bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Viability, production and morphology of pollen grains for different species in the genus Manihot (Euphorbiaceae)
Authors: Vieira Lívia de Jesus , Soares Taliane Leila , Rossi Mônica Lanzoni , Alves Alfredo Augusto Cunha , Santos Francisco de Assis Ribeiro dos , Souza Fernanda Vidigal Duarte
Published: March 2013

The objective of this work was to characterize the viability, production and morphology of pollen for different species in the genus Manihot. Floral buds from Manihot accessions were collected from two germplasm banks at Embrapa Cassava & Fruits. The viability of the pollen was assessed via colorimetric, in vitro and in vivo assays. The diameter of the pollen grains was determined by measuring the transversal length of the grain. The experimental design was entirely randomized. Studies on pollen ultrastructure were performed via scanning electron microscopy. Pollen viability was high in the colorimetric tests and intermediate in vivo tests; there was no germination in the in vitro tests. The average production for all accessions was 1,253 pollen grains per floral bud. The size of the pollen grains varied from 132 to 163 µm in the wild accessions, and 129 to 146 µm in the cultivated accessions. The pollen grains for all accessions were very large, apolar, spherical as well as inaperturate, with an exine ornamented with pila organized in a Croton pattern. The wild accessions, in general, produced more and larger pollen grains compared with the cultivated accessions.
Study on microstructure, rheology and thermal stability of cement epoxy asphalt mortar multiphase materials
Authors: Fang Xinglong , Chen Zhiming , Jiao Zhen , Xiao Guomin , Shao Li
Published: March 2013

The effect of modified epoxy asphalt emulsion on the fluidity and microstructure of fresh cement modified asphalt emulsion binder was assessed. Various analytical instruments, such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and environmental scanning electron microscopy, Brookfield viscometer and differential scanning calorimetry were used to investigate the microstructure formation and development of cement epoxy asphalt emulsion, as well as the rheological properties, microstructure and thermal stability of cement epoxy asphalt mortar (CEAM). The results indicated that addition of asphalt emulsion and epoxy resin to cement paste greatly increased fluidity and improved capability of fluidity retention, while delaying the cement hydrating process. The amount of modified epoxy asphalt emulsion and epoxy resin introduced into the cement paste generally correlated with the length of the cement hydration induction period. The microstructure formation and development of CEAM consisted of several stages, including attachment of modified epoxy asphalt to cement particles, emulsion splitting and cement hydration thereby. Within CEAM, modified epoxy asphalt formed a macromolecular gel network structure, which interpenetrated with cement hydration products to establish an organic–inorganic composite structure. Fresh CEAM exhibited good fluidity within 45 min, and also had better thermal stability than cement asphalt mortar at elevated temperatures.
Comparative structural performance of amorphous steel fibre reinforced concrete slabs on grade
Authors: Lee C. , Park J. Y. , Lee J. , Choi O. C.
Published: March 2013

Amorphous steel fibres differ from conventional steel fibres by their high specific area with non-slipping properties. A total of five slabs on grade (SOGs) made of plain concrete, conventional steel fibre reinforced concrete and amorphous steel fibre reinforced concrete were tested and their comparative structural responses of load–settlement relationships were observed experimentally. Experimental parameters were of the fibre type (conventional hooked-end steel fibres and amorphous steel fibres) and their contents (none, 30 kg/m3and 60 kg/m3). Test results revealed that amorphous steel fibres preserved the integrity of SOG more effectively than hooked-end steel fibres by keeping SOG stiffer up to a greater pre-peak load. The relative increases of pre-peak load regarding SOG with amorphous steel fibres were 3·26 and 2·71 times greater than those of SOG with hooked-end steel fibres for fibre contents of 30 kg/m3and 60 kg/m3 respectively. The SOGs with amorphous steel fibres exhibited almost the same failure load capacity as those of their counterparts with hooked-end steel fibres in fibre content.
Biodiversity simultaneously enhances the production and stability of community biomass, but the effects are independent
Authors: Cardinale Bradley J. , Gross Kevin , Fritschie Keith , Flombaum Pedro , Fox Jeremy W. , Rixen Christian , van Ruijven Jasper , Reich Peter B. , Scherer-Lorenzen Michael , Wilsey Brian J.
Published: March 2013

