bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multifractal Analysis of Nitrogen Adsorption Isotherms Obtained from Organoclays Exposed to Different Temperatures
Authors: Lado M. , Borisover M. , Gonzalez A. Paz
Published: July 2013

Multifractal analysis was used to characterize changes in N2 adsorption isotherms of organoclays prepared with different cations and exposed to various thermal treatments. Wyoming bentonite was exchanged with three organic cations: benzyltrimethylammonium (BTMA‐clay), tetraethylammonium (TEA‐clay), and n‐hexadecyltrimethylammonium exchanged at 41 and 90% of the cation exchange capacity of the clay (HDTMA41‐ and HDTMA90‐clay). Freeze‐dried organoclays were exposed to temperatures of 25, 150, 250, 360 or 420°C for 2 h, and N2 adsorption isotherms were measured at 77 K. The isotherms behaved like a multifractal, and parameters derived from Rényi and singularity spectra varied with changes in the type of exchanged cation and the treatment temperature. The main factor responsible for changes in the spectra was the type of cation, HDTMA90‐clay being the organoclay that showed more differences among the sorbents. There was an interaction between the exchanged cation and the temperature. A significant correlation was found between organic C content and multifractal parameters, probably related to changes in N2 sorption as a result of thermal transformations of the organic cations. Significant correlations were also found between some multifractal parameters and the heterogeneity exponent of the Freundlich model fitted to nitrobenzene sorption isotherms measured in those organoclays. Multifractal analysis of N2 adsorption isotherms could be useful to characterize differences in the heterogeneity of sorption sites in sorption determinations.
On the Generative Equations of Fractal Self‐Similarity in Granular Media and the Related PSD Models
Authors: Martín Miguel Ángel , Reyes Miguel , Taguas Francisco Javier
Published: July 2013

The physical appearance of a great number of granular media shows, together with the heterogeneity of grain sizes, suggests the existence of geometrical scale invariance. This note focuses its attention on discussing how such physicoempirical property, visually perceived, can be mathematically formulated and used in the modeling of particle size distribution (PSD). Two ways of encoding that property by means of respective equations of different natures are analyzed. They lead to respective fractal particle size distribution (PSD) models coming from sources from the literature. The nature and features of the two different models are analyzed and the simulation of the PSD by means of both models are compared. In addition, the parameters that both models provide and their role in characterizing PSD are discussed. This note aims mainly to contribute to the clarification of some conceptual, methodological, and historical aspects within the frame of the fractal modeling of PSD of granular media.
Morphological Functions to Quantify Three‐Dimensional Tomograms of Macropore Structure in a Vineyard Soil with Two Different Management Regimes
Authors: San José Martínez F. , Muñoz F.J. , Caniego F.J. , Peregrina F.
Published: July 2013

Soil structure controls important physical and biological processes in soil–plant–microbial systems. Those processes are dominated by the geometry of soil pore structure, and a correct model of this geometry is critical for understanding them. Soil tomography has been shown to provide rich three‐dimensional digital information on soil pore geometry. Recently, mathematical morphological techniques have been proposed as powerful tools to analyze and quantify the geometrical features of porous media. Minkowski functionals and morphological functions built over Minkowski functionals provide computationally efficient means to measure four fundamental geometrical features of three‐dimensional geometrical objects, that is, volume, boundary surface, mean boundary surface curvature, and connectivity. We used the threshold and the dilation and erosion of three‐dimensional images to generate morphological functions and explore the evolution of Minkowski functionals as the threshold and as the degree of dilation and erosion changes. We analyzed the three‐dimensional geometry of soil pore space with X‐ray computed tomography (CT) of intact soil columns from a Spanish Mediterranean vineyard by using two different management practices (conventional tillage versus permanent cover crop of resident vegetation). Our results suggested that morphological functions built over Minkowski functionals provide promising tools to characterize soil macropore structure and that the evolution of morphological features with dilation and erosion is more informative as an indicator of structure than moving threshold for both soil managements studied.
Changes in Water Flow and Solute Transport Pathways During Long‐Term Column Experiments
Authors: Rühle Franziska Anna , Klier Christine , Stumpp Christine
Published: July 2013

Column experiments are often used to study transport properties of sediments to predict the fate of contaminants in the subsurface. However, water flow in column experiments is rarely monitored over the entire length of experiments, despite the known impact of biogeochemical processes on pore structures. To study if flow path changes occur over time, water flow and solute transport were investigated in a homogeneous, nearly saturated column by conducting three tracer experiments over 7 mo. Water flow and transport parameters were determined from tracer breakthrough curves using different model approaches. The initial homogeneous transport was adequately described by a simple advection‐dispersion model. However, after some months, the porous medium changed from being uniform to non‐uniform. The observed bimodal breakthrough curves were simulated with a simple multi‐flow advection‐dispersion and a dual‐permeability model. Both models supported the development of non‐uniform water flow and solute transport due to flow paths changes. Those changes were attributed to clogging of small pores near the column inlet due to microbial growth and calcite precipitation leading to a heterogeneous infiltration front. The results highlight the need to determine transport properties continuously over the course of column experiments to reliably predict parameters for groundwater flow and understand contaminant transport into aquifers.
Outcomes of Clostridium difficile enterocolitis after administration of antibiotics along with probiotic supplement
Authors: Doder Radoslava , Kovacevic Nadica , Muncan Dragica , Potkonjak Aleksandar , Tomasev Branka , Ruzic Maja
Published: July 2013

