bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Features, Management, and Prognosis of an International Series of 161 Patients With Limited-Stage Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma of the Bone (the IELSG-14 Study)
Authors: Bruno Ventre Marta , Ferreri Andrés J.M. , Gospodarowicz Mary , Govi Silvia , Messina Carlo , Porter David , Radford John , Heo Dae Seog , Park Yeon , Martinelli Giovanni , Taylor Emma , Lucraft Helen , Hong Angela , Scarfò Lydia , Zucca Emanuele , Christie David ,   on behalf of the International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group (IELSG)
Published: February 2014

Learning Objectives

Compare outcomes in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the bone treated with different modalities. Compare relapse rates and relapse sites in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the bone treated with different modalities.

Introduction.

The clinical features, management, and prognosis of stage I–II diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the bone (PB-DLBCL) included in an international database of 499 lymphoma patients with skeletal involvement were reviewed.

Methods.

HIV-negative patients (n = 161) with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the bone (PB-DLBCL) after complete staging workup were considered. The primary objective of this study was to identify the most effective treatment modality; the secondary objectives were to define the contribution of irradiation fields and doses and the pattern of relapse.

Results.

Median age was 55 years (range, 18–99 years), with a male/female ratio of 1:2; 141 (87%) patients had stage I, 14 (9%) had B symptoms, 37 (23%) had bulky lesion, 54 (33%) showed elevated lactate dehydrogenase serum levels, and 25 (15%) had fracture. Thirteen (8%) patients received chemotherapy alone, 23 (14%) received radiotherapy alone, and 125 (78%) received both treatments. The response to the first-line treatment was complete in 131 of 152 assessed patients (complete response rate, 86%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 81%–91%) and partial in 7, with an overall response rate of 91% (95% CI, 87%–95%). At a median follow-up of 54 months (range, 3–218), 107 (67%) patients remained relapse-free, with a 5-year progression-free survival of 68% (SE: 4). Four (2.5%) patients had meningeal relapse; 119 patients were alive (113 disease-free), with a 5-year overall survival of 75% (SE: 4). Patients managed with primary chemotherapy, whether followed by radiotherapy or not, had a significantly better outcome than patients treated with primary radiotherapy, whether followed by chemotherapy or not. The addition of consolidative radiotherapy after primary chemotherapy was not associated with improved outcome; doses >36 Gy and the irradiation of the whole affected bone were not associated with better outcome.

Conclusion.

Patients with PB-DLBCL exhibit a favorable prognosis when treated with primary anthracycline-based chemotherapy whether followed by radiotherapy or not. In patients treated with chemoradiotherapy, the use of larger radiation fields and doses is not associated with better outcome. Central nervous system dissemination is a rare event in PB-DLBCL patients.
Mixed numerical method for bed evolution
Authors: Peng Yong , Zhou Jian Guo , Zhang Jian Min
Published: February 2014

The morphological evolution in shallow water flows was investigated in this study. The shallow water equations were solved for the flows using the lattice Boltzmann method with multiple-relaxation time and an improved scheme for the momentum source terms in which the bed elevation gradients were included. The fifth-order Euler–WENO scheme was coupled with the lattice Boltzmann method to solve the Exner equation for the bed evolution caused by bed-load sediment transport. Five typical test cases were simulated by the coupled model and the numerical results agreed well with either the corresponding experimental data or the analytical solutions. This suggests that the present model has great potential to predict morphological change in shallow water flows. Furthermore, the effect of different values of time step for morphodynamic evolution and flow field were studied and no obvious difference was produced for these two kinds of method in the range tested in the present study.
Complex effects of fragmentation on remnant woodland plant communities of a rapidly urbanizing biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Ramalho Cristina E. , Laliberté Etienne , Poot Pieter , Hobbs Richard J.
Published: February 2014

In many cities worldwide, urbanization is leading to the rapid and extensive fragmentation of native vegetation into small and scattered urban remnants. We investigated the effects of fragmentation on plant species richness and abundance in 30 remnant Banksia woodlands in the rapidly expanding city of Perth, located in the southwestern Australian global biodiversity hotspot. We considered a comprehensive set of factors characterizing landscape fragmentation dynamics (current and historical remnant area and connectivity, time since isolation, and trajectories of landscape change), disturbance regimes (fire frequency, grazing, and intensity of human activities), and local environmental conditions (soil nutrient status and litter depth). We used generalized linear mixed models to determine the interactive effects of time since remnant isolation and remnant area on plant species richness, and structural equation models to disentangle the direct and indirect effects of landscape and local factors on plant species richness and abundance. Fragmentation impacts were most rapid in smaller remnants. Indeed, in the small remnants, native plant species richness was halved in only a few decades after isolation, suggesting an underlying rapid loss of habitat quality. We found that richness and abundance of woody species were higher in historically large remnants and lower in the rural areas, despite these rural remnants showing greater connectivity. Richness of native herbaceous species declined with time since isolation, mainly in the smaller remnants, and this was associated with altered soil properties. Furthermore, increased litter depth (possibly indicating higher productivity) and increased abundance of nonnative herbaceous species in the older and smaller remnants was associated with a decline in the abundance of native herbaceous species. Our study suggests that in rapidly expanding cities, landscape fragmentation can have major and complex effects on remnant vegetation. Yet these impacts might take several decades to manifest themselves. Hence, understanding the long‐term conservation capacity of newly formed remnants, which is key to setting conservation priorities, requires consideration of landscape fragmentation and land use history. Moreover, the smaller and older remnants may already display changes due to fragmentation, providing clues for urban planning and ecosystem management that help to protect urban remnant plant diversity.
Effects of environmental enrichment on the behavior of shelter dogs
Authors: Herron Meghan E. , Kirby-Madden Taylor M. , Lord Linda K.
Published: February 2014

Objective—To determine the effect of food-toy enrichment combined with cage-behavior training on desirable behaviors in shelter dogs and adoption rates.