To predict the ecological consequences of biodiversity loss, researchers have spent much time and effort quantifying how biological variation affects the magnitude and stability of ecological processes that underlie the functioning of ecosystems. Here we add to this work by looking at how biodiversity jointly impacts two aspects of ecosystem functioning at once: (1) the production of biomass at any single point in time (biomass/area or biomass/volume), and (2) the stability of biomass production through time (the CV of changes in total community biomass through time). While it is often assumed that biodiversity simultaneously enhances both of these aspects of ecosystem functioning, the joint distribution of data describing how species richness regulates productivity and stability has yet to be quantified. Furthermore, analyses have yet to examine how diversity effects on production covary with diversity effects on stability. To overcome these two gaps, we reanalyzed the data from 34 experiments that have manipulated the richness of terrestrial plants or aquatic algae and measured how this aspect of biodiversity affects community biomass at multiple time points. Our reanalysis confirms that biodiversity does indeed simultaneously enhance both the production and stability of biomass in experimental systems, and this is broadly true for terrestrial and aquatic primary producers. However, the strength of diversity effects on biomass production is independent of diversity effects on temporal stability. The independence of effect sizes leads to two important conclusions. First, while it may be generally true that biodiversity enhances both productivity and stability, it is also true that the highest levels of productivity in a diverse community are not associated with the highest levels of stability. Thus, on average, diversity does not maximize the various aspects of ecosystem functioning we might wish to achieve in conservation and management. Second, knowing how biodiversity affects productivity gives no information about how diversity affects stability (or vice versa). Therefore, to predict the ecological changes that occur in ecosystems after extinction, we will need to develop separate mechanistic models for each independent aspect of ecosystem functioning.
Functionally and phylogenetically diverse plant communities key to soil biota
Authors: Milcu Alexandru , Allan Eric , Roscher Christiane , Jenkins Tania , Meyer Sebastian T. , Flynn Dan , Bessler Holger , Buscot François , Engels Christof , Gubsch Marlén , König Stephan , Lipowsky Annett , Loranger Jessy , Renker Carsten , Scherber Christoph , Schmid Bernhard , Thébault Elisa , Wubet Tesfaye , Weisser Wolfgang W. , Scheu Stefan , Eisenhauer Nico
Published: March 2013

Recent studies assessing the role of biological diversity for ecosystem functioning indicate that the diversity of functional traits and the evolutionary history of species in a community, not the number of taxonomic units, ultimately drives the biodiversity–ecosystem‐function relationship. Here, we simultaneously assessed the importance of plant functional trait and phylogenetic diversity as predictors of major trophic groups of soil biota (abundance and diversity), six years from the onset of a grassland biodiversity experiment. Plant functional and phylogenetic diversity were generally better predictors of soil biota than the traditionally used species or functional group richness. Functional diversity was a reliable predictor for most biota, with the exception of soil microorganisms, which were better predicted by phylogenetic diversity. These results provide empirical support for the idea that the diversity of plant functional traits and the diversity of evolutionary lineages in a community are important for maintaining higher abundances and diversity of soil communities.
Big data and the future of ecology
Authors: Hampton Stephanie E , Strasser Carly A , Tewksbury Joshua J , Gram Wendy K , Budden Amber E , Batcheller Archer L , Duke Clifford S , Porter John H
Published: March 2013

The need for sound ecological science has escalated alongside the rise of the information age and “big data” across all sectors of society. Big data generally refer to massive volumes of data not readily handled by the usual data tools and practices and present unprecedented opportunities for advancing science and informing resource management through data‐intensive approaches. The era of big data need not be propelled only by “big science” – the term used to describe large‐scale efforts that have had mixed success in the individual‐driven culture of ecology. Collectively, ecologists already have big data to bolster the scientific effort – a large volume of distributed, high‐value information – but many simply fail to contribute. We encourage ecologists to join the larger scientific community in global initiatives to address major scientific and societal problems by bringing their distributed data to the table and harnessing its collective power. The scientists who contribute such information will be at the forefront of socially relevant science – but will they be ecologists?
Bonding With Books: The Parent–Infant Connection in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Walker Lynne J.
Published: March 2013

Parents of infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) experience one of the most stressful events of their lives. At times, they are unable to participate fully, if at all, in the care of their infant. Parents in the NICU have a need to participate in the care of their infant to attain the parental role. Parental reading to infants in the NICU is an intervention that can connect the parent and infant and offers a way for parents to participate in caregiving. This intervention may have many benefits and may positively affect the parent–infant relationship.
Should we Do more to Improve Oral Contraceptive Continuation?
Authors: Castaño Paula M , White Katharine O'Connell
Published: March 2013

Oral contraceptives are commonly chosen methods whose contraceptive effectiveness is very user-dependent. Approaches to significantly improving oral contraceptive continuation have been largely unsuccessful. Long-acting reversible methods are the most highly effective reversible contraceptives, with the highest continuation rates, and should be the first-line methods offered to reproductive-aged women.
Development of coated beads for oral controlled delivery of cefaclor: In vitro evaluation
Authors: Abdul Bazigha K. , Fahmy Sahar A.
Published: March 2013

The aim of the present study was to develop and characterize coated chitosan-alginate beads containing cefaclor as a controlled release delivery system. Coated cefaclor beads were prepared by solvent evaporation techniques. Beads were found to be intact and spherical in shape. Their size range was 1.05 to 2.06. The loading efficiency showed maximum value when the concentration of cefaclor, chitosan and PEG 400 was 10 % (m/V), 0.5 % (m/V) and 2 % (V/V), respectively. Best retardation of cefaclor release from chitosan-alginate beads was achieved by coating with 15 % of shellac in formula F19. A significant antimicrobial activity (p < 0.05) against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae was observed for formula F19 compared to the standard antibiotic disc. Furthermore, the simulated plasma profile showed the superiority of F19 in sustaining drug release for more than 12 h. Therefore, shellac coated chitosan-alginate beads could be considered a successful controlled release oral cefaclor dosage form.
Synthesis and anti-tumor evaluation of novel hydrazide and hydrazide-hydrazone derivatives
Authors: Wardakhan Wagnat Wahba , Nahed Nasser Eid El-Sayed , Mohareb Rafat Milad
Published: March 2013

