bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laryngeal Tiririt (Bridge): for Microlaryngeal Surgery Shake
Authors: Lavarias Brent P. , Bagnes Archimedes B. , Vicente Gil M.
Published: April 2019

Objective: To design an instrument for steadying instrument handling during microlaryngeal surgery using an operating laryngoscope.

Method: Our device design takes its cue (pun intended) from professional billiards players like our very own Efren “Bata” Reyes. The Laryngeal tiririt (bridge or rake) draws inspiration from the billiards bridge (locally known as tiririt) used to extend the player’s reach when the cue ball is too far to make an accurate shot.

Setting: The Laryngeal tiririt was used and tested by senior residents in microlaryngeal surgeries done in our Institution.

Result: The Laryngeal tiririt greatly improved the accuracy required in laryngeal surgeries without adding up huge set up or expensive equipment.

Keywords: Laryngoscopes, instrumentation
The Spectrum of Ossifying Fibroma
Authors: Cañal Johanna Patricia A.
Published: April 2019

An ossifying fibroma is a monostotic lesion that occurs in craniofacial bones.  It usually presents as a painless well-circumscribed, slow-growing mass in the 3rd and 4th decade.  It is a benign fibro-osseous lesion that is part of the bigger spectrum of fibro-osseous lesions which includes fibrous dysplasia, juvenile active ossifying fibroma, psammomatous ossifying fibroma, and extragnathic ossifying fibroma of the skull. 

 

An ossifying fibroma, because of its well-circumscribed nature, lends itself to surgery better than does fibrous dysplasia.  Simple enucleation is usually sufficient for ossifying fibromas whereas curettage is probably better suited for fibrous dysplasia. 

 

Radiographically, it is seen as a well-demarcated radiolucency in the mandible or maxilla, more common in the former than the latter.  It typically measures anywhere from 1 to 5 cm.  There may or may not be a central opacity or calcification, depending on the maturity of the lesion.  An immature lesion may present as completely radiolucent whereas a mature lesion may be completely radiopaque, although most lesions demonstrate varying degrees of radiopacity.  The images above show 2 samples of the same lesion on opposite sides of the spectrum.  Both are well-circumscribed but one is relatively radiolucent while the other is floridly sclerotic.

 

Is there a pathognomonic finding on x-ray?  Unfortunately, there is not one single finding that will distinguish an ossifying fibroma from other fibro-osseous lesion.  Does it matter?  Yes.  X-rays will lead the clinician to one diagnosis or the other and help plan the intended surgery.
Sinonasal Teratoid Carcinosarcoma
Authors: Carnate Jose M.
Published: April 2019

This is from a 76-year-old male with a fungating maxillary antral mass that extends

into the nasal cavity.

Sinonasal teratoid carcinosarcoma was first described in 1984 and since then 60 cases have been reported. I have had the opportunity to encounter four cases locally, the first one in 1995, another in 2003 and two cases in 2006. There is a male predominance among cases and age has ranged from 18 to 79 years. The usual symptoms reported are epistaxis and nasal obstruction while the most common physical examination finding is that of a nasal cavity mass. A closer look shows a mass at the ethmoid sinus or maxillary antrum with secondary involvement of adjacent sinuses and soft tissue. The tumor is highly malignant rapidly invading adjacent soft tissues and bone and giving rise to regional node and distant metastases. The reported average survival is 1.7 years after diagnosis, with less than 3% surviving beyond three years. Radical surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy have all been used with limited success. Histologic sections show a confusing array of teratomatous, sarcomatous and carcinomatous elements represented here by immature squamous and cartilaginous islands, atypical fibrosarcoma-like spindle cell stroma and infiltrating atypical adenocarcinomatous glands.
Blunting of the Scutum: A Key Feature in the Radiologic Diagnosis of Acquired Cholesteatoma
Authors: Yang Nathaniel W.
Published: April 2019

The determination of the presence of acquired cholesteatoma in the middle ear and mastoid is one of the most common indications for computerized tomographic (CT) imaging of the temporal bone. While the presence of a soft tissue density in the mesotympanum, epitympanum or antrum is a feature of cholesteatomatous disease, CT imaging cannot reliably differentiate soft tissue densities caused by cholesteatoma, middle ear effusion or fluid completely filling the middle ear and mastoid air cell system, granulation tissue, brain, or other soft tissue densities that may fill the air-containing space.1,2  Bone erosion is the radiologic sine qua non of a cholesteatoma. In the absence of bone erosion, a cholesteatoma may be present but cannot be diagnosed on CT imaging studies. One of the earliest abnormalities of a cholesteatoma that can be appreciated on a CT scan is erosion of the scutum, which is the medial aspect of the roof of the external auditory canal, and where the tympanic membrane attaches superiorly. Scutum erosion is most easily seen on coronal CT images.2
Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Schwannoma of The Parotid Gland
Authors: Avila Jose Ma. C.
Published: April 2019

This 52-year-old male underwent fine needle aspiration biopsy of a 2cm diameter parotid mass that was firm, well-delineated, and vaguely moveable,

The mass was not painful and was noted for about a year.  The aspiration biopsy smear was quite cellular and showed fragments of spindle-shaped cells with cigar shaped nuclei and scanty to indistinct cytoplasms.  Nuclei were vesicular and Verocay-like bodies were identified by cell patterns.  The biopsy was read as a benign spindle cell tumor, probably a schwannoma.  

