bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFEK VITAMIN C DALAM MEDIUM DMEM TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN SEL PARU-PARU FETUS HAMSTER SECARA IN VITRO
Authors: W Ema Kurnia , Holil Kholifah
Published: November 2015

Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan tujuan untuk mengetahui efek vitamin C dalam medium DMEM terhadap pertumbuhan sel paru-paru fetus hamster secara in  vitro dan untuk mengetahui pada konsentrasi berapakah vitamin C dalam medium DMEM yang berpengaruh paling efektif terhadap pertumbuhan sel paru-paru fetus hamster secara in vitro.  Penelitian  ini  merupakan penelitian  eksperimental dengan    6  perlakuan  dan  2 ulangan. Masing-masing perlakuan tersebut adalah vitamin C dengan konsentrasi 0mM (kontrol), 5mM, 10mM, 15mM, 20mM, dan 25mM. Vitamin C dengan berbagai konsentrasi tersebut ditambahkan ke dalam medium DMEM dan selanjutnya digunakan untuk menumbuhkan sel paru-paru fetus hamster. Sel paru-paru fetus hamster diisolasi dari fetus hamster berumur 2 hari, ditumbuhkan dalam medium DMEM yang sudah ditambah dengan vitamin C dengan berbagai konsentrasi dan diinkubasi dalam inkubator CO2 5% pada suhu 370C selama beberapa hari sampai biakan sel-sel tersebut konfluen. Setelah konfluen
biakan sel diamati persentase konfluen, viabilitas dan abnormalitas sel. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa vitamin C dengan konsentrasi 0mM (kontrol), 5mM, 10mM, 15mM, 20mM, dan 25mM dalam medium DMEM mampu menghasilkan persentase konfluen berturut-turut 50%, 65%, 72.5%, 82.5%, 87.5%, dan 92.5% dan  persentase viabilitas sel sebesar 89%, 94.5%, 94%, 93%, 94%, dan 96.5%. Sedangkan konsentrasi vitamin C yang efektif  terhadap  pertumbuhan  sel  paru-paru  fetus  hamster  secara  in  vitro  adalah konsentrasi 25mM.
The demography of climate‐driven and density‐regulated population dynamics in a perennial plant
Authors: Dahlgren Johan P. , Bengtsson Karin , Ehrlén Johan
Published: November 2015

Identifying the internal and external drivers of population dynamics is a key objective in ecology, currently accentuated by the need to forecast the effects of climate change on species distributions and abundances. The interplay between environmental and density effects is one particularly important aspect of such forecasts. We examined the simultaneous impact of climate and intraspecific density on vital rates of the dwarf shrub Fumana procumbens over 20 yr, using generalized additive mixed models. We then analyzed effects on population dynamics using integral projection models. The population projection models accurately captured observed fluctuations in population size. Our analyses suggested the population was intrinsically regulated but with annual fluctuations in response to variation in weather. Simulations showed that implicitly assuming variation in demographic rates to be driven solely by the environment can overestimate extinction risks if there is density dependence. We conclude that density regulation can dampen effects of climate change on Fumana population size, and discuss the need to quantify density dependence in predictions of population responses to environmental changes.
Applications of Oxygen Activation for Injection and Production Profiling in the Kuparuk River Field
Authors: Scott H. D. , Pearson C. M. , Renke S. M. , McKeon D. C. , Meisenhelder J. P.
Published: November 2015

The Kuparuk River field, located on the North Slope of Alaska, is one of the United States’ largest oil fields, producing approximately 300,000 BOPD. Initial development is on 160-acre well spacing with some 350 production and 270 injection wells. Production occurs from two horizons within the Kuparuk sandstone, referred to as the A and C sands. This situation requires the use of "selective single" completions that isolate the prolific C sands behind production tubing to enable fracture stimulation of the lower A sand and separate waterflooding of the two zones. The field has been under waterflood since 1983 and has experienced rapid buildup in water cut in C sand wells. During the past year, oxygen activation logging has been successfully applied to both injection and production wells to identify thief zones behind the production tubing and to provide important information to better manage the waterflood program.

A new method of using oxygen activation, the Water Flow Log (WFL*) service, provides the capability to trace water flow over a wide range of flow rates. The method is particularly well suited to measuring water flow in the tubing-casing annulus. Using a series of station measurements, it has been possible to measure water velocities up to 200 ft/min (1 m/s) at flow rates up to 4000 BWPD. Measurements have provided injection profiles to determine vertical conformance of the injection process. Similarly, water production profiles behind tubing have been recorded in several wells. In favorable cases, it has been possible to trace two parallel flowing water streams moving in the same direction and separated by production tubing.