Design—Randomized controlled clinical trial.

Animals—107 dogs.

Procedures—Dogs placed up for adoption in a municipal shelter were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 48) or control group (59). Experimental group subjects were exposed to an environmental enrichment and training protocol consisting of twice-daily cage-behavior training and daily provision of a food-filled toy. Cage-behavior training included operant conditioning via positive reinforcement of desirable behaviors, including approaching the front of the cage, sitting or lying, and remaining quiet when approached. Behavioral observations were performed by a blinded observer in a scan-sampling technique on day 0 (first day on adoption floor) and again on day 3 for experimental (n = 26) and control (32) dogs. Body posture, location in cage, and other behavioral parameters were recorded. Adoption information and behavioral observation data were compared between groups.

Results—Compared with the control group, the experimental group had a significantly greater percentage of dogs with an increase in desirable behaviors of sitting or lying down (17/26 [65%] vs 7/32 [22%]) and being quiet (9/26 [35%] vs 4/32 [13%]) and a significantly greater percentage of dogs with a decrease in the undesirable behavior of jumping (15/26 [57%] vs 3/32 [9%]). Location in cage, fearfulness, and eye contact were not significantly different between groups. Survival analysis revealed no significant difference in adoption rates between groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that enrichment programs improve desirable behaviors and decrease undesirable behavior in shelter dogs, which may enhance welfare.
Use of continuous electroencephalography for diagnosis and monitoring of treatment of nonconvulsive status epilepticus in a cat
Authors: Cuff Daniel E. , Bush William W. , Stecker Mark M. , Williams D. Colette
Published: February 2014

Case Description—A 10-year-old domestic shorthair cat was evaluated because of presumed seizures.

Clinical Findings—The cat had intermittent mydriasis, hyperthermia, and facial twitching. Findings of MRI and CSF sample analysis were unremarkable, and results of infectious disease testing were negative. Treatment was initiated with phenobarbital, zonisamide, and levetiracetam; however, the presumed seizure activity continued. Results of analysis of continuous electroencephalographic recording indicated the cat had nonconvulsive status epilepticus.

Treatment and Outcome—The cat was treated with phenobarbital IV (6 mg/kg [2.7 mg/lb] q 30 min during a 9-hour period; total dose, 108 mg/kg [49.1 mg/lb]); treatment was stopped when a burst-suppression electroencephalographic pattern was detected. During this high-dose phenobarbital treatment period, an endotracheal tube was placed and the cat was monitored and received fluids, hetastarch, and dopamine IV. Continuous mechanical ventilation was not required. After treatment, the cat developed unclassified cardiomyopathy, azotemia, anemia, and pneumonia. These problems resolved during a 9-month period.

Clinical Relevance—Findings for the cat of this report indicated electroencephalographic evidence of nonconvulsive status epilepticus. Administration of a high total dose of phenobarbital and monitoring of treatment by use of electroencephalography were successful for resolution of the problem, and treatment sequelae resolved.
PCR detection of Neospora caninum in water buffalo foetal tissues
Authors: Auriemma Clementina , Lucibelli Maria , Borriello Giorgia , Carlo Esterina , Martucciello Alessandra , Schiavo Lorena , Gallo Amalia , Bove Francesca , Corrado Federica , Girardi Santa , Amoroso Maria , Ďegli Uberti Barbara , Galiero Giorgio
Published: February 2014

The seroprevalence of Neospora caninum was surveyed by an ELISA kit on two water buffalo herds of Southern Italy. Seropositive samples were detected in 47% and 59% of individuals, respectively, thus indicating high level of exposure to the parasite even if the possibility of vertical transmission cannot be excluded. Tissue samples collected from three aborted fetuses from the same herds were investigated for N. caninum presence by PCR assays targeting the 18S and the Nc5 DNA sequences, respectively. Both methods have shown the presence of N. caninum DNA in heart and brain. Sequencing of the Nc5 genomic DNA confirmed the presence of N. caninum in the samples; phylogenetic analysis of the obtained sequences showed high homology among the Neospora recovered from different samples. The present study suggests an important role of N. caninum as a possible abortive agent for water buffaloes.
Comparative study for the detection of antibodies to Neospora caninum in milk and sera in dairy cattle in southern Romania
Authors: Enachescu Violeta , Ionita Mariana , Mitrea Ioan
Published: February 2014