Excision of the mass revealed a typical schwannoma by histopathology.

Schwannomas of the parotid gland are rare1 and arise from the intraparotid branches of the facial nerve.   Clues to the cytologic diagnosis include the cellular but benign spindly cell population clustered into Verocay body patterns and evidence of cyst degeneration in the form of histiocytes and even lymphocytes.2 Main differential diagnoses include the predominant spindle cell myoepitheliomas3 and some of the low grade sarcomas that may arise from the parotid gland.   The even rarer schwannomalike mixed tumor of the parotid4 gland must be also considered.
Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence Syndrome: Review of Clinical Manifestations in Adults and Children
Authors: Ibrahim Scheherazade C. , Chiong Charlotte M. , Yang Nathaniel W.
Published: April 2019

Objective: This report aims to determine the clinical manifestations and management of patients with superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome (SSCDS).

Methods:

Study Design: Case series.

Setting: Tertiary hospitals and private clinics

Participants: Out of 30 patients with vestibular vertigo or otologic symptom, 14 patients were diagnosed with SSCDS based on high resolution computed tomographic scan (HRCT).  The demographic features, incidence of specific signs and symptoms and management of these patients were described, including the audiograms, vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) responses and ancillary tests.

Results: Vertigo was the most common vestibular symptom of SSCDS. Tullio phenomenon was elicited in 50% of patients with confirmed dehiscence on HRCT scan. Low frequency (250 Hz and 500 Hz) air-bone gap was noted in 21.4% of patients. Lowered VEMP responses were also noted in 66.7% of patients with confirmed SSCDS. Severity of symptoms may determine its management.

Conclusion: The diagnosis of SSCDS does not conform to a specific clinical presentation or audiologic result thus good clinical correlation is needed in order to raise suspicion of the disease and prompt the clinician to order confirmatory imaging by computed tomographic scan or magnetic resonance imaging. The presence of this syndrome in a proportion of children that is greater than previously reported needs further study as these children may be genetically predisposed to have thinned out superior semicircular canals that eventually become dehisced albeit at an earlier age.

Key words: Superior semicircular canal dehiscence, pure tone audiometry, vestibular evoked myogenic potential
Cavernous Hemangioma of the Mandible
Authors: Papa Enrique C. , Samson Emmanuel S. , Victoria Francisco A.
Published: April 2019

Objectives:  To report a case of hemangioma arising from the mandible and its clinical presentation; describe the similarities with which mandibular hemangioma may mimic odontogenic and non-odontogenic lesions; and identify diagnostic and treatment modalities employed in these patients.

Methods:

 

Design:  Case Report

Setting: Tertiary Public Hospital

Patient: One

 

Results:  A 12-year-old male with intractable gum bleeding exacerbated by intra-operative manipulation of a loose first premolar, and uncontrolled by left external carotid ligation, underwent segmental mandibulectomy. The resected segment revealed multiple porosities and a hollow blood-filled cavity.  Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of cavernous hemangioma.

Conclusion: Though rare, mandibular hemangiomas should be considered in lesions involving the mandible.  Diagnosis is difficult with an array of lesions that may appear clinically and radiographically similar. The non-specific signs and symptoms of mandibular hemangioma could lead to exsanguinating hemorrhage if not attended to promptly.

 

Keywords: cavernous hemangioma, mandible, hemorrhage, external carotid ligation, mandibulectomy
Alternative Self-retaining Retractors for Head and Neck Surgery
Authors: Bargo Roselle C. , Castañeda Samantha S.
Published: April 2019

Objective: To design affordable, easy-to-use self- retaining retractors that can provide adequate exposure of the operative area in head and neck surgery

Methods:

            Design:  Surgical Instrumentation

            Setting: Tertiary government hospital

            Subjects: One

Results: Self-retaining retractors were designed and fabricated from stainless steel, with tissue prongs on one end and a loop for rubber-band attachment to surgical drapes via a towel clip on the other end. Varying prong lengths were devised for different depths of required retraction. Traction tension could be adjusted by varying rubber-band attachment distance. The retractors were tested on a patient undergoing open reduction and internal fixation for a mandibular fracture and evaluated according to ease of application, adequacy of exposure, and tissue trauma.

Conclusion: The self-retaining retractors may be affordable alternatives to commercially-available self-retaining retractors. They are easily applied, with adjustable tension and depth of retraction that can provide adequate exposure with minimal tissue trauma

 

Keywords: self-retaining retractor, instrumentation
Retroverted Uncinate Process: An Anatomic Variation
Authors: Isla Armando T. , Hernandez Josefino G.
Published: April 2019

Considerable attention has been directed toward analysis of paranasal sinus anatomy through coronal plane computerized tomographic (CT) imaging in this age of functional endoscopic sinus surgery.  Recently, it has become apparent that anatomic variations are also evident on CT analysis of patients.  Subtle anatomic features can now be imaged through CT, with a level of clarity previously not afforded by standard sinus radiographs.1

 

 

 

 

