bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Laser Ablation for Benign Solid Thyroid Nodules. Results of a Three-Year Multicenter Prospective Randomized Trial
Authors: Papini E. , Rago T. , Gambelunghe G. , Valcavi R. , Bizzarri G. , Vitti P. , De Feo P. , Riganti F. , Misischi I. , Di Stasio E. , Pacella C. M. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

Background:
The aim of the present trial on ultrasound (US)-guided laser ablation therapy (LAT) of solid thyroid nodules is to assess long-term clinical efficacy, side effects, and predictability of outcomes in different centers operating with the same procedure.

Patients:
Two hundred consecutive patients were randomly assigned to a single LAT session (group 1, 101 cases) or to follow-up (group 2, 99 cases) at four thyroid referral centers. Entry criteria were: solid thyroid nodule with volume of 6–17 mL, repeat benign cytological findings, normal thyroid function, no autoimmunity, and no thyroid gland treatment.

Methods:
Group 1: LAT was performed in a single session with two optical fibers, a 1064 nm Nd-YAG laser source, and an output power of 3 W. Volume and local symptom changes were evaluated 1, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after LAT. Side effects and tolerability of treatment were registered. Group 2: Follow-up with no treatment.

Results:
One patient was lost to follow-up in each group. Group 1: Volume decrease after LAT was −49 ± 22%, −59 ± 22%, −60 ± 24%, and −57 ± 25% at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively (P &lt; .001 vs baseline). LAT resulted in a nodule reduction of &gt;50% in 67.3% of cases (P &lt; .001). Local symptoms decreased from 38 to 8% of cases (P = .002) and cosmetic signs from 72 to 16% of cases (P = .001). Baseline size, presence of goiter (P = .55), or US findings (fluid component ≤ 20% [P = .84], halo [P = .46], vascularization [P = .98], and calcifications [P = .06]) were not predictive factors of a volume decrease &gt; 50%. The procedure was well tolerated in most (92%) cases. No changes in thyroid function or autoimmunity were observed. In group 2, nodule volume increased at 36 months (25 ± 42%; P = .04). The efficacy and tolerability of the procedure were similar in different centers.

Conclusions:
A single LAT treatment of solid nodules results in significant and persistent volume reduction and local symptom improvement, in the absence of thyroid function changes.
On operator-valued monotone independence
Authors: Hasebe Takahiro , Saigo Hayato 
Published: July 2014

AbstractWe investigate operator-valued monotone independence, a noncommutative version of independence for conditional expectation. First we introduce operator-valued monotone cumulants to clarify the whole theory and show the moment-cumulant formula. As an application, one can obtain an easy proof of the central limit theorem for the operator-valued case. Moreover, we prove a generalization of Muraki’s formula for the sum of independent random variables and a relation between generating functions of moments and cumulants.
Facile and Green Decomposition of Dioxane with Catalytic Supercritical Water Gasification
Authors: Hara Takahiro , Nguyen Hung Thanh , Komiyama Masaharu 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
1,4-Dioxane, a persistent organic pollutant, was easily decomposed to methane and CO2 under supercritical water gasification (SCWG) conditions (400 °C, 26 MPa) in the presence of a Ni or Ru catalyst. Charcoal-supported Ru catalyst achieved 100% decomposition of 0.01 M dioxane at 450 °C within 90 min. This catalyst was able to clear the current wastewater discharge limit of 0.5 mg L−1 set by the Japanese Ministry of the Environment within 60 min reaction time at 400 °C for the same dioxane concentration and maintained its activity up to nine times of repeated usage. It is emphasized that the present process employs no chemical oxidants such as ozone or hydrogen peroxide.
Case Report: Group B Streptococcus meningitis in an adolescent
Authors: Vittorino Roselle , Hui-Yuen Joyce , Ratner Adam J. , Starr Amy , McCann Teresa 
Published: July 2014

