bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antihypertensive treatment and stroke prevention: are angiotensin receptor blockers superior to other antihypertensive agents?
Authors: Armario Pedro , de la Sierra Alejandro
Published: May 2009

Stroke remains a common vascular event with high mortality and morbidity. After heart disease, stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide in adult persons. Silent or subclinical stroke is likely to occur with even greater frequency than clinical stroke and increases the risk of subsequent cerebrovascular events. Hypertension is by far the single most important controllable risk factor for stroke. The relationship between blood pressure (BP) and stroke mortality is strong, linear, and continuous in subjects with levels of BP higher than 115/75 mm Hg. Blood pressure reduction by antihypertensive treatment is clearly efficacious in the prevention of stroke (both primary and secondary). Although meta-analyses suggest that BP reduction, per se, is the most important determinant for stroke risk reduction, the question is if specific classes of antihypertensive drugs offer special protection against stroke is still controversial. Some studies have suggested that angiotensin receptors blockers (ARBs) appear to offer additional protection against stroke. This has been hypothesized in studies in hypertensives, such as LIFE and SCOPE, and especially in the only comparative trial focused on secondary stroke prevention. In the MOSES trial, the comparison of eprosartan versus nitrendipine in patients with a previous stroke resulted, despite a similar BP reduction, in a significant reduction in the primary composite endpoint of total mortality plus cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, including recurrent events. These results may suggest a blood pressure-independent effect of ARBs, which can be mediated through several mechanisms, including their ability to counteract other markers of target organ damage, but also through a direct neuroprotective effect.
Impaired cardiac autonomic control relates to disease severity in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Wensel R. , Jilek C. , Dörr M. , Francis D. P. , Stadler H. , Lange T. , Blumberg F. , Opitz C. , Pfeifer M. , Ewert R.
Published: May 2009

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) results in chronic right heart failure, which is associated with an increase in sympathetic tone. This may adversely affect cardiac autonomic control. We investigated the changes in cardiac autonomic nervous activity in relation to disease severity in patients with PAH.

In 48 patients with PAH (median World Health Organization class III, pulmonary artery pressure 52±14 mmHg, pulmonary vascular resistance 1,202±718 dyn·s·cm−5, cardiac index 2.0±0.8 L·min−1·m−2) and 41 controls, cardiac autonomic nervous activity was evaluated by measurement of heart rate variability (HRV) and baroreflex sensitivity. All patients underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (peak oxygen uptake 13.2±5.1 mL·kg−1·min−1, minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production slope 47±16).

In patients with PAH, spectral power of HRV was reduced in the high-frequency (239±64versus563±167 ms2), low-frequency (245±58versus599±219 ms2) and very low-frequency bands (510±149versus1106±598 ms2; all p<0.05). Baroreflex sensitivity was also blunted (5.8±0.6versus13.9±1.2 ms·mmHg−1; p<0.01). The reduction in high-frequency (r = 0.3, p = 0.04) and low-frequency (r = 0.33, p = 0.02) spectral power and baroreflex sensitivity (r = 0.46, p<0.01) was related to the reduction in peak oxygen uptake.

Patients with PAH have a marked alteration in cardiac autonomic control that is related to exercise capacity and may, therefore, serve as an additional marker of disease severity.
Aquaporins: translating bench research to human disease
Authors: Verkman A. S.
Published: May 2009

There is considerable potential for translating knowledge of aquaporin structure, function and physiology to the clinic. One area is in aquaporin-based diagnostics. The discovery of AQP4 autoantibodies as a marker of the neuromyelitis optica form of multiple sclerosis has allowed precise diagnosis of this disease. Other aquaporin-based diagnostics are possible. Another area is in aquaporin-based genetics. Genetic diseases caused by loss-of-function mutations in aquaporins include nephrogenic diabetes insipidus and cataracts, and functionally significant aquaporin polymorphisms are beginning to be explored. Perhaps of greatest translational potential is aquaporin-based therapeutics. Information largely from aquaporin knockout mice has implicated key roles of aquaporin-facilitated water transport in transepithelial fluid transport (urinary concentrating, gland fluid secretion), water movement into and out of the brain, cell migration(angiogenesis, tumor metastasis, wound healing) and neural function (sensory signaling, seizures). A subset of aquaporins that transport both water and glycerol, the `aquaglyceroporins', regulate glycerol content in epidermal, fat and other tissues, and are involved in skin hydration, cell proliferation,carcinogenesis and fat metabolism. Aquaporin-based modulator drugs are predicted to be of broad potential utility in the treatment of edematous states, cancer, obesity, wound healing, epilepsy and glaucoma. These exciting possibilities and their associated challenges are reviewed.
Ammonia and urea transporters in gills of fish and aquatic crustaceans
Authors: Weihrauch Dirk , Wilkie Michael P. , Walsh Patrick J.
Published: May 2009

