bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mineral Micronutrient Content of Cultivars of Field Pea, Chickpea, Common Bean, and Lentil Grown in Saskatchewan, Canada
Authors: Ray Heather , Bett Kirstin , Tar'an Bunyamin , Vandenberg Albert , Thavarajah Dil , Warkentin Thomas
Published: May 2014

The mineral content of pulses grown in Saskatchewan, Canada, was examined for magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, manganese, copper, selenium, and in some cases nickel and calcium. Eight to 18 cultivars of each of field pea (Pisum sativum), common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), chickpea (Cicer arietinum), and lentil (Lens culinaris) were grown at several locations in southern Saskatchewan in 2005 and 2006 in randomized complete block designs with three replicates. Mineral content was examined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The pulses were found to contain significant proportions of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for all the tested minerals except calcium. In many cases a 100 g (dry weight) portion of the crop provided over 50% of the RDA. For selenium, pulses grown in some locations provided 100% of the RDA. The effect of location was highly significant in most instances, while that of year and cultivar were generally less so. Pairwise differences among cultivars were examined by Tukey's test. Where possible, crops grown side by side were compared.
Biotype Differences for Resistance to Russian Wheat Aphid in Barley
Authors: Dahleen Lynn S. , Mornhinweg Dolores , Bregitzer Phil , Vitou Janine , Cakir Mehmet
Published: May 2014

Russian wheat aphid [RWA;Diuraphis noxia(Mordvilko)] is a worldwide insect pest of barley (Hordeum vulgareL.), causing crop losses each year. Previously identified resistant barley lines do not show variable reactions to the eight United States RWA biotypes identified by wheat reactions. However, additional RWA isolates have been identified outside the United States. The objective of this research was to determine whether additional RWA biotypes that impact resistance in barley exist and whether resistance to these biotypes is present in the resistant barley germplasm and cultivars that have been developed by the USDA‐ARS. A total of 166 barley lines were rated for chlorosis and leaf rolling in response to infestation with RWA United States’ biotype 1 and to individual isolates from Hungary, Chile, Mexico, and Iran. Each barley line was genotyped for 5912 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, and the combined data were used for association mapping of loci associated with resistance to each RWA isolate. A total of 40 loci were associated with resistance to the five RWA isolates. Biotype differences were evident, with only 23 lines showing resistance to all five biotypes. Loci with large effects on mean chlorosis and rolling differences were found for resistance to biotypes from the United States, Hungary, and Chile, while the loci for resistance to biotypes from Mexico and Iran had small effects on these traits, which may pose problems for developing resistant germplasm. The 23 lines resistant to all biotypes included 10 unadapted germplasm accessions and 13 improved germplasm lines and provide useful germplasm for developing new barley cultivars with resistance to multiple RWA biotypes.
In Vivo Haploid Induction in Maize: Identification of Haploid Seeds by Their Oil Content
Authors: Melchinger Albrecht E. , Schipprack Wolfgang , Friedrich Utz H. , Mirdita Vilson
Published: May 2014

In vivo haploid induction has become a routine tool for rapid line development in maize (Zea mays L.). However, distinguishing haploid (H) from diploid crossing (C) seeds is problematic for many germplasms due to poor expression or suppression of the currently‐used R1‐nj embryo marker. We examined a new approach for sorting H and C seeds on the basis of their oil content (OC). Ten source germplasms, including single crosses, synthetics, and landraces, were pollinated by high‐oil (HO) inducer UH600 with OC = 10.8%. Identification of embryoless seeds based on seed OC < 2.1% was very reliable. The average difference (1.79%) between the mean OC of C and H seeds was more than twice the standard deviation (SD) within each fraction. Thus, sorting H and C seeds based on OC smaller or greater than an a priori chosen threshold t was generally more reliable than based on the R1‐nj embryo marker. Another ten source germplasms were pollinated with normal‐oil inducer UH400 with OC = 3.0%. Since the difference (0.65%) between OC of C and H seeds was approximately of the same magnitude as the SD, both fractions overlapped too much for reliable sorting. The discrimination of H and C seeds based on their OC looks very promising, even for heterogeneous source materials such as landraces, provided an HO inducer and a stringent threshold t are used. In combination with high‐throughput platforms for automated sorting of single seeds for OC, this opens new avenues for extending the application and increasing the efficiency of the double haploid technology in maize.
Canopy Soils of Sitka Spruce and Bigleaf Maple in the Queets River Watershed, Washington
Authors: Haristoy Camila Tejo , Zabowski Darlene , Nadkarni Nalini
Published: May 2014