The study aimed to assess the within-herd Neospora caninum exposure in dairy cattle in southern Romania, based on the detection of specific antibodies in milk and serum. A total of 104 paired samples of milk and serum were collected from four dairy farms. Individual samples were analyzed for N. caninum antibodies by ELISA: IDEXX Neospora Ab (Idx) (three farms: A, B, C; n = 60) and ID-VET Lab (Idv) (farm D; n = 44). Additionally, four pooled milk samples, one per each farm (A, B, C) and a composed one (A+B+C), were analyzed with Idx ELISA. Optimized cut-off values for milk samples were determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, with serum results considered as true status. The agreement was expressed by K values. The overall seroprevalence of N. caninum infection was 45% in the farms tested by Idx ELISA and 56.8% in the farm tested by Idv ELISA. A good agreement between serum and milk was obtained for both ELISA kits (K = 0.72 and 0.77, respectively). The specificity and sensitivity at optimized cut-off of S/P>0.704 for Idx and S/P%>7.966% for Idv were 100% and 70.37% for Idx and 89.47% and 88% for Idv. Testing pooled milk samples, there were identified as N. caninum positive the dairy farms with a 15% or higher within-herd seroprevalence at the cut-off value of S/P>0.51. This is the first study in Romania in which milk samples were tested to determine the N. caninum infection status in dairy farms, providing a base for further researches.
Generation of adenosine tri-phosphate in Leishmania donovani amastigote forms
Authors: Mondal Subhasish , Roy Jay , Bera Tanmoy
Published: February 2014

Leishmania, the causative agent of various forms of leishmaniasis, is the significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Regarding energy metabolism, which is an essential factor for the survival, parasites adapt to the environment under low oxygen tension in the host using metabolic systems which are very different from that of the host mammals. We carried out the study of susceptibilities to different inhibitors of mitochondrial electron transport chain and studies on substrate level phosphorylation in wild-type L. donovani. The amastigote forms of L. donovani are independent on oxidative phosphorylation for ATP production. Indeed, its cell growth was not inhibited by excess oligomycin and dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, which are the most specific inhibitors of the mitochondrial Fo/F1-ATP synthase. In contrast, mitochondrial complex I inhibitor rotenone and complex III inhibitor antimycin A inhibited amastigote cell growth, suggesting the role of complex I and complex III in cell survival. Complex II appeared to have no role in cell survival. To further investigate the site of ATP production, we studied the substrate level phosphorylation, which was involved in the synthesis of ATP. Succinate-pyruvate couple showed the highest substrate level phosphorylation in amastigotes whereas NADH-fumarate and NADH-pyruvate couples failed to produce ATP. In contrast, NADPH-fumarate showed the highest rate of ATP formation in promastigotes. Therefore, we can conclude that substrate level phosphorylation is essential for the survival of amastigote forms of Leishmania donovani.
Immunomodulation of ALT-2 and TLR may collude in antigen specific T cell hyporesponsiveness: Proposed mechanism for elevated IL-10 levels in Balb/C mice
Authors: Aparnaa Ramanathan , Kaliraj Perumal
Published: February 2014

ALT-2, a novel antigen belonging to the chromadorea ALT-2 family of the filarial nematode is proved to clear filarial parasites in Jirds. In order to increase the protection efficacy by stimulating the cell mediated immunity, MPLA a detoxified derivative of LPS known to induce the cellular response, was used in this study as an adjuvant on mice models. ALT-2+MPLA formulation elicited a high titer of total IgG antibody, with profoundly increased levels of IgG2b. Reduced splenocyte proliferation was observed in immunized group when compared to control groups which could be attributed to many in vivo factors. The levels of IFN-γ were high in unstimulated MPLA group compared to ALT-2 stimulated MPLA group, suggesting that the ALT-2 antigen suppressed the IFN-γ levels. A high level of IL-10 was induced by the ALT-2+MPLA formulation, which inhibited the production of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5) and also reduced the Th1 cytokine (IFN-γ, IL-2) levels which are not in vogue with the classical MPLA adjuvant formulation. We propose a mechanism for this immunomodulation which involves a diminished expression of TLR-4, by which the filarial parasites have evolved to evade host immune mechanism.
Monogenean parasites from fishes of the Vaal Dam, Gauteng Province, South Africa. I. Winter survey versus summer survey comparison from Labeo capensis (Smith, 1841) and Labeo umbratus (Smith, 1841) hosts
Authors: Crafford Dionne , Luus-Powell Wilmien , Avenant-Oldewage Annemariè
Published: February 2014

Indigenous South African Labeo spp. show promise with regard to development of semi-intensive aquaculture, yet little research on their monogenean fauna has been conducted. Ecological aspects of monogenean fauna of the moggel Labeo umbratus (Smith 1841) and the Orange River mudfish Labeo capensis (Smith 1841), as recorded during both winter and summer sampling surveys, are reported here. Fish were collected using gill nets, euthanized and gills removed and examined to both quantify parasite numbers and distribution on the gills. Results obtained support the hypothesis that gill site preference is not due to active choice for a particular attachment site, but rather a result of water flow over gills during respiration in conjunction with fish behaviour and habitat use. Interaction between individual elements investigated (temperature effects, parasite population dynamics and host population dynamics) may be largely responsible for seasonal differences in infection statistics of monogenean parasites. Such interactions should be investigated in future large scale ecological studies, in combination with experimental studies, to further elucidate these effects.
Infective larvae of Rhabdiasidae (Nematoda): comparative morphology of seven European species
Authors: Kuzmin Yuriy , Junker Kerstin , Bain Odile
Published: February 2014

