bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antifungal Action of Methylene Blue Involves Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Disruption of Redox and Membrane Homeostasis in C. albicans
Authors: Ansari Moiz A. , Fatima Zeeshan , Hameed Saif
Published: February 2016

Candida albicansis known to cause infections ranging from superficial and systemic in immunocompromised person. In this study, we explored that the antifungal action of Methylene blue (MB) is mediated through mitochondrial dysfunction and disruption of redox and membrane homeostasis againstC. albicans. We demonstrated that MB displayed its antifungal potential againstC. albicansand two clinical isolates tested. We also showed that MB is effective against two non-albicansspecies as well. Notably, the antifungal effect of MB seems to be independent of the major drug efflux pumps transporter activity. We explored that MB treatedCandidacells were sensitive on non-fermentable carbon source leading us to propose that MB inhibits mitochondria. This sensitive phenotype was reinforced with the fact that sensitivity ofCandidacells to MB could be rescued upon the supplementation of ascorbic acid, an antioxidant. This clearly suggests that disturbances in redox status are linked with MB action. We further demonstrated thatCandidacells were susceptible to membrane perturbing agentviz. SDS which was additionally confirmed by transmission electron micrographs showing disruption of membrane integrity. Moreover, the ergosterol levels were significantly decreased by 66% suggesting lipid compositional changes due to MB. Furthermore, we could demonstrate that MB inhibits the yeast to hyphal transition inC. albicanswhich is one of the major virulence attribute in most of the hyphal inducing conditions. Taken together, the data generated from present study clearly establishes MB as promising antifungal agent that could be efficiently employed in strategies to treatCandidainfections.
American Society of Nephrology Quiz and Questionnaire 2015: Transplantation
Authors: Josephson Michelle A. , Perazella Mark A. , Choi Michael J.
Published: February 2016

The Nephrology Quiz and Questionnaire remains an extremely popular session for attendees of the Annual Kidney Week Meeting of the American Society of Nephrology. Once again, the conference hall was overflowing with audience members and eager quiz participants. Topics covered by the expert discussants included electrolyte and acid-base disorders, glomerular disease, ESRD/dialysis, and kidney transplantation. Complex cases representing each of these categories along with single best answer questions were prepared and submitted by the panel of experts. Before the meeting, training program directors of US nephrology fellowship programs and nephrology fellows answered the questions through an internet-based questionnaire. During the live session, members of the audience tested their knowledge and judgment on a series of case-oriented questions prepared and discussed by the experts. They compared their answers in real time using their cell phones with a special application with the answers of the nephrology fellows and training program directors. The correct and incorrect answers were then discussed after the results of the questionnaire were displayed. As always, the audience, lecturers, and moderators enjoyed this highly educational session. This article recapitulates the session and reproduces its educational value for the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology readers. Enjoy the clinical cases and expert discussions.
In Vivo and In Vitro Effects of Chlorhexidine Pretreatment on Immediate and Aged Dentin Bond Strengths
Authors: Gunaydin Z , Yazici AR , Cehreli ZC
Published: February 2016

This study evaluated the effect of 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) pretreatment of dentin on the immediate and aged microtensile bond strength (μTBS) of different adhesives to dentin in vivo and in vitro. Class I cavities were prepared in 80 caries-free human third molars of 40 patients in a split-mouth fashion. In each tooth pair, one tooth received 2% CHX pretreatment after which both teeth were randomly assigned to one of the following groups with respect to the type of adhesive system applied: Adper Single Bond 2 (etch-and-rinse), Clearfil SE Bond (two-step self-etch), Clearfil S3 Bond (one-step self-etch), and Adper Prompt-L-Pop (all-in-one self-etch). The teeth were restored with resin composite and extracted for μTBS testing either immediately or after six months in function. In vitro specimen pairs were prepared as with the clinical protocol in intact, freshly extracted human molars, and thereafter, subjected to testing immediately or after 5000× thermocycling. Data were analyzed with four-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Bonferroni test was utilized for pair-wise comparisons. The immediate bond strength values were significantly higher than “aged” ones for all tested adhesives (p=0.00). The in vitro immediate bond strength values were statistically higher than in vivo bond strength values (p<0.05). While the bond strength of in vitro aged, CHX-treated samples were higher than their in vivo counterparts (p<0.05), no difference was observed in non-CHX treated groups (p>0.05). In the absence of CHX pretreatment, all adhesives showed significantly higher immediate bond strength values than CHX-treated groups, while all “aged”, non-pretreated adhesives exhibited significantly lower bond strength values (both p<0.05). By contrast, chlorhexidine pretreatment resulted in significantly higher aged bond strengths, regardless of the adhesive system and testing condition. Aging-associated decline in dentin bond strength of etch-and rinse and self-etch adhesives can be counteracted by chlorhexidine application.
Longevity of Bonding of Self-adhesive Resin Cement to Dentin
Authors: Simões TC , Luque-Martinez ÍV , Moraes RR , Sá ATG , Loguercio AD , Moura SK
Published: February 2016

Objective: To evaluate the effect of root dentin treatment on the bonding of self-adhesive resin cement after 24 hours and after 6 months.