Introduction. Clostridium difficile enterocolitis is a potentially fatal
disease showing increasing incidence in hospital environment. Therapeutic
approach in the management of Clostridium difficile enterocolitis is highly
complex, particularly because of its tendency to relapse and reinfection. The
study was aimed at investigating the factors influencing the development of
Clostridium difficile enterocolitis and outcomes of enterocolitis after
administration of standard antimicrobial therapy combined with probiotic
supplement. Material and Methods. A non-comparative prospective observational
study encompassed 42 patients (22 males and 20 females) diagnosed with
Clostridium difficile enterocolitis and treated at the Department of
Infectious Diseases in Novi Sad in the period October 2011 - April 2012.
Results. Higher incidence of the disease was found in elderly patients (78.6%
of them were over 60 years of age), after antimicrobial therapy (83.8%),
after hospitalization (83.3%) and in comorbid conditions (85.7%). The
clinical picture revealed predominantly mild to moderate symptoms. A good
clinical response to the standard antimicrobial therapy (metronidazole,
vancomycin) combined with probiotic given for 10 days was observed in all
patients, and the improvement in parameters such as the number and appearance
of stools, abdominal distension and pain was recorded. Statistically
significant changes in laboratory parameters (leukocyte count, C-reactive
protein level) were recorded on day 5 after the onset of disease. Recurrent
infection after successful therapy was observed in 9.5% of the patients.
Conclusion. Administration of probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus
Rosell-52, Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell-11 and Bifidobacterium longum
Rosell-175 alongside the standard antimicrobial therapy in the patients with
Clostridium difficile enterocolitis demonstrated positive effects on the
severity or clinical picture and normalization of laboratory parameters.
Recurrent infection after successful therapy was observed in only a small
number of patients as compared with the literature data.
Clinical and radiological characteristics of unrecognized foreign body aspiration into respiratory tract in children
Authors: Tenjovic Djurdjevka , Petrovic Slobodanka , Vilotijevic-Dautovic Gordana , Lovrenski Jovan , Bjelica-Rodic Branislavka
Published: July 2013

Introduction. Diagnosing of foreign body aspiration in children is often
postponed. The aim of this study was to evaluate complications, clinical
signs and radiological presentation of respiratory illness arising from
unrecognized foreign body aspiration in pediatric population. Material and
Methods. The study sample consisted of 33 patients aged from one to 18 years
who had undergone bronchoscopy for foreign body removal over the 10 years?
period (from 2000 to 2010). Neither their parents nor the pediatricians who
had treated these patients before admission to hospital recognized the acute
aspiration event. All the children were treated unsuccessfully for a period
exceeding 10 days. The retrospective analysis included the history of foreign
body aspiration, patients? age, kind of aspirated foreign body, clinical
manifestations that led to hospitalization, radiographic findings and the
time lapse from the first symptoms to diagnosis proven by endoscopic
intervention. Results. The majority of the foreign bodies were organic
(93.93%). Broncho-obstructive syndrome, which was the most frequent clinical
presentation, was found in 18 (54.55%) patients; pneumonia was diagnosed in
10 (30.30%) patients, four children were referred to hospital due to
infiltrative changes with acute broncho-obstructive syndrome and only one
child (3.03%) had persistent productive cough. Radiological findings (chest
X-rays) were pathological in all patients. Rigid bronchoscopy was performed
in 16 (48.49%) patients 10 days after presenting the first symptoms of
respiratory illness, in 6 (18.18%) patients within 10-21 days? period and in
11 (33.33%) patients 3 weeks after the first respiratory symptom. Conclusion.
Unrecognized foreign body aspiration results in various clinical
manifestations and non-responsiveness to the standard therapy applied.
Infratemporal fossa schwannoma
Authors: Mijatov Ivana , Pejakovic Bojan , Nalic Benjamin , Mijatov Sasa , Kiralj Aleksandar
Published: July 2013

Introduction. Due to its contents and relations with neighboring regions, the
infratemporal fossa has a great clinical significance. Primary tumors of this
region, both benign and malignant, are rare, but they do require surgical
treatment, which is determined by the size and localization of the tumor.
Case Report. The paper presents the case of a 72-year-old female patient who
was referred to hospital for paresthesia in the left half of the face after
having been found to have a tumor of left infratmeporal fossa by imaging
methods. The tumor was completely removed by transfacial-transzygomatic
approach and, according to histopathological findings, it was a schwannoma.
The postoperative course was without complications and the patient did not
have any discomforts at the check-up a month later. Conclusion. In addition
to the accurate diagnosis, the success rate of the surgical treatment of
tumors depends on the appropriate surgical approach to ensure the complete
removal of the tumor while preserving the content of the infratemporal
region.
Vitamin D and prostate cancer
Authors: Marusic Goran , Jeremic Dimitrije , Vojinov Sasa , Filipovic Natasa , Popov Milan
Published: July 2013