The morphology of infective third-stage larvae of Rhabdias bufonis, R. rubrovenosa, R. sphaerocephala, R. fuscovenosa, R. elaphe, Entomelas entomelas and E. dujardini is described. The sheath structure in the studied larvae appeared to be similar to that described in other species of the family Rhabdiasidae, its chequered aspect being caused by a combination of outer longitudinal striations and inner longitudinal as well as transverse ridges. The larvae were similar in general morphology but differed in the presence/absence of anterior apical protuberances (pseudolabia), the shape and ornamentation of the tail tip, and the structure of lateral alae in the caudal region of the body. No relationship between the morphological characters of the larvae of the studied species and their taxonomic position or specificity of adult parasites to a particular host group was observed. Regardless, the larvae of each species can be identified by a combination of morphological peculiarities in the anterior and caudal regions of the body.
Digenea in notothenioid fish in the Beagle Channel (Magellanic sub-region, sub-Antarctica)
Authors: Jeżewski Witold , Zdzitowiecki Krzysztof , Laskowski Zdzisław
Published: February 2014

Fish of five species of Notothenioidei (104 specimens), Cottoperca trigloides, Patagonotothen brevicauda, P. longipes, P. tessellata and Champsocephalus esox, caught in the Beagle Channel (Magellanic sub-region, sub-Antarctica) were infected with Digenea of nine species (1130 specimens). Faunistic data on the occurrence of all nine parasites are provided. The most abundant digenean species was Macvicaria magellanica found in the intestine of three host species of the genus Patagonotothen. The second most abundant digenean species was Elytrophalloides oatesi found in the stomach of four host species, with exception of P. brevicauda. Three digenean species: Stenakron kerguelense, Whitegonimus ozoufae and Genolinea bowersi, were more abundant in fish caught at the harbor of Ushuaia (depth 7–9 m), remaining six species: M. magellanica, Neolepidapedoides subantarcticus, Postmonorchis variabilis, Derogenes varicus, E. oatesi and Lecithaster macrocotyle, in the eastern mouth of the Beagle Channel (depth 30 m).
Quill mites of the subfamily Picobiinae (Acari: Syringophilidae) associated with woodpeckers (Aves: Piciformes: Picidae)
Authors: Skoracki Maciej , Unsoeld Markus , Kavetska Katarzyna , Kaszewska Katarzyna
Published: February 2014

The paper contains a review of quill mites of the subfamily Picobiinae (Acari: Prostigmata: Syringophilidae) associated with woodpeckers (Aves: Piciformes: Picidae). Three new species are described: Picobia mentalis Skoracki et Unsoeld sp. nov. from Picus mentalis Temminck, Neopicobia ea Skoracki et Unsoeld sp. nov. from Celeus flavus (St. Mueller) (type host), C. elegans (St. Mueller), C. torquatus (Boddaert), and Neopicobia freya Skoracki et Unsoeld sp. nov. from Dryocopus galeatus (Temminck) (type host) and Piculus rubiginosus (Swainson). Additionally, six new host species for Picobia heeri Haller, 1878 and 12 new host species for Picobia dryobatis (Fritsch, 1956) are reported. A complete list of the picobiines parasitising birds of the family Picidae is presented in the tabular form.
Targeting tams-1 gene results in underestimation of Theileria annulata infection in diseased cattle in Egypt
Authors: Ghoneim Ahmed , El-Fayomy Asmaa
Published: February 2014

Tropical theileriosis is considered one of the most economically important tick borne diseases that cause significant mortality and morbidity to livestock. In the context of epidemiological studies on livestock in Egypt, this report investigated the spread of Theileria annulata among diseased farm cows (Bos indicus) over one year. Blood samples collected from 130 cows were investigated by routine staining and 64 samples were investigated by PCR assay using two different probes targeting tams-1 gene. Microscopy revealed the infection of 33.8% of animals with Theileria while PCR detected infection in 51% of animals with one primer pair and the other primer pair detected the infection in 31% of animals. Combined PCR results indicated the infection of 68.8% of animals with T. annulata. Seasonal fluctuation of parasite infection was evident with the highest infection percentage and prevalence recorded during summer based on both microscopy and PCR data. For the first time, the current study reports the presence of two T. annulata isolates based on tams-1 gene partial sequence in Egypt. Targeting polymorphic genes for parasite detection may result in underestimation of infection and target gene diversity has to be considered. The high infection with these pathogens in the clinically ill cows necessitates implementing serious programs to minimize their economic burden on the Egyptian farming industry.
Three new records of copepods (Siphonostomatoida) parasitic on marine fishes of Iraq, including the relegation of two species of Lernanthropinus to Lernanthropinus temminckii (von Nordmann, 1864)
Authors: Venmathi Maran B. , Moon Seong , Adday Thamir , Khamees Najim , Myoung Jung-Goo
Published: February 2014

