bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wear Characteristics of Hybrid Al 6063 Matrix Composites Reinforced with Graphite and Fly Ash Particulates
Authors: Manojkumar M. , Shanmuga Prakash R.
Published: October 2016

As auto manufacturers strive to meet imposed fuel economy and emissions regulations while producing vehicles with the quality and features that consumer expect, the industry needs to rely on advancements made in the field of metal matrix composites. The efforts of combining or replacing metals with the use of advanced metal matrix composites (MMCs) not only reduce weight, but can also improve safety, reliability and efficiency. A hybrid MMC was developed for the cylinder liner of advanced diesel engines. Composites of Al-6063 aluminium alloy reinforced with, fly ash particulate containing 10% and graphite particulate containing 5, 10 and 15 % were produced by stir casting. The wear and frictional properties of the casted hybrid metal matrix composites were investigated by performing dry sliding wear test using a pin-on-disc wear tester. The investigation was done to find the influence of applied load, sliding speed and sliding distance on wear rate, as well as the coefficient of friction during wearing process. From the investigation, it is evident that wear resistance of Al-6063 is increased while adding the fly ash and graphite reinforcement content. The results were compared with the existing liner material. From this comparative study the Al-6063/fly ash/graphite hybrid metal matrix composite can be the considered as an alternative material for existing cylinder material.
Experimental Investigation of Parameters and its Effect on IGC Attack in Ferritic Stainless Steel 430 Weldments
Authors: Rajamurugan G. , Mahendiran P.
Published: October 2016

Corrosion is a natural occurring phenomenon which exists as a part of our everyday life. Generally stainless steel is having good corrosion resistance which undergo some specific type of corrosion. Corrosion problem in stainless steel has a huge economic and environmental impact on virtually all facts of world’s infrastructure, from highways, bridges, and buildings to oil and gas, chemical processing, and finally it play an ever increasing role in the largest industry in the world is food industry and automotive industry. The corrosion problem is quite costly and it has no easy solution so large amount of money is utilized to analyse the corrosion damage and also to replace the corroded components. The focus of this paper is to investigate the intergranular corrosion studies of industrially important stainless steel of AISI 430 by two different corrosive solutions were 40% Nitric acid (ASTM-A262-Practice C) and copper – copper sulphate 50% Sulphuric acid (ASTM-A262-Practice E) of Gas tungsten Arc welded Metal which were weighted and immersed in test solutions. After immersion, these weldments were removed, washed, and then weighted to determine the weight loss. The analysis of experimental data obtained on intergranular corrosion and the micrographs by Scanning Electron microscope were carefully analysed, monitored, and revealed to study the behaviour of intergranular corrosion of AISI 430, Stainless steel weldments.
Impression Creep Characteristics of Mg-Sn-Ag Alloy
Authors: Jayalakshmi S. , Arvind Singh R. , Thenambika V. , Kirubanidhi J. , Gupta Manoj
Published: October 2016

Magnesium alloys with enhanced thermal stability are being developed for automobile engine applications. The available commercial Mg-alloys are usually alloyed with aluminum that are thermally stable only for T < 150o C. Development of new Mg-alloys is underway and Mg-Sn alloys are a promising option. In Mg-Sn alloy, the Mg2Sn phase has high thermal stability and is expected to enhance the high temperature properties. In this study, Mg-5Sn alloy is incorporated with Ag as a minor alloying element (0.175 wt. %). The creep behavior of the Mg-Sn-Ag alloy is investigated using the impression creep technique. The impression creep tests were carried out under punching stress in the range of 80-320 MPa and temperature of 373-573 K, for dwell times up to 5 hours. The results highlight that creep of the alloy was load and temperature dependent, i.e. increasing the load and temperature resulted in higher creep rates.
Optimization of Cutting Parameters during Turning of AISI-310 Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Nandhakumar S. , Vijayakumar R. , Padmavathy Senthil , Nagasundaram N.
Published: October 2016

Design of Experiments is employed to study the stimulus of cutting parameters such as feed rate, spindle speed, depth of cut in the turning operation of AISI-310 and optimizing the value of those parameters for getting the higher material removal rate (MRR) and minimal surface roughness. A prediction model has been developed by using the above influencing parameters. For the purpose of parameters optimization we investigate the parameters using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). It is shown that feed rate is the main parameter in influencing the surface roughness, which is being followed by spindle speed and depth of cut. It is found that surface roughness and feed rate were directly proportional to each other for some extent. The confirmation tests were carried out to with the optimum set of parameters and are verified with test results. The comparison of above two results were found to be good with maximum error within 5% on comparing it with the predicted model.
Experimental Investigation on Reduction of NOX Emission Using Zeolite Coated Converter in CI Engine
Authors: Karthe M. , Tamilarasan M. , Prasanna S.C. , Manikandan A.
Published: October 2016

In the recent times, the issues of reduction of harmful pollutants emitted from an internal combustion engine have gained large prominence as a part of climate change and global warming. Automobile and power generation systems are identified to be one of the largest contributors to atmospheric pollution. Some of the major pollutants emitted from an engine are Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx), Carbon monoxide (CO), Unburnt Hydrocarbon (UBHC) and soot particles. This project work presents a new wash coat material is in the catalytic converter to be used for compressed ignition engine. Zeolite coated in the catalytic converter insists of aluminium oxide to reduce the emission. The objective of this project work is to control the NOx emission and to develop a low-cost three way catalytic converter. This catalytic converter is assembled in the exhaust manifold region of a single cylinder four stroke diesel engine. The emission from the engines is measured using a five gas analyzer and the results are tabulated.
Methods for Characterizing Properties of Corrosion-Resistant Steel Powders Used for Powder Bed Fusion Processes
Authors: Nowotny Steffen , Tarasova Tatiana Vasilievna , Filatova Anastasia Aleksandrovna , Dolzhikova Evgenia Yurievna
Published: October 2016