In addition to the metabolic role of vitamin D, which is well known and
clearly defined, there have been many hypotheses regarding its
anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic role. Epidemiology and Significance of
Prostate Cancer. Prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy in men.
Long period of cancerogenesis, available tumor markers and high incidence
make this cancer ideal for preventive measures. Physiological Role of Vitamin
D and its Effect on Prostate Cancer Cells. In vitro and in vivo studies have
shown the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptopic role of vitamin D. Disorders
of vitamin D metabolism are noted in vitamin D gene level, vitamin D
receptor, vitamin D responsive elements and androgen receptors. We present
the most important effect of those changes on vitamin D metabolism.
Conclusion. Available studies on vitamin D level in serum, prostate tissue,
observed activity of vitamin D enzymes and genetic changes give us only a
slight insight into the basic mechanisms of vitamin D action in the
development of prostate cancer; therefore, further investigations are needed.
Reactive oxygen species, apoptosis and cancer
Authors: Stojnev Slavica , Ristic-Petrovic Ana , Jankovic-Velickovic Ljubinka
Published: July 2013

Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 175092
History of infectious diseases development in the old and the middle ages with the emphasis on the plague and leprosy
Authors: Petrusevski Ana
Published: July 2013

nema
Impact of Cilia Ultrastructural Examination on the Diagnosis of Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia
Authors: Simoneau Tregony , Zandieh Stephanie O. , Rao Devika R. , Vo Phuong , Palm Kara E. , McCown Michael , Kopel Lianne S. , Dias Allan , Casey Alicia , Perez-Atayde Antonio R. , Zhong Zhaohui , Graham Dionne , Vargas Sara O.
Published: July 2013

Ultrastructural examination of cilia is the “gold standard” for diagnosing primary ciliary dyskinesia. There is little evidence suggesting the most effective method of procuring a ciliary biopsy and scant benchmark data on rates of conclusive biopsies or on the diagnostic impact of such biopsies. To critically assess rates of inconclusive, positive, and negative ciliary biopsies and to identify clinical factors associated with conclusive results, we reviewed ciliary biopsies submitted for electron microscopy from 2006 to 2011, noting whether specimens were adequate for analysis and whether the ciliary structure was normal. The biopsy site, method used, procedurist's specialty, and clinical diagnoses were determined. Biopsy findings were categorized by diagnostic impact. Over 5 years, 187 patients had 211 biopsies. Conclusive results were obtained on 133/211 biopsies (63%); the remainder were insufficient. The rate of inconclusive biopsies did not vary significantly ( P > 0.05; Fisher's exact) among sampling methods. Abnormal results were identified in 8/133 (6.0%) of the adequate specimens. Forceps compared to brush biopsies (abnormal in 4/12 versus 4/121 of the adequate specimens, P = 0.002), along with multiple biopsy samples (taken on same or different days) compared with a single biopsy sample (abnormal in 3/12 versus 1/110 of the adequate specimens, P = 0.01), were more likely to yield an abnormal result. Only 63% of pediatric ciliary biopsies provide adequate morphology for analysis, the large majority of these samples showing normal ciliary anatomy. The method of obtaining biopsies did not significantly affect result conclusiveness. Understanding the diagnostic impact of ultrastructural analysis is important as new diagnostic algorithms are developed for primary ciliary dyskinesia.
Placental Release or Disposal? Experiences of Perinatal Pathologists
Authors: Baergen Rebecca N. , Thaker Harshwardhan M. , Heller Debra S.
Published: July 2013

Placentas have been often considered medical waste in hospitals. This view is particularly held by the patients themselves, who may not understand the importance of placental examination. Hospitals have been receiving requests for placental release to patients and need to be prepared to handle these requests. Therefore, a survey was conducted to explore the experiences and practices of perinatal pathologists with respect to placental release. Utilizing SurveyMonkey, we emailed a survey to 192 practicing perinatal pathologists in the United States and Canada. Questions were asked about policies in force at their particular institution, conditions of release, and the purpose of release, ie, what the disposition of the placenta was after release to the family. Thirty-six responses were received; 22 (61.1%) of respondents did allow release of placentas, and those who did not release usually reported that they had not received requests for release. In most cases, specific policies were in place, with multiple departments within the hospital having input on the creation of the policy. Parental signature was required in most cases. The most common reason for patient request was to bury the placenta, although some placental release was for consumption and/or encapsulation. Although there are no specific religious requirements for use or burial of the placenta after delivery, there are many cultural reasons for requests. Hospitals and specific providers need to be aware of this interest and have a specific policy in place so that they are prepared when a request is received.
Effect of nitrite exposure on metabolic response in the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium nipponense
Authors: Jiang Qichen , Dilixiati Adila , Zhang Wenyi , Li Wen , Wang Qing , Zhao Yinglin , Yang Jiaxin , Li Zhengzhe
Published: July 2013

