bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Studies on salinization in Haryana soils on free‐living nitrogen‐fixing bacterial populations and their activity
Authors: Kayasth Monika , Gera Rajesh , Dudeja Surjit Singh , Sharma Parveen Kumar , Kumar Varun 
Published: April 2013

AbstractA total of 26 soil samples from saline soils of Haryana were collected. Based on their electrical conductivity (EC) values, which varied from 1.04 to 21.00 dS m−1, the soils were categorized into non‐saline soils (EC 0–2 dS m−1), weakly saline soils (EC 2–4 dS m−1), saline soils (EC 4–8 dS m−1), strongly saline soils (EC 8–16 dS m−1), and very strongly saline soils (EC >16 dS m−1). The pH values of these soil samples ranged from 6.03 to 8.62, while organic C, total N, and available P were in the range of 0.06–0.94%, 0.07–0.15%, and 0.11–0.29 μg g−1 soil, respectively. As a measure of the impact of salinity on free‐living N2 fixers and their activity, the total bacterial populations on four media (Jensen's nitrogen‐free medium, malate medium, Burk's medium, and soil extract agar medium) decreased from 6.12 to 3.70 log CFU g−1 soil with increasing salinity level. PCR amplification of the nifH region of the DNA from 234 selected morphotypes from all the media showed the presence of nifH in 71 isolates. Out of these, 37% of the isolates were obtained using Jensen's medium; 35, 28, and 21% of the isolates were obtained using soil extract medium, Burk's medium, and malate medium, respectively. The majority of the free‐living N2 fixers (67%) were Gram negative. Apart from the acetylene reduction assay (ARA) activity in these isolates, other beneficial traits like ammonia excretion and indole acetic acid (IAA) production were also present. A decreasing trend in the activities was observed with increasing salinity levels. Isolates JN6, BP8, and MJ4 showed the highest ARA activity, ammonia excretion, and IAA production. The performance of isolates like BNC2 with good ARA activity, ammonia excretion, and IAA production and isolated from a very strongly saline soil should be further evaluated under high‐saline conditions.
Water recycle as a must: decolorization of textile wastewaters by plant‐associated fungi
Authors: Tegli Stefania , Cerboneschi Matteo , Corsi Massimo , Bonnanni Marco , Bianchini Roberto 
Published: April 2013

AbstractTextile dye effluents are among the most problematic pollutants because of their toxicity on several organisms and ecosystems. Low cost and ecocompatible bioremediation processes offer a promising alternative to the conventional and aspecific physico‐chemical procedures adopted so far. Here, microorganisms resident on three real textile dyeing effluent were isolated, characterized, and tested for their decolorizing performances. Although able to survive on these real textile‐dyeing wastewaters, they always showed a very low decolorizing activity. On the contrary, several plant‐associated fungi (Bjerkandera adusta, Funalia trogii, Irpex lacteus, Pleurotus ostreatus, Trametes hirsuta, Trichoderma viride, and Aspergillus nidulans) were also assayed and demonstrated to be able both to survive and to decolorize to various extents the three effluents, used as such in liquid cultures. The decolorizing potential of these fungi was demonstrated to be influenced by nutrient availability and pH. Best performances were constantly obtained using B. adusta and A. nidulans, relying on two strongly different mechanisms for their decolorizing activities: degradation for B. adusta and biosorption for A. nidulans. Acute toxicity tests using Daphnia magna showed a substantial reduction in toxicity of the three textile dyeing effluents when treated with B. adusta and A. nidulans, as suggested by mass spectrometric analysis as well.
Efficacy of Ganoderma sp. JAS4 in bioremediation of chlorpyrifos and its hydrolyzing metabolite TCP from agricultural soil
Authors: Silambarasan Sivagnanam , Abraham Jayanthi 
Published: April 2013

AbstractA novel fungal strain JAS4 was isolated from agricultural soil and was found to be highly effective in degrading chlorpyrifos and its major degradation product 3,5,6‐trichloro‐2‐pyridinol (TCP). The molecular characterization based on 18S rRNA sequence analysis, revealed strain JAS4 as Ganoderma sp. which could able to degrade chlorpyrifos and its metabolite in an aqueous medium with rate constant of 0.8460 day−1, following first order rate kinetics, and the time in which the initial insecticide concentration was reduced by 50% (DT50) was 0.81 days. Studies on biodegradation in soil with nutrients showed that JAS4 strain exhibited efficient degradation of insecticide with a rate constant of 0.9 day−1, and DT50 was 0.73 day. In contrast, degradation of insecticide in soil without nutrients was characterized by a rate constant of 0.7576 day−1 and the DT50 was 0.91 day.
The junction between hyaline cartilage and engineered cartilage in rabbits
Authors: Komura Makoto , Komura Hiroko , Otani Yushi , Kanamori Yutaka , Iwanaka Tadashi , Hoshi Kazuto , Tsuyoshi Takato , Tabata Yasuhiko 
Published: April 2013