Methods: A total of 48 single-rooted premolars were endodontically treated and divided into four groups (n=12): Adper Scotchbond Multi-Purpose + RelyX ARC (ARC); RelyX U200 (U200); EDTA + RelyX U200 (EU200); and phosphoric acid (H3PO4) + RelyX U200 (HU200). After filling the roots, an Exacto No. 2 fiber post was cleaned, treated with silane (60 seconds), positioned, and light cured (LED; 60 seconds at 1200 mW/cm2). After storage (37°C/24 h), the roots were cut to obtain two discs (1 mm) of each third. They were stored in distilled water (24 hours at 37°C); one disc of each root-third was subjected to the push-out test (0.5 mm/min) at 24 hours and the other disc after six months of water storage (37°C). The data on the root-thirds were averaged for statistical purposes. The average values of bond strength (MPa) were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance and post hoc Student-Newman-Keuls (5%).

Results: There were statistical differences for the treatment of dentin (p<0.001), for time (p=0.003), and the interaction of treatment and time (p=0.017). After 24 hours, we observed lower bond strength in the HU200 group when compared with other groups (ARC, U200, and EU200). After six months, HU200 showed the lowest bond strength. Higher strengths were observed for EU200 and U200 similarly, which were higher than ARC.

Conclusion: The bonding of the self-adhesive resin cement varied over time in the tested groups.
Restorative Technique Selection in Class IV Direct Composite Restorations: A Simplified Method
Authors: Romero MF , Haddock FJ , Freites AG , Brackett WW , Brackett MG
Published: February 2016

Use of the techniques presented here will yield highly esthetic resin composite restorations in minimal time. Although more elaborate composite layering techniques exist and may be used in complex esthetic scenarios, a simplified approach combining two body shades and implementing basic dental anatomy concepts often will deliver highly acceptable esthetic results.
Spectroradiometric and Chemical Analysis of Severely Discolored Endodontically Treated Teeth
Authors: Wei J , Wang Y , Li Q
Published: February 2016

Objective: This study aimed to explore the chemical changes and discoloration of endodontically treated teeth using spectroradiometric and chemical analyses.

Methods and Materials: Ten freshly extracted sound third molars and 10 discolored molars obtained after root canal treatment (RCT) were included in this study. Dentin blocks (3 × 3 × 1 mm) were prepared and treated with an intracoronal bleaching agent. Spectroradiometric evaluations, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) analyses were performed before and after bleaching. The spectroradiometric parameters and XPS and ATR-FTIR spectra of the dentin slabs were analyzed using independent-sample t-tests or one-way analysis of variance.

Results: Differences in color coordinates and translucency parameters were observed between the two groups before bleaching. Demineralization effects were also detected in the discolored dentin. No binding energy shifts or new spectral bands were found in the XPS and ATR-FTIR spectra, except in the narrow-scanned XPS spectra of C1s. Significant changes in color coordinates were also found in both groups after bleaching, and the translucency parameter was remarkably altered in discolored dentin. The organic and inorganic components of dentin also decreased in both groups. However, binding energy shifts (ie, C1s, Ca2p, and P2p) were detected only in discolored dentin.

Conclusion: Significant alterations in the organic and inorganic components of dentin contributed to the discoloration of endodontically treated teeth. Moreover, intracoronal bleaching could effectively whiten both discolored and vital dentin. The chemical compositions of mineral and organic components within discolored dentin are more sensitive to the acid bleaching agent than normal teeth.
Effects of catheter shape, interelectrode spacing, and electrode size on transesophageal atrial pacing in dogs
Authors: Sanders Robert A. , Chapel Emily H.
Published: February 2016

OBJECTIVE To determine effects of catheter shape, interelectrode spacing (IS), and electrode size (ES) on pacing threshold (PT), extraneous muscular stimulation (EMS), and zone of capture (ZOC) for dogs undergoing transesophageal atrial pacing (TAP).

ANIMALS 10 purpose-bred dogs without cardiac conduction disturbances.

PROCEDURES 7 configurations for TAP catheters were tested in each dog to evaluate effects of catheter shape (curved or straight), IS (5, 15, and 25 mm), and ES (2, 4, and 6 mm). Each catheter was passed into the esophagus to a location aboral to the heart and slowly withdrawn until atrial pacing was achieved. Then, catheters were withdrawn in 5-mm increments until pacing could not be achieved. Outcomes measured at each pacing site included PT, degree of EMS, and ZOC.

RESULTS There was a significantly lower PT, wider ZOC, and less EMS for the curved catheter than for the straight catheter. An ES of 6 mm induced significantly more EMS than was induced by an ES of 2 or 4 mm. An IS of 5 mm induced significantly less EMS and a significantly narrower ZOC but required a significantly higher PT, compared with results for an ES of 15 or 25 mm. Additionally, there was a significant direct correlation between IS and ZOC.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that a curved catheter with multiple 4-mm electrodes that provides for variable IS would be ideal for TAP in dogs.

