bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The restoration of Tynemouth Railway Station canopy
Authors: Miller James
Published: July 2014

Tynemouth railway station was built in 1882 and characterises the zenith of the railway age in Britain. The elegant cast and wrought iron roof is a Grade II* listed structure, an important regional example of its type. It fell into disrepair in the 1960s through lack of maintenance and by 2008 the larger part of the eastern canopy was in an appalling state with widespread corrosion. This paper describes the restoration. Basic calculations of capacity were undertaken prior to survey, to inform observations and the measurements of residual thickness. A comprehensive survey of defects was carried out and a document outlining the conservation philosophy was compiled, which formed the basis of the listed building consent. Almost all iron columns were found to have cracked near the top of the casting. Replacement of columns was considered to be too great a loss of historic fabric and unnecessary; the reasons for this are discussed. The paper concludes with an appraisal of the project's successes.
Push-out test to study bond properties of mortar–concrete interface
Authors: Yang Shutong , Huang Weiping , Liu Yalin
Published: July 2014

Post-installed grouted anchors have been applied widely in anchorages to concrete. The efficiency of the load transfer mechanism much depends on the bond strengths of both the anchor–mortar and mortar–concrete interfaces. However, no standardised test method is currently available for bond properties at the mortar–concrete interface. The intention of this paper is to provide a rational test approach for analysing the interfacial behaviour between mortar and concrete in the anchor–mortar–concrete anchorage system. A modified push-out test was conducted with local support at the unloaded end to avoid radial cracking of concrete block during the process of mortar push-out. Nine sets of specimens were tested with three different mortar cylinder diameters and three different bond lengths. The local bond–slip relationship was approximately obtained from push-out specimens with the shortest bond length. The bond strength was found to decrease with an increase in mortar specimen size. Furthermore, a mathematical model is proposed to predict the maximum push-out loads for different bond lengths using the obtained bond parameters. The validity of the proposed test method is verified by comparing analytically predicted and experimental peak loads.
An application of structural equation modeling for continuous improvement
Authors: Xu Yehun , Llopis-Albert Carlos , González J.
Published: July 2014

More and more firms are adopting Web 2.0 technologies for different purposes.
Despite some studies about the impact on different aspects of the
organization of these technologies, few studies have empirically tested their
effects. This study confirms that the there is a positive relationship
between Web 2.0 adoption and Innovativeness and between Innovativeness and
Business Performance. We can conclude that Innovativeness is a mediating
variable between Web 2.0 and Firm Performance. The relationships were tested
in a sample of 244 hospitality firms, using a structural modeling approach.
The results are presented and discussed. In the last section of the article,
the conclusions are discussed and finally, some future lines of research are
suggested.
The improved photostability of naproxen in the inclusion complex with 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin
Authors: Ilic-Stojanovic Snezana , Nikolic Vesna , Nikolic Ljubisa , Zdravkovic Aleksandar , Kapor Agnes , Popsavin Mirjana , Petrovic Slobodan
Published: July 2014

The aim of this work was the preparation of the inclusion complex of naproxen
with 2-hydroxypropyl-?-cyclodextrin (HP-?-CD) in order to improve the
physical and chemical properties of naproxen. The molecular inclusion
complexes of naproxen with HP-?-CD were prepared by using the
co-precipitation method in the solid state with the molar ratio of 1:1. The
structure of the obtained complex was characterized by using FTIR, 1H NMR,
UV-Vis and XRD methods. The testing of naproxen photostability by the UV-Vis
method indicated the degradation to aromatic ketone,
2-acetyl-6-methoxynaphthalene. FTIR analysis showed that the degradation
started 15 days after the exposure of naproxen to daylight while the
inclusion complex of naproxen: 2-hydroxypropyl-?-cyclodextrin was
photostable for a period of 30 days.
Comparing between G′/G expansion method and tanh-method
Authors: Ayati Zainab
Published: July 2014

In this paper, G′/G-expansion and tanh-methods, as two well known methods, for solving partial differential equations are compared. It has been shown that these two methods are the same, for solving partial Differential equation in special conditions. For illustration and more explanation of the idea, two examples are provided.
Occupational Health and Safety Awareness, Knowledge of the Risks and Practices of Risk prevention of Hair and Beauty Salon Workers in Rural and Urban Areas of Western Nepal
Authors: Sedhain Gopal Prasad , Adhikari Rajendra
Published: July 2014

There is a need to meet and maintain high standards of safety, health and hygiene so that no risk is present to workers and clients in salon/parlors. Given the fact that hair and beauty salon workers and customers are at risk, this study is focused on hair and beauty salon workers’ OHS awareness, knowledge of the risks and practices of risk preventions. Based on the data collected by interviewing a total of 60 salon/parlor workers from 60 workplaces in western Nepal, the study has revealed that the level of OHS awareness, knowledge of risk and risk prevention practices among salon/ parlor workers associated with their profession is satisfactory. Similarly, the level of OHS awareness, knowledge of risk and risk prevention practices associated with their profession is more satisfactory in urban area than the rural areas.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hjsa.v5i0.7038 Himalayan Journal of Sociology & Anthropology-Vol. V (2012) 34-53
The Other Side of the Coin: Disparities in Achievement of Health Related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Nepal
Authors: Thapa Janardan
Published: July 2014

