The influence of the concentration of volatile anesthetics on the stapedius reflex determined intraoperatively during cochlear implantation in children

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of a protocol on partner abuse (PA) at increasing identification and improving acute management of abused women by emergency department (ED) staff. METHODS: A community intervention trial compared two public hospital EDs at baseline and following implementation of a PA intervention. The intervention involved training staff at one ED in a protocol for the identification and acute management of abused women. Outcomes were assessed by reviewing a random sample of women's medical records. Identification of PA was assessed for each record on a yes/no basis. Identified cases were classified as 'confirmed' or 'suspected' PA. Acute management was assessed by ascertaining staff documentation of abuse and use of interventions. RESULTS: Approximately equal numbers of records were reviewed at each ED, pre and post implementation (total n = 8,051). Eighty-nine per cent of ED staff were trained. No difference in the overall identification of PA was found (chi 2 = 0.13, p = 0.72), but logistic regression analyses showed other significant changes. At the intervention site, there was an increase in confirmed cases of PA (chi 2 = 7.6, p = 0.006), a trend towards increased documentation (chi 2 = 3.5, p = 0.06) and a significant increase in interventions offered (chi 2 = 13.8, p = 0.002). Changes at the comparison site failed to reach significance. CONCLUSION: Implementation of this protocol resulted in a moderate increase in confirmed cases of abuse and improved the acute management offered to identified victims. The findings reinforce recommendations for widespread implementation of training and protocols to address partner abuse.     

Graphene oxide reinforced chitosan/polyvinylpyrrolidone polymer bio‐nanocomposites

Bio‐nanocomposite films based on chitosan/polyvinylpyrrolidone (CS/PVP) and graphene oxide (GO) were processed using the casting/evaporation technique. It has been found that the three components of bio‐nanocomposites can be easily mixed in controlled conditions enabling the formation of thick films with high quality, smooth surface and good flexibility. Structural and morphological characterizations showed that the GO sheets are well dispersed in the CS/PVP blend forming strong interfacial interactions that provide an enhanced load transfer between polymer chains and GO sheets thus improving their properties. It has been found that the water resistance of the CS/PVP blend is improved, and the hydrolytic degradation is limited by addition of 0.75 and 2 wt % GO. The modulus, strength, elongation and toughness of the bio‐nanocomposites are together increased. Herein, the steps to form new bio‐nanocomposite films have been described, taking the advantage of the combination of CS, PVP and GO to design the aforementioned bio‐nanocomposite films, which allow to have extraordinary properties that would have promising applications as eventual packaging materials. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 41042.     

Cochlear implantation: a review of the literature and the Nijmegen results

The field of cochlear implantation is developing rapidly. In subjects with bilateral profound deafness who gain no benefit from conventional hearing aids the aim of cochlear implantation is to provide a means for them to receive auditory sensations. Throughout the world, most cochlear implant centres are still continuing their research efforts to improve the results with this technique. Although it is still difficult to predict how an individual will perform with a cochlear implant, the success of cochlear implantation can no longer be denied. In this paper, we review some recent papers and reports, and the results of the various Nijmegen cochlear implant studies. Data about subject selection, examinations, surgery and the outcome are discussed. Our results were in good agreement with those of other authors. It can be concluded once again that cochlear implantation is an effective treatment for postlingually deaf adults and children, and for prelingually (congenital or acquired) deaf children with profound bilateral sensorineural deafness.     

Analysis of renewable energy integration into the transmission network

The increasing use of renewable energy contributes to climate change mitigation. However, a massive penetration of these latter systems into the power grid creates technical challenges due to the intermittent nature of these resources. A methodology to identify and overcome these challenges is presented in this work. A detailed network analysis is performed to simulate the impact of renewable sources on the grid and accordingly suggest mitigation methods. Different case studies were carried out on the Moroccan grid taking into consideration the country actual installed and planned renewable farms including concentrated solar power (CSP), photovoltaics (PV), and wind plants with doubly-fed induction generators (DFIG). A PSS®E software simulation tool is used in this work to conduct power flow analysis on the network’s lines, bus bars, and transformers. It is also used to investigate the voltage profile and stability of the electric grid. In addition, an N-1 contingency analysis is done to identify their impact on the reliability and security of supply. Finally, this paper presents solutions to reinforce the transmission grid.     