IMPACT FOR HUMAN MEDICINE TAP catheters currently used in human medicine are straight. The PT in humans may potentially be reduced with curved catheters.
Feasibility of the Six-Minute Walk Test for Patients Who Have Cystic Fibrosis, Are Ambulatory, and Require Mechanical Ventilation Before Lung Transplantation
Authors: Malamud Amanda L. , Ricard Paul E.H.
Published: February 2016

Background and Purpose

The Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is a requirement for lung transplantation evaluation by the United Network for Organ Sharing. A subset of patients being evaluated for a lung transplantation require mechanical ventilation (MV) because of respiratory failure. The 6MWT has not been validated as an outcome measure for patients dependent on MV. Literature supports alternative forms of the 6MWT, including those with an oval track or treadmill, as valid for accommodating other populations. This case report describes the use of the 6MWT for 2 patients who had cystic fibrosis and required MV before a lung transplant.

Case Description

A 34-year-old woman and a 37-year-old woman were admitted to a medical intensive care unit for exacerbation of cystic fibrosis requiring prolonged intubation and a subsequent tracheostomy. Their hospital courses were characterized by participation in early rehabilitation and variable dependence on MV. Both patients performed the 6MWT for a lung transplantation workup while dependent on MV.

Outcomes

Both patients performed the 6MWT while using portable MV and achieved a distance greater than that required for transplantation consideration and approximately 50% of the reference-based expected distance for adults who are healthy. Confounding factors included external pacing and the use of an oval track.

Discussion

The use of the 6MWT for 2 patients receiving MV appeared to be feasible. Research regarding the validity of this outcome is warranted.
Metatarsophalangeal Hyperextension Movement Pattern Related to Diabetic Forefoot Deformity
Authors: Cheuy Victor A. , Hastings Mary K. , Mueller Michael J.
Published: February 2016

Background

Metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) hyperextension deformity is common in people with diabetic neuropathy and a known risk factor for ulceration and amputation. An MTPJ hyperextension movement pattern may contribute to the development of this acquired deformity.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine, in people with diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy (DM+PN), the ankle and MTPJ ranges of motion that characterize an MTPJ hyperextension movement pattern and its relationship to MTPJ deformity severity. It was hypothesized that severity of MTPJ deformity would be related to limitations in maximum ankle dorsiflexion and increased MTPJ extension during active ankle dorsiflexion movement tasks.

Design

A cross-sectional study design was used that included 34 people with DM+PN (mean age=59 years, SD=9).

Methods

Computed tomography and 3-dimensional motion capture analysis were used to measure resting MTPJ angle and intersegmental foot motion during the tasks of ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion with the knee extended and flexed to 90 degrees, walking, and sit-to/from-stand.

Results

The MTPJ extension movement pattern during all tasks was directly correlated with severity of MTPJ deformity: maximum ankle dorsiflexion with knee extended (r=.35; 95% confidence interval [CI]=.02, .62), with knee flexed (r=.35; 95% CI=0.01, 0.61), during the swing phase of gait (r=.47; 95% CI=0.16, 0.70), during standing up (r=.48; 95% CI=0.17, 0.71), and during sitting down (r=.38; 95% CI=0.05, 0.64). All correlations were statistically significant.

Limitations

This study was cross-sectional, and causal relationships cannot be made.

Conclusions

A hyperextension MTPJ movement pattern associated with limited ankle dorsiflexion has been characterized in people with diabetic neuropathy. Increased MTPJ extension during movement and functional tasks was correlated with severity of resting MTPJ alignment. Repetition of this movement pattern could be an important factor in the etiology of MTPJ deformity and future risk of ulceration.
Effectiveness of Standardized Physical Therapy Exercises for Patients With Difficulty Returning to Usual Activities After Decompression Surgery for Subacromial Impingement Syndrome: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Christiansen David Høyrup , Frost Poul , Falla Deborah , Haahr Jens Peder , Frich Lars Henrik , Andrea Linda Christie , Svendsen Susanne Wulff
Published: February 2016

Background

Little is known about the effectiveness of exercise programs after decompression surgery for subacromial impingement syndrome. For patients with difficulty returning to usual activities, special efforts may be needed to improve shoulder function.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness at 3 and 12 months of a standardized physical therapy exercise intervention compared with usual care in patients with difficulty returning to usual activities after subacromial decompression surgery.

Design

A multicenter randomized controlled trial was conducted.

Setting

The study was conducted in 6 public departments of orthopedic surgery, 2 departments of occupational medicine, and 2 physical therapy training centers in Central Denmark Region.

Patients

One hundred twenty-six patients reporting difficulty returning to usual activities at the postoperative clinical follow-up 8 to 12 weeks after subacromial decompression surgery participated.

