.0]octa-1(8),6-diene (II) was investigated by the use of density functional theory calculations in terms of its energetic, structural, field emission, and electronic properties. The functionalisation of C60 with I was previously reported experimentally. The I and II molecules are preferentially attached to a C—C bond shared and located between two hexagons of C60 via [4+2] and [2+2] cycloadditions bearing reaction energies of −15.9 kcal mol−1 and −72.4 kcal mol−1, respectively. The HOMO-LUMO energy gap and work function of C60 are significantly reduced following completion of the reactions. The field electron emission current of the C60 surface will increase after functionalisation of either the I or II molecule.
Total synthesis of cannabisin F
Authors: Xia Ya-Mu , Xia Jun , Chai Chen
Published: August 2013

A practical eight-step synthesis of lignanamide cannabisin F starting from vanillin is reported for the first time. This synthetic strategy applies the aldol reaction followed by the Wittig reaction to afford the key 8-O-4′-neolignan intermediate diacid. The diacid was condensed with N,O-protected tyramine giving, after deprotection, cannabisin F.
Solid waste decontamination by thermal desorption and catalytic oxidation methods
Authors: Šolcov Olga , Topka Pavel , Soukup Karel , Jirátová Květuše , Váňová Helena , Kaštánek František
Published: August 2013

Combined thermal desorption and catalytic oxidation for soil decontamination was studied at the pilot plant scale. Gasoline, xylene, and 2-methylnaphthalene were used as model contaminants in the concentrations from 2 g to 10 g per kg of soil. To guarantee the flow of the exhaust gas from the thermal desorption unit into the catalytic oxidation unit, a Venturi pump was used. Based on the laboratory scale catalytic tests, the commercial catalyst EnviCat® VOC-1544 was employed in the catalytic oxidation. Residual concentrations of hydrocarbons in soil after the thermal desorption were below the detection limits of the applied analytical method (GC-MS). Although the contaminant concentrations at the inlet of the catalytic reactor significantly varied during the experiments, the efficiency of catalytic oxidation was higher than 90 % in all cases.
Determination of limiting current density for different electrodialysis modules
Authors: Káňavová Natália , Machuča Lubomír , Tvrzník David
Published: August 2013

Limiting current density of ammonium nitrate solution in laboratory-, pilot-, and industrial-scale electrodialysis modules were determined to provide a method for the prediction of the limiting current density of ammonium nitrate solutions at any conditions. The current-voltage curve was measured in each case and the limiting current density was evaluated using the dependence of the derivative, dI/dU, on the electric current, I. The limiting current was determined as a current at which the derivative dI/dU equals zero. The developed method enables not only the prediction of the limiting current density but the limiting cut and limiting flux can be determined concurrently at any linear flow velocity of the diluate and inlet ammonium nitrate concentration. It could help to prevent working in the overlimiting region and to avoid undesirable decrease of current efficiency and pH changes. The limiting cut is the maximal cut that can be obtained at certain linear flow velocity and module geometry irrespective of the inlet ammonium nitrate concentration and it is very useful information when designing a new electrodialysis unit for specific application.
Predictors of Short-Term Outcome to Exercise and Manual Therapy for People With Hip Osteoarthritis
Authors: French Helen P. , Galvin Rose , Cusack Tara , McCarthy Geraldine M.
Published: August 2013

Background

Physical therapy for hip osteoarthritis (OA) has shown short-term effects but limited long-term benefit. There has been limited research, with inconsistent results, in identifying prognostic factors associated with a positive response to physical therapy.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to identify potential predictors of response to physical therapy (exercise therapy [ET] with or without adjunctive manual therapy [MT]) for hip OA based on baseline patient-specific and clinical characteristics.

Design

A prognostic study was conducted.

Methods

Secondary analysis of data from a multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) (N=131) that evaluated the effectiveness of ET and ET+MT for hip OA was undertaken. Treatment response was defined using OMERACT/OARSI responder criteria. Ten baseline measures were used as predictor variables. Regression analyses were undertaken to identify predictors of outcome. Discriminative ability (sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios) of significant variables was calculated.

Results

The RCT results showed no significant difference in most outcomes between ET and ET+MT at 9 and 18 weeks posttreatment. Forty-six patients were classified as responders at 9 weeks, and 36 patients were classified as responders at 18 weeks. Four baseline variables were predictive of a positive outcome at 9 weeks: male sex, pain with activity (<6/10), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index physical function subscale score (<34/68), and psychological health (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score <9/42). No predictor variables were identified at the 18-week follow-up. Prognostic accuracy was fair for all 4 variables (sensitivity=0.5–0.58, specificity=0.57–0.72, likelihood ratios=1.25–1.77), indicating fair discriminative ability at predicting treatment response.

