bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lumbar Disc Herniation in Military Helicopter Pilots vs. Matched Controls
Authors: Knox Jeffrey B. , Deal J. Banks , Knox Jennifer A.
Published: April 2018

INTRODUCTION: Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a common injury among active duty service members resulting in missed duty hours and limited duty status. Little is known about the current burden of disease and risk factors for LDH among military rotary wing aviators.METHODS:
A query was made using the Defense Medical Epidemiology Database (DMED), including patient encounters for the U.S. Military from 2006–2015 using the ICD-9 code for LDH. Incidence rates were calculated for patients with the occupation of helicopter pilot and stratified by age, gender,
and branch of service, then compared to matched controls using a Poisson regression analysis. Then, data from a 17-yr period were examined for long term trends.RESULTS: We identified 1218 cases of LDH among 141,383 person-years among helicopter pilots, yielding a 1.22-fold higher
incidence rate compared to controls. Significant risk factors identified after Poisson regression analysis were age greater than 30 yr old and Army service branch affiliation. Male gender was not found to be a significant risk factor. Long term data revealed a 2.6-fold increased incidence
of LDH among helicopter pilots since 1997.DISCUSSION: We identified significant increased risk of LDH in rotary wing pilots as compared to their nonpilot peers. Among rotary wing pilots, the incidence of this condition has increased, with both increasing pilot age and Army branch
affiliation identified as risk factors. This information will allow targeted prevention strategies and further investigation to potential aircraft-specific causes of increased risk in Army pilots.Knox JB, Deal JB Jr, Knox JA. Lumbar disc herniation in military helicopter pilots vs.
matched controls. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2018; 89(5):442–445.
Diphyllobothriasis in a U.S. Military Aviator
Authors: Kasteler Stephen D.
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND: Diphyllobothriasis is estimated to afflict 10–20 million people worldwide; however, this is the first case reported in a United States military aviator. Among the largest parasites of humans, the “fish tapeworm” grows from 2–15 m in length,
can live >20 yr in the intestines, and is contracted through consumption of uncooked, unfrozen freshwater or anadromous fish species.CASE REPORT: A 32-yr-old male F-22 pilot presented with mild stomach cramping, bloating, nausea, and intermittent loose stools. Symptoms were relieved
with bismuth subsalicylate until several days later when the patient, during otherwise normal bowel movements, extracted multiple broken segments of tapeworm. Although physically asymptomatic, he was psychologically disturbed. Based on the large number of ova with characteristic shape, size,
color, and operculum, coupled with the flattened body, yellowish coloration, and rectangular proglottids with centrally located “rosette” uteri, he was diagnosed with diphyllobothriasis (likely D. latum or D. nihonkaiense). Successful treatment with a single oral
dose of praziquantel (>10 mg · kg−1) was confirmed by negative stool examination over 60 d posttreatment. He likely contracted the parasite from ingesting salmon sushi or sashimi while previously stationed in Japan.DISCUSSION: Despite only mild physical
symptoms, the pilot’s psychological distress and distraction from knowing about the meters-long tapeworm was significant. Prompt treatment was paramount to resumption of military operations. Aviators should be educated and encouraged to eat only well-cooked or previously frozen fish,
especially when indulging in cultural cuisine.Kasteler SD. Diphyllobothriasis in a U.S. military aviator. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2018; 89(5):473–477.
A Survey of Fatigue in Army Aviators
Authors: Kelley Amanda M. , Feltman Kathryn A. , Curry Ian P.
Published: April 2018