Over the last one decade Nepal has significantly reduced child mortality and is on track to achieve two major health related Millennium Development Goals. However, Nepal has failed to distribute the benefits equally across different socio-economic groups and geographical regions. Indicators of progress are critically below national average for Dalit/minority groups, poor, rural setting, mountain area and Far western region.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hjsa.v5i0.7040 Himalayan Journal of Sociology & Anthropology-Vol. V (2012) 76-81
The Structuration Approach of Anthony Giddens
Authors: Lamsal Mukunda
Published: July 2014

Structuration Theory developed by Anthony Giddens, a British sociologist, in response to claims by post-structuralism, holds that the structures that humans find themselves in are determined for them, and volunteerism, that suggests that humans are completely free to create their lived environment. Structuration theory has a several unique nomenclature to explain the relationships that the human “agency” has with institutions or “structure”. This paper explains the use of the words and relates them to relevant examples. The understanding that Structuration Theory gives us can be very useful for understanding geographic phenomenon such as the idea of the time-space continuum. Urban arenas have a very complex set of relationships between humans and their environments; housing, movement within the environment, etcetera. The paper is also focused on understanding the connections between Giddens’ theory and the field of geography. The main focus of this paper is on exploring the complexities of Giddens’ Structuration Theory and understanding how it is currently being implemented in societies.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hjsa.v5i0.7043 Himalayan Journal of Sociology & Anthropology-Vol. V (2012) 111-122
Public Health Campaign to Promote Hand Hygiene Before Meals in a College of Veterinary Medicine
Authors: Heinrich Ellen R. E. , KuKanich Kate S. , Davis Elizabeth , White Brad J.
Published: July 2014

Veterinary students can be exposed to environmental infectious agents in school that may include zoonotic pathogens. Encouraging effective hand hygiene can minimize the spread of zoonoses and promote public health and the One Health concept among veterinary students. The purpose of this study was to determine if a campaign could improve hand hygiene among veterinary students at extracurricular meetings serving meals. Nine Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine (KSU-CVM) extracurricular organizations participated in the study, sanitizer was provided at each meeting, and baseline hand-hygiene data were observed. A hand-hygiene opportunity was defined as any student observed to approach the buffet food line. Sanitizer use (yes/no) and gender (male/female) were recorded. Campaign interventions included a 3.5-minute educational video and a novel motivational poster. The video was presented to all first-year, second-year, and third-year veterinary students. Posters encouraging hand sanitization were displayed on doors and tables alongside sanitizers at each meeting. Observational hand-hygiene data were collected immediately after introduction of interventions and again 3 months later. Environmental sampling for presence of bacteria in and around meeting locations was also performed. Observed hand hygiene was lowest during baseline (11.0%±1.7), improved significantly post-intervention (48.8%±3.2), and remained improved at 3-month follow-up (33.5%±4.0). Females had higher probability of hand sanitizing (35.9%±2.2) than males (21.4%±2.4) (p<.01). Clostridium perfringens was isolated from 2/42 samples, and Salmonella spp. were isolated from 4/42 samples. A short-term public health campaign targeting veterinary students successfully improved hand hygiene before meals.
Framework for Development of an Improved Unbound Aggregate Base Rutting Model for Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design
Authors: Chow Liang Chern , Mishra Debakanta , Tutumluer Erol
Published: July 2014

This paper presents findings from an ongoing research study at the University of Illinois that aims to develop and calibrate improved models for unbound aggregate rutting through laboratory characterization of aggregate materials used for unbound base and subbase applications in the state of North Carolina. Extensive triaxial laboratory testing was performed to establish a robust link between the number of load applications, stress levels, shear stress and sheer strength ratios, and permanent deformation responses. A framework was established for considering the strong correlation that commonly exists between permanent deformation and shear strength characteristics, as opposed to resilient modulus properties, in the laboratory characterization of the permanent deformation behavior of various types of aggregate materials. Trends of permanent strain accumulations from repeated load triaxial tests were adequately captured in a new rutting model whose development took into account the shear stresses applied at 25%, 50%, and 75% of the shear strength properties of these materials under similar field loading confinement conditions. The research shows that this model is an improvement on the rutting damage model for unbound aggregate currently used in AASHTO's mechanistic–empirical pavement design approach because it offers better material characterization and rutting prediction of the unbound base or subbase layer.
Preventing Swelling and Decreasing Alkalinity of Steel Slags Used in Highway Infrastructures
Authors: Dayioglu Asli Y. , Aydilek Ahmet H. , Cetin Bora
Published: July 2014