Limitations

The short-term follow-up limits the interpretation of results, and the low number of identified responders may have resulted in possible overfitting of the predictor model.

Conclusions

The authors were unable to identify baseline variables in patients with hip OA that indicate those most likely to respond to treatment due to low discriminative ability. Further validation studies are needed to definitively define the best predictors of response to physical therapy in people with hip OA.
Systematic review of tattoo-associated skin infection with rapidly growing mycobacteria and public health investigation of a cluster in Scotland, 2010
Authors: Conaglen P D , Laurenson I F , Sergeant A , Thorn S N , Rayner A , Stevenson J
Published: August 2013

Sporadic cases and outbreaks of tattoo-associated skin infection with rapidly growing mycobacteria have been reported although they often contain few details of public health investigations and have not previously been systematically collated. We present the details of the public health investigation of a cluster of cases, which occurred in Scotland in 2010. Investigation of the cluster involved case finding, environmental investigation of the tattoo studio and pathological and microbiological investigation of possible cases and tattoo ink. Mycobacterium chelonae was isolated from one case and three probable cases were identified. M. chelonae was grown from an opened bottle of ink sourced from the studio these cases had attended. In addition, in order to identify all published cases, we conducted a systematic review of all reported cases of tattoo-associated skin infection with rapidly growing mycobacteria. A total of 25 reports were identified, describing 71 confirmed and 71 probable cases. Mycobacteria were isolated in 71 cases and M. chelonae was cultured from 48 of these. The most frequently postulated cause of infection was the dilution of black ink with tap water. Reports of tattoo-associated rapidly growing mycobacterial skin infection are increasing in frequency. Interested agencies must work with the tattoo industry to reduce the risk of contamination during tattoo ink manufacture, distribution and application.
Growth of Infants on Exclusive Breastfeeding up to 6 Months and then along with Complementary Feeding in a Hospital Based Survey
Authors: Gupta BK
Published: August 2013

OBJECTIVE: To study growth of infants on exculsive breastfeeding for 6 months and further along with complementary feeding upto 12 months of age. METHODS: This Cross-sectional, Prospective, Hospital Based, Observational study was conducted in Department of Pediatrics, in collaboration with the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Universal College of Medical Sciences-Teaching Hospital, Bhairahawa, Lumbini, NEPAL on 292 infants born at the hospital and their growth monitored over a period of 12 months. Evaluation of nutritional trends practiced by the people and its effects on growth of infants was done and compared to the growth of infants according to the NCHS-WHO (CDC-2000) standards. RESULTS: The average weight at birth and average weight- for- age for both male and female infants were lower th than the 50 perentile of National Center for Health Statistic (NCHS) standards. The average length of the th infants was found lower than 50 percentile curve of NCHS. The difference of length between boys and girls was th insignificant at 6 months (Z<1.88). The average head circumference in our study was below 50 percentile of NCHS standard. The difference between weight, length, mid arm and head circumference of boys and girls was insignificant at 6, 9, 12 months (Z<1.88). CONCLUSIONS: Most of the values represent normal growth but the gain in weight and length of infants was th far below the 50 percentile of NCHS-WHO standards.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v1i2.8404 Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences Vol.1(2) 2013: 13-19
Nepali Migrant Labourers are Highly Exposed to Unsafe Sexual Behaviour
Authors: Ghimire Madhusudan , Singh Anand Pratap , Ghimire Moushami
Published: August 2013

INTRODUCTION: Unsafe sexual behavior between two partners may lead to incidence of STDs/HIV/ AIDS and can create serious problems in society. Both biological and behavioural variables are playing significant role to determine sexual activities of humans and result may end the probability that infection will occur after unsafe sexual contact between a susceptible and infected partner. OBJECTIVES : To study high risk sexual behaviour among the Nepali migrant labourers in India. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 240 Nepali migrant labourers temporarily residing in India was carried out. A brief interview schedule was used tocollect information. RESULTS : Most of the Nepali migrant workers (below 30 years) were involved in high risk sexual behaviour. 74.58 percent were exposure to unsafe physical relation. CONCLUSION: Migrants labourers below 30 years with no formal education were involved in high risk behaviour and they could be exposed to STDs/HIV/AIDS.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v1i2.8405 Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences Vol.1(2) 2013: 20-23
Prevalance of Essential Hypertension in School Going Early and Mid Adolescent Children of Kathmandu Valley
Authors: Kafle Raju , Shrestha Srijana
Published: August 2013

