bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Application of Spectral Kurtosis to Separate Hybrid Power Quality Events
Authors: De la Rosa Juan , Sierra-Fernández José , Palomares-Salas José , Agüera-Pérez Agustín , Montero Álvaro
Published: September 2015

For the development of the future smart grid, the detection of power quality events is a key issue for the power system monitoring. Voltage sags, swells, harmonics (variations) and interruptions, which produce large losses for commercial and industrial consumers, are the main events to be considered due to the sensitivity of equipment to these electrical anomalies. The steady-state events are even more frequently accompanied by transients, the discrimination and localization being far more exigent and requiring advanced signal separating tools to be incorporated in the measurement equipment. This paper shows the event detection performance of the spectral kurtosis as a signal separating tool in the frequency domain. The disturbances under test are hybrid signals resulting from the coupling between amplitude defects and non-desired higher frequencies. Being a fourth-order spectrum, the kurtosis is confirmed as a noise-resistant tool that enhances impulsiveness, therefore characterizing the electrical anomalies. In the beginning of the analysis, the voltage sag is established as a reference; then, the disturbances (oscillatory transients and harmonics) are coupled at the starting and ending instants of the sag, resulting in complex hybrid events. The results show that the spectral kurtosis enhances the detection Energies 2015, 8 9778 of both types of events (steady state and transients), which are outlined in a bump shape in the fourth-order frequency pattern and centered in the main carrier frequency. Indeed, while the oscillatory transients are associated with softer and lower-amplitude peaks, the harmonics correspond to crisper and higher ones. As these mixed electrical faults are very common in the actual power grid, the article postulates the higher-order spectra to be implemented in prospective online measurement instruments.
A New HPLC-MS Method for Measuring Maslinic Acid and Oleanolic Acid in HT29 and HepG2 Human Cancer Cells
Authors: Peragón Juan , Rufino-Palomares Eva , Muñoz-Espada Irene , Reyes-Zurita Fernando , Lupiáñez José
Published: September 2015

Maslinic acid (MA) and oleanolic acid (OA), the main triterpenic acids present in olive, have important properties for health and disease prevention. MA selectively inhibits cell proliferation of the HT29 human colon-cancer cell line by inducing selective apoptosis. For measuring the MA and OA concentration inside the cell and in the culture medium, a new HPLC-MS procedure has been developed. With this method, a determination of the amount of MA and OA incorporated into HT29 and HepG2 human cancer-cell lines incubated with different concentrations of MA corresponding to 50% growth inhibitory concentration (IC50), IC50/2, IC50/4, and IC50/8 has been made. The results demonstrate that this method is appropriate for determining the MA and OA concentration in different types of cultured cells and reveals the specific dynamics of entry of MA into HT29 and HepG2 cells.
A Novel Ligustrazine Derivative T-VA Prevents Neurotoxicity in Differentiated PC12 Cells and Protects the Brain against Ischemia Injury in MCAO Rats
Authors: Li Guoliang , Tian Yufei , Zhang Yuzhong , Hong Ying , Hao Yingzhi , Chen Chunxiao , Wang Penglong , Lei Haimin
Published: September 2015

Broad-spectrum drugs appear to be more promising for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. In our previous work, a new ligustrazine derivative (3,5,6-trimethylpyrazin-2-yl) methyl 3-methoxy-4-[(3,5,6-trimethylpyrazin-2-yl)methoxy]benzoate (T-VA) showed neuroprotective effect on injured PC12 cells (EC50 = 4.249 µM). In the current study, we show that this beneficial effect was due to the modulation of nuclear transcription factor-κB/p65 (NF-κB/p65) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expressions. We also show that T-VA exhibited neuroprotective effect in a rat model of ischemic stroke with concomitant improvement of motor functions. We propose that the protective effect observed in vivo is owing to increased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, decreased oxidative stress, and up-regulation of Ca2+–Mg2+ ATP enzyme activity. Altogether, our results warrant further studies on the utility of T-VA for the potential treatment of ischemic brain injuries, such as stroke.
Tetramethylpyrazine Protects Retinal Capillary Endothelial Cells (TR-iBRB2) against IL-1β-Induced Nitrative/Oxidative Stress
Authors: Zhu Xue , Wang Ke , Zhang Kai , Tan Xuhua , Wu Zhifeng , Sun Song , Zhou Fanfan , Zhu Ling
Published: September 2015

Blood-retinal barrier (BRB) breakdown is one of the primary causes of diabetic retinopathy (DR). The pro-inflammatory factor interleukin-1β (IL-1β) was reported to be involved in the induction of BRB breakdown during the pathogenesis of DR. In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), a major active component of the traditional herb Ligusticum chuanxiong, on IL-1β-induced cell death of the rat retinal capillary endothelial TR-iBRB2 cells. Our results showed that IL-1β-induced cell dysfunction in TR-iBRB2 cells via inducing nitrative/oxidative stress; however, such effect was attenuated with the pre-treatment of TMP. The cellular protective effect of TMP was likely to be mediated through the inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and leukostasis as well as suppression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial dysfunction and MAPKs activation. These findings significantly contribute to a better understanding of the protective effect of TMP in DR and form the basis of the therapeutic development of TMP in treating such disease in the future.
Influence of Base Oil Polarity on the Transient Shear Flow of Biodegradable Lubricating Greases
Authors: Fiedler Martin , Sánchez Rubén , Valencia Concepción , Leopold Claudia , Kuhn Erik , Franco José
Published: September 2015