Steel slag is a byproduct of iron and steel production by the metallurgical industries. Annually, 21 million tons of steel slags are produced in the United States, and most of this slag is landfilled. Landfilling represents significant economic loss and uses valuable land space. Although steel slag has great potential for use in highway applications, especially as a granular highway base or subbase material, it has not been used extensively because of its high swelling potential and alkalinity. Swelling potential deteriorates the structural stability of highways, and high alkalinity poses an environmental challenge. This study seeks a methodology that promotes the use of steel slags in highway base and subbase layers by minimizing these two main disadvantages. Two treatment methods were used. In the first method, steel slag material was coated with bituminous material. In the second method, the slag was mixed with water treatment residuals at various percentages by weight. The mixtures prepared in this study were subjected to accelerated swelling tests and batch water leach tests. Results of the swelling tests indicated that the addition of both water treatment residuals and bituminous material into steel slag decreased the swelling rate significantly. Furthermore, bituminous-coated mixtures did not exhibit any swelling. These two methods also decreased the effluent pH of steel slag from 12.3 to 11.65 (bitumen-coated slag) and 9.8 (slag mixed with water treatment residuals). The batch test results did not satisfy the pH 8.5 limit regulated by the Maryland Department of Environment for placement of industrial byproducts in highways.
Expert Systems Archeological Predictive Model
Authors: Ripy John , Grossardt Ted , Shouse Michael , Mink Philip , Bailey Keiron , Shields Carl
Published: July 2014

This paper reports on the deployment of a predictive model that combines spatial analysis and fuzzy logic modeling to translate expert archeological knowledge into predictive surfaces. Analytic predictive archeological models have great utility for state departments of transportation, and some states have invested millions of dollars in such models. However, classic statistical modeling approaches often require too much data and create questions about whether areas are categorized as low probability because (a) there are no sites or (b) no surveys have been conducted there. However, this process can build robust models around typically sparse archeological data and is not subject to spatial bias. These models are intended to lower overall project costs by identifying corridors with a lower probability of having archeological sites, not to supplant field surveys once a corridor has been chosen. Five influencing factors were defined by archeologists and were calculated with the ArcGIS platform. The archeologists then informed a fuzzy logic induction process that was mapped to output probability functions. These data were geocoded into ArcGIS output surfaces that showed the probability of encountering artifacts. The predictive results were tested through a blind control protocol against cleansed archeological data. These models were shown to perform as well as or better than traditional statistical models and required much less data. The Kentucky implementation includes the superior predictive coverage and, more important, a suite of tools to allow the ArcGIS-competent archeologist to design and execute new modeling routines or to build new models. The availability of higher-quality geographic information systems data will also allow archeologists to update the model.
Guideline update for the performance of fusion procedures for degenerative disease of the lumbar spine. Part 4: Radiographic assessment of fusion status
Authors: Choudhri Tanvir F. , Mummaneni Praveen V. , Dhall Sanjay S. , Eck Jason C. , Groff Michael W. , Ghogawala Zoher , Watters William C. , Dailey Andrew T. , Resnick Daniel K. , Sharan Alok , Wang Jeffrey C. , Kaiser Michael G.
Published: July 2014

The ability to identify a successful arthrodesis is an essential element in the management of patients undergoing lumbar fusion procedures. The hypothetical gold standard of intraoperative exploration to identify, under direct observation, a solid arthrodesis is an impractical alternative. Therefore, radiographic assessment remains the most viable instrument to evaluate for a successful arthrodesis. Static radiographs, particularly in the presence of instrumentation, are not recommended. In the absence of spinal instrumentation, lack of motion on flexion-extension radiographs is highly suggestive of a successful fusion; however, motion observed at the treated levels does not necessarily predict pseudarthrosis. The degree of motion on dynamic views that would distinguish between a successful arthrodesis and pseudarthrosis has not been clearly defined. Computed tomography with fine-cut axial images and multiplanar views is recommended and appears to be the most sensitive for assessing fusion following instrumented posterolateral and anterior lumbar interbody fusions. For suspected symptomatic pseudarthrosis, a combination of techniques including static and dynamic radiographs as well as CT images is recommended as an option. Lack of facet fusion is considered to be more suggestive of a pseudarthrosis compared with absence of bridging posterolateral bone. Studies exploring additional noninvasive modalities of fusion assessment have demonstrated either poor potential, such as with 99mTc bone scans, or provide insufficient information to formulate a definitive recommendation.
Guideline update for the performance of fusion procedures for degenerative disease of the lumbar spine. Part 6: Discography for patient selection
Authors: Eck Jason C. , Sharan Alok , Resnick Daniel K. , Watters William C. , Ghogawala Zoher , Dailey Andrew T. , Mummaneni Praveen V. , Groff Michael W. , Wang Jeffrey C. , Choudhri Tanvir F. , Dhall Sanjay S. , Kaiser Michael G.
Published: July 2014