The metabolic response of the freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium nipponense to nitrite toxicity was evaluated. The prawns were exposed to 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 mg L−1 NO2-N concentrations for 48 h. The metabolic parameters in muscle were measured after 12, 24 and 48 h. Glucose level significantly increased after 24 h. Exposure to lower nitrite concentrations (1 and 2 mg L−1) resulted in significant increases in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities after 24 and 48 h. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities treated with 2 and 3 mg L−1 nitrite-N at 48 h were significantly higher than those at 12 and 24 h. Intermediate sublethal nitrite concentrations produced significant elevations in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities from 12 h up to 48 h. No significant changes were detected in any of the groups for triglycerides and creatine kinase (CK). To satisfy the increased energy demands caused by acute nitrite exposure, mobilization of lipids is not the main reason while utilization of amino acids seems to play a more important role. The results would be helpful for aquaculture farmers to prevent a potential depression of productivity caused by elevated nitrite levels.
Characterization of the 5′-flanking region of the mouse asparagine-linked glycosylation 12 homolog gene
Authors: Oh-Hashi Kentaro , Tejima Tomomi , Hirata Yoko , Kiuchi Kazutoshi
Published: July 2013

Recently, we characterized multiple roles of the endoplasmic reticulum stress responsive element (ERSE) in the promotion of a unique headto-head gene pair: mammalian asparagine-linked glycosylation 12 homolog (ALG12) and cysteine-rich with EGF-like domains 2 (CRELD2). This bidirectional promoter, which consists of fewer than 400 base pairs, separates the two genes. It has been demonstrated that the ALG12 promoter shows less transcriptional activity through ERSE, but its basic regulatory mechanism has not been characterized. In this study, we focused on well-conserved binding elements for the transcription factors for ATF6, NF-Y and YY1 and the Sp1 and Ets families in the 5’-flanking region of the mouse ALG12 gene. We characterized their dominant roles in regulating ALG12 promoter activities using several deletion and mutation luciferase reporter constructs. The ALG12 gene is expressed in three distinct cell lines: Neuro2a, C6 glioma and HeLa cells. The reporter activity in each cell line decreased similarly with serial deletions of the mouse ALG12 promoter. Mutations in the ERSE and adjacent NF-Y-binding element slightly affected reporter activity. Each of the mutations in the GC-rich sequence and YY1-binding element reduced ALG12 promoter activity, and the combination of these mutations additively decreased reporter activity. Each mutation in the tandem-arranged Ets-family consensus sequences partially attenuated ALG12 promoter activity, and mutations of all three Ets-binding elements decreased promoter activity by approximately 40%. Mutation of the three conserved regulatory elements (GC-rich, YY1 and Ets) in the ALG12 promoter decreased reporter activity by more than 90%. Our results suggest that the promoter activity of the mouse ALG12 gene is regulated in a similar manner in the three cell lines tested in this study. The well-conserved consensus sequences in the promoter of this gene synergistically contribute to maintaining basal gene expression.
Molecular modelling and spectral investigation of some triphenyltetrazolium chloride derivatives
Authors: Creanga Dorina , Nadejde Claudia
Published: July 2013

The molecular parameters of 2,3,5-triphenyl-2H-tetrazolium chloride (TTC) and some compounds based on triphenylformazans (TPFs) — resulting from the enzymatic transformation of TTC, were subjected to comparative investigation on the basis of semi-empirical quantum-chemical simulations, revealing some changes in dipole moment and polarisability in the TPFs in comparison with TTC. Chemical shift due to substituents was discussed using electronic absorption bands in the UV-VIS range recorded for diluted solutions in various solvents as well as the absorption spectra recorded in the infrared range for KBr dispersions. The correlation of the spectral shift of the electronic absorption bands with a specific function on the solvent refractive index, as recommended by theoretical studies focused on solute-solvent interactions, revealed the major role played by dispersive and induction forces. For several solvents, a different behaviour could be assigned to specific interactions overlapping with universal solute-solvent interactions.
Analysis of a Square Parasitic Antenna by Using Lumped Elements
Authors: Ferchichi Abdelhak , Azizi Med Karim , Ali Gharsallah
Published: July 2013

In This paper, a novel approach to design a parasitic antenna for an RFID application. This approach is based on using a parasite square patch near to a square patch. The square antenna is simulated by using HFSS and ADS and the proposed parasitic antenna is developed by using Lumped elements. This antenna can be integrated in an RFID TAG by using the electrical model of both antenna and IC. The size of antenna is 31mm*31mm*8.5mm.
Synthetic Aperture Radar using Emitters of Opportunity
Authors: Serafin Piotr , Kawalec Adam , Leśnik Czesław , Pyć Michał , Pietrasiński Jerzy
Published: July 2013

The capability of a radar imaging system to stay undetected while gathering data is one of the most desired for military reconnaissance systems. This is particularly difficult to achieve for synthetic aperture radar (SAR), that have to emit electromagnetic energy all the time during the operation and to move along a strictly defined route. Therefore the idea of a passive imaging system although encountering many constraints seems to be very interesting.