Canopy or arboreal soils develop from the accumulation and decomposition of epiphytes on branches and in bifurcations of trees in tropical and temperate rainforests. Canopy soils are important because they provide habitat and water, and accumulate allochthonous nutrients for epiphytes and their associated biota. This study characterized the chemical and physical characteristics of canopy soils developed on Sitka spruce [Picea sitchensis(Bong.) Carrière] and bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllumPursh) in an old‐growth forest at the Queets River watershed, Washington. Bigleaf maple canopy soils were dominated by hemic horizons, had higher pH, N content, cation exchange capacity, and extractable N levels relative to Sitka spruce canopy soils, which had higher bulk density and C/N ratios. Compared with the forest floor, canopy soils had lower total C, total N, and C/N ratio. The bigleaf maple canopy soil was classified as a Typic Haplohemist, whereas the Sitka spruce canopy soil was classified as a Typic Haplosaprist. The main differences between these canopy soils are due to different inputs of host tree litter and decomposition states of the two species. Canopy soils in this ecosystem are enhancing the pool of C and N by 20 and 25%, respectively, relative to the C and N pools of the forest floor.
Efficient Removal of Arsenic (V) from Water Using Steel‐Making Slag
Authors: Chakraborty A. , Sengupta A. , Bhadu M. K. , Pandey A. , Mondal A.
Published: May 2014

This study describes the potential use of steel‐making slag as an arsenic‐removal medium. Systematic analysis of slag material revealed a composition of oxides of calcium, iron, silicon, and phosphorous. Under the experimental conditions of this study, the equilibrium time was shown to be 2 hours, and the removal capacity to be 99%, with an adsorbent loading capacity of 1.25g/l. The adsorption kinetics were shown to follow a pseudo‐second‐order rate equation, and the adsorption isotherm closely followed both the Langmuir and Freundlich isothermic models. Variations in solution pH levels demonstrated that with a decrease in the initial solution pH, the adsorption capacity decreases. This is attributed to the leaching of silica and phosphate from the slag to the solution, which imparted a competing effect for adsorption sites. However, with an alkaline pH, such leaching was reduced, and due to formation of calcium carbonate from the leached calcium from the slag material, the arsenic removal efficiency increased as it was co‐precipitated with calcium carbonate.
TiO2 Nanotube Sensor for Online Chemical Oxygen Demand Determination in Conjunction with Flow Injection Technique
Authors: Li Xuejin , Yin Weiping , Li Jianyong , Bai Jing , Huang Ke , Li Jinhua , Zhou Baoxue
Published: May 2014

A simple, rapid and environmental friendly online chemical oxygen demand (COD) analytical method based on TiO2 nanotube sensor in conjunction with the flow injection technique was proposed to determine the COD of aqueous samples, especially for refractory organics, low‐concentration wastewater, and surface water. The new method can overcome the drawbacks of the conventional COD determination methods. The results show that with the new method, each analysis takes only about 1 to 3 min, the linear range is up to 1 to 500 mg·L−1 of the compound of interest, and the detection limit is 1 mg·L−1. The COD values obtained by the proposed method are more accurate than those obtained by the conventional method.
The Three Stages of Critical Policy Methodology: An Example from Curriculum Analysis
Authors: Rata Elizabeth
Published: May 2014

The article identifies and discusses three stages in the critical policy methodology used in the sociology of education. These are: firstly, employing a political economy theoretical framework that identifies causal links between global forces and local developments; secondly, analysing educational policy within that theoretically conceptualised context; and thirdly, undertaking empirical studies to examine educational phenomena located within the larger context of political and economic forces and policies. The integrated nature of the three stages of the methodology is illustrated using the example of curriculum change in New Zealand and the effects on the subject of history. The example's first and second stages are discussed in some length in order to demonstrate the importance of theorising to critical analysis. Therefore the purpose of the example is to show the theoretically embedded nature of critical sociological methodology. In the example, the theoretical framework establishes the conceptual basis for the curriculum analysis. In turn this analysis can be applied to empirical studies of the practice of policy in order to explain those practices.
Politics and Transformation: Critical Approaches toward Political Aspects of Education
Authors: Keller Deborah Biss , Keller J. Gregory
Published: May 2014

The current situation in education in the United States of America (USA), with an emphasis on high-stakes testing and privatization, calls for a counter-discourse revealing what is sacrificed by these educational policies and what forms of education are needed to prepare future teachers to engage their students in effecting social justice. We draw upon Adorno's ideas of self-reflection and debarbarization and Foucault's analysis of parrhesia (truth-telling) for formation of souls as the framework for this theoretical discussion on critical approaches to the political in education. University students arrive already ‘formed’ by the polarizing neo-conservatism of their communities. For students to be re-formed they need to be faced by truth-telling at both theoretical and practical levels. Those who teach need to emphasize that education involves an inner activity of reflection and care adopted for oneself. Using examples of cross-cultural teleconferencing and service-learning with subcultures, we suggest that perspective-altering care for self and others supplemented by the development of autonomy and reflection can help undo the rhetoric of animosity and confusion abundant in our culture and help students uncover transformative dialogic practices. The authors suggest this be fostered by classroom practices that open the adamantine closures of lives subsumed by our ‘disciplined’ (Foucault), ‘administered’ (Adorno) society.
Securing the State through the Production of ‘Global’ Citizens: Analyzing Neo-Liberal Educational Reforms in Jordan and the USA
Authors: Hantzopoulos Maria , Shirazi Roozbeh
Published: May 2014