The key to a successful endoscopic sinus surgery is the proper identification of landmarks, and intelligent decision-making should there be any doubts as to what structure lies ahead.  The middle turbinate is the main landmark in the region and should be preserved if possible.  Attention to the limits of the middle turbinate landmark is one of the keys to uncomplicated surgery.2   The presence of a retroverted uncinate process, wherein the uncinate process ( rather than the middle turbinate) is the first bone to encountered, can be misleading to the rhinologic surgeon and lead to inadequate surgery.  Familiarity with anatomic variations such as the retroverted uncinate process should increase the safety and effectiveness of functional endoscopic sinus surgery.
The Lower Cheek Flap Combined with Neurosurgical Approach for Infratemporal Fossa Tumour
Authors: Hamizan Aneeza Khairiyah W. , Ami Mazita , Bakar Azizi Abu , Yunus Mohd Razif Mohamad
Published: April 2019

Objective: To describe our experience in performing the lower cheek flap for access to the infratemporal fossa combined with the neurosurgical approach.

Methods:

Study design: Case report

Setting: Tertiary Referral Center

Patients: Two

Result: Two unusual tumours involving the infratemporal and middle cranial fossa were excised using this combined approach. The infratemporal fossa tumour was accessed via the lower cheek flap while the intracranial portion was resected from above via craniotomy.

Conclusion: The lower cheek flap in combination with the neurosurgical approach allows optimal exposure to tumours involving the infratemporal and middle cranial fossae. It has less complications and better aesthetic outcome compared to other approaches.

Keywords: Lower cheek flap, infratemporal fossa tumour
Cystic Cochleovestibular Malformation (Incomplete Partition Type 1)
Authors: Yang Nathaniel W.
Published: April 2019

A 5-year old female with bilateral profound hearing loss underwent computerized tomographic imaging of the temporal bone as part of the work-up to determine the etiology of her deafness, and to delineate middle and inner ear anatomy prior to cochlear implantation. The examination revealed an inner ear malformation which, based on the newest classification of cochleovestibular malformations by Sennaroglu and Saatci, is called an incomplete partition type I (IP-1) or cystic cochleovestibular malformation. This condition is characterized by (1) a cochlea that is lacking the entire modiolus and cribriform area, resulting in a cystic appearance, and (2) a large cystic vestibule.1

 

Temporal bone imaging is among the most useful examinations in the etiological investigation of idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss in children, with up to 30%2 of the imaging studies showing an abnormality. The detection of inner ear malformations is important, as some abnormalities are associated with an increased risk of meningitis or progressive hearing loss following head trauma.3 Likewise, the approach to cochlear implantation may be influenced by the type of malformation. In this particular patient, the use of a cochlear implant with a full-band electrode design may be more appropriate, as the location of the neural elements within the cystic cochlea is not definitely known.
Nodular Fasciitis in a One-Year-Old Male: A Diagnostic Dilemma
Authors: Fernando Adrian F. , Chua Antonio H. , Sia-Vargas Lily L.
Published: April 2019

Objective:  To present a rare case of nodular fasciitis presenting as a supra-auricular mass.

 

Methods:

Design: Case Report

Setting: Private Tertiary University Hospital

Patient: One

 

Results: A one-year-old boy presented with an initially painless, left supra-auricular mass that rapidly enlarged from < 1 cm to 3 cm (widest diameter) in a two-month period. Sarcoma was initially considered over an inflammatory process as the mass was non-responsive to antibiotic therapy. Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) and High-Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) with contrast revealed benign cytologic and radiologic findings making nodular fasciitis the primary impression.

 

            The patient eventually underwent complete surgical excision of the left supra-auricular mass. Histopathologic findings then showed a stroma rich in collagen and myxoid ground substance and loose array of short S-shaped fascicle cells with scattered lymphocytes, macrophages and red blood cells consistent with nodular fasciitis.

 

Conclusion: Nodular fasciitis is a rare benign myofibroblastic soft tissue tumor which typically presents as a rapidly progressive nodular lesion in the head and neck region of the young pediatric age group. Cytopathologic recognition with FNA is a challenge. The gold standard of treatment is still surgical and in most reported cases, curative. More importantly, early clinical recognition and correlation with radiologic and histopathologic appearance is very important to avoid unnecessary work-ups and over-treatment.

 

Keywords: Nodular fasciitis; pseudosarcomatous fasciits; aggressive fibromatosis, desmoid tumor
Typical Laryngeal Carcinoid Recurrence and its Management by Conservative Surgery
Authors: Hussain Syed Majid , Ahmad Rauf
Published: April 2019

Objective: Recurrence of a typical laryngeal carcinoid is extremely rare after surgery with tumor-free margins on histopathology. We present a rare case of typical laryngeal carcinoid that recurred after eight years and was managed by conservative surgery.

Methods:

Design: Case report 

Setting: Tertiary Government Hospital

Patient: One

Results: A known case of typical laryngeal carcinoid treated eight years back reported again with the same symptoms he previously had. On evaluation local tumor recurrence was identified with a negative metastatic workup. The patient was subjected to microlaryngeal excision which was adequate histopathologically. He has had no evidence of disease on follow up of two years.

Conclusion: A typical laryngeal carcinoid tumor may present differently and recur locally but conservative surgery is still an option if local nodal and distant metastatic spread is ruled out.