OBJECTIVE: The general objective of the study is to find out prevalence of essential hypertension among early and mid adolescent of school going children of Kathmandu valley. The specific objective of the study is to identify various risk factors (eg diet, family history, obesity) and its correlation with childhood Hypertension and to study the correlation of childhood hypertension with BMI. METHODS : It is a School based cross sectional study done in schools of kathmandu valley. School going children aged 10yrs to 16 years from four different schools of Kathmandu and lalitpur were taken as study population. Three were private schools and one was government school. All school going children aged 10- 16years were included in the study. Children with any chronic illnesses, were excluded from the study. RESULTS: A total of 613 students were included between the age group of 10 years- 16 years amongst which 326(53.2%) were male and 287(46.8%) were female. Of these 426(69.5%) were in early adolescent age (10-13 yrs) and 187(30.5%) in mid adolescent age(14-16 yrs)..At the end of three screenings 27 cases(4.40%) had abnormal blood pressure. Among these 17 (2.8%) cases had high systolic blood pressure and 21(3.4%) had high diastolic blood pressure of different stages.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v1i2.8406 Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences Vol.1(2) 2013: 24-29
Schizophrenia Like Psychosis in Patients with Epilepsy Case Report
Authors: Ranjan Sanjeev , Chalise Pratikshya , Pandey Pradeep , Poudel Reet , Aich TK
Published: August 2013

Epilepsy and schizophrenia are both due to altered cerebral functioning and their history is often connected. Here we present a case of epilepsy of generalized tonic clonic type presenting with schizophrenia like symptoms.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v1i2.8408 Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences Vol.1(2) 2013: 35-36
Tobacco Control in India
Authors: Singh AP
Published: August 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v1i2.8411 Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences Vol.1(2) 2013: 44-45
Andropause A Clinical Entity
Authors: Bansal VP
Published: August 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v1i2.8413 Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences Vol.1(2) 2013: 54-68
Radiosurgery for parasagittal and parafalcine meningiomas
Authors: Ding Dale , Xu Zhiyuan , McNeill Ian T. , Yen Chun-Po , Sheehan Jason P.
Published: August 2013

Object

Parasagittal and parafalcine (PSPF) meningiomas represent the second most common location for intracranial meningiomas. Involvement of the superior sagittal sinus or deep draining veins may prevent gross-total resection of these tumors without significant morbidity. The authors review their results for treatment of PSPF meningiomas with radiosurgery.

Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed the institutional review board–approved University of Virginia Gamma Knife database and identified 65 patients with 90 WHO Grade I parasagittal (59%) and parafalcine (41%) meningiomas who had a mean MRI follow-up of 56.6 months. The patients' mean age was 57 years, the median preradiosurgery Karnofsky Performance Status score was 80, and the median initial tumor and treatment volumes were 3 and 3.7 cm3, respectively. The median prescription dose was 15 Gy, isodose line was 40%, and the number of isocenters was 5. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to determine progression-free survival (PFS). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with PFS.

Results

The median overall PFS was 75.6 months. The actuarial tumor control rate was 85% at 3 years and 70% at 5 years. Parasagittal location, no prior resection, and younger age were found to be independent predictors of tumor PFS. For the 49 patients with clinical follow-up (mean 70.8 months), the median postradiosurgery Karnofsky Performance Status score was 90. Symptomatic postradiosurgery peritumoral edema was observed in 4 patients (8.2%); this group comprised 3 patients (6.1%) with temporary and 1 patient (2%) with permanent clinical sequelae. Two patients (4.1%) died of tumor progression.

Conclusions

Radiosurgery offers a minimally invasive treatment option for PSPF meningiomas, with a good tumor control rate and an acceptable complication rate comparable to most surgical series.
Cerebrovascular complications and granuloma formation after wrapping or coating of intracranial aneurysms with cotton gauze and human fibrin adhesives: results from a single-center patient series over a 5-year period
Authors: Beitzke Markus , Leber Klaus A. , Deutschmann Hannes , Gattringer Thomas , Poltrum Birgit , Fazekas Franz
Published: August 2013

Object

Reinforcement of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) by wrapping or coating is a well-established therapeutic approach to those IAs not amenable to any other definitive treatment, but has been associated with complications such as parent artery narrowing, granuloma formation, and ischemic stroke. The goal of this study was to systematically investigate cerebrovascular complications following this procedure.

Methods

The authors' hospital database was searched for all patients who underwent wrapping or coating of IAs with cotton gauze and human fibrin adhesives between October 2006 and October 2011. The follow-up records of these patients were extracted, including regular clinical visits and vascular imaging.

Results

Five hundred sixty-seven patients were treated for IAs over the 5-year period: 303 patients underwent endovascular strategies and 264 underwent craniotomies. Wrapping or coating of IAs was performed in 20 patients (3.5%). Parent artery narrowing occurred in 5 (25%) of the 20 patients and was associated with major ischemic strokes in 4 patients and severe headache in another. Ischemic strokes were associated with parent artery narrowing, which occurred early postoperatively in 2 patients or was a consequence of granuloma formation in 2 patients 1 and 2 months after the procedure, respectively.