Intervention

A standardized exercise program consisting of physical therapist–supervised individual training sessions and home training was used.

Outcome Measures

The primary outcome measure was the Oxford Shoulder Score. Secondary outcome measures were the Constant Score and the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire.

Results

At 3 and 12 months, follow-up data were obtained for 92% and 83% of the patients, respectively. Intention-to-treat analyses suggested a between-group difference on the Oxford Shoulder Score favoring the exercise group at 3 months, with an adjusted mean difference of 2.0 (95% confidence interval=−0.5, 4.6), and at 12 months, with an adjusted mean difference of 5.8 (95% confidence interval=2.8, 8.9). Significantly larger improvements for the exercise group were observed for most secondary and supplementary outcome measures.

Limitations

The nature of the exercise intervention did not allow blinding of patients and care providers.

Conclusion

The standardized physical therapy exercise intervention resulted in statistically significant and clinically relevant improvement in shoulder pain and function at 12 months compared with usual care.
Efficacy Versus Equity
Authors: Black Sandra E. , Cortes Kalena E. , Lincove Jane Arnold
Published: February 2016

We investigate the efficacy and equity of college admissions criteria by estimating the effect of multiple measures of college readiness on college performance in the context of race-blind automatic admissions policies. We take advantage of a unique institutional feature of the Texas higher education system to control for selection into admissions. We find that SAT/ACT scores, high school exit exams, and advanced coursework are all predictors of student success in college. However, when we simulate changes in college enrollment and outcomes with additional admissions criteria, we find that adding SAT/ACT or exit exam criteria to an existing rank-based admissions policy significantly decreases enrollment among minorities, low-income students, and students who attend low socioeconomic status high schools, with the most negative effects generated by the SAT/ACT, while inducing only minimal gains in college grade point average and 4-year graduation rates.
Deformation and damage behavior of lightweight steels at high rate multiaxial loading
Authors: Klitschke Silke , Böhme Wolfgang
Published: February 2016

For the characterization of the deformation and damage behavior of the automotive lightweight steels ZStE340 and DP1000, high speed tension tests for various stress triaxialities with shear tensile specimens, smooth tensile specimens and notched specimens and static and dynamic Nakajima tests were performed. The deformation up to failure was recorded using high speed video cameras with high resolution in the necking zone and evaluated with 2D and in part 3D digital image correlation (DIC). The maximal achieved effective strain at the location of failure, determined by video analysis and fractography, was specified as failure strain. The results for various specimen geometries were plotted versus stress triaxiality as determined by FE simulation in order to receive failure diagrams. Overall, both materials show descending failure curves from shear loading up to tensile loading of notched specimens. Up to equibiaxial tension, failure curves are rising again. For uniaxial and equibiaxial tension, with increasing strain rate larger failure strains occured for DP1000, while no significant influence of strain rate on failure strain was observed for ZStE340. However, under shear loading with increasing strain rate, decreasing failure strains occur for both materials. This is probably due to an adiabatic temperature rise in a small localized zone which promotes shear failure. For shear crash tests a temperature rise of more than 200 K was measured by a high speed infrared camera. These results show the necessity of dynamic tests under different stress triaxialities to provide reliable input data for crash simulations and increase the ability to accurately predict failure. Especially shear failure must be investigated very carefully under crash loading, because here failure occurs at smaller failure strains than it would be expected under quasistatic loading.
Surface roughness of Ti6Al4V after heat treatment evaluated by artificial neural networks
Authors: Altuğ Mehmet , Erdem Mehmet , Ozay Cetin , Bozkır Oguz
Published: February 2016

The study examines how, using wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM), the microstructural, mechanical and conductivity characteristics of the titanium alloy Ti6Al4V are changed as a result of heat treatment and the effect they have on machinability.Scanning electron microscope (SEM), optical microscope and X-ray diffraction (XRD) examinations were performed to determine various characteristics and additionally related microhardness and conductivity measurements were conducted. L18 Taquchi test design was performed with three levels and six different parameters to determine the effect of such alterations on its machinability using WEDM and post-processing surface roughness (Ra) values were determined. Micro-changes were ensured successfully by using heat treatments. Results obtained with the optimization technique of artificial neural network (ANN) presented minimum surface roughness. Values obtained by using response surface method along with this equation were completely comparable with those achieved in the experiments. The best surface roughness value was obtained from sample D which had a tempered martensite structure.
Investigation of deep-drilled micro-hole profiles in Hadfield steel
Authors: Yılmaz Volkan , Sarıkaya Murat , Dilipak Hakan
Published: February 2016

