bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient Culture of Human Naive and Memory B Cells for Use as APCs
Authors: Su Kuei-Ying , Watanabe Akiko , Yeh Chen-Hao , Kelsoe Garnett , Kuraoka Masayuki
Published: October 2016

The ability to culture and expand B cells in vitro has become a useful tool for studying human immunity. A limitation of current methods for human B cell culture is the capacity to support mature B cell proliferation. We developed a culture method to support the efficient activation and proliferation of naive and memory human B cells. This culture supports extensive B cell proliferation, with ∼103-fold increases following 8 d in culture and 106-fold increases when cultures are split and cultured for 8 more days. In culture, a significant fraction of naive B cells undergo isotype switching and differentiate into plasmacytes. Culture-derived (CD) B cells are readily cryopreserved and, when recovered, retain their ability to proliferate and differentiate. Significantly, proliferating CD B cells express high levels of MHC class II, CD80, and CD86. CD B cells act as APCs and present alloantigens and microbial Ags to T cells. We are able to activate and expand Ag-specific memory B cells; these cultured cells are highly effective in presenting Ag to T cells. We characterized the TCR repertoire of rare Ag-specific CD4+ T cells that proliferated in response to tetanus toxoid (TT) presented by autologous CD B cells. TCR Vβ usage by TT-activated CD4+ T cells differs from resting and unspecifically activated CD4+ T cells. Moreover, we found that TT-specific TCR Vβ usage by CD4+ T cells was substantially different between donors. This culture method provides a platform for studying the BCR and TCR repertoires within a single individual.
An HIV-1 Env–Antibody Complex Focuses Antibody Responses to Conserved Neutralizing Epitopes
Authors: Chen Yajing , Wilson Richard , O’Dell Sijy , Guenaga Javier , Feng Yu , Tran Karen , Chiang Chi-I , Arendt Heather E. , DeStefano Joanne , Mascola John R. , Wyatt Richard T. , Li Yuxing
Published: October 2016

Elicitation of broadly neutralizing Ab (bNAb) responses to the conserved elements of the HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins (Env), including the primary receptor CD4 binding site (CD4bs), is a major focus of vaccine development yet to be accomplished. However, a large number of CD4bs-directed bNAbs have been isolated from HIV-1–infected individuals. Comparison of the routes of binding used by the CD4bs-directed bNAbs from patients and the vaccine-elicited CD4bs-directed mAbs indicates that the latter fail to neutralize primary virus isolates because they approach the Env spike with a vertical angle and contact the specific surface residues occluded in the native spike, including the bridging sheet on gp120. To preferentially expose the CD4bs and direct the immune response away from the bridging sheet, resulting in an altered angle of approach, we engineered an immunogen consisting of gp120 core in complex with the prototypic CD4-induced Ab, 17b. This mAb directly contacts the bridging sheet but not the CD4bs. The complex was further stabilized by chemical crosslinking to prevent dissociation. Rabbits immunized with the crosslinked complex displayed earlier affinity maturation, achieving tier 1 virus neutralization compared with animals immunized with gp120 core alone. Immunization with the crosslinked complex induced transient Ab responses with binding specificity similar to the CD4bs-directed bNAbs. mAbs derived from complex-immunized rabbits displayed footprints on gp120 more distal from the bridging sheet as compared with previous vaccine-elicited CD4bs Abs, indicating that Env–Ab complexes effectively dampen immune responses to undesired immunodominant bridging sheet determinants.
Modeling Pesticide Runoff from Small Watersheds through Field-Scale Management Practices: Minnesota Watershed Case Study with Chlorpyrifos
Authors: Gali Rohith K. , Cryer Steven A. , Poletika Nicholas N. , Dande Praveen K.
Published: October 2016

Experimental studies of pesticide fate in surface runoff offer only a snapshot of the near semi-infinite parameter combinations that can and do occur in the environment, and mechanistic modeling is often used to supplement the often limited number of experimental observations. However, what has been lacking in pesticide surface runoff modeling is the impact of field-scale best management practices (BMPs) on the concentrations of pesticides found at the watershed outlet. A novel application of melding three agricultural models together was used to address field-scale BMPs and off-target pesticide environmental concentrations at the watershed scale resulting from agricultural surface runoff. These models were the pesticide root zone model [PRZM, an edge-of-field runoff and leaching model sanctioned by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)]; the United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service watershed scale model, the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT); and the academic model, the vegetated filter strip model (VFSMOD). Watershed models such as SWAT, using high-resolution local input data, are capable of predicting watershed behavior but are limited when addressing field-scale BMPs. A unique method to approximate a small watershed as a linear combination of sub-basins and fields [hydrologic response units (HRUs)] is presented. Water, sediment, and pesticide runoff for each HRU are simulated using the USEPA field model PRZM. Daily edge-of-field PRZM predictions for pesticides in runoff water and eroded sediment are coupled with VFSMOD to address the effectiveness of a maintained vegetated filter strip (VFS) across the growing season in reducing pesticide loadings and water quality at the watershed outlet. Daily chlorpyrifos (CHP, insecticide) concentrations simulated for the Seven Mile Creek Watershed, MN, using the above modeling approach resulted in a spectrum of concentrations reported by the MN Department of Natural Resources. Simulated VFS effectiveness when used across all pesticide-treated fields ranged between 22% and 100% reductions in CHP mass across all runoff-producing events.
Regulators of an Infinite Family of the
Simplest Quartic Function Fields
Authors: Lee Jungyun , Lee Yoonjin
Published: October 2016