Dispersion characteristics and properties of poly(methyl methacrylate)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes nanocomposites

The preparation, characterization, and properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanocomposites are described. Nanocomposites have been prepared by melt-blending in a batch mixer. Both unmodified and surface modified MWCNTs have been used for the nanocomposites preparation. Using both unmodified and modified MWCNTs, the effect of surface modification in nanocomposites is investigated by focusing on three major aspects: dispersion characteristics, mechanical properties, and electrical conductivity measurements. Dispersion of the MWCNTs in the PMMA matrix is examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy that revealed a homogeneous distribution-dispersion of MWCNTs in the PMMA matrix for both unmodified and modified MWCNTs. Thermomechanical behavior is studied by dynamic mechanical analyzer and results showed a substantial improvement in the mechanical properties of PMMA in conjunction to an increase in the elastic behavior. The tensile properties of neat PMMA moderately improved after nanocomposites preparation with both modified and unmodified MWCNTs, however, electrical conductivity of neat PMMA significantly improved after nanocomposites preparation with 2 wt% unmodified MWCNTs. For example, the through plane conductivity increased from 3.6 x 10(-12) S x cm(-1) for neat PMMA to 3.6 x 10(-9) S x cm(-1) for nanocomposite. The various property measurements have been conducted and results have shown that, in overall, surface modifications have very little or no effect on final properties of neat PMMA.     

Molecular and Circulating Biomarkers in Patients with Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive malignant tumor of the central nervous system with a low survival rate. The difficulty of obtaining this tumor material represents a major limitation, making the real-time monitoring of tumor progression difficult, especially in the events of recurrence or resistance to treatment. The identification of characteristic biomarkers is indispensable for an accurate diagnosis, the rigorous follow-up of patients, and the development of new personalized treatments. Liquid biopsy, as a minimally invasive procedure, holds promise in this regard. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the current literature regarding the identification of molecular and circulating glioblastoma biomarkers and the importance of their integration as a valuable tool to improve patient care.     

Analysis and mapping of the heating and cooling degree-days for Morocco at variable base temperatures

The purpose of this study is to evaluate, analyse and draw up maps of the heating and cooling degree-days (CDD) for Morocco. Data from 37 weather stations around Morocco during 10 years (2000–2009) were used. The mean heating and CDD at base temperatures of 18°C and 21°C, respectively, were presented. The effect of the geographical conditions such as latitude, longitude and elevation on the heating and CDD was investigated using the regression approach and the counter maps were performed using the digital elevation model of Morocco. To provide more accurate information to building designers and engineers, the heating and CDD were also calculated and tabulated for cities representing the six Moroccan climatic regions at different base temperatures varying from 12°C to 20°C for heating and from 20°C to 28°C for cooling, with a step of 1°C.     

Assessment of basal sound identification skills and communication abilities in profoundly deaf children fitted with hearing aids or a cochlear implant