Oxygen activation measurements are providing critical data for waterflood performance evaluation, assessment of ultimate recovery, and evaluation of the potential for infill drilling and enhanced recovery processes in the field. An operational benefit is that the need for radioactive tracer materials has been eliminated.
Intramedullary nail in the treatment of pertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients
Authors: Falzarano Gabriele , Medici Antonio , Grubor Predrag , Grubor Milan , Barron Elizabeth , Falzarano Arianna , Viglione Stefano , Ascione Francesco , Franzese Raffaele , Errico Giacomo , Meccariello Luigi
Published: November 2015

Introduction. Intramedullary nail is an important component of modern
treatment of pertrochanteric femur fractures. Objective. In elderly
population, pertrochanteric fractures treated with unreamed intramedullary
nails cause less deep infections when compared to reamed intramedullary
nails. Patients and Methods. From April, 2010 to May, 2012 at the Department
of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Gaetano Rummo Hospital (Benevento, Italy),
156 patients with pertrochanteric fracture, average age 82.7 years (75-102
years), were treated. In the analyzed case, there were 90 females and 66
males with pertrochanteric fractures. The respondents were divided into two
groups. The first group consisted of 78 respondents who were treated with
reamed intramedullary nails and the second group of 78 respondents treated
with unreamed intramedullary nails. Discussion. Infections are not the most
common postoperative complications. The risk of infection is increased in
patients with comorbidity and in cases when there is an empty space between
the intramedullary nail fixation and bone. Proximal femoral fractures carry a
high mortality, but its causes are unclear. Conclusion. Our research has
shown that the application of unreamed intramedullary nails in the treatment
of pertrochanteric femoral fractures reduces a mortality risk and risk of
infection.
Internal fixator "Mitkovic" in the treatment of fractures of femoral shaft: A possible solution for fractures in heavier children and adolescents
Authors: Zivanovic Dragoljub , Radovanovic Zoran , Slavkovic Andjelka , Marjanovic Zoran
Published: November 2015

Background: Management of femoral shaft fractures in older and heavier
children and adolescents is still challenging and controversial and includes
several modalities of fixation. Aim of this study was to analyze single
center experience in application of selfdynamisable internal fixator Mitkovic
(SIF) for the treatment of fractures of femoral shaft in children and
adolescents. Methods: Retrospective analysis of data of pediatric and
adolescent patients treated for diaphyseal fracture in single center has been
conducted. Results: Eleven patients, with 12 femoral shaft fractures were
treated in ten-year-period with internal fixator ?Mitkovic?. Time to fracture
healing ranged from 4-12 weeks (average 8.9 weeks). All fractures healed
without complications. No rotational or angular mall-alignment was noticed.
No external cast immobilization was applied in any patient. Conclusion:
Selfdynamisable internal fixator Mitkovic may be considered as viable option
for treatment of femoral fractures in older/heavier children and adolescents
particularly with unstable fracture patterns.
Treatment of high-energy pilon fractures with external fixation as a method of minimal invasive approach - long term results
Authors: Kostic Igor , Mitkovic Milan , Mitrovic Milorad
Published: November 2015

High energy pilon fractures present a unique challenge to the patient and
orthopaedic surgeon. Care for the soft tissue envelope is as important as
management of this articular fracture. This article present long term results
of patients suffered type C pilon fractures treated with the method of
external fixation with minimal invasive approach,. We observe a total of
fifty five patients, between August 2008 and January 2015, underwent external
fixation of type C pilon fractures with minimal invasive approach at Clinic
of Orthopaedic and Traumatology, Clinical center Nis, Serbia. Infectious
complications secondary to wound healing problems are a major concern after
open surgery for pilon fracture. Therefore, soft-tissue management is
critical for successful operative treatment of these fractures. According to
our long term results in the present study, it seems that external fixation
represent a rational approach to obtain and maintain alignment of the distal
tibia through ligamentotaxis, thereby avoiding formal open reduction for
treatment of the patient with severe pilon fracture.
Is there place for the chamberlain procedure in the diagnostics of anterior mediastinal masses in children?
Authors: Stajevic Mila , Kuzmanovic Milos , Bosnic Srdjan , Sehic Igor , Mojsic Branislav , Dizdarevic Ivan
Published: November 2015

The anterior mediastinum is the most common site for thoracic tumors in
pediatrics. Benignant and malignant lesions include various tumors, most
frequently lymphomas. The histological diagnosis obtained by biopsy is the
most important determinant for the further treatment. Introduction of a known
biopsy method - the Chamberlain procedure in our institution has been
commenced as one of the methods for obtaining tissue samples of the anterior
mediastinal masses. An anterior mini thoracotomy in the 2nd or 3rd
intercostal space gives an excellent approach to the tumor. Three children
were operated by this method. The volume of three obtained tissue samples was
sufficient for the pathologist and gave a 100% accurate diagnosis. The
Chamberlain mini anterior thoracotomy is a good biopsy operative method. It
can be used in hospitals which do not have endoscopic thoracic equipment or
trained endoscopic surgeons, it is easy to perform and gives comfort to the
anaesthesiologist.
Laparotomija kao metoda izbora u postavljanju dijagnoze peripankreaticne tuberkulozne limfadenopatije
Authors: Basaric Dragan , Milicevic Miroslav , Galun Danijel , Bulajic Predrag , Zuvela Marinko , Bidzic Nemanja , Bogdanovic Aleksandar
Published: November 2015

Peripancreatic lymph node tuberculosis is a rare disease with a difficult
diagnosis. The case of a 61-year-old patient who was admitted because of
intermittent dull pain in upper abdomen lasting 3-4 months followed by
nausea, loss of appetite and body weight. The applied diagnostic procedures
indicate a change in the head of the pancreas. The method of choice for
establishing a definitive histopathological diagnosis is the biopsy of the
lesion. Biopsy changes can be done using U.S., CT, Endo U.S. and laparoscopy.
Surgery is a last resort only to establish a definitive histopathological
diagnosis.
Ureteritis cystica associated with xanthogranulom atouspyelonephritis
Authors: Ristovski Slobodan , Sofronievska A. , Glavinov Maja
Published: November 2015