From a human capital perspective, schooling has long represented an engine of economic growth, individual advancement, and competitiveness in the global market. In recent years, this theorization of schooling has become linked with articulations of national security in both the Global North and South, as policymakers, private sector actors, and international donor agencies frequently describe economic growth and opportunities for individual advancement as requisites to social and political stability. Lost amid the current US foreign policy discourses about the Middle East is an analysis of how neo-liberal educational reforms in both regions are similarly reconfiguring relationships between the nation-state and its young citizens. In critically interrogating how the sociopolitical work of schooling is articulated in Jordanian and American education policy texts, this article argues that neo-liberal discourses of ‘choice’, ‘accountability’ and ‘participation’ in current regimes of education reform seemingly produce new formations of citizenship locally (national security) and globally (global citizenship). Yet, this reordering of civic relationships serves to reify the (economic) interests of the nation-state and maintain a specific global hegemonic order. However, the article also highlights ways in which peoples' movements in the United States of America (USA) and Jordan are challenging the notions that these policies are merely tacitly accepted by most.
Hegemony through Responsibilisation: Getting Working-Class Students into Higher Education in the United Kingdom
Authors: Morrison Andrew
Published: May 2014

This article examines the role of the New Labour government's agenda for widening participation in higher education as a form of a responsibilising discourse of working-class young people. Under the New Labour administrations of 1997–2010, a concerted attempt was made to attract working-class students into higher education through promotional initiatives such as the Aimhigher programme. Drawing from Raymond Williams' discussion of hegemony and also from Nikolas Rose's concept of the ‘enterprising self’, this article examines three explanatory/promotional documents from the Aimhigher programme, aimed at working-class young people and their parents. The documents are analysed as materialisations of a powerfully hegemonic discourse of ‘responsibilisation’ towards participation in higher education. The article concludes with a discussion of the ways in which the widening access agenda has shifted since the Conservative-led coalition government came to power in 2010.
Evaluating the Identity of Program Recipients Using an Identity Exploration Instrument
Authors: Hogard Elaine
Published: May 2014

Abstract: This article argues that the self and identity of program recipients should be an important variable in program evaluations. In a smoking cessation program, for example, the aim should be to achieve a change in the way recipients view themselves and their identity as smokers or nonsmokers. The article identifies a gap in published studies that consider self and identity as an outcome or process measure in program evaluation. The potential of such an approach to give added depth to program evaluation is considered. Three studies in this area are identified and summarized: the identity of parents after child death; the professional identity of students after a program of interprofessional education; and the characteristics of male identity in Germany. To identify possible approaches, conceptualizations of self and identity and methods of exploring and measuring it are considered, culminating in the identification and description of a synthetic theory of identity, Identity Structure Analysis (ISA), and its associated measuring tool, Ipseus. The choice of this method as part of a program evaluation is justified. The use of ISA/Ipseus in three program evaluations—decision-making in community safety; student constructions of theory and practice in nurse education; and demands and tensions in nursing lecturing—is described. The strengths and weaknesses of this approach are considered.
Contributing Factors to the Continued Blurring of Evaluation and Research: Strategies for Moving Forward
Authors: Renger Ralph
Published: May 2014

Abstract: Despite many studies devoted to the different purposes of evaluation and research, purpose-method incongruence persists. Experimental research designs continue to be inappropriately used to evaluate programs for which sufficient research evidence has accumulated. By using a case example the article highlights several contributing factors to purpose-method incongruence, including the control of the federal level evaluation agenda by researchers, confusion in terminology, and the credible evidence debate. Strategies for addressing these challenges are discussed.
Environmental Effects on Mechanical Properties of Glass-Epoxy Composites
Authors: Karakuzu Ramazan , Kanlioglu Halit , Deniz Mehmet Emin
Published: May 2014

This study presents the effects of seawater and distilled water immersion time periods on mechanical properties of unidirectional glass reinforced epoxy composites. Tension, compression, and shear test specimens exposed to seawater and distilled water were prepared according to ASTM standards. After tests, SEM imaging of fracture surface of specimens was made. Results showed that seawater and distilled water immersion time affects significantly mechanical properties and strength values of glass-epoxy composites.
Indium Recovery by Selective Removal of Copper and Tin from ITO Etching Waste Solution by Cementation with Cobalt and Subsequent Electro-Winning: A Validation Experiment
Authors: Hong Myung-Hwan , Lee Sungkyu , Lee Soo-Young , Cho Sung-Su , Hong Hyun Seon , Jeon Deokil
Published: May 2014