 Key words: neuroendocrine tumor,typical laryngeal carcinoid, microlaryngeal excision. hemoptysis
The Black Sombrero: A Helpful Landmark in Axial Imaging Evaluation of the Larynx and Hypopharynx
Authors: Fernando Adrian F. , Lapeña Jose Florencio F. , Maglalang Gil M.
Published: April 2019

Computed Tomograpy (CT) scan and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) evaluation of the larynx and hypopharynx can be tricky for the untrained eye. We discuss a peculiar pattern of the supraglottic airway at the level of the base of the epiglottis seen on axial CT and MR images, resembling a “black hat” or a “black sombrero.” The level of the base of the epiglottis also corresponds to that of the hyoid bone, where two valuable hypopharyngeal sub-sites are visible- the pyriform sinuses and the posterior hypophayngeal wall.

 

A hat has basically two parts, an apical convex crown and a basal horizontal brim. (Figure 1.A) Correlating the hat’s appearance on axial CT and MR imaging, the hat appears black due to the presence of air at the supraglottic level wherein the crown is positioned anteriorly and the brim positioned posteriorly. (Figure 1.B)

 

The top-most convex part of the crown corresponds to the base of the epiglottis.  Anterior to it is the pre-epiglottic fat plane and the body of the hyoid bone. The crown is also flanked by the paraglottic fat plane on both sides that appears hypodense (dark) on CT and hyperintense (bright) on T1 MRI. On the other hand, the posterior-most portion of the hat’s brim abuts the posterior hypopharyngeal wall - laterally outlining the pyriform sinuses on each side. The area where the crown joins the brim corresponds to the aryepiglotic folds that are delineated laterally by the medial walls of the pyriform sinuses while its medial aspects correspond to portions of the supraglottis. (Figure 2)

The size and configuration of the hat varies and can range from one with a big crown and a small brim (resembling a  “bowler” or “derby hat”) to one with a tall crown and a floppy brim (resembling a “Mexican sombrero”). (Figures 2, 3) Infiltrating tumors and inflammatory processes can distort the hat’s usual symmetric configuration, and can be useful in determining possible sites of inflammation or infection, tumor origin, and spread to hypopharyngeal and supraglottic structures, as the hat’s center represents a potential space at the supraglottic area devoid of any soft tissue structures. (Figure 4)

In radiology, “the bowler hat sign” and “Mexican hat sign” have been used to describe gastrointestinal polyps.1,2,3 The former “is produced by the acute angle of attachment of the polyp to the mucosa” while the latter “consists of two concentric rings and is produced by visualizing a pedunculated polyp head-on.”1 The “Mexican hat sign” has also been used to describe osmotic demyelination on MRI.4

 

To our knowledge, these terms have not been applied to the interpretation of  supraglottic and hypopharyngeal CT and MRI axial images. Recognition of the “Black Sombrero” pattern can be helpful in understanding the anatomic relationship of the supraglottic and hypopharynx structures on axial CT and MR imaging, particularly in the evaluation of supraglottic and hypopharyngeal tumor spread.
Tube Extrusion and Cheese Wiring Five Years Post Dacryocystorhinostomy
Authors: Anuar Khairullah Bin , Gendeh Balwant Singh
Published: April 2019

Objective: Dacrocystorhinostomy (DCR) with silicone tube stenting is a common procedure for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). The incidence of congenital NLDO is about 6% in the newborn. The duration the tube is left in place varies depending on surgeon preference. Cheese wiring is one of the tube-related complications when the tube is left behind for a long duration. The term cheese wiring refers to the silicone stent or tubing cutting through soft tissue close to the punctum or canaliculi like wire cuts through cheese.  We present a case of tube extrusion with cheese wiring 5 years post DCR.

Methods:

            Study Design: Case report

            Setting: Tertiary Referral Centre

            Patient: One

Results: A 16 year old Indian male with congenital bilateral NLDO underwent right and left DCR at ages 9 and 11 respectively. The patient presented with smelly nasal discharge 5 years later to the ENT clinic. On initial examination the right tube was in place but the left tube was not visualized. Nasal endoscopy however revealed that both tubes were still there and were subsequently removed.

Conclusion: DCR with silicone intubation is a common practice. Early follow up is essential to prevent complications. If tube extrusion is suspected, early endoscopic examination is essential to confirm it

 

Keywords: nasolacrimal duct obstruction, dacrocystorhinostomy, tube extrusion, cheese wiring
Association of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness and Obesity with Apnea-Hypopnea Index in Adult Patients Suspected of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: King-Chao Nikki Lorraine Y. , Sarte Michael A.
Published: April 2019

Objective: To determine whether excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) as assessed by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) is significantly correlated with body mass index (BMI) and Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) in patients suspected of OSAS and whether obesity as assessed by BMI is associated with AHI.

Methods:

Study Design:            Non-Concurrent Cohort Study

Setting:                       Tertiary Private Hospital

Population:                The charts of 389 patients suspected to have sleep disorders and referred for polysomnography (PSG) at the Center for Snoring and Sleep Disorders in year 2009 were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were patients aged 19 and above with complete data. A total of 238 patient charts were included in the study.