The scope of this study is to elucidate the physical mechanisms influencing the transient flow behavior of lubricating greases based on biogenic oleochemicals from a polarity point of view. This includes the mutually interacting influence of base oil polarity and thickening agents on the rheologically-measured mechanical structural degradation in transient shear flow. Due to the high temperature dependence of Keesom forces in the background of polar-active bond mechanisms, the analysis of the transient flow response as a function of temperature allows to attribute the observed influences to differences in base oil polarity. In general, clay-thickened greases show a greater tendency to be rheologically influenced by base oil polarities than soap-thickened lubricating greases.
The Use of Conservative and Alternative Therapy for Low Back Pain
Authors: Leung Ping
Published: September 2015

Low back pain may have complex patho-physiological causes leading to chronicity that resists conventional managements. Complementary and alternative treatment options have, therefore, gained popularity. In this chapter, acupuncture, manual therapy, and natural healing for low back pain will be discussed. Special emphasis is given on the role of the individual in the control and prevention of low back pain.
The Effects of Perchlorates on the Permafrost Methanogens: Implication for Autotrophic Life on Mars
Authors: Shcherbakova Viktoria , Oshurkova Viktoria , Yoshimura Yoshitaka
Published: September 2015

The terrestrial permafrost represents a range of possible cryogenic extraterrestrial ecosystems on Earth-like planets without obvious surface ice, such as Mars. The autotrophic and chemolithotrophic psychrotolerant methanogens are more likely than aerobes to function as a model for life forms that may exist in frozen subsurface environments on Mars, which has no free oxygen, inaccessible organic matter, and extremely low amounts of unfrozen water. Our research on the genesis of methane, its content and distribution in permafrost horizons of different ages and origin demonstrated the presence of methane in permanently frozen fine-grained sediments. Earlier, we isolated and described four strains of methanogenic archaea of Methanobacterium and Methanosarcina genera from samples of Pliocene and Holocene permafrost from Eastern Siberia. In this paper we study the effect of sodium and magnesium perchlorates on growth of permafrost and nonpermafrost methanogens, and present evidence that permafrost hydogenotrophic methanogens are more resistant to the chaotropic agent found in Martian soil. In this paper we study the effect of sodium and magnesium perchlorates on the growth of permafrost and nonpermafrost methanogens, and present evidence that permafrost hydogenotrophic methanogens are more resistant to the chaotropic agent found in Martian soil. Furthermore, as shown in the studies strain M2T M. arcticum, probably can use perchlorate anion as an electron acceptor in anaerobic methane oxidation. Earth’s subzero subsurface environments are the best approximation of environments on Mars, which is most likely to harbor methanogens; thus, a biochemical understanding of these pathways is expected to provide a basis for designing experiments to detect autotrophic methane-producing life forms on Mars.
Structure and Antibacterial Activity of Ambobactin, a New Telomycin-Like Cyclic Depsipeptide Antibiotic Produced by Streptomyces ambofaciens F3
Authors: Wei Shaopeng , Zhang Wenhao , Ji Zhiqin
Published: September 2015

A new telomycin-like cyclic depsipeptide, ambobactin (1), was isolated from the metabolites of Streptomyces ambofaciens F3, an endophyte of Platycladus orientalis. Its structure was elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis and advanced Marfey’s method. Ambobactin is structurally related with telomycin, except that the configuration of the 3-methyltryptophanes in their structures is different. It exhibited strong antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, this investigation revealed that S. ambofaciens F3 is a new producer of telomycin-like antibiotics.
Enzymatic Transesterification of Kraft Lignin with Long Acyl Chains in Ionic Liquids
Authors: Hulin Lise , Husson Eric , Bonnet Jean-Pierre , Stevanovic Tatjana , Sarazin Catherine
Published: September 2015

Valorization of lignin is essential for the economic viability of the biorefinery concept. For example, the enhancement of lignin hydrophobicity by chemical esterification is known to improve its miscibility in apolar polyolefin matrices, thereby helping the production of bio-based composites. To this end and due to its many reactive hydroxyl groups, lignin is a challenging macromolecular substrate for biocatalyzed esterification in non-conventional media. The present work describes for the first time the lipase-catalyzed transesterification of Kraft lignin in ionic liquids (ILs). Three lipases, three 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium based ILs and ethyl oleate as long chain acyl donor were selected. Best results were obtained with a hydrophilic/hydrophobic binary IL system (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate/1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluoro- phosphate, 1/1 v/v) and the immobilized lipase B from Candida antarctica (CALB) that afforded a promising transesterification yield (ca. 30%). Similar performances were achieved by using 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate as a coating agent for CALB rather than as a co-solvent in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethane-sulfonate thus limiting the use of hydrophobic IL. Structural characterization of lignin oleate was performed by spectroscopic studies (FTIR and 1H-NMR). The synthesized lignin oleate exhibited interesting thermal and textural properties, different from those of the original Kraft lignin.
Food Habits, Lifestyle Factors and Mortality among Oldest Old Chinese: The Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS)
Authors: Shi Zumin , Zhang Tuohong , Byles Julie , Martin Sean , Avery Jodie , Taylor Anne
Published: September 2015