A three-step batch-type indium recovery method was developed to prove feasibility of recovering indium powders from highly acidic dilute indium chloride solution prepared by dissolving indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes of waste liquid crystal display (LCD) panels in concentrated hydrochloric acid (HCl) solutions. More specifically, a batch-type three-step indium recovery by cementation and subsequent electro co-deposition process was designed and performed and its individual experimental parameters were varied to get insights in the engineering feasibility of validation experiments. Significant proportion of copper and tin was removed by cementation with cobalt powder. Residual copper and tin ions were further removed by primary electro co-deposition directly from the highly acidic etching waste solution recovered from cementation process. Synergistic effect of cobalt electro co-position on indium electro-reduction was observed during secondary electro co-deposition, which warrants additional electro-refining process for selective removal of indium from cobalt-indium metal mixture and its purification. Ionic and metallic species thus obtained from the validation experiments were further characterized using various analytical tools such as inductively coupled plasma/atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP/AES), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF).
Thixo-joining of D2 and M2 tool steels: analysis of microstructure and mechanical properties
Authors: Kalaki Ali , Ketabchi Mostafa , Abbasi Mahmoud
Published: May 2014

Thixo-joining as a method of joining dissimilar materials was introduced recently. In this method, specimens in a semi-solid condition are brought into contact with each other under compression. As a result, diffusion bonding takes place between the specimens. In this research, two kinds of tool steels, AISI D2 and AISI M2, which are difficult to join using conventional methods, were joined together through the thixo-joining process. While specimens were being heated in a furnace with argon-controlled atmosphere through the direct partial remelting method, a uniaxial constant compressive load was applied to them. The Microstructure and mechanical properties of the joint were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, shear, and hardness tests. The results showed a joint with good quality regarding the microstructure and mechanical properties. Moreover, energy dispersive spectroscopy revealed the diffusion of elements during the joining process. The fracture surface of the joint was also analyzed and characterized as intergranular.
Microstructure evolution at high temperature of chromium-rich iron-based alloys containing hafnium carbides
Authors: Conrath Elodie , Berthod Patrice
Published: May 2014

The high temperature behavior of three iron-based alloys rich in chromium and containing HfC carbides was studied in comparison with two ternary Fe – Cr – C alloys. All these alloys, contain 25 wt.% Cr, 0.25 or 0.50 wt.% C, and additionally 3.7 to 5.6 wt.% Hf for three of them. All alloys were produced in a foundry. They were exposed to air at 1 200 °C for 46 h. Their microstructures in the as-cast state and after exposure to high temperature were characterized using X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy and image analysis. The alloys were also subjected to indentation tests in their as-cast states and in their aged states. The obtained microstructures are composed of a dendritic bcc iron-based matrix and of HfC carbides. These carbides are of two types: script-like eutectic carbides mixed with matrix, and compact pre-eutectic carbides. Some chromium carbides were additionally obtained in two of the three Hf-containing alloys. These microstructures have roughly evolved during the high temperature exposure: variations of the surface fraction of the chromium carbides and increase in the HfC surface fractions. Consequently, the hardness was more (ternary alloys) or less (Hf-containing alloys) decreased. The morphologies of the carbides evolved: coalescence of the chromium carbides, coalescence and fragmentation of the HfC carbides. The behavior of these alloys in oxidation at high temperature is perfectible. It is to be improved to allow the use of such alloys at high temperature.
Crystalline boron carbide grown on a diamond surface
Authors: Liang Baoyan , Wang Yanzhi , Zhang Wangxi , Zhang Shuliang , Liu Jialin
Published: May 2014

Crystalline B4C was grown on the surface of diamond granules using a solid phase reaction from Ti – B – diamond raw materials. A series of analysis techniques, including X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, were employed to investigate the as-grown B4C grains. The grown B4C grains had lengths of several micrometers. A mechanism for B4C coating formation on diamond particle is discussed.
On the Utility of Microscopy and C-Scan Techniques in the Study of Defects Arising From Resin Infusion Process and a Study on the Influence of Voids on the Impact Behavior of CFRP Composites
Authors: Kumar M. Suresh , Ambresha  , Ranganath V. R. , Kishore
Published: May 2014

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic composites were fabricated through vacuum resin infusion technology by adopting two different processing conditions, viz., vacuum only in the first and vacuum plus external pressure in the next, in order to generate two levels of void-bearing samples. They were relatively graded as higher and lower void-bearing ones, respectively. Microscopy and C-scan techniques were utilized to describe the presence of voids arising from the two different processing parameters. Further, to determine the influence of voids on impact behavior, the fabricated +45°/90°/−45° composite samples were subjected to low velocity impacts. The tests show impact properties like peak load and energy to peak load registering higher values for the lower void-bearing case where as the total energy, energy for propagation and ductility indexes were higher for the higher void-bearing ones. Fractographic analysis showed that higher void-bearing samples display lower number of separation of layers in the laminate. These and other results are described and discussed in this report.
The Development of the Rotational Friction Welding Process for the Welding of γ-TiAl-Casting Alloy Ti-47Al-3.5(Mn+Cr+Nb)-0.8(B+Si) to Ti6Al4V
Authors: Ventzke V. , Riekehr S. , Horstmann M. , Kashaev N. , Brokmeier H.-G. , Huber N.
Published: May 2014