Streptococcus agalactiae (group B Streptococcus, GBS) usually colonizes the gastrointestinal and lower genital tracts of asymptomatic hosts, yet the incidence of invasive disease is on the rise. We describe a case of an 18 year old woman, recently diagnosed with lupus, who reported a spontaneous abortion six weeks prior to her hospitalization. She presented with fever, altered mental status, and meningeal signs, paired with a positive blood culture for GBS. Magnetic resonance imaging of her brain demonstrated an extra-axial fluid collection, and she was diagnosed with meningitis. She received prolonged intravenous antibiotic therapy and aggressive treatment for lupus, leading to clinical recovery. This case illustrates the importance of recognizing GBS as a potential pathogen in all patients presenting with CNS infection.
Effect of manure and NPK to increase soil bacterial population of Azotobacter and Azospirillus in chili (Capsicum annum) cultivation
Authors: MUJIYATI MUJIYATI , SUPRIYADI SUPRIYADI 
Published: July 2014

Mujiyati, Supriyadi. 2009. Effect of manure and NPK to increase soil bacterial population of Azotobacter and AzospirillumÂ in chili (Capsicum annum) cultivation. Nusantara Bioscience 1: 59-64. The objectives of this research were to find out the increaseÂ number of two bacterials populations, Azotobacter and Azospirillum, due to the use of manure fertilizer. The exsperiment was conductedÂ using group randomly designed with two treatments. The plant populations were treated (i) whithout fertilizer as the control, (ii) withÂ manure fertilizer, and (iii) with NPK fertilizer. Data was experimentally collected by planting chili in several plots treated by manure,Â with three replications. The field experiment was conducted in Gathak Village, Karangnongko Sub-district, Klaten District, CentralÂ Java. The data collected consist of the total population of Azotobacter and Azospirillum, nitrogen content in soil and the chili yield. TheÂ primary data of research were analyzed using ANOVA test and followed by LSD test, with the degree of significance by 95% .TheÂ results showed that the manure fertilizer can increase the population of bacteria as many as 0.02% (Azotobacter) and 0.46%Â (Azospirillum) when they were compared to the control one. So that it can increase the soil fertility when they were used in long time.Â Therefore increasing the nutrient availability in the soil was occurred. Application of manure fertilizer could increase the total nitrogenÂ content in the soil and it is very useful for the fertilizing of plants.
Variability analysis of Sukun durian plant (Durio zibethinus) based on RAPD marker
Authors: RUWAIDA ISMI PUJI , SUPRIYADI SUPRIYADI , PARJANTO PARJANTO 
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Ruwaida IP, Supriyadi, Parjanto. 2009. Variability analysis of Sukun durian plant (Durio zibethinus) based on RAPD marker. Nusantara Bioscience 1: 84-91. The purpose of the study is to assess the diversity of the durian varieties of Sukun, Sunan, Kani, Monthong, and Petruk; and Sukun durian variety is grown in different regions based on RAPD markers. Materials research is durian leaves of Sukun, Sunan, Kani, Monthong and Petruk from Ranukutri Garden Seeds, Karanganyar, and also Sukun durian leaf from Gempolan Karanganyar, Jepara and Salatiga. Then performed DNA analysis on samples of leaves that began the isolation of DNA, test of DNA quantity and quality, primer selection, and amplification with PCR. Visualization of PCR performed by electrophoresis using EtBr that generate DNA bands. DNA bands were then analyzed with NTSYS program to get durian diversity among varieties of durian and between Sukun durian at different planting areas. Six RAPD polymorphic primer was used, namely OPA-01, OPA-02, OPA-07, OPA-16, OPA-18, and OPA-19. Banding pattern of DNA amplification show the existence of diversity among varieties of Sukun durian, Sunan, Kani, Monthong and Petruk and show the diversity of Sukun durian grown in different areas. Dendrogram indicated that five durian varieties tend to segregate, whereas Sukun, Sunan, Monthong, and Petruk in one group, which split with Kani. Dendrogram also indicated that Sukun planted in different regions resulted in two groups, Sukun from Gempolan Karanganyar and Salatiga in one group, while the second group consisted of Sukun from Ranukutri seed garden Karanganyar and Jepara.