The diversity of mechanisms of ammonia and urea excretion by the gills and other epithelia of aquatic organisms, especially fish and crustaceans, has been studied for decades. Although the decades-old dogma of `aquatic species excrete ammonia' still explains nitrogenous waste excretion for many species,it is clear that there are many mechanistic variations on this theme. Even within species that are ammonoteles, the process is not purely `passive',often relying on the energizing effects of proton and sodium–potassium ATPases. Within the ammonoteles, Rh (Rhesus) proteins are beginning to emerge as vital ammonia conduits. Many fishes are also known to be capable of substantial synthesis and excretion of urea as a nitrogenous waste. In such species, members of the UT family of urea transporters have been identified as important players in urea transport across the gills. This review attempts to draw together recent information to update the mechanisms of ammonia and urea transport by the gills of aquatic species. Furthermore, we point out several potentially fruitful avenues for further research.
Ion uptake and acid secretion in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Hwang Pung-Pung
Published: May 2009

Transepithelial transport is one of the major processes involved in the mechanism of homeostasis of body fluids in vertebrates including fish. The current models of ion regulation in fish gill ionocytes have been proposed mainly based on studies in traditional model species like salmon, trout,tilapia, eel and killifish, but the mechanisms are still being debated due to the lack of convincing molecular physiological evidence. Taking advantage of plentiful genetic databases for zebrafish, we studied the molecular/cellular mechanisms of ion regulation in fish skin/gills. In our recently proposed model, there are at least three subtypes of ionocytes in zebrafish skin/gills:Na+–K+-ATPase-rich (NaR),Na+–Cl– cotransporter (NCC) and H+-ATPase-rich (HR) cells. Specific isoforms of transporters and enzymes have been identified as being expressed by these ionocytes: zECaC,zPMCA2 and zNCX1b by NaR cells; zNCC gill form by NCC cells; and zH+-ATPase, zNHE3b, zCA2-like a and zCA15a by HR cells. Serial molecular physiological experiments demonstrated the distinct roles of these ionocytes in the transport of various ions: HR, NaR and NCC cells are respectively responsible for acid secretion/Na+ uptake,Ca2+ uptake and Cl– uptake. The expression,regulation and function of transporters in HR and NaR cells are much better understood than those in NCC cells. The basolateral transport pathways in HR and NCC cells are still unclear, and the driving forces for the operations of apical NHE and NCC are another unresolved issue. Studies on zebrafish skin/gill ionocytes are providing new insights into fish ion-regulatory mechanisms, but the zebrafish model cannot simply be applied to other species because of species differences and a lack of sufficient molecular physiological evidence in other species.
Surface roughness prediction based on the correlation between surface roughness and cutting vibrations in dry turning with TiN-coated carbide tools
Authors: Salgado D R , Cambero I , Marcelo A , Alonso F J
Published: May 2009

This paper presents an approach to improving surface roughness prediction that is based on analysing cutting tool vibrations by a novel signal processing technique known as singular spectrum analysis (SSA). Each eigenvalue of the SSA decomposition of each vibration (radial, tangential, and feed vibration) and its corresponding principal component are studied and analysed to select only those eigenvalues of each vibration signal decomposition that contain valuable information for the development of a surface roughness prediction system (SRPS). Also, the influence of tool geometry and tool flank wear on the SSA decomposition of the vibrations is studied. Finally, only the information most correlated with surface quality, extracted by means of SSA of each vibration, is used to develop an SRPS. Experimental results provide conclusive support for the proposed SRPS, and justify the use of the SSA technique in the design of these systems. The ability of the SSA technique to extract only the information correlated with surface roughness of each cutting vibration and the manner in which tool geometry and tool flank wear influence the final Ra constitute the main contributions of this work.
Theoretical and experimental investigation of an organic Rankine cycle for a waste heat recovery system
Authors: Gu W , Weng Y , Wang Y , Zheng B
Published: May 2009

This article describes and evaluates an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) for a waste heat recovery system by both theoretical and experimental studies. Theoretical analysis of several working fluids shows that cycle efficiency is very sensitive to evaporating pressure, but insensitive to expander inlet temperature. Second law analysis was carried out using R600a as a working fluid and a flow of hot air as a heat source, which is not isothermal, along the evaporator. The result discloses that the evaporator's internal and external entropy generation is the main source of total entropy generation. The effect of the heat source temperature, evaporating pressure, and evaporator size on the entropy generation rate is also presented. The obtained useful power is directly linked to the total entropy generation rate according to the Gouy—Stodola theorem. The ORC testing system was established and operated using R600a as a working fluid and hot water as a heat source. The maximum cycle efficiency of the testing system is 5.2 per cent, and the testing result also proves that cycle efficiency is insensitive to heat source temperature, but sensitive to evaporating pressure. The entropy result also shows that internal and external entropy of the evaporator is the main source of total entropy generation.
Field-oriented modelling for a two-phase axial-flux brushless motor in a direct-drive electric vehicle by using similarity transformation and singular value decomposition methods
Authors: Kuo J-L , Chao K-L
Published: May 2009

Modelling techniques are proposed for describing a two-phase axial-flux brushless motor in a direct-drive electric vehicle. Similarity transformation and singular value decomposition (ST-SVD) methods are used to linearize the system model. Stationary and cosecant coordinate models are derived on the basis of the methods proposed. Decoupled inductances and constant torque relations are also obtained. The model proposed is a very useful aid in describing the system dynamics. Simulation and experimental results are illustrated to verify the validity of the model. The given system modelling techniques can provide valuable mathematical models for associated vector control.
Self-tuning dead-zone compensation fuzzy logic controller for a switched-reluctance-motor direct-drive hydraulic press
Authors: Wei S G , Zhao S D , Zheng J M , Zhang Y
Published: May 2009

