bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the results of MIS-TLIF and open TLIF techniques in laborers
Authors: Oliveira Daniel De Abreu , Rosa Márcio Guglielmi , Machado Wilson De Jesus , Falcon Roberto Sakamoto
Published: August 2014

Objective: To compare clinical outcomes in laborers who have undergone open transforaminal interbody fusion (TLIF) and minimally invasive transforaminal interbody fusion (MIS TLIF). Methods: 78 patients were submitted to lumbar arthrodesis by the same two spine surgeons partners from January 2008 to December 2012. Forty-one were submitted to traditional open arthrodesis and 37 to the minimally invasive procedure. Three patients were not included because they had already retired from work. The analyzed variables were length of hospitalization, length of follow-up, type of access (TILF or MIS TLIF), need for blood transfusion, percentage of improvement or worsening after surgery, pre- and postoperative VAS scale, time off work, pre-and postoperative Oswestry disability index, and general aspects of the laborers such as age, education, profession, working time, amount of daily weight carried at work, and use or not of personal protective equipment. Results: Time off work was longer in the TLIF group (average of 9.84 months) compared with the MIS TLIF group (average of 3.20 months). Significant improvement in postoperative VAS and Oswestry was achieved in both groups. Average length of hospitalization was 5.73 days for the TLIF group and 2.76 days for the MIS TLIF group. Conclusions: Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion presents similar results when compared to open TLIF, but has the benefits of less postoperative morbidity, shorter hospitalization times, and faster rehabilitation in laborer patients.
Acute paraplegia by spinal angiolipoma. Case report and literature review
Authors: Bovier Enrique Gonzalo , Gardino Emiliano , Chemes Lucas Nicolás , Nogueira Federico , Romero Verónica Diana
Published: August 2014

Spinal angiolipoma is an uncommon form of benign tumor. There are 142 reported cases and only one of acute paraplegia. We describe a case of a 39 year old male with acute spinal paraplegia angiolipoma in T4-T5 with surgical resolution three weeks after the onset of the neurological syndrome. Postoperative neurologic recovery was complete. The angiolipoma consists of mature fat cells and abnormal blood vessels. There are 2 types: non-infiltrating and infiltrating. Its clinical course is slow and progressive, it can be accelerated by vascular phenomena, intratumoral abscess, and pregnancy. There is just one report of spontaneous intratumoral hemorrhage and acute paraplegia, coinciding with our case. There is no consensus as to treatment, and release and complete resection are suggested, as it is a disease with good prognosis. Angiolipoma spinal epidural is a rare form of benign tumor, and the treatment of this pathology continues to be release and resection of the tumor, with a favorable prognosis, despite the delay in surgery, as in the case reported. Intratumoral bleeding should be considered a cause of acute spinal compression syndrome, as ocurred in our patient.
Predictors of clinical complications in patients with spinomedullary injury
Authors: De Morais Dionei Freitas , De Melo Neto João Simão , Spotti Antonio Ronaldo , Tognola Waldir Antonio
Published: August 2014

Objective: To analyze individuals with spinal cord injury who developed secondary clinical complications, and the variables that can influence the prognosis. Methods: A prospective study of 321 patients with spinal cord injury. The variables were collected: age, sex, cause of the accident, anatomical distribution, neurological status, associated injuries, in-hospital complications, and mortality only in patients who developed complications. Results: A total of 72 patients were analyzed (85% male) with a mean age of 44.72±19.19 years. The individuals with spinal cord injury who developed clinical complications were mostly male, over 50 years of age, and the main cause was accidental falls. These patients had longer hospitalization times and a higher risk of progressing to death. Pneumonia was the main clinical complication. With regard to the variables that can influence the prognosis of these patients, it was observed that spinal cord injury to the cervical segment with syndromic quadriplegia, and neurological status ASIA-A, have a higher risk of developing pneumonia, the most common complication, as well as increased mortality. Conclusion: Clinical complications secondary to spinal cord injury are influenced by demographic factors, as well as characteristics of the injury contributing to an increase in mortality.
Frequency of spondylolysis and chronic low back pain in young soccer players
Authors: De Lima Marcos Vaz , Duarte Júnior Aires , Jorge Pedro Baches , Bryk Flavio Fernandes , Meves Robert , Avanzi Osmar
Published: August 2014

Objective: To demonstrate the safety of soccer for adolescents in terms of chronic lesions of the lumbar spine, particularly spondylolysis. Methods: 54 young players underwent a pre-season assessment. The athletes were submitted to radiography of the lumbosacral spine. Players complaining of chronic low back pain were later submitted to more specific tests. Results: only 1 athlete (1.85 % of our sample) had complaints of chronic low back pain. In this case, the radiograph showed olisthesis grade I spondylolysis at the L5 level. Conclusion: Soccer proved to be a very safe sport in terms of the risk of developing chronic lesions of the lumbosacral spine. However, the actual incidence of spondylolysis in these athletes was not determined because only plain radiographs were used in this study.
Up-to-date thromboprophylaxis in elective spinal surgery. A systematic review
Authors: Oliveira Leonardo , Marchi Luis , Pimenta Luiz
Published: August 2014