The reaction of cyclopentanone with cyanoacetylhydrazine gave 2-cyano-2-cyclopentylideneacetohydrazide (1). Treatment of compound 1 with elemental sulphur in the presence of triethylamine afforded 2-amino-5,6-dihydro- -4H-cyclopenta[b]thiophene-3-carbohydrazide (2), which in-turn formed the corresponding intermediate diazonium salt. The latter was coupled with either ethyl cyanoacetate or ethyl acetoacetate to form 2-cyano-2-(3-(hydrazinecarbonyl)- 5,6-dihydro-4H-cyclopenta[b]thiophen-2-yl)hydrazono) acetate (3) and ethyl 2-(2-(3-(hydrazinecarbonyl)-5,6-dihydro- 4H-cyclopenta[b]thiophen-2-yl)hydrazono)-3-oxobutanoate (4), respectively. On the other hand, the reaction of compound 1 with either benzaldehyde or acetophenone afforded N’-benzylidene-2-cyano-2-cyclopentylideneacetohydrazide (7) and 2-cyano-2-(2-cyclopentylidene)phenylacetohydrazide (10), respectively. Moreover, compound 1 was used to synthesize 2-cyano-2-cyclopentylidene- N'-(arylthiazol-2(3H)-ylidene)acetohydrazides (6a,b), 2-(2-benzylidenecyclopentylidene)-2-cyanoacetohydrazide (8), 2-amino-N'-benzylidene-5,6-dihydro-4H- -cyclopenta[b]thiophene-3-carbohydrazide (9), 2-cyano- -2-(2-(2-phenylhydrazono)cyclopentylidene)acetohydrazide (11), N'-(1-chloropropan-2-ylidene)-2-cyano-2-cyclopentylideneacetohydrazide (12), and 2-cyclopentylidene-3- -(3,5-disubstituted-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-3-oxopropanenitriles (13a,b) through its reaction with the respective reagents. Antitumor evaluation of the newly synthesized compounds against the three human tumor cells lines, namely, breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), non-small cell lung cancer (NCI-H460) and CNS cancer (SF-268) showed that some of the described compounds exhibited higher inhibitory effects towards the three tumor cell lines than the reference compound doxorubicin.
Critical points in ethylcellulose matrices: Influence of the polymer, drug and filler properties
Authors: Cifuentes Celia , Aguilar-de-Leyva Ángela , Rajabi-Siahboomi Ali R. , Caraballo Isidoro
Published: March 2013

Percolation theory has been applied to study the drug release behaviour in multicomponent inert matrices containing ethylcellulose as a matrix forming polymer. Global influence of major formulation factors such as polymer viscosity, polymer particle size, drug and filler solubility and porosity of the tablets in drug release kinetics has been studied for the first time. Batches containing three viscosity grades of Ethocel™, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and lactose as fillers, a lubricant and flow aid mixture and three drugs with different solubility have been manufactured. For some batches, compression pressure was varied in order to obtain matrices with five levels of initial porosity. The behaviour of inert matrices was explained based on the percolation ranges of the main components of the formulation. The effect of the porosity percolation threshold was observed and the existence of a tricoherent drug-polymer-filler system is hypothesized.
Synthesis and pharmacophore modeling of novel quinazolines bearing a biologically active sulfonamide moiety
Authors: Ghorab Mostafa M. , Ismail Zienab H. , Radwan Awwad A. , Abdalla Mohamad
Published: March 2013

In the present work, interaction of the strategic starting material, methyl 2-isothiocyanatobenzoate (1), with sulfa drugs resulted in the formation of methyl 2-[3-(4-(N-substituted sulfamoyl)phenyl)thioureido] benzoates 2-5, which upon reaction with hydrazine hydrate afforded N-amino derivatives 6-9. Triazoloquinazoline derivatives 10-18 were obtained via reaction of compounds 6-8 with aromatic aldehydes. Also, the reaction of compound 8 with formic acid gave the corresponding triazoloquinazoline derivative 19. Triazinoquinazoline derivatives 22, 23 were obtained via reaction of N-amino derivatives 6 or 8 with ethyl chloroacetate. Interaction of 6 with diethyloxalate yielded triazoloquinazoline 26. The synthesized compounds were screened for their in vitro antimicrobial activities and some of them exhibited promising antibacterial activity compared to ampicillin as positive control. Compounds that revealed significant activity are able to satisfy effectively the proposed pharmacophore geometry.
Formulation and evaluation of mefenamic acid sustained release matrix pellets
Authors: Ibrahim Mohamed Abbas
Published: March 2013

The objective of the study was to prepare mefenamic acid (MA) sustained release matrix pellets and investigate the formulation parameters affecting pellet attributes and drug release in vitro. Amixer torque rheometer (MTR) was used to characterize the rheological properties of wet mass used in pellet formulation. Mefenamic acid pellets were prepared by extrusion/spheronization techniques using microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) in combination with lactose as pellet forming agents and water as the binding liquid. Also, the prepared pellets were characterized for their particle size and in vitro drug dissolution. The results revealed that the increase in lactose weight ratio to MCC resulted in a significant reduction of both maximum torque and binder ratios, while the addition of 2 % (m/m) polyvinyl pyrolidone (PVP) to MCC-lactose influenced only the mean torque rather than the wetting liquid (water). Particle size ranged from 945 to 1089 mm and had small span values (0.56-0.67). Furthermore, an inverse relation was observed between the rheological character of pellet wet masses (expressed by peak torque) and in vitro release rate. Increasing MAloading from 2.5 to 5 and 10 % was accompanied by a decrease in dissolution rates. In conclusion, properties of MA matrix pellets could be successfully monitored by controlling the wet mass characteristics by measuring torque.
Hexavalent Chromium Accumulation by Microscopic Fungi
Authors: Hołda Anna
Published: March 2013