We explicitly find regulators of an infinite family {Lm} of the simplest quartic function fields with a parameter m in a polynomial ring [t], where is the finite field of order q with odd characteristic. In fact, this infinite family of the simplest quartic function fields are subfields of maximal real subfields of cyclotomic function fields having the same conductors. We obtain a lower bound on the class numbers of the family {Lm} and some result on the divisibility of the divisor class numbers of cyclotomic function fields that contain {Lm} as their subfields. Furthermore, we find an explicit criterion for the characterization of splitting types of all the primes of the rational function field (t) in {Lm}.
New Developments in Functional and Highly Multivariate Statistical Methodology
Authors: Claeskens Gerda , Dette Holger , Gijbels Irène , Hall Peter G.
Published: October 2016

The central focus of the workshop was on recent developments in statistical techniques for highly multivariate data and functional data. The programme delivered talks on state-of-the-art research in the area, with a number of talks on highly-dimensional multivariate settings as well as talks dealing with functional data. The talks were followed by lively discussions on how to tackle difficult issues in the statistical methodology for such complex data.
Mini-Workshop: PBW Structures in Representation Theory
Authors: Feigin Evgeny , Fourier Ghislain , Lanini Martina
Published: October 2016

The PBW structures play a very important role in the Lie theory and in the theory of algebraic groups. The importance is due to the huge number of possible applications. The main goal of the workshop was to bring together experts and young researchers working in the certain areas in which PBW structures naturally appear. The interaction between the participants allowed to find new viewpoints on the classical mathematical structures and to launch the study of new directions in geometric, algebraic and combinatorial Lie theory.
Mini-Workshop: Arrangements of Subvarieties, and their Applications in Algebraic Geometry
Authors: Bauer Thomas , Di Rocco Sandra , Harbourne Brian , Szemberg Tomasz
Published: October 2016

While arrangements of hyperplanes have been studied in algebra, combinatorics and geometry for a long time, recent discoveries suggest that they (and more generally arrangements of nonlinear subvarieties) play an even more fundamental role in major problems in algebraic geometry than has yet been understood. The workshop brought into contact experts from commutative algebra and algebraic geometry working on these problems – it provided opportunities to get updated on the latest developments through talks of the participants, but also reserved time for working groups in which participants brainstormed ideas and insights in the context of high-intensity discussions aimed at initiating immediate progress on proposed problems, thereby setting the stage for on-going collaborations after the workshop.
Geometric Numerical Integration
Authors: Faou Erwan , Hairer Ernst , Hochbruck Marlis , Lubich Christian
Published: October 2016

The subject of this workshop was numerical methods that preserve geometric properties of the flow of an ordinary or partial differential equation. This was complemented by the question as to how structure preservation affects the long-time behaviour of numerical methods.
Lattices and Applications in Number Theory
Authors: Coulangeon Renaud , Gross Benedict H. , Nebe Gabriele
Published: October 2016

This is a report on the workshop on Lattices and Applications in Number Theory held in Oberwolfach, from January 17 to January 23, 2016. The workshop brought together people working in various areas related to the field: classical geometry of numbers, packings, Diophantine approximation, Arakelov geometry, cohomology of arithmetic groups, algebraic modular forms and Hecke operators, algebraic topology. The meeting consisted of a few long talks which included an introductory part to each of the topics in the previous list, and a series of shorter talks mainly devoted to recent developments. The present report contains extended abstracts of all presentations.
Algebraic Cobordism and Projective Homogeneous Varieties
Authors: Gille Stefan , Levine Marc , Panin Ivan A. , Vishik Alexander
Published: October 2016

The aim of this workshop was to bring together researchers in the theory of projective homogeneous varieties with researchers working on cohomology theories of algebraic varieties, so that the latter can learn about the needs in an area of successful applications of these abstract theories and the former can see the latest tools.
Mini-Workshop: Operator Spaces and Noncommutative Geometry in Interaction
Authors: Brain Simon , Goffeng Magnus , Kaad Jens , Mesland Bram
Published: October 2016

In recent years, operator space theory has made remarkable appearances in noncommutative geometry, notably in the study of

C^*

-algebras of real reductive groups and the unbounded picture of Kasparov theory. In both these developments, a central rôle is played by operator modules and the Haagerup tensor product. This workshop brought together experts in the aforementioned fields to deepen this interaction.
Prensa y conflicto vasco (1975-2016): Recopilatorio de actitudes y vicisitudes
Authors: Ramírez de la Piscina Martínez Txema , Murua Uria Imanol , Idoiaga Arrospide Petxo
Published: October 2016