Three parasitic copepods (Siphonostomatoida) belonging to three different genera were recovered from marine fishes of Iraq, and are listed here as new records. The sea lice Caligus epinepheli Yamaguti, 1936 (Caligidae) was collected from the Japanese threadfin bream, Nemipterus japonicus (Bloch). It had been frequently reported from teleost fishes around the world. The second record, comprising male and female, was another caligid, rarely caught from fishes — Hermilius longicornis Bassett-Smith, 1898, collected from the giant catfish, Netuma thalassina (Rüppell). This paper features the first description of the male of the latter species. The third record was the lernanthropid, Lernanthropinus temminckii (von Nordmann, 1864) (Lernanthropidae), redescribed based on the specimens collected from the greater lizard fish, Saurida tumbil (Bloch) (Synodontidae). In order to clarify its taxonomic status, our specimen was compared with the holotype of L. gibbosus (Pillai, 1964) from the collections of Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata, and the syntypes of L. sauridae Do in Ho and Do, 1985 and L. temminckii from the collections of the Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C. We found similarities in the morphology of the body, mouthparts, and legs 1–4 in three above-mentioned species. The prominent feature, the setation pattern of legs 1 and 2 was similar in all the female specimens examined. In the light of this, we formally relegate L. gibbosus and L. sauridae to synonymy with L. temminckii. Another important similarity is that Lernanthropinus gibbosus, L. sauridae, and L. temminckii have exclusively been parasitic on lizardfishes (Synodontidae). The attachment site of all three copepods reported form Iraq were the gill filaments.
A PCR method targeting internal transcribed spacers: the simultaneous detection of Babesia bigemina and Babesia bovis in cattle
Authors: Liu Junlong , Guan Guiquan , Liu Aihong , Li Youquan , Yin Hong , Luo Jianxun
Published: February 2014

In this study, two pairs of oligonucleotide primers were designed according to the nucleotide sequence of the internal transcribed spacers (ITSs) of Babesia bigemina and B. bovis isolates from China. The primers were used in a multiplex PCR to detect parasite DNA in blood samples from cattle. There was no cross reactions with B. ovata, B. major, B. sp. Kashi, Theileria annulata, T. sergenti, T. sinensis or normal bovine DNA. The sensitivity of multiplex PCR assay was 1 pg and 10 pg DNA for B. bigemina and B. bovis, respectively. A total of 260 field blood samples collected from cattle in five provinces of China were analyzed by multiplex PCR and light microscopy. PCR testing revealed that 7.3% (19/260) and 5.8% (15/260) of cattle were positive for B. bigemina and B. bovis and 1.2% (3/260) of cattle were co-infected with B. bigemina and B. bovis. Using light microscopy, 2.3% (6/260) and 1.5% (4/260) of cattle were infected by B. bigemina and B. bovis, respectively, and no co-infection was found. The results showed that the multiplex PCR developed in the present study could be an alternative diagnostic tool for the detection of B. bovis and B. bigemina infection in cattle.
High occurrence of Cryptosporidium ubiquitum and Giardia duodenalis genotype E in sheep from Brazil
Authors: Paz e Silva Flávio , Lopes Raimundo , Bresciani Katia , Amarante Alessandro , Araujo João
Published: February 2014

In this paper we report the occurrence of zoonotic species of Cryptosporidium (C. ubiquitum and C. parvum subtype IIaA15G2R1) and the host-specific Giardia duodenalis genotype E in a sheep farm from Brazil. Fecal specimens were collected from 100 animals and screened for the presence of G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and sequence analysis of selected samples was used to confirm the species and to characterize the isolates. Of 100 specimens, 34 were positive for Giardia (34%) and 25 were positive for Cryptosporidium (25%). The prevalence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium was higher in lambs than in ewes. Co-infection was observed in 14% of animals. All G. duodenalis isolates belonged to genotype E. The genetic characterization performed in 22 Cryptosporidium-positive samples revealed the presence of zoonotic C. ubiquitum and C. parvum in 76% (19/25) and 12% (3/25) of infected animals, respectively. The presence of zoonotic Cryptosporidium subtypes in lambs was of epidemiological and public health relevance.
Valorization of agricultural waste into activated carbons and its adsorption characteristics for heavy metals
Authors: Koubaissy Bachar , Toufaily Joumana , Cheikh Safaa , Hassan Malak , Hamieh Tayssir
Published: February 2014

Activated carbon derived from pine cones waste was prepared by carbonization at 450°C, activated by different activating agents: ZnCl
2, H
2
SO
4 and NaOH, and then pyrolyzed at 600°C. Adsorption of Cr VI and other heavy metals (Mn II, Fe II, Cu II) on activated carbons was investigated to evaluate the adsorption properties. Special attention was paid to the effects of carbon surface functionalities that were analyzed by FT-IR and zeta potential study. Moreover, XRD study of activated carbon was also carried out. Results had shown that activated carbon by NaOH was the best adsorbent for removal of chromium VI from wastewater. The solid-solution interaction was determined by analyzing the adsorption isotherms at room temperature at different pH. When pH is above 4, the removal fraction of Cr (VI) ions decreased with the increase of pH. The removal fraction of Cr (VI) ions decreased below pH 4. The preferable removal of Cu (II) over Mn(II) and Fe (II) could be due to its lower affinity to solvent.Pseudo-second order equation provided the better correlation for the adsorption kinetics data. Equilibrium isotherms were determined by Fowler-Guggenheim model.
Long term effect of climate change on rainfall in northwest Iraq
Authors: Al-Ansari Nadhir , Abdellatif Mawada , Ali Salahalddin , Knutsson Sven
Published: February 2014