Conclusions

These data should add to the awareness of significant cerebrovascular complications following wrapping or coating of IAs with cotton gauze and human fibrin adhesives and indicate that major ischemic strokes need to be included in the risk/benefit considerations during decision making for such treatment strategies. Patients who receive IA wrapping should be monitored and followed up closely for arterial narrowing and granuloma formation.
Results of Gamma Knife surgery for Cushing's disease
Authors: Sheehan Jason P. , Xu Zhiyuan , Salvetti David J. , Schmitt Paul J. , Vance Mary Lee
Published: August 2013

Object

Cushing's disease is a challenging neuroendocrine disorder. Although resection remains the primary treatment option for most patients, the disease persists if there is residual or recurrent tumor. Stereotactic radiosurgery has been used to treat patients with persistent Cushing's disease after a prior resection. The authors report on the long-term risks and benefits of radiosurgery for Cushing's disease.

Methods

A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database of radiosurgery patients was undertaken at the University of Virginia. All patients with Cushing's disease treated with Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) were identified. Those without at least 12 months of clinical and radiological follow-up were excluded from this analysis. Rates of endocrine remission, tumor control, and adverse events were assessed. Statistical methods were used to identify favorable and unfavorable prognostic factors.

Results

Ninety-six patients with the required follow-up data were identified. The mean tumor margin dose was 22 Gy. The median follow-up was 48 months (range 12–209.8 months). At the last follow-up, remission of Cushing's disease occurred in 70% of patients. The median time to remission among all patients was 16.6 months (range 1–165.7 months). The median time to remission in those who had temporarily stopped taking ketoconazole at the time of GKS was 12.6 months, whereas it was 21.8 months in those who continued to receive ketoconazole (p < 0.012). Tumor control was achieved in 98% of patients. New loss of pituitary function occurred in 36% of patients. New or worsening cranial neuropathies developed in 5 patients after GKS, with the most common involving cranial nerves II and III.

Conclusions

Gamma Knife surgery offers a high rate of tumor control and a reasonable rate of endocrine remission in patients with Cushing's disease. The cessation of cortisol-lowering medications around the time of GKS appears to result in a more rapid rate of remission. Delayed hypopituitarism and endocrine recurrence develop in a minority of patients and underscore the need for long-term multidisciplinary follow-up.
Methylation markers of malignant potential in meningiomas
Authors: Vengoechea Jaime , Sloan Andrew E. , Chen Yanwen , Guan Xiaowei , Ostrom Quinn T. , Kerstetter Amber , Capella Devan , Cohen Mark L. , Wolinsky Yingli , Devine Karen , Selman Warren , Barnett Gene H. , Warnick Ronald E. , McPherson Christopher , Chiocca E. Antonio , Elder J. Bradley , Barnholtz-Sloan Jill S.
Published: August 2013

Object

Although most meningiomas are benign, about 20% are atypical (Grade II or III) and have increased mortality and morbidity. Identifying tumors with greater malignant potential can have significant clinical value. This validated genome-wide methylation study comparing Grade I with Grade II and III meningiomas aims to discover genes that are aberrantly methylated in atypical meningiomas.

Methods

Patients with newly diagnosed meningioma were identified as part of the Ohio Brain Tumor Study. The Infinium HumanMethylation27 BeadChip (Illumina, Inc.) was used to interrogate 27,578 CpG sites in 14,000 genes per sample for a discovery set of 33 samples (3 atypical). To verify the results, the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip (Illumina, Inc.) was used to interrogate 450,000 cytosines at CpG loci throughout the genome for a verification set containing 7 replicates (3 atypical), as well as 12 independent samples (6 atypical). A nonparametric Wilcoxon exact test was used to test for difference in methylation between benign and atypical meningiomas in both sets. Heat maps were generated for each set. Methylation results were validated for the 2 probes with the largest difference in methylation intensity by performing Western blot analysis on a set of 20 (10 atypical) samples, including 11 replicates.

Results

The discovery array identified 95 probes with differential methylation between benign and atypical meningiomas, creating 2 distinguishable groups corresponding to tumor grade when visually examined on a heat map. The validation array evaluated 87 different probes and showed that 9 probes were differentially methylated. On heat map examination the results of this array also suggested the existence of 2 major groups that corresponded to histological grade. IGF2BP1 and PDCD1, 2 proteins that can increase the malignant potential of tumors, were the 2 probes with the largest difference in intensity, and for both of these the atypical meningiomas had a decreased median production of protein, though this was not statistically significant (p = 0.970 for IGF2BP1 and p = 1 for PDCD1).