This paper presents a switched-reluctance-motor direct-drive hydraulic press controlled by a self-tuning dead-zone compensation fuzzy logic controller. In the direct-drive hydraulic press, the motor works only when the hydraulic press is in operation, so the motor does not need to work continuously, which can reduce the electrical energy consumption. Nevertheless, the performance of the hydraulic press is limited by the dead zone of the switched-reluctance motor. A self-tuning dead-zone compensation fuzzy controller has been designed to solve this problem. The proposed controller has been simulated and then implemented in the hydraulic press. Normal operation and no-load tests have been carried out on the hydraulic press according to the planned motion path of the punch. The experimental results show that the switched-reluctance-motor direct-drive hydraulic press performs well with the proposed controller.
Nature of the Observed Asymmetry in Mössbauer Spectra of Iron (2+) Hexacyanometallates (III)
Authors: Reguera E. , Yee-Madeira H. , Demeshko S. , Eckold G. , Jimenez-Gallegos J.
Published: May 2009

The material under study belongs to the Prussian blue analogues family, which are coordination compounds with a porous framework appropriate for the storage of small molecules, among them hydrogen. The porous framework results from systematic vacancies for the octahedral building block, [M(CN)6], in a 3D structure. Mössbauer spectroscopy is a powerful tool to obtain structural information on the local environment for the iron nucleus in these materials. Mössbauer spectra of iron (2+) hexacyanometallates (III) show two slightly asymmetric quadrupole splitting doublets. These two doublets correspond to two non-equivalent structural sites for the iron atom in the framework related with a non-random vacancy distribution. The observed asymmetry was ascribed to a vibrational anisotropy for these iron sites. The asymmetry decreases on the sample cooling and for 7 K it practically disappears. The iron atom is found at the cavities surface with a mixed coordination sphere, Fe(NC)6–x
(H2O)
x
. Such anisotropic coordination environment could explain the presence of certain vibrational anisotropy detected as asymmetric quadrupole splitting doublets.
Seismic performance of waffled-slab floor buildings
Authors: Vielma J. , Barbat A. H. , Oller S.
Published: May 2009

The codes used in seismic design of waffled-slab floors buildings (WSFB), such as the Spanish NCSE-02 earthquake-resistant design code, assign them restricted ductility, utilise linear structural analysis based on modal analysis, but also consider the structural ductility concept. Uncertainties arise whenever these codes are applied to the special case of buildings with waffled-slab floors, the ductility of which is doubtful. In many cases, during earthquakes, buildings with restricted ductility are unable to reach the ductility values assumed in the design process, although they may exhibit adequate values of overstrength. This paper therefore studies typical WSFB by applying static incremental non-linear analysis procedures (pushover analysis) in order to calculate their actual structural ductility and overstrength values. Fragility curves corresponding to different damage states and damage probability matrices are also calculated and compared with those of moment-resisting frame buildings (MRFB) in order to obtain useful conclusions for earthquake resistant design. One of the most relevant conclusions of this article is that the use of a better confinement and of ductile steel can only improve the seismic behaviour of MRFB but not that of WSFB.
Perceived Racial Discrimination in Health Care: A Comparison of Veterans Affairs and Other Patients
Authors: Hausmann Leslie R. M. , Jeong Kwonho , Bost James E. , Kressin Nancy R. , Ibrahim Said A.
Published: May 2009

Objectives. We compared rates of perceived racial discrimination in health care settings for veteran and nonveteran patients and for veterans who used the Veterans Affairs health care system and those who did not.

Methods. Data were drawn from the 2004 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. We used logistic regression to examine whether perceived racial discrimination in health care was associated with veteran status or use of Veterans Affairs health care, after adjusting for patient characteristics.

Results. In this sample of 35 902 people, rates of perceived discrimination were equal for veterans and nonveterans (3.4% and 3.5%, respectively; crude odds ratio [OR] = 1.00; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.77, 1.28; adjusted OR = 0.92; 95% CI = 0.66, 1.28). Among veterans (n = 3420), perceived discrimination was more prevalent among patients who used Veterans Affairs facilities than among those who did not (5.4% vs 2.7%; OR = 2.08; 95% CI = 1.04, 4.18). However, this difference was not significant after adjustment for patient characteristics (OR = 1.30; 95% CI = 0.54, 3.13).

Conclusions. Perceived racial discrimination in health care was equally prevalent among veterans and nonveterans and among veterans who used the Veterans Affairs health care system and those who did not.
Stealing a March in the 21st Century: Accelerating Progress in the 100-Year War Against Tobacco Addiction in the United States
Authors: Fiore Michael C. , Baker Timothy B.
Published: May 2009

Tobacco use in the United States has declined dramatically over the past 50 years, with the prevalence of cigarette smoking falling from about 42% of all adults to less than 20% by 2007. If this rate of decline continues, smoking could be eliminated in the United States by 2047.