The possibilities of a passive synthetic aperture radar system working with different types of emitters of opportunity are described in the paper. Impact of signal characteristics on image quality and geometry issues are discussed among others. Results of computer simulations of such a system implementing different imaging algorithms as well as the results of the experiment performed with passive SAR system model are presented.
Overlay Multicast Optimization: IBM ILOG CPLEX
Authors: Kucharzak Michał , Zydek Dawid , Poźniak-Koszałka Iwona
Published: July 2013

IBM ILOG CPLEX Optimization Studio delivers advanced and complex optimization libraries that solve linear programming (LP) and related problems, e.g., mixed integer. Moreover, the optimization tool provides users with its Academic Research Edition, which is available for teaching and noncommercial research at no-charge. This paper describes the usage of CPLEX C++ API for solving linear problems and, as an exhaustive example, optimization of network flows in overlay multicast is taken into account. Applying continuous and integral variables and implementing various constraints, including equations and inequalities, as well as setting some global parameters of the solver are presented and widely explained.
Automated Characterization of Atheromatous Plaque in Intravascular Ultrasound Images Using Neuro Fuzzy Classifier
Authors: Selvathi D. , Emimal N. , Selvaraj Henry
Published: July 2013

The medical imaging field has grown significantly in recent years and demands high accuracy since it deals with human life. The idea is to reduce human error as much as possible by assisting physicians and radiologists with some automatic techniques. The use of artificial intelligent techniques has shown great potential in this field. Hence, in this paper the neuro fuzzy classifier is applied for the automated characterization of atheromatous plaque to identify the fibrotic, lipidic and calcified tissues in Intravascular Ultrasound images (IVUS) which is designed using sixteen inputs, corresponds to sixteen pixels of instantaneous scanning matrix, one output that tells whether the pixel under consideration is Fibrotic, Lipidic, Calcified or Normal pixel. The classification performance was evaluated in terms of sensitivity, specificity and accuracy and the results confirmed that the proposed system has potential in detecting the respective plaque with the average accuracy of 98.9%.
The Implementation of 3TZ Model of Software Development
Authors: Chaczko Zenon , Aslanzadeh Shahrzad , Jiang Frank , Klempous Ryszard
Published: July 2013

This paper presents the concepts and explores issues related to the 3 Time Zones (3TZ) model of software development in global workspace environment. The 3TZ model itself seeks to take advantages of differences in time zones between places around the world. By engaging software development teams in different regions separated by 8 hours each, it is possible for their combined working hours to cover the whole 24 hours period. Thus, while they each work their normal 8 hour days, together they are able to achieve in 1 day what a single team would achieve in 3 days. They are able to achieve this by passing on their work from one team to the next as one finishes their workday and the next team starts their workday. The 3TZ model of software development revolves around the employment of a software development team distributed in at least 3 different locations around the world in 3 different time zones. If work was passed on from one team to the next and adjacent teams were separated by 8 hours, then 24 hours continuous collaborative software development could be achieved. Though this poses many challenges, when dealt with there is great potential for software to be developed much faster than is possible for a single, collocated development team. In the global economy, we have seen a decrease in the barriers towards communication across the globe along with an increase of service availability to support this communication. Software development is one of the disciplines that is capable of effectively utilizing and benefiting from global collaboration prospect lent by ever increasing capability of information and communication technology. 24 hours continuous development is ideal for application towards tasks that have hard deadlines or require work completed as soon as possible. This article will mainly focus on introducing 24/7 global models that can be applied in cloud environment used in three different time zones.
Use of short fibers as a filler in rubber compounds
Authors: Meissner Natalia , Rzymski Władysław M.
Published: July 2013

In this work, composites made from styrene-butadiene rubber and short fibers were prepared by mixing and
investigated. The influence on the vulcanization process and tensile strength properties has been studied and
compared with compounds filled with carbon black. The presence of fibers gave shorter curing time and led to a
slight increase in tensile strength but decreased the elongation at break of the compound.
Evidence-based management of central cord syndrome
Authors: Dahdaleh Nader S. , Lawton Cort D. , El Ahmadieh Tarek Y. , Nixon Alexander T. , El Tecle Najib E. , Oh Sanders , Fessler Richard G. , Smith Zachary A.
Published: July 2013

Object

Evidence-based medicine is used to examine the current treatment options, timing of surgical intervention, and prognostic factors in the management of patients with traumatic central cord syndrome (TCCS).

Methods

A computerized literature search of the National Library of Medicine database, Cochrane database, and Google Scholar was performed for published material between January 1966 and February 2013 using key words and Medical Subject Headings. Abstracts were reviewed and selected, with the articles segregated into 3 main categories: surgical versus conservative management, timing of surgery, and prognostic factors. Evidentiary tables were then assembled, summarizing data and quality of evidence (Classes I–III) for papers included in this review.

Results

The authors compiled 3 evidentiary tables summarizing 16 studies, all of which were retrospective in design. Regarding surgical intervention versus conservative management, there was Class III evidence to support the superiority of surgery for patients presenting with TCCS. In regards to timing of surgery, most Class III evidence demonstrated no difference in early versus late surgical management. Most Class III studies agreed that older age, especially age greater than 60–70 years, correlated with worse outcomes.