Recent in vitro findings suggest that bisphosphonates, potent inhibitors of osteoclastic bone resorption, may also have a direct action on osteoblasts. The purpose of this study was to search for potential effects of etidronate and alendronate on the formation of early and late osteoblastic cell precursors by measuring the number of colony-forming units for fibroblasts (CFU-F) and colony-forming units for osteoblasts (CFU-OB) in murine and human bone marrow cultures. In murine marrow cultures, etidronate (10(-5) to 10(-9) mol/L) significantly stimulated the formation of CFU-F with a maximal effect at 10(-5) mol/L (mean increase over control values+/-SD: 106+/-17%;p < 0.001), whereas alendronate had a biphasic effect, being stimulatory at concentrations below 10(-7) mol/L (78+/-5%; p < 0.001), and inhibitory at higher doses. The formation of CFU-OB was also inhibited by both bisphosphonates at the highest concentrations (10(-5) mol/L and 10(-6) mol/L), but it was significantly stimulated at lower concentrations (from 10(-7) to 10(-9) mol/L for etidronate and 10(-7) to 10(-10) mol/I, for alendronate; p < 0.001). In human bone marrow cultures, alendronate (10(-8) to 10-(12) mol/L) increased CFU-F formation with a maximal effect at 10(-10) mol/L (161+/-12 %; p < 0.01). CFU-OB formation, observed only in the presence of dexamethasone (10(-8) mol/L), was markedly stimulated by alendronate at the above concentrations with a maximal increase at 10(-10) mol/L (133+/-34%; p < 0.001). The in vivo short-term effects of bisphosphonates on the formation of early osteoblast precursors were also studied in bone marrow cultures from young female mice treated with weekly subcutaneous injections of etidronate (0.3, 3, and 30 mg/kg) or alendronate (0.3, 3, and 30 microg/kg) and from aging female mice treated with the two lowest doses of both drugs. After 1 month of treatment, etidronate (0.3 and 3 mg/kg) and alendronate (0.3 and 3 microg/kg) significantly increased the number of CFU-F colonies in the bone marrow from young and old animals, whereas the highest dose of both drugs had no effect in young mice. Our results, together with previously reported observations of bone-forming effects in osteoporosis, suggest that bisphosphonates may have, in vivo, a potentially relevant influence on cells of the osteoblastic lineage, distinct from their inhibitory action on osteoclasts.     

Compact and robust method for full Stokes spectropolarimetry

We present an approach to spectropolarimetry that requires neither moving parts nor time dependent modulation, and that offers the prospect of achieving high sensitivity. The technique applies equally well, in principle, in the optical, UV, or IR. The concept, which is one of those generically known as channeled polarimetry, is to encode the polarization information at each wavelength along the spatial dimension of a two-dimensional data array using static, robust optical components. A single 2D data frame contains the full polarization information and can be configured to measure either two or all of the Stokes polarization parameters. By acquiring full polarimetric information in a single observation, we simplify polarimetry of transient sources and in situations where the instrument and target are in relative motion. The robustness and simplicity of the approach, coupled with its potential for high sensitivity, and applicability over a wide wavelength range, is likely to prove useful for applications in challenging environments such as space.     

Phototransformation of the insecticide fipronil: identification of novel photoproducts and evidence for an alternative pathway of photodegradation

Fipronil is a recently discovered insecticide of the phenylpyrazole series. It has a highly selective biochemical mode of action, which has led to its use in a large number of important agronomical, household, and veterinary applications. Previous studies have shown that, during exposure to light, fipronil is converted into a desulfurated derivative (desulfinyl-fipronil), which has slightly reduced insecticidal activity. In this study, the photodegradation of fipronil was studied in solution at low light intensities (sunlight or UV lamp). In addition to desulfinyl-fipronil, a large number of minor photoproducts were observed, including diversely substituted phenylpyrazole derivatives and aniline derivatives that had lost the pyrazole ring. Desulfinylfipronil itself was shown to be relatively stable under both UV light and sunlight, with only limited changes occurring in the substitution of the aromatic ring. Since this compound accumulated to levels corresponding to only 30-55% of the amount of fipronil degraded, it was concluded that one or more alternative pathways of photodegradation must be operating. On the basis of the structurally identified photoproducts, it is proposed that fipronil photodegradation occurs via at least two distinct pathways, one of which involves desulfuration at the 4-position of the pyrazole ring giving the desulfinyl derivative and the other of which involves a different modification of the 4-substituent, leading to cleavage of the pyrazole ring and the formation of aniline derivatives. The latter compounds do not accumulate to high levels and may, therefore, be degraded further. The ecological significance of these results is discussed, particularly with regard to the insecticidal activity of the photoproducts.