Identifying the etiology of pain for patients suffering from chronic low-back pain remains problematic. Noninvasive imaging modalities, used in isolation, have not consistently provided sufficient evidence to support performance of a lumbar fusion. Provocative testing has been used as an adjunct in this assessment, either alone or in combination with other modalities, to enhance the diagnostic capabilities when evaluating patients with low-back pain. There have been a limited number of studies investigating this topic since the publication of the original guidelines. Based primarily on retrospective studies, discography, as a stand-alone test, is not recommended to formulate treatment strategies for patients with low-back pain. A single randomized cohort study demonstrated an improved potential of discoblock over discography as a predictor of success following lumbar fusion. It is therefore recommended that discoblock be considered as a diagnostic option. There is a possibility, based on a matched cohort study, that an association exists between progression of degenerative disc disease and the performance of a provocative discogram. It is therefore recommended that patients be counseled regarding this potential development prior to undergoing discography.
Guideline update for the performance of fusion procedures for degenerative disease of the lumbar spine. Part 8: Lumbar fusion for disc herniation and radiculopathy
Authors: Wang Jeffrey C. , Dailey Andrew T. , Mummaneni Praveen V. , Ghogawala Zoher , Resnick Daniel K. , Watters William C. , Groff Michael W. , Choudhri Tanvir F. , Eck Jason C. , Sharan Alok , Dhall Sanjay S. , Kaiser Michael G.
Published: July 2014

Patients suffering from a lumbar herniated disc will typically present with signs and symptoms consistent with radiculopathy. They may also have low-back pain, however, and the source of this pain is less certain, as it may be from the degenerative process that led to the herniation. The surgical alternative of choice remains a lumbar discectomy, but fusions have been performed for both primary and recurrent disc herniations. In the original guidelines, the inclusion of a fusion for routine discectomies was not recommended. This recommendation continues to be supported by more recent evidence. Based on low-level evidence, the incorporation of a lumbar fusion may be considered an option when a herniation is associated with evidence of spinal instability, chronic low-back pain, and/or severe degenerative changes, or if the patient participates in heavy manual labor. For recurrent disc herniations, there is low-level evidence to support the inclusion of lumbar fusion for patients with evidence of instability or chronic low-back pain.
Guideline update for the performance of fusion procedures for degenerative disease of the lumbar spine. Part 10: Lumbar fusion for stenosis without spondylolisthesis
Authors: Resnick Daniel K. , Watters William C. , Mummaneni Praveen V. , Dailey Andrew T. , Choudhri Tanvir F. , Eck Jason C. , Sharan Alok , Groff Michael W. , Wang Jeffrey C. , Ghogawala Zoher , Dhall Sanjay S. , Kaiser Michael G.
Published: July 2014

Lumbar stenosis is one of the more common radiographic manifestations of the aging process, leading to narrowing of the spinal canal and foramen. When stenosis is clinically relevant, patients often describe activity-related low-back or lower-extremity pain, known as neurogenic claudication. For those patients who do not improve with conservative care, surgery is considered an appropriate treatment alternative. The primary objective of surgery is to reconstitute the spinal canal. The role of fusion, in the absence of a degenerative deformity, is uncertain. The previous guideline recommended against the inclusion of lumbar fusion in the absence of spinal instability or a likelihood of iatrogenic instability. Since the publication of the original guidelines, numerous studies have demonstrated the role of surgical decompression in this patient population; however, few have investigated the utility of fusion in patients without underlying instability. The majority of studies contain a heterogeneous cohort of subjects, often combining patients with and without spondylolisthesis who received various surgical interventions, limiting fusions to those patients with instability. It is difficult if not impossible, therefore, to formulate valid conclusions regarding the utility of fusion for patients with uncomplicated stenosis. Lower-level evidence exists, however, that does not demonstrate an added benefit of fusion for these patients; therefore, in the absence of deformity or instability, the inclusion of a fusion is not recommended.
Guideline update for the performance of fusion procedures for degenerative disease of the lumbar spine. Part 12: Pedicle screw fixation as an adjunct to posterolateral fusion
Authors: Groff Michael W. , Dailey Andrew T. , Ghogawala Zoher , Resnick Daniel K. , Watters William C. , Mummaneni Praveen V. , Choudhri Tanvir F. , Eck Jason C. , Sharan Alok , Wang Jeffrey C. , Dhall Sanjay S. , Kaiser Michael G.
Published: July 2014