Hadfield steel, due to its high manganese content, is difficult to drill and work-hardens very quickly. In this study, Hadfield steel material was drilled with micro-size deep holes using the electrical discharge machining (EDM) technique, and hole diameter values were examined for specific machining parameters. Experiments were carried out with three different discharge currents (6, 12 and 24 A), three different electrode rotational speeds (200, 400 and 600 rev × min-1), three different pulse durations (12, 50 and 100 µs), a fixed dielectric spray pressure (40 bars) and a fixed pulse interval (3 µs). It was determined that the hole profiles obtained following the tests are directly related to the machining parameters, and that the resulting average overcut (AOC) and taper (Tp) values increased with discharge current, electrode rotational speed and pulse duration. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) conducted demonstrates that pulse duration is the dominant parameter affecting AOC, whereas pulse duration has the highest effect on Tp. When determination coefficients and normal probability plots were compared for the mathematical models obtained from analyses conducted for the prediction of test values, it was observed that the models obtained by quadratic regression analysis exhibited a better performance than the models produced by linear regression analysis.
Performance of non-asbestos organic brake liners for light motor vehicles
Authors: Natarajan M. P. , Rajmohan B.
Published: February 2016

In the present work, a measurement system has been designed and developed to measure friction and wear for two wheeler brake liners. Non-asbestos organic brake liners were evaluated regarding friction and wear by pressing against aluminum alloy brake drum. Each brake liner was subjected to four different applied loads (400, 500, 600 and 700 N) with six different braking times (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 minutes). The velocity of the brake drum was fixed at 1000 rpm for all test conditions. The drum temperature was measured by a thermocouple embedded in the brake drum and coupled with programmable logic controller (PLC) to record the temperatures of brake drum during braking. Test results obtained from the friction test were drum temperature (°C), friction coefficient (μ) and wear volume (cm3). From the test results, it was concluded that the increase of friction coefficient at the beginning of braking is due to the sharp edges such as zircon being ploughed onto the wear surfaces and also due to the increase in the contact area of the brake drum. The wear volume increased exponentially for the applied load more than 600 N and braking time more than 4 minutes. Below the applied load of 600 N, the wear volume increased linearly. The degradation of the organic components in the composition increased with temperature and this resulted in the reduction of composition bonding between the powders and structure integrity, thus increasing wear exponentially.
Nurturing Future Generations: Household Food Practices of Canadian Children and Family Meal Participation
Authors: Slater Joyce , Mudryj Adriana N.
Published: February 2016

Purpose: Food knowledge and skills appear to have declined in the general population over recent decades and may be contributing to negative outcomes and poor nutritional health. It is pertinent to observe the food skills and habits of Canadians, particularly Canadian youth.

Methods: Data from the Canadian Community Health Survey 2013 Rapid Response on Food Skills (n = 10 098) were used to examine the involvement of children in food preparation processes by identifying and describing the role of children in meal preparation as well as the practice of family meals. Variables were examined to assess differentiations between socio-demographic groupings (marital status, education, and income).

Results: Results indicate a moderate to high level of child participation in Canadian household food-related activities, with two-thirds of households with children having children involved in choosing meals and grocery shopping and one-third of children helping with meal preparation. Some differences were observed between region, education level, and Aboriginal and immigration status. Seventy-five percent of respondents participated in family meals.

Conclusions: Data from this study contribute to the current discussion regarding loss of food skills and the significance of family meals on social and health indicators. Results suggest a range of interventions for dietitians including improving the quality of foods prepared at home and campaigns to promote family meals.
School Gardens: Cultivating Food Security in Nova Scotia Public Schools?
Authors: Carlsson Liesel , Williams Patricia L. , Hayes-Conroy Jessica S. , Lordly Daphne , Callaghan Edith
Published: February 2016

Purpose: A small but growing body of peer-reviewed research suggests that school gardens can play a role in building community food security (CFS); however, to date little research exploring the role of school gardens in supporting CFS is available. This paper begins to address this gap in the literature.

Methods: A qualitative, exploratory, single-case study design was used. The focus of this case study was the school food garden at an elementary school in the River Valley, Nova Scotia, school community.

Results: Results provide useful information about potential CFS effects of school gardens in addition to the environmental effects on school gardens important to their effectiveness as CFS tools. Findings suggest children gained food-related knowledge, skills, and values that support long-term CFS. A local social and political landscape at the community, provincial, and school board level were key to strengthening this garden’s contributions to CFS.

Conclusions: We support Dietitians of Canada’s nomination of school gardens as an indicator of CFS with theoretical and practical evidence, underscore the importance of a supportive environment, and need for further research in this area. Health professionals and community organizations provide critical support, helping to weave gardens into a greater movement towards building CFS.
Intraoperative MRI–guided resection of focal cortical dysplasia in pediatric patients: technique and outcomes
Authors: Sacino Matthew F. , Ho Cheng-Ying , Murnick Jonathan , Tsuchida Tammy , Magge Suresh N. , Keating Robert F. , Gaillard William D. , Oluigbo Chima O.
Published: February 2016

OBJECTIVE

Previous meta-analysis has demonstrated that the most important factor in seizure freedom following surgery for focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) is completeness of resection. However, intraoperative detection of epileptogenic dysplastic cortical tissue remains a challenge, potentially leading to a partial resection and the need for reoperation. The objective of this study was to determine the role of intraoperative MRI (iMRI) in the intraoperative detection and localization of FCD as well as its impact on surgical decision making, completeness of resection, and seizure control outcomes.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed the medical records of pediatric patients who underwent iMRI-assisted resection of FCD at the Children's National Health System between January 2014 and April 2015. Data reviewed included demographics, length of surgery, details of iMRI acquisition, postoperative seizure freedom, and complications. Postsurgical seizure outcome was assessed utilizing the Engel Epilepsy Surgery Outcome Scale.