El trabajo realiza un amplio análisis de las actitudes y vicisitudes que han rodeado al tratamiento informativo dado por la prensa vasca y española al conflicto vasco durante las últimas cuatro décadas (1975-2016). Metodología. La metodología es eminentemente cualitativa. Se han utilizado simultáneamente cuatro técnicas: Estudio de observación directa realizado por los investigadores a lo largo de toda su trayectoria profesional y académica; dos investigaciones hemerográficas (la primera llevada a cabo entre 1979 y 1996 y la segunda entre 1998 y 2002); un análisis de contenido de diez informaciones paradigmáticas y un grupo de discusión con expertos en la materia (2016). Resultados. Los autores distinguen cuatro períodos: El inicial (1975-1988) presidido por la falta de criterios unificados; un segundo (1988-2000) marcado por la unificación/crispación de y en los contenidos; un tercero (2000-2011) determinado por el “Periodismo de trincheras” y, por último, la etapa post-ETA (2011-2016), en la cual el lugar de edición de cada rotativo condiciona (más que nunca) el frame de la noticia. Conclusiones. Los autores consideran que, en líneas generales, la prensa no ha respetado las recomendaciones de la Unesco de 1978, según las cuales, el respeto a la verdad y el fomento de la libre expresión de las ideas coadyuvan a la resolución de conflictos.
Автоморфизмы пространства решений специальных дважды конфлюэнтных уравнений Гойна
Authors: Buchstaber Victor Matveevich , Tertychnyi Sergei Ivanovich
Published: October 2016

В работе получены два новых линейных оператора, задающих в общем случае автоморфизмы пространства решений специального дважды конфлюэнтного уравнения Гойна. Это уравнение обладает двумя сингулярными точками, обе из которых иррегулярны. Приложением данного результата является новое представление решений нелинейного уравнения резистивной модели сильно шунтированного перехода Джозефсона в сверхпроводниках.
Дано явное выражение указанных операторов в терминах структурных полиномов, для которых получены
рекуррентные алгоритмы вычисления. Найдены два функциональных уравнения для решений специального дважды конфлюэнтного уравнения Гойна.
Диффузионные процессы на конусе Тома
Authors: Olshanski Grigorii Iosifovich
Published: October 2016

Конус Тома - это некоторое бесконечномерное пространство, возникающее в теории представлений бесконечной симметрической группы. Настоящая заметка продолжает статью А. М. Бородина и автора (Electr. J. Probab. 18 (2013), no. 75), где было построено 2-параметрическое семейство марковских процессов с непрерывным временем на конусе Тома. Цель заметки - показать, что эти процессы являются диффузиями.
Проекции орбитальных мер для классических групп Ли
Authors: Zubov Dmitry Igorevich
Published: October 2016

Целью этой работы является вычисление радильных частей проекций орбитальных мер компактных групп Ли. В случае унитарной группы эти плотности были вычислены Г. И. Ольшанским и Ж. Фаро. С помощью метода Фаро мы переносим эти результаты на случай серий $B$, $C$ и $D$ классических групп Ли, выражая радиальные части проекций орбитальных мер через определители от B-сплайнов с узлами, расположенными симметрично относительно нуля.
Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction for Detection of Gastrointestinal Pathogens in Migrant Workers in Qatar
Authors: Humphrey John M. , Ranbhise Sanjay , Ibrahim Emad , Al-Romaihi Hamad E. , Farag Elmoubasher , Abu-Raddad Laith J. , Glesby Marshall J.
Published: October 2016

The causes of infectious diarrhea among the migrant worker population in Qatar are not well understood. We conducted a prospective observational study to understand the demographic and clinical characteristics and infectious causes of diarrhea among migrant workers in Doha, Qatar. A total of 126 male workers presenting to the Qatar Red Crescent Worker's Health Center outpatient clinic or emergency department were studied over a 5-month period in 2015–2016. Epidemiologic surveys were administered to all subjects and the prevalence of 22 different stool pathogens was determined using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (FilmArray® Gastrointestinal PCR). A target pathogen was identified in 62.7% of subjects. Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli was the most prevalent pathogen and was detected in 24.6% of subjects, followed by Salmonella (22.2%), enteroaggregative E. coli (15.1%), Giardia lamblia (9.5%), and enterotoxigenic E. coli (8.7%). Multiple pathogens were identified in 49.3% of positive stool samples. In a multivariable analysis, the presence of a heart rate ≥ 90 (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 3.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.4–10.0) and > 5 fecal leukocytes/high-power field (adjusted OR = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.2–7.0) were significant predictors of detecting an acute inflammatory pathogen by PCR. Use of multiplex PCR enabled the detection of gastrointestinal pathogens in a high proportion of cases, illustrating the utility of this diagnostic tool in epidemiologic studies of infectious diarrhea.
Dust Radiative Effects on Atmospheric Thermodynamics and Tropical Cyclogenesis
over the Atlantic Ocean Using WRF/Chem Coupled with an AOD Data Assimilation System
Authors: Chen Dan , Liu Zhiquan , Davis Chris , Gu Yu
Published: October 2016