Framed in military parlance, we may be halfway through a 100-year war against the leading public health killer of our time. We describe factors that have contributed to progress over the last 50 years and identify policy and other initiatives that can contribute to the elimination of tobacco use in the United States.
Interspecies Transfer of Resistance to Anthracnose in Lentil (Lens culinaris Medic.)
Authors: Fiala Jane V. , Tullu Abebe , Banniza Sabine , Séguin‐Swartz Ginette , Vandenberg Albert
Published: May 2009

Lentil, Lens culinaris subsp. culinaris Medic., is an important legume crop on the Canadian prairies. Anthracnose, a fungal disease caused by Colletotrichum truncatum (Schwein.) Andrus & W.D. Moore, is a major barrier to seed yield and quality in lentil. Pathogenicity testing has revealed two races, Ct1 and Ct0, of C. truncatum in western Canada. No cultivar or landrace of cultivated lentil has been reported with resistance to anthracnose race Ct0. A search for Ct0 resistance in the wild species identified a high frequency of resistant accessions in Lens ervoides (Brign.) Grande. To incorporate higher levels of resistance from L. ervoides to the two races of anthracnose, a cross was made between a susceptible L. culinaris cultivar, Eston, and a resistant accession of L. ervoides germplasm, L‐01‐827A, which has both Ct0 and Ct1 resistance. Embryo rescue technique was used to obtain an F1 hybrid. Single‐seed descent was used to advance the individual F2 plants to F7:8 recombinant inbred lines. Evidence of transfer of resistance to both anthracnose races Ct1 and Ct0 from the wild species to cultivated lentil is presented. Chi‐square tests of goodness of fit indicated that resistance to race Ct1 and race Ct0 may be conferred by two recessive genes. However, these results may be skewed due to variable fertility encountered in development of the population. Selection of resistant lines for use in pyramiding genes in breeding programs should result in a more durable level of resistance to anthracnose in lentil.
Soybean Response to Inoculation and Nitrogen Application Following Long‐Term Grass Pasture
Authors: Ruiz Diaz Dorivar A. , Pedersen Palle , Sawyer John E.
Published: May 2009

Current demand for soybean grain [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] may lead to a conversion of pasture and Conservation Reserve Program fields into soybean or corn (Zea mays L.) production. Our objective was to determine the effect of soybean seed inoculation with Bradyrhizobium spp. and fertilizer N application rate on soybean productivity planted 1 and 2 yr after conversion to row crop production. Soybean followed the pasture the first year and followed an intervening corn crop the second year. Treatments consisted of a factorial arrangement of seed inoculation and fertilizer N rate. Application of rhizobia inoculum significantly increased soybean grain yield by an average of 130 kg ha−1 Plant dry matter (DM), N concentration, N accumulation, and grain N were also increased with soybean seed inoculation; however, seed quality was not affected. Fertilizer N application increased plant DM but did not increase grain yield, with or without inoculation. Furthermore, N fertilizer did not increase plant N or improve seed quality. Results from this study indicate that growers should inoculate soybean seed when planted after long‐term grass pasture. Application of N fertilizer is not suggested even if no rhizobia seed inoculation is used because fertilizer N did not improve grain yield.
H2S, VOC, TOC, electronic noses and odour concentration: use and comparison of different parameters for emission measurement on air treatment systems
Authors: Franke W. , Frechen F.-B. , Giebel S.
Published: May 2009

Odour measurement via olfactometry is expensive and has a low accuracy compared with chemical or physical methods. In addition, olfactometry is not suited for online monitoring. Hence, an accurate online method for emission measurement would be an enormous improvement. There are several options to more or less replace the offline olfactometry by online measurement available today. Most common are H2S-concentration as a single gas parameter and VOC and TOC as composite parameters. A fairly new development are multi sensor arrays, usually referred to as “electronic noses” which carry out non-specific gas measurement and deliver measurement data that can visualized as a fingerprint diagram. This paper outlines the use of these different parameters and compares the results to those gained via olfactometry of several case studies.
CWM1: a general model to describe biokinetic processes in subsurface flow constructed wetlands
Authors: Langergraber Guenter , Rousseau Diederik P. L. , García Joan , Mena Javier
Published: May 2009

This paper presents the Constructed Wetland Model No1 (CWM1), a general model to describe biochemical transformation and degradation processes for organic matter, nitrogen and sulphur in subsurface flow constructed wetlands. The main objective of CWM1 is to predict effluent concentrations from constructed wetlands without predicting gaseous emissions. CWM1 describes aerobic, anoxic and anaerobic processes and is therefore applicable to both horizontal and vertical flow systems. 17 processes and 16 components (8 soluble and 8 particulate) are considered. CWM1 is based on the mathematical formulation as introduced by the IWA Activated Sludge Models (ASMs). It is important to note that besides the biokinetic model a number of other processes including porous media hydrodynamics, the influence of plants, the transport of particles/suspended matter to describe clogging processes, adsorption and desorption processes and physical re-aeration must be considered for the formulation of a full model for constructed wetlands
Research on the application of horseradish peroxidase and hydrogen peroxide to the oil removal of oily water
Authors: Li Z. L. , Liu W. , Chen X. F. , Shang W. L.
Published: May 2009

Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) has the advantages of low cost, obtaining convenience, broad substrate specificity, etc, so it may be a suitable kind of enzyme to remove dilute emulsified oil and dissolved oil from water. The effect factors of the oil removal using HRP, such as pH, concentrations of HRP and H2O2, additives, Fe2 +  ion, temperature and reaction time were researched. When the initial oil concentration was 120 mg/L, the remaining oil concentrations of the synthetic oily water and an actual oily wastewater reached 24.83 mg/L and 21.30 mg/L, respectively. The treatment of oily water using HRP and H2O2 is feasible. It has good application prospects.
Kinetics of biodegradation of phenolic wastewater in a biofilm reactor
Authors: Lin Yen-Hui , Hsien Tzu-Yang
Published: May 2009

This work presents a mathematical model to describe the biodegradation of phenolic wastewater in a fixed-biofilm process. The model incorporates diffusive mass transport and Haldane kinetics mechanisms. The model was solved using a combination of the orthogonal collocation method and Gear's method. A laboratory-scale column reactor was employed to verify the model. Batch kinetic tests were conducted independently to determine biokinetic parameters for the model simulation with the initial biofilm thickness assumed. The model simulated the phenol effluent concentration results well. Removal efficiency for phenol was approximately 94–96.5% for different hydraulic retention times at a steady-state condition. Model simulations results are in agreement with experimental results. The approaches of model and experiments presented in this paper could be used to design a pilot-scale or full-scale fixed-biofilm reactor system for the biodegradation of phenolic wastewater from petrochemical and oil refining plants.
The Dialectics of Childhood Diarrhea Mortality
Authors: Burström Bo , Öberg Lisa
Published: May 2009

As in European countries a century ago, diarrhea is a major cause of child mortality in poor countries today. In Stockholm at the turn of the 19th century, political commitment, infrastructural investments in water and sanitation, and enforcement of sanitary improvements by a strong implementing organization helped eliminate diarrhea as a principal cause of death among children. These interventions also had an equitable impact on social class differences in diarrhea mortality, but not on overall mortality; overall mortality declined, but class differences remained. General infrastructural improvement and health education coupled with targeted interventions to vulnerable children may be successful in improving child health and reducing social differentials in mortality. Specific health care interventions may need to be complemented by infrastructural investments to improve water and sanitation if diarrhea mortality is to be further reduced in poor countries today.
Comparison of laser lithotripsy and cystotomy for the management of dogs with urolithiasis
Authors: Bevan John M. , Lulich Jody P. , Albasan Hasan , Osborne Carl A.
Published: May 2009

Objective—To compare efficacy, required resources, and perioperative complications between laser lithotripsy and cystotomy for urolith (ie, urocystoliths and urethroliths) removal in dogs.

Design—Retrospective case-control study.

Animals—66 dogs with urolithiasis treated by laser lithotripsy (case dogs) and 66 dogs with urolithiasis treated by cystotomy (control dogs).

Procedures—Medical records were reviewed. Complete urolith removal rate, resources (ie, duration of hospitalization, procedure time, anesthesia time, procedure cost, and anesthesia cost), and complications (ie, hypotension, hypothermia, incomplete urolith removal, and requirement of an ancillary procedure) were compared between cystotomy group dogs and lithotripsy group dogs.

Results—Duration of hospitalization was significantly shorter for lithotripsy group dogs, compared with cystotomy group dogs. Procedure time was significantly shorter for cystotomy group dogs, compared with lithotripsy group dogs. Cost of anesthesia was significantly less for cystotomy group dogs, compared with lithotripsy group dogs. No significant differences were found between cystotomy group dogs and lithotripsy group dogs with regard to urolith removal rate, procedure cost, anesthesia time, or any of the evaluated complications.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Laser lithotripsy is a minimally invasive procedure that has been shown to be safe and effective in the removal of urocystoliths and urethroliths in dogs. No significant differences were found in the required resources or complications associated with laser lithotripsy, compared with cystotomy, for removal of uroliths from the lower portions of the urinary tract of dogs. Laser lithotripsy is a suitable, minimally invasive alternative to surgical removal of urethroliths and urocystoliths in dogs.
Thoracic omentalization for long-term management of neoplastic pleural effusion in a cat
Authors: Talavera Jesús , Agut Amalia , Fernández del Palacio Josefa , Martínez Carlos M. , Seva Juan I.
Published: May 2009

Case Description—An 11-year-old neutered female domestic longhair cat was evaluated because of a 1-week history of progressive dyspnea, signs of depression, and loss of appetite. A histiocytic sarcoma had been excised from the mammary gland 6 weeks earlier.

Clinical Findings—Physical examination findings were consistent with pleural effusion, and thoracic and abdominal radiography and ultrasonography revealed pleural effusion, a thoracic mass involving the aorta and pulmonary artery, and a caudal abdominal mass that most likely represented enlarged iliac lymph nodes. Cytologic examination of the pleural fluid and fine-needle aspirates from the iliac and right popliteal lymph nodes revealed abundant cells with neoplastic characteristics of indeterminate origin. The clinical diagnosis was generalized malignant neoplasia.