Middle East, like North Africa, is considered as arid to semi-arid region. Water shortages in this region, represents an extremely important factor in stability of the region and an integral element in its economic development and prosperity. Iraq was an exception due to presence of Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. After the 1970s the situation began to deteriorate due to continuous decrease in discharges of these rivers, are expected to dry by 2040 with the current climate change. In the present paper, long rainfall trends up to the year 2099 were studied in Sinjar area, northwest of Iraq, to give an idea about its future prospects. Two emission scenarios, used by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (A2 and B2), were employed to study the long term rainfall trends in northwestern Iraq. All seasons consistently project a drop in daily rainfall for all future periods with the summer season is expected to have more reduction compared to other seasons. Generally the average rainfall trend shows a continuous decrease. The overall average annual rainfall is slightly above 210 mm. In view of these results, prudent water management strategies have to be adopted to overcome or mitigate consequences of future severe water crisis.
Knee Extension and Stiffness in Osteoarthritic and Normal Knees: A Videofluoroscopic Analysis of the Effect of a Single Session of Manual Therapy
Authors: Taylor Alden L. , Wilken Jason M. , Deyle Gail D. , Gill Norman W.
Published: February 2014

Study Design

Descriptive biomechanical study using an experimental repeated-measures design.

Objective

To quantify the response of participants with and without knee osteoarthritis (OA) to a single session of manual physical therapy. The intervention consisted primarily of joint mobilization techniques, supplemented by exercises, aiming to improve knee extension.

Background

While manual therapy benefits patients with knee OA, there is limited research quantifying the effects of a manual therapy treatment session on either motion or stiffness of osteoarthritic and normal knees.

Methods

The study included 5 participants with knee OA and 5 age-, gender-, and body mass index-matched healthy volunteers. Knee extension motion and stiffness were measured with videofluoroscopy before and after a 30-minute manual therapy treatment session. Analysis of variance and intraclass correlation coefficients were used to analyze the data.

Results

Participants with knee OA had restricted knee extension range of motion at baseline, in contrast to the participants with normal knees, who had full knee extension. After the therapy session, there was a significant increase in knee motion in participants with knee OA (P = .004) but not in those with normal knees (P = .201). For stiffness data, there was no main effect for time (P = .903) or load (P = .274), but there was a main effect of group (P = .012), with the participants with healthy knees having greater stiffness than those with knee OA. Reliability, using intraclass correlation coefficient model 3,3, for knee angle measurements between imaging sessions for all loading conditions was 0.99. Reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient model 3,1) for intraimage measurements was 0.97.

Conclusion

End-range knee extension stiffness was greater in the participants with normal knees than those with knee OA. The combination of lesser stiffness and lack of motion in those with knee OA, which may indicate the potential for improvement, may explain why increased knee extension angle was observed following a single session of manual therapy in the participants with knee OA but not in those with normal knees. Videofluoroscopy of the knee appears reliable and relevant for future studies attempting to quantify the underlying mechanisms of manual therapy. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2014;44(4):273–282. Epub 25 February 2014. doi:10.2519/jospt.2014.4710
Effects of Functional Stabilization Training on Pain, Function, and Lower Extremity Biomechanics in Women With Patellofemoral Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Baldon Rodrigo de Marche , Serrão Fábio Viadanna , Scattone Silva Rodrigo , Piva Sara Regina
Published: February 2014

Study Design

Randomized clinical trial.

Objectives

To compare the effects of functional stabilization training (FST) versus standard training on knee pain and function, lower-limb and trunk kinematics, trunk muscle endurance, and eccentric hip and knee muscle strength in women with patellofemoral pain.

Background

A combination of hip- and knee-strengthening exercise may be more beneficial than quadriceps strengthening alone to improve pain and function in individuals with patellofemoral pain. However, there is limited evidence of the effectiveness of these exercise programs on the biomechanics of the lower extremity.

Methods

Thirty-one women were randomized to either the FST group or standard-training group. Patients attended a baseline assessment session, followed by an 8-week intervention, and were reassessed at the end of the intervention and at 3 months after the intervention. Assessment measures were a 10-cm visual analog scale for pain, the Lower Extremity Functional Scale, and the single-leg triple-hop test. A global rating of change scale was used to measure perceived improvement. Kinematics were assessed during the single-leg squat. Outcome measures also included trunk endurance and eccentric hip and knee muscle strength assessment.

Results

The patients in the FST group had less pain at the 3-month follow-up and greater global improvement and physical function at the end of the intervention compared to those in the standard-training group. Lesser ipsilateral trunk inclination, pelvis contralateral depression, hip adduction, and knee abduction, along with greater pelvis anteversion and hip flexion movement excursions during the single-leg squat, were only observed in the FST group after the intervention. Only those in the FST group had greater eccentric hip abductor and knee flexor strength, as well as greater endurance of the anterior, posterior, and lateral trunk muscles, after training.