Objectives/HypothesisTracheoplasty using costal cartilage grafts to enlarge the tracheal lumen was performed to treat congenital tracheal stenosis. Fibrotic granulomatous tissue was observed at the edge of grafted costal cartilage. We investigated the junction between the native hyaline cartilage and the engineered cartilage plates that were generated by auricular chondrocytes for fabricating the airway.Study DesignControlled, prospecive study.MethodsIn group 1, costal cartilage from New Zealand white rabbits was collected and implanted into a space created in the cervical trachea. In group 2, chondrocytes from auricular cartilages were seeded on absorbable scaffolds. These constructs were implanted in the subcutaneous space. Engineered cartilage plates were then implanted into the trachea after 3 weeks of implantation of the constructs. The grafts in group 1 and 2 were retrieved after 4 weeks.ResultsIn group 1, histological studies of the junction between the native hyaline cartilage and the implanted costal cartilage demonstrated chondrogenic tissue in four anastomoses sides out of the 10 examined. In group 2, the junction between the native trachea and the engineered cartilage showed neocartilage tissue in nine anastomoses sides out of 10.ConclusionsEngineered cartilage may be beneficial for engineered airways, based on the findings of the junction between the native and engineered grafts.Level of Evidence1a.
Efficacy of “hammock” tympanoplasty in the treatment of anterior perforations
Authors: Peng Robert , Lalwani Anil K. 
Published: April 2013

Objectives/HypothesisSurgical repair of large anterior tympanic membrane (TM) perforations continue to be a challenge for the otologic surgeon. Lateral graft tympanoplasty, the recommended treatment, is technically difficult and is plagued with blunting of the anterior sulcus and lateralization of the TM, both of which can lead to conductive hearing loss. In this study, we evaluate the efficacy of “hammock” tympanoplasty in the treatment of anterior perforation.Study Design/MethodsThe “hammock” tympanoplasty, a medial graft tympanoplasty, utilizes a large tympanomeatal flap incorporating anterior ear canal skin and the placement of a graft extending from the anterior to the posterior external auditory canal, akin to a hammock. In this retrospective study, the medical, surgical, audiological, and radiological records of 25 patients treated with hammock tympanoplasty were reviewed.ResultsThe average age of the patients was 40.6 ± 20 years. The perforation involved the right ear of 17 patients, and at least two quadrants of the TM in 24 of 25 patients. The TM perforation was successfully closed in 24 of 25 patients, with improvement of the air conduction threshold in 22 of 25 patients. None of the patients experienced SNHL or lateralization of TM. There was one patient with blunting of anterior sulcus and another patient who experienced delayed facial paresis 9 days following surgery, which subsequently resolved.ConclusionThe hammock tympanoplasty is technically easy, highly effective in restoring the integrity of the TM, and shows improvement in postoperative hearing.Level of Evidence4.
A systematic review of surgical outcomes for advanced juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma with intracranial involvement
Authors: Leong Samuel C. 
Published: April 2013

Objectives/HypothesisAlthough transnasal endoscopic resection has become an established treatment for most juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA), surgical management of JNA with intracranial extension remains challenging. This study systematically reviews the JNA literature to determine surgical outcomes.Study DesignSystematic review.MethodsA systematic search of the PubMed was undertaken using a combination of MeSH terms: angiofibroma, nasopharynx. The search was limited to articles published in the English language between January 1990 and April 2012. Each article was reviewed to identify sufficient individual data on patients treated for JNA, defined as reporting on demographics, JNA stage, the specific surgical approach, complications, and length of follow‐up for each patient.ResultsA total of 72 patients from 15 studies were included in this review. The mean age was 15.7 years. The mean follow‐up period was 47 months. Most patients had a craniofacial procedure. The overall mean estimated intraoperative blood loss was 1,709 mL. Preoperative embolization resulted in significantly less blood loss. The most common complications were sinonasal and neurological. Facial paresthesia was reported in 16%, followed by ophthalmoplegia (12%) and intranasal crusting (12%). Recurrence was reported in 13 patients (18%), which were detected between 7 and 26 months during the follow‐up period. Overall, 86% of the cohort was free of disease.ConclusionsSurgical management of JNA with intracranial extension is complex and requires an expert multidisciplinary team. Although craniofacial approaches appear to be the current standard of treatment, there is increased experienced‐based evidence that endoscopic resection of large tumors or endoscopic‐assisted resection is feasible in expert hands.Level of Evidence3a.
The diagnostic value of parathyroid hormone washout after fine‐needle aspiration of suspicious cervical lesions in patients with hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Abdelghani Ramsy , Noureldine Salem , Abbas Ali , Moroz Krzysztof , Kandil Emad 
Published: April 2013