generate DNA bands. DNA bands were then analyzed with NTSYS program to get durian diversity among varieties of durian andÂ between Sukun durian at different planting areas. Six RAPD polymorphic primer was used, namely OPA-01, OPA-02, OPA-07, OPA16,Â OPA-18, andÂ OPA-19. BandingÂ pattern ofÂ DNAÂ amplification show theÂ existenceÂ ofÂ diversityÂ amongÂ varietiesÂ ofÂ Sukun durian, Sunan, Kani, Monthong and Petruk and show the diversity of Sukun durian grown in different areas. Dendrogram indicated that five durian varieties tend to segregate, whereas Sukun, Sunan, Monthong and Petruk in one group, which split with Kani. Dendrogram also indicated that Sukun planted in different regions resulted in two groups, Sukun from Gempolan Karanganyar and Salatiga in one group, while the second group consisted of Sukun from Ranukutri seed garden Karanganyar and Jepara.
A habitat selection model for Javan deer (Rusa timorensis) in Wanagama I Forest, Yogyakarta
Authors: PURNOMO DANANG WAHYU 
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Purnomo DW. 2010. A Habitat selection model for Javan deer (Rusa timorensis) in Wanagama I Forest, Yogyakarta. Nusantara Bioscience 2: 84-89. Wanagama I Forest is the natural breeding habitat of Javan deer (Rusa timorensis de Blainville, 1822). Habitat changes had affected Timor's resource selection and caused the deer to move from undisturbed areas to developed areas with agriculture and human settlements. We suspected that the degradation of natural habitat caused this shift. The research aimed to identify factors that might influence future habitat selection. Habitat selection was analyzed by comparing proportions of sites actually used to sites that we considered available to use. The results of a logistic regression of site categories showed there are three habitat variables that influence resource selection: sum of tree species (expß=1.305), slope (expß=1.061), and distance to a water source (expß=1.002). The three variables influence the deer existing in a certain site of Wanagama Forest and arrange resource selection probability function (RSPF).
Corals differential susceptibilities to bleaching along the Red Sea Coast, Egypt
Authors: AMMAR MOHAMMED S. A. , OBUID-ALLAH AHMED HAMED , AL-HAMMADY MONTASER A. M. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Ammar MSA, Obuid-Allah AH, Al-Hammady MAM. 2011. Corals differential susceptibilities to bleaching along the Red Sea Coast, Egypt. Nusantara Bioscience 3: 73-81. Coral bleaching was studied at four sites in four widely geographically separated areas. Three of these sites are subjected to different human activities and the fourth one is considered as a control site. Data were collected by using SCUBA diving, and the line transects method. A total of 3940 coral colonies, representing 62 species in 21genera and 10 families, were recorded on transects on the reefs of four studied sites.20.11% of all corals were affected by bleaching: 5.4% were moderately affected; 2.7% severely affected and 12.007% were dead. Overall, there were differences in the proportion of colonies affected by bleaching between the studied sites. Ras El-Behar, the site impacted by petroleum oil, has the maximum average proportion of moderately, severely bleached and dead colonies. While, the lowest average proportions of severely bleached colonies and dead colonies were found at Kalawy bay. Surprisingly, coral reef taxa at El-Hamraween harbor showed high resistance to bleaching probably because of having a new different clade of Symbiodinium which can withstand seawater temperature. Species with highest susceptibilities to bleaching in areas of oil pollution, increased sedimentation and heavy load of phosphate is Stylophora pistillata, Acropora granulosa, and Montipora meandrina, respectively while species with lowest susceptibilities are Fungia fungites, Alveopora daedalea and Millepora dichotoma, respectively.
Effect of nitrogen fertilization on morphological and biochemical traits of some Apiaceae crops under arid region conditions in Egypt
Authors: KHALID KHALID ALI 
Published: July 2014