This work considers the possibilities of using static analysis and scanning electron microscopy techniques to determine the properties of disperse materials, i.e. corrosion resistant steel grades 12H18N9T (AISI 321) and 20H13 (AISI 420), taken into account in the selective laser melting technique.
Optimization of Processing Conditions on the Wire Electric Discharge Machining by the Parameters of Vibro-Acoustic Signal
Authors: Grigoriev Sergey Nikolaevich , Kozochkin Mikhail Pavlovich , Porvatov Artur Nikolaevich
Published: October 2016

The results of the research of vibro-acoustic signals, accompanying the processes of electrical discharge machining and pulsed laser treatment, are presented in this article. It is shown that the monitoring parameters of vibro-acoustic signals can improve the quality of management spark erosion equipment.
Enhanced Magnetocaloric Effect by the Rare Earth Polarization due to the Exchange with a Transition Metal - Study of GdCrO4
Authors: Palacios Elías , Tomasi Corrado , Saez-Puche Regino , dos Santos-García Antonio Juan , Fernandez-Martinez Francisco , Burriel Ramón
Published: October 2016

The zircon polymorph of GdCrO4 has a large magnetocaloric effect over a wide temperature range, with |ΔST| > 20 J/kg·K from 6 K to 34 K, for a magnetic field of 9 T. This unusual behaviour is very interesting on magnetic refrigeration applications, for liquefying H2 or natural gas. The mean-field approach explains that it is due to the weaker Gd-Cr magnetic exchange relative to the Cr-Cr one, while the Gd-Gd exchange is negligible. This possibility has not been sufficiently studied and opens an interesting strategy to design more efficient materials for magnetic refrigeration.
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Ca14NbxIn1-xAs11 (x ≈ 0.85)
Authors: Wang Yi , Bobev Svilen
Published: October 2016

Single-crystals of the new compound Ca14NbxIn1–xAs11 have been obtained from a solid-state reaction in a sealed Nb ampoule. The initial experiment had been set up with the aim to investigate the effect of electron doping (via In) on the crystal structure and physical properties of Ca14MnAs11. Subsequent single-crystal X-ray diffraction and elemental analysis work suggested that instead of Ca14MnxIn1–xAs11, the major product of the reaction is the phase Ca14NbxIn1–xAs11. This supposition was corroborated when the title compound was synthesized from a reaction of Ca, In and As in a sealed Nb ampoule, proving that, 1) Mn metal is not included in the structure, and 2) that the inadvertent side reaction of As with the walls of the Nb container is the source of the niobium. The overall structure is isotypic with the tetragonal Ca14AlSb11 structure type (space group I41/acd), although some marked differences between the two must be noted. Current ongoing work is focused on the synthesis of phase pure polycrystalline samples and determination of the physical properties of this unusual transition metal Zintl phase.
Thermal Instability of Holmium and Thulium Dodecaborides in Vacuum
Authors: Voronovych Daniil , Taran Anatoliy , Shitsevalova Natalya , Levchenko Ganna , Filipov Volodymyr
Published: October 2016

There are studied the HoB12 → HoB4 and TmB12 → TmB4 phase transformations on annealing of the corresponding dodecaborides single crystals up to 1814 K in vacuum . It is shown that at p < 10-4 Pa the HoB12 → HoB4 phase transformation takes place on the HoB12 surface because of preferential boron evaporation from dislocations outcrops. TmB12 evaporates congruently and at p < 10-4 Pa its phase composition remains unchanged. At pressure p ≥ 10-2 Pa intensification of surface bombardment by ions of the residual gases and evaporated boron ions takes place. The ion bombardment is a contributing factor of the HoB12 → HoB4 phase transformation and determinating factor of the TmB12 → TmB4 one.
Correlation between the Hydrogen Absorption Properties and the Vanadium Concentration of Ti-V-Cr Based Alloys
Authors: Skryabina N.E. , Fruchart Daniel , Medvedeva Natalya A. , de Rango Patricia , Mironova Anastasiya A.
Published: October 2016

TiVCr alloys known for their potentially large hydrogen uptake were formulated as (TiCr1.8)100-xVx in order to quantify the impact of vanadium concentration. Parallel to this series of pure ternary, a 2nd ones was synthesized with 4 at.% of Zr7Ni10 addition. Electrochemical charging with hydrogen reveals a fair dependence of hydrogen uptake and hydrides stability versus the x (V) content, moreover conversely different due to the presence of the Zr-Ni additive.
Chemical Bonding Specifics of Hybrid Metal-Polymer Nanocomposites Based on Cobalt Nanoparticles and Polyacrylonitrile: X-Ray Spectroscopy Investigation
Authors: Yalovega G.E. , Semenistaya Tatiana
Published: October 2016