Ureteritis cystica (UC) and xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XP) are rare,
benign conditions that uncommonly appear together. The first one has not well
established etiology yet and can affect ureter, renal pelvis and bladder. The
second one is a chronic renal infection resulting in severe kidney
deterioration and destruction. Both of these entities are usually unilateral.
They both cause wide spectrum of symtoms so the diagnose can be difficult to
establish. We report the case of a 68 year old male with a history of
intermittent macroscopic hematuria, left flank pain, recurrent urinary tract
infection and calculosis of left kidney. We describe the imaging and
endoscopic investigations leading to the diagnosis of ureteritis cystica as
well as the treatment options.
Examining the Association Between Comorbidity Indexes and Functional Status in Hospitalized Medicare Fee-for-Service Beneficiaries
Authors: Kumar Amit , Graham James E. , Resnik Linda , Karmarkar Amol M. , Deutsch Anne , Tan Alai , Al Snih Soham , Ottenbacher Kenneth J.
Published: November 2015

Background

Medicare data from acute hospitals do not contain information on functional status. This lack of information limits the ability to conduct rehabilitation-related health services research.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between 5 comorbidity indexes derived from acute care claims data and functional status assessed at admission to an inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF). Comorbidity indexes included tier comorbidity, Functional Comorbidity Index (FCI), Charlson Comorbidity Index, Elixhauser Comorbidity Index, and Hierarchical Condition Category (HCC).

Design

This was a retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Medicare beneficiaries with stroke, lower extremity joint replacement, and lower extremity fracture discharged to an IRF in 2011 were studied (N=105,441). Data from the beneficiary summary file, Medicare Provider Analysis and Review (MedPAR) file, and Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility–Patient Assessment Instrument (IRF-PAI) file were linked. Inpatient rehabilitation facility admission functional status was used as a proxy for acute hospital discharge functional status. Separate linear regression models for each impairment group were developed to assess the relationships between the comorbidity indexes and functional status. Base models included age, sex, race/ethnicity, disability, dual eligibility, and length of stay. Subsequent models included individual comorbidity indexes. Values of variance explained (R2) with each comorbidity index were compared.

Results

Base models explained 7.7% of the variance in motor function ratings for stroke, 3.8% for joint replacement, and 7.3% for fracture. The R2 increased marginally when comorbidity indexes were added to base models for stroke, joint replacement, and fracture: Charlson Comorbidity Index (0.4%, 0.5%, 0.3%), tier comorbidity (0.2%, 0.6%, 0.5%), FCI (0.4%, 1.2%, 1.6%), Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (1.2%, 1.9%, 3.5%), and HCC (2.2%, 2.1%, 2.8%).

Limitation

Patients from 3 impairment categories were included in the sample.

Conclusions

The 5 comorbidity indexes contributed little to predicting functional status. The indexes examined were not useful as proxies for functional status in the acute settings studied.
Electrodiagnostic Evaluation of Individuals Implanted With Extracellular Matrix for the Treatment of Volumetric Muscle Injury: Case Series
Authors: Han Nami , Yabroudi Mohammad A. , Stearns-Reider Kristen , Helkowski Wendy , Sicari Brian M. , Rubin J. Peter , Badylak Stephen F. , Boninger Michael L. , Ambrosio Fabrisia
Published: November 2015

Background

Electrodiagnosis can reveal the nerve and muscle changes following surgical placement of an extracellular matrix (ECM) bioscaffold for treatment of volumetric muscle loss (VML).

Objective

The purpose of this study was to characterize nerve conduction study (NCS) and electromyography (EMG) changes following ECM bioscaffold placement in individuals with VML. The ability of presurgical NCS and EMG to be used as a tool to help identify candidates who are likely to display improvements postsurgically also was explored.

Design

A longitudinal case series design was used.

Methods

The study was conducted at the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. Eight individuals with a history of chronic VML participated. The intervention was surgical placement of an ECM bioscaffold at the site of VML. The strength of the affected region was measured using a handheld dynamometer, and electrophysiologic evaluation was conducted on the affected limb with standard method of NCS and EMG. All measurements were obtained the day before surgery and repeated 6 months after surgery.

Results

Seven of the 8 participants had a preoperative electrodiagnosis of incomplete mononeuropathy within the site of VML. After ECM treatment, 5 of the 8 participants showed improvements in NCS amplitude or needle EMG parameters. The presence of electrical activity within the scaffold remodeling site was concomitant with clinical improvement in muscle strength.

Limitations

This study had a small sample size, and participants served as their own controls. The electromyographers and physical therapists performing the evaluation were not blinded.