Conclusion

An intervention program consisting of hip muscle strengthening and lower-limb and trunk movement control exercises was more beneficial in improving pain, physical function, kinematics, and muscle strength compared to a program of quadriceps-strengthening exercises alone.

Level of Evidence

Therapy, level 2b-. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2014;44(4):240–251. Epub 25 February 2014. doi:10.2519/jospt.2014.4940
Short-Term Changes in Neck Pain, Widespread Pressure Pain Sensitivity, and Cervical Range of Motion After the Application of Trigger Point Dry Needling in Patients With Acute Mechanical Neck Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Mejuto-Vázquez María J. , Salom-Moreno Jaime , Ortega-Santiago Ricardo , Truyols-Domínguez Sebastián , Fernández-de-las-Peñas César
Published: February 2014

Study Design

Randomized clinical trial.

Objectives

To determine the effects of trigger point dry needling (TrPDN) on neck pain, widespread pressure pain sensitivity, and cervical range of motion in patients with acute mechanical neck pain and active trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle.

Background

TrPDN seems to be effective for decreasing pain in individuals with upper-quadrant pain syndromes. Potential effects of TrPDN for decreasing pain and sensitization in individuals with acute mechanical neck pain are needed.

Methods

Seventeen patients (53% female) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: a single session of TrPDN or no intervention (waiting list). Pressure pain thresholds over the C5–6 zygapophyseal joint, second metacarpal, and tibialis anterior muscle; neck pain intensity; and cervical spine range-of-motion data were collected at baseline (pretreatment) and 10 minutes and 1 week after the intervention by an assessor blinded to the treatment allocation of the patient. Mixed-model analyses of variance were used to examine the effects of treatment on each outcome variable.

Results

Patients treated with 1 session of TrPDN experienced greater decreases in neck pain, greater increases in pressure pain threshold, and higher increases in cervical range of motion than those who did not receive an intervention at both 10 minutes and 1 week after the intervention (P<.01 for all comparisons). Between-group effect sizes were medium to large immediately after the TrPDN session (standardized mean score differences greater than 0.56) and large at the 1-week follow-up (standardized mean score differences greater than 1.34).

Conclusion

The results of the current randomized clinical trial suggest that a single session of TrPDN may decrease neck pain intensity and widespread pressure pain sensitivity, and also increase active cervical range of motion, in patients with acute mechanical neck pain. Changes in pain, pressure pain threshold, and cervical range of motion surpassed their respective minimal detectable change values, supporting clinically relevant treatment effects.

Level of Evidence

Therapy, level 1b-. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2014;44(4):252–260. Epub 25 February 2014. doi:10.2519/jospt.2014.5108
Benchmarking Disaggregate Customer Satisfaction Scores of Bus Operators in Different Cities and Countries
Authors: Trompet Mark , Parasram Richard , Anderson Richard J.
Published: February 2014

Directly comparing the satisfaction of customers of urban bus operators in different cities and countries is methodologically challenging because of the differences in the surveys used, sample frames, response collection methods, and the possibility of cultural bias. Nonetheless, because of the importance of customer satisfaction, the members of the International Bus Benchmarking Group (IBBG) started a research project in 2009 to overcome those challenges. The objective was for bus operators to understand the relative performance in meeting their customers’ expectations and to be able to target those areas in which they relatively underperform. Between 2009 and 2012, eight to 10 participating organizations annually posted identical surveys on their website home pages in the same period. This paper describes the survey and data normalization methodology developed in the IBBG that provides managers of these organizations with a comparable view of their customer satisfaction. The described methodology has been successfully tested in the bus industry but can also be applied to other industries for which there is a wish to benchmark customer satisfaction against other national and international peers.
Potential of Low-Frequency Automated Vehicle Location Data for Monitoring and Control of Bus Performance
Authors: Yang Yingxiang , Gerstle David , Widhalm Peter , Bauer Dietmar , Gonzalez Marta
Published: February 2014

The potential of low-frequency bus localization data for the monitoring and control of bus system performance is investigated in this paper. It is shown that data with a sampling rate as low as 1 min, when processed appropriately, can provide ample information. Accurate estimates of stop arrival and departure times are obtained; these estimates in turn allow the analysis of headways and travel times. A three-parameter gamma family of distributions is fitted for headways at the stops along a bus line. The evolution of the parameters demonstrates critical points on the line where bus bunching is significantly increased. Moreover, this analysis allows differentiating problems associated with varying passenger demand from uncertainties associated with traffic conditions. Furthermore it is shown that expected travel time and travel time variability can be calculated from low-frequency localization data. Finally, the way in which the results can be used to calibrate a simulation model that can test bus control strategies is presented. The methods are applied and validated to data obtained from Bus Route Number 1 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Large-Scale Transit Schedule Coordination Based on Journey Planner Requests
Authors: Nair Rahul , Coffey Cathal , Pinelli Fabio , Calabrese Francesco
Published: February 2014