Results:The study included a total of 238 patient charts. Results showed no significant association between ESS and AHI (p-value >0.05), even when correlated with the different severities of OSAS (p-value>0.05). Sensitivity and specificity of ESS was found to be 54% and 57%, respectively, indicating that ESS is not a sensitive and specific tool to predict the presence of OSAS. These findings suggest that ESS may not be able to significantly identify patients with OSAS. However, BMI showed a significant association with ESS (p-value<0.05), representing more patients with EDS belonging to the obese category. Conversely, obese patients were twice more likely to have EDS, represented by ESS scores of ³10. BMI wasalso significantly associated with AHI using one-way Anova test.

Conclusion: This report concludes that the ESS alone is insufficient to identify patients with OSAS. Nevertheless, questionnaires like the ESS supplement relevant history to help diagnose patients with sleep disorders, particularly OSAS. On the other hand, the ESS showed a significant association with BMI, representing more obese patients had excessive daytime sleepiness. The likelihood ratio of having excessive daytime sleepiness is 2 times more for obese patients. BMI was also significantly associated with AHI, which confirms the well established relationship of obesity with OSAS, and shows that obese patients are at higher risk for severe OSAS.

Keywords:obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, daytime sleepiness, Epworth sleepiness scale, polysomnography, apnea-hypopnea index,  body-mass index.
A Way Forward Toward Professionalizing Teacher Education
Authors: Easley II Jacob
Published: April 2019

Amid countless challenges faced by teacher education, public universities, preparing a large share of the nations' teachers, are called upon to a lead the charge of moving the field forward. The American Association of State Colleges and University's Teacher Education Task Force sought to examine current conditions among member institutions. Presidents, provosts and deans of education responded to a survey with their assessment of the current status of teacher education. The results yielded six recommendations for quality teacher education programs. The latter of which stresses professionalizing the field. Further examination of the recommendations reveals gaps between the current landscape and the recommendations. It is through these gaps that a strategic means to advance the professionalization of teacher education is put forth. Advancing the professionalization of teacher education is a collaborative effort of leadership. The process demonstrates and builds momentum from positive impact on communities and the profession itself. It is undergirded by an ethical imperative.
The Communicative Approach in English Language Teaching
Authors: Azimova S.
Published: April 2019

Today, communities are increasingly facing rapid and profound changes and tensions that affect the social, economic, and political aspects of life. The role of education has also become questionable in the millennial era. A matter of fact, 21st century education requires a gradual shift in curriculum construction focusing on the transferable competencies that learners need to develop in instructional settings. In today’s knowledge–based, types of skills and competencies that students need to gain are different from in the past. Emphasizing the communicative competence is one of the most influential developments in language education. The implementation of communicative activities in EFL/ESL classroom prepares learners to use English in the world beyond based on their own needs, interests and opportunities.
Speech Act Theory as an Evaluation Tool for Human–Agent Communication
Authors: Hanna Nader , Richards Deborah
Published: April 2019

Effective communication in task-oriented situations requires high-level interactions. For human–agent collaboration, tasks need to be coordinated in a way that ensures mutual understanding. Speech Act Theory (SAT) aims to understand how utterances can be used to achieve actions. SAT consists of three components: locutionary act, illocutionary act, and perlocutionary act. This paper evaluates the agent’s verbal communication while collaborating with humans. SAT was used to anatomize the structure of the agent’s speech acts (locutionary acts), the agent’s intention behind the speech acts (illocutionary acts), and the effects on the human’s mental state (perlocutionary acts). Moreover, this paper studies the impact of human perceptions of the agent’s speech acts on the perception of collaborative performance with the agent.
Direct Superbubble Detection
Authors: Gärtner Fabian , Stadler Peter F.
Published: April 2019

Superbubbles are a class of induced subgraphs in digraphs that play an essential role in assembly algorithms for high-throughput sequencing data. They are connected with the remainder of the host digraph by a single entrance and a single exit vertex. Linear-time algorithms for the enumeration superbubbles recently have become available. Current approaches require the decomposition of the input digraph into strongly-connected components, which are then analyzed separately. In principle, a single depth-first search could be used, provided one can guarantee that the root of the depth-first search (DFS)-tree is not itself located in the interior or the exit point of a superbubble. Here, we describe a linear-time algorithm to determine suitable roots for a DFS-forest that is guaranteed to identify the superbubbles in a digraph correctly. In addition to the advantages of a more straightforward implementation, we observe a nearly three-fold gain in performance on real-world datasets. We present a reference implementation of the new algorithm that accepts many commonly-used input formats for digraphs. It is available as open source from github.
Unravelling the Potency of Activated Carbon Powder Derived from Cultivated Marine Microalgae as a Promising Filler in Mixed Matrix Membranes
Authors: Sukoyo Agung , Djoyowasito Gunomo , Wibisono Yusuf
Published: April 2019