Conclusions

Electrodiagnostic data provide objective evidence of physiological improvements in muscle function following ECM placement at sites of VML. Future studies are warranted to further investigate the potential of needle EMG as a predictor of successful outcomes following ECM treatment for VML.
Endoscopic graduated multiangle, multicorridor resection of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma: an individualized, tailored, multicorridor skull base approach
Authors: Liu James K. , Husain Qasim , Kanumuri Vivek , Khan Mohemmed N. , Mendelson Zachary S. , Eloy Jean Anderson
Published: November 2015

OBJECT

Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas (JNAs) are formidable tumors because of their hypervascularity and difficult location in the skull base. Traditional transfacial procedures do not always afford optimal visualization and illumination, resulting in significant morbidity and poor cosmesis. The advent of endoscopic procedures has allowed for resection of JNAs with greater surgical freedom and decreased incidence of facial deformity and scarring.

METHODS

This report describes a graduated multiangle, multicorridor, endoscopic approach to JNAs that is illustrated in 4 patients, each with a different tumor location and extent. Four different surgical corridors in varying combinations were used to resect JNAs, based on tumor size and location, including an ipsilateral endonasal approach (uninostril); a contralateral, transseptal approach (binostril); a sublabial, transmaxillary Caldwell-Luc approach; and an orbitozygomatic, extradural, transcavernous, infratemporal fossa approach (transcranial). One patient underwent resection via an ipsilateral endonasal uninostril approach (Corridor 1) only. One patient underwent a binostril approach that included an additional contralateral transseptal approach (Corridors 1 and 2). One patient underwent a binostril approach with an additional sublabial Caldwell-Luc approach for lateral extension in the infratemporal fossa (Corridors 1–3). One patient underwent a combined transcranial and endoscopic endonasal/sublabial Caldwell-Luc approach (Corridors 1–4) for an extensive JNA involving both the lateral infratemporal fossa and cavernous sinus.

RESULTS

A graduated multiangle, multicorridor approach was used in a stepwise fashion to allow for maximal surgical exposure and maneuverability for resection of JNAs. Gross-total resection was achieved in all 4 patients. One patient had a postoperative CSF leak that was successfully repaired endoscopically. One patient had a delayed local recurrence that was successfully resected endoscopically. There were no vascular complications.

CONCLUSIONS

An individualized, multiangle, multicorridor approach allows for safe and effective surgical customization of access for resection of JNAs depending on the size and exact location of the tumor. Combining the endoscopic endonasal approach with a transcranial approach via an orbitozygomatic, extradural, transcavernous approach may be considered in giant extensive JNAs that have intracranial extension and intimate involvement of the cavernous sinus.
Drowning hazard with deep brain stimulation: case report
Authors: Bangash Omar K. , Thorburn Megan , Garcia-Vega Jimena , Walters Susan , Stell Rick , Starkstein Sergio E. , Lind Christopher R. P.
Published: November 2015

The caudal zona incerta target within the posterior subthalamic area is an investigational site for deep brain stimulation (DBS) in Parkinson disease (PD) and tremor. The authors report on a patient with tremor-predominant PD who, despite excellent tremor control and an otherwise normal neurological examination, exhibited profound difficulty swimming during stimulation. Over the last 20 years, anecdotal reports have been received of 3 other patients with PD who underwent thalamic or pallidal lesioning or DBS surgery performed at the authors’ center and subsequently drowned. It may be that DBS puts patients at risk for drowning by specifically impairing their ability to swim. Until this finding can be further examined in larger cohorts, patients should be warned to swim under close supervision soon after DBS surgery.
Defensive medicine in neurosurgery: the Canadian experience
Authors: Smith Timothy R. , Hulou M. Maher , Yan Sandra C. , Cote David J. , Nahed Brian V. , Babu Maya A. , Das Sunit , Gormley William B. , Rutka James T. , Laws Edward R. , Heary Robert F.
Published: November 2015

OBJECT

Recent studies have examined the impact of perceived medicolegal risk and compared how this perception impacts defensive practices within the US. To date, there have been no published data on the practice of defensive medicine among neurosurgeons in Canada.

METHODS

An online survey containing 44 questions was sent to 170 Canadian neurosurgeons and used to measure Canadian neurosurgeons’ perception of liability risk and their practice of defensive medicine. The survey included questions on the following domains: surgeon demographics, patient characteristics, type of physician practice, surgeon liability profile, policy coverage, defensive behaviors, and perception of the liability environment. Survey responses were analyzed and summarized using counts and percentages.

RESULTS

A total of 75 neurosurgeons completed the survey, achieving an overall response rate of 44.1%. Over one-third (36.5%) of Canadian neurosurgeons paid less than $5000 for insurance annually. The majority (87%) of Canadian neurosurgeons felt confident with their insurance coverage, and 60% reported that they rarely felt the need to practice defensive medicine. The majority of the respondents reported that the perceived medicolegal risk environment has no bearing on their preferred practice location. Only 1 in 5 respondent Canadian neurosurgeons (21.8%) reported viewing patients as a potential lawsuit. Only 4.9% of respondents would have selected a different career based on current medicolegal risk factors, and only 4.1% view the cost of annual malpractice insurance as a major burden.