Abstract. This study investigated the dust radiative effects on atmospheric thermodynamics and tropical cyclogenesis over the Atlantic Ocean using WRF-Chem coupled with an aerosol data assimilation (DA) system. MODIS AOD data were assimilated with the Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation three-dimensional variational DA scheme to depict the Saharan dust outbreak events in 2006 summer. Comparisons with Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI), AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) and Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) observations showed that the system was capable of reproducing the dust distribution. Two sets of 180-hr forecasts were conducted with the dust radiative effects activated (RE_ON) and inactivated (RE_OFF), respectively. Differences between the RE_ON and RE_OFF forecasts showed that low-altitude (high-altitude) dust inhibits (favors) convection owing to changes in convective inhibition. Heating in dust layers immediately above the boundary layer increases inhibition whereas sufficiently elevated heating allows cooling above the boundary layer that reduces convective inhibition. Semi-direct effects are also noted in which clouds are altered by thermodynamic changes, which then alter cloud-radiative temperature changes. The analysis of a tropical cyclone (TC) suppression case on Sep. 5 shows evidence of enhanced convective inhibition by direct heating in dust, but also suggests that the low-predictability dynamics of moist convection reduces the determinism of the effects of dust on time scales of TC development (days).
Global sensitivity analysis of the GEOS-Chem chemical transport
model: Ozone and hydrogen oxides during ARCTAS (2008)
Authors: Christian Kenneth E. , Brune William H. , Mao Jingqiu
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Developing predictive capability for future atmospheric oxidation capability requires a detailed analysis of model uncertainties and sensitivity of the modeled oxidation capacity to model input variables. Using oxidant mixing ratios modeled by the GEOS-Chem chemical transport model and measured on the NASA DC8 aircraft, uncertainty and global sensitivity analyses were performed on the GEOS-Chem chemical transport model for the modeled oxidants hydroxyl (OH), hydroperoxyl (HO2), and ozone (O3). The sensitivity of modeled OH, HO2, and ozone to modeled inputs perturbed simultaneously within their respective uncertainties were found for the period of NASA's Arctic Research of the Composition of the Troposphere from Aircraft and Satellites (ARCTAS) A & B campaigns (2008) in the North American Arctic. For the spring deployment (ARCTAS-A), ozone is most sensitive to the photolysis rate of NO2, the NO2 + OH reaction rate, and various emissions, including methyl bromoform (CHBr3). OH and HO2 were overwhelmingly sensitive to aerosol particle uptake of HO2 with this one factor contributing upwards of 75 % of the uncertainty in HO2. For the summer deployment (ARCTAS-B), ozone was most sensitive to emissions factors, such as soil NOx and isoprene. OH and HO2 were most sensitive to biomass emissions and aerosol particle uptake of HO2. With modeled HO2 showing a factor of 2 underestimation compared to measurements in the lowest 2 kilometers of the troposphere, lower uptake rates (γHO2 < 0.04), regardless of whether or not the product of the uptake is H2O or H2O2, produced better agreement between modeled and measured HO2.
Coarse-grained component concurrency in Earth system modeling: parallelizing atmospheric radiative transfer in the GFDL AM3 model using the Flexible Modeling System coupling framework
Authors: Balaji V. , Benson Rusty , Wyman Bruce , Held Isaac
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Climate models represent a large variety of processes on a variety of timescales and space scales, a canonical example of multi-physics multi-scale modeling. Current hardware trends, such as Graphical Processing Units (GPUs) and Many Integrated Core (MIC) chips, are based on, at best, marginal increases in clock speed, coupled with vast increases in concurrency, particularly at the fine grain. Multi-physics codes face particular challenges in achieving fine-grained concurrency, as different physics and dynamics components have different computational profiles, and universal solutions are hard to come by. We propose here one approach for multi-physics codes. These codes are typically structured as components interacting via software frameworks. The component structure of a typical Earth system model consists of a hierarchical and recursive tree of components, each representing a different climate process or dynamical system. This recursive structure generally encompasses a modest level of concurrency at the highest level (e.g., atmosphere and ocean on different processor sets) with serial organization underneath. We propose to extend concurrency much further by running more and more lower- and higher-level components in parallel with each other. Each component can further be parallelized on the fine grain, potentially offering a major increase in the scalability of Earth system models. We present here first results from this approach, called coarse-grained component concurrency, or CCC. Within the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) Flexible Modeling System (FMS), the atmospheric radiative transfer component has been configured to run in parallel with a composite component consisting of every other atmospheric component, including the atmospheric dynamics and all other atmospheric physics components. We will explore the algorithmic challenges involved in such an approach, and present results from such simulations. Plans to achieve even greater levels of coarse-grained concurrency by extending this approach within other components, such as the ocean, will be discussed.
Measuring pH variability using an experimental sensor on an
underwater glider
Authors: Hemming Michael P. , Kaiser Jan , Heywood Karen J. , Bakker Dorothee C. E. , Boutin Jacqueline , Shitashima Kiminori , Lee Gareth , Legge Oliver , Onken Reiner
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Autonomous underwater gliders offer the capability of measuring oceanic parameters continuously at high resolution in both vertical and horizontal planes, with timescales that can extend to many months. An experimental ion sensitive field effect transistor (ISFET) sensor measuring pH on the total scale was attached to a glider during the REP14 – MED experiment in June 2014 in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea. During the deployment, pH was sampled at depths of up to 1000 m, along an 80 km transect over a period of 12 days. Water samples were collected from a nearby ship and analysed for dissolved inorganic carbon concentration and total alkalinity to derive pH for validating the ISFET measurements. The vertical resolution of the pH sensor was good (1 to 2 m), but stability was poor, and the sensor drifted in a non-monotonous fashion. In order to remove the sensor drift, a time-dependent, depth-invariant offset was applied throughout the water column for each dive, reducing the spread of the data by approximately two thirds. Furthermore, the ISFET sensor required temperature and pressure-based corrections, which were achieved using linear regression. Correcting for this decreased the apparent sensor pH variability by a further 13 to 31 %. Sunlight caused an apparent sensor pH decrease of up to 0.1 in surface waters around local noon, highlighting the importance of shielding the sensor away from light in future deployments. The corrected pH from the ISFET sensor is presented along with potential temperature, salinity, potential density anomalies (σθ), and dissolved oxygen concentrations (c(O2)) measured by the glider, providing insights into physical and biogeochemical variability in this region. pH maxima were identified at the depth of the summer chlorophyll maximum, where high c(O2) values were also found. Longitudinal pH variations at depth (σθ > 28.8 kg m−3) highlighted variability of water masses in this region. Higher pH was observed where salinity was > 38.65, and lower pH was found where salinity ranged between 38.3 and 38.65. It seemed that the higher pH was associated with saltier Levantine Intermediate Water. Furthermore, shoaling isopycnals closer to shore coinciding with low pH, high salinity, low c(O2) waters may be indicative of upwelling.
US-Hungarian Relations Ten Years After 1956
Authors: Glant Tibor
Published: October 2016