Objectives/HypothesisWe aimed to study the diagnostic value of parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentration in the needle washout of fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) compared to cytology of suspicious lesions suggestive of culprit parathyroid glands in patients with recurrent or persistent primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT).Study DesignRetrospective review.MethodsPatients with recurrent or persistent PHPT, who were referred to one surgeon and underwent FNA of the culprit parathyroid lesion preoperatively, were included in this study. All patients underwent comprehensive neck ultrasound, and suspicious lesions underwent ultrasound‐guided FNA by the same surgeon. The aspiration cytology was read by a single dedicated cytopathologist blinded to the PTH washout results. A positive cutoff value for PTH washout concentration was defined as superior to serum PTH level obtained at the same time. The final diagnosis after reoperative surgery was confirmed by the same cytopathologist.ResultsTwenty‐four consecutive patients were included. The mean serum PTH and calcium were 111.5 ± 106.25 pg/mL (normal: 15–65 pg/mL) and 10.8 ± 0.5 mg/dL (normal: 8.6–10.2 pg/mL), respectively. Twenty‐two patients (91.6%) had elevated PTH washout concentrations with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 100%. Cytopathology was successful in confirming parathyroid tissue only in seven patients (29%). An adenoma was identified in 19 patients (79.1%); however, five patients (20.8%) were found to have multiglandular disease.ConclusionsAn elevated PTH washout concentration can help identify culprit parathyroid gland lesions with a high PPV in patients requiring reoperative parathyroid surgery. This diagnostic technique allows for targeted surgical approach in reoperative settings, especially in patients with negative preoperative sestamibi scans.Level of Evidence4.
Thermische Nutzung von Haldenschwelbränden – Erkenntnisse und Erfahrungen aus einem Pilotprojekt
Authors: Kürten Sylvia , Feinendegen Martin , Noel Yves , Gaschnitz Roland , Klein Andreas , Schwerdt Peter 
Published: April 2013

AbstractHaldenschwelbrände stellen aufgrund der vorhandenen hohen Temperaturen ein bisher ungenutztes Energiepotenzial dar. In einem vom BMBF gefördertem Verbundprojekt wurde die Möglichkeit der thermischen Nutzung von Haldenschwelbränden mithilfe einer Pilotanlage untersucht. Dazu wurden auf einer Halde im westlichen Ruhrgebiet drei 25 m tiefe koaxiale Erdwärmesonden installiert und über einen Zeitraum von etwa zwei Jahren betrieben. Mit der Pilotanlage konnte eine langfristige Gesamtleistung von ca. 9 kW erreicht werden, was einer Entzugsleistung von ca. 100 W/m entspricht. Durch theoretische Untersuchungen und weiterführende Laboruntersuchungen konnte gezeigt werden, dass die besonderen Standortbedingungen, z.B. die inhomogene Temperaturverteilung im Haldenkörper sowie die schlechte Wärmeleitfähigkeit des Haldenmaterials, maßgebend für die Leistungsfähigkeit der Anlage sind. Darüber hinaus kann durch die Verwendung optimaler Systemparameter (z.B. thermisch verbesserte Verfüllmaterialien, ausreichende Strömungsgeschwindigkeit im Rohrsystem) die Leistung zusätzlich gesteigert werden. Hinweis: Der Beitrag stellt eine Fortführung des Beitrags “Haldengeothermie – Chancen und Risiken bei der thermischen Nutzung von Haldenschwelbränden” (geotechnik 34 (2011), Heft 2, pp. 127–135) dar und wurde in Teilen dort bereits abgedruckt.Thermal utilization of a smouldering mining dump – findings and experiences from a pilot project. Smouldering mining dumps represent a large source of energy that has not been exploited yet. Using the example of a dumpsite in the western Ruhr‐area, the thermal utilization of a smouldering fire was investigated in the framework of a joint research project. Therefore three coaxial geothermal probes with a depth of 25 m each were installed and operated during a time period of about two years. A long‐term heat extraction with an overall performance of about 9 kW could be achieved. This corresponds to a heat extraction rate of about 100 W/m. In theoretical analyses and laboratory tests it could be shown that the local conditions on the dump site (e.g. temperature distribution, thermal conductivity of the dump material) are the most important factors for the possible heat output. Furthermore, the heat output can as well be increased by choosing optimal system parameters (e.g. thermally improved backfill material, sufficient velocity in the pipe system).
Standsicherheitsuntersuchungen von Etagenwänden im Tagebau
Authors: Pittino Gerhard , Galler Robert , Peyfuß Wilfried 
Published: April 2013