The purpose of the study was to optimize the removal of Cr(VI) by means of the Trichoderma viride strain isolated from chromium mud samples a well as the Aspergillus niger and Penicillium citrinum strains from other environments. The growth of organism and removal of chromium(VI) was carried out in water solution of various chromium(VI) contents. The research was carried out at optimal pH for each fungus i.e. Aspergillus niger 4.0, Penicillium citrinum 5.0 and Trichoderma viride 4.5. During 14 days of incubation, samples of 5 ml each were collected every day in order to determine chromium(VI) content in the solution and the efficiency of bioaccumulation of this element was then specified. Furthermore, chromium contents in filtrate and mycelium were checked to verify this type of biological activity of microorganisms. The fungi culture investigated in this study could grow at 10-125 mg/l chromium concentration which indicated that it was characterized by high tolerance to various concentrations of chromium. At 125 mg/l chromium, these organisms could accumulate successfully about 90% of chromium. High tolerance of this culture can make it a potential candidate to be a heavy metal scavenger of chromium.
E Ffects of the Solubilisation of the Cod of Municipal Waste in Thermal Disintegration
Authors: Myszograj Sylwia
Published: March 2013

This paper presents the content changes in the Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) solubilised in hydrolisates obtained from thermally disintegrated municipal waste biofractions. A series of tests related to biowaste undergoing thermal treatment at the following temperatures: 55, 75, 95, 115, 135, 155 and 175°C were conducted for 0.5, 1 and 2 hours. The highest increase in COD solid fraction solubilisation (238%) was observed for the samples disintegrated at 175°C for 2 hours. The values of the reaction rate coefficient k20 = 0.6 d-1 and temperature coefficient θ = 1.023 were determined. Statistical analysis of the multiple regression (correlation coefficient R = 0.89) showed that the temperature has a greater impact on COD solid fraction solubilisation - determined β = 0.66. The multiple correlation coefficient for the treatment time was β = 0.61.
Photocatalytic, Sonolytic and Sonophotocatalytic Degradation of 4-Chloro-2-Nitro Phenol
Authors: Verma Anoop , Kaur Harmanpreet , Dixit Divya
Published: March 2013

The photocatalytic, sonolytic and sonophotocatalytic degradation of 4-chloro-2-nitrophenol (4C2NP) using heterogeneous (TiO2) was investigated in this study. Experiments were performed in slurry mode with artificial UV 125 watt medium pressure mercury lamp coupled with ultrasound (100 W, 33+3 KHz) for sonication of the slurry. The degradation of compound was studied in terms of first order kinetics. The catalyst concentration was optimized at 1.5 gL-1, pH at 7 and oxidant concentration at 1.5 gL-1. The results obtained were quite appreciable as 80% degradation was obtained for photocatalytic treatment in 120 minutes whereas, ultrasound imparting synergistic effect as degradation achieved 96% increase in 90 minutes during sonophotocatalysis. The degradation follows the trend sonophotocatalysis > photocatalysis > sonocatalytic > sonolysis. The results of sonophotocatalytic degradation of pharmaceutical compound showed that it could be used as efficient and environmentally friendly technique for the complete degradation of recalcitrant organic pollutants which will increase the chances for the reuse of wastewater.
Bottom sediments as a potential source of phosphorus in the riverine-lacustrine system of the Kośna River (Northeastern Poland)
Authors: Bigaj Izabela , Łopata Michał , Dunalska Julita , Szymański Daniel , Zieliński Rafał
Published: March 2013

Sediments from hypereutrophic Lake Łajskie localized in northeastern Poland were examined on the basis of P-fraction. The sediments were collected at five sampling sites. In the investigated lake, the rank order of P-fractions was HCl-P > BD-P > NH4Cl-P > NaOH - nrP. The loosely sorbed phosphorus NH4Cl-P represented < 3% of the sedimentary inorganic phosphorus, while the reductant phosphorus (BD-P) ranged from 2 to 10%. The calcium bound phosphorus (HCl-P) showed considerable contribution (59-74%) to the sedimentary inorganic P-loads. BDP was the most reactive fraction in Lake Łajskie. Iron compounds and organic matter seem to play a significant role in regulating this labile P-budget.
Effect of the coagulants PAX and PIX on the embryonic development of pike (Esox lucius L.)
Authors: Bonisławska Małgorzata , Tański Adam , Nędzarek Arkadiusz , Tórz Agnieszka
Published: March 2013