There are few studies reporting the association between lifestyle and mortality among the oldest old in developing countries. We examined the association between food habits, lifestyle factors and all-cause mortality in the oldest old (≥80 years) using data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). In 1998/99, 8959 participants aged 80 years and older took part in the baseline survey. Follow-up surveys were conducted every two to three years until 2011. Food habits were assessed using an in-person interview. Deaths were ascertained from family members during follow-up. Cox and Laplace regression were used to assess the association between food habits, lifestyle factors and mortality risk. There were 6626 deaths during 31,926 person-years of follow-up. Type of staple food (rice or wheat) was not associated with mortality. Daily fruit and vegetable intake was inversely associated with a higher mortality risk (hazard ratios (HRs): 0.85 (95% CI (confidence interval) 0.77–0.92), and 0.74 (0.66–0.83) for daily intake of fruit and vegetables, respectively). There was a positive association between intake of salt-preserved vegetables and mortality risk (consumers had about 10% increase of HR for mortality). Fruit and vegetable consumption were inversely, while intake of salt-preserved vegetables positively, associated with mortality risk among the oldest old. Undertaking physical activity is beneficial for the prevention of premature death.
Menu Planning in Residential Aged Care—The Level of Choice and Quality of Planning of Meals Available to Residents
Authors: Abbey Karen , Wright Olivia , Capra Sandra
Published: September 2015

Background: Choice of food is an imperative aspect of quality of life for residents in Residential Aged Care Homes (RACHs), where overall choice and control is diminished upon entering a home to receive care. The purpose of this study was to examine the current strategies of menu planning in a range of RACHs in Australia, and whether this facilitated appropriate levels of choice for residents receiving texture modified and general diets. Methods: The study comprised a National Menu Survey using a new survey instrument collecting general information about the RACH and foodservice system, menu information and staffing information (n = 247); a national menu analysis (n = 161) and an observational case study of 36 meal environments. Results: Choice was low for the entire sample, but particularly for those receiving pureed texture modified diets. Evidence of menu planning to facilitate the inclusion of choice and alternatives was limited. Discussion: Regulation and monitoring of the Australian Aged Care Accreditation Standards needs to be strengthened to mandate improvement of the choice and variety offered to residents, particularly those on pureed texture modified diets. Further research on how menu choice and a lack of variety in meals affects the quality of life residents is needed in this context, but current evidence suggests the effect would be detrimental and undermine resident autonomy and nutritional status.
An Improved Method of Parameter Identification and Damage Detection in Beam Structures under Flexural Vibration Using Wavelet Multi-Resolution Analysis
Authors: Ravanfar Seyed , Razak Hashim , Ismail Zubaidah , Monajemi Hooman
Published: September 2015

This paper reports on a two-step approach for optimally determining the location and severity of damage in beam structures under flexural vibration. The first step focuses on damage location detection. This is done by defining the damage index called relative wavelet packet entropy (RWPE). The damage severities of the model in terms of loss of stiffness are assessed in the second step using the inverse solution of equations of motion of a structural system in the wavelet domain. For this purpose, the connection coefficient of the scaling function to convert the equations of motion in the time domain into the wavelet domain is applied. Subsequently, the dominant components based on the relative energies of the wavelet packet transform (WPT) components of the acceleration responses are defined. To obtain the best estimation of the stiffness parameters of the model, the least squares error minimization is used iteratively over the dominant components. Then, the severity of the damage is evaluated by comparing the stiffness parameters of the identified model before and after the occurrence of damage. The numerical and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method is robust and effective for the determination of damage location and accurate estimation of the loss in stiffness due to damage.
Geometric Parameters Estimation and Calibration in Cone-Beam Micro-CT
Authors: Zhao Jintao , Hu Xiaodong , Zou Jing , Hu Xiaotang
Published: September 2015

The quality of Computed Tomography (CT) images crucially depends on the precise knowledge of the scanner geometry. Therefore, it is necessary to estimate and calibrate the misalignments before image acquisition. In this paper, a Two-Piece-Ball (TPB) phantom is used to estimate a set of parameters that describe the geometry of a cone-beam CT system. Only multiple projections of the TPB phantom at one position are required, which can avoid the rotation errors when acquiring multi-angle projections. Also, a corresponding algorithm is derived. The performance of the method is evaluated through simulation and experimental data. The results demonstrated that the proposed method is valid and easy to implement. Furthermore, the experimental results from the Micro-CT system demonstrate the ability to reduce artifacts and improve image quality through geometric parameter calibration.
Self-Brand Personality Differences and Attitudes towards Electric Cars
Authors: Moons Ingrid , De Pelsmacker Patrick
Published: September 2015

In two representative Belgian samples, by means of an online survey, we investigate the effect of self-brand personality differences on car brand evaluation, the evaluation of an eco-friendly branded electric car extension and the evaluation of car brands after electric extension. We show that self-brand personality differences influence the attitude towards car brands. The relative importance of personality dimensions that drive extension judgment and parent brand attitudes after electric extension is different from that of brand evaluation without extension. More particularly, perceptions of a brand being more responsible than one’s self is a much more important driver of brand evaluation after electric extension than without extension. Car personality characteristics, such as activity and sophistication, drive brand evaluations before, as well as after electric extension. These effects are moderated by brand ownership in that the relative importance of brand personality dimensions is different for brand owners than for consumers who do not own a specific brand. Car manufacturers can fine-tune their marketing approach when launching eco-friendly extensions, taking into account that, in this context, partly different self-brand personality fit considerations are used by consumers than for car brands without electric extension.
Sustainable Energy Portfolios for Small Island States
Authors: Szabó Sándor , Kougias Ioannis , Moner-Girona Magda , Bódis Katalin
Published: September 2015