Activated carbon-filled mixed matrix membranes were commonly used to enhance the separation performance of liquid or gas separation processes. Activated carbon is traditionally derived from agricultural crops such as coconut shells or wood biomass. Marine microalgae however have a great potential to produce powdered activated carbon. In this study, marine microalgae Chlorella vulgaris have been evaluated for their carbon content, and the 16.09% carbon content has potential to be employed as a raw material in manufacturing activated carbon powder. Dry microalgae were carbonized at a temperature of 500 °C for 30 min, at a constant increment rate of temperature of 10 °C per minute to produce microalgae charcoal. Chemically-based activation treatments using H3PO4 and ZnCl2 with concentrations of 10%, 30%, and 50%, respectively, assisted by microwave irradiation, have been used to prepare activated carbon. The properties of activated carbon powder were analyzed including yields, ash content, volatile substances, pure activated carbon content, absorption of iodine solution, surface area, and imaging of activated carbon using SEM-EDX. The best treatment characteristics were obtained using H3PO4 at a concentration of 50% with characteristics of 19.47% yield, 11.19% ash content, 31.92% volatile content, 56.89% pure activated carbon, 325.17 mg g−1 iodine absorption, and 109.273 m2 g−1 surface area based on the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method, as well as a 5.5-nm average pore diameter. The SEM-EDX imaging results showed the formation of micropores on the surface of activated carbon, with carbon content reaching 72.31%; however, impurities could decrease the surface area and reduce the absorption performance of microalgae activated carbon.
A Case of Letting the Cat out of The Bag—Why Trap-Neuter-Return Is Not an Ethical Solution for Stray Cat (Felis catus) Management
Authors: Crawford Heather M. , Calver Michael C. , Fleming Patricia A.
Published: April 2019

Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs, in which stray cats are captured, neutered and returned to the environment are advocated as a humane, ethical alternative to euthanasia. We review the TNR literature in light of current debate over whether or not there should be further TNR trials in Australia. We revisit the problems arising from stray cats living in association with human habitation and estimate how many stray cats would have to be processed through a scientifically-guided TNR program to avoid high euthanasia rates. We also identify 10 ethical and welfare challenges that have to be addressed: we consider the quality of life for stray cats, where they would live, whether the TNR process itself is stressful, whether TNR cats are vulnerable to injury, parasites and disease, can be medically treated, stray cats’ body condition and diet, and their impacts on people, pet cats, and urban wildlife, especially endemic fauna. We conclude that TNR is unsuitable for Australia in almost all situations because it is unlikely to resolve problems caused by stray cats or meet ethical and welfare challenges. Targeted adoption, early-age desexing, community education initiatives and responsible pet ownership have greater promise to minimize euthanasia, reduce numbers rapidly, and address the identified issues.
Engaging with Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Communities and Their Cats: Human Behaviour Change for Animal and Human Benefit
Authors: McDonald Jenni L. , Clements Jane
Published: April 2019

The overpopulation of free-roaming domestic cats (Felis catus) is fuelled by uncontrolled breeding of both owned and unowned populations and has been identified as a particular problem in socio-economically deprived areas. Consequently, for sustainable change, it is recommended that Trap-Neuter-Return activities are linked with community engagement to encourage positive behaviours towards cats. This paper assesses the acceptability and impact of a community-partnership program called “Bulwell Cat Watch” (BCW), set-up to control cat numbers in Bulwell, UK. The data are based on a (1) cross-sectional survey (n = 478); (2) pre-post analysis (n = 21); and (3) targeted survey of people known to engage with BCW (n = 34). We found significant associations between awareness of BCW and an increased likelihood of reporting unowned cats now compared to previous years. Respondents reported increased self-efficacy and confidence to help cats. Our pre-post study corroborated these findings with residents significantly more likely to report unowned cats compared to when surveyed pre-BCW. An indirect benefit to residents engaged with the program was the positive impact on confidence and self-esteem. Taken in combination these results show community partnerships can effectively engage often hard-to-reach populations and foster sustainable management by overcoming barriers to helping cats, alongside the potential for wider community benefits.
Characterization of Emission Factors Concerning Gasoline, LPG, and Diesel Vehicles via Transient Chassis-Dynamometer Tests
Authors: Park Gyutae , Mun Sunhee , Hong Heekyoung , Chung Taekho , Jung Sungwoon , Kim Sunmoon , Seo Seokjun , Kim Jounghwa , Lee Jongtae , Kim Kyunghoon , Park Taehyun , Kang Seokwon , Ban Jihee , Yu Dong-Gil , Woo Jung-Hun , Lee Taehyoung
Published: April 2019

Gaseous emissions from vehicles contribute substantially to air pollution and climate change. Vehicular emissions also contain secondary pollutants produced via chemical reactions that occur between the emitted gases and atmospheric air. This study aims at understanding patterns concerning emission of regulated, greenhouse, and precursor gases, which demonstrate potential for secondary aerosol (SA) formation, from vehicles incorporating different engine technologies—multi-point injection (MPI) and gasoline direct injection (GDI)—and using different fuels—gasoline, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and diesel. Drive cycles from the National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER) were used in this study. Results obtained from drive cycle tests demonstrate a decline in aggregate gas emissions corresponding to an increase in average vehicle speed. CO2 accounts for more than 99% of aggregate gaseous emissions. In terms of concentration, CO and NH3 form predominantly non-CO2 emissions from gasoline and LPG vehicles, whereas nitrogen oxides (NOx) and non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC) dominate diesel-vehicle emissions. A higher percentage of SO2 is emitted from diesel vehicles compared to their gasoline- and LPG-powered counterparts. EURO-5- and EURO-6-compliant vehicles equipped with diesel particulate filters (DPFs) tend to emit higher amounts of NO2 compared to EURO-3-compliant vehicles, which are not equipped with DPFs. Vehicles incorporating GDI tend to emit less CO2 compared to those incorporating MPI, albeit at the expense of increased CO emissions. The authors believe that results reported in this paper concerning regulated and unregulated pollutant-emission monitoring can contribute towards an accurate evaluation of both primary and secondary air-pollution scenarios in Korea.
Polyhydroxyalkanoate Biosynthesis at the Edge of Water Activity-Haloarchaea as Biopolyester Factories
Authors: Koller Martin
Published: April 2019