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) present a high incidence after surgery, posing a high risk in surgical practice. Although a consensus does exist on thromboprophylaxis in orthopedic surgery, this topic remains controversial in regard to spinal surgery. In this current paper, we review and discuss the different forms of prophyilaxis presented in literature, in order to develop guidelines on prophylactic measures in spinal surgery, improving patient´s outcomes and reducing any medical/legal problems that could arise from a thrombotic complication.
Two-level total disc replacement with Mobi-C(r) over 3-years
Authors: Davis Reginald , Nunley Pierce Dalton , Kim Kee , Hisey Michael , Bae Hyun , Hoffman Gregory , Gaede Steven
Published: August 2014

Objective: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of two-level total disc replacement (TDR) using a Mobi-C(r) Cervical Artificial Disc at the 36 month follow-up. Methods: a Prospective, randomized, controlled, multicenter clinical trial of an artificial cervical disc (Mobi-C(r) Cervical Artificial Disc) was conducted under the Investigational Device Exemptions (IDE) and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) regulations. A total of 339 patients with degenerative disc disease were enrolled to receive either two-level treatment with TDR, or a two-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) as control. The 234 TDR patients and 105 ACDF patients were followed up at regular time points for three years after surgery. Results: At 36 months, both groups demonstrated an improvement in clinical outcome measures and a comparable safety profile. NDI scores, SF-12 PCS scores, patient satisfaction, and overall success indicated greater statistically significant improvement from baseline for the TDR group, in comparison to the ACDF group. The TDR patients experienced lower subsequent surgery rates and a lower rate of adjacent segment degeneration. On average, the TDR patients maintained segmental range of motion through 36 months with no device failure. Conclusion: Results at three-years support TDR as a safe, effective and statistically superior alternative to ACDF for the treatment of degenerative disc disease at two contiguous cervical levels.
Dysphagia produced by cervical spine osteophyte. A case report
Authors: Silveri Claudio , Velasco Juan Manuel , Silveri Asdrúbal
Published: August 2014

We present a case of a 73-year-old male patient with progressive dysphagia, and hoarseness (irritability in the throat). He was studied with the appropriate imaging techniques, and esophagoscopy led to a diagnosis of extrinsic esophageal dysphagia for osteophyte obstruction of the cervical spine due to the arthrosis. A surgical resection was performed, without complications. Some considerations are given on this theme.
Bilateral fracture of L5 pedicles in a patient with total disc replacement of L5-S1: a case report
Authors: Estrada Jorge Alberto De Haro , Fernandez Javier Ramos , Garnier Juan Carlos Alvarez , Johnson Michael Dittmar , Lopez Francisco Cruz
Published: August 2014

Report of a rare complication - fracture of the pedicles - in a patient with total disc replacement of L5-S1, a surgical resolution, and a biomechanical explanation. To the authors' knowledge, there is only one previous report of bilateral fracture of the pedicles in the literature, as a complication in total disc replacement of the lumbar spine. In this case, no direct repair was made to the fracture site; instead intersomatic fusion was performed by the anterior approach. A 40-year-old male, a martial arts practitioner who had undergone L5-S1 (ProDisc(r)) disc replacement nine months earlier, with complete resolution of the preoperative symptoms and no complications, sudden pain during physical activity, without neurological symptoms. Computed axial tomography showed a fracture of the L5 pedicles and anterior luxation of the polyethylene insert. Surgery was performed by the posterior approach, with direct repair of the fractures and posterolateral fusion of L5-S1 with transpedicular screws (Schanz) and USS(r) internal fixator. A follow-up axial CT scan at 6 months after surgery showed complete consolidation of the fractures, and the patient was asymptomatic. Due to the alteration in weight transmission through the anterior part of the spine in the total replacement of the lumbar disc, which preserves the movement but not the absorption of forces, the pedicle becomes more susceptible to fracture. It is important to bear this complication in patients submitted to this procedure.
Knowledge and attitudes of low back pain in physicians based in clinical practice guidelines
Authors: Sabido Jorge Ruiz , Padilla Edgar Reyes , Carvajal Fátima Adriana Muñoz , Atanasio José Manuel Pérez
Published: August 2014

Objective: To determine the level of knowledge and attitudes of physicians in Tijuana based on Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of Nonspecific Low Back Pain (NLBP). Methods: Prospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study. Data were obtained from doctors who practice in clinics, private surgeries, and/or government institutions. Results: Of a total of 56 doctors surveyed, 37 were men and 19 women. None of the doctors said they had not seen a patient with Back Pain. 49% knew the GPC, and 51% did not know of its existence. Conclusions: Although some physicians reported knowledge of the GPC, according to the results, there was a lack of full knowledge of, and adherence to these guidelines. Not knowing the GPC did not make it impossible to complete the questionnaire. The doctors felt more connected to the health system, but with less confidence in the management of cases of NLBP.
A Critique of the Codependency Concept considering the Best Interests of the Child
Authors: Calderwood Kimberly A. , Rajesparam Anne
Published: August 2014

Codependency (CD) is a concept that initially emerged in the addictions field in the 1970s to address unhealthy family relations that occurred as a result of substance dependencies. Despite several feminist critiques of the concept around 1990, the CD self-help movement has continued to grow, resulting in over one million hits on an online search today. In this article, we reopen the debate about the therapeutic utility of CD by supporting previous feminist critiques, and by providing an updated critique that addresses societal shifts in gender roles and the movement in family law toward decision making in the best interests of the child. Recommendations are made for frontline social service workers who use and/or work with people who use the CD concept.
Here to Stay: Cyber Communication as a Complement in Social Work Practice
Authors: Mishna Faye , Bogo Marion , Root Jennifer , Fantus Sophia
Published: August 2014