The study presents a cost effective electricity generation portfolio for six island states for a 20-year period (2015–2035). The underlying concept investigates whether adding sizeable power capacities of renewable energy sources (RES) options could decrease the overall costs and contribute to a more sustainable, indigenous electricity generation at the same time. Often, island states rely on fossil fuels which, apart from dependence on foreign resources, also includes an additional, significant transport cost. This is an extra motive to study the extent in which island states represent primary locations for RES technologies. For the aims of the present study an optimization model has been developed and following numerous runs the obtained results show that installing PV and battery capacities can delay-reduce the huge investments in fossil options in early periods. Thus, investment on RES can have a positive, long-term effect on the overall energy mix. This prompt development can happen without adding new subsidies but there is a need to address the existing socio-economic barriers with intelligent design of financing and economic instruments and capacity building as discussed in the conclusions.
A Takagi-Sugeno Fuzzy Inference System for Developing a Sustainability Index of Biomass
Authors: Cavallaro Fausto
Published: September 2015

One aspect of the use of biomass for energy purposes which remains controversial concerns their full environmental sustainability. Considering the crucial importance of this problem, numerous authors have carried out evaluations of the environmental impact of the various types of biomass by means of several approaches. Although some of these methods are excellent environmental evaluation tools, they are unfortunately unable to manage uncertain input data. Instead, fuzzy-set based methods have proven to be able to deal with uncertainty in environmental topics. The original contributions proposed by fuzzy logic relate, on the one hand, to the representation of uncertain and vague information, and, on the other, to handling such information using fuzzy rules. A fuzzy inference system (FIS) constitutes the practice of framing mapping from the input to an output using fuzzy logic. In this paper, we propose an application of Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy inference modelling to build a synthetic index to assess the sustainability of production of the biomass for energy purposes.
Dicarboxylic esters: Useful tools for the biocatalyzed synthesis of hybrid compounds and polymers
Authors: Bassanini Ivan , Hult Karl , Riva Sergio
Published: September 2015

Dicarboxylic acids and their derivatives (esters and anhydrides) have been used as acylating agents in lipase-catalyzed reactions in organic solvents. The synthetic outcomes have been dimeric or hybrid derivatives of bioactive natural compounds as well as functionalized polyesters.
How to Write an Outcome Statement
Authors: Dickerson Pamela S.
Published: September 2015

Educators within the health professions are increasingly asked to demonstrate outcomes of educational interventions. Within academia and clinical practice, educators are expected to measure, monitor, and, in many cases, report outcomes of their work. As continuing education transitions to a more deliberate emphasis on outcomes, common questions include how to identify and measure outcomes and how to write an outcome statement. This article will focus on how to write an outcome statement.

J Contin Educ Nurs.
2015;46(9):381–383.
Staff Nurses Eliminated Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections in a Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit
Authors: John Sherley , Thomas Merin , Cardona Meghan , Santarina Sherry Ann , Iacono Laura , Scanlon Kerri , Woolforde Launette
Published: September 2015

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are among the leading causes of health care–associated infections in neurosurgical populations. Successful reduction of CAUTIs involve the development of staff nurses as front-line change agents equipped with preventative strategies, educational interventions, and sustainable maintenance for positive patient outcomes.

J Contin Educ Nurs.
2015;46(9):384–386.
Femtosecond Laser-assisted Wavefront-guided LASIK Using a Newer Generation Aberrometer: 1-Year Results
Authors: Prakash Gaurav , Srivastava Dhruv , Suhail Muhammad
Published: September 2015

PURPOSE:

To evaluate long-term outcomes of wavefront-guided LASIK with a new advanced aberrometer.

METHODS:

Fifty eyes of 25 LASIK candidates with myopia and/or astigmatism underwent aberrometry (iDesign Advanced WaveScan; Abbott Medical Optics, Santa Ana, CA), femtosecond laser-assisted flap creation, and excimer ablation. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), spherical equivalent (SEQ), and astigmatism outcomes were measured at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.