Conclusions

No Class I or Class II evidence was available to determine the efficacy of surgery, timing of surgical intervention, or prognostic factors in patients managed for TCCS. Hence, there is a need to perform well-controlled prospective studies and randomized controlled clinical trials to further investigate the optimal management (surgical vs conservative) and timing of surgical intervention in patients suffering from TCCS.
Clinical value of 2-deoxy-[18F]fluoro-d-glucose positron emission tomography in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy
Authors: Eicker Sven O. , Langen Karl-Josef , Galldiks Norbert , Stoffels Gabriele , Herdmann Jörg , Steiger Hans-Jakob , Floeth Frank W.
Published: July 2013

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is one of the most common spinal cord disorders in the elderly. It is usually diagnosed by MRI, but in a significant number of patients the clinical course of CSM does not correlate with the extent of the spinal cord compression. Recent studies have suggested that a distinct metabolic pattern of the cervical cord, as assessed by PET with 2-deoxy-[18F]fluoro-d-glucose (18F-FDG) may predict a patient's clinical outcome after decompressive surgery for cervical spine stenosis. The authors provide an overview of the recent literature regarding the value of PET with 18F-FDG of the cervical cord in patients with CSM, paying attention to prognostic aspects and the potential role of inflammatory processes in the acute phase of the disease.
Ventral fusion versus dorsal fusion: determining the optimal treatment for cervical spondylotic myelopathy
Authors: Alvin Matthew D. , Lubelski Daniel , Benzel Edward C. , Mroz Thomas E.
Published: July 2013

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) often can be surgically treated by either ventral or dorsal decompression and fusion. However, there is a lack of high-level evidence on the relative advantages and disadvantages for these treatments of CSM. The authors' goal was to provide a comprehensive review of the relative benefits of ventral versus dorsal fusion in terms of quality of life (QOL) outcomes, complications, and costs. They reviewed 7 studies on CSM published between 2003 and 2013 and summarized the findings for each category. Both procedures have been shown to lead to statistically significant improvement in clinical outcomes for patients. Ventral fusion surgery has been shown to yield better QOL outcomes than dorsal fusion surgery. Complication rates for ventral fusion surgery range from 11% to 13.6%, whereas those for dorsal fusion surgery range from 16.4% to 19%. Larger randomized controlled trials are needed, with particular emphasis on QOL and minimum clinically important differences.
Intraoperative neuromonitoring with MEPs and prediction of postoperative neurological deficits in patients undergoing surgery for cervical and cervicothoracic myelopathy
Authors: Clark Aaron J. , Ziewacz John E. , Safaee Michael , Lau Darryl , Lyon Russ , Chou Dean , Weinstein Philip R. , Ames Christopher P. , Clark John P. , Mummaneni Praveen V.
Published: July 2013

Object

The use of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) in surgical decompression surgery for myelopathy may assist the surgeon in taking corrective measures to reduce or prevent permanent neurological deficits. We evaluated the efficacy of IONM in cervical and cervicothoracic spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) cases.

Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed 140 cases involving patients who underwent surgery for CSM utilizing IONM during 2011 at the University of California, San Francisco. Data on preoperative clinical variables, intraoperative changes in transcranial motor evoked potentials (MEPs), and postoperative new neurological deficits were collected. Associations between categorical variables were analyzed with the Fisher exact test.

Results

Of the 140 patients, 16 (11%) had significant intraoperative decreases in MEPs. In 8 of these cases, the MEP signal did not return to baseline values by the end of the operation. There were 8 (6%) postoperative deficits, of which 6 were C-5 palsies and 2 were paraparesis. Six of the patients with postoperative deficits had demonstrated persistent MEP signal change on IONM. There was a significant association between persistent MEP changes and postoperative deficits (p < 0.001). The sensitivity of intraoperative MEP monitoring was 75%, the specificity 98%, the positive predictive value 75%, and the negative predictive value 98%. Due to higher rates of false negatives, the sensitivity decreased to 60% in the subgroup of patients with vascular disease comorbidity. The sensitivity increased to 100% in elderly patients and in patients with preoperative motor deficits. The sensitivity and positive predictive value of deltoid and biceps MEP changes in predicting C-5 palsy were 67% and 67%, respectively.

Conclusions

The authors found a correlation between decreased intraoperative MEPs and postoperative new neurological deficits in patients with CSM. Sensitivity varies based on patient comorbidities, age, and preoperative neurological function. Monitoring of MEPs is a useful adjunct for CSM cases, and the authors have developed a checklist to standardize their responses to intraoperative MEP changes.
Registration of ‘Della‐2’ Aromatic Long‐Grain Rice
Authors: Sha X. Y. , Linscombe S. D. , Groth D. E. , Harrell D. L. , White L. M. , Theunissen S. J. , Henry B. J.
Published: July 2013