The digital age has revolutionized how individuals interact. The number of computer users has increased exponentially, along with expanding local and global networks and opportunities for learning, entertainment, and support. Most recently, cyber communication is becoming an important part of face-to-face social work practice as an administrative and therapeutic exchange between practitioners and clients, with both benefits and challenges. The purpose of this article is to present results of a study that used grounded theory to explore the application and adaptation of information and communication technology (ICT) in traditional clinical social work practice within organizations and private practice. The overwhelming finding was that it is no longer possible not to engage in the use of ICT. We discuss implications for practice, including clinical, practical, and ethical benefits and issues of ICT.
Oversized Loads: Child Parentification in Low-Income Families and Underlying Parent–Child Dynamics
Authors: Chee Li Ping , Goh Esther C. L. , Kuczynski Leon
Published: August 2014

Research on the phenomenon of parentification has focused on the positive and negative outcomes of imposing tasks and responsibilities on children that are typically ascribed to adults. This qualitative research instead explores processes underlying parentification in low-income families in Singapore using the perspective that children are active agents in accommodating and negotiating their parents’ attempts to transfer care responsibilities to them. An implication of the findings is that practitioners should make a paradigm shift when working with parentified children. Instead of treating them as victims of family deprivation, more attention should be given to tapping their strengths in the intervention process.
(Step)Parenting Attitudes and Expectations: Implications for Stepfamily Functioning and Clinical Intervention
Authors: Jensen Todd M. , Shafer Kevin , Larson Jeffry H.
Published: August 2014

Stepfamilies face many challenges. Research and clinical work with stepfamilies have tended to use the family systems or developmental perspectives, while overlooking how cognitive processes may influence stepfamily functioning. We fill this gap in the literature by analyzing a sample from the Relationship Evaluation (RELATE) questionnaire database to examine the influence of (step)parenting cognitions on stepparenting issues and relationship satisfaction. Results indicate that individuals who report placing top priority on their own biological children expect their stepchildren to be obedient to them, and those who believe that the children interfere with the new parental relationship report higher levels of stepparenting issues and lower levels of relationship satisfaction. Clinical implications and limitations are discussed.
Examining the Genetic Contribution to ADHD
Authors: Dillon Anthony , Craven Rhonda G.
Published: August 2014

The scientific status of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is highly controversial. Much of the controversy hinges on whether ADHD is a biological disorder. Advocates of biological causation often argue that it has a genetic basis. Etiology of ADHD has implications for treatment options, which is also a source of controversy. Given the ongoing interest in establishing the genetic basis of ADHD, this article critically examines the claims of a genetic basis to ADHD. We conclude that although genes may have a role to play in the expression of ADHD behaviors, available evidence suggests that the effect size of a genetic contribution is likely to be small.
Long term experiences of sequencing batch reactor-system and wetland treatment from a municipal wastewater treatment plant in Sweden, operated with low temperature wastewater
Authors: Morling S. , Franquiz A. , Måhlgren J. , Westlund Å.
Published: August 2014

A biological wastewater treatment plant, Nynäshamn treating municipal wastewater and septic sludge operated with a combination of sequencing batch reactor (SBR) units and constructed wetland is presented in this paper. The plant has to treat low temperature wastewater in winter time, still with demands for a biological nitrogen removal. Treatment results from a 13 year operation period are presented. Special attention was given to the nutrient removal during low temperature conditions. The combination of a SBR system along with classical chemical precipitation and a polishing step based on ‘natural’ extensive treatment has been a sustainable way to keep the discharge levels low. The combined treatment with SBR and the wetland at the Nynäshamn plant has resulted in improved discharge levels typically as follows (annual mean values); BOD7 3 mg/l, to be compared with the formal consent value of <15 mg/l, total P < 0.1 mg/l, to be compared with the formal consent value of <0.5 mg/l and total N 7 mg/l, to be compared with the formal consent value of <15 mg/l. It is also important to underline that the change of process train has resulted in a substantial saving of the precipitant agent for phosphorus removal. The needed dosage is now 50% of the previous dose, before the implementation of the SBR-units.
Effects of polarization force and nonthermal ions on dust-acoustic (DA) shock waves in a strongly coupled dusty plasma with positively charged dust
Authors: Pervin Shikha , Ashrafi Khandaker , Zobaer M. , Salahuddin Md. , Mamun A.
Published: August 2014

The nonlinear propagation of the dust-acoustic (DA) waves in a strongly coupled dusty plasma containing Maxwellian electrons, nonthermal ions, and positively charged dust is theoritically investigated by a Burgers equation. The effects of the polarization force (which arises due to the interaction between electrons and highly positively charged dust grains) and nonthermal ions are studied. DA shock waves are found to exist with positive potential only. It represents that the strong correlation among the charged dust grains is a source of dissipation, and is responsible for the formation of DA shock waves. The effects of polarization force and nonthermal ions significantly modified the basic features of DA shock waves in strongly coupled dusty plasma.
The collisions of two ion acoustic solitary waves in a magnetized nonextensive plasma
Authors: El-Shamy Emad , Tribeche Mouloud , El-Taibany Wael
Published: August 2014