The study examined the development of pike (Esox lucius L.) roe in water containing variously concentrated coagulants PIX®113 and PAX®18, which are increasingly being used in Poland as a method of lake reclamation. The genital products came from spawners caught from a natural water body (Lake Przybiernów). The eggs were incubated in water taken from the same lake, and subjected to the process of phosphorus and iron precipitation with coagulants. Based on the results, it was found that the coagulants used in the experiment inhibit the embryogenesis of pike by the formation of aggregates falling to the bottom, reducing the percentage of live embryos and affecting the size and malformation of the hatching larvae.
Variation in the ice cover thickness on Lake Samołęskie as a result of underground water supply
Authors: Choiński Adam , Ptak Mariusz
Published: March 2013

The character of phenomena related to freezing depends on macroscale factors and mainly on thermal conditions, but local conditions can also be of great importance in shaping the course of these phenomena. Building of ice cover can be substantially different even for neighbouring lakes as a result of different individual features such as, for example, morphometric parameters. In this study the variation in the thickness of ice cover on Lake Samołęskie (29 ha) localised in western Poland, is analysed. According to measurements performed the differences in the thickness of ice cover was significant as it varied from 20 to 33 cm. A characteristic feature was that along the west bank of the lake the ice cover was thinner and its thickness increased towards the east. Analysis of the hydrogeological data revealed that this phenomenon is related to the supply of water to the lake basin by efficient water-carrying formations. The influx of water affects the bottom layer of the ice cover. This effect is aggravated by the fact that the water is supplied under elevated pressure as evidenced by the presence of a polynia of about 10 m in diameter, over the deepest (over 20 metres deep) site in the lake. The polynia is never frozen, even during the coldest winters. The specific features of the lake illustrate the influence of local geological conditions on the character of processes taking place in lakes in general.
Spring warming period of Polish lake waters in a yearly thermal cycle
Authors: Skowron Rajmund
Published: March 2013

The study describes thermal regimes of thirty selected Polish lakes in the spring season. The author used 35-year series of daily measurements of surface water temperature in the years 1961-2005 and the measurements of the vertical distribution of water temperature taken in tens of selected water bodies. The diversified pace of the increase in surface water temperature (SWT) during the spring warming period makes it possible to distinguish two thermal phases: the early and late phases of spring warming. The limits of those phases are marked by the dates of the disappearance of ice cover and the dates when the SWT stays well over the threshold values, which amount to 4°C and 15°C respectively. The SWT increase in the lakes (April and May) causes changes in the water’s vertical thermal structure (the formation of epi- and metalimnion) and considerable dynamics of its descriptive parameters, such as water temperature, thermal stratification coefficient, thermal gradients, heat resources, etc.
Examples of lake disappearance as an effect of reclamation works in Poland
Authors: Choiński Adam , Ptak Mariusz , Strzelczak Agnieszka
Published: March 2013

Glacial lakes undergo evolution with their disappearance as the last stage of it. Natural processes which determine the rate of lake shrinking occur rather slowly but they have been increasing their speed with the stronger human interference in the environment. The most drastic effect of anthropogenic pressure exerted on lake ecosystems is their complete disappearance caused by reclamation works. One can state that this process is a change of rapid character (a lake can disappear within a few years or several decades, in extreme cases even within one year). Drainage works are particularly unfavourable in areas with a shortage of water supplies, where rapid lake shallowing reduces water retention even more. A considerable part of Poland suffers from water supply deficiency. Therefore, draining of lakes should be considered as an adverse operation. This study discusses the examples of eleven lakes located in Poland and subjected to reclamation works. Analyses of those cases lead us to the conclusion that drainage aiming to broaden agricultural areas has not always been proper.
Dammed lakes – Present state of knowledge and research requirements
Authors: Marszelewski Włodzimierz , Kornaś Marika
Published: March 2013

The paper presents the current state of knowledge on dammed lakes in Poland and identifies the crucial research necessities in this area. The analysis of documents concerning dammed lakes and information obtained from institutions responsible for water management in Poland were the basis for a preliminary qualitative and quantitative assessment of dammed lakes located in north-west Poland. This allowed the identification of the necessary directions to be taken in the study of dammed lakes. In many cases, the indicated directions are innovative and have high potential for application.
Risk factors for gliomas. An extensive review
Authors: Florian I.S. , Ungureanu G. , Berce C.
Published: March 2013

Primary brain tumors consist are a heterogenic group of malignancies. Gliomas represent subtypes which include all tumors arising from glial cells. The risk factors for gliomas are until today unclear. The aim of this study was to summarize all possible connections between suspected risk factors and glial brain tumors.
First experience in intracranial aneurysm occlusion by balloon assisted coiling technique
Authors: Chiriac A. , Iliescu B. , Dobrin N. , Poeata I.
Published: March 2013

Particular anatomical situation like wideneck aneurysms or a large neck/fundus ratio, located on an arterial bifurcation or a small artery, are still a challenge for endovascular coil occlusion. These are due to the risk of coil migration or coil protrusion into the parent vessels. In our study we describe the balloon assisted coiling technique regarding the efficacy and safety of its practice and the problems that could appear.
Designing Effective Legends and Layouts with a Focus on Nigerian Topographic Maps
Authors: Akinyemi Felicia , Kibora P.M. , Aborishade P.
Published: March 2013