1966, the tenth anniversary of the 1956 Revolution, was a key year in US–Hungarian relations. Diplomatic relations were raised from the lowest to the highest level, but suspicion and tension remained. Neither side knew what to expect from the other on account of the anniversary, the Vietnam War, economic and cultural negotiations, and the fate of Cardinal Mindszenty. A traditional diplomatic historical approach is supplemented here with cultural materials to present the full scale of contacts ranging from high political issues to the visit of Hollywood movie star Kirk Douglas in Budapest. First Secretary of the Legation for Press and Cultural Affairs Edward Alexander receives special attention, because he played a crucial role in the events of 1966. As press secretary, he helped calm Hungarian fears over what American journalists might report about the anniversary, while as cultural affairs officer he worked on documenting and expanding American cultural presence in Hungary. In the latter capacity, he opened the USIA Library at the Legation, fraternized with blacklisted painters of the Zuglói Kör [‘Zugló Circle’], monitored the Hungarian stage production of My Fair Lady, and reported on the publication of American literature in Hungarian.
Howard Hughes and the Cold War Aviation Film Jet Pilot (1957)
Authors: Voeltz Richard Andrew
Published: October 2016

Some historians argue that heaps of weaponry along with stealth and deception stand as emblems of the Cold War.  But sexual intimacy, conspicuous consumption, and aviation technology also inserted themselves into the perfect safetly of American domestic bliss. This paper will analyze how the eccentric Cold War romantic comedy Jet Pilot (1957) so associated with the compulsiveness of Howard Hughes, produced and written by Jules Furthman, directed ( partially) by Josef von Sternburg and starring John Wayne and Janet Leigh, reflects all these themes making it the paradigmatic Cold Film that remains a camp classic from the American popular cultyre of the 1950s.
Audience Reactions to the Different Aspects of Nollywood Movies
Authors: Onuzulike Uchenna
Published: October 2016

This article juxtaposes two audiences-Nigerians in Nigeria and Nigerians in South Africa in order to ascertain how they perceive favorite aspects and disliked aspects of Nigerian movie productions, popularly known as Nollywood. The results indicate that the two groups favor the depiction of Nigerian/African cultures over other themes; yet, Nigerians in South Africa disfavor the reality of Nollywood movies. The disliked aspects of these films were repetition, poor quality and the supernatural. Grounded in reception analysis and mirroring McLuhan’s hot-cool model, the analysis indicates that the quality of Nollywood movies impacts how audiences decode the movies. Findings suggest that for those living outside of Nigeria, nostalgia leads them to seek movies that allow them to escape into a Nigeria that never was.
An Online CPED Educational Leadership Program: Student Perspectives on Its Value and Influence on Professional Practice
Authors: Lasater Kara , Bengtson Ed , Murphy-Lee Maureen
Published: October 2016

This qualitative case study of an online educational doctorate program in educational leadership examined how students perceived the value and influence of their experiences as doctoral students while practicing as full-time school leaders. Data were collected using surveys and in-depth semi-structured interviews.  Through ongoing analysis of data, three themes emerged surrounding the concepts of: change in ways of thinking; program presented multiple values; and connections to others. The significance of these findings are discussed in terms of how online doctorate programs can be successful in the eyes of students who participate in them by offering synchronous online delivery, providing applicable content, and developing worthwhile connections between students and faculty.
Higher Education Students' Preferences for Applying the Principles of Constructivism in Learning Programming Languages with the Use of ICTs
Authors: Gasaymeh Al-Mothana , AlJa'afreh Ibraheem A. , Al-Dmour Ayman , Alrub Mohammad Abu
Published: October 2016