Using the extended Poincaré-Lighthill-Kuo (EPLK) method, the interaction between two ion acoustic solitary waves (IASWs) in a multicomponent magnetized plasma (including Tsallis nonextensive electrons) has been theoretically investigated. The analytical phase shifts of the two solitary waves after interaction are estimated. The proposed model leads to rarefactive solitons only. The effects of colliding angle, ratio of number densities of (positive/negative) ions species to the density of nonextensive electrons, ion-to-electron temperature ratio, mass ratio of the negative-to-positive ions and the electron nonextensive parameter on the phase shifts are investigated numerically. The present results show that these parameters have strong effects on the phase shifts and trajectories of the two IASWs after collision. Evidently, this model is helpful for interpreting the propagation and the oblique collision of IASWs in magnetized multicomponent plasma experiments and space observations.
Rogue waves in Lugiato-Lefever equation with variable coefficients
Authors: Kol Guy , Kingni Sifeu , Woafo Paul
Published: August 2014

In this paper, we theoretically investigate the generation of optical rogue waves from a Lugiato-Lefever equation with variable coefficients by using the nonlinear Schrödinger equation-based constructive method. Exact explicit rogue-wave solutions of the Lugiato-Lefever equation with constant dispersion, detuning and dissipation are derived and presented. The bright rogue wave, intermediate rogue wave and the dark rogue wave are obtained by changing the value of one parameter in the exact explicit solutions corresponding to the external pump power of a continuous-wave laser.
Investigation of isospin forbidden 0+ → 0+ Fermi beta decays with Pyatov method
Authors: Çalık Abdullah
Published: August 2014

In the present work, the matrix elements, isospin impurities and log ft values of the isospin forbidden 0+ → 0+ beta decays have been investigated. The calculated results have been compared with available experimental and another theoretical data. The isotopic invariance of the Hamiltonian has been restored by Pyatov method. Within the quasi-particle random phase approximation (QRPA), the computations have been performed both in presence and absence of the pairing interactions.
Experimental and simulated validation of the energy dependence of saturation thickness of multiple scattered gamma rays
Authors: Eshwarappa Kunabevu , Kiran Kiggal , Ravindraswami Kalladka , Somashekarappa Hiriyur
Published: August 2014

Saturation thickness for multiple scattering gamma rays from multiple sources has been measured experimentally and simulated using the Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) Code. Experimental measurements were performed using a collimated beam of gamma-rays from 57Co, 203Hg, 133Ba, 22Na, 137Cs, 65Zn and 60Co sources. The gamma rays were directed at rectangular aluminium targets of varying thickness. A NaI (Tl) scintillation detector placed at a backscattering angle of 180° was used to detect the scattered photons. The measured and calculated saturation thickness increases with increasing energy of incident gamma-rays. Experimental and simulated values are compared and are in good agreement.
Survival of B
c mesons in a hot plasma within a potential model
Authors: Alberico Wanda , Carignano Stefano , Czerski Piotr , Pace Arturo , Nardi Marzia , Ratti Claudia
Published: August 2014

We extend a previous work on the study of heavy charmonia and bottomonia in a deconfined quark-gluon plasma by considering the B
c family of mesons. With the introduction of this bound state of a charm and a beauty quark, we investigate at finite temperature the behavior of the quarkonium, in an energy region between the ψ and the Y states.
Methylation-specific PCR: four steps in primer design
Authors: Davidović Radoslav , Božović Ana , Mandušić Vesna , Krajnović Milena
Published: August 2014

Methylation-specific PCR (MSP) is still the method of choice for a single gene methylation study. The proper design of the primer pairs is a prerequisite for obtaining reliable PCR results. Despite numerous protocols describing the rules for MSP primer design, none of them provide a comprehensive approach to the problem. Our aim was to depict a workflow for the primer design that is concise and easy to follow. In order to achieve this goal, adequate tools for promoter sequence retrieval, MSP primer design and subsequent in silico analysis are presented and discussed. Furthermore, a few instructive examples regarding a good versus a poor primer design are provided. Finally, primer design is demonstrated according to the proposed workflow. This article aims to provide researchers, interested in a single gene methylation studies, with useful information regarding successful primer design.
Bergmann’s rule for Neomys fodiens in the middle of the distribution range
Authors: Balčiauskas Linas , Balčiauskienė Laima , Timm Uudo
Published: August 2014

The body size of Palearctic Sorex shrews decreases at higher latitudes, and as such the Bergmann’s rule does not work. However, no analysis has ever been done for water shrew (Neomys fodiens) in the middle of distribution range. Analysis of available literature data showed that some body and skull measurements of N. fodiens are negatively correlated to latitude. Measurements of 158 water shrews from Estonia and Lithuania were also analyzed with respect to the short scale latitudinal pattern. We found that populations are separated (Wilk’s lambda = 0.363, p<0.0001). Differences are related to PC1 (skull size), explaining 49.80% of the variance and PC2 (body size), explaining 10.06% of the variance. Estonian shrews are smaller in their body and skull (most differences significant) and their skulls are relatively shorter and wider in the area of the brain case. Thus, the negative correlation of body and skull size to latitude in N. fodiens is applicable even over quite short latitudinal distances. Further analysis of diagnostic characters between N. fodiens and N. anomalus is required.
Reaction time and replenishment time of SP and CGRP after incision in rat skin
Authors: Hochman Bernardo , Isoldi Felipe , Gonçalves de Freitas José , Lapin Guilherme , Quieregatto Paulo , Da Silva Erica , Chadi Gerson , Ferreira Lydia
Published: August 2014