INTRODUCTION: Fatigue plays a critical role in mission success due to its effect on a number of performance variables. The purpose of this study was to gauge the extent to which U.S. Army aviators experience subjective fatigue on a regular basis presently as well as their perceptions
of their own sleep quality, quantity, and daytime sleepiness. This information is valuable for prioritizing future research lines with respect to injury prevention and fatigue management as well as updating policy.METHODS: An anonymous, 125-item questionnaire was completed by 214
U.S. Army aviators. A subset of those items (15 questions related to fatigue) are reported in this study. Subjects were primarily male and the mean age was 33 yr.RESULTS: Results suggest that the majority of subjects sleep less than the recommended 8 h per night and nearly half
of them report sleeping less than their own preferred amount of sleep. Approximately 40% of the sample indicated that they believed fatigue to be a widespread problem in the U.S. Army aviation community.DISCUSSION: Overall, the findings identified factors contributing to fatigue
and performance degradation currently experienced by those sampled in this study. Specifically, inconsistent shiftwork, less than optimal levels of rest, and poor sleep quality in the field were identified. Compared to past research, the extent to which fatigue is perceived to be a widespread
problem is significantly lower than reported 15 yr prior.Kelley AM, Feltman KA, Curry IP. A survey of fatigue in army aviators. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2018; 89(5):464–468.
IgG Antibody 3D Structures and Dynamics
Authors: Jay Jacob White , Bray Brinkley , Qi Yaozhi , Igbinigie Eseosaserea , Wu Hao , Li Jinping , Ren Gang
Published: April 2018

Antibodies are vital for human health because of their ability to function as nature’s drugs by protecting the body from infection. In recent decades, antibodies have been used as pharmaceutics for targeted therapy in patients with cancer, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Capturing the dynamic structure of antibodies and characterizing antibody fluctuation is critical for gaining a deeper understanding of their structural characteristics and for improving drug development. Current techniques for studying three-dimensional (3D) structural heterogeneity and variability of proteins have limitations in ascertaining the dynamic structural behavior of antibodies and antibody-antigen complexes. Here, we review current techniques used to study antibody structures with a focus on the recently developed individual-particle electron tomography (IPET) technique. IPET, as a particle-by-particle methodology for 3D structural characterization, has shown advantages in studying structural variety and conformational changes of antibodies, providing direct imaging data for biomolecular engineering to improve development and clinical application of synthetic antibodies.
Diagnostics of Hydrogen-Containing Mixture Compression by a Two-Stage Piston Compressor with Cooling Demand Prediction
Authors: Brestovič Tomáš , Čarnogurská Mária , Příhoda Miroslav , Lukáč Peter , Lázár Marián , Jasminská Natália , Dobáková Romana
Published: April 2018

The present article describes the diagnostics of a compressor that is compressing a mixture of H2 and N2 on the basis of the results that were obtained by operational measurements of the flow rates and temperatures at selected compressor sites, as well as of the acoustic pressure levels during the full loading thereof. The obtained data were subsequently used to determine the limit conditions of the compressor operations in terms of the cooling capacity. A thermodynamic analysis of the compression of the H2/N2 gas mixture was carried out with subsequent heat and energy flow calculation and the determination of the minimum cooling water flow rate that is required to ensure the continuous compressor operations.
Forecasting of Power Grid Investment in China Based on Support Vector Machine Optimized by Differential Evolution Algorithm and Grey Wolf Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Dai Shuyu , Niu Dongxiao , Han Yaru
Published: April 2018

In recent years, the construction of China’s power grid has experienced rapid development, and its scale has leaped into the first place in the world. Accurate and effective prediction of power grid investment can not only help pool funds and rationally arrange investment in power grid construction, but also reduce capital costs and economic risks, which plays a crucial role in promoting power grid investment planning and construction process. In order to forecast the power grid investment of China accurately, firstly on the basis of analyzing the influencing factors of power grid investment, the influencing factors system for China’s power grid investment forecasting is constructed in this article. The method of grey relational analysis is used for screening the main influencing factors as the prediction model input. Then, a novel power grid investment prediction model based on DE-GWO-SVM (support vector machine optimized by differential evolution and grey wolf optimization) algorithm is proposed. Next, two cases are taken for empirical analysis to prove that the DE-GWO-SVM model has strong generalization capacity and has achieved a good prediction effect for power grid investment forecasting in China. Finally, the DE-GWO-SVM model is adopted to forecast power grid investment in China from 2018 to 2022.
Improving the Method of Measuring the Electron Density via the Asymmetry of Hydrogenic Spectral Lines in Plasmas by Allowing for Penetrating Ions
Authors: Sanders Paul , Oks Eugene
Published: April 2018