Treatment and Outcome—Pleural drainage was necessary every 5 to 6 days. Exploratory thoracotomy and biopsy of the mass were recommended for better characterization of the thoracic disease. Simultaneously, palliative treatment by advancement of the omentum into the thorax was performed. A final diagnosis of disseminated histiocytic sarcoma was made, and treatment with doxorubicin was begun after surgery. During the 13 months after surgery, the cat was free from signs of respiratory tract disease and had normal activity levels with good exercise tolerance. Fifteen months after surgery, the cat's clinical condition worsened and the cat died.

Clinical Relevance—Findings suggested that thoracic omentalization may be considered for palliative treatment of cats with refractory neoplastic pleural effusion when frequent thoracocentesis is necessary and other treatments are not suitable.
Aplastic anaemia in childhood. Description of two cases and review of the literature
Authors: Scalzone Maria , Coccia Paola , Maurizi Palma , Attinà Giorgio , Liotti Lucia , Cefalo Maria , Ruggiero Antonio , Riccardi Riccardo
Published: May 2009

Childhood aplastic anaemia (AA) is an uncommon but potentially fatal haematological disorder. Patients with AA receive supportive care based on transfusions and timely treatment of opportunistic infections, along with specific therapies, which may be bone marrow transplantation and immunosuppressive therapy. Early diagnosis and supportive therapy are required to prevent fatal complications like overwhelming sepsis or life threatening haemorrhages. We report two cases of aplastic anaemia having a different aetiology. The diagnostic work-up and the therapeutic management for each case are described below.
The effects of oxcarbazepine treatment on vitamin B12 and folate levels, thyroid functions, sex hormones, and bone mineral density in epileptic patients
Authors: Vurucu Sebahattin , Gulgun Mustafa , Yesilkaya Ediz , Unay Bulent , Akin Ridvan
Published: May 2009

The aim of this study was to evaluate vitamin B12 and folate levels, thyroid functions, sex hormones and bone mineral density in idiopathic epileptic patients taking oxcarbazepine as monotherapy. Newly diagnosed pediatric patients with idiopathic partial epilepsy taking oxcarbazepine (OXC) as monotherapy were enrolled in this study. The pre-treatment and 6 months post-treatment values of vitamin B12, folate, thyroid functions, sex hormones, and bone mineral density (BMD) were obtained from all patients. A total of 32 patients (22 (68.8%) males and 10 (31.2%) females) were included in this study. The mean age was 7.4 ± 3.2 years (range: 2–14 years). There were no significant differences between the pre-treatment and 6 months post-treatment values of vitamin B12, folate, thyroid functions, sex hormones, and BMD. However, the 6 month post-treatment sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) values (159.92 ± 48.14 nmol/L) were significantly higher than the pre-treatment values (137.88 ± 43.12 nmol/L) (p=0.009). We found that OCX treatment in children did not have an effect on serum folate and vitamin B12 levels, thyroid functions, sex hormones and BMD but caused increased SHBG. Over time, the increase in serum SHBG levels may lead to diminished bioactivity of sex steroids, and thus to reduced fertility. The further studies are needed to demonstrate the clinical importance of increased SHBG levels.
Control of Abnormal Metal-Protein Interactions in Neurodegenerative Disorders by Metallothionein-3
Authors: Meloni Gabriele , Vašák Milan
Published: May 2009

In the brain, zinc and copper homeostasis is regulated by a small metalloprotein, metallothionein-3 (Zn7MT-3), which is down-regulated in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer (AD), Creutzfeldt-Jacob and Parkinson. These disorders share common pathological hallmarks
including misfolding of amyloid-? (A?), prion protein and ?-synuclein, the formation of protein aggregates, abnormal metal-protein interactions and oxidative stress. In AD, Cu(II) and Zn(II) areinvolved in the disease progression by modulating the formation and toxicity of
soluble and insoluble oligomers and aggregates of the A? peptide. Whereas the copper-induced A? aggregation is related to the ROS production and neurotoxicity, the zinc-induced A? aggregation is considered neuroprotective. The protective effect of extracellular Zn7MT-3
from A? toxicity in neuronal cell cultures is not understood. We show that Zn7MT-3 not only scavenges freeCu(II) ions, but also removes Cu(II) bound to A?. A metal swap between Zn7MT-3 and soluble and aggregated A?-Cu(II) is the underlying molecular mechanism
by which the ROS production and related cellular toxicity is abolished. In this process, copper is reduced by the protein thiolates forming Cu(I)4Zn4MT-3, in which an air stable Cu(I)4-thiolate cluster and two disulfide bonds are present. To examine whether
the discovered effect represents ageneral protective role of this protein in other metal-linked neurodegenerative pathologies, similar studies using prion peptides in complex with Cu(II) were conducted. Zn7MT-3 by a similar metal swap reaction removes abnormally bound Cu(II) from
the prion protein, impeding the ROS production. This finding signifies a so far unrecognized protective role of this protein in the brain.
Posterior vertebral column subtraction osteotomy: a novel surgical approach for the treatment of multiple recurrences of tethered cord syndrome
Authors: Hsieh Patrick C. , Ondra Stephen L. , Grande Andrew W. , O'Shaughnessy Brian A. , Bierbrauer Karin , Crone Kerry R. , Halpin Ryan J. , Suk Ian , Koski Tyler R. , Gokaslan Ziya L. , Kuntz Charles
Published: May 2009

Recurrent tethered cord syndrome (TCS) has been reported to develop in 5–50% of patients following initial spinal cord detethering operations. Surgery for multiple recurrences of TCS can be difficult and is associated with significant complications. Using a cadaveric tethered spinal cord model, Grande and colleagues demonstrated that shortening of the vertebral column by performing a 15–25-mm thoracolumbar osteotomy significantly reduced spinal cord, lumbosacral nerve root, and terminal filum tension. Based on this cadaveric study, spinal column shortening by a thoracolumbar subtraction osteotomy may be a viable alternative treatment to traditional surgical detethering for multiple recurrences of TCS.