The utilization of pedicle screw fixation as an adjunct to posterolateral lumbar fusion (PLF) has become routine, but demonstration of a definitive benefit remains problematic. The medical evidence indicates that the addition of pedicle screw fixation to PLF increases fusion rates when assessed with dynamic radiographs. More recent evidence, since publication of the 2005 Lumbar Fusion Guidelines, suggests a stronger association between radiographic fusion and clinical outcome, although, even now, no clear correlation has been demonstrated. Although several reports suggest that clinical outcomes are improved with the addition of pedicle screw fixation, there are conflicting findings from similarly classified evidence. Furthermore, the largest contemporary, randomized, controlled study on this topic failed to demonstrate a significant clinical benefit with the use of pedicle screw fixation in patients undergoing PLF for chronic low-back pain. This absence of proof should not, however, be interpreted as proof of absence. Several limitations continue to compromise these investigations. For example, in the majority of studies the sample size is insufficient to detect small increments in clinical outcome that may be observed with pedicle screw fixation. Therefore, no definitive statement regarding the efficacy of pedicle screw fixation as a means to improve functional outcomes in patients undergoing PLF for chronic low-back pain can be made. There appears to be consistent evidence suggesting that pedicle screw fixation increases the costs and complication rate of PLF. High-risk patients, including (but not limited to) patients who smoke, patients who are undergoing revision surgery, or patients who suffer from medical conditions that may compromise fusion potential, may appreciate a greater benefit with supplemental pedicle screw fixation. It is recommended, therefore, that the use of pedicle screw fixation as a supplement to PLF be reserved for those patients in whom there is an increased risk of nonunion when treated with only PLF.
Guideline update for the performance of fusion procedures for degenerative disease of the lumbar spine. Part 13: Injection therapies, low-back pain, and lumbar fusion
Authors: Watters William C. , Resnick Daniel K. , Eck Jason C. , Ghogawala Zoher , Mummaneni Praveen V. , Dailey Andrew T. , Choudhri Tanvir F. , Sharan Alok , Groff Michael W. , Wang Jeffrey C. , Dhall Sanjay S. , Kaiser Michael G.
Published: July 2014

The medical literature continues to fail to support the use of lumbar epidural injections for long-term relief of chronic back pain without radiculopathy. There is limited support for the use of lumbar epidural injections for shortterm relief in selected patients with chronic back pain. Lumbar intraarticular facet injections are not recommended for the treatment of chronic lower-back pain. The literature does suggest the use of lumbar medial nerve blocks for short-term relief of facet-mediated chronic lower-back pain without radiculopathy. Lumbar medial nerve ablation is suggested for 3–6 months of relief for chronic lower-back pain without radiculopathy. Diagnostic medial nerve blocks by the double-injection technique with an 80% improvement threshold are an option to predict a favorable response to medial nerve ablation for facet-mediated chronic lower-back pain without radiculopathy, but there is no evidence to support the use of diagnostic medial nerve blocks to predict the outcomes in these same patients with lumbar fusion. There is insufficient evidence to support or refute the use of trigger point injections for chronic lowerback pain without radiculopathy.
Traumatic thoracolumbar spinal injury: an algorithm for minimally invasive surgical management
Authors: Dhall Sanjay S. , Wadhwa Rishi , Wang Michael Y. , Tien-Smith Alexandra , Mummaneni Praveen V.
Published: July 2014

Object

Minimally invasive spinal (MIS) surgery techniques have been used sporadically in thoracolumbar junction trauma cases in the past 5 years. A review of the literature on the treatment of thoracolumbar trauma treated with MIS surgery revealed no unifying algorithm to assist with treatment planning. Therefore, the authors formulated a treatment algorithm.

Methods

The authors reviewed the current literature on MIS treatment of thoracolumbar trauma. Based on the literature review, they then created an algorithm for the treatment of thoracolumbar trauma utilizing MIS techniques. This MIS trauma treatment algorithm incorporates concepts form the Thoracolumbar Injury Classification System (TLICS).

Results

The authors provide representative cases of patients with thoracolumbar trauma who underwent MIS surgery utilizing the MIS trauma treatment algorithm. The cases involve the use of mini-open lateral approaches and/or minimally invasive posterior decompression with or without fusion.

Conclusions

Cases involving thoracolumbar trauma can safely be treated with MIS surgery in select cases of burst fractures. The role of percutaneous nonfusion techniques remains very limited (primarily to treat thoracolumbar trauma in patients with a propensity for autofusion [for example, those with ankylosing spondylitis]).
A review of pediatric lumbar spine trauma
Authors: Sayama Christina , Chen Tsulee , Trost Gregory , Jea Andrew
Published: July 2014

Pediatric spine fractures constitute 1%–3% of all pediatric fractures. Anywhere from 20% to 60% of these fractures occur in the thoracic or lumbar spine, with the lumbar region being more affected in older children. Younger children tend to have a higher proportion of cervical injuries. The pediatric spine differs in many ways from the adult spine, which can lead to increased ligamentous injuries without bone fractures. The authors discuss and review pediatric lumbar trauma, specifically focusing on epidemiology, radiographic findings, types and mechanisms of lumbar spine injury, treatment, and outcomes.
Endovascular transarterial embolization of cerebral arteriovenous malformation with ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer
Authors: Tan Lee A. , Johnson Andrew K. , Keigher Kiffon M. , Moftakhar Roham , Lopes Demetrius K.
Published: July 2014

Cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) have an estimated 2–4% annual risk of hemorrhage. Treatment options for AVMs include microsurgical resection, stereotactic radiosurgery, and endovascular embolization. As endovascular technology and techniques continue to advance and mature, endovascular embolization is becoming an increasingly vital component of AVM treatment not only as a presurgical treatment to reduce microsurgical risks, but also as a stand-alone curative method in some cases. This case illustrates the successful and curative transarterial embolization of a right frontal AVM in a 17-year-old boy with ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (Onyx).