RESULTS:

The sphere, cylinder, and SEQ were −4.29 ± 1.94, −0.75 ± 0.76, and −4.67 ± 2.01 diopters (D), respectively, preoperatively and 0.03 ± 0.13, −0.09 ± 0.13, and −0.02 ± 0.14 D, respectively, 12 months postoperatively (
P
< .001). The postoperative log-MAR CDVA (−0.07 ± 0.09) and UDVA (−0.04 ± 0.09) were better than the preoperative logMAR CDVA (0.07 ± 0.10) (
P
< .01). Ninety-four percent achieved a 12-month logMAR UDVA of 0.0 or less (20/20 or better Snellen) and 100% achieved 0.3 or less (20/40 or better Snellen), compared to a preoperative logMAR CDVA of 0.0 or worse in 54% and 0.3 or less in 100%. Postoperative SEQ was within ±0.50 D in 98%. The regression plot for achieved (y) vs intended (x) correction at 12 months was (y = 0.98 × − 0.09,
R
2
= 0.99,
P
< .001). No cases lost CDVA. The target and 12-month surgically induced astigmatisms (TIA and SIA) were 0.91 ± 0.75 and 0.82 ± 0.70, respectively. The regression plot between them was SIA = 0.91 × TIA − 0.01 (
R
2
= 0.95,
P
< .001). The angle of error was −0.29° ± 12.6° and index of success was 0.13 ± 0.25. There was only a mild, nonsignificant increase of higher-order aberrations after surgery, and the postoperative wavefront was stable on follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS:

Wavefront-guided LASIK with iDesign aberrometry appears to be safe and effective in this long-term, consecutive case series.

[
J Refract Surg.
2015;31(9):600–606.]
The inclusion of indigenous knowledge in the science classroom: A substantiation from cultural-historical activity theory
Authors: De Beer Josef J.
Published: September 2015

This article provides a theoretical argument for the inclusion of indigenous knowledge in the science classroom by using Engeström’s thirdgeneration cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT) as lens. The basic premise is that the learner enters the classroom with indigenous knowledge. By being sensitive to this embodied and situated cognition of the learner, the teacher may use indigenous knowledge as an effective entry point to make the abstract science curriculum more accessible and relevant to the learner. Through CHAT as a lens, various factors are identified that prevent the promotion of indigenous knowledge in the school curriculum.
Transient Diffusion in Triangular Cylinders
Authors: Wang C. Y.
Published: September 2015

A heated triangular cylinder is suddenly cooled in a constant temperature bath. The transient heat conduction problem is transformed to the Helmholtz equation related to the vibration of membranes. Using the membrane analogy, exact analytic solutions for the transient heat conduction problem for three triangular cross sections are found.
Fracture Analysis in Orthotropic Thermoelasticity Using Extended Finite Element Method
Authors: Jia Honggang , Nie Yufeng , Li Junlin
Published: September 2015

In this paper, a method for extracting stress intensity factors (SIFs) in orthotropic thermoelasticity fracture by the extended finite element method (XFEM) and interaction integral method is present. The proposed method is utilized in linear elastic crack problems. The numerical results of the SIFs are presented and compared with those obtained using boundary element method (BEM). The good accordance among these two methods proves the applicability of the proposed approach and conforms its capability of efficiently extracting thermoelasticity fracture parameters in orthotropic material.
High Pathogenicity of Influenza A (H10N8) Virus in Mice
Authors: Chen Haiying , Huang Lihong , Li Hui , Zhou Xianfeng , Li Huanan , Sun Na , Qi Wenbao , Xiao Chencheng , Ni Xiansheng , Liu Mingbin , Liao Ming
Published: September 2015

Three human cases of H10N8 virus infections were initially reported in China in late 2013 and early 2014, two of which were fatal. This was the first time the H10N8 subtype has been detected in humans, and the pathogenicity of this virus remains under characterized. We first assessed its pathogenicity by infecting BALB/c mice with two H10N8 isolates, A/Jiangxi-Donghu/346-1/2013 and A/Chicken/Jiangxi/102/2013. The human isolate (H346-1) demonstrated stronger capability of replication and induced higher cytokine response in vivo than the chicken isolate (C102). In addition, H346-1 was fatal to mice, while all mice (N = 14) in C102-infected group survived during the infection course without weight loss. We hypothesized that the 627K mutation in the PB2 gene (PB2-K627) in H346-1 was associated with high pathogenicity in mice. Taken together, this study based on mouse model provides some insight into understanding the pathogenicity of the emerging viruses in mammals.
Gastrointestinal Infections in Deployed Forces in the Middle East Theater: An Historical 60 Year Perspective
Authors: Riddle Mark S. , Savarino Stephen J. , Sanders John W.
Published: September 2015

Infectious diarrhea has been among the most common maladies of military deployments throughout time. The U.S. military experienced a significant burden from this disease in the middle eastern and north African campaigns of World War II (WWII). This article compares patterns of disease experienced in WWII with the recent military deployments to the same region for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF). Remarkable similarities in the prevalence and risk factors were noted, which belie the assumed improvements in prevention against these infections. In both campaigns, peaks of diarrhea occurred shortly after arrival of new personnel, which were seasonally associated and were linked to initial lapses in field sanitation and hygiene. It is important to reassess current strategies, especially, in light of emerging evidence of the chronic sequelae of these common infections to include a reemphasis on or reexamination of vaccine development, rapid field diagnostics, treatment algorithms, and antimicrobial prophylaxis.
Enalapril in Combination with Benznidazole Reduces Cardiac Inflammation and Creatine Kinases in Mice Chronically Infected with Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Penitente Arlete Rita , Leite Ana Luísa Junqueira , de Paula Costa Guilherme , Shrestha Deena , Horta Aline Luciano , Natali Antônio J. , Neves Clóvis A. , Talvani Andre
Published: September 2015

The protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi triggers an inflammatory process in mammalian heart causing events such as fibrosis, changes in the architecture and functionality in this organ. Enalapril, an angiotensin II-converting enzyme inhibitor, is a drug prescribed to ameliorate this heart dysfunction, and appears to exert a potential role in immune system regulation. Our aim was to evaluate the chronic cardiac inflammatory parameters after therapeutic treatment with enalapril and benznidazole in C57BL/6 mice infected with the VL-10 strain of T. cruzi. After infection, animals were treated with oral doses of enalapril (25 mg/kg), benznidazole (100 mg/kg), or both during 30 days. Morphometric parameters and levels of chemokines (CCL2, CCL5), IL-10, creatine kinases (CKs), and C-reactive protein were evaluated in the heart and serum at the 120th day of infection. Enalapril alone or in combination with benznidazole did not change the number of circulating parasites, but reduced cardiac leukocyte recruitment and total collagen in the cardiac tissue. Interestingly, the combination therapy (enalapril/benznidazole) also reduced the levels of chemokines, CK and CK-MB, and C-reactive proteins in chronic phase. In conclusion, during the chronic experimental T. cruzi infection, the combination therapy using enalapril plus benznidazole potentiated their immunomodulatory effects, resulting in a low production of biomarkers of cardiac lesions.
Lichen Planus of Larynx Manifesting as Airway Compromise: A Rare Presentation
Authors: Job Anand , Ashish Gaurav , Parmar Harshad , Emerson L Paul , Michael Rajiv C
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Lichen planus is an inflammatory pathology which most commonly involves the mucocutaneous junction of oral cavity. It has been reported in many other sites of the body extending from eye to the urogenital system. Diagnosis is achieved combinely with clinical picture and histopathological findings. The treatment mainly involves systemic therapy with corti costeroids and regular periodic follow-up. It is rare but malig nant transformation has been suggested at some sites.

Case report

However, it is extremely rare in larynx and this case report seems to be the first case presenting with a combination of airway compromise due to laryngeal involvement with presence of cutaneous and oral lesions.

Conclusion

The above case report is presented in context of developing insights about etiopathogenesis, clinical features and management of laryngeal lichen planus.

How to cite this article

Ashish G, Emerson LP, Michael RC, Parmar H, Job A. Lichen Planus of Larynx Manifesting as Airway Compromise: A Rare Presentation. Int J Otorhinolaryngol Clin 2014;6(3):95-97.
Esophageal Foreign Bodies: Report of Three Unusual Cases with Interesting Scenario
Authors: Passey JC , Dabas Shilpi , Arora Nikhil , Jain Kirti
Published: September 2015

We are reporting three cases of unusual foreign bodies of the esophagus along with the unusual scenario in which they were ingested. The objective of the case report is to add to the list of foreign bodies in the previous literature with increasing awareness of otolaryngologists about them and emphasizing the role of rigid endoscopy for safe removal of foreign bodies from the esophagus.

How to cite this article

Arora N, Jain K, Passey JC, MalhotraV, Dabas S. Esophageal Foreign Bodies: Report of Three Unusual Cases with Interesting Scenario. Int J Otorhinolaryngol Clin 2014;6(3):106-108.
Nonfunctioning Ectopic Pituitary Adenoma Presenting as Epistaxis: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Govindan Aparna , Sasi Premkumar , Radhakrishnan Suma , Alapatt Jacob Paul , Aravindan KP
Published: September 2015

Ectopic pituitary adenomas are uncommon lesions and are found along the migratory pathway of the Rathke's pouch. Sites reported include suprasellar region, clivus, sphenoid sinus, nasopharynx, third ventricle, petrous temporal bone, hypo thalamus, etc. Compared to intrasellar adenomas, a higher proportion of the ectopic examples are functional and most commonly produce adenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The authors report two cases of ectopic pituitary adenoma in the sphenoid sinus in two male patients 36 and 40 years old, presenting with epistaxis. Both the patients did not have any endocrine abnor malities. The clinical and imaging findings were suggestive of sinonasal malignancy. The final diagnosis was made after histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry for cytokeratin, chromogranin and pituitary hormones. The diagnosis of ectopic pituitary adenomas is difficult especially in those tumors that are nonfunctioning. After extensive literature search, we could find only six cases of nonfunctioning adenomas reported in the sphenoid sinus and in all these cases the correct diagnosis could be made only by histopathology.