Khalid KA. 2013. Effect of nitrogen fertilization on morphological and biochemical traits of some Apiaceae crops under arid region conditions in Egypt. Nusantara Bioscience 5: 15-21. Arid regions in Egypt are characterized by poor nutrients content and unfavorable environmental conditions which negatively affect growth and productivity of medicinal and aromatic plants including anise, coriander and sweet fennel. So the main objective of the present investigation was to study the effect of different levels of N, namely 0 (control), 100, 150 and 200 kg ha-1 used as ammonium sulphate [(NH4)2SO] (20% N), on selected morphological and biochemical characteristics of anise, coriander and sweet fennel plants cultivated under arid regions conditions during two successive seasons. The most effective dose of nitrogen was 200 kg ha-14 of N, resulting in a positive increase in vegetative growth characters and content of essential oil, fixed oil, total carbohydrates, soluble sugars, protein and nutrients (NPK).
Journalist in Africa: A high-risk profession under threat
Authors: Frère Marie-Soleil 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Every year, several international organizations monitoring press freedom worldwide issue reports in which they underline the occupational hazards faced by journalists while reporting. Some African countries, such as Eritrea, Sudan, Somalia or Equatorial Guinea, have been regularly pinpointed at the bottom of these annual rankings. A few others (Cap Vert, Namibia, Niger, Ghana, South Africa) are crawling among the top 50 countries in the world. How do the indicators used by those organizations reveal a specific understanding of the professional practices and of the risks associated with it? Are they relevant to the reality of the daily practice of journalism on the African continent? Has this image led to particular measures aimed at preventing or self-regulating potential abuses in view of the risks incurred? Are there other ‘high-risk’ areas of the professional practice that these indicators fail to cover, and why? Starting from a reflection on the criteria used internationally to assess press freedom, and on the ‘risks’ associated with the profession, this article tries to show that the threats upon media professionals on the African continent are much more complex than those rankings and their indicators would suggest.
Prenatal diagnosis of fetal umbilical cord teratoma
Authors: Demir Bilge Cetinkaya , Topal Naile Bolca , Güneş Esra Şahin , Yazıcı Zeynep , Yalçınkaya Ulviye 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Umbilical cord teratomas are rare tumoral lesions of umbilical cord which have challenging antenatal diagnosis. The cord teratomas contain tissue from all three germ layers and have both cystic and solid components. This ultrasonographic appearance may help the clinician to clarify the correct diagnosis. We report a case of cord teratoma diagnosed prenatally by ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. Since cord teratomas may lead to adverse fetal outcomes, close follow-up of the fetus is recommended.
Thromboelastography as a part of management of amniotic fluid embolism
Authors: Helviz Yigal , Einav Sharon , Hersch Moshe , Shapiro Henry , Ioscovich Alexander 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is an obstetrical catastrophe characterized by acute hypotension, hypoxia, and coagulopathy occurring during labor, cesarean section, post-delivery, or during amniocentesis. Thromboelastography (TEG) is a bedside test of global homeostasis and has seldom been used to study coagulation in AFE despite increasing popularity in other diseases. We report TEG usage as part of a treatment for patients with AFE.
Solid State Transformer Interface Based on Multilevel Inverter for Fuel Cell Power Generation and Management
Authors: Banaei M. R. , Salary E. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
This paper concentrates on the solid state transformer that can be used in fuel cell systems. To distribute the power between fuel cells and load or grid, the new solid state transformer has been developed. The proposed solid state transformer uses high-frequency transformer to increase input voltage and one special multilevel inverter with five switches in basic units. In fact, this multilevel inverter synthesizes a desired output AC voltage from DC voltage sources with a high number of levels associated with a low number of switches and gate driver circuits for switches. Simulation results are given to show the overall system performance including AC voltage generation, hybrid power generation and active power control.
Phytonutrients as therapeutic agents
Authors: Gupta Charu , Prakash Dhan 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Nutrients present in various foods plays an important role in maintaining the normal functions of the human body. The major nutrients present in foods include carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, and minerals. Besides these, there are some bioactive food components known as “phytonutrients” that play an important role in human health. They have tremendous impact on the health care system and may provide medical health benefits including the prevention and/or treatment of disease and various physiological disorders. Phytonutrients play a positive role by maintaining and modulating immune function to prevent specific diseases. Being natural products, they hold a great promise in clinical therapy as they possess no side effects that are usually associated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. They are also comparatively cheap and thus significantly reduce health care cost. Phytonutrients are the plant nutrients with specific biological activities that support human health. Some of the important bioactive phytonutrients include polyphenols, terpenoids, resveratrol, flavonoids, isoflavonoids, carotenoids, limonoids, glucosinolates, phytoestrogens, phytosterols, anthocyanins, ω-3 fatty acids, and probiotics. They play specific pharmacological effects in human health such as anti-microbial, anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-spasmodic, anti-cancer, anti-aging, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, neuroprotective, hypotensive, diabetes, osteoporosis, CNS stimulant, analgesic, protection from UVB-induced carcinogenesis, immuno-modulator, and carminative. This mini-review attempts to summarize the major important types of phytonutrients and their role in promoting human health and as therapeutic agents along with the current market trend and commercialization.