Most mapping research efforts currently focus on the content of maps and the platform used. By examining layout (the spatial arrangement of various map elements) and legends (an example of marginal map information) in topographic maps, this study complements other studies on map content and use. A map's legend, sometimes known as a “key,” enables the reader to decipher the meanings of the marks and forms that make up the map's content. The layout style and legend used in many topographic map series in Africa were adopted from colonial maps – for example, Nigeria's topographic maps are reminiscent of British colonial maps – and thus post-independence topographic maps reflect the legacies of colonial mapping. This article describes the design of a layout and legend created, using a digital workflow based on the existing analogue legend, for the Nigerian 1:50,000 topographic map series. Classes of vegetation and transportation features depicted on both the old legend and the proposed new legend were compared to illustrate the enhancements achieved in the latter.
GIS Textbook Content as a Basis for Skill Development in Map Interpretation
Authors: Skryzhevska Liza , Green Jerry , Abbitt Robbyn
Published: March 2013

Previous research has noted that enrolments in US map-interpretation courses have been declining since the mid-1980s. One reason for this could be the rise and development of GIS technology and its implementation in the curricula of many universities. In this situation, GIS courses may play a dual role, both directly siphoning away potential map-interpretation students and offering an alternative venue for those wishing to develop map-interpretation skills. This study investigates the materials available in 13 current GIS textbooks and tutorials with respect to the inclusion of map-interpretation and cartographic topics. The findings suggest that these materials contain a significant amount of map-interpretation and cartographic content. The prevalence of each topic varies by source. Based on the degree of prevalence, four groups of topics were defined. The findings suggest that GIS courses may be an alternative avenue for students seeking to obtain or improve their map-interpretation skills. However, textbook choice will play a certain role in the process of reaching these goals.
Strain-rate estimates for crevasse formation at an alpine ice divide: Mount Hunter, Alaska
Authors: Campbell Seth , Roy Samuel , Kreutz Karl , Arcone Steven A. , Osterberg Erich C. , Koons Peter
Published: March 2013

Crevasse initiation is linked to strain rates that range over three orders of magnitude (0.001 and 0.163 a-1) as a result of the temperature-dependent nonlinear rheological properties of ice and from water and debris inclusions. Here we discuss a small cold glacier that contains buried crevasses at and near an ice divide. Surface-conformable stratigraphy, the glacier’s small size, and cold temperatures argue for limited rheological variability at this site. Surface ice-flow velocities of (1.2-15.5) ± 0.472 m a- 1 imply classic saddle flow surrounding the ice divide. Numerical models that incorporate field-observed boundary conditions suggest extensional strain rates of 0.003-0.015 a- 1 , which fall within the published estimates required for crevasse initiation. The occurrence of one crevasse beginning at 50 m depth that appears to penetrate close to the bed suggests that it formed at depth. Field data and numerical models indicate that a higher interior stress at this crevasse location may be associated with steep convex bed topography; however, the dynamics that caused its formation are not entirely clear.
Chemoenzymatic synthesis and biological evaluation of enantiomerically enriched 1-(β-hydroxypropyl)imidazolium- and triazolium-based ionic liquids
Authors: Borowiecki Paweł , Milner-Krawczyk Małgorzata , Plenkiewicz Jan
Published: March 2013

Racemic 1-(β-hydroxypropyl)azoles were prepared by solvent-free direct regioselective ring opening of 1,2-propylene oxide with imidazole or 1,2,4-triazole. Lipase-catalyzed transesterification of alcohols with vinyl acetate resulted in kinetic enantiomers resolution. Separated (S)-enantiomers of (+)-1-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)propan-2-ol and (+)-1-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)propan-2-ol were quaternized with alkyl bromides or iodides, yielding novel optically active ionic liquids. Racemic salts were tested against a wide range of microorganisms.
Être parent avec et sans l'autre. Les exigences paradoxales de notre société contemporaine
Authors: Janssen Christophe
Published: March 2013

À partir de deux vignettes a priori sans rapport, l’auteur se propose de réfléchir aux effets des transformations sociales sur le rapport que les individus entretiennent avec la parentalité. Revendication d’autonomie, création et utilisation d’un réseau « coparental » autour de l’enfant ; il sera question de mesurer l’intérêt dans un cadre clinique de porter attention aux modalités de rencontre, ou de non-rencontre, entre la créativité des parents et leur environnement. L’auteur en arrivera à paraphraser D.W. Winnicott en proclamant qu’« un parent, ça n’existe pas ! ».
Empathy as a Determining Factor for Nursing Career Selection
Authors: Penprase Barbara , Oakley Barbara , Ternes Reuben , Driscoll Dana
Published: March 2013

The ability to empathize with others is a highly desirable characteristic for the delivery of quality care by nurses. Little research is available that explores the empathy characteristics of students who are attracted to nursing. The purpose of this study is to explore whether empathizing and systemizing characteristics are important factors underlying students’ self-selection into and continuing success in nursing programs and whether the importance of these characteristics tends to differ for men and women who choose nursing as a career. A descriptive correlative design was used for this study of 1,872 undergraduates enrolled in a variety of majors, including nursing, at a large midwestern U.S. research university. Findings supported that nursing students had significantly higher empathy characteristics than students in other disciplines. [
J Nurs Educ.
2013;52(4):192–197.]
Signaling through Purinergic Receptors for ATP Induces Human Cutaneous Innate and Adaptive Th17 Responses: Implications in the Pathogenesis of Psoriasis
Authors: Killeen Meaghan E. , Ferris Laura , Kupetsky Erine A. , Falo Louis , Mathers Alicia R.
Published: March 2013