CONCLUSIONS

Canadian neurosurgeons perceive their medicolegal risk environment as more favorable and their patients as less likely to sue than their counterparts in the US do. Overall, Canadian neurosurgeons engage in fewer defensive medical behaviors than previously reported in the US.
Surgical management of hydrocephalus secondary to intraventricular hemorrhage in the preterm infant
Authors: Christian Eisha A. , Melamed Edward F. , Peck Edwin , Krieger Mark D. , McComb J. Gordon
Published: November 2015

OBJECT

Posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) in the preterm infant remains a major neurological complication of prematurity. The authors first described insertion of a specially designed low-profile subcutaneous ventricular catheter reservoir for temporary management of hydrocephalus in 1983. This report presents the follow-up experience with the surgical management of PHH in this population and describes outcomes both in infants who were stable for permanent shunt insertion and those initially temporized with a ventricular reservoir (VR) prior to permanent ventriculoperitoneal (VP)/ventriculoatrial (VA) shunt placement.

METHODS

A retrospective review was undertaken of the medical records of all premature infants surgically treated for posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) between 1997 and 2012 at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

RESULTS

Over 14 years, 91 preterm infants with PHH were identified. Fifty neonates received temporizing measures via a VR that was serially tapped for varying time periods. For the remaining 41 premature infants, VP/VA shunt placement was the first procedure. Patients with a temporizing measure as their initial procedure had undergone CSF diversion significantly earlier in life than those who had permanent shunting as the initial procedure (29 vs 56 days after birth, p < 0.01). Of the infants with a VR as their initial procedure, 5/50 (10%) did not undergo subsequent VP/VA shunt placement. The number of shunt revisions and the rates of loculated hydrocephalus and shunt infection did not statistically differ between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with initial VR insertion as a temporizing measure received a CSF diversion procedure significantly earlier than those who received a permanent shunt as their initial procedure. Otherwise, the outcomes with regard to shunt revisions, loculated hydrocephalus, and shunt infection were not different for the 2 groups.
Noninvasive measurement of cerebrospinal fluid flow using an ultrasonic transit time flow sensor: a preliminary study
Authors: Pennell Thomas , Yi Juneyoung L. , Kaufman Bruce A. , Krishnamurthy Satish
Published: November 2015

OBJECT

Mechanical failure—which is the primary cause of CSF shunt malfunction—is not readily diagnosed, and the specific reasons for mechanical failure are not easily discerned. Prior attempts to measure CSF flow noninvasively have lacked the ability to either quantitatively or qualitatively obtain data. To address these needs, this preliminary study evaluates an ultrasonic transit time flow sensor in pediatric and adult patients with external ventricular drains (EVDs). One goal was to confirm the stated accuracy of the sensor in a clinical setting. A second goal was to observe the sensor’s capability to record real-time continuous CSF flow. The final goal was to observe recordings during instances of flow blockage or lack of flow in order to determine the sensor’s ability to identify these changes.

METHODS

A total of 5 pediatric and 11 adult patients who had received EVDs for the treatment of hydrocephalus were studied in a hospital setting. The primary EVD was connected to a secondary study EVD that contained a fluid-filled pressure transducer and an in-line transit time flow sensor. Comparisons were made between the weight of the drainage bag and the flow measured via the sensor in order to confirm its accuracy. Data from the pressure transducer and the flow sensor were recorded continuously at 100 Hz for a period of 24 hours by a data acquisition system, while the hourly CSF flow into the drip chamber was recorded manually. Changes in the patient’s neurological status and their time points were noted.

RESULTS

The flow sensor demonstrated a proven accuracy of ± 15% or ± 2 ml/hr. The flow sensor allowed real-time continuous flow waveform data recordings. Dynamic analysis of CSF flow waveforms allowed the calculation of the pressure-volume index. Lastly, the sensor was able to diagnose a blocked catheter and distinguish between the blockage and lack of flow.

CONCLUSIONS

The Transonic flow sensor accurately measures CSF output within ± 15% or ± 2 ml/hr, diagnoses the blockage or lack of flow, and records real-time continuous flow data in patients with EVDs. Calculations of a wide variety of diagnostic parameters can be made from the waveform recordings, including resistance and compliance of the ventricular catheters and the compliance of the brain. The sensor’s clinical applications may be of particular importance to the noninvasive diagnosis of shunt malfunctions with the development of an implantable device.
Variations in atmospheric dust loading since AD 1951 recorded in an ice core from the northern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhang Wangbin , Hou Shugui , An Wenling , Zhou Liya , Pang Hongxi
Published: November 2015

An ice core was extracted from the Zangser Kangri (ZK) ice field in the northern Tibetan Plateau (NTP), a location with limited instrumental and proxy records. In this paper, we present a continuous high–resolution dust concentration time series spanning the period AD 1951-2008 to investigate variations in atmospheric dust loading over the NTP. The results show that atmospheric dust loading exhibited significant decadal variations, with two periods of high dust loading (AD 1959–67 and AD 1979–89) and three periods of relatively low loading (AD 1951-58, AD 1968–78 and AD 1990–2008). The variability of atmospheric dust loading was related to wind speed at 500 hPa over the dust source regions. The winter Arctic Oscillation (AO) index showed a significant negative correlation with the annual dust concentration, implying a possible connection between the winter AO and the atmospheric dust loading over the NTP.
What's ‘French’ about French Studies?
Authors: Forsdick Charles
Published: November 2015