This article reports on the development of the rotational friction welding process for the welding of γ-TiAl- casting alloy Ti-47Al-3.5(Mn+Cr+Nb)-0.8(B+Si) to Ti6Al4V base metal and on the characterisation of the mechanical and microstructural properties of dissimilar metal friction welding. Pre- and post welding heat treatment is necessary in order to reduce the occurrence of bonding defects. The mechanical behaviour of friction welded joints under tensile loading at room temperature is primarily determined by the properties of the inter-metallic γTiAl- casting alloy base metal and not by the bonding zone itself. At the relevant service temperature of 700 °C, failure by fracture does not take place on the Ti6Al4V side of the dissimilar metal friction welded joint due to the super-plastic deformation of this alloy.
Measurement of Grain Shape Uniformity
Authors: Vander Voort G. F.
Published: May 2014

Cold working is well known to change the properties of metals and alloys. Deformation increases the strength of metals but usually reduces its toughness and leads to anisotropy of properties, that is, directionality. Hot working also produces similar affects; the microstructural results after hot work with low finishing temperatures may appear to be the same as from cold working. Hot rolling of shapes, sheet, plate or bar, for example, elongates the nonmetallic inclusions in the deformation direction, which will reduce the isotropy of mechanical properties. Hot working can also lead to segregation being elongated parallel to the deformation direction, which also reduces isotropy. Reducing the finishing temperature, i. e., the temperature of the steel at the final deformation pass, will promote “banding” – parallel alignment of the constituents into layers, such as alternate bands of ferrite and pearlite. This also promotes anisotropy of mechanical properties, chiefly toughness and ductility. Strength is not usually affected to a significant degree by banding, compared to toughness and ductility. In single phase metals and alloys, the grains will become elongated due to cold working. In hot working, the grain shape may not be equiaxed upon cooling if the finishing temperature is not high enough to promote complete recrystallization upon cooling to ambient temperature.
Visualization of Flow Instabilities for High Density Polyethylene
Authors: Kometani H. , Kitajima H. , Matsumura T. , Suga T. , Kanai T.
Published: May 2014

Two typical flow instabilities of “Shark Skin” and “Melt Fracture” for high density polyethylene were investigated in this report. Experimental measurements were carried out methodically in a wide flow region from the reservoir (entry region) to the die land with a specific slit die. Especially the flow pattern was visualized with a high speed camera and the frequency of the flow instability was analyzed. Corresponding to the visualization analysis, the pressure fluctuation in the slit die and the surface roughness at the die exit were measured simultaneously and these frequency characteristics were analyzed with a FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) analyzer. As for “Shark Skin” region, the irregularity of the surface roughness in the broad frequency band was recognized at the die exit. In spite of this surface roughness, the pressure fluctuation and the fluctuation of the flow pattern at the wall vicinity in the die land were not observed. These results indicate that “Shark Skin” occurs at the die exit. As for “Melt Fracture” region, the periodical oscillation of the flow pattern and the periodical pressure fluctuation which corresponded to the periodical distortion of the extrudate was recognized in the die land. However the periodical oscillation of the flow pattern and the periodical pressure fluctuation could not be recognized in the reservoir (entry region of the die land). These results indicate that “Melt Fracture” is initiated at the die entry and occurs in the die land. Consequently it is clarified that “Shark Skin” occurs at the die exit and the flow instability which lead to “Melt Fracture” is initiated at the die entry and occurs in the die land.
Simulation and Experimental Verification of Crystallization and Birefringence in Melt Spinning of PET
Authors: Kim K. H. , Isayev A. I. , Kwon K.
Published: May 2014

A novel approach for the numerical simulation of the development of crystallinity and birefringence on the spinline was proposed. The approach was based on the calculation of elastic recovery and crystalline and amorphous orientation functions without making any assumption about freezing. To model crystallization, the amorphous orientation function and the flow effect on the equilibrium melting temperature elevation due to the entropy reduction between the oriented and unoriented melts were incorporated. The crystalline orientation function was calculated from the frozen-in elastic recovery. The entropy change and frozen-in elastic recovery calculation were based on a nonlinear viscoelastic constitutive Eq. with the crystallinity and temperature dependent viscosity and relaxation time. The crystalline and amorphous contributions to the overall birefringence were obtained from the crystalline orientation function and the flow birefringence, respectively. The temperature, diameter, density, and birefringence profile in both low- and high-speed spun PET fibers were predicted and compared with the experimental data from literature. Theoretical predictions were found to be in agreement with the published experimental data.
Intraoperative cortico-cortical evoked potentials for the evaluation of language function during brain tumor resection: initial experience with 13 cases
Authors: Saito Taiichi , Tamura Manabu , Muragaki Yoshihiro , Maruyama Takashi , Kubota Yuichi , Fukuchi Satoko , Nitta Masayuki , Chernov Mikhail , Okamoto Saori , Sugiyama Kazuhiko , Kurisu Kaoru , Sakai Kuniyoshi L. , Okada Yoshikazu , Iseki Hiroshi
Published: May 2014

Object

The objective in the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of cortico-cortical evoked potentials (CCEP) monitoring for the intraoperative assessment of speech function during resection of brain tumors.