Conclusions

A genome-wide methylation analysis of benign and atypical meningiomas identified 9 genes that were reliably differentially methylated, with the strongest difference in IGF2BP1 and PDCD1. The mechanism why increased methylation of these sites is associated with an aggressive phenotype is not evident. Future research may investigate this mechanism, as well as the utility of IGF2BP1 as a marker for pathogenicity in otherwise benign-appearing meningiomas.
Reduction in neural injury with earlier delivery in a mouse model of congenital myelomeningocele
Authors: Al-Shanafey Saud N. , Fontecha Cesar G. , Canyadell Marius Aguirre , Soldado Francisco C. , Rojo Alejandro A. , Conesa Xavier J. , Toran Nuria T. , Ibanez Vicenç M. , Peiro Jose L.
Published: August 2013

Object

The authors undertook this study to assess the effect of preterm delivery with respect to neural protection in a congenital myelomeningocele (MMC) mouse model.

Methods

After confirmation of pregnancy in 15 female mice, a congenital MMC model was produced by administration of retinoic acid on the 7th day of gestation. The pregnant mice underwent cesarean sections on Days 15 (n = 5, Group E15), 17 (n = 5, Group E17), and 19 (n = 5, Group E19). Histological analyses were conducted on the lumbar defect and on the craniocervical junction in all fetuses with MMC.

Results

Fetuses in Group E19 showed the most significant injury to neural tissue of the spinal cord at the MMC area followed by those in Group E17, with Group E15 being the least affected. All groups exhibited a degree of Chiari malformation; Group E19 was the most affected, followed by Group E17, and Group E15 was the least affected.

Conclusions

Development of both Chiari malformation and exposed spinal cord injury are progressive during gestation. Preterm delivery in this mouse model of congenital MMC may minimize the degree of injury to the spinal cord neural tissue and the degree of Chiari malformation.
A Proposed Revision of Diversity Measures
Authors: Semeniuk Vic , Cresswell Ian
Published: August 2013

The current measures of diversity for vegetation, namely alpha, beta, and gamma diversity are not logically consistent, which reduces their effectiveness as a framework for comparative vegetation analysis. The current terms mix concepts: specifically, while alpha diversity measures floristic diversity at a site, and gamma diversity measures floristic diversity regionally, beta diversity is a measure of diversity between two sites and measures a different phenomenon. We seek to rationalise measures of diversity providing a scalar set of measures. Our approach recognises vegetation diversity extends beyond species diversity and should include the various ways plants express themselves phenotypically. We propose four types of diversity, with a new set of prefixes: Type 1 diversity = the largest scale−the regional species pool; Type 2 diversity = the large habitat scale−where species in a habitat have been selected from the regional species pool; Type 3 diversity = intra-habitat expression of floristics, structure, and physiognomy; and Type 4 diversity = the finest scale of expression of vegetation diversity reflecting site selection of floristics, physiography, and phenotypic expression and reproductive strategy. This proposed framework adds significant new power to measures of diversity by extending the existing components to cover floristics, structure, physiognomy, and other forms of phenotypic expression.
Female University Students’ Physical Activity Levels and Associated Factors—A Cross-Sectional Study in Southwestern Saudi Arabia
Authors: Khalaf Atika , Ekblom Örjan , Kowalski Jan , Berggren Vanja , Westergren Albert , Al-Hazzaa Hazzaa
Published: August 2013

Background: The high prevalence of physical inactivity in Saudi Arabia is a growing challenge to public health. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of physical activity (PA) and associated factors among female university students. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 663 randomly selected female university students who completed the Arab Teens Life Style questionnaire. Data included measurements of anthropometric, socioeconomic and environmental factors, as well as self-reported PA. Ordinal regression was used to identify associated factors with low, moderate and high PA levels. Results: The mean age of participants was 20.4 years (SD 1.5). Mean BMI of the students in relation to PA were 23.0, 22.9, 22.1 for high, moderate and low levels of activity, respectively. The analysis revealed significantly higher PA levels among married students, those with high educated mothers, and those who lived far from parks, and lower activity levels among underweight students. Conclusions: This study raises four important determinants for female university students’ PA levels. These factors could be of great importance in the endeavor to prevent the health-threatening increase in physical inactivity patterns and thus non-communicable diseases and obesity where the focus should be on the specific situation and needs of women in Saudi Arabia.
Sexual and Reproductive Health among Unmarried Rural-Urban Female Migrants in Shanghai China: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Wang Ying , Yao Wen , Shang Meili , Cai Yong , Shi Rong , Ma Jin , Wang Jin , Song Huijiang
Published: August 2013