There was previously proposed and experimentally implemented a new diagnostic method for measuring the electron density Ne using the asymmetry of hydrogenic spectral lines in dense plasmas. Compared to the traditional method of deducing Ne from the experimental widths of spectral lines, the new method has the following advantages. First, the traditional method requires measuring widths of at least two spectral lines (to isolate the Stark broadening from competing broadening mechanisms), while for the new diagnostic method it is sufficient to obtain the experimental profile of just one spectral line. Second, the traditional method would be difficult to implement if the center of the spectral lines was optically thick, while the new diagnostic method could still be used even in this case. In the theory underlying this new diagnostic method, the contribution of plasma ions to the spectral line asymmetry was calculated only for configurations where the perturbing ions were outside the bound electron cloud of the radiating atom/ion (non-penetrating configurations). In the present paper, we take into account the contribution to the spectral line asymmetry from penetrating configurations, where the perturbing ion is inside the bound electron cloud of the radiating atom/ion. We show that in high-density plasmas, the allowance for penetrating ions can result in significant corrections to the electron density deduced from the spectral line asymmetry.
Does Discrimination Explain High Risk of Depression among High-Income African American Men?
Authors: Assari Shervin , Lankarani Maryam Moghani , Caldwell Cleopatra Howard
Published: April 2018

Background: Higher socioeconomic status is known to decrease the risk for poor mental health overall. However, African American males of higher socioeconomic status (SES) are at an increased risk for having a major depressive episode (MDE). It is not known whether perceived discrimination (PD) explains this risk. The current study used nationally representative data to explore the role of PD in explaining the association between high-SES and having MDE among African American men. Methods: The National Survey of American Life (NSAL), 2003, included 4461 American adults including 1271 African American men. SES indicators (i.e., household income, educational attainment, employment status, and marital status) were the independent variables. 12-month MDE measured using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) was the outcome. Age, gender, and region were the covariates. PD was the potential mediator. For data analysis, we used logistic regression. Results: Among African American men, household income was positively associated with odds of 12-month MDE. The positive association between household income and odds of MDE remained unchanged after adding PD to the model, suggesting that PD may not explain why high-income African American men are at a higher risk of MDE. Conclusions: Perceived discrimination does not explain the increased risk for depression among African American males of higher SES. Future research should explore the role of other potential mechanisms such as stress, coping, social isolation, and/or negative social interaction that may increase psychological costs of upward social mobility for African American males.
Asymmetric Ketone Reduction by Immobilized Rhodotorula mucilaginosa
Authors: Liu Hui , Duan Wen-Di , De Souza Fayene Zeferino Ribeiro , Liu Lan , Chen Bi-Shuang
Published: April 2018

In our previous study, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (R. mucilaginosa) was selected via high throughput screening as a very active and selective whole-cell biocatalyst for the asymmetric reduction of ketones. In this study, the reduction of ketones to the desired chiral alcohols by immobilized cells of this strain was investigated. Characterization with Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that whole R. mucilaginosa cells were successfully immobilized on support matrices composed of agar, calcium alginate, PVA-alginate and chitosan. The immobilized cells were applied to the enantioselective reduction of fourteen different aromatic ketones. Good to excellent results were achieved with R. mucilaginosa cells immobilized on agar and calcium alginate. The immobilized cells on the selected support matrix composed of agar exhibited a significant increase in pH tolerance at pH 3.5–9 and demonstrated highly improved thermal stability compared to free cells. The cells immobilized on agar retained 90% activity after 60 days storage at 4 °C and retained almost 100% activity after 6 reuse cycles. In addition, the immobilization procedures are very simple and cause minimal pollution. These results suggest that the application of immobilized R. mucilaginosa can be practical on an industrial scale to produce chiral alcohols.
Potential Application of Solar Energy Systems for Electrified Urban Transportation Systems
Authors: Bartłomiejczyk Mikołaj
Published: April 2018