AbstractDas Kalkwerk Steyrling der Voestalpine Stahl GmbH wird hinsichtlich Abbauverfahren und geologischer Verhältnisse vorgestellt. Vonseiten des Arbeitsinspektorats wurde im Zusammenhang mit der Evaluierung nach sec 4 Arbeitnehmer/‐innenschutzgesetz die Frage des geologisch bedingten Risikos aufgeworfen. Daher wurde vom Kalkwerk Steyrling für die gegenwärtige Abbaumethode, einen Wandabbau mit strossenartigem Verhieb, eine geomechanische Untersuchung der Bruchwand zur Ermittlung und Beurteilung von Gefahren bezüglich geologisch bedingter Risiken in Auftrag gegeben. Im ersten Schritt wird die Standsicherheit von Etagenwänden mittels probabilistischer Betrachtung von Kluftkörpern beurteilt, auf Basis der aus der Literatur entnommenen Trennflächenfestigkeit. Im zukünftigen Schritt wird die Einschätzung von Gebirgskennwerten durch Labor und Feldversuche erfolgen, als Grundlage für numerische Berechnungen zur Abschätzung des Gebirgsverhaltens im Hinblick auf Vorrichtung und Abbaumaßnahmen.Stability Assessment of a Quarry Face Using the Probabilistic Stability Analysis of Rock Wedges. The Limestone Quarry Steyrling of Voestalpine Stahl GmbH is introduced with regard to the mining method und geological conditions. The question of the geological hazard was raised by the Health and Safety Executive in connection with the evaluation of the sec 4 AschG. Therefore, a geomechanical investigation was ordered for the present mining method. The aim is to assess the danger concerning the geological hazard. In the first step the stability of the quarry face is assessed by using the probabilistic stability analysis of rock wedges on the basis of strength parameter gained by the literature. In the future, the assessment of the rock mass parameters will be done through laboratory and field tests. This should be the input values for the numerical analyses to estimate the rock mass behaviour in reaction to the preparatory works and mining.
Epitope mapping of the major allergen from Atlantic cod in Spanish population reveals different IgE‐binding patterns
Authors: Perez‐Gordo Marina , Pastor‐Vargas Carlos , Lin Jing , Bardina Ludmilla , Cases Barbara , Ibáñez Maria Dolores , Vivanco Fernando , Cuesta‐Herranz Javier , Sampson Hugh A. 
Published: April 2013

ScopeIgE‐epitope mapping of allergens reveal important information about antigen components involved in allergic reactions. The peptide‐based microarray immunoassay has been used to map epitopes of some food allergens. We developed a peptide microarray immunoassay to map allergenic epitopes in parvalbumin from Atlantic cod (Gad m 1), the most consumed cod species in Spain.Methods and resultsSera from 13 fish‐allergic patients with specific IgE to cod parvalbumin were used. A library of overlapping peptides was synthesized, representing the primary sequence of Gad m 1. Peptides were used to analyze allergen‐specific IgE antibodies in patient sera. 100% of the patients recognized one antigenic region of 15 amino acids in length in Gad m 1. This region only partially correlated with one of the three antigenic determinants of Gad c 1 (Allergen M), parvalbumin from Baltic cod (Gadus callarias). In the 3D model of the protein, this region was located on the surface of the protein.ConclusionWe have identified a relevant antigenic region in Gad m 1. This epitope could be considered as a severity marker and provides additional information to improve fish allergy diagnosis and the design of safe immunotherapeutic tools.
Bisdemethoxycurcumin inhibits PDGF‐induced vascular smooth muscle cell motility and proliferation
Authors: Hua Yinan , Dolence Julia , Ramanan Shalini , Ren Jun , Nair Sreejayan 
Published: April 2013