Background. The skin neurogenic inflammation is mainly related to Substance P (SP) and Calcitonin Gene-related Peptide (CGRP). There is no data on their availability in the dynamics of skin nerve endings, concerning their release and replenishment after a nociceptive stimulus, so this was investigated. Materials and methods. 25 rats were randomly distributed in 5 groups. The animals of the control group (CG) determined the baseline levels of neuropeptides in the skin. The groups S0 and S30 did not receive any cutaneous stimulus at 30 and 60 minutes, respectively. In the group S1, an “incision stimulus” was made at 30 minutes. In the group S31, a nociceptive stimulus was performed by subdermal scratching at 30 minutes and, at 60 minutes, the “incision stimulus” was carried out in the same location (“nociceptive hyperstimulation”). The skin samples of the other animals were harvested from the back 1 minute after their death. SP, pro-CGRP and CGRP were quantified by Western Blotting. Results. The “incision stimulus” released SP, S1 compared to S0 (p <0.05) detected in the first minute, and the replenishment time was more than 30 minutes. Also, it cleaved pro-CGRP, S1 compared to S31 (p <0.05) in the first minute, and its replenishment time less than 30 minutes. Release of CGRP was not detected. Conclusion. The incision released SP already detected in the first minute; its replenishment time is more than 30 minutes. The incision decreased pro-CGRP, also detected in the first minute; and its replenishment time is less than 30 minutes.
Biological activity of microalgae can be enhanced by manipulating the cultivation temperature and irradiance
Authors: Gacheva Gergana , Gigova Liliana
Published: August 2014

The escalating levels of antibiotic resistance among pathogenic bacteria and the side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs in use forced the efforts of scientists to search for natural antimicrobial and anticancer substances with novel structures and unique mechanism of action. Focusing on bioproducts, recent trends in drug research have shown that microalgae (including the cyanobacteria) are promising organisms to furnish novel and safer biologically active compounds. Many microalgal metabolites have been found to possess potent antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer and antiinflammatory activities, as well as antioxidant, enzyme inhibiting and immunostimulating properties. In this paper, the studies on the biological activity of microalgae associated with potential medical and pharmaceutical applications are briefly presented. Attention is focused on the impact of cultivation temperature, irradiance and growth stage on the biomass accumulation, activity and pathways of cell metabolism and the possibilities of using these variable factors to increase the diversity and quantity of biologically active substances synthesized by microalgae.
Production of hairy root cultures of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)
Authors: Vojin Tadić , Snežana Milošević , Aleksandar Cingel , Marija Petrić , Milana Trifunović , Dragana Antonić , Jovan Tadić , Angelina Subotić
Published: August 2014

Hairy root cultures of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) were obtained by inoculation of cotyledonary leaves of in vitro lettuce seedlings (cvs. Nansen and Ljubljanska ledenka) with Agrobacterium rhizogenes A4M70GUS. Approximately in 96.7% cvs. Nansen and in 91.2% Ljubljanska ledenka inoculated explants produced hairy root when they were incubated on Murashige and Skoog (MS) half-strength medium without plant growth regulators. A total of 54% of all hairy root cultures expressed GUS activity. Every hairy root represented an independent transformation event. Line Ljubljanska ledenka 18 showed the highest biomass (5.5 times the biomass of control root). A PCR analysis of the genomic DNA confirmed the presence of marker and target genes in 15 hairy roots examined.
Hepatitis C virus resistance to interferon therapy: an alarming situation
Authors: Kanwal Sobia , Mahmood Tariq
Published: August 2014

Hepatitis C virus is presently a major public health problem across the globe. The main objective in treating hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is to achieve a sustained virological response (SVR). Interferon-α (IFN-α) and pegylated interferon (PegIFN) in combination with Ribavirin (RBV) are the choice of treatment nowadays against chronic hepatitis C. There are several mechanisms evolved by the hepatitis C virus that facilitate the persistence of virus and further lead the patient’s status as non responder. Various factors involved in patient’s lack ofresponse to the therapy include: (1) viral factors, (2) host factors, (3) molecular mechanisms related to the lack of response and (4) social factors. Herein we have made an attempt to summarize all the related predictors of drug resistance in one article so that the future polices can be planned to overcome this obstacle and potential therapies can be designed by considering these factors.
Response of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L) genotypes to PEG-mediated water stress
Authors: Vassilevska-Ivanova Roumiana , Shtereva Lydia , Kraptchev Boris , Karceva Tanya
Published: August 2014