This study investigated university students’ preferences when the principles of constructivism are applied in their learning of programming languages with the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and the factors which influence these preferences.‎ The respondents for this study were 193 students from three courses teaching programming languages in computer labs. A cross-sectional survey design was used. The study involved one group of students who were taught programming languages based on the principles of constructivism and another group which was taught using the lecture-based teaching methods. At the end of the courses, data were collected through a questionnaire instrument that consisted of set of questions on a five-point Likert scale. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and ANOVA. The results show that in their learning of programming languages, the students had strong preferences for using each of the principles of constructivism considered in this study. The results showed that there were no significant differences in students’ preferences regarding the use of constructivist principles based on gender, age, major, and prior experience in constructivist learning except for one scale. To maximize students' learning, students' preferences regarding the characteristics of the classroom learning environment should govern educational practice. The recommendations for higher education are related to educational practice as well as to ways of using ICTs to support university students' learning in general and to support the learning of programming languages in particular.
Integrating Gender into Canadian Internet Policy: From the Information Highway to the Digital Economy
Authors: Shade Leslie Regan
Published: October 2016

This article provides an overview of gender and Internet policy in Canada from the mid-1990s to the present day. It first traces early federal policy (Fourth World Conference on Women, federal plan for gender equality, and the Information Highway Advisory Council [IHAC]). Turning to the 2000s, the article reviews Canada's influence in international initiatives (World Summit on the Information Society). The article then reviews Conservative government initiatives (digital economy agenda, Digital Canada 150), illustrating a decline for digital inclusion. With a new Liberal government, the article concludes with areas of engagement by government and civil society toward digital and gender inclusion.
2012 Update: Guidelines for Adult Urinary Incontinence Collaborative Consensus Document for the Canadian Urological Association
Authors: Bettez Mathieu , Tu Le Mai , Carlson Kevin , Corcos Jacques , Gajewski Jerzy , Jolivet Martine , Bailly Greg
Published: October 2016

Adult urinary incontinence (UI) is a highly prevalentcondition, and one which can have a major impacton patients’ quality of life. It is also a major focus ofa urologist’s workload. As a result, the Canadian UrologicalAssociation (CUA), with the aid of its Guidelines Committee,commissioned the development of a practice guideline documentin 2005 first authored by Dr. Jacques Corcos. As perthe CUA Guidelines Committee’s mandate, all guidelinesare subject to revision after 5 years.
Cancer Care Ontario Guidelines for radical prostatectomy: Striving for continuous quality improvement in community practice
Authors: Webster Todd M. , Newell Christopher , Amrhein John F.
Published: October 2016

Objective: Cancer Care Ontario has published an evidence-based guideline on their website “Guideline for Optimization of Surgicaland Pathological Quality Performance for Radical Prostatectomy in Prostate Cancer Management: Surgical and Pathological Guidelines.” The evidentiary base for this guideline was recently published in CUAJ. The CCO guideline proposes the following: a positive surgical margin (PSM) rate of <25% for organ-confined disease (pT2), a perioperative mortality of <1%, a rate of rectal injury <1%, and a blood transfusion rate <10% in non-anemic patients. The objective of this study was to review the radical prostatectomy practice at the Grey Bruce Health Services, an Ontario community hospital, and to compare our performance in relation to the Cancer Care Ontario guideline and the literature.Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of all radical prostatectomies performed at the Grey Bruce Health Services from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2007. The following data were obtained from clinical records and pathology reports: patient age, pre-biopsy prostate-specific antigen, biopsy Gleason score, resected prostate gland weight, radical prostatectomy Gleason score, surgical margin status, pathological tumour stage (pT), lymph node dissection status, perioperative incidence of transfusion of blood products and if the patient was anemic (hemoglobin <140 g/L) preoperatively, incidence of rectal injury, and perioperative mortality within 30 days following surgery.Results: Using the method proposed by D’Amico, most patients undergoing radical prostatectomy were intermediate risk (62%), with a minority of low-risk (24%) and high-risk (14%) patients. The overall PSM rate was 37%. The rate of PSMs in organ-confined disease (pT2) was 26%. There was a statistically significant trend between increasing D’Amico risk category and increasing rate of PSM (Cochran-Armitage trend test, p = 0.023). There was a strong correlation between the pathological tumour stage and the rate of PSM (Cochran-Armitage trend test, p = 0.0003). The rate of blood transfusion in non-anemic patients was 6%. There was 1 patient (0.8%) who experienced a rectal injury. There were no perioperative deaths in our study group.Conclusion: Our results show that a community hospital group can appropriately select patients to undergo radical prostatectomy, as well as achieve an acceptable rate of PSMs. We believe that ongoing critical appraisal and reflective practice are essential to improving surgical outcomes and providing quality care.
Self-performed glansectomy and surgical repair by a nonpsychotic patient on androgen replacement therapy
Authors: Roth Kirk , Izard Jason , Beiko Darren
Published: October 2016

Genital self-amputation in men is a rare condition. We report aninteresting case of penile self-amputation that was performed andsurgically repaired by a nonpsychotic patient who was enrolledin a clinical trial for androgen replacement therapy. Using steriletechnique for amputation of the glans penis and using cotton threadto suture the wound, the patient was able to avoid hemorrhageand infection. This is the first reported case of androgen therapy–induced penile self-amputation with patient-performed surgicalreconstruction using primitive instruments.
Composite paraganglioma-ganglioneuroma of the urinary bladder: a rare neoplasm causing hemodynamic crisis at tumour resection
Authors: Chen C-H. , Boag Alexander H. , Beiko Darren T. , Siemens Robert , Froese Alison , Isotalo Phillip A.
Published: October 2016