Human cutaneous dendritic cells (DCs) have the ability to prime and bias Th17 lymphocytes. However, the factors that stimulate cutaneous DCs to induce Th17 responses are not well known. Alarmins, such as ATP, likely play a pivotal role in the induction and maintenance of cutaneous immune responses by stimulating DC maturation, chemotaxis, and secretion of IL-1β and IL-6, Th17-biasing cytokines. In this study, using a well-established human skin model, we have demonstrated that signaling purinergic receptors, predominantly the P2X7 receptor (P2X7R), via an ATP analog initiate innate proinflammatory inflammation, DC17 differentiation, and the subsequent induction of Th17-biased immunity. Moreover, our results suggest a potential role for P2X7R signaling in the initiation of psoriasis pathogenesis, a Th17-dependent autoimmune disease. In support of this, we observed the increased presence of P2X7R in nonlesional and lesional psoriatic skin compared with normal healthy tissues. Interestingly, there was also a P2X7R variant that was highly expressed in lesional psoriatic skin compared with nonlesional psoriatic and normal healthy skin. Furthermore, we demonstrated that psoriatic responses could be initiated via P2X7R signaling in nonlesional skin following treatment with a P2X7R agonist. Mechanistic studies revealed a P2X7R-dependent mir-21 angiogenesis pathway that leads to the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and IL-6 and that may be involved in the development of psoriatic lesions. In conclusion, we have established that purinergic signaling in the skin induces innate inflammation, leading to the differentiation of human Th17 responses, which have implications in the pathogenesis and potential treatment of psoriasis.
Antigen-Reactive T Cell Enrichment for Direct, High-Resolution Analysis of the Human Naive and Memory Th Cell Repertoire
Authors: Bacher Petra , Schink Christian , Teutschbein Janka , Kniemeyer Olaf , Assenmacher Mario , Brakhage Axel A. , Scheffold Alexander
Published: March 2013

Ag-specific CD4+ T cells orchestrating adaptive immune responses are crucial for the development of protective immunity, but also mediate immunopathologies. To date, technical limitations often prevented their direct analysis. In this study, we report a sensitive flow cytometric assay based on magnetic pre-enrichment of CD154+ T cells to visualize rare Ag-reactive naive and memory Th cells directly from human peripheral blood. The detection limit of ∼1 cell within 105–106 permitted the direct enumeration and characterization of auto-, tumor-, or neo-Ag–reactive T cells within the naive and even memory CD4+ T cell repertoire of healthy donors. Furthermore, the analysis of high target cell numbers after pre-enrichment of rare Ag-specific T cells from large blood samples dramatically improved the identification of small subpopulations. As exemplified in this work, the dissection of the Ag-specific memory responses into small cytokine-producing subsets revealed great heterogeneity between pathogens, but also pathogen-related microsignatures refining Th cell subset classification. The possibility to directly analyze CD4+ T cells reactive against basically any Ag of interest at high resolution within the naive and memory repertoire will open up new avenues to investigate CD4+ T cell–mediated immune reactions and their use for clinical diagnostics.
Monocyte ADAM17 Promotes Diapedesis during Transendothelial Migration: Identification of Steps and Substrates Targeted by Metalloproteinases
Authors: Tsubota Yoshiaki , Frey Jeremy M. , Tai Phillip W. L. , Welikson Robert E. , Raines Elaine W.
Published: March 2013

Despite expanded definition of the leukocyte adhesion cascade and mechanisms underlying individual steps, very little is known about regulatory mechanisms controlling sequential shifts between steps. We tested the hypothesis that metalloproteinases provide a mechanism to rapidly transition monocytes between different steps. Our study identifies diapedesis as a step targeted by metalloproteinase activity. Time-lapse video microscopy shows that the presence of a metalloproteinase inhibitor results in a doubling of the time required for human monocytes to complete diapedesis on unactivated or inflamed human endothelium, under both static and physiological-flow conditions. Thus, diapedesis is promoted by metalloproteinase activity. In contrast, neither adhesion of monocytes nor their locomotion over the endothelium is altered by metalloproteinase inhibition. We further demonstrate that metalloproteinase inhibition significantly elevates monocyte cell surface levels of integrins CD11b/CD18 (Mac-1), specifically during transendothelial migration. Interestingly, such alterations are not detected for other endothelial- and monocyte-adhesion molecules that are presumed metalloproteinase substrates. Two major transmembrane metalloproteinases, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM)17 and ADAM10, are identified as enzymes that control constitutive cleavage of Mac-1. We further establish that knockdown of monocyte ADAM17, but not endothelial ADAM10 or ADAM17 or monocyte ADAM10, reproduces the diapedesis delay observed with metalloproteinase inhibition. Therefore, we conclude that monocyte ADAM17 facilitates the completion of transendothelial migration by accelerating the rate of diapedesis. We propose that the progression of diapedesis may be regulated by spatial and temporal cleavage of Mac-1, which is triggered upon interaction with endothelium.
Applicability and validity of the Amnestic Comparative Self-Assessment in adolescents
Authors: Roeser Karolin , Schwerdtle Barbara , Eichholz Ruth , Kübler Andrea
Published: March 2013