Those reflecting on what is ‘French’ about ‘French studies’ in the early twenty-first century must consider the transformations evident in the disciplinary field over the past century. This article gives an overview of these shifts, but focuses in particular on the increasingly pluralized and diversified objects of study now addressed in explorations of the French-speaking world, as well as on the radical changes in the ways in which those objects are now approached. Central to the analysis is an awareness of a wider Francosphere, which has served to locate France in relation to a wider network of countries and communities, and may be seen to have provincialized, as a result, in a transnational and postcolonial frame, the former colonial centre. The article concludes with a reflection on Mary Louise Pratt's designation of Modern Languages as ‘knowing languages and […] knowing the world through languages’ (2002), and – in the context of French studies in the twenty-first century – asks: which languages? which world? and what forms of knowing?
Development of a Safety Management Web Tool for Horse Stables
Authors: Leppälä Jarkko , Kolstrup Christina , Pinzke Stefan , Rautiainen Risto , Saastamoinen Markku , Särkijärvi Susanna
Published: November 2015

Managing a horse stable involves risks, which can have serious consequences for the stable, employees, clients, visitors and horses. Existing industrial or farm production risk management tools are not directly applicable to horse stables and they need to be adapted for use by managers of different types of stables. As a part of the InnoEquine project, an innovative web tool, InnoHorse, was developed to support horse stable managers in business, safety, pasture and manure management. A literature review, empirical horse stable case studies, expert panel workshops and stakeholder interviews were carried out to support the design. The InnoHorse web tool includes a safety section containing a horse stable safety map, stable safety checklists, and examples of good practices in stable safety, horse handling and rescue planning. This new horse stable safety management tool can also help in organizing work processes in horse stables in general.
Optimization of Aqueous Extraction Conditions for Recovery of Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Properties from Macadamia (Macadamia tetraphylla) Skin Waste
Authors: Dailey Adriana , Vuong Quan
Published: November 2015

The macadamia is native to Australia and is now grown commercially around the world. Macadamia skin, known as waste, has been generated abundantly, but this ample source has had limited uses as a byproduct. The aim of this study was to develop optimal aqueous extraction conditions for the recovery of phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties from macadamia skin using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Water was selected for optimizing the extraction conditions because it is a cheap, safe, and environmentally friendly solvent. The results showed that the RSM models were reliable for the prediction and evaluation of the tested variables. Within the tested ranges, temperature (°C), time (min), and sample-to-solvent ratio (g/100 mL), and their interactions, did not significantly affect phenolic compound (TPC), flavonoid, proanthocyanidin, CUPRAC, and FRAP contents. However, the time and the sample-to-solvent ratio significantly affected DPPH antioxidant activity and the ratio significantly affected ABTS antioxidant capacity. The optimal extraction conditions for the recovery of phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties were predicted and validated at a temperature of 90 °C, a time of 20 min, and a sample-to-solvent ratio of 5 g/100 mL. At these conditions, an extract with TPC of 86 mg GAE/g, flavonoids of 30 mg RUE/g, and proanthocyanidins of 97 mg CAE/g could be prepared with potent antioxidant capacity.
The Mediterranean Lifestyle as a Non-Pharmacological and Natural Antioxidant for Healthy Aging
Authors: Chatzianagnostou Kyriazoula , Del Turco Serena , Pingitore Alessandro , Sabatino Laura , Vassalle Cristina
Published: November 2015

Oxidative stress has been suggested to affect age-associated physiological dysfunction. Therefore, it is speculated that antioxidant supplements could have a potential role in preventing age-related diseases and death. Among different dietary habits, the highly antioxidant Mediterranean dietary pattern, which includes high vegetable and fruit intake, consumption of legumes, cereals, and fish, low intake of meat and dairy derivatives, moderate red wine consumption, and use of extra-virgin olive oil, is characterized by other aspects than food, such as conviviality, sensory stimulation, socialization, biodiversity, and seasonality that can reinforce the Mediterranean diet’s (MeD) beneficial effects on wellbeing, quality of life, and healthy aging. The present review aims to discuss available data on the relationship between oxidative stress and aging, biomarkers of oxidative stress status, protective effects of the MeD, and the adoption of the Mediterranean lifestyle as a non-pharmacological and natural tool to cope with oxidative stress damage for a longer life span, and—even more important—healthy aging beyond the biological, psychological, and social challenges that old age entails.
An Efficient Power Scheduling Scheme for Residential Load Management in Smart Homes
Authors: Rasheed Muhammad , Javaid Nadeem , Ahmad Ashfaq , Khan Zahoor , Qasim Umar , Alrajeh Nabil
Published: November 2015

In this paper, we propose mathematical optimization models of household energy units to optimally control the major residential energy loads while preserving the user preferences. User comfort is modelled in a simple way, which considers appliance class, user preferences and weather conditions. The wind-driven optimization (WDO) algorithm with the objective function of comfort maximization along with minimum electricity cost is defined and implemented. On the other hand, for maximum electricity bill and peak reduction, min-max regret-based knapsack problem (K-WDO) algorithm is used. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms, extensive simulations are conducted for several scenarios. The simulations show that the proposed algorithms provide with the best optimal results with a fast convergence rate, as compared to the existing techniques.
Open-Phase Fault Tolerance Techniques of Five-Phase Dual-Rotor Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Authors: Zhao Jing , Gao Xu , Li Bin , Liu Xiangdong , Guan Xing
Published: November 2015