How to cite this article

Govindan A, Sasi P, Radhakrishnan S, Alapatt JP, Aravindan KP. Nonfunctioning Ectopic Pituitary Adenoma Presenting as Epistaxis: A Report of Two Cases. Int J Otorhinolaryngol Clin 2014;6(3):130133.
Viscous organic aerosol particles in the upper troposphere: diffusivity-controlled water uptake and ice nucleation?
Authors: Lienhard D. M. , Huisman A. J. , Krieger U. K. , Rudich Y. , Marcolli C. , Luo B. P. , Bones D. L. , Reid J. P. , Lambe A. T. , Canagaratna M. R. , Davidovits P. , Onasch T. B. , Worsnop D. R. , Steimer S. S. , Koop T. , Peter T.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. New measurements of water diffusion in aerosol particles produced from secondary organic aerosol (SOA) material and from a number of organic/inorganic model mixtures (3-methylbutane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid (3-MBTCA), levoglucosan, levoglucosan/NH4HSO4, raffinose) indicate that water diffusion coefficients are determined by several properties of the aerosol substance and cannot be inferred from the glass transition temperature or bouncing properties. Our results suggest that water diffusion in SOA particles is faster than often assumed and imposes no significant kinetic limitation on water uptake and release at temperatures above 220 K. The fast diffusion of water suggests that heterogeneous ice nucleation on a glassy core is very unlikely in these systems. At temperatures below 220 K, model simulations of SOA droplets suggest that heterogeneous ice nucleation may occur in the immersion mode on glassy cores which remain embedded in a liquid shell when experiencing fast updraft velocities. The particles absorb significant quantities of water during these updrafts which plasticize their outer layers such that these layers equilibrate readily with the gas phase humidity before the homogeneous ice nucleation threshold is reached. Glass formation is thus unlikely to restrict homogeneous ice nucleation. Only under most extreme conditions near the very high tropical tropopause may the homogeneous ice nucleation rate coefficient be reduced as a consequence of slow condensed-phase water diffusion. Since the differences between the behavior limited or non limited by diffusion are small even at the very high tropical tropopause, condensed-phase water diffusivity is unlikely to have significant consequences on the direct climatic effects of SOA particles under tropospheric conditions.
POM.gpu-v1.0: a GPU-based Princeton Ocean Model
Authors: Xu S. , Huang X. , Oey L.-Y. , Xu F. , Fu H. , Zhang Y. , Yang G.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. Graphics processing units (GPUs) are an attractive solution in many scientific applications due to their high performance. However, most existing GPU conversions of climate models use GPUs for only a few computationally intensive regions. In the present study, we redesign the mpiPOM (a parallel version of the Princeton Ocean Model) with GPUs. Specifically, we first convert the model from its original Fortran form to a new Compute Unified Device Architecture C (CUDA-C) code, then we optimize the code on each of the GPUs, the communications between the GPUs, and the I / O between the GPUs and the central processing units (CPUs). We show that the performance of the new model on a workstation containing four GPUs is comparable to that on a powerful cluster with 408 standard CPU cores, and it reduces the energy consumption by a factor of 6.8.
Initial Canadian experience with robotic simple prostatectomy: Case series and literature review
Authors: Hoy Nathan Y. , Van Zyl Stephan , St. Martin Blair A.
Published: September 2015

Introduction: Robotic-assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP) has been touted as an alternative to open simple prostatectomy (OSP) to treat large gland benign prostatic hyperplasia. Our study assesses our institution’s experience with RASP and reviews the literature.Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review from January 2011 to November 2013 of all patients undergoing RASP and OSP. Operative and 90-day outcomes, including operation time, intraoperative blood loss, length of hospital stay (LOS), transfusion requirements, and complication rates, were assessed.Results: Thirty-two patients were identified: 4 undergoing RASP and 28 undergoing OSP. There was no difference in mean age at surgery (69.3 vs. 75.2 years; p = 0.17), mean Charlson Comorbidity Index (2.5 vs. 3.5; p = 0.19), and mean prostate volume on TRUS (239 vs. 180 mL; p = 0.09) in the robotic and open groups, respectively. There was a significant difference in the mean length of operation, with RASP exceeding OSP (161 vs. 79 min; p = 0.008). The mean intraoperative blood loss was significantly higher in the open group (835.7 vs. 218.8 mL; p = 0.0001). Mean LOS was shorter in the RASP group (2.3 vs. 5.5 days; p = 0.0001). No significant differences were noted in the 90-day transfusion rate (p = 0.13), or overall complication rate at 0% with RASP vs. 57.1% with OSP (p = 0.10).Conclusions: Our data suggest RASP has a shorter LOS and lower intraoperative volume of blood loss, with the disadvantage of a longer operating time, compared to OSP. It is a feasible technique and deserves further investigation and consideration at Canadian centres performing robotic prostatectomies.
Radiation therapy after radical prostatectomy: A single-centre radiation oncology experience in trends of referral and treatment practices
Authors: Zimmermann Michel , Taussky Daniel , Delouya Guila , Alenizi Abdullah M. , Zorn Kevin C.
Published: September 2015

Introduction: Our objective was to assess whether referral and treatment practices have changed since publication of the Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) 8794 Trial in 2009, the first randomized study to demonstrate an overall survival advantage of adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) after radical prostatectomy (RP).Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all medical charts of men who received RT at our institution between 2004 and 2014 following RP. All RT was conducted by a single radiation oncologist (DT). We divided the cohort into 2 groups according to first referral date before or after the SWOG 8794 trial publication (i.e., before 2010 and after 2010).Results: Medical charts were available for 161/165 patients (97.6%). RP was performed at the same institution in 58% of cases. The median time between surgery and first referral for RT decreased significantly from 672 days (interquartile range [IQR] 295–1449) before 2010 to 300 days (IQR 225–1023) after 2010 (p = 0.04). This trend was associated with lower median prostate-specific antigen (PSA) at RT referral (0.26 μg/L [IQR 0.17–0.48] vs. 0.46 μg/L [IQR 0.25–0.90], respectively; p = 0.001). Androgen-deprivation therapy with RT nearly tripled over time from 13% before 2010 to 37% after 2010 (p = 0.003). Throughout the study period, the time interval between surgery and RT initiation was positively correlated with pT-stage (p = 0.001), Gleason score (p = 0.005) and PSA doubling time (p < 0.001).Conclusions: At our tertiary-referral academic institution, post-RP patients are notably referred earlier for RT and at lower PSA values compared to men treated prior to 2010. Further study is necessary to evaluate this impact on biochemical recurrence-free survival.
Comparative effectiveness of adrenal sparing radical nephrectomy and non-adrenal sparing radical nephrectomy in clear cell renal cell carcinoma: Observational study of survival outcomes
Authors: Nason Gregory J. , Walsh Leon G. , Redmond Ciaran E. , Kelly Niall P. , McGuire Barry B. , Sharma Vidit , Kelly Michael E. , Galvin David J. , Mulvin David W. , Lennon Gerald M. , Quinlan David M. , Flood Hugh D. , Giri Subhasis K.
Published: September 2015