The Amnestic Comparative Self-Assessment (ACSA) is a sensitive, efficient, and economic instrument to assess overall quality of life in adult populations. The present study investigates the applicability of the ACSA in an adolescent sample and compares it to a measure of health-related quality of life, the Kiddo-Kindl. The sample comprised 92 adolescents (50 girls, 42 boys) aged 11-17 years (mean age: 13.67, standard deviation: 1.34). Of the investigated sample, n=69 (75%) completed the ACSA. No significant demographic differences were found between ACSA-respondents and non-respondents. The correlation of the Kiddo-Kindl and the ACSA was moderate (r=0.50). The Kiddo-Kindl subscales and the ACSA correlated between r=0.07 and 0.41. The majority of adolescents are able to complete the ASCA, and its acceptance and validity are independent of age. Thus, future investigations could adopt the ACSA in adolescents to assess overall quality of life.
Glacial geomorphology and pleistocene history of central British Columbia
Authors: Tipper H W
Published: March 2013

During the Pleistocene epoch all of central British Columbia was covered by glacier ice that molded and sculptured a multitude of features from which the glacial events can be interpreted, The Fraser ice sheet was formed by the accumulation of snow and ice in the
Coast and the Cariboo Mountains whence it flowed into the Interior Plateau as coalescent ice sheets, The ice from the two sources met near Fraser River resulting in a southeasterly confluent mass and a northerly flowing sheet . The latter, together with ice from the northern interior, flowed north
easterly to the Rocky Mountains which blocked further advance, Deglaciation was a combination of frontal retreat, down wasting, and stagnation of large masses of ice. Later re-advance from the Coast. Mountains and Cariboo Mountains produced tongues and lobes of ice that extended into the Interior
Plateau but did not coalesce as an ice sheet. Earlier glacial advances are believed to have been more extensive. At some time in early Pleistocene time , ice accumulated to form a thick central dome from which ice flowed radially over and through the Coast, Cariboo and Rocky
Mountains.
Local communities and health disaster management in the mining sector
Authors: Cronjé Freek , Reyneke Suzanne , Van Wyk David
Published: March 2013

Mining activities throughout the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have impacted on the health and safety of mining communities for many decades. Despite the economic contribution of mining to surrounding communities, a huge amount of social and environmental harm is associated with the industry. In this regard, mining companies have, on the one hand, contributed toward improved social development by providing jobs, paying taxes and earning foreign exchange. On the other hand, they have been linked publicly to poor labour conditions, corruption, pollution incidents, health and safety failings, as well as disrespect of human rights. The objectives of this study are to give an overview of social and natural factors relating to health disasters in selected communities in the mining environment. Regarding the findings, this paper focuses on the social and natural factors involved in the creation of health disasters. The social factors include poverty, unemployment, poor housing and infrastructure, prostitution and a high influx of unaccompanied migrant labour. Major health issues in this regard, which will be highlighted, are the extraordinary high incidence rate of HIV and STIs (sexually transmitted infections), addiction and mental illness. The environmental (natural) threats to health that will be discussed in the study are harmful particles in the air and water, excessive noise and overcrowded and unhygienic living conditions. In conclusion, the paper also finds that communities need to be ‘fenced in’ in terms of health disaster management instead of being excluded. Specific recommendations to mining companies to reduce health and safety disasters will be made to conclude the paper.
Lipid Goal Attainment and Prescription Behavior in Asian Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes: Experience from a Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Chin Calvin W , Gao F , Le TT , Tan RS
Published: March 2013

Lipid goal attainment studies in Asian patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are limited. The objectives of this study were to determine low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goal attainment rate at 4 months, and to examine prescription behavior influencing lipid goal attainment in Asian patients with ACS. A retrospective analysis of 267 patients with ACS was performed. The mean follow-up duration was 41.2 ± 10.7 months. LDL-C goal attainment rate was highest at 4 months (36.7%) but declined progressively throughout follow-up. More than 85% of patients were discharged with equipotent statin dose of 2 (equivalent to simvastatin 20 mg) or less. In patients who did not attain LDL-C goals, the statin dose remained low throughout follow-up because of a lack in responsive dose titration. Aggressive lipid-lowering therapy should be initiated early to improve goal attainment in these high-risk patients.
Screening of Household Family Members of Brucellosis Cases and Neighboring Community Members in Azerbaijan
Authors: Ismayilova Rita , Mody Rupal , Abdullayev Rakif , Amirova Kamala , Jabbarova Latafat , Ustun Narmin , Jahanov Musa , Nasirova Emilya , Powers Marilyn , Rivard Robert , Hepburn Matthew , Bautista Christian T.
Published: March 2013

Brucellosis is an endemic zoonotic disease in Azerbaijan. The first human brucellosis case reported in 1922 was in Pardabil village of a region currently named Shabran. Household members of brucellosis index cases are a population at risk for brucellosis infection. The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of seropositivity of brucellosis among household and neighboring community members of brucellosis index cases in Azerbaijan. Twenty-one household members of 8 index brucellosis cases and 27 community neighbors were serologically tested for evidence of exposure by the serum agglutination test. Of these, the brucellosis seropositivity rate was 9.5% and 7.4%, respectively. Screening of household members of index cases and individuals who live in proximity to infected household members is a practical approach to increase the detection of brucellosis exposure.