Haloarchaea, the extremely halophilic branch of the Archaea domain, encompass a steadily increasing number of genera and associated species which accumulate polyhydroxyalkanoate biopolyesters in their cytoplasm. Such ancient organisms, which thrive in highly challenging, often hostile habitats characterized by salinities between 100 and 300 g/L NaCl, have the potential to outperform established polyhydroxyalkanoate production strains. As detailed in the review, this optimization presents due to multifarious reasons, including: cultivation setups at extreme salinities can be performed at minimized sterility precautions by excluding the growth of microbial contaminants; the high inner-osmotic pressure in haloarchaea cells facilitates the recovery of intracellular biopolyester granules by cell disintegration in hypo-osmotic media; many haloarchaea utilize carbon-rich waste streams as main substrates for growth and polyhydroxyalkanoate biosynthesis, which allows coupling polyhydroxyalkanoate production with bio-economic waste management; finally, in many cases, haloarchaea are reported to produce copolyesters from structurally unrelated inexpensive substrates, and polyhydroxyalkanoate biosynthesis often occurs in parallel to the production of additional marketable bio-products like pigments or polysaccharides. This review summarizes the current knowledge about polyhydroxyalkanoate production by diverse haloarchaea; this covers the detection of new haloarchaea producing polyhydroxyalkanoates, understanding the genetic and enzymatic particularities of such organisms, kinetic aspects, material characterization, upscaling and techno-economic and life cycle assessment.
Dasatinib Treatment Increases Sensitivity to c-Met Inhibition in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Gaule Patricia , Mukherjee Nupur , Corkery Brendan , Eustace Alex , Gately Kathy , Roche Sandra , O’Connor Robert , O’Byrne Kenneth , Walsh Naomi , Duffy Michael , Crown John , O’Donovan Norma
Published: April 2019

In pre-clinical studies, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells have demonstrated sensitivity to the multi-targeted kinase inhibitor dasatinib; however, clinical trials with single-agent dasatinib showed limited efficacy in unselected populations of breast cancer, including TNBC. To study potential mechanisms of resistance to dasatinib in TNBC, we established a cell line model of acquired dasatinib resistance (231-DasB). Following an approximately three-month exposure to incrementally increasing concentrations of dasatinib (200 nM to 500 nM) dasatinib, 231-DasB cells were resistant to the agent with a dasatinib IC50 value greater than 5 μM compared to 0.04 ± 0.001 µM in the parental MDA-MB-231 cells. 231-DasB cells also showed resistance (2.2-fold) to the Src kinase inhibitor PD180970. Treatment of 231-DasB cells with dasatinib did not inhibit phosphorylation of Src kinase. The 231-DasB cells also had significantly increased levels of p-Met compared to the parental MDA-MB-231 cells, as measured by luminex, and resistant cells demonstrated a significant increase in sensitivity to the c-Met inhibitor, CpdA, with an IC50 value of 1.4 ± 0.5 µM compared to an IC50 of 6.8 ± 0.2 µM in the parental MDA-MB-231 cells. Treatment with CpdA decreased p-Met and p-Src in both 231-DasB and MDA-MB-231 cells. Combined treatment with dasatinib and CpdA significantly inhibited the growth of MDA-MB-231 parental cells and prevented the emergence of dasatinib resistance. If these in vitro findings can be extrapolated to human cancer treatment, combined treatment with dasatinib and a c-Met inhibitor may block the development of acquired resistance and improve response rates to dasatinib treatment in TNBC.
Activation of Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway and Human Atherosclerotic Plaque Vulnerability: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study
Authors: Fiorelli Susanna , Porro Benedetta , Cosentino Nicola , Di Minno Alessandro , Manega Chiara Maria , Fabbiocchi Franco , Niccoli Giampaolo , Fracassi Francesco , Barbieri Simone , Marenzi Giancarlo , Crea Filippo , Cavalca Viviana , Tremoli Elena , Eligini Sonia
Published: April 2019

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) induce nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation as an adaptive defense mechanism, determining the synthesis of antioxidant molecules, including heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1). HO-1 protects cells against oxidative injury, degrading free heme and inhibiting ROS production. HO-1 is highly expressed in macrophages during plaque growth. Macrophages are morpho-functionally heterogeneous, and the prevalence of a specific phenotype may influence the plaque fate. This heterogeneity has also been observed in monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs), a model of macrophages infiltrating tissue. The study aims to assess oxidative stress status and Nrf2/HO-1 axis in MDM morphotypes obtained from healthy subjects and coronary artery disease (CAD) patients, in relation to coronary plaque features evaluated in vivo by optical coherence tomography (OCT). We found that MDMs of healthy subjects exhibited a lower oxidative stress status, lower Nrf2 and HO-1 levels as compared to CAD patients. High HO-1 levels in MDMs were associated with the presence of a higher macrophage content, a thinner fibrous cap, and a ruptured plaque with thrombus formation, detected by OCT analysis. These findings suggest the presence of a relationship between in vivo plaque characteristics and in vitro MDM profile, and may help to identify patients with rupture-prone coronary plaque.
Effect of Surface Modification with Different Acids on the Functional Groups of AF 5 Catalyst and Its Catalytic Effect on the Atmospheric Leaching of Enargite
Authors: Jahromi Fazel G. , Ghahreman Ahmad
Published: April 2019