A 64-year-old man presented with gross painless hematuria.Cystoscopy revealed a submucosal bladder neck mass coveredby normal urothelium. During transurethral resection, the patientdeveloped hemodynamic crisis including sinus bradycardia.Histopathologic examination revealed a primary bladder compositeparaganglioma-ganglioneuroma (CPG). The patient underwentpartial cystectomy and is symptom-free after one year. BladderCPGs are extremely rare neoplasms that may result in lifethreateningcatecholamine secretion, especially during tumourmanipulation. These tumours require complete surgical excisionand should be included in the differential diagnosis of any solitarybladder mass covered by normal urothelium, especially whenthere is a history of hypertension or micturition attacks.
Giant renal leiomyoma: a case report and brief review of the literature
Authors: Andreoiu Matei , Drachenberg Darrel , MacMahon Ross
Published: October 2016

We report on a very large renal leiomyoma in a man presentingwith a 1-year history of lower back and flank pain and a rapidlygrowing abdominal mass. Since a cystic renal cell carcinomacould not be ruled out, a postembolization right radical nephrectomywas performed. Diagnosis was confirmed by pathologic andhistologic analysis. Renal leiomyomas are very rare benign tumoursthat are nearly indistinguishable from leiomyosarcoma or renalcell carcinoma preoperatively. This case represents the secondlargest such entity reported and demonstrates the limited abilityof accurate diagnostic determination preoperatively, with pathologicexamination and immune-histochemical staining postnephrectomyrepresenting the only definitive means of diagnosis. A briefreview of the literature and an outline of typical clinical and pathologicfeatures of renal leiomyomas are also presented.
Management of skeletal-related events in patients with advanced prostate cancer and bone metastases: Incorporating new agents into clinical practice
Authors: So Alan , Chin Joseph , Fleshner Neil , Saad Fred
Published: October 2016

Skeletal-related events (SREs) are a common complication of bone metastases, and have serious negative consequences for patients with castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). SREs can lead to severe pain, increased risk of death, increased health care costs and reduced quality of life. Until recently, zoledronic acid has been the sole standard of care for the prevention of SREs in men with CRPC with bone metastases. Denosumab, a receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANK-L) inhibitor, has been recently approved for use in Canada for this indication, thus presenting another option for these patients. Denosumab was shown to be superior to zoledronic acid in delaying the time to first or subsequent SREs in CRPC patients with bone metastases. This review discusses current and previous trials examining agents designed to prevent SREs in men with CRPC and bone metastases. It also discusses the practical aspects of administering a bone-targeted therapy, including choosing a bone-targeted therapy, monitoring at the onset and during therapy, switching from one therapy to another, and assessing potential complications.
Steps in the investigation and management of low semen volume in the infertile man
Authors: Roberts Matthew , Jarvi Keith
Published: October 2016

An adequate semen volume of ejaculate fluid is required to transportsperm into the female reproductive tract and allow for fertilizationof the oocyte. Thus, seminal fluid volume is an importantpart of the semen analysis done to investigate male infertility. Inthis article, we review the anatomy and physiology of ejaculation,the various etiologies of low-volume ejaculation (artifactual,structural, functional). We then present a comprehensive algorithmfor the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of the infertileman presenting with low semen volume.Un volume suffisant de liquide séminal dans l’éjaculat est nécessairepour transporter les spermatozoïdes dans les voies reproductricesde la femme et permettre la fécondation de l’ovule.Ainsi, le volume de liquide séminal est une partie importante del’analyse du sperme effectuée afin d’évaluer la fertilité mâle. Dansnotre article, nous passons en revue l’anatomie et la physiologiede l’éjaculation et les diverses causes (artéfactuelles, structuraleset fonctionnelles) d’un faible volume d’éjaculat. Nous présentonsensuite un algorithme complet pour l’évaluation, le diagnostic etle traitement de l’infertilité dans les cas de faible volume de li -quide séminal.
Histologic variants of urothelial bladder cancer and nonurothelial histology in bladder cancer
Authors: Chalasani Venu , Chin Joseph L. , Izawa Jonathan I.
Published: October 2016

Bladder cancer can be classified histologically as urothelial ornon-urothelial. Urothelial cancer has a propensity for divergentdifferentiation, which has increasingly been recognized in recentyears due to heightened awareness and improved immunohistochemistrytechniques. Furthermore, the recent World HealthOrganization classification of urothelial cancers improved clarityon this issue, with its listing of 13 histologic variants of urothelialcancer. The divergent differentiation patterns include, amongstothers, squamous, glandular, micropapillary, nested, lymphepithelioma-like, plasmacytoid and sarcomatoid variants of urothelialcancer. Attempts to quantify the amount of divergent differentiationpresent, such as using the nonconventional differentiationnumber, have been made recently, which will improve the abilityto compare publications from different centres. Genetic-basedstudies have indicated that the histologic variants of urothelialcancer arise from a common clonal precursor. Mostly, the currentevidence suggests that urothelial cancer with divergent differentiationhas a worse prognosis when compared with pure urothelialcancer. This article will review the current literature on varianthistologies of urothelial cancer, and well as new developmentsin pure squamous cell carcinoma, small cell carcinoma and adenocarcinomaof the bladder.
Role of lymphadenectomy for invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Yafi Faysal A. , Kassouf Wassim
Published: October 2016