Drought tolerance of two sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) genotypes, cultivated cultivar 1114 and interspecific line H. annuus × H. mollis, was studied under laboratory conditions using PEG-6000. Four levels of osmotic stress (−0.4, −0.6, −0.8 and −1.0 MPa) were created and performances were monitored against a control. Physiological and biochemical stress determining parameters such as malondialdechyde (MDA), proline content, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were compared between seedlings of both genotypes. The results indicated that both genotypes have similar responses at four osmotic potentials for all traits studied. All seedling growth parameters such as germination percentage, root length, shoot length, root and shoot dry weight decreased with increasing osmotic stress. MDA, proline, and H2O2 were found to be increased at different osmotic gradients in comparison to control. Cultivar 1114 was less affected than the interspecific line under these stress conditions. The data observed in the experiments revealed that perennial wild H. mollis can hardly be considered to be an excellent candidate of drought tolerance genes.
Tsumoite (BiTe) and associated Ni-PGE mineralization from Gondpipri mafic-ultramafic complex, Bastar Craton, Central India: mineralogy and genetic significance
Authors: Dora M. , Singh H. , Kundu A. , Shareef M. , Randive K. , Joshi S.
Published: August 2014

This paper reports the occurrence of Tsumoite (a bismuth telluride) in the Heti Cu-Ni-PGM prospect, Gondpipri mafic-ultramafic complex, Central India. The Gondpipri complex consists of several tectonically dismembered gabbronorite-gabbro-anorthositic gabbro — olivine gabbro -websterite disposed in ∼10 km long tonalite-trondhjemitegranodiorite (TTG) and charnockite-enderbite suite of rocks. The mineralization occurs in the sulphide zone hosted by gabbro variants. The host rocks have been deformed and metamorphosed to granulite grade and subjected to various degrees of hydrothermal alteration. The mineralization comprises chalcopyrite, pentlandite, pyrrhotite, cubanite, millerite, and pyrite. In addition to these, occur (1) tsumoite (2) PGM in the form of moncheite, merenskyite, Pd-mellonite, and Pt-Pd-Te-Bi-Fe-S alloy.

The present study indicates that the mineralization occurs in two stages related to: (i) magmatic and (ii) hydrothermal remobilization and transport of Cu-rich sulphides, tsumoite and PGM, and their re-deposition in hydrosilicate alteration zones. It is possible that the mineralization at Heti formed at different stages of bismuth activity under variable fS2, T, and fTe2 conditions due to change in total concentration of Te and S and /or cooling. Since the role of S is limited, Te and cooling are important factor influencing mineralogy and composition of tsumoite and associated mineralization. Mineralization occurs in two different modes of occurrences. The early mineralisation occur as blebs, specks and dissemination of sulphides, viz. pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, pentlandite and minor pyrite ± PGM, whereas later mineralisation occur as stringers, minor veins of sulphides viz. pyrite, millerite, cubanite, sijenite, tsumoite and ± PGM.

Mineral assemblages and textural relationships at Heti has indicated precipitation of tsumoite and associated PGM along fractures and secondary silicates, which confirms their hydrothermal origin.
Occurrence of phlogopite in the Finero Mafic layered complex
Authors: Giovanardi Tommaso , Mazzucchelli Maurizio , Zanetti Alberto , Langone Antonio , Tiepolo Massimo , Cipriani Anna
Published: August 2014

Phlogopite-bearing lithologies are the main constituent of the Phlogopite-Peridotite unit of the Finero sequence and the result of pervasive migration of metasomatizing melts/fluids. Conversely, the presence of phlogopite within the associated Finero Mafic Complex, a mafic-ultramafic pluton intruded into the metamorphic basement of the Adria plate, is mentioned in literature as rare. Recent detailed fieldwork has evidenced the presence of two distinct phlogopite-rich ultramafic lithologies within the Amphibole-Peridotite unit of the Finero Mafic Complex, where phlogopite is always associated with amphibole. Field and petrographic features of these occurrences, as well as major- and trace-element mineral chemistry, are here presented to i) place constraints on the nature of the parent melt from which they have been generated and ii) to address their relationship with the other lithologies of the Finero Complex. We find that these rocks were formed by late melt migrations along shear zones under high-T conditions. The geochemical affinity of these lithologies is different to the tholeiitic-transitional affinity reported in literature for the Finero Mafic Complex. The enrichment in LREE, Th, U and Sr of the associated amphibole possibly suggests that these phlogopite-bearing lithologies are genetically related to the metasomatic events that have affected the Finero mantle massif.
X-ray crystallography and mineral chemistry of bastnaesite from Kanigiri granite, Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Singh Yamuna , Nagendra Babu G. , Viswanathan R. , Sai Baba M. , Rai A. , Parihar P.
Published: August 2014

The authors report the results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and geochemical studies on bastnaesites (lanthanum cerium fluoro-carbonate) hosted in alkali Kanigiri Granite of the Prakasam district in Andhra Pradesh, India. The XRD pattern of the investigated bastnaesite displays sharply-defined reflections. The observed d-spacings of the bastnaesite are in very close agreement with those published for bastnaesite standard in International Centre for Diffraction Data (ICDD) Card No. 11–340. The calculated unit cell parameters (a
o; c
o) and unit cell volume (V) of the studied bastnaesite (a
o 7.1301–7.1413 Å, c
o 9.7643–9.7902Å and V 429.8940–432.3875 Å3) are almost equal to values published for bastnaesite standard (c
o 7.1290 Å, c
o 9.7744 Å and V 430.19 Å3) in the relevant data card.