Multi-phase motors are gaining more attention due to the advantages of good fault tolerance capability and high power density, etc. By applying dual-rotor technology to multi-phase machines, a five-phase dual-rotor permanent magnet synchronous motor (DRPMSM) is researched in this paper to further promote their torque density and fault tolerance capability. It has two rotors and two sets of stator windings, and it can adopt a series drive mode or parallel drive mode. The fault-tolerance capability of the five-phase DRPMSM is researched. All open circuit fault types and corresponding fault tolerance techniques in different drive modes are analyzed. A fault-tolerance control strategy of injecting currents containing a certain third harmonic component is proposed for five-phase DRPMSM to ensure performance after faults in the motor or drive circuit. For adjacent double-phase faults in the motor, based on where the additional degrees of freedom are used, two different fault-tolerance current calculation schemes are adopted and the torque results are compared. Decoupling of the inner motor and outer motor is investigated under fault-tolerant conditions in parallel drive mode. The finite element analysis (FMA) results and co-simulation results based on Simulink-Simplorer-Maxwell verify the effectiveness of the techniques.
Characterization of Fungal Pathogens Associated with White Pine Needle Damage (WPND) in Northeastern North America
Authors: Broders Kirk , Munck Isabel , Wyka Stephen , Iriarte Gloria , Beaudoin Eric
Published: November 2015

Eastern white pine is a crucial ecological and economic component of forests in the northern USA and eastern Canada, and is now facing an emerging problem in white pine needle damage (WPND). It is still unclear whether WPND results from one, or the combination of several fungal pathogens. Therefore, the first objective of this study was to characterize the fungi associated with WPND in the northeastern United States and document the damage being done to mature eastern white pine as a result of repeated defoliation. To date, 22 species of fungi, either cultured from diseased pine needles or formed fruiting bodies on pine needles were identified based on morphology and sequence data. Lecanosticta acicola and a putative new species of Septorioides were the species most frequently recovered from diseased needles, in addition to needle cast fungi Lophophacidium dooksii and Bifusella linearis, two obligate fungal pathogens that were frequently observed on pine needles in the northeast, but have not been known to cause excessive defoliation of eastern white pine. A second objective was to monitor yearly the health of 63 pairs of healthy and unhealthy trees in eight affected locations throughout New England. Since 2012, affected trees are increasingly and repeatedly chlorotic and defoliated every year. Trees that were initially healthy are now exhibiting symptoms. While L. acicola appears to be the primary pathogen causing WPND, several other common needle pathogens are being more frequently observed and the role of climate change may be important in the disease ecology of WPND. These defoliation events, while once a sporadic occurrence, have now become more frequent as observed in continued crown deterioration of eastern white pine in long-term monitoring plots followed during the course of this three-year study.
Correction: Song, J.; Yang, X.; Zhang, J.; Long, Y.; Zhang, Y.; Zhang, T. Assessing the Variability of Heavy Metal Concentrations in Liquid-Solid Two-Phase and Related Environmental Risks in the Weihe River of Shaanxi Province, China. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2015, 12, 8243-8262.
Authors: Song Jinxi , Yang Xiaogang , Zhang Junlong , Long Yongqing , Zhang Yan , Zhang Taifan
Published: November 2015

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [1]. [...]
An Enhanced K-Means Algorithm for Water Quality Analysis of The Haihe River in China
Authors: Zou Hui , Zou Zhihong , Wang Xiaojing
Published: November 2015

The increase and the complexity of data caused by the uncertain environment is today’s reality. In order to identify water quality effectively and reliably, this paper presents a modified fast clustering algorithm for water quality analysis. The algorithm has adopted a varying weights K-means cluster algorithm to analyze water monitoring data. The varying weights scheme was the best weighting indicator selected by a modified indicator weight self-adjustment algorithm based on K-means, which is named MIWAS-K-means. The new clustering algorithm avoids the margin of the iteration not being calculated in some cases. With the fast clustering analysis, we can identify the quality of water samples. The algorithm is applied in water quality analysis of the Haihe River (China) data obtained by the monitoring network over a period of eight years (2006–2013) with four indicators at seven different sites (2078 samples). Both the theoretical and simulated results demonstrate that the algorithm is efficient and reliable for water quality analysis of the Haihe River. In addition, the algorithm can be applied to more complex data matrices with high dimensionality.
Developments in FTICR-MS and Its Potential for Body Fluid Signatures
Authors: Nicolardi Simone , Bogdanov Bogdan , Deelder André , Palmblad Magnus , Van der Burgt Yuri
Published: November 2015

Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FTMS) is the method of choice for measurements that require ultra-high resolution. The establishment of Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) MS, the availability of biomolecular ionization techniques and the introduction of the Orbitrap™ mass spectrometer have widened the number of FTMS-applications enormously. One recent example involves clinical proteomics using FTICR-MS to discover and validate protein biomarker signatures in body fluids such as serum or plasma. These biological samples are highly complex in terms of the type and number of components, their concentration range, and the structural identity of each species, and thus require extensive sample cleanup and chromatographic separation procedures. Clearly, such an elaborate and multi-step sample preparation process hampers high-throughput analysis of large clinical cohorts. A final MS read-out at ultra-high resolution enables the analysis of a more complex sample and can thus simplify upfront fractionations. To this end, FTICR-MS offers superior ultra-high resolving power with accurate and precise mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) measurement of a high number of peptides and small proteins (up to 20 kDa) at isotopic resolution over a wide mass range, and furthermore includes a wide variety of fragmentation strategies to characterize protein sequence and structure, including post-translational modifications (PTMs). In our laboratory, we have successfully applied FTICR “next-generation” peptide profiles with the purpose of cancer disease classifications. Here we will review a number of developments and innovations in FTICR-MS that have resulted in robust and routine procedures aiming for ultra-high resolution signatures of clinical samples, exemplified with state-of-the-art examples for serum and saliva.
Pluripotency Genes and Their Functions in the Normal and Aberrant Breast and Brain
Authors: Seymour Tracy , Twigger Alecia-Jane , Kakulas Foteini
Published: November 2015

Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) attracted considerable interest with the successful isolation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) from the inner cell mass of murine, primate and human embryos. Whilst it was initially thought that the only PSCs were ESCs, in more recent years cells with similar properties have been isolated from organs of the adult, including the breast and brain. Adult PSCs in these organs have been suggested to be remnants of embryonic development that facilitate normal tissue homeostasis during repair and regeneration. They share certain characteristics with ESCs, such as an inherent capacity to self-renew and differentiate into cells of the three germ layers, properties that are regulated by master pluripotency transcription factors (TFs) OCT4 (octamer-binding transcription factor 4), SOX2 (sex determining region Y-box 2), and homeobox protein NANOG. Aberrant expression of these TFs can be oncogenic resulting in heterogeneous tumours fueled by cancer stem cells (CSC), which are resistant to conventional treatments and are associated with tumour recurrence post-treatment. Further to enriching our understanding of the role of pluripotency TFs in normal tissue function, research now aims to develop optimized isolation and propagation methods for normal adult PSCs and CSCs for the purposes of regenerative medicine, developmental biology, and disease modeling aimed at targeted personalised cancer therapies.
Starvation-Survival in Haloarchaea
Authors: Winters Yaicha , Lowenstein Tim , Timofeeff Michael
Published: November 2015

Recent studies claiming to revive ancient microorganisms trapped in fluid inclusions in halite have warranted an investigation of long-term microbial persistence. While starvation-survival is widely reported for bacteria, it is less well known for halophilic archaea—microorganisms likely to be trapped in ancient salt crystals. To better understand microbial survival in fluid inclusions in ancient evaporites, laboratory experiments were designed to simulate growth of halophilic archaea under media-rich conditions, complete nutrient deprivation, and a controlled substrate condition (glycerol-rich) and record their responses. Haloarchaea used for this work included Hbt. salinarum and isolate DV582A-1 (genus Haloterrigena) sub-cultured from 34 kyear Death Valley salt. Hbt. salinarum and DV582A-1 reacted to nutrient limitation with morphological and population changes. Starved populations increased and most cells converted from rods to small cocci within 56 days of nutrient deprivation. The exact timing of starvation adaptations and the physical transformations differed between species, populations of the same species, and cells of the same population. This is the first study to report the timing of starvation strategies for Hbt. salinarum and DV582A-1. The morphological states in these experiments may allow differentiation between cells trapped with adequate nutrients (represented here by early stages in nutrient-rich media) from cells trapped without nutrients (represented here by experimental starvation) in ancient salt. The hypothesis that glycerol, leaked from Dunaliella, provides nutrients for the survival of haloarchaea trapped in fluid inclusions in ancient halite, is also tested. Hbt. salinarum and DV582A-1 were exposed to a mixture of lysed and intact Dunaliella for 56 days. The ability of these organisms to utilize glycerol from Dunaliella cells was assessed by documenting population growth, cell length, and cell morphology. Hbt. salinarum and DV582A-1 experienced size reductions and shape transitions from rods to cocci. In the short-term, these trends more closely resembled the response of these organisms to starvation conditions than to nutrient-rich media. Results from this experiment reproduced the physical state of cells (small cocci) in ancient halite where prokaryotes co-exist with single-celled algae. We conclude that glycerol is not the limiting factor in the survival of haloarchaea for thousands of years in fluid inclusions in halite.
Non-Standard Genetic Codes Define New Concepts for Protein Engineering
Authors: Bezerra Ana , Guimarães Ana , Santos Manuel
Published: November 2015

The essential feature of the genetic code is the strict one-to-one correspondence between codons and amino acids. The canonical code consists of three stop codons and 61 sense codons that encode 20% of the amino acid repertoire observed in nature. It was originally designated as immutable and universal due to its conservation in most organisms, but sequencing of genes from the human mitochondrial genomes revealed deviations in codon assignments. Since then, alternative codes have been reported in both nuclear and mitochondrial genomes and genetic code engineering has become an important research field. Here, we review the most recent concepts arising from the study of natural non-standard genetic codes with special emphasis on codon re-assignment strategies that are relevant to engineering genetic code in the laboratory. Recent tools for synthetic biology and current attempts to engineer new codes for incorporation of non-standard amino acids are also reviewed in this article.