The cobalt-containing polyacrylonitrile (PAN) films were fabricated using IR-pyrolysis under low vacuum conditions. It was found that Co/PAN films have a porous structure and cobalt nanoparticles with size 0.1-0.2 μm embedded into PAN matrix. Besides, as a result of interaction between PAN matrix and Co ions unsaturation in the polymer backbone is observed caused by the transformation of the C≡N triple bond to a C=N double bond. At the same time formation of Co-N bond is observed.
Synthesis, Structure and Some Catalytic Properties of the New Trinuclear Rhenium Cluster Compound Re3Se3S4Br13
Authors: Subbotin Vladislav , Demchenko Pavlo Yu. , Yanko Oleg , Kharkova Lyudmila , Gladyshevskii Roman E. , Volkov Sergei
Published: October 2016

The reaction of Re2O7 with a mixed non-aqueous medium S2Br2+Se2Br2 at 100 °C gives Re3Se3S4Br13: own structure type, Z = 4, space group Pnma – d 9c 5, a = 14.0301(4), b = 17.7909(4), c = 10.8596(3) Å, RI = 0.0491. The crystal structure can be described as a 3D-packing of isolated trinuclear cluster molecular cation-anionic complexes [Re3(µ3-S)(µ-S)3(SeBr2)3Br6]+Br–. This compound displays a high catalytic activity in the hydrogenation of m-nitrobenzoic acid into m-aminobenzoic acid with 93 % yield in 5 % HBr aqueous solution.
Contribution of Chemical Methods to the Study of Nanostructure of Ultrafine and Amorphous Materials
Authors: Vasilyeva Inga , Logvinenko Vladimir
Published: October 2016

Controlling the hydrolysis conditions of the solution TiOSO4•xH2SO4•yH2O, the h-TiO2 and A-TiO2 single phases were prepared in amorphous/crystalline state. With scanty structural and electron microscopy data, the unique capability of differential dissolution method was used to perform quantitative phase analysis of the samples and identify phases where two from them (TiO)(HSO4)0.4(OH)and TiO(OH)2 were found to be amorphous. New results were obtained that the amorphous TiO(OH)2 is transformed to ~ 5-nm crystallites TiO2-x•0.95H2O which then turned into ~ 3-nm crystallites TiO2•0.25H2O when drying the gels at 90°C. New structural models for the crystallites were proposed explaining differences in their chemical and thermal characteristics.
Oromandibular Dystonia: A Case Report of the Lateral Pterygoid Muscle Involvement and Treatment with Botulinum Toxin A
Authors: Alexoudi Athanasia , Dalivigka Zoi , Siatouni Anna , Verentzioti Anastasia , Gatzonis Stylianos
Published: October 2016

The objective of the present case report is to punctuate the importance of individualized therapy procedures and the accurate diagnosis of the muscles involved in oromandibular dystonia and underline the role of electromyography (EMG). We report a woman who presented sustained jaw movement towards the left, severe difficulty in jaw opening and jaw protrusion. The patient was treated with injections of botulinum A toxin in lateral pterygoid, masseter, platysma, sternoclidomastoid, temporalis muscles with EMG guidance. She experienced an 80% reduction of her symptoms after the first injection. In jaw deviation dystonia symptoms impressively respond to botulinum toxin treatment of the pterygoid muscle. Individualized therapy procedures are necessitated.
La flora della provincia di Pavia (Lombardia, Italia settentrionale). 1. L’Oltrepò Pavese
Authors: Ardenghi Nicola Maria Giuseppe , Polani Francesco
Published: October 2016

Viene presentata ed analizzata la flora vascolare dell’Oltrepò Pavese, uno dei territori floristicamente più variegati e meno conosciuti dell’Italia nord-occidentale. L’opera costituisce il primo di tre contributi relativi alla flora della provincia di Pavia, per la quale mancava un lavoro di sintesi da oltre centocinquant’anni. I due elenchi floristici allegati si basano sui dati raccolti in campo dagli autori, integrati con le informazioni derivanti dallo studio critico della bibliografia esistente e dalla revisione dei campioni conservati soprattutto presso l’Erbario Lombardo dell’Universita  di Pavia (PAV) e l’erbario del Museo di Storia Naturale di Milano (MSNM). Nell’area di studio risultano presenti 1.871 taxa (specie, sottospecie e ibridi), di cui 183 non più ritrovati dopo il 1980; a questi si aggiungono 245 entità di presenza dubbia e 161 segnalate per errore. Gli endemiti italiani ammontano a 16 mentre il contingente alloctono conta 321 entità (neofite e archeofite). Vengono qui segnalate 4 nuove neofite (Bidens triplinervia, Cucurbita melopepo subsp. melopepo, Morus kagayamae, Vitis berlandieri × V. vinifera) e una nuova archeofita (× Triticosecale) per l’Italia; tra le 30 novità e le 16 conferme per la flora della Lombardia figurano 6 endemiti italiani (Adenostyles australis, Brachypodium genuense, Centaurea aplolepa s.l., Hieracium grovesianum s.l., Stipa etrusca, Tephroseris italica).
Targeting hepatocellular carcinoma: what did we discover so far?
Authors: Brito Ana Filipa , Abrantes Ana Margarida , Tralhão José Guilherme , Botelho Maria Filomena
Published: October 2016