The paper presents a novel approach toward the use of solar energy systems in public transportation. The concept of energy generation in PV systems for supplying a trolleybus transportation system is proposed for the city of Gdynia (Poland). The suggested way of energy production allows reducing the environmental harm impact of the municipal transportation system. Moreover, the proposed way of green energy use can be a more profitable alternative for selling transport items (trolleybuses) to the public energy grid. The presented analysis is based on the Monte Carlo Model method of stochastic simulation. It allows taking in consideration the random nature of the vehicle movement caused by road congestion and the uncertainty of the solar radiation. Several localisations of the PV system and the different structures of traction supply systems were analysed. The results of the analyses showed that despite of the uneven load in the traction power supply, it is possible to use 80% of the generated solar system energy.
X-Pinch Plasma Generation Testing for Neutron Source Development and Nuclear Fusion
Authors: A.Gabbar Hossam , Stoute C. A. Barry , Bondarenko Daniel , Tarsitano Nicholas , Abdel Rihem Anas , Sirakov Stefan , Jani Shraddhey , Menashi Samskruthi
Published: April 2018

Nuclear fusion is a sought-out technology in which two light elements are fused together to create a heavier element and releases energy. Two primary nuclear fusion technologies are being researched today: magnetic and inertial confinement. However, a new type of nuclear fusion technology is currently being research: multi-pinch plasma beams. At the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, there is research on multi-pinch plasma beam technology as an alternative to nuclear fusion. The objective is to intersect two plasma arcs at the center of the chamber. This is a precursor of nuclear fusion using multi-pinch. The innovation portion of the students’ work is the miniaturization of this concept using high energy electrical DC pulses. The experiment achieved the temperature of 2300 K at the intersection. In comparison to the simulation data, the temperature from the simulation is 7000 K at the intersection. Additionally, energy harvesting devices, both photovoltaics and a thermoelectric generator, were placed in the chamber to observe the viable energy extraction.
Evaluation of Sweet Sorghum Juice for the Production of Lysine Using Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Johnston David B. , Nghiem Nhuan
Published: April 2018

Sweet sorghum juice is a liquid sugar feedstock that can be produced in non-tropical climates. Utilization of sweet sorghum juice as a feedstock for the production of lysine was investigated utilizing the auxotrophic mutant Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC 21513 in stirred tank bioreactors. The juice was found to have inadequate nutrients for growth of the auxotroph alone and was supplemented with two levels of yeast extract and peptone. The supplemented juice could support growth and produce lysine from the available sugars. No inhibitory effects of the juice were found on the growth of the organism. The lysine concentrations reach 28.8 g/L in the batch fermentations with complete utilization of the available sugars and a conversion efficiency of 0.23 g/g.
Fabrication of Shatter-Proof Metal Hollow-Core Optical Fibers for Endoscopic Mid-Infrared Laser Applications
Authors: Iwai Katsumasa , Takaku Hiroyuki , Miyagi Mitsunobu , Shi Yi-Wei , Matsuura Yuji
Published: April 2018

A method for fabricating robust and thin hollow-core optical fibers that carry mid-infrared light is proposed for use in endoscopic laser applications. The fiber is made of stainless steel tubing, eliminating the risk of scattering small glass fragments inside the body if the fiber breaks. To reduce the inner surface roughness of the tubing, a polymer base layer is formed prior to depositing silver and optical-polymer layers that confine light inside the hollow core. The surface roughness is greatly decreased by re-coating thin polymer base layers. Because of this smooth base layer surface, a uniform optical-polymer film can be formed around the core. As a result, clear interference peaks are observed in both the visible and mid-infrared regions. Transmission losses were also low for the carbon dioxide laser used for medical treatments as well as the visible laser diode used for an aiming beam. Measurements of bending losses for these lasers demonstrate the feasibility of the designed fiber for endoscopic applications.
Altered Functional Brain Connectivity in Mild Cognitive Impairment during a Cognitively Complex Car Following Task
Authors: Hird Megan A. , Churchill Nathan W. , Fischer Corinne E. , Naglie Gary , Graham Simon J. , Schweizer Tom A.
Published: April 2018