We compared sexual and reproductive health (SRH)-related knowledge, attitude and behavior among unmarried rural-urban female migrants in Shanghai coming from different regions of China. A total of 944 unmarried rural-urban female migrants were recruited from three districts of Shanghai. We used an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire to collect information from each participant and a multivariate logistic regression to examine the association between premarital sex and risk factors. We found the rates of premarital sex, pregnancy and abortion among unmarried rural-urban female migrants were 28.2%, 5.2% and 5.0%, respectively. Participants from the east of China were more likely to engage in premarital sex than those from the mid-west (p < 0.001). The analysis showed premarital sex was associated with age, hometown, education, current residential type, knowledge of sexual physiology and safe sex, attitude to SRH and safe sex, and permissive attitude to sex. Unmarried rural-urban female migrants lack SRH related knowledge and the data suggests high levels of occurrence of premarital sex. The results indicate that programs to promote safe sex, especially to those migrants coming from eastern China, should be a priority.
HCTNav: A Path Planning Algorithm for Low-Cost Autonomous Robot Navigation in Indoor Environments
Authors: Pala Marco , Eraghi Nafiseh , López-Colino Fernando , Sanchez Alberto , De Castro Angel , Garrido Javier
Published: August 2013

Low-cost robots are characterized by low computational resources and limited energy supply. Path planning algorithms aim to find the optimal path between two points so the robot consumes as little energy as possible. However, these algorithms were not developed considering computational limitations (i.e., processing and memory capacity). This paper presents the HCTNav path-planning algorithm (HCTLab research group’s navigation algorithm). This algorithm was designed to be run in low-cost robots for indoor navigation. The results of the comparison between HCTNav and the Dijkstra’s algorithms show that HCTNav’s memory peak is nine times lower than Dijkstra’s in maps with more than 150,000 cells.
Okadaic Acid Meet and Greet: An Insight into Detection Methods, Response Strategies and Genotoxic Effects in Marine Invertebrates
Authors: Prego-Faraldo María , Valdiglesias Vanessa , Méndez Josefina , Eirín-López José
Published: August 2013

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) constitute one of the most important sources of contamination in the oceans, producing high concentrations of potentially harmful biotoxins that are accumulated across the food chains. One such biotoxin, Okadaic Acid (OA), is produced by marine dinoflagellates and subsequently accumulated within the tissues of filtering marine organisms feeding on HABs, rapidly spreading to their predators in the food chain and eventually reaching human consumers causing Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP) syndrome. While numerous studies have thoroughly evaluated the effects of OA in mammals, the attention drawn to marine organisms in this regard has been scarce, even though they constitute primary targets for this biotoxin. With this in mind, the present work aimed to provide a timely and comprehensive insight into the current literature on the effect of OA in marine invertebrates, along with the strategies developed by these organisms to respond to its toxic effect together with the most important methods and techniques used for OA detection and evaluation.
Numerical Simulations of Two-Phase Flow in a Dorr-Oliver Flotation Cell Model
Authors: Salem-Said Abdel-Halim , Fayed Hassan , Ragab Saad
Published: August 2013

Two-phase (water and air) flow in the forced-air mechanically-stirred Dorr-Oliver machine has been investigated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). A 6 m3 model is considered. The flow is modeled by the Euler-Euler approach, and transport equations are solved using software ANSYS-CFX5. Unsteady simulations are conducted in a 180-degree sector with periodic boundary conditions. Air is injected into the rotor at the rate of 2.63 m3/min, and a uniform bubble diameter is specified. The effects of bubble diameter on velocity field and air volume fraction are determined by conducting simulations for three diameters of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mm. Air volume fraction contours, velocity profiles, and turbulent kinetic energy profiles in different parts of the machine are presented and discussed. Results have been compared to experimental data, and good agreement is obtained for the mean velocity and turbulent kinetic energy profiles in the rotor-stator gap and in the jet region outside stator blades.
Melaleuca alternifolia Concentrate Inhibits in Vitro Entry of Influenza Virus into Host Cells
Authors: Li Xinghua , Duan Songwei , Chu Cordia , Xu Jun , Zeng Gucheng , Lam Alfred , Zhou Junmei , Yin Yue , Fang Danyun , Reynolds Maxwell , Gu Huaiyu , Jiang Lifang
Published: August 2013

Influenza virus causes high morbidity among the infected population annually and occasionally the spread of pandemics. Melaleuca alternifolia Concentrate (MAC) is an essential oil derived from a native Australian tea tree. Our aim was to investigate whether MAC has any in vitro inhibitory effect on influenza virus infection and what mechanism does the MAC use to fight the virus infection. In this study, the antiviral activity of MAC was examined by its inhibition of cytopathic effects. In silico prediction was performed to evaluate the interaction between MAC and the viral haemagglutinin. We found that when the influenza virus was incubated with 0.010% MAC for one hour, no cytopathic effect on MDCK cells was found after the virus infection and no immunofluorescence signal was detected in the host cells. Electron microscopy showed that the virus treated with MAC retained its structural integrity. By computational simulations, we found that terpinen-4-ol, which is the major bioactive component of MAC, could combine with the membrane fusion site of haemagglutinin. Thus, we proved that MAC could prevent influenza virus from entering the host cells by disturbing the normal viral membrane fusion procedure.
Evaluation of the Effect of Different Growth Media and Temperature on the Suitability of Biofilm Formation by Enterobacter cloacae Strains Isolated from Food Samples in South Africa
Authors: Nyenje Mirriam , Green Ezekiel , Ndip Roland
Published: August 2013