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasingly considered an issue of global importance. Its rates of incidence and mortality have been markedly increasing over the last decades. Among risk factors, some should be highlighted, namely the infections by hepatitis B and C virus, as well as clinical cases of cirrhosis. HCC is characterized as asymptomatic disease in the initial stages which most often leads to a late diagnosis. At molecular and genetic level HCC represents a highly complex tumor entity, including a wide variety of mutations, thus accounting for different mechanisms of resistance towards therapeutic approaches. In particular, mutations of the TP53 gene, as well as a deregulation between the expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins of the BCL-2 family are observed. Regarding treatment modalities, surgical procedures offer the best chance of cure, however, due to a late diagnosis, most of concerned patients cannot be subjected to them. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are also ineffective, and currently, the treatment with sorafenib is the most commonly used systemic therapy although it can only increase the patient survival for some months. In this sense, a quick and accurate investigation is of utmost importance in order to develop ways of early diagnosis as well as new therapies for HCC.
Experiences With and Perceptions of Workplace Bullying Among Athletic Trainers in the Secondary School Setting
Authors: Pitney William A. , Weuve Celest , Mazerolle Stephanie M.
Published: October 2016

Context:

Workplace bullying (WPB) has recently received much attention in society. Research on WPB in athletic training practice settings is limited.

Objective:

To determine the prevalence of WPB in the secondary school setting and explore the factors related to it.

Design:

Mixed-methods study.

Setting:

Secondary school.

Patients or Other Participants:

A total of 567 athletic trainers (women = 322 [56.8%], men = 245 [43.2%]), aged 36.5 ± 11.1 years with 11.9 ± 9.5 years of experience took part in phase I. Ten participants (7 women and 3 men), aged 39.3 ± 10.1 years with 14.3 ± 8.3 years of experience, took part in phase II.

Data Collection and Analysis:

For the online survey, we used the previously validated and reliable (Cronbach α = .84) Athletic Training Workplace Environment Survey, which included the Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised. The prevalence of WPB was measured with descriptive statistics, and χ2 analyses were used to compare differences between groups (ie, females and males, perpetrators' titles). The interview data were examined using an inductive content analysis.

Results:

Of the participants, 44 (7.8%) were empirically identified as targets of bullying, though a higher percentage (12.4%, n = 70) self-identified as bullying targets. Men and women did not differ with respect to having experienced WPB, but more perpetrators were male (71.6%, n = 48) than female (28.4%, n = 19; χ21 = 12.55, P = <.001). We also observed a difference in perpetrators' titles, with the vast majority of bullies being coaches or administrators (χ26 = 33.82, P = <.001). Lack of administrator support and discrimination were antecedents of bullying. Stress, depression, and sleep disturbances were reported consequences. Participants coped with bullying by avoidance and role refocusing.

Conclusions:

Bullying was experienced by a small percentage of athletic trainers in the secondary school setting, a contrast to the findings in the collegiate practice setting.
Adoptive immunotherapy with interleukin-2 & induced killer cells in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Mi Denghai , Ren Weiwei , Yang Kehu
Published: October 2016

Background & objectives:

The effectiveness of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and induced killer cells for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is controversial. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of interleukin-2 and induced killer cells on NSCLC, so as to provide references for further clinical practice and research.

Methods:

Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were searched in Cochrane library (Issue 2, 2013), Web of Science (1980-March 2013), PubMed (1966-March 2013), China Knowledge Resource Integrated database (CNKI) (1994-March 2013), China Biology Medicine database (CBM) (1978-March 2013), VIP (1989-March 2013), and Wan Fang databases (1997-March 2013). There were no language restrictions. After independent quality assessment and data extraction by two authors, meta-analysis was conducted by RevMan 5.1 software.

Results:

Ten RCTs were included. Odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI), P value expressed as test group (interleukin-2 or induced killer cells combined chemotherapy) versus control group (chemotherapy alone), was 2.02 (1.24, 3.29; P=0.004) for disease control rate. Hazard ratios (HR) (95% CI; P value), expressed as test group (interleukin-2 or induced killer cells) versus control group, were 0.60 (0.46, 0.79; P=0.0003) for overall survival of postoperative treatment, and 0.77 (0.60, 0.99; P =0.04) for overall survival of combination with chemotherapy. Mean differences (MD) (95% CI; P value), expressed as test group (interleukin-2 or induced killer cells) versus control group (after treatment), were 11.32 (6.32, 16.33; P=0.00001) for NK cells, 11.79 (2.71, 20.86; P=0.01) for CD3+ cells, 14.63 (2.62, 26.64; P=0.02) for CD4+ cells, and -4.49 (-7.80, 1.18; P=0.008) for CD8+ cells.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The meta-analysis showed that IL-2 or induced killer cells combination therapy was efficacious in treating NSCLC and improved overall survival. Further analysis of trials having adequate information and data need to be done to confirm these findings.
Side scatter versus CD45 flow cytometric plot can distinguish acute leukaemia subtypes
Authors: Saksena Annapurna , Gautam Parul , Desai Parth , Gupta Naresh , Dubey A. P. , Singh Tejinder
Published: October 2016

Background & objectives:

Flow cytometry is an important tool to diagnose acute leukaemia. Attempts are being made to find the minimal number of antibodies for correctly diagnosing acute leukaemia subtypes. The present study was designed to evaluate the analysis of side scatter (SSC) versus CD45 flow dot plot to distinguish acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), with minimal immunological markers.