Geochemical data of bastnaesite reveals high content of Ce (mean 27.22%) followed by La (mean 16.82%), Nd (mean 6.12%) and Pr (mean 1.91%). Compared to light REE (LREE) content (mean 437165 ppm), heavy REE (HREE) content (mean 5867 ppm) is drastically low, with unusually high LREE/HREE ratio (mean 80). The chondrite-normalised plot also exhibits drastic enrichment of LREE relative to HREE with pronounced negative Euanomaly (mean Eu/Eu* = 0.15). High (LREE)N / (HREE)N, (La/Lu)N, (La/Yb)N and (Ce/Yb)N ratios reveal higher fractionation of LREE relative to HREE. The rare earth element (REE) contents of the studied bastnaesite are very close to REE contents of bastnaesite hosted in alkali syenite from Madagascar. The presence of bastnaesite in Kanigiri Granite and soils derived from it enhances the scope of further exploration for bastnaesite in several bodies of alkaline rocks and alkali granitoids present along the eastern margins of the Cuddapah basin, Andhra Pradesh.
REE mineralization in the carbonatites of the sung valley ultramafic-alkaline-carbonatite complex, Meghalaya, India
Authors: Sadiq Mohd. , Ranjith A. , Umrao Ravi
Published: August 2014

The Early Cretaceous Sung Valley Ultramafic-Alkaline-Carbonatite (SUAC) complex intruded the Proterozoic Shillong Group of rocks and located in the East Khasi Hills and West Jaintia Hills districts of Meghalaya. The SUAC complex is a bowl-shaped depression covering an area of about 26 km2 and is comprised serpentinised peridotite forming the core of the complex with pyroxenite rim. Alkaline rocks are dominantly ijolite and nepheline syenite, occur as ring-shaped bodies as well as dykes. Carbonatites are, the youngest intrusive phase in the complex, where they form oval-shaped bodies, small dykes and veins. During the course of large scale mapping in parts of the Sung Valley complex, eleven carbonatite bodies were delineated. These isolated carbonatite bodies have a general NW-SE and E-W trend and vary from 20–125 m long and 10–40 m wide. Calcite carbonatite is the dominant variety and comprises minor dolomite and apatite and accessory olivine, magnetite, pyrochlore and phlogopite. The REE-bearing minerals identified in the Sung Valley carbonatites are bastnäsite-(Ce), ancylite-(Ce), belovite-(Ce), britholite-(Ce) and pyrochlore that are associated with calcite and apatite. The presence of REE carbonates and phosphates associated with REE-Nb bearing pyrochlore enhances the economic potential of the Sung Valley carbonatites. Trace-element geochemistry also reveals an enrichment of LREEs in the carbonatites and average ΣREE value of 0.102% in 26 bed rock samples. Channel samples shows average ΣREE values of 0.103 wt%. Moreover, few samples from carbonatite bodies has indicated relatively higher values for Sn, Hf, Ta and U. Since the present study focuses surface evaluation of REE, therefore, detailed subsurface exploration will be of immense help to determine the REE and other associated mineralization of the Sung Valley carbonatite prospect.
Fluid-rock interaction in the Kangankunde Carbonatite Complex, Malawi: SEM based evidence for late stage pervasive hydrothermal mineralisation
Authors: Duraiswami Raymond , Shaikh Tahira
Published: August 2014

The Kangankunde Carbonatite Complex from the Cretaceous Chilwa Alkaline Province in southern Malawi contains ankeritic and siderite carbonatite that are affected by late stage remobilisation by a carbothermal or hydrothermal fluid. The coarse pegmatitic siderite carbonatite that hosts exotic minerals like monazite, synchysite, bastnasite, strontianite and apatite in vugs and cavities constitutes some of the richest rare earth deposits in the world. Besides these minerals, our studies reveal the presence of collinsite and aragonite from the siderite carbonatite. Fine drusy monazites are seen as overgrowths on thin veinlets of siderite within the rare earth mineralised zones. We present unambiguous SEM-based surface textural evidence such as presence of dissolution-corrosion features like etching along cleavage, solution channels, solution pits, sinstered scaly surface, etc. along with rare earth mineralisation that suggests the exotic minerals in the siderite carbonatite did not crystallise from carbonate magma and are a result of sub-solidus processes involving carbonatite-derived fluids. We believe that the monazite-synchysitebastnasite-strontianite-collinsite assemblages were formed by juvenile post magmatic hydrothermal alteration of pre-existing carbonatite by a complex CO2-rich and alkali chloride-carbonate-bearing fluid at ∼250 to 400°C in an open system. This late ‘magmatic’ to ‘hydrothermal’ activity was responsible for considerable changes in rock texture and mineralogy leading to mobility of rare earth elements during fluid-rock interaction. These aspects need to be properly understood and addressed before using trace and rare earth element (REE) geochemistry in interpreting carbonatite genesis.
The volcanic-subvolcanic rocks of the fernando de noronha archipelago, southern atlantic ocean: Mineral chemistry
Authors: Lopes Rosana , Ulbrich Mabel , Ulbrich Horstpeter
Published: August 2014