This study evaluated the effects of growth medium, temperature, and incubation time on biofilm formation by Enterobacter cloacae strains. The ability to adhere to a surface was demonstrated using a microtiter plate adherence assay whereas the role of cell surface properties in biofilm formation was assessed using the coaggregation and autoaggregation assays. The architecture of the biofilms was examined under scanning electron microscope (SEM). All the strains adhered to the well of the microtiter plate when incubated for 48 h, irrespective of the growth medium and incubation temperature. It was also noted that 90% and 73% of strains prepared from nutrient broth and cultured in brain heart infusion (BHI) broth and tryptic soy broth (TSB), respectively, were able to form biofilms, in contrast to 73% and 60% strains from nutrient agar and cultured in BHI and TSB respectively grown under similar conditions. However, no statistically significant difference was observed when the two methods were compared. The coaggregation index ranged from 12% to 74%, with the best coaggregate activity observed when partnered with Streptococcus pyogenes (54%–74%). The study indicates the suitability of BHI and TSB medium for the cultivation of E. cloacae biofilms, however, temperature and incubation time significantly affect biofilm formation by these bacteria.
Addressing Cultural Competency in Pharmacy Education through International Service Learning and Community Engagement
Authors: Kassam Rosemin , Estrada Augusto , Huang Yvonne , Bhander Birpaul , Collins John
Published: August 2013

This paper describes the design, implementation and evaluation of a course in international service learning and community engagement for pharmacy undergraduate students. The course offered students opportunities to cultivate cultural competency in an international setting foreign to their own—Sub-Saharan Africa. The experience consisted of pre-departure preparation seminars followed by subsequent community immersion to experience, explore and confront personal attitudes and perceptions. A key feature of this course was its emphasis on a continuing cycle of learning, community engagement and reflection. Three students participated, a near-maximum cohort. Their daily self-reflections were qualitatively analyzed to document the impact of their cultural learning and experiences and revealed meaningful learning in the domains of self-assessment and awareness of their personal and professional culture, exposure to a participatory health delivery model involving the patient, the community and a multidisciplinary team and opportunities to engage in patient care in a different cultural setting. This proof-of-concept course provided students with experiences that were life-changing on both personal and professional levels and confirmed the viability and relevance of international service learning for the pharmacy field within its university-wide mandate.
Tips for Developing an Integrated Online and Simulation Course Based on 6-Years of Experience
Authors: Kane-Gill Sandra , Williams Evan , Smithburger Pamela , Seybert Amy
Published: August 2013

Technological advancements, changes in pharmacy students’ learning preferences, and increased educational costs have necessitated the development and implementation of innovative teaching modalities. The University of Pittsburgh, School of Pharmacy has been using simulation-based learning throughout the curriculum for several years. To further advance this practice, a novel course was designed to teach students new concepts through online video lectures, slide sets and quizzes, and knowledge application during weekly practica time involving multiple patient cases taught with high fidelity simulation. While this course has been well received by students, it does require resources, organization, and time for development. In this article, we describe our experience developing, modifying, and sustaining this blended course with the hope that sharing our experiences over the past six years will lead to expediting successes at other institutions. Tips for success such as keeping online segments short, holding students accountable, thinking of simulation approaches beyond the mannequin, and developing standardized assessment tools are discussed. Overall the blended course of online learning and simulation is a unique educational experience akin to real-world pharmacy practice and is worth the effort with a goal of optimizing learning.
Embracing Pharmacy E-Learning: Models of Success
Authors: Jeffries Jaclyn , Jeffries Pamela , Hertig John , Hultgren Kyle
Published: August 2013

Traditionally, education has revolved around the idea of a learner being taught in a physical classroom setting. With recent technological developments and the “immediate results” world we now live in, elearning has become much more common. Students and professionals are now able to access and acquire lectures, tests, certifications and degrees online. The Purdue University College of Pharmacy’s Center for Medication Safety Advancement has developed three eresources to enhance medication safety: The Veterans Affairs Yellow Belt Lean Certification Course, the Medication Safety Essentials Continuing Education Modules, and the Virtual Clean Room Simulation Certificate. These three modalities offer valuable content for additional knowledge, training and certification at a convenient location—your computer.
Only (Dis-)Connect: Pentecostal Global Networking as Revelation and Concealment
Authors: Coleman Simon
Published: August 2013