Methods:

One hundred consecutive cases of acute leukaemia were evaluated for blast cluster on SSC versus CD45 plots. The parameters studied included visual shape, CD45 and side scatter expression, continuity with residual granulocytes/lymphocytes/monocytes and ratio of maximum width to maximum height (w/h). The final diagnosis of ALL and AML and their subtypes was made by morphology, cytochemistry and immunophenotyping. Two sample Wilcoxon rank-sum (Mann Whitney) test and Kruskal-Wallis equality-of-populations rank tests were applied to elucidate the significance of the above ratios of blast cluster for diagnosis of ALL, AML and their subtypes. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated and the optimal cut-offs of the w/h ratio to distinguish between ALL and AML determined.

Results:

Of the 100 cases, 57 of ALL and 43 cases of AML were diagnosed. The median w/h ratio of blast population was 3.8 for ALL and 1 for AML (P<0.001). ROC had area under curve of 0.9772. The optimal cut-off of the w/h ratio for distinction of ALL from AML was found to be 1.6.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Our findings suggest that if w/h ratio on SSC versus CD45 plot is less than 1.6, AML may be considered, and if it is more than 1.6, ALL may be diagnosed. Using morphometric analysis of the blast cluster on SSC versus CD45, it was possible to distinguish between ALL and AML, and their subtypes.
Does awareness of diagnosis influence health related quality of life in north Indian patients with lung cancer ?
Authors: Aggarwal Ashutosh Nath , Singh Navneet , Gupta Dheeraj , Behera Digambar
Published: October 2016

Background & objectives:

Several patients with cancer in India are not aware of their diagnosis. We evaluated the impact of awareness of cancer diagnosis on health-related quality of life (HRQL) in newly diagnosed patients with lung cancer.

Methods:

A total of 391 treatment-naïve patients with lung cancer, seen at the Lung Cancer Clinic of a tertiary care hospital in north India, were categorized into those aware of their diagnosis (group A) and those not aware (group B). All patients answered Hindi versions of abbreviated World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL-Bref) and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), and its lung cancer module, EORTC QLQ-LC13. Various domain scores were computed and compared between the two groups. Analysis of covariance was used to determine significance of differences after adjustment for potential confounding factors.

Results:

Only 117 (29.9%) patients were aware of their diagnosis. Of all, 302 (77.2%) patients had non-small cell lung cancer, and 301 (77.0%) had advanced disease. All HRQL domain scores were similar between the two groups, except that group B patients had significantly poorer median (interquartile range) Physical [39.3 (28.6-50.0) vs 46.4 (28.6-57.1)] and Environment [46.9 (40.6-56.3) vs 53.1 (0.6-65.6)] domain scores of WHOQOL-Bref, and Physical function [60.0 (40.0-73.3) vs 66.7 (46.7-80.0)] and Fatigue [66.7 (55.6-77.8) vs 66.7 (44.4-66.7)] scores of QLQ-C30. After adjusting for gender, age, education, family income, and tumour extent, these differences were not significant.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Disclosure of cancer diagnosis, or lack of it, had no significant impact on HRQL in patients with lung cancer after adjustment of potential confounders.
Diagnostic utility of Wilms’ tumour-1 protein (WT-1) immunostaining in paediatric renal tumours
Authors: Goyal Surbhi , Mishra Kiran , Sarkar Urvee , Sharma Satendra , Kumari Anita
Published: October 2016

Background & objectives:

Renal tumours constitute about 7 per cent of all neoplasms in children. It is important to differentiate Wilms’ tumour (commonest tumour) from non-Wilms’ tumours. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunoexpression and diagnostic role of Wilms’ tumour-1 protein (WT1) in paediatric renal tumours.

Methods:

A total of 53 cases of renal tumours in children (below 18 yr) who underwent total nephrectomy were included in this retrospective study. WT1 immunostaining was done using mouse monoclonal WT1 antibody (clone: 6F-H2).

Results:

Of the 53 cases, 38 (72%) were of Wilms’ tumour. Non-Wilms’ group (15) included six cases of mesoblastic nephroma (MN), two each of clear cell sarcoma (CCSK), renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and peripheral neuroectodermal tumour (PNET) and one each of angiomyolipoma (AML), rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) and malignant rhabdoid tumour (MRT). Proportion of WT1 positivity in Wilms’ tumour was 100 per cent in contrast to 26.7 per cent in non-Wilms’ tumours (P<0.001). Epithelial and blastemal components of Wilms’ tumour showed moderate (2+) nuclear and cytoplasmic staining in 80 (24/30) and 75 per cent (24/32) cases, respectively. MN, PNET, CCSK and AML were negative for WT1. RMS, RCC and MRT showed cytoplasmic staining, strongest in RMS. No significant association was seen between WT1 expression and NWTSG (National Wilms’ Tumor Study Group) stage.

Interpretation & conclusions:

WT1 helps to differentiate Wilms’ tumour from other paediatric renal tumours. It may help in differentiating the two subgroups of Wilms’ tumour which have distinct molecular pathogenesis and biological behaviour, however, further prospective studies are required for validation of this hypothesis.
Microsatellite instability & survival in patients with stage II/III colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Srdjan Markovic , Jadranka Antic , Ivan Dimitrijevic , Branimir Zogovic , Daniela Bojic , Petar Svorcan , Velimir Markovic , Zoran Krivokapic
Published: October 2016

Background & objectives:

The two key aspects associated with the microsatellite instability (MSI) as genetic phenomenon in colorectal cancer (CRC) are better survival prognosis, and the varying response to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemotherapy. This study was undertaken to measure the survival of surgically treated patients with stages II and III CRC based on the MSI status, the postoperative 5-FU treatment as well as clinical and histological data.