‘Della‐2’ (Reg. No. CV‐140, PI 665400) is an aromatic long‐grain cultivar with good grain yield, good milling yields, and excellent grain appearance. It was developed with the modified pedigree selection at the Rice Research Station, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center near Crowley, LA. Della‐2 was approved for official release in December 2011 by the director of Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station because of its enhanced yield potential and grain‐quality characteristics suitable for the aromatic specialty market. In 10 statewide trials conducted at six Louisiana locations, the average main crop yields of Della‐2, ‘Dellrose’, and ‘Cheniere’ were 7.51, 6.60, and 8.27 t ha−1. In Uniform Regional Rice Nursery trials performed in 2008 in Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, and Texas, Della‐2 yielded an average of 9.81 t ha−1, which was significantly higher than the 7.31 t ha−1 of Dellrose but only numerically higher than 9.35 t ha−1 of the nonaromatic check Cheniere. In 34 replicated trials where milling yields were evaluated, the average head and total rice yields of Della‐2 were 600 and 690 g kg−1 compared with 637 and 722 g kg−1 for Dellrose and 613 and 717 g kg−1 for Cheniere. The average amylose content of Della‐2 was 21.8% compared with 23.1 and 24.0% for Dellrose and Cheniere. The average alkali spread value of Della‐2, Dellrose, and Cheniere was 4.1, 4.1, and 4.4. The average 2‐acetyl‐pyrroline content of Della‐2 was 787 ng g−1, which was higher than the 582 ng g−1 of Dellrose. Della‐2 is susceptible to sheath blight [caused by Thanatephorus cucumeris (A.B. Frank) Donk (anamorph: Rhizoctonia solani Kühn)], bacterial panicle blight (caused by Burkholderia glumae), and the physiological disorder straighthead but moderately resistant to blast [caused by Magnaporthe grisea (Hebert) Barr (anamorph Pyricularia grisea Sacc.)]. Della‐2 is adapted to southern U.S. environmental conditions, and its improved yield potential will benefit specialty rice growers by improving their profitability.
Registration of ‘Webb’ Peanut
Authors: Simpson C. E. , Starr J. L. , Baring M. R. , Burow M. D. , Cason J. M. , Wilson J. N.
Published: July 2013

‘Webb’ (Reg. No. CV‐120, PI 667551) is a high‐yielding, high‐oleic fatty acid, nematode‐resistant peanut (Arachis hypogaea L. ssp. hypogaea var. hypogaea) cultivar that also has a moderate level of resistance to Sclerotinia blight (caused by Sclerotinia minor Jagger). The cultivar was developed in the Texas peanut breeding program and released by Texas AgriLife Research to serve peanut growers who have infestations of root‐knot nematode [Meloidogyne arenaria (Neal) Chitwood] and are required to have a peanut with a high ratio of oleic acid to linolenic acid to offer for sale. Webb has larger pods and seeds than most other lines released from the Texas peanut breeding program, but it is similar in size to ‘Tamrun OL 01’, which was released in 2001. Webb has performed well in 19 yield tests across 5 yr, and it has good blanching and shelling characteristics. The seed‐size distribution is in the acceptable range for a runner peanut, as expected by shellers and manufacturers. Flavor components of Webb were found to be acceptable, with no off flavors and a high roasted‐peanut flavor score. Webb is the third cultivar released by the Texas program resulting from the introgression of root‐knot nematode resistance from wild peanut species.
Recent developments in esophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Lagergren Jesper , Lagergren Pernilla
Published: July 2013

Answer questions and earn CME/CNE

Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is characterized by 6 striking features: increasing incidence, male predominance, lack of preventive measures, opportunities for early detection, demanding surgical therapy and care, and poor prognosis. Reasons for its rapidly increasing incidence include the rising prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux and obesity, combined with the decreasing prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection. The strong male predominance remains unexplained, but hormonal influence might play an important role. Future prevention might include the treatment of reflux or obesity or chemoprevention with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs or statins, but no evidence‐based preventive measures are currently available. Likely future developments include endoscopic screening of better defined high‐risk groups for EAC. Individuals with Barrett esophagus might benefit from surveillance, at least those with dysplasia, but screening and surveillance strategies need careful evaluation to be feasible and cost‐effective. The surgery for EAC is more extensive than virtually any other standard procedure, and postoperative survival, health‐related quality of life, and nutrition need to be improved (eg, by improved treatment, better decision‐making, and more individually tailored follow‐up). Promising clinical developments include increased survival after preoperative chemoradiotherapy, the potentially reduced impact on health‐related quality of life after minimally invasive surgery, and the new endoscopic therapies for dysplastic Barrett esophagus or early EAC. The overall survival rates are improving slightly, but poor prognosis remains a challenge. CA Cancer J Clin 2013;63:232–248. ©2013 American Cancer Society.
Bacterial Adhesion of Streptococcus suis to Host Cells and Its Inhibition by Carbohydrate Ligands
Authors: Kouki Annika , Pieters Roland , Nilsson Ulf , Loimaranta Vuokko , Finne Jukka , Haataja Sauli
Published: July 2013

Streptococcus suis is a Gram-positive bacterium, which causes sepsis and meningitis in pigs and humans. This review examines the role of known S. suis virulence factors in adhesion and S. suis carbohydrate-based adhesion mechanisms, as well as the inhibition of S. suis adhesion by anti-adhesion compounds in in vitro assays. Carbohydrate-binding specificities of S. suis have been identified, and these studies have shown that many strains recognize Galα1-4Gal-containing oligosaccharides present in host glycolipids. In the era of increasing antibiotic resistance, new means to treat infections are needed. Since microbial adhesion to carbohydrates is important to establish disease, compounds blocking adhesion could be an alternative to antibiotics. The use of oligosaccharides as drugs is generally hampered by their relatively low affinity (micromolar) to compete with multivalent binding to host receptors. However, screening of a library of chemically modified Galα1-4Gal derivatives has identified compounds that inhibit S. suis adhesion in nanomolar range. Also, design of multivalent Galα1-4Gal-containing dendrimers has resulted in a significant increase of the inhibitory potency of the disaccharide. The S. suis adhesin binding to Galα1-4Gal-oligosaccharides, Streptococcal adhesin P (SadP), was recently identified. It has a Galα1-4Gal-binding N-terminal domain and a C-terminal LPNTG-motif for cell wall anchoring. The carbohydrate-binding domain has no homology to E. coli P fimbrial adhesin, which suggests that these Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial adhesins recognizing the same receptor have evolved by convergent evolution. SadP adhesin may represent a promising target for the design of anti-adhesion ligands for the prevention and treatment of S. suis infections.
Hydrogen-Rich Gas Production by Sorption Enhanced Steam Reforming of Woodgas Containing TAR over a Commercial Ni Catalyst and Calcined Dolomite as CO2 Sorbent
Authors: Sisinni Mario , Di Carlo Andrea , Bocci Enrico , Micangeli Andrea , Naso Vincenzo
Published: July 2013