Contemporary forms of Pentecostalism, such as that of the Faith Movement, are often represented as inherently global, constituting a religion ‘made to travel’ and to missionize across the world. I argue that while much attention has been paid to proselytization as a catalyst in encouraging transnational activities among such Christians, more analysis is needed of how Pentecostalists represent each other in the construction of global imaginaries. The imagined and enacted networks that result assert connections between like-minded believers but also valorize the power of distance in the creation of landscapes of religious agency whose power is illustrated through such tropes as ‘number’, ‘mobility’, ‘presence’ and ‘conquest’. I juxtapose two Prosperity-oriented movements, that of the Swedish Word of Life and the Nigerian Redeemed Christian Church of God, to indicate further how Christians who appear to be conjoined via common forms of worship appear, from another perspective, to be inhabiting and moving across disjunct global landscapes and cartographies as they engage in very different forms of mobility.
Digital Video Broadcast-Terrestrial (DVB-T) Single Frequency Networks Positioning in Dynamic Scenarios
Authors: Huang Jie , Lo Presti Letizia , Garello Roberto
Published: August 2013

Since Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) show degraded performance in dense urban and indoor areas, a positioning sensor based on Digital Video Broadcast-Terrestrial (DVB-T) systems is presented in this paper. DVB-T signals can be considered as signals-of-opportunity for positioning, due to their good properties. One of the challenges to overcome is to distinguish the signals from different emitters. Here, we suppose that the user can first compute his position by GNSS during an initialization phase, which is used for solving all the ambiguities concerning DVB-T emitters. Starting from there, DVB-T signals can be used for aiding positioning when the user enters a GNSS-blocked area, up to a limit case, where all the GNSS satellites are not in view and only DVB-T signals are used for positioning. We tested this method by simulation, by adopting the Hata model for the emitter attenuations and the Rayleigh model for multipath. The obtained results show good performance if the receiver correctly associates the signal to the user’s motion.
On Maximizing the Lifetime of Wireless Sensor Networks by Optimally Assigning Energy Supplies
Authors: Asorey-Cacheda Rafael , García-Sánchez Antonio , García-Sánchez Felipe , García-Haro Joan , González-Castano Francisco
Published: August 2013

The extension of the network lifetime of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) is an important issue that has not been appropriately solved yet. This paper addresses this concern and proposes some techniques to plan an arbitrary WSN. To this end, we suggest a hierarchical network architecture, similar to realistic scenarios, where nodes with renewable energy sources (denoted as primary nodes) carry out most message delivery tasks, and nodes equipped with conventional chemical batteries (denoted as secondary nodes) are those with less communication demands. The key design issue of this network architecture is the development of a new optimization framework to calculate the optimal assignment of renewable energy supplies (primary node assignment) to maximize network lifetime, obtaining the minimum number of energy supplies and their node assignment. We also conduct a second optimization step to additionally minimize the number of packet hops between the source and the sink. In this work, we present an algorithm that approaches the results of the optimization framework, but with much faster execution speed, which is a good alternative for large-scale WSN networks. Finally, the network model, the optimization process and the designed algorithm are further evaluated and validated by means of computer simulation under realistic conditions. The results obtained are discussed comparatively.
Monitoring Sintering Burn-Through Point Using Infrared Thermography
Authors: Usamentiaga Rubén , Molleda Julio , Garcia Daniel , Bulnes Francisco
Published: August 2013

Sintering is a complex industrial process that applies heat to fine particles of iron ore and other materials to produce sinter, a solidified porous material used in blast furnaces. The sintering process needs to be carefully adjusted, so that the combustion zone reaches the bottom of the material just before the discharge end. This is known as the burnthrough point. Many different parameters need to be finely tuned, including the speed and the quantities of the materials mixed. However, in order to achieve good results, sintering control requires precise feedback to adjust these parameters. This work presents a sensor to monitor the sintering burn-through point based on infrared thermography. The proposed procedure is based on the acquisition of infrared images at the end of the sintering process. At this position, infrared images contain the cross-section temperatures of the mixture. The objective of this work is to process this information to extract relevant features about the sintering process. The proposed procedure is based on four steps: key frame detection, region of interest detection, segmentation and feature extraction. The results indicate that the proposed procedure is very robust and reliable, providing features that can be used effectively to control the sintering process.
Anodic coupling of carboxylic acids to electron-rich double bonds: A surprising non-Kolbe pathway to lactones
Authors: Perkins Robert J , Xu Hai-Chao , Campbell John M , Moeller Kevin D
Published: August 2013

Carboxylic acids have been electro-oxidatively coupled to electron-rich olefins to form lactones. Kolbe decarboxylation does not appear to be a significant competing pathway. Experimental results indicate that oxidation occurs at the olefin and that the reaction proceeds through a radical cation intermediate.