Methods

Intraoperative monitoring of CCEP was applied in 13 patients (mean age 34 ± 14 years) during the removal of neoplasms located within or close to language-related structures in the dominant cerebral hemisphere. For this purpose strip electrodes were positioned above the frontal language area (FLA) and temporal language area (TLA), which were identified with direct cortical stimulation and/or preliminary mapping with the use of implanted chronic subdural grid electrodes. The CCEP response was defined as the highest observed negative peak in either direction of stimulation. In 12 cases the tumor was resected during awake craniotomy.

Results

An intraoperative CCEP response was not obtained in one case because of technical problems. In the other patients it was identified from the FLA during stimulation of the TLA (7 cases) and from the TLA during stimulation of the FLA (5 cases), with a mean peak latency of 83 ± 15 msec. During tumor resection the CCEP response was unchanged in 5 cases, decreased in 4, and disappeared in 3. Postoperatively, all 7 patients with a decreased or absent CCEP response after lesion removal experienced deterioration in speech function. In contrast, in 5 cases with an unchanged intraoperative CCEP response, speaking abilities after surgery were preserved at the preoperative level, except in one patient who experienced not dysphasia, but dysarthria due to pyramidal tract injury. This difference was statistically significant (p < 0.01). The time required to recover speech function was also significantly associated with the type of intraoperative change in CCEP recordings (p < 0.01) and was, on average, 1.8 ± 1.0, 5.5 ± 1.0, and 11.0 ± 3.6 months, respectively, if the response was unchanged, was decreased, or had disappeared.

Conclusions

Monitoring CCEP is feasible during the resection of brain tumors affecting language-related cerebral structures. In the intraoperative evaluation of speech function, it can be a helpful adjunct or can be used in its direct assessment with cortical and subcortical mapping during awake craniotomy. It can also be used to predict the prognosis of language disorders after surgery and decide on the optimal resection of a neoplasm.
Intractable yawning associated with mature teratoma of the supramedial cerebellum
Authors: Saura Hiroaki , Beppu Takaaki , Matsuura Hideki , Asahi Shigeki , Uesugi Noriyuki , Sasaki Makoto , Ogasawara Kuniaki
Published: May 2014

Yawning occurs in various conditions such as hypoxia, epilepsy, and sleep disorders including sleep apnea. Intractable yawning associated with a brain tumor has been rarely reported. A 19-year-old woman presented with intractable yawning. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a tumor in the supramedial cerebellum that compressed the dorsal side of the midbrain and upper pons. After subtotal removal of the tumor, the yawning completely disappeared. Postoperative MRI showed resolution of compression of the brainstem. The tumor was histologically diagnosed as a mature teratoma. The present case suggested that the intractable yawning resulted from the tumor compressing the dorsal side of the junction between the midbrain and pons.
Relevance of early head CT scans following neurosurgical procedures: an analysis of 892 intracranial procedures at Rush University Medical Center
Authors: Fontes Ricardo B. V. , Smith Adam P. , Muñoz Lorenzo F. , Byrne Richard W. , Traynelis Vincent C.
Published: May 2014

Object

Early postoperative head CT scanning is routinely performed following intracranial procedures for detection of complications, but its real value remains uncertain: so-called abnormal results are frequently found, but active, emergency intervention based on these findings may be rare. The authors' objective was to analyze whether early postoperative CT scans led to emergency surgical interventions and if the results of neurological examination predicted this occurrence.

Methods

The authors retrospectively analyzed 892 intracranial procedures followed by an early postoperative CT scan performed over a 1-year period at Rush University Medical Center and classified these cases according to postoperative neurological status: baseline, predicted neurological change, unexpected neurological change, and sedated or comatose. The interpretation of CT results was reviewed and unexpected CT findings were classified based on immediate action taken: Type I, additional observation and CT; Type II, active nonsurgical intervention; and Type III, surgical intervention. Results were compared between neurological examination groups with the Fisher exact test.

Results

Patients with unexpected neurological changes or in the sedated or comatose group had significantly more unexpected findings on the postoperative CT (p < 0.001; OR 19.2 and 2.3, respectively) and Type II/III interventions (p < 0.001) than patients at baseline. Patients at baseline or with expected neurological changes still had a rate of Type II/III changes in the 2.2%–2.4% range; however, no patient required an immediate return to the operating room.