The aim of this work was the evaluation of the catalytic steam reforming of a gaseous fuel obtained by steam biomass gasification to convert topping atmosphere residue (TAR) and CH4 and to produce pure H2 by means of a CO2 sorbent. This experimental work deals with the demonstration of the practical feasibility of such concepts, using a real woodgas obtained from fluidized bed steam gasification of hazelnut shells. This study evaluates the use of a commercial Ni catalyst and calcined dolomite (CaO/MgO). The bed material simultaneously acts as reforming catalyst and CO2 sorbent. The experimental investigations have been carried out in a fixed bed micro-reactor rig using a slipstream from the gasifier to evaluate gas cleaning and upgrading options. The reforming/sorption tests were carried out at 650 °C while regeneration of the sorbent was carried out at 850 °C in a nitrogen environment. Both combinations of catalyst and sorbent are very effective in TAR and CH4 removal, with conversions near 100%, while the simultaneous CO2 sorption effectively enhances the water gas shift reaction producing a gas with a hydrogen volume fraction of over 90%. Multicycle tests of reforming/CO2 capture and regeneration were performed to verify the stability of the catalysts and sorbents to remove TAR and capture CO2 during the duty cycle.
Signaling Pathways from the Endoplasmic Reticulum and Their Roles in Disease
Authors: Kadowaki Hisae , Nishitoh Hideki
Published: July 2013

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an organelle in which newly synthesized secretory and transmembrane proteins are assembled and folded into their correct tertiary structures. However, many of these ER proteins are misfolded as a result of various stimuli and gene mutations. The accumulation of misfolded proteins disrupts the function of the ER and induces ER stress. Eukaryotic cells possess a highly conserved signaling pathway, termed the unfolded protein response (UPR), to adapt and respond to ER stress conditions, thereby promoting cell survival. However, in the case of prolonged ER stress or UPR malfunction, apoptosis signaling is activated. Dysfunction of the UPR causes numerous conformational diseases, including neurodegenerative disease, metabolic disease, inflammatory disease, diabetes mellitus, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Thus, ER stress-induced signaling pathways may serve as potent therapeutic targets of ER stress-related diseases. In this review, we will discuss the molecular mechanisms of the UPR and ER stress-induced apoptosis, as well as the possible roles of ER stress in several diseases.
Roles of EphA2 in Development and Disease
Authors: Park Jeong , Son Alexander , Zhou Renping
Published: July 2013

The Eph family of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) has been implicated in the regulation of many aspects of mammalian development. Recent analyses have revealed that the EphA2 receptor is a key modulator for a wide variety of cellular functions. This review focuses on the roles of EphA2 in both development and disease.
Induction of the Proepicardium
Authors: Maya-Ramos Lisandro , Cleland James , Bressan Michael , Mikawa Takashi
Published: July 2013

The proepicardium is a transient extracardiac embryonic tissue that gives rise to the epicardium and a number of coronary vascular cell lineages. This important extracardiac tissue develops through multiple steps of inductive events, from specification of multiple cell lineages to morphogenesis. This article will review our current understanding of inductive events involved in patterning of the proepicardium precursor field, specification of cell types within the proepicardium and their extension and attachment to the heart.
Prototyping an Operational System with Multiple Sensors for Pasture Monitoring
Authors: Gobbett David , Handcock Rebecca , Zerger Andre , Crossman Chris , Valencia Philip , Wark Tim , Davies Micah
Published: July 2013

Combining multiple proximal sensors within a wireless sensor network (WSN) enhances our capacity to monitor vegetation, compared to using a single sensor or non-networked setup. Data from sensors with different spatial and temporal characteristics can provide complementary information. For example, point-based sensors such as multispectral sensors which monitor at high temporal frequency but, at a single point, can be complemented by array-based sensors such as digital cameras which have greater spatial resolution but may only gather data at infrequent intervals. In this article we describe the successful deployment of a prototype system for using multiple proximal sensors (multispectral sensors and digital cameras) for monitoring pastures. We show that there are many technical issues involved in such a deployment, and we share insights relevant for other researchers who may consider using WSNs for an operational deployment for pasture monitoring under often difficult environmental conditions. Although the sensors and infrastructure are important, we found that other issues arise and that an end-to-end workflow is an essential part of effectively capturing, processing and managing the data from a WSN. Our deployment highlights the importance of testing and ongoing monitoring of the entire workflow to ensure the quality of data captured. We demonstrate that the combination of different sensors enhances our ability to identify sensor problems necessary to collect accurate data for pasture monitoring.