RESULTS

Twelve consecutive pediatric patients (8 females and 4 males) underwent iMRI-guided resection of FCD lesions. The mean age at the time of surgery was 8.8 years ± 1.6 years (range 0.7 to 18.8 years), and the mean duration of follow up was 3.5 months ± 1.0 month. The mean age at seizure onset was 2.8 years ± 1.0 year (range birth to 9.0 years). Two patients had Type 1 FCD, 5 patients had Type 2A FCD, 2 patients had Type 2B FCD, and 3 patients had FCD of undetermined classification. iMRI findings impacted intraoperative surgical decision making in 5 (42%) of the 12 patients, who then underwent further exploration of the resection cavity. At the time of the last postoperative follow-up, 11 (92%) of the 12 patients were seizure free (Engel Class I). No patients underwent reoperation following iMRI-guided surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

iMRI-guided resection of FCD in pediatric patients precluded the need for repeat surgery. Furthermore, it resulted in the achievement of complete resection in all the patients, leading to a high rate of postoperative seizure freedom.
Intraoperative electrocorticography for physiological research in movement disorders: principles and experience in 200 cases
Authors: Panov Fedor , Levin Emily , de Hemptinne Coralie , Swann Nicole C. , Qasim Salman , Miocinovic Svjetlana , Ostrem Jill L. , Starr Philip A.
Published: February 2016

OBJECTIVE

Contemporary theories of the pathophysiology of movement disorders emphasize abnormal oscillatory activity in basal ganglia-thalamocortical loops, but these have been studied in humans mainly using depth recordings. Recording from the surface of the cortex using electrocorticography (ECoG) provides a much higher amplitude signal than depth recordings, is less susceptible to deep brain stimulation (DBS) artifacts, and yields a surrogate measure of population spiking via “broadband gamma” (50–200 Hz) activity. Therefore, a technical approach to movement disorders surgery was developed that employs intraoperative ECoG as a research tool.

METHODS

One hundred eighty-eight patients undergoing DBS for the treatment of movement disorders were studied under an institutional review board–approved protocol. Through the standard bur hole exposure that is clinically indicated for DBS lead insertion, a strip electrode (6 or 28 contacts) was inserted to cover the primary motor or prefrontal cortical areas. Localization was confirmed by the reversal of the somatosensory evoked potential and intraoperative CT or 2D fluoroscopy. The ECoG potentials were recorded at rest and during a variety of tasks and analyzed offline in the frequency domain, focusing on activity between 3 and 200 Hz. Strips were removed prior to closure. Postoperative MRI was inspected for edema, signal change, or hematoma that could be related to the placement of the ECoG strip.

RESULTS

One hundred ninety-eight (99%) strips were successfully placed. Two ECoG placements were aborted due to resistance during the attempted passage of the electrode. Perioperative surgical complications occurred in 8 patients, including 5 hardware infections, 1 delayed chronic subdural hematoma requiring evacuation, 1 intraparenchymal hematoma, and 1 venous infarction distant from the site of the recording. None of these appeared to be directly related to the use of ECoG.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative ECoG has long been used in neurosurgery for functional mapping and localization of seizure foci. As applied during DBS surgery, it has become an important research tool for understanding the brain networks in movement disorders and the mechanisms of therapeutic stimulation. In experienced hands, the technique appears to add minimal risk to surgery.
Comparison of Two Methods for Determination of the Insulation of Passerine Nest Walls
Authors: Deeming D. Charles , Gray Liberty A.
Published: February 2016

Several methods have been used to determine the thermal properties of nests and in the last few years small iButton® temperature loggers have been used to determine an insulatory value. A recent study on Common Bullfinch ( Pyrrhula pyrrhula) nests used a different method, namely infrared (IR) thermography, to study nest wall insulation because pushing temperature loggers into the nest wall materials would have destroyed their structural integrity and probably adversely affected the insulatory value. Here, we compared the insulatory values of Common Linnet ( Carduelis cannabina) nests determined using temperature loggers (to record cooling rates in °C 20 s−1) with the temperature differences (ΔT in °C) across the nest wall as measured with IR thermography when the inside of the nest was heated under a steady state. Insulatory values were more variable than ΔT but there was no correlation between these two proxy measures of insulation. Despite being within the same family, Common Linnets build nests with very different materials from Common Bullfinches but ΔT values measured using IR thermography suggested that the nest wall of Common Linnet nests offered better insulation than the walls of Bullfinch nests. Our results suggest that comparative studies need to use the same methodologies but more research is needed to better understand the limitations of different methods in determining nest wall insulation.
Commemorating No-bodies – Christopher Columbus and the Violence of Social-forgetting
Authors: Azarmandi Mahdis
Published: February 2016