Methods:

A total of 125 consecutive patients with stages II and III (American Joint Committee on Cancer, AJCC staging) primary CRCs, were followed prospectively for a median time of 31 months (January 2006 to December 2009). All patients were assessed, operated and clinically followed. Tumour samples were obtained for cytopathological verification and MSI grading.

Results:

Of the 125 patients, 21 (20%) had high MSI (MSI-H), and 101 patients (80%) had MSI-L or MSS (low frequency MSI or stable MSI). Patients with MSS CRC were more likely to have recurrent disease (P=0.03; OR=3.2; CI 95% 1-10.2) compared to those with MSI-H CRC. Multi- and univariate Cox regression analysis failed to show a difference between MSI-H and MSS groups with respect to disease-free, disease-specific and overall survival. However, the disease-free survival was significantly lower in patients with MSI-H CRC treated by adjuvant 5-FU therapy (P=0.03).

Interpretation & conclusions:

MSI-H CRCs had a lower recurrence rate, but the prognosis was worse following adjuvant 5-FU therapy.
Carbon ions of different linear energy transfer (LET) values induce apoptosis & G2 cell cycle arrest in radio-resistant melanoma cells
Authors: Jelena Žakula , Lela Korićanac , Otilija Keta , Danijela Todorović , Cirrone Giuseppe A.P. , Francesco Romano , Giacomo Cuttone , Ivan Petrović , Aleksandra Ristić-Fira
Published: October 2016

Background & objectives:

The main goal when treating malignancies with radiation is to deprive tumour cells of their reproductive potential. One approach is to induce tumour cell apoptosis. This study was conducted to evaluate the ability of carbon ions (12C) to induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in human HTB140 melanoma cells.

Methods:

In this in vitro study, human melanoma HTB140 cells were irradiated with the 62 MeV/n carbon (12C) ion beam, having two different linear energy transfer (LET) values: 197 and 382 keV/μm. The dose range was 2 to 16 Gy. Cell viability was estimated by the sulforhodamine B assay seven days after irradiation. The cell cycle and apoptosis were evaluated 48 h after irradiation using flow cytometry. At the same time point, protein and gene expression of apoptotic regulators were estimated using the Western blot and q-PCR methods, respectively.

Results:

Cell viability experiments indicated strong anti-tumour effects of 12C ions. The analysis of cell cycle showed that 12C ions blocked HTB140 cells in G2 phase and induced the dose dependent increase of apoptosis. The maximum value of 21.8 per cent was attained after irradiation with LET of 197 keV/μm at the dose level of 16 Gy. Pro-apoptotic effects of 12C ions were confirmed by changes of key apoptotic molecules: the p53, Bax, Bcl-2, poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) as well as nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB). At the level of protein expression, the results indicated significant increases of p53, NFκB and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and PARP cleavage. The Bax/Bcl-2 mRNA ratio was also increased, while no change was detected in the level of NFκB mRNA.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The present results indicated that anti-tumour effects of 12C ions in human melanoma HTB140 cells were accomplished through induction of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway as well as G2 arrest.
Computer Modeling to Evaluate the Impact of Technology Changes on Resident Procedural Volume
Authors: Grenda Tyler R. , Ballard Tiffany N. S. , Obi Andrea T. , Pozehl William , Seagull F. Jacob , Chen Ryan , Cohn Amy M. , Daskin Mark S. , Reddy Rishindra M.
Published: October 2016

Background 

As resident “index” procedures change in volume due to advances in technology or reliance on simulation, it may be difficult to ensure trainees meet case requirements. Training programs are in need of metrics to determine how many residents their institutional volume can support.

Objective 

As a case study of how such metrics can be applied, we evaluated a case distribution simulation model to examine program-level mediastinoscopy and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) volumes needed to train thoracic surgery residents.

Methods 

A computer model was created to simulate case distribution based on annual case volume, number of trainees, and rotation length. Single institutional case volume data (2011–2013) were applied, and 10 000 simulation years were run to predict the likelihood (95% confidence interval) of all residents (4 trainees) achieving board requirements for operative volume during a 2-year program.

Results 

The mean annual mediastinoscopy volume was 43. In a simulation of pre-2012 board requirements (thoracic pathway, 25; cardiac pathway, 10), there was a 6% probability of all 4 residents meeting requirements. Under post-2012 requirements (thoracic, 15; cardiac, 10), however, the likelihood increased to 88%. When EBUS volume (mean 19 cases per year) was concurrently evaluated in the post-2012 era (thoracic, 10; cardiac, 0), the likelihood of all 4 residents meeting case requirements was only 23%.

Conclusions 

This model provides a metric to predict the probability of residents meeting case requirements in an era of changing volume by accounting for unpredictable and inequitable case distribution. It could be applied across operations, procedures, or disease diagnoses and may be particularly useful in developing resident curricula and schedules.
Impact of a Preinterview Dinner on Candidate Perception of a Fellowship Training Program
Authors: Skalski Joseph H. , Dulohery Megan M. , Kelm Diana J. , Ramar Kannan
Published: October 2016

Background 

The interview visit is an important component of residency and fellowship recruitment that requires a substantial expenditure of time and resources for both training programs and candidates.