Carbon-based catalysts can assist the oxidative leaching of sulfide minerals. Recently, we presented that AF 5 Lewatit® is among the catalysts with superior enargite oxidation capacity and capability to collect elemental sulfur on its surface. Herein, the effect of acid pre-treatment of the AF 5 catalyst was studied on the AF 5 surface, to further enhance the catalytic properties of AF 5. The AF 5 catalyst was pretreated by hydrochloric acid, nitric acid and sulfuric acid. The results showed that the acid treatment drastically changes the surface properties of AF 5. For instance, the concentration of quinone-like functional groups, which are ascribed to the catalytic properties of AF 5, is 45.4% in the sulfuric acid pre-treatment AF 5 and only 29.8% in the hydrochloric acid-treated AF 5. Based on the C 1s X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results the oxygenated carbon is 30.6% in the sulfuric acid-treated AF 5, 29.2% in the nitric acid-treated AF 5 and 28.3% in the hydrochloric acid-treated AF 5. The nitric acid pre-treated AF 5 resulted in the highest copper recovery during the oxidative enargite leaching process, recovering 98.8% of the copper. The sulfuric acid-treated AF 5 recovered 97.1% of the enargite copper into the leach solution. Among different leaching media and pre-treatment the lowest copper recovery was achieved with the HCl pre-treated AF 5 which was 88.6%. The pre-treatment of AF 5 with acids also had modified its elemental sulfur adsorption capacity, where the sulfur adsorption on AF 5 was increased from 30.9% for the HCl treated AF 5 to 51.1% for the sulfuric acid-treated AF 5.
Analytic Solutions to Two-Dimensional Decagonal Quasicrystals with Defects Using Complex Potential Theory
Authors: Cao Haobai , Shi Yiqing , Li Wu
Published: April 2019

An analytical treatment for two-dimensional point group 10 mm decagonal quasicrystals with defects was suggested based on the complex potential method. On the basis of the assumption of linear elasticity, two new conformal maps were applied to two examples: the first was an arc with an elliptic notch inner surface in a decagonal quasicrystal, where the complex potentials could be exactly obtained; and the second was concerned with a decagonal point group 10 mm quasicrystalline strip weakened by a Griffith crack, which was subjected to a pair of uniform static pressures. Using the basic idea underlying crack theory, the extent of the stress intensity factors was analytically estimated. If the height was allowed to approach infinity, these results can be turned into the known results of an “ordinary” crystal with only phonon elastic parameters when the phason and phonon-phason elastic constants are eliminated.
Stabilization of All Bell States in a Lossy Coupled-Cavity Array
Authors: Liu Bing , Li Dong-Xiao , Shao Xiao-Qiang
Published: April 2019

A scheme is proposed to generate maximally entangled states of two Λ -type atoms trapped in separate overdamped optical cavities using quantum-jump-based feedback. This proposal can stabilize not only the singlet state, but also the other three triplet states by alternating the detuning parameter and relative phase of the classical fields. Meanwhile it is convenient to manipulate atoms, and much more robust against spontaneous emission of atoms. The parameters related to the potential experiment are analyzed comprehensively and it is confirmed that the quantum feedback technology is a significant tool for entanglement production with a high fidelity.
Fault Diagnosis for Rolling Bearings Based on Fine-Sorted Dispersion Entropy and SVM Optimized with Mutation SCA-PSO
Authors: Fu Wenlong , Tan Jiawen , Xu Yanhe , Wang Kai , Chen Tie
Published: April 2019

Rolling bearings are a vital and widely used component in modern industry, relating to the production efficiency and remaining life of a device. An effective and robust fault diagnosis method for rolling bearings can reduce the downtime caused by unexpected failures. Thus, a novel fault diagnosis method for rolling bearings by fine-sorted dispersion entropy and mutation sine cosine algorithm and particle swarm optimization (SCA-PSO) optimized support vector machine (SVM) is presented to diagnose a fault of various sizes, locations and motor loads. Vibration signals collected from different types of faults are firstly decomposed by variational mode decomposition (VMD) into sets of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs), where the decomposing mode number K is determined by the central frequency observation method, thus, to weaken the non-stationarity of original signals. Later, the improved fine-sorted dispersion entropy (FSDE) is proposed to enhance the perception for relationship information between neighboring elements and then employed to construct the feature vectors of different fault samples. Afterward, a hybrid optimization strategy combining advantages of mutation operator, sine cosine algorithm and particle swarm optimization (MSCAPSO) is proposed to optimize the SVM model. The optimal SVM model is subsequently applied to realize the pattern recognition for different fault samples. The superiority of the proposed method is assessed through multiple contrastive experiments. Result analysis indicates that the proposed method achieves better precision and stability over some relevant methods, whereupon it is promising in the field of fault diagnosis for rolling bearings.