ScopeA key event in the development of plaque in the arteries is the migration and proliferation of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) from the media to the intima of the blood vessel. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of bisdemethoxycurcumin (BC), a naturally occurring structural analog of curcumin (CC), on platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐stimulated migration and proliferation of SMCs.Methods and resultsCC and BC were synthesized by condensing acetyl acetone with vanillin and 4‐hydroxybenzaldehyde, respectively. SMCs isolated from adult rat aorta were stimulated with PDGF in the presence or absence of CC or BC following which, cell migration and proliferation were assessed by monolayer wound healing assay and [3H]‐thymidine incorporation respectively. PDGF‐stimulated phosphorylation of PDGF receptor‐β and its downstream effectors Akt and ERK were assessed by Western blotting. Intracellular reactive oxygen species was assessed using the fluorescent dye 5‐(6)‐chloromethyl‐2′,7′‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate. BC elicited a concentration‐dependent inhibition of PDGF‐stimulated phosphorylation of PDGF receptor‐β, Akt and Erk as well as the PDGF‐stimulated SMC migration and proliferation. BC was more potent than CC in inhibiting migration and proliferation and suppressing PDGF‐signaling in SMCs. Both compounds were equipotent in inhibiting PDGF‐stimulated generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species.ConclusionBC may be of potential use in the prevention or treatment of vascular disease.
Storage of magnetization as singlet order by optimal control designed pulses
Authors: Laustsen Christoffer , Bowen Sean , Vinding Mads Sloth , Nielsen Niels Chr. , Ardenkjaer‐Larsen Jan H. 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe use of hyperpolarization to enhance the sensitivity of MRI has so far been limited by the decay of the polarization through T1 relaxation. Recently, methods have been proposed that extend the lifetime of the hyperpolarization by storing the spin order in slowly relaxing singlet states.MethodsWith this aim, optimal control theory was applied to create pulses that for near‐equivalent spins accomplish transfers in and out of the singlet state with maximum efficiency while ensuring robustness toward variations in the nuclear spin system Hamiltonian (chemical shift, J‐couplings, B1 and B0 magnetic field inhomogeneity).ResultsThe pulses are designed to accomplish efficient transfer with low B1 amplitude, essential for applications on preclinical and clinical MR scanners.ConclusionIt is demonstrated that significantly improved efficiency and robustness can be obtained within the limitations of typical MR scanner performance. Magn Reson Med 71:921–926, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of obesity onset on pendular energy transduction at spontaneous walking speed: Prader–willi versus nonsyndromal obese individuals
Authors: Malatesta Davide , Vismara Luca , Menegoni Francesco , Grugni Graziano , Capodaglio Paolo 
Published: April 2013

ObjectiveTo compare the mechanical external work (Wext) and pendular energy transduction (Rstep) at spontaneous walking speed (Ss) in individuals with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) versus subjects with nonsyndromal obesity (OB) to investigate whether the early onset of obesity allows PWS subjects to adopt energy conserving gait mechanics.Design and MethodsWext and Rstep were computed using kinematic data acquired by an optoelectronic system and compared in 15 PWS (BMI = 39.5 ± 1.8 kg m−2; 26.7 ± 1.5 year) and 15 OB (BMI = 39.3 ± 1.0 kg m−2; 28.7 ± 1.9 year) adults matched for gender, age and BMI and walking at Ss.ResultsSs was significantly lower in PWS (0.98 ± 0.03 m s−1) than in OB (1.20 ± 0.02 m s−1; P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in Wext per kilogram between groups (PWS: 0.37 ± 0.04 J kg−1 m−1; OB: 0.40 ± 0.05 J kg−1 m−1; P = 0.66) and in Rstep (PWS: 69.9 ± 2.9%; OB: 67.7 ± 2.4%; P = 0.56). However, Rstep normalized to Froude number (Rstep/Fr) was significantly greater in PWS (6.0 ± 0.6) than in OB (3.8 ± 0.2; P = 0.001). Moreover, Rstep/Fr was inversely correlated with age of obesity onset (r = −0.49; P = 0.006) and positively correlated with obesity duration (r = 0.38; P = 0.036).ConclusionIndividuals with PWS seem to alter their gait to improve pendular energy transduction as a result of precocious and chronic adaptation to loading.