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can affect multiple cognitive abilities, leading to difficulty in performing complex, cognitively demanding daily tasks, such as driving. This study combined driving simulation and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate brain function in individuals with MCI while they performed a car-following task. The behavioral driving performance of 24 patients with MCI and 20 healthy age-matched controls was compared during a simulated car-following task. Functional brain connectivity during driving was analyzed for a separate cohort of 15 patients with MCI and 15 controls. Individuals with MCI had minor difficulty with lane maintenance, exhibiting significantly increased variability in steering compared to controls. Patients with MCI also exhibited reduced connectivity between fronto-parietal regions, as well as between regions involved in cognitive control (medial frontal cortex) and regions important for visual processing (cuneus, angular gyrus, superior occipital cortex, inferior and superior parietal cortex). Greater difficulty in lane maintenance (i.e., increased steering variability and lane deviations) among individuals with MCI was further associated with increased connectivity between the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and inferior frontal gyrus, as well as increased intra-cerebellar connectivity. Thus, compared to cognitively healthy controls, patients with MCI showed reduced connectivity between regions involved in visual attention, visual processing, cognitive control, and performance monitoring. Greater difficulty with lane maintenance among patients with MCI may reflect failure to inhibit components of the default-mode network (PCC), leading to interference with task-relevant networks as well as alterations in cerebellum connectivity.
Revisioning Australia’s War Art: Four Painters as Citizens of the ‘Global South’
Authors: Brown Lyndell , Green Charles , Cattapan Jon , Gough Paul
Published: April 2018

This essay discusses the recent artistic depictions of contemporary war by four artist-academics based in Australia. The families of all four have served in some of the twentieth century’s major conflicts and, more recently, each has been commissioned in Australia or the UK to serve as war artists. Collaboratively and individually they produce artwork (placed in national collections) and then, as academics, have come to reflect deeply on the heritage of conflict and war by interrogating contemporary art’s representations of war, conflict and terror. This essay reflects on their collaborations and suggests how Australia’s war-aware, even war-like heritage, might now be re-interpreted not simply as a struggle to safeguard our shores, but as part of a complex, deeply connected global discourse where painters must re-cast themselves as citizens of the ‘global South’.
Water Reclamation Using a Ceramic Nanofiltration Membrane and Surface Flushing with Ozonated Water
Authors: Fujioka Takahiro , Hoang Anh T. , Okuda Tetsuji , Takeuchi Haruka , Tanaka Hiroaki , Nghiem Long D.
Published: April 2018

A new membrane fouling control technique using ozonated water flushing was evaluated for direct nanofiltration (NF) of secondary wastewater effluent using a ceramic NF membrane. Experiments were conducted at a permeate flux of 44 L/m2h to evaluate the ozonated water flushing technique for fouling mitigation. Surface flushing with clean water did not effectively remove foulants from the NF membrane. In contrast, surface flushing with ozonated water (4 mg/L dissolved ozone) could effectively remove most foulants to restore the membrane permeability. This surface flushing technique using ozonated water was able to limit the progression of fouling to 35% in transmembrane pressure increase over five filtration cycles. Results from this study also heighten the need for further development of ceramic NF membrane to ensure adequate removal of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) for water recycling applications. The ceramic NF membrane used in this study showed approximately 40% TOC rejection, and the rejection of PPCPs was generally low and highly variable. It is expected that the fouling mitigation technique developed here is even more important for ceramic NF membranes with smaller pore size and thus better PPCP rejection.
Physical Activity and Cognitive Functioning of Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bidzan-Bluma Ilona , Lipowska Małgorzata
Published: April 2018

Childhood is an important and sensitive period for cognitive development. There is limited published research regarding the relationship between sports and cognitive functions in children. We present studies that demonstrate the influence of physical activity on health, especially a positive correlation between sports and cognitive functions. The keywords “children, cognition, cognitive function, physical activity, and brain” were searched for using PsycInfo, Medline, and Google Scholar, with publication dates ranging from January 2000 to November 2017. Of the 617 results, 58 articles strictly connected to the main topics of physical activity and cognitive functioning were then reviewed. The areas of attention, thinking, language, learning, and memory were analyzed relative to sports and childhood. Results suggest that engaging in sports in late childhood positively influences cognitive and emotional functions. There is a paucity of publications that investigate the impact of sports on pre-adolescents’ cognitive functions, or explore which cognitive functions are developed by which sporting disciplines. Such knowledge would be useful in developing training programs for pre-adolescents, aimed at improving cognitive functions that may guide both researchers and practitioners relative to the wide range of benefits that result from physical activity.
Land Use/Land Cover Dynamics and Modeling of Urban Land Expansion by the Integration of Cellular Automata and Markov Chain
Authors: Rimal Bhagawat , Zhang Lifu , Keshtkar Hamidreza , Haack Barry , Rijal Sushila , Zhang Peng
Published: April 2018