Conclusions

Over a 1-year period in an academic neurosurgery service, no patient who was neurologically intact or who had a predicted neurological change required an immediate return to the operating room based on early postoperative CT findings. Obtaining early CT scans should not be a priority in these patients and may even be cancelled in favor of MRI studies, if the latter have already been planned and can be performed safely and in a timely manner. Early postoperative CT scanning does not assure an uneventful course, nor should it replace accurate and frequent neurological checks, because operative interventions were always decided in conjunction with the neurological examination.
The Effect of Nutritional Status in the Pathogenesis of Critical Illness Myopathy (CIM)
Authors: Ogilvie Hannah , Larsson Lars
Published: May 2014

The muscle wasting and loss of specific force associated with Critical Illness Myopathy (CIM) is, at least in part, due to a preferential loss of the molecular motor protein myosin. This acquired myopathy is common in critically ill immobilized and mechanically ventilated intensive care patients (ICU). There is a growing understanding of the mechanisms underlying CIM, but the role of nutritional factors triggering this serious complication of modern intensive care remains unknown. This study aims at establishing the effect of nutritional status in the pathogenesis of CIM. An experimental ICU model was used where animals are mechanically ventilated, pharmacologically paralysed post-synaptically and extensively monitored for up to 14 days. Due to the complexity of the experimental model, the number of animals included is small. After exposure to this ICU condition, animals develop a phenotype similar to patients with CIM. The results from this study show that the preferential myosin loss, decline in specific force and muscle fiber atrophy did not differ between low vs. eucaloric animals. In both experimental groups, passive mechanical loading had a sparing effect of muscle weight independent on nutritional status. Thus, this study confirms the strong impact of the mechanical silencing associated with the ICU condition in triggering CIM, overriding any potential effects of caloric intake in triggering CIM. In addition, the positive effects of passive mechanical loading on muscle fiber size and force generating capacity was not affected by the nutritional status in this study. However, due to the small sample size these pilot results need to be validated in a larger cohort.
Role of Ubiquitylation in Controlling Suppressor of Cytokine Signalling 3 (SOCS3) Function and Expression
Authors: Williams Jamie , Munro Kirsten , Palmer Timothy
Published: May 2014

The realisation that unregulated activation of the Janus kinase–signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK–STAT) pathway is a key driver of a wide range of diseases has identified its components as targets for therapeutic intervention by small molecule inhibitors and biologicals. In this review, we discuss JAK-STAT signalling pathway inhibition by the inducible inhibitor “suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), its role in diseases such as myeloproliferative disorders, and its function as part of a multi-subunit E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. In addition, we highlight potential applications of these insights into SOCS3-based therapeutic strategies for management of conditions such as vascular re-stenosis associated with acute vascular injury, where there is strong evidence that multiple processes involved in disease progression could be attenuated by localized potentiation of SOCS3 expression levels.
Using Permutation Entropy to Measure the Changes in EEG Signals During Absence Seizures
Authors: Li Jing , Yan Jiaqing , Liu Xianzeng , Ouyang Gaoxiang
Published: May 2014

In this paper, we propose to use permutation entropy to explore whether the changes in electroencephalogram (EEG) data can effectively distinguish different phases in human absence epilepsy, i.e., the seizure-free, the pre-seizure and seizure phases. Permutation entropy is applied to analyze the EEG data from these three phases, each containing 100 19-channel EEG epochs of 2 s duration. The experimental results show the mean value of PE gradually decreases from the seizure-free to the seizure phase and provides evidence that these three different seizure phases in absence epilepsy can be effectively distinguished. Furthermore, our results strengthen the view that most frontal electrodes carry useful information and patterns that can help discriminate among different absence seizure phases.
Cascaded Position-Flux Controller for an AMB System Operating at Zero Bias
Authors: Jastrzebski Rafal , Smirnov Alexander , Mystkowski Arkadiusz , Pyrhönen Olli
Published: May 2014

The paper reports on the implementation and the design of a controller for a fuel cell blower (FCB) with active magnetic bearings (AMBs). The cascaded position-fluxcentralized controller is comprised of a centralized position control loop and an inner flux control loop. The last one is based on state estimation without explicit flux measurements. As the position control is not dependent on the magnetic field nonlinearities, such a control structure enables operation under a zero bias. The practical working implementation of a flux control for the industrial levitated rotor is shown for the first time. The flux control gives better results than current control for both normal and zero bias operation. The system is analyzed fully, combining rotor dynamics and power amplifier analyses simultaneously. The importance of using the coil voltage in addition to current and practical treatment of the flux control is revealed. The centralized position-flux controller is compared with a state-of-the-art cascaded position-current control, which has inner current control loops. The proposed control solution with a zero bias can achieve a dynamic performance comparable that of a controller with the classical bias current.
Sudomotor Function as a Tool for Cardiorespiratory Fitness Level Evaluation: Comparison with Maximal Exercise Capacity
Authors: Raisanen Anu , Eklund Jyrki , Calvet Jean-Henri , Tuomilehto Jaakko
Published: May 2014