Introduction: We compare the survival outcomes of patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) treated with adrenal sparing radical nephrectomy (ASRN) and non-adrenal sparing radical nephrectomy (NASRN).Methods: We conducted an observational study based on a composite patient population from two university teaching hospitals who underwent RN for RCC between January 2000 and December 2012. Only patients with pathologically confirmed RCC were included. We excluded patients undergoing cytoreductive nephrectomy, with loco-regional lymph node involvement. In total, 579 patients (ASRN = 380 and NASRN = 199) met our study criteria. Patients were categorized by risk groups (all stage, early stage and locally advanced RCC). Overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were analyzed for risk groups. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards regression.Results: The median follow-up was 41 months (range: 12–157). There were significant benefits in OS (ASRN 79.5% vs. NASRN 63.3%; p = 0.001) and CSS (84.3% vs.74.9%; p = 0.001), with any differences favouring ASRN in all stage. On multivariate analysis, there was a trend towards worse OS (hazard ratio [HR] 1.759, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.943–2.309, p = 0.089) and CSS (HR 1.797, 95% CI 0.967–3.337, p = 0.064) in patients with NASRN (although not statistically significant). Of these patients, only 11 (1.9%) had adrenal involvement.Conclusions: The inherent limitations in our study include the impracticality of conducting a prospective randomized trial in this scenario. Our observational study with a 13-year follow-up suggests ASRN leads to better survival than NASRN. ASRN should be considered the gold standard in treating patients with RCC, unless it is contraindicated.
Demonstration of the direct impact of ketamine on urothelium using a tissue engineered bladder model
Authors: Bureau Michel , Pelletier Jérôme , Rousseau Alexandre , Bernard Geneviève , Chabaud Stéphane , Bolduc Stéphane
Published: September 2015

Introduction: Ketamine is a common recreational drug. Severe lower urinary tract symptoms associated with its consumption have been reported, but little is known about the involved mechanisms. The effect of ketamine, which is excreted in urine, was evaluated by its application on an in vitro three-dimensional human tissue-engineered bladder model composed of an urothelium and a submucosa.Methods: Human urothelial cells were cultured with medium containing various concentrations of ketamine and harvested at different times to obtain growth curves. Using this model, specific activity of caspase-3 was measured to assess the level of apoptosis induced by ketamine. Finally, a human tissue-engineered bladder model was used. Urothelial cells were plated on a stromal layer made of dermal fibroblasts and incubated at the air/liquid interface to allow their differentiation. Ketamine was then put on the mature urothelium using paper or agarose vectors for 48 hours.Results: The presence of ketamine increased cells’ doubling times from 1.26 days for control to 1.38 days (p = 0.14) and 1.78 days (p < 0.01) for the 0.5 mM and 1.5 mM concentrations, respectively. 5 mM and 10 mM of ketamine led to decline in the major cell population. Exposure to 5 mM ketamine induced apoptosis, confirmed by a 2.5-fold increase in capase-3 specific activity from control (p = 0.03). The structure and cellular cohesion of the urothelium on the three-dimensional model, especially in the intermediate layers, were severely affected in a concentration dependant fashion with both vectors.Conclusion: The presence of ketamine in the bladder directly damages the urothelium through the induction of apoptosis.
Perception, career choice and self-efficacy of UK medical students and junior doctors in urology
Authors: Jones Patrick , Rai Bhavan Prasad , Qazi Hasan A.R. , Somani Bhaskar K. , Nabi Ghulam
Published: September 2015

Introduction: There is a growing concern about the reduced clinical exposure to urology at undergraduate level in the United Kingdom. As a consequence, the competencies of junior doctors are considered inadequate. The views of these doctors in training towards urology remain under reported.Methods: A modified Delphi method was employed to construct a questionnaire. Given the rise of social media as a platform for scientific discussion, participants were recruited via a social networking site. Outcomes assessed included career preference, exposure to urology, perceived male dominance, and confidence at core procedures.Results: In total, 412 and 66 responses were collected from medical students and junior doctors, respectively. Overall, 41% of participants felt that they had received a good level of clinical exposure to urology as part of their training and 15% were considering a career in this speciality. Female students were significantly less likely to consider urology as a career option (p < 0.01). Of these, 37% of the students felt confident at male catheterization and 46% of students regarded urology as a male-dominated speciality.Conclusions: Urology is perceived as male dominated and is the least likely surgical speciality to be pursued as a career option according to our survey. Increased exposure to urology at the undergraduate level and dedicated workshops for core urological procedures are needed to address these challenges.