The video can be found here: http://youtu.be/L4hE1MvCZCY.
Endovascular management of cerebral vasospasm
Authors: Kelman Craig , Reavey-Cantwell John
Published: July 2014

Cerebral vasospasm remains a feared complication from subarachnoid hemorrhage. Vasospasm typically occurs from three to fourteen days post–aneurysm rupture, with peak risk on Day 7. Up to 50% of patients with angiographic vasospasm will subsequently develop delayed cerebral ischemia; 15–20% of this subset will develop stroke or death despite maximal medical therapy. We define symptomatic vasospasm as the presence of neurological worsening after exclusion of other identifiable causes, such as seizure, hydrocephalus, intracerebral hemorrhage, or metabolic dysfunction. This video demonstrates the set-up and treatment protocol for endovascular intervention of symptomatic vasospasm not responsive to maximal medical management.

The video can be found here: http://youtu.be/q7YvxLzIDnU.
Transarterial embolization of an anterior fossa cranial base dural arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Lee Brian , Mehta Vivek A. , Amar Arun P. , Tenser Matthew S. , Mack William J.
Published: July 2014

Open surgical disconnection has long been the treatment of choice for dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) of the anterior cranial fossa. However, advanced patient age and the presence of medical comorbidities can substantially increase the risk of craniotomy and favor a less invasive endovascular approach. Optimal positioning within the distal ophthalmic artery, beyond the origin of the central retinal branch, is achievable using current microcatheter technology and embolic materials. Here we present the case of an 88-year-old female with an incidentally discovered dAVF of the anterior cranial fossa. Angiographic cure was achieved with one-stage Onyx embolization.

The video can be found here: http://youtu.be/KVE0fUIECQM.
Endovascular coil embolization of unruptured posterior communicating artery aneurysm
Authors: Binning Mandy , Hakma Zakaria , Veznedaroglu Erol
Published: July 2014

The patient is a 60-year-old woman who presented to her primary care physician with new onset of headache. She was neurologically intact without cranial nerve deficit. An outpatient CT angiogram (CTA) revealed no subarachnoid hemorrhage, but showed a right-sided posterior communicating artery aneurysm measuring 11 mm by 10 mm. Digitally subtracted cerebral angiography confirmed these measurements and showed that the aneurysm was amenable to endovascular coil embolization. The patient underwent aneurysm coiling without complication and was discharged to home on postoperative Day 1.

The video can be found here: http://youtu.be/MjOc3Zpv2K8.
Transcirculation balloon-assisted stent-supported coil embolization of a basilar tip aneurysm
Authors: Agarwal Vijay , Zomorodi Ali , Mcdougal Cameron , Babu Ranjith , Back Adam , Gonzalez L. Fernando
Published: July 2014

We present the case of a balloon-assisted, stent-supported coil embolization of a basilar tip aneurysm. Initially, a balloon extending from the basilar artery into the right PCA was placed.3 However, even with a more proximal purchase, coils were found to impinge on the left PCA. Subsequently, a transcirculation approach was performed, where the left posterior communicating artery was utilized as a conduit for balloon support and the coils were embolized from the ipsilateral vertebral artery.1 However, after this transcirculation approach was completed, there was a coil tail extruding from the aneurysm. The balloon was then removed over an exchange wire and a horizontal stent advanced, spanning the entire neck of the aneurysm, eliminating the extruded coil.2

The video can be found here: http://youtu.be/bMbtZoPnYvo.
Endovascular treatment of a tentorial dural arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Choudhri Omar , Marks Michael P.
Published: July 2014

Tentorial dural arteriovenous fistulae are rare intracranial fistulae, in which the fistula pocket is present within the leaves of tentorium cerebelli. These tentorial fistulae can be rarely present near the galenic complex, where they can engorge the deep venous system and cause symptoms of venous hypertension. We present an interesting case of endovascular treatment of a galenic tentorial dural arteriovenous fistula in a patient with headaches and imbalance. The fistula was accessed through the artery of Davidoff and Schecter from the posterior cerebral artery supplying the fistula. The fistula was completely embolized using Onyx and with preservation of vein of Galen.

The video can be found here: http://youtu.be/igX2X5tfvrg.
Endovascular management of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis
Authors: Choudhri Omar , Feroze Abdullah , Marks Michael P. , Do Huy M.
Published: July 2014

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is characterized by formation of widespread thrombus within the cerebral venous sinus system. CVST can cause venous hypertension, venous infarcts, hemorrhage and seizures. It is managed in most cases with systemic anticoagulation through the use of heparin to resolve the thrombus. Patients that demonstrate clinical deterioration while on heparin are often treated with endovascular strategies to recanalize the sinuses. We present the case of a patient with widespread CVST, involving his superior sagittal sinuses and bilateral transverse sigmoid sinuses, who was treated with a combination of endovascular therapies.