Physical inactivity is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) and metabolic disorders. VO2max is the best method to assess cardio-respiratory fitness level but it is poorly adopted in clinical practice. Sudomotor dysfunction may develop early in metabolic diseases. This study aimed at comparing established CV risk evaluation techniques with SUDOSCAN; a quick and non-invasive method to assess sudomotor function. A questionnaire was filled-in; physical examination and VO2max estimation using a maximal test on a bicycle ergometer were performed on active Finish workers. Hand and foot electrochemical skin conductance (ESC) were measured to assess sudomotor function. Subjects with the lowest fitness level were involved in a 12 month training program with recording of their weekly physical activity and a final fitness level evaluation. Significant differences in BMI; waist and body fat were seen according to SUDOSCAN risk score classification. Correlation between the risk score and estimated VO2max was r = −0.57, p < 0.0001 for women and −0.48, p < 0.0001 for men. A significant increase in estimated VO2max, in hand and foot ESC and in risk score was observed after lifestyle intervention and was more important in subjects with the highest weekly activity. SUDOSCAN could be used to assess cardio-metabolic disease risk status in a working population and to follow individual lifestyle interventions.
What Works in Community-Based Interventions Promoting Physical Activity and Healthy Eating? A Review of Reviews
Authors: Brand Tilman , Pischke Claudia , Steenbock Berit , Schoenbach Johanna , Poettgen Saskia , Samkange-Zeeb Florence , Zeeb Hajo
Published: May 2014

Chronic diseases, such as type II diabetes, are on the rise worldwide. There is consistent evidence that physical activity and healthy eating are important lifestyle factors which affect the risk for chronic diseases. Community-based interventions are of particular public health interest as they reach target groups in their natural living environment and may thus achieve high population-level impacts. We conducted a systematic literature search to assess the effectiveness of community-based interventions to promote physical activity and healthy eating. Specifically, we searched for promising intervention strategies in this setting. We narratively summarized the results of 18 systematic reviews. Among children and adolescents, we found moderate evidence for effects on weight change in primary school-aged children for interventions containing a school component. The evidence for interventions aimed at general adult populations was inconclusive. Self-monitoring, group-based components, and motivational signs to encourage stair use were identified as promising strategies to increase physical activity. Among adults at risk for type II diabetes, evidence was found for beneficial effects on weight change and diabetes incidence. However, interventions for this group were not integrated in more comprehensive community-based approaches.
Flowering as the Most Highly Sensitive Period of Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L. cv Mourvèdre) to the Botryosphaeria Dieback Agents Neofusicoccum parvum and Diplodia seriata Infection
Authors: Spagnolo Alessandro , Larignon Philippe , Magnin-Robert Maryline , Hovasse Agnès , Cilindre Clara , Van Dorsselaer Alain , Clément Christophe , Schaeffer-Reiss Christine , Fontaine Florence
Published: May 2014

Botryosphaeria dieback is a fungal grapevine trunk disease that currently represents a threat for viticulture worldwide because of the important economical losses due to reduced yield of affected plants and their premature death. Neofusicoccum parvum and Diplodia seriata are among the causal agents. Vine green stems were artificially infected with N. parvum or D. seriata at the onset of three different phenological stages (G stage (separated clusters), flowering and veraison). Highest mean lesion lengths were recorded at flowering. Major proteome changes associated to artificial infections during the three different phenological stages were also reported using two dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D)-based analysis. Twenty (G stage), 15 (flowering) and 13 (veraison) differentially expressed protein spots were subjected to nanoLC-MS/MS and a total of 247, 54 and 25 proteins were respectively identified. At flowering, a weaker response to the infection was likely activated as compared to the other stages, and some defense-related proteins were even down regulated (e.g., superoxide dismutase, major latex-like protein, and pathogenesis related protein 10). Globally, the flowering period seemed to represent the period of highest sensitivity of grapevine to Botryosphaeria dieback agent infection, possibly being related to the high metabolic activity in the inflorescences.
Effect of Processing Steps on the Mechanical Properties and Surface Appearance of 6063 Aluminium Extruded Products
Authors: Asensio-Lozano Juan , Suárez-Peña Beatriz , Vander Voort George
Published: May 2014

6063 aluminum anodized extrusions may exhibit a common surface defect known as streaking, characterized by the formation of narrow bands with a surface gloss different from the surrounding material. The origin of this banding lies in the differential surface topography produced after etching during the anodizing stage, shown to be connected to certain microstructural characteristics. The present study has attempted to determine the origin of these defects and measure the mechanical properties in these zones, properties which were either barely acceptable or did not meet the specification’s requirements. Quantitative metallography and mechanical testing, both tensile and microhardness, were used for materials assessment at the different steps of the process of manufacturing 6063 anodized extrusions. The results of this research show that nonequilibrium solidification rates during billet casting could lead to the formation of coarse eutectic Mg2Si particles which have a deleterious effect on both mechanical properties and surface appearance in the anodized condition. However, differences in the size and density of the coarse Mg2Si particles have been found to exist in the streak profile compared to the surrounding zones. The study revealed the importance of these particles in explaining the origin of the marginal or sub-marginal properties and anodizing surface defects found.