The Columbus statue in Barcelona is visited by millions of tourists each year and is one of the most well-known memorials dedicated to the “discovery” of the Americas. By looking at the productive nature of memorialisation, this paper questions this narrative of discovery. It looks at the history of the conquest of America as a moment of violence and massacre. Following the idea of coloniality of power and coloniality of being, this paper seeks to explore the relationship between coloniality and commemoration by analysing the different meanings of the statue of Columbus in Barcelona. I problematize and reconceptualise the monument from a decolonial perspective that highlights the subjugated knowledge of colonial conquest. I utilise the notion of epistemologies of ignorance to highlight how the statue is a representation of the master narrative of colonialism and consequently how this narrative acts to silence counter narratives of Columbus and Spanish history. Colonial monuments such as the Columbus statue are a tribute to on-going coloniality and the continuation of violence against racial ‘Others’. Thus, what is presented as a normative tribute to discovery is re-presented in this paper as a memorial to war and genocide.
Media, Machines and Might: Reproducing Western Australia's Violent State of Aboriginal Protection
Authors: Kerr Thor , Cox Shaphan
Published: February 2016

This paper addresses the prevalence of state violence directed at Aboriginal people. It examines how violence has been reproduced in recent years in the space of Western Australia through mutually-reinforcing relations of financial interest, and how the function of private capital accumulation – in state violence against sovereign Aboriginal people – has remained hidden in white sight. This paper argues that state violence is legitimised through a discourse of Aboriginal protection. After outlining how this discourse and violence have operated in Western Australia, the paper provides a substantive narrative challenging the routine reproduction of state violence against Aboriginal bodies through a close reading of public and media texts. These texts relate to state violence against a blockade preventing land-clearing machines from entering Aboriginal country in mid 2011; state violence against the Nyoongar Tent Embassy in early 2012; and, the government's announcement in May 2011 that it would amend the Aboriginal Heritage Act. Through this analysis, lines are drawn between media, machines and might for the purpose of enabling white sight to see private capital accumulation functioning within the reproduction of state violence against Aboriginal people.
Welfare Impacts of Pindone Poisoning in Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Authors: Fisher Penny , Brown Samantha , Arrow Jane
Published: February 2016

Control methods used to manage unwanted impacts of the European rabbit in Australia and New Zealand include the use of toxic bait containing the anticoagulant pindone. Towards increased certainty in evaluating the animal welfare impacts of pindone poisoning in rabbits, we recorded behavioral and post-mortem data from rabbits which ingested lethal quantities of pindone bait in a laboratory trial. Pindone poisoning in rabbits resulted in welfare compromise, primarily through functional impairments related to internal haemorrhage over a maximum duration of 7 days. Applying this data to a formal assessment framework for ranking animal welfare impacts indicated that pindone had relatively high severity and also duration of welfare impacts in comparison to other rabbit control methods.
Factors Controlling the Variation of Aerosol Surface Area Concentrations Measured by a Diffusion Charger in Fukuoka, Japan
Authors: Okuda Tomoaki , Yamazaki Hana , Hatoya Kazuki , Kaneyasu Naoki , Yoshino Ayako , Takami Akinori , Funato Koji , Inoue Kozo , Nishita Chiharu , Hara Keiichiro , Hayashi Masahiko
Published: February 2016

The surface area of ambient aerosols can be considered as an index of toxicity because an increased surface area may be able to act as a catalyst for specific reactions between particles and cells, as well as a carrier for co-pollutants, such as gases and chemicals. The aerosol surface area concentration was measured together with black carbon (BC) and other chemical species such as organic compounds, sulfate, and nitrate in Fukuoka, Japan, and the effect of the chemical composition of aerosols on their surface area was investigated. Aerosol surface area concentration was highly correlated with BC concentration for the entire period. Day-of-week variation and diurnal variation also showed the strong correlation between aerosol surface area and BC. This implies that even though BC accounts for relatively small percentage (in this study, 3.5%) of PM2.5 mass, it should receive considerable attention when aerosol surface area is considered as an index of adverse health effects caused by exposure of the human body to aerosols. Sulfate aerosol does not usually affect aerosol surface area in Fukuoka, but it may occasionally have a significant effect when the airmass contains an excess amount of relatively smaller particles of sulfate derived from volcanic SO2.
Measuring the Complexity of Continuous Distributions
Authors: Santamaría-Bonfil Guillermo , Fernández Nelson , Gershenson Carlos
Published: February 2016