The video can be found here: http://youtu.be/w3wAGlT7h8c.
Balloon-assisted coil embolization of small intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Chen Peng Roc
Published: July 2014

It is generally considered difficult and risky to treat a small aneurysm (less than 4 mm) by use of coil embolization. The main issues are related to the following factors: frequently broad-based aneurysm with shallow dome, complex in shape, difficult to maintain microcatheter stability in an aneurysm, difficult to achieve complete coil packing, and higher risk of intra-procedure rupture hemorrhage. However, routine use of balloon-assisted coiling technique will enable us to achieve successful aneurysm embolization with safety. This video demonstrates some key nuances in the balloon-assisted coil embolization of small aneurysms via three case examples.

The video can be found here: http://youtu.be/E1il3oPnUD8.
Development of a Mobile Multispectral Imaging Platform for Precise Field Phenotyping
Authors: Svensgaard Jesper , Roitsch Thomas , Christensen Svend
Published: July 2014

Phenotyping in field experiments is challenging due to interactions between plants and effects from biotic and abiotic factors which increase complexity in plant development. In such environments, visual or destructive measurements are considered the limiting factor and novel approaches are necessary. Remote multispectral imaging is a powerful method that has shown significant potential to estimate crop physiology. However, precise measurements of phenotypic differences between crop varieties in field experiments require exclusion of the disturbances caused by wind and varying sunlight. A mobile and closed multispectral imaging system was developed to study canopies in field experiments. This system shuts out wind and sunlight to ensure the highest possible precision and accuracy. Multispectral images were acquired in an experiment with four different wheat varieties, two different nitrogen levels, replicated on two different soil types at four different dates from 15 May (BBCH 13) to 18 June (BBCH 41 to 57). The images were analyzed and derived vegetation coverage and Normalized Difference Vegetation index (NDVI) were used to assess varietal differences. The results showed potentials for differentiating between the varieties using both vegetation coverage and NDVI, especially at the early growth stages. The perspectives of high-precision and high-throughput imaging for field phenotyping are discussed including the potentials of measuring varietal differences via spectral imaging in comparison to other simpler technologies such as spectral reflectance and RGB imaging.
Integration of Building Information Modeling and Critical Path Method Schedules to Simulate the Impact of Temperature and Humidity at the Project Level
Authors: Shan Yongwei , Goodrum Paul
Published: July 2014

Steel construction activities are often undertaken in an environment with limited climate control. Both hot and cold temperatures can physically and psychologically affect construction workers, thus decreasing their productivity. Temperature and humidity are two factors that constantly exert forces on workers and influence their performance and efficiency. Previous studies have established a relationship between labor productivity and temperature and humidity. This research is built on the existing body of knowledge and develops a framework of integrating building information modeling (BIM) with a lower level critical path method (CPM) schedule to simulate the overall impact of temperature and humidity on a healthcare facility’s structural steel installation project in terms of total man hours required to build the project. This research effort utilized historical weather data of four cities across the U.S., with each city having workable seasons year-round and conducted a baseline assessment to test if various project starting dates and locations could significantly impact the project’s schedule performance. It was found that both varied project start dates and locations can significantly contribute to the difference in the man hours required to build the model project and that the project start date and location can have an interaction effect. This study contributes to the overall body of knowledge by providing a framework that can help practitioners better understand the overall impact of a productivity influencing factor at a project level, in order to facilitate better decision making.
Role of MTDH, FOXM1 and microRNAs in Drug Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Meng Xiangbing , Devor Eric , Yang Shujie , Schickling Brandon , Leslie Kimberly
Published: July 2014

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal malignancies due to underlying co-morbid cirrhosis and chemo-resistance. Vaccination and improved treatment for hepatitis are the most effective means to reduce the burden of liver cancer worldwide. Expression of biomarkers such as AFP (alpha-fetoprotein), DDK1 (Dickkopf WNT Signaling Pathway Inhibitor 1) and microRNAs in blood are being tested for early screening of liver cancer. Since 2008, sorafenib has been used as the standard molecular targeting agent for HCC. However, overall outcomes for sorafenib alone or in combination with other tyrosine kinase inhibitors are unsatisfactory. Whether simultaneously or sequentially, addiction switches and compensatory pathway activation in HCC, induced by sorafenib treatment, may induce acquired resistance. Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) and metadherin (MTDH) have been shown to be master regulators of different aspects of tumorigenesis, including angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis and drug resistance. Elevated expression of both FOXM1 and MTDH is known to be a consequence of both activating mutations in oncogenes such as PI3K, Ras, myc and loss of function mutations in tumor suppressor genes such as p53 and PTEN in various types of cancers including HCC. The role of FOXM1 and MTDH as potential prognostic markers as well as therapeutic targets in HCC will be discussed. In addition, microRNAs (miRNAs), endogenous small non-coding RNAs involved in the regulation of gene expression, are involved in HCC and interact with both FOXM1 and MTDH in several ways. Thus, altered expression of miRNAs in HCCs will also be discussed as potential tools for diagnosis, prognosis and therapy in HCC.
An Estimation of the Entropy for a Rayleigh Distribution Based on Doubly-Generalized Type-II Hybrid Censored Samples
Authors: Cho Youngseuk , Sun Hokeun , Lee Kyeongjun
Published: July 2014