Radical cystectomy with lymph node dissection remains the standardof care in the treatment of muscle-invasive and refractorynon-invasive bladder cancer. Over the past decade, the extent oflymphadenectomy has varied to include dissection up to the commoniliac vessels and aortic bifurcation proximally (may also extendup to the level of the inferior mesenteric artery), the genitofemoralnerve laterally, the circumflex iliac vein and lymph node of Cloquetdistally, and the hypogastric vessels posteriorly (obturator fossa,presciatic nodes bilaterally and the presacral lymph nodes overthe sacral promontory). Evidence supports the role of lymphadenectomyas both a therapeutic and prognostic variable in patientswith invasive bladder cancer. We review the literature regardingthe role and extent of lymphadenectomy, as well as its impact onpatient outcomes.
Management of the urethra in urothelial bladder cancer
Authors: Kanaroglou Androniki , Shayegan Bobby
Published: October 2016

The standard of care in the management of invasive urothelialcancer of the bladder is radical cystectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy.Although uncommon, recurrence of disease in the retainedurethra following cystectomy carries a poor prognosis. The needfor assessment of risk of recurrence is greater now than ever withwider adoption of orthotopic bladder substitution. This reviewwill address the contemporary management of the urethra followingcystectomy for urothelial cancer.
Surveillance strategies after definitive therapy of invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Cagiannos Ilias , Morash Christopher
Published: October 2016

Following definitive therapy for muscle invasive bladder cancer,patients remain at risk for local and distant recurrence. Additionally,recurrences can result from formation of new tumours elsewherein the urinary tract. We review patterns of recurrence and theprognosis associated with recurrence. Optimal surveillance strategiesare discussed.
Prostate cancer survival in Trinidad: Is PSA a prognostic factor?
Authors: Mungrue Kameel , Moonan Suresh , Mohammed Maryam , Hyatali Saara
Published: October 2016

Background: Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy among men in the western hemisphere, including Trinidad and Tobago. The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiological features of prostate cancer among patients admitted to a tertiary level teaching hospital during 2002 to 2005. We assessed the long term survival of patients with prostate cancer and the epidemiology of the disease.Methods: We reviewed the admissions data for the period 2002-2005. Demographic, clinical and outcomes (survival or death) data were collected and analysed, using SPSS version 16. Statistical analysis included Kaplan-Mier survival analysis, Cox regression models and the log-rank test. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Of the 1250 cases reviewed, 242 participants were selected. Patients of African ancestry, older than 60 years and a Gleason score greater than 7 had an increased risk of mortality. Patients with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) ≥100 ng/L had a 3-fold increasedrisk of mortality. Survival rates declined between 2002 and 2005.Conclusion: This is the first study of its kind to demonstrate survival rates among patients with prostate cancer in Trinidad. The following epidemiological features were identified: average age of occurrence of 71 years, ethnic disparity with higher occurrence in African men than all other ethnic groups and a PSA of >100 ng/dL. These features were associated with a 3-fold higher risk of death. A Gleason score of 8 to 10 was also associated with lower survival rates.
Focal magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound for prostate cancer: Initial North American experience
Authors: Lindner Uri , Ghai Sangeet , Spensieri Paula , Hlasny Eugen , Van der Kwast Theodorus H. , McCluskey Stuart A. , Haider Masoom A. , Kucharczyk Walter , Trachtenberg John
Published: October 2016

The treatment of low-risk prostate cancer is a common clinical dilemma between standard curative whole gland therapy (and its associated quality of life diminishing side effects) and active surveillance (and its low, but real, risk of progression). The goal of focal therapy in low-risk prostate cancer is to achieve the best balance between cancer control and maintenance of quality of life. Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) surgery is a non-invasive thermal ablation method that integrates magnetic resonance imaging for target identification, treatment planning and closed-loop control of thermal deposition and focused ultrasound for thermal ablation of the tumour target. This novel transrectal system allows for tumour localization, targeting and monitoring of tumour target ablation in real time, while simultaneously preserving adjacent normal tissue thereby minimizing the side effects of standard curative surgical or radiation therapy. We report the first North American clinical experience of treatment of localized prostate cancer with focal MR-guided transrectal focused ultrasound (clinicaltrial.gov identifier NCT01226576).
Ewing’s sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the prostate a case report and literature review
Authors: Wu Tao , Jin Tao , Luo Deyi , Chen Lin , Li Xiang
Published: October 2016

We present a case of Ewing’s sarcoma (ES) and primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) of prostate. A 29-year-old male presented with difficult defecation and anus distention and was found on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the pelvis to have a prostate tumor. A transrectal ultrasound guided needle biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. The patient underwent cystoprostatectomy and replacement ileocystoplasty and was followed by multiagent chemotherapy. PNET/EWS of the prostate is an extremely rare neoplasm. And the prognosis is very poor, so we should pay enough attention to the differential diagnosis and treatment.