In this article, the authors describe the use of posterior vertebral column subtraction osteotomy (PVCSO) for the treatment of 2 patients with multiple recurrences of TCS. Vertebral column resection osteotomy has been widely used in the surgical correction of fixed spinal deformity. The PVCSO is a novel surgical treatment for multiple recurrences of TCS. In such cases, PVCSO may allow surgeons to avoid neural injury by obviating the need for dissection through previously operated sites and may reduce complications related to CSF leakage. The novel use of PVCSO for recurrent TCS is discussed in this report, including surgical considerations and techniques in performing PVCSO.
Submandibular approach to the C2–3 disc level: microsurgical anatomy with clinical application
Authors: Russo Antonino , Albanese Erminia , Quiroga Monica , Ulm Arthur J.
Published: May 2009

Object

Approaching the C2–3 disc level is challenging because of its location behind the mandible and the vital neurovascular structures overlying the area. The purpose of this study was to illustrate in a stepwise fashion the microsurgical anatomy of the submandibular approach to the C2–3 disc.

Methods

Ten adult formalin-fixed cadaveric specimens (20 sides) were studied. Particular attention was paid to the structures limiting the exposure. The authors measured the distance between the inferior border of the mandible and the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve running inferior to the mandible, the distance between the horizontal segment of the hypoglossal nerve and the hyoid bone, and the distance between the horizontal segment of the hypoglossal nerve and the mandible. They compared the location of the superior laryngeal nerve with regard to the submandibular and the standard Smith-Robinson approaches. A clinical case illustrating the usefulness of the surgical technique in this region is presented.

Results

The mean distance between the inferior border of the mandible and the lowest point of the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve was 6.7 ± 1.69 mm. The hypoglossal nerve's mean distance above the hyoid bone was 8.4 ± 1.78 mm and below the mandible was 19.6 ± 6.39 mm. The internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve, with respect to the cervical spine, always entered the thyrohyoid membrane just inferior to the C-3 vertebral body. The superior laryngeal nerve was found to be an impediment to approaching the C2–3 disc through the standard Smith-Robinson approach.

Conclusions

The submandibular approach provides excellent exposure, with a perpendicular view of the C2–3 disc level. This approach is one of the options to be considered when dealing with high cervical pathologies.
The use of flexion-extension magnetic resonance imaging for evaluating signal intensity changes of the cervical spinal cord
Authors: Guppy Kern H. , Hawk Mark , Chakrabarti Indro , Banerjee Amit
Published: May 2009

The authors present 2 cases involving patients who presented with myelopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine showed spinal cord signal changes on T2-weighted images without any spinal cord compression. Flexion-extension plain radiographs of the spine showed no instability. Dynamic MR imaging of the cervical spine, however, showed spinal cord compression on extension. Compression of the spinal cord was caused by dynamic anulus bulging and ligamentum flavum buckling. This report emphasizes the need for dynamic MR imaging of the cervical spine for evaluating spinal cord changes on neutral position MR imaging before further workup for other causes such as demyelinating disease.
Synthesis and Properties of Acyclic Ammonium-based Ionic Liquids with Allyl Substituents as Electrolytes
Authors: Yim Taeeun , Choi Chang Young , Mun Junyoung , Oh Seung M. , Kim Young Gyu
Published: May 2009

Several new acyclic ammonium-TFSI ionic liquids with an allyl substituent(s) were synthesized and their physicochemical and electrochemical properties were characterized. [AAMM]Am-TFSI (3) with two allyl groups showed the widest electrochemical stability window (5.9 V) among the ammonium-based ILs reported to date because of the increment of both the anodic and cathodic limits. The charge-discharge performance of a LiCoO2-based half-cell containing [AAMM]Am-TFSI as an electrolyte was better in cycleability (the capacity retention ratio: 99% after 20 cycles) than that of the cell with the corresponding partially saturated analogue, [AMMP]Am-TFSI (2) (the capacity retention ratio: 92% after 20 cycles).
Vehicle Based Laser Range Finding in Crops
Authors: Ehlert Detlef , Adamek Rolf , Horn Hans-Juergen
Published: May 2009