In this paper, based on a doubly generalized Type II censored sample, the maximum likelihood estimators (MLEs), the approximate MLE and the Bayes estimator for the entropy of the Rayleigh distribution are derived. We compare the entropy estimators’ root mean squared error (RMSE), bias and Kullback–Leibler divergence values. The simulation procedure is repeated 10,000 times for the sample size n = 10, 20, 40 and 100 and various doubly generalized Type II hybrid censoring schemes. Finally, a real data set has been analyzed for illustrative purposes.
Mediterranean Diet and Health: Food Effects on Gut Microbiota and Disease Control
Authors: Del Chierico Federica , Vernocchi Pamela , Dallapiccola Bruno , Putignani Lorenza
Published: July 2014

The Mediterranean diet (MD) is considered one of the healthiest dietary models. Many of the characteristic components of the MD have functional features with positive effects on health and wellness. The MD adherence, calculated through various computational scores, can lead to a reduction of the incidence of major diseases (e.g., cancers, metabolic and cardiovascular syndromes, neurodegenerative diseases, type 2 diabetes and allergy). Furthermore, eating habits are the main significant determinants of the microbial multiplicity of the gut, and dietary components influence both microbial populations and their metabolic activities from the early stages of life. For this purpose, we present a study proposal relying on the generation of individual gut microbiota maps from MD-aware children/adolescents. The maps, based on meta-omics approaches, may be considered as new tools, acting as a systems biology-based proof of evidence to evaluate MD effects on gut microbiota homeostasis. Data integration of food metabotypes and gut microbiota “enterotypes” may allow one to interpret MD adherence and its effects on health in a new way, employable for the design of targeted diets and nutraceutical interventions in childcare and clinical management of food-related diseases, whose onset has been significantly shifted early in life.
Inter-Annual Variability in Blue Whale Distribution off Southern Sri Lanka between 2011 and 2012
Authors: De Vos Asha , Pattiaratchi Charitha , Harcourt Robert
Published: July 2014

Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) movements are often driven by the availability of their prey in space and time. While globally blue whale populations undertake long-range migrations between feeding and breeding grounds, those in the northern Indian Ocean remain in low latitude waters throughout the year with the implication that the productivity of these waters is sufficient to support their energy needs. A part of this population remains around Sri Lanka where they are usually recorded close to the southern coast during the Northeast Monsoon. To investigate inter-annual variability in sighting locations, we conducted systematic Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) and visual surveys between January–March 2011 and January–March 2012. In 2011, there was a notable decrease in inshore sightings compared to 2009 and 2012 (p < 0.001). CTD data revealed that in 2011 there was increased freshwater in the upper water column accompanied by deeper upwelling than in 2012. We hypothesise that anomalous rainfall, along with higher turbidity resulting from river discharge, affected the productivity of the inshore waters and caused a shift in blue whale prey and, consequently, the distribution of the whales themselves. An understanding of how predators and their prey respond to environmental variability is important for predicting how these species will respond to long-term changes. This is especially important given the rapid temperature increases predicted for the semi-enclosed northern Indian Ocean.
Stereochemical Determination of Five-Membered Cyclic Ether Acetogenins Using a Spin-Spin Coupling Constant Approach and DFT Calculations
Authors: Gutiérrez-Cepeda Adrián , Daranas Antonio , Fernández José , Norte Manuel , Souto María
Published: July 2014

Five-membered rings are of particular interest, due to their presence in some of the most common molecules in chemistry and biology. Despite their apparent simplicity, the structural resolution of these rings is complex, due to their inherent conformational flexibility. Here, we describe an application of a recently reported simple and efficient NMR protocol based on the measurement of spin-spin coupling constants to achieve the challenging relative configurations of five new halogenated C15 tetrahydrofuranyl-acetogenins, marilzafurollenes A–D (1–4) and 12-acetoxy-marilzafurenyne (5), isolated from the red alga, Laurencia marilzae. Although DFT chemical shift calculations were used to connect remote stereocenters, the NMR-based approach seems advantageous over computational techniques in this context, as the presence of halogens may interfere with reliable calculations.
Pattern Recognition of Gene Expression with Singular Spectrum Analysis
Authors: Hassani Hossein , Ghodsi Zara
Published: July 2014

Drosophila segmentation as a model organism is one of the most highly studied. Among many maternal segmentation coordinate genes, bicoid protein pattern plays a significant role during Drosophila embryogenesis, since this gradient determines most aspects of head and thorax development. Despite the fact that several models have been proposed to describe the bicoid gradient, due to its association with considerable error, each can only partially explain bicoid characteristics. In this paper, a modified version of singular spectrum analysis is examined for filtering and extracting the bicoid gene expression signal. The results with strong evidence indicate that the proposed technique is able to remove noise more effectively and can be considered as a promising method for filtering gene expression measurements for other applications.