We extend previously proposed measures of complexity, emergence, and self-organization to continuous distributions using differential entropy. Given that the measures were based on Shannon’s information, the novel continuous complexity measures describe how a system’s predictability changes in terms of the probability distribution parameters. This allows us to calculate the complexity of phenomena for which distributions are known. We find that a broad range of common parameters found in Gaussian and scale-free distributions present high complexity values. We also explore the relationship between our measure of complexity and information adaptation.
Drivers of Growth in the Travel and Tourism Industry in Malaysia: A Geweke Causality Analysis
Authors: Giap Tan , Gopalan Sasidaran , Ye Ye
Published: February 2016

The travel and tourism industry has been growing in importance for several developing countries. It has not only generated considerable foreign exchange revenues but has also contributed to the overall output and socio-economic development of these countries. Within the Asia and Pacific region, data for 2014 indicates that Malaysia was ranked very highly at no. 26 out of the 184 countries in the world in terms of the relative importance of the contribution of the travel and tourism industry to its national output. In this light, this paper aims to undertake an empirical examination of the factors driving international tourist arrivals into Malaysia. The paper attempts to identify the causal determinants of the growth of the travel and tourism industry, using quarterly data from 2000 to 2012, under a Geweke causality framework. The empirical results suggest Malaysia’s government expenditures on tourism promotion as well as infrastructure investments such as enhancing airport facilities are causal and significant determinants of growth in the travel and tourism industry.
Computational Fluid Dynamic Analysis of Co-Firing of Palm Kernel Shell and Coal
Authors: Aziz Muhammad , Budianto Dwika , Oda Takuya
Published: February 2016

The increasing global demand for palm oil and its products has led to a significant growth in palm plantations and palm oil production. Unfortunately, these bring serious environmental problems, largely because of the large amounts of waste material produced, including palm kernel shell (PKS). In this study, we used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to investigate the PKS co-firing of a 300 MWe pulverized coal-fired power plant in terms of thermal behavior of the plant and the CO2, CO, O2, NOx, and SOx produced. Five different PKS mass fractions were evaluated: 0%, 10%, 15%, 25%, and 50%. The results suggest that PKS co-firing is favorable in terms of both thermal behavior and exhaust gas emissions. A PKS mass fraction of 25% showed the best combustion characteristics in terms of temperature and the production of CO2, CO, and SOx. However, relatively large amounts of thermal NOx were produced by high temperature oxidation. Considering all these factors, PKS mass fractions of 10%–15% emerged as the most appropriate co-firing condition. The PKS supply capacity of the palm mills surrounding the power plants is a further parameter to be considered when setting the fuel mix.
Risk Assessment of Fluoride Intake from Tea in the Republic of Ireland and its Implications for Public Health and Water Fluoridation
Authors: Waugh Declan , Potter William , Limeback Hardy , Godfrey Michael
Published: February 2016

The Republic of Ireland (RoI) is the only European Country with a mandatory national legislation requiring artificial fluoridation of drinking water and has the highest per capita consumption of black tea in the world. Tea is a hyperaccumulator of fluoride and chronic fluoride intake is associated with multiple negative health outcomes. In this study, fifty four brands of the commercially available black tea bag products were purchased and the fluoride level in tea infusions tested by an ion-selective electrode method. The fluoride content in all brands tested ranged from 1.6 to 6.1 mg/L, with a mean value of 3.3 mg/L. According to our risk assessment it is evident that the general population in the RoI is at a high risk of chronic fluoride exposure and associated adverse health effects based on established reference values. We conclude that the culture of habitual tea drinking in the RoI indicates that the total cumulative dietary fluoride intake in the general population could readily exceed the levels known to cause chronic fluoride intoxication. Evidence suggests that excessive fluoride intake may be contributing to a wide range of adverse health effects. Therefore from a public health perspective, it would seem prudent and sensible that risk reduction measures be implemented to reduce the total body burden of fluoride in the population.
New Strategies and Methods to Study Interactions between Tobacco Mosaic Virus Coat Protein and Its Inhibitors
Authors: Li Xiangyang , Chen Zhuo , Jin Linhong , Hu Deyu , Yang Song
Published: February 2016

Studies of the targets of anti-viral compounds are hot topics in the field of pesticide research. Various efficient anti-TMV (Tobacco Mosaic Virus) compounds, such as Ningnanmycin (NNM), Antofine (ATF), Dufulin (DFL) and Bingqingxiao (BQX) are available. However, the mechanisms of the action of these compounds on targets remain unclear. To further study the mechanism of the action of the anti-TMV inhibitors, the TMV coat protein (TMV CP) was expressed and self-assembled into four-layer aggregate disks in vitro, which could be reassembled into infectious virus particles with TMV RNA. The interactions between the anti-TMV compounds and the TMV CP disk were analyzed by size exclusion chromatography, isothermal titration calorimetry and native-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis methods. The results revealed that assembly of the four-layer aggregate disk was inhibited by NNM; it changed the four-layer aggregate disk into trimers, and affected the regular assembly of TMV CP and TMV RNA. The four-layer aggregate disk of TMV CP was little inhibited by ATF, DFL and BQX. Our results provide original data, as well as new strategies and methods, for research on the mechanism of action of anti-viral drugs.