Laser rangefinders and laser scanners are widely used for industrial purposes and for remote sensing. In agriculture information about crop parameters like volume, height, and density can support the optimisation of production processes. In scientific papers the measurement of these parameters by low cost laser rangefinders with one echo has been presented for short ranges. Because the cross section area of the beam increases with the measuring range, it can be expected that laser rangefinders will have a reduced measuring accuracy in small sized crops and when measuring far distances. These problems are caused by target areas smaller than the beam and by the beam striking the edges of crop objects. Lab tests under defined conditions and a real field test were performed to assess the measuring properties under such difficult conditions of a chosen low cost sensor. Based on lab tests it was shown that the accuracy was reduced, but the successful use of the sensor under field conditions demonstrated the potential to meet the demands for agricultural applications. Insights resulting from investigations made in the paper contribute to facilitating the choice or the development of laser rangefinder sensors for vehicle based measurement of crop parameters for optimisation of production processes.
Fluid‐particle drag in low‐Reynolds‐number polydisperse gas–solid suspensions
Authors: Yin Xiaolong , Sundaresan Sankaran
Published: May 2009

Lattice‐Boltzmann simulations of low‐Reynolds‐number fluid flow in bidisperse fixed beds and suspensions with particle–particle relative motions have been performed. The particles are spherical and are intimately mixed. The total volume fraction of the suspension was varied between 0.1 and 0.4, the volume fraction ratio ϕ1/ϕ2 from 1:1 to 1:6, and the particle size ratio d1/d2 from 1:1.5 to 1:4. A drag law with improved accuracy has been established for bidisperse fixed beds. For suspensions with particle–particle relative motions, the hydrodynamic particle–particle drag representing the momentum transfer between particle species through hydrodynamic interaction is found to be an important contribution to the net fluid‐particle drag. It has a logarithmic dependence on the lubrication cutoff distance and can be fit as the harmonic mean of the drag forces in bidisperse fixed beds. The proposed drag laws for bidisperse fixed beds and suspensions are generalized to polydisperse suspensions with three or more particle species. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Structure and composition of CO2/H2 and CO2/H2/C3H8 hydrate in relation to simultaneous CO2 capture and H2 production
Authors: Kumar Rajnish , Englezos Peter , Moudrakovski Igor , Ripmeester John A.
Published: May 2009

Gas hydrates from a (40/60 mol %) CO2/H2 mixture, and from a (38.2/59.2/2.6 mol %) CO2/H2/C3H8 mixture, were synthesized using ice powder. The gas uptake curves were determined from pressure drop measurements and samples were analyzed using spectroscopic techniques to identify the structure and determine the cage occupancies. Powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) analysis at −110°C was used to determine the crystal structure. From the PXRD measurement it was found that the CO2/H2 hydrate is structure I and shows a self‐preservation behavior similar to that of CO2 hydrate. The ternary gas mixture was found to form pure structure II hydrate at 3.8 MPa. We have applied attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopic analysis to measure the CO2 distribution over the large and small cavities. 1H MAS NMR and Raman were used to follow H2 enclathration in the small cages of structure I, as well as structure II hydrate. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Analysis of a concept for predicting missing group interaction parameters of the UNIFAC model using connectivity indices
Authors: Mohs André , Jakob Antje , Gmehling Jürgen
Published: May 2009

The reliability of a method for the determination of missing group interaction parameters for the UNIFAC model1 proposed by Gani et al.2 was carefully examined. In this method, called CI‐UNIFAC, the missing group interaction parameters are determined by means of connectivity indices. Such a method would be very desirable since it would save a lot of time and money spent for measuring VLE data to fill the gaps in the UNIFAC parameter matrix. Because of the great importance of distillation processes for the chemical industry mainly the results for vapor‐liquid equilibria (VLE) were investigated using the data stored in the Dortmund Data Bank and VLE data measured. There are examples in which the method works quite well, but often the procedure leads to poor results. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Educational program for teaching seepage studies (EPTS)
Authors: Allawi F. A. M.
Published: May 2009

Program EPTS is designed and implemented for teaching 2D steady state (isotropic or anisotropic) confined or unconfined seepage studies in soil engineering. The program is written in Visual Basic and utilizes the methods of linear COONS patches for the generation of meshes of the seepage domain and the Galerkin finite element approximation for the derived simultaneous equations. A full mathematical description of COONS' linear patches and the Galerkin approximation of any planar region(s) are included. Several computer printouts of typical engineering problems are presented to illustrate the accuracy and exactness of the program. Comput. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 19: 708–716, 2011
Virtual web sound laboratories as an educational tool in physics teaching in engineering
Authors: Martínez‐Jiménez P. , Varo M. , García M. C. , Pérez G. Pedrós , Martínez‐Jiménez J. M. , Posadillo R. , Varo‐Martínez E. P.
Published: May 2009

In this article, the use of Virtual Sound Laboratories together with Experimental ones in the university teaching system is explained. The computer programs (http://rabfis15.uco.es/portalsonido/ and http://rabfis15.uco.es/AspectosSonido/) can be used from the online area of Department of Applied Physics Internet server http://www.rabfis15. uco.es/lvct/ in order to be executed via web. These computer applications permit to simulate the speed and properties sound laboratories step by step and in the same way as they are run in the real laboratory, obtaining the corresponding calculations and plots. The aim of these tools is to help students to learn, to study, and to investigate on their own. Furthermore, students can prepare their experiment lessons before going to the laboratory and revise them whenever, and as many times as they want to. Consequently, by using the computer as a complementary educational tool, the quality of university teaching is greatly improved. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 19: 759–769, 2011