Fernando de Noronha archipelago presents an older Remédios Formation with subvolcanic intrusions, belonging to two different alkaline series, the sodic (undersaturated: basanites, tephrites, essexites, tephriphonolites, phonolites), and potassic ones (mildly undersaturated to silicic, with alkali basalts, basaltic trachyandesites, trachyandesites, trachytes), and lamprophyres. The upper Quixaba Formation presents nephelinite flows and basanites. A third minor unit, São José, is constituted by basanites carrying mantle xenoliths. Magnesian olivines occur in the Remédios basanites and alkali basalts, and in nephelinites. Melilites are present as groundmass grains in melilite melanephelinites (MEM). Clinopyroxenes (cpx) are mostly salites to titaniferous salites (Remédios sodic series), grading into aegirines in the differentiated aphyric phonolites. Cpx in the lamprophyres show disequilibrium textures. In the Quixaba flows, cpx are salites, enriched in Mg (especially in MEM). Amphiboles, remarkably, are common in tephriphonolites and phonolites and in basaltic trachyandesites, sometimes with disequilibrum zoning textures, and a conspicuous phase in lamprophyres. Dark micas are present as groundmass plates in MEM, OLM and PYM (olivine and pyroxene melanephelinites), with compositional variety (enriched in Ti, Ba, Sr) depending on the composition of the parent rock; BaO can be as high as 16–19%. Feldspars crystallize as calcic plagioclases, sanidines and anorthoclases, depending on the rock types, as phenocrysts and in groundmass, both in Quixaba and Remédios rocks; they are absent in nephelinites. Nephelines are found in Remédios sodic series types and Quixaba rocks. Haüyne and noseane are rarely observed in Remédios rocks.
Petrology of potassic alkaline ultramafic and carbonatitic rocks from Planalto da Serra (Mato Grosso State), Brazil
Authors: Comin-Chiaramonti Piero , Gomes Celso , Min Angelo , Ruberti Excelso , Girardi Vicente , Slejko Francesca , Neder Renato , Pinho Francisco
Published: August 2014

The Planalto da Serra igneous rocks form plugs, necks and dykes of carbonate-rich ultramafic lamprophyres (aillikites and glimmerites with kamafugitic affinity) and carbonatites (alvikites and beforsites). Phlogopite and/or tetraphlogopite, diopside and melanitic garnet are restricted to aillikitic rock-types, whereas pyroclore occurs only in carbonatites. Aillikites and carbonatites are altered to hydrotermalites, having chlorite and serpentine as dominant minerals. Planalto da Serra igneous rock association has kamafugitic affinity (i.e. effusive, ultrapotassic. High LREE/HREE fractionation, incompatible elements data and Sr-Nd isotopes, suggest that the K-ultramafic alkaline and carbonatite rocks originated from a variably metasomatized mantle source enriched in radiogenic Sr. Crustal contamination is negligible or absent. Age values of 600 Ma rule out the geochronological relationship between the investigated intrusions and the Mesozoic alkaline bodies from the Azimuth 125° lineament. The TDM model ages allow to conclude that Planalto da Serra magma is derived from the partial melting of a mantle source metasomatised by K-rich carbonatated melt during the Early to Late Neoproterozoic. On the basis of alkaline magmatism repetitions at 600 Ma and 90–80 Ma we question the subsistence of a stationary mantle plume for so long time.
Capacitive behavior of highly-oxidized graphite
Authors: Ciszewski Mateusz , Mianowski Andrzej
Published: August 2014

Capacitive behavior of a highly-oxidized graphite is presented in this paper. The graphite oxide was synthesized using an oxidizing mixture of potassium chlorate and concentrated fuming nitric acid. As-oxidized graphite was quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed with respect to the oxygen content and the species of oxygen-containing groups. Electrochemical measurements were performed in a two-electrode symmetric cell using KOH electrolyte.

It was shown that prolonged oxidation causes an increase in the oxygen content while the interlayer distance remains constant. Specific capacitance increased with oxygen content in the electrode as a result of pseudo-capacitive effects, from 0.47 to 0.54 F/g for a scan rate of 20 mV/s and 0.67 to 1.15 F/g for a scan rate of 5 mV/s. Better cyclability was observed for the electrode with a higher oxygen amount.
Investigation on compressive behavior of Cu-35Ni-15Al alloy at high temperatures
Authors: Li Cong , Chen Jian , Li Wei , Hu Yongle , Ren Yanjie , Qiu Wei , He Jianjun , Chen Jianlin
Published: August 2014

Microstructures and mechanical properties of Cu-35Ni-15Al alloy in cast and porous states were studied by scanning electron microscopy and compression tests. The influence of porosity, deformation temperature and loading rate on mechanical properties of the two kinds of alloys was investigated. The results show that the as cast alloy and porous alloys have almost the same phase constitution: Cu rich phase, Ni rich phase and K intermetallics. The yield strength of porous alloys increases continuously with decreasing porosity, the relationship between porosity and yield stress follows Gibson-Ashby equation. With decreasing deformation temperature, the yield strength of as cast alloy and porous alloy increase. With the increase of loading rate, the yield strength of these alloys shows an increasing trend. After compression, the microstructure of as cast alloy is more uniform, and porous alloys are more prone to have localized deformations.
Specific heat jump of two-band superconductor KFe2As2 using Ginzburg-Landau theory
Authors: Askerzade I.
Published: August 2014

In this study specific heat jump using two-gap Ginzburg-Landau (GL) theory has been calculated. In contrast to the previous approaches, we have taken into account intergradient order parameters interaction in the GL free energy functional. The thermodynamic magnetic field revealed nonlinear temperature dependence due to interband interaction between order parameters and their gradients. The calculations showed that the specific heat jump in two-order parameter superconductors was smaller than that of single-order parameter superconductors. It has been shown that such a model is in good agreement with experimental data for KFe2As2 superconductors.