Objective 

Survey aimed to study the impact of a preinterview dinner on fellowship program candidates.

Methods 

A single center preintervention and postintervention comparison study was conducted using an electronic survey distributed to all Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship candidates over 3 years (2013–2015). The interview visit in 2013 did not include a preinterview dinner (no-dinner group), while the candidates interviewing in 2014 and 2015 were invited to a preinterview dinner with current fellows on the evening before the interview day (dinner group).

Results 

The survey was distributed to all candidates (N = 70) who interviewed between 2013 and 2015 with a 59% (n = 41) completion rate. Ninety percent of respondents (37 of 41) reported that a preinterview dinner is valuable, primarily to gain more information about the program and to meet current fellows. Among candidates who attended the dinner, 88% (23 of 26) reported the dinner improved their impression of the program. The dinner group was more likely to have a positive view of current fellows in the program as desirable peers compared to candidates in the no-dinner group.

Conclusions 

This pilot study suggests that a preinterview dinner may offer benefits for candidates and training programs and may enhance candidates' perceptions of the fellowship program relative to other programs they are considering.
Decision Making in Times of Knightian Uncertainty: An Info-Gap Perspective
Authors: Ben-Haim Yakov , Demertzis Maria
Published: October 2016

The distinction of risk vs uncertainty as made by Knight has important implications for policy selection. Assuming the former when the latter is relevant can lead to wrong decisions. With the aid of a stylized model that describes a bank’s decision on how to allocate loans, the authors discuss policy insights for decision making under Knightian uncertainty. They use the infogap robust satisficing approach to derive a trade-off between confidence and performance (analogous to confidence intervals in the Bayesian approach but without assignment of probabilities). The authors show that this trade off can be interpreted as a cost of robustness. They show that the robustness analysis can lead to a reversal of policy preference from the putative optimum. The authors then compare this approach to the min-max method which is the other main non-probabilistic approach available in the literature. They also consider conceptual proxies for robustness and demonstrate their use in qualitative analysis of financial architecture and monetary policy.
Detection of Saharan dust and biomass burning events using near-real-time
intensive aerosol optical properties in the north-western Mediterranean
Authors: Ealo Marina , Alastuey Andrés , Ripoll Anna , Pérez Noemí , Minguillón María Cruz , Querol Xavier , Pandolfi Marco
Published: October 2016

Abstract. The study of Saharan dust events (SDEs) and biomass burning (BB) emissions are both topics of great scientific interest since they are frequent and important polluting scenarios affecting air quality and climate. The main aim of this work is evaluating the feasibility of using near-real-time in situ aerosol optical measurements for the detection of these atmospheric events in the western Mediterranean Basin (WMB). With this aim, intensive aerosol optical properties (SAE: scattering Ångström exponent, AAE: absorption Ångström exponent, SSAAE: single scattering albedo Ångström exponent and g: asymmetry parameter) were derived from multi-wavelength aerosol light scattering, hemispheric backscattering and absorption measurements performed at regional (Montseny; MSY, 720 m a.s.l.) and continental (Montsec; MSA, 1570 m a.s.l.) background sites in the WMB. A sensitivity study aiming at calibrating the measured intensive optical properties for SDEs and BB detection is presented and discussed. The detection of SDEs by means of the SSAAE parameter and Ångström matrix (made up by SAE and AAE) depended on the altitude of the measurement station and on SDE intensity. At MSA (mountain-top site) SSAAE detected around 85 % of SDEs compared with 50 % at the MSY station, where pollution episodes dominated by fine anthropogenic particles frequently masked the effect of mineral dust on optical properties during less intense SDEs. Furthermore, an interesting feature of SSAAE was its capability to detect the presence of mineral dust after the end of SDEs. Thus, resuspension processes driven by summer regional atmospheric circulations and dry conditions after SDEs favoured the accumulation of mineral dust at regional level having important consequences for air quality. On average, SAE, AAE and g ranged between −0.7 and 1, 1.3 and 2.5 and 0.5 and 0.75 respectively during SDEs. Based on the aethalometer model, BB contribution to equivalent black carbon (BC) accounted for 36 and 40 % at MSY and MSA respectively. Linear relationships were found between AAE and %BCbb, with AAE values reaching around 1.5 when %BCbb was higher than 50 %. BB contribution to organic matter (OM) at MSY was around 30 %. Thus fossil fuel (FF) combustion sources showed important contributions to both BC and OM in the region under study. Results for OM source apportionment showed good agreement with simultaneous biomass burning organic aerosol (BBOA) and hydrocarbon-like organic aerosol (HOA) obtained by applying a positive matrix factorization model (PMF) to simultaneous Aerosol Chemical Speciation Monitor (ACSM) measurements. A wildfire episode was identified at MSY, showing AAE values up to 2 when daily BB contributions to BC and OM were 73 and 78 % respectively.
The relationship between polar mesospheric clouds and their background atmosphere as observed by Odin-SMR and Odin-OSIRIS
Authors: Christensen Ole Martin , Benze Susanne , Eriksson Patrick , Gumbel Jörg , Megner Linda , Murtagh Donal P.
Published: October 2016