This paper presents a two-stage stochastic program that reoptimizes multimodal transit schedules citywide. The model works by perturbing or offsetting the schedule such that the expected value of waiting times at all transfer points in the system is minimized. Probabilistic information on transfers is gathered from a prototypical journey planner, a public-facing tool that transit riders query to find optimal paths through a multi-modal network. Aggregating journey plans in this manner provides information on optimal transfers as perceived by the service operator, which are then targeted for improvements. The model is implemented on the large-scale transit network of Washington, D.C., where sampled journey plans representing 9% of the daily transit demand are used to generate a modified schedule that leads to a reduction in passenger wait times by 26.38%. The results serve to demonstrate how operators can take a user-centric view of their system as a fabric of services, gain insights from user interaction, and achieve no-cost improvements from coordinating services while accounting for uncertainty.
Dynamic System Optimal Routing in Multimodal Transit Network
Authors: Ma Tai-Yu , Lebacque Jean-Patrick
Published: February 2014

The system optimal routing problem has been widely studied for road networks, though less considered for public transit systems. Traditional shortest path–based multimodal itinerary guidance systems may deteriorate the system performance when the assigned lines become congested. The dynamic system optimal routing model for multimodal transit system is formulated for that issue. The transit system is represented by a multilevel graph to explicitly simulate passenger flow and transit system operations. A solution algorithm based on the cross entropy method is proposed, and its performance is compared with the method of successive averages in static and dynamic cases. A numerical study of a simple multimodal transit network provides the basis for comparing system optimal routing and user optimal routing under different congestion levels.
Effect of Parking Charges at Transit Stations on Park-and-Ride Mode Choice
Authors: Habib Khandker Nurul , Mahmoud Mohamed S. , Coleman Jesse
Published: February 2014

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of increasing parking charges at park-and-ride stations on mode choice for current park-and-ride users. To address this objective, a stated preference (SP) survey was designed to study commuters’ willingness to pay for parking at park-and-ride transit stations. The SP survey was conducted at the 14 busiest park-and-ride transit stations in Greater Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada. The survey data were then used to model mode choice for longer-distance commuting trips by considering three major options: automobile all-way, transit all-way, and park-and-ride. A heteroscedastic multinomial logit model for stated preference of modal choices was estimated. The model included several major factors that were found to influence mode choice at park-and-ride stations. The estimated model parameters were then used to investigate direct and cross elasticities of parking charges at park-and-ride stations to mode choices. The model results show that an increase in parking charges at park-and-ride stations is more likely to divert current park-and-ride users to the transit all-way option compared with the private car all-way option.
Laboratory Validation of Healing-Based Fatigue Endurance Limit for Hot-Mix Asphalt
Authors: Souliman Mena I. , Zeiada Waleed , Mamlouk Michael , Kaloush Kamil E.
Published: February 2014

One of the main requirements of designing perpetual pavements is to determine the endurance limit of hot-mix asphalt (HMA). The endurance limit, as applied to HMA and flexible pavement design, is the strain or stress level below which the HMA would endure indefinite fatigue load repetitions and the pavement would not experience bottom-up fatigue cracking. The purpose of this study is to validate the endurance limit for HMA by using laboratory beam fatigue tests. A rational procedure was developed to determine the endurance limit of HMA attributable to healing that occurs during the rest periods between loading cycles. Relating healing to endurance limit makes this procedure unique compared with previous research projects that investigated these concepts separately. An extensive laboratory testing program was conducted according to AASHTO T 321-03 test procedure as a part of NCHRP Project 9-44A. Six factors that affected the fatigue response of HMA were evaluated: binder grade, binder content, air voids, test temperature, rest period, and applied strain. The endurance limit was determined when no accumulated damage occurred and indicated complete healing during the rest period after each load application. A threshold rest period of about 5 s for a load duration of 0.1 s—beyond which no more healing was gained—was obtained. HMA exhibits endurance limits ranging from 37 to 246 microstrains, depending on mixture properties and environmental conditions. The results of this study can be used to design perpetual pavements that can sustain a large number of loads if traffic volumes and vehicle weights are controlled.
Comparison of Uniaxial and Four-Point Bending Fatigue Tests for Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Li Ning , Pronk A. C. , Molenaar A. A. A. , van de Ven M. F. C. , Wu Shaopeng
Published: February 2014

The fatigue properties of asphalt mixtures estimated with fatigue tests in the laboratory are difficult to compare with each other. One reason is that for so-called inhomogeneous tests that do not have a uniform stress–strain distribution, the measured stiffness is a weighted overall stiffness that does not really represent the stiffness of the damaged zone. For homogenous fatigue tests, the stress–strain field within the specimen is uniform in theory. In this case, the measured stiffness corresponds to a material property. It is supposed that the stiffness evolutions in the inhomogeneous tests might be described by the results from the homogenous test. In this paper, the results of the uniaxial tension and compression (UT–C) fatigue test and the four-point bending (FPB) fatigue test are described and compared. The evolutions of the stiffness and phase angle are simulated by means of the partial healing model. With the model parameters, the local stiffness for each volume unit of the beam is calculated. It is found that, on the basis of the measured overall stiffness, the classical fatigue life Nf,50 of the beam in the FPB fatigue test is larger than that of the cylinder in the UT–C fatigue test. However, in the midsection of the beam, the local stiffness evolution is similar to that observed in the UT–C fatigue test. On the basis of the local stiffness concept, comparable fatigue lines can be obtained from the UT–C and FPB fatigue tests.