Immigration Reform and Education: Demystifying Mythologies about Latina/o Students
Authors: Martinez James , Unterreiner Ann , Aragon Antonette , Kellerman Phillip 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
In this paper, the authors deconstruct commonly held mythologies about immigration to inform the critical discourse and support those educators who strive to be fair brokers of an inclusive educational system addressing the distinct needs of immigrant students. We (teacher educators and a community organizer) emphasize and clarify verifiable information that in fact refutes seven prevalent mythologies often articulated in the public debate. In our observations and experiences, this misinformation impacts decisions and fosters biases about Latina/o immigrants in the educational field, particularly impacting students from Mexico and Latin American countries. By debunking misinformation, we seek to inform a thoughtful discourse as advocates engaged to positively influence how these students are viewed by educators. This paper highlights evidence needed to advance the learning and educational success of Latina/o students. The hope of the authors is for a more thoughtful recognition of the immigrant student plight in the face of a nationally politicized and criminalized immigration stance.
Development and fabrication of cement reinforced polypropylene composite material spur gear
Authors: Sardar Jagannath , Bandopadhya Dibakar 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
A new type of polymeric composite material spur gear was developed and fabricated using low cost Portland pozzolana cement (PPC) particles as filler into the polypropylene (PP) matrix. PP granules were mixed with PPC particles and an injection-molding process was followed to manufacture the thermoplastic composite gear. Several experiments were conducted with different percentages of PPC particles with the PP to optimize the gear material (cement filled poly-propylene composite) for fabrication. Tensile tests were conducted and the morphological studies of the fractured surface of the gear materials were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and field emission SEM (FE-SEM). Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) was carried out and viscoelastic properties of the gear materials were studied with varying temperature. Further, extensive experimental studies were carried out to evaluate the performance of the gear tooth under loading conditions. The experimental results validate the suitability of the proposed non-metallic spur gear for low cost industrial applications.
Optogenetic studies of nicotinic contributions to cholinergic signaling in the central nervous system
Authors: Jiang Li , López-Hernández Gretchen Y. , Lederman James , Talmage David A. , Role Lorna W. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractMolecular manipulations and targeted pharmacological studies provide a compelling picture of which nicotinic receptor subtypes are where in the central nervous system (CNS) and what happens if one activates or deletes them. However, understanding the physiological contribution of nicotinic receptors to endogenous acetylcholine (ACh) signaling in the CNS has proven a more difficult problem to solve. In this review, we provide a synopsis of the literature on the use of optogenetic approaches to control the excitability of cholinergic neurons and to examine the role of CNS nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs). As is often the case, this relatively new technology has answered some questions and raised others. Overall, we believe that optogenetic manipulation of cholinergic excitability in combination with some rigorous pharmacology will ultimately advance our understanding of the many functions of nAChRs in the brain.
A new method for preparation of low melting point polyamide-6 (LPA6) and properties of compatibilized blends of LPA6/glass beads/styrene and maleic anhydride copolymer
Authors: Zhang Min , Lu Shengjun , Xu Enhui , He Min , Yu Jie 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Composites of low melting polyamide-6 (LPA6)/glass beads/styrene, and maleic anhydride copolymer (SMA) were prepared by melt extrusion in a co-rotating twin screw extruder. This is a completely new method for the preparation of LPA6, compared with traditional copolymerization, ultra-fine grinding, and solution grafting. The effect of the SMA concentration on the structures and properties of the composites was systematically investigated. This work deals with the combination of both components, which are the effects of the complex reaction on the structures and properties of LPA6, as well as the enhanced mechanical behavior in an analogous reactively compatibilized ternary system. The results show that the complexation reaction has an important effect on the crystallization behavior of nylon6, and the presence of SMA could significantly improve the interfacial compatibility of the glass beads and PA6 matrix. Moreover, the Vicat softening temperature, notched impact strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength of the blends are significantly increased. A slight decrease of the crystallinity and crystallization temperature of the mixture was observed.