Abstract. In this study the properties of polar mesospheric clouds (PMCs) and the background atmosphere in which they exist are studied using measurements from two instruments, OSIRIS and SMR, on board the Odin satellite. The data comes from a set of tomographic measurements conducted by the satellite during 2010 and 2011. The expected ice mass density and cloud frequency for conditions of thermodynamic equilibrium, calculated using the temperature and water vapour as measured by SMR, are compared to the ice mass density and cloud frequency as measured by OSIRIS. We find that assuming thermodynamic equilibrium reproduces the seasonal, latitudinal and vertical variations in ice mass density and cloud frequency, but with a high bias of a factor of 2 in ice mass density. To investigate this bias, we use a simple ice particle growth model to estimate the time it would take for the observed clouds to sublimate completely and the time it takes for these clouds to reform. We find a difference in the median sublimation time (1.8 h) and the reformation time (3.2 h) at peak cloud altitudes (82–84 km). This difference implies that temperature variations on these timescales have a tendency to reduce the ice content of the clouds, possibly explaining the high bias of the equilibrium model. Finally, we detect and are, for the first time, able to positively identify cloud features with horizontal scales of 100 to 300 km extending far below the region of supersaturation ( > 2 km). Using the growth model, we conclude these features cannot be explained by sedimentation alone and suggest that these events may be an indication of strong vertical transport.
Improved OSIRIS NO2 retrieval algorithm: Description and validation
Authors: Sioris Christopher E. , Rieger Landon A. , Lloyd Nicholas D. , Bourassa Adam E. , Roth Chris Z. , Degenstein Douglas A. , Camy-Peyret Claude , Pfeilsticker Klaus , Berthet Gwenaël , Catoire Valéry , Goutail Florence , Pommereau Jean-Pierre , McLinden Chris A.
Published: October 2016

Abstract. A new retrieval algorithm for OSIRIS (Optical Spectrograph and Infrared Imager System) nitrogen dioxide (NO2) profiles is described and validated. The algorithm relies on spectral fitting to obtain line-of-sight (LOS) column densities of NO2 followed by inversion using an algebraic reconstruction technique and the SaskTran spherical radiative transfer model to obtain vertical profiles of local number density. The validation covers different latitudes (tropical to polar), years (2002–2012), all seasons (winter, spring, summer, and autumn), different concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (from deNOxified polar vortex to polar summer), a large range of solar zenith angles (68.6 to 90.5°) and altitudes between 10.5 and 39 km, thereby covering the full retrieval range of a typical OSIRIS NO2 profile. The use of a larger spectral fitting window than used in previous retrievals reduces retrieval uncertainties and the scatter in the retrieved profiles due to noisy radiances. Improvements are also demonstrated through the validation in terms of bias reduction at 15–17 km relative to the OSIRIS operational v3.0 algorithm. By accounting for the diurnal variation along the LOS in the two-dimensional radiative transfer model, the scatter of the differences relative to the correlative balloon NO2 profile data is reduced.
MUSICA MetOp/IASI {H2O,δD} pair retrieval simulations for
validating tropospheric moisture pathways in atmospheric models
Authors: Schneider Matthias , Borger Christian , Wiegele Andreas , Hase Frank , García Omaira E. , Sepúlveda Eliezer , Werner Martin
Published: October 2016

Abstract. The project MUSICA (MUlti-platform remote Sensing of Isotopologues for investigating the Cycle of Atmospheric water) has shown that the sensor IASI aboard the satellite MetOp can measure the free tropospheric {H2O,δD} pair distribution twice per day on a quasi global scale. Such data are very promising for investigating tropospheric moisture pathways, however, the complex data characteristics compromises their usage in the context of model evaluation studies. Here we present a tool that allows for simulating MUSICA MetOp/IASI {H2O,δD} pair remote sensing data for a given model atmosphere, thereby creating model data that have the remote sensing data characteristics assimilated. This model data can then be compared to the MUSICA data. The retrieval simulation method is based on the physical principles of radiative transfer and we show that the uncertainty of the simulations is within the uncertainty of the MUSICA MetOp/IASI products, i.e. the retrieval simulations are reliable enough. We demonstrate the working principle of the simulator by applying it to ECHAM5-wiso model data. The exemplary model study clearly reveals the large potential of the MUSICA MetOp/IASI {H2O,δD} data pairs for evaluating modeled moisture pathways. The tool is made freely available in form of MATLAB and Python routines and can be easily connected to any atmospheric water vapour isotopologue model.
Towards systematic planning of small-scale hydrological intervention-based
research
Authors: Pramana Kharis Erasta Reza , Ertsen Maurits Willem
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Many small-scale water development initiatives are accompanied by hydrological research to study either the form of the intervention or its impacts. Humans influence both the development of intervention and research, and thus one needs to take human agency into account. This paper focuses on the effects of human actions in the development of the intervention and its associated hydrological research, as hydrological research is often designed without adequate consideration of how to account for human agency and that these effects have not yet been discussed explicitly in a systematic way. In this paper, we propose a systematic planning for hydrological research, based on evaluating three hydrological research efforts targeting small-scale water development initiatives in Vietnam, Kenya, and Indonesia. The main purpose of the three cases was to understand the functioning of interventions in their hydrological contexts. Aiming for better decision-making on hydrological research in small-scale water intervention initiatives, we propose two analysis steps, including (1) consideration of possible surprises and possible actions and (2) cost–benefit analysis. By performing the two analyses continuously throughout small-scale hydrological intervention-based initiatives, effective hydrological research can be achieved.