This study explored the past and present land-use/land-cover (LULC) changes and urban expansion pattern for the cities of the Kathmandu valley and their surroundings using Landsat satellite images from 1988 to 2016. For a better analysis, LULC change information was grouped into seven time-periods (1988–1992, 1992–1996, 1996–2000, 2000–2004, 2004–2008, 2008–2013, and 2013–2016). The classification was conducted using the support vector machines (SVM) technique. A hybrid simulation model that combined the Markov-Chain and Cellular Automata (MC-CA) was used to predict the future urban sprawl existing by 2024 and 2032. Research analysis explored the significant expansion in urban cover which was manifested at the cost of cultivated land. The urban area totaled 40.53 km2 in 1988, which increased to 144.35 km2 in 2016 with an average annual growth rate of 9.15%, an overall increase of 346.85%. Cultivated land was the most affected land-use from this expansion. A total of 91% to 98% of the expanded urban area was sourced from cultivated land alone. Future urban sprawl is likely to continue, which will be outweighed by the loss of cultivated land as in the previous decades. The urban area will be expanded to 200 km2 and 238 km2 and cultivated land will decline to 587 km2 and 555 km2 by 2024 and 2032. Currently, urban expansion is occurring towards the west and south directions; however, future urban growth is expected to rise in the southern and eastern part of the study area, dismantling the equilibrium of environmental and anthropogenic avenues. Since the study area is a cultural landscape and UNESCO heritage site, balance must be found not only in developing a city, but also in preserving the natural environment and maintaining cultural artifacts.
HIV Vaccination: A Roadmap among Advancements and Concerns
Authors: Trovato Maria , D’Apice Luciana , Prisco Antonella , De Berardinis Piergiuseppe
Published: April 2018

Since the identification of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) as the etiologic agent of AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), many efforts have been made to stop the AIDS pandemic. A major success of medical research has been the development of the highly active antiretroviral therapy and its availability to an increasing number of people worldwide, with a considerable effect on survival. However, a safe and effective vaccine able to prevent and eradicate the HIV pandemic is still lacking. Clinical trials and preclinical proof-of-concept studies in nonhuman primate (NHP) models have provided insights into potential correlates of protection against the HIV-1 infection, which include broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs), non-neutralizing antibodies targeting the variable loops 1 and 2 (V1V2) regions of the HIV-1 envelope (Env), polyfunctional antibody, and Env-specific T-cell responses. In this review, we provide a brief overview of different HIV-1 vaccine approaches and discuss the current understanding of the cellular and humoral correlates of HIV-1 immunity.
The Singularity Isn’t Simple! (However We Look at It) A Random Walk between Science Fiction and Science Fact
Authors: Grout Vic
Published: April 2018

It seems to be accepted that intelligence—artificial or otherwise—and ‘the singularity’ are inseparable concepts: ‘The singularity’ will apparently arise from AI reaching a, supposedly particular, but actually poorly-defined, level of sophistication; and an empowered combination of hardware and software will take it from there (and take over from us). However, such wisdom and debate are simplistic in a number of ways: firstly, this is a poor definition of the singularity; secondly, it muddles various notions of intelligence; thirdly, competing arguments are rarely based on shared axioms, so are frequently pointless; fourthly, our models for trying to discuss these concepts at all are often inconsistent; and finally, our attempts at describing any ‘post-singularity’ world are almost always limited by anthropomorphism. In all of these respects, professional ‘futurists’ often appear as confused as storytellers who, through freer licence, may conceivably have the clearer view: perhaps then, that becomes a reasonable place to start. There is no attempt in this paper to propose, or evaluate, any research hypothesis; rather simply to challenge conventions. Using examples from science fiction to illustrate various assumptions behind the AI/singularity debate, this essay seeks to encourage discussion on a number of possible futures based on different underlying metaphysical philosophies. Although properly grounded in science, it eventually looks beyond the technology for answers and, ultimately, beyond the Earth itself.
Thoracic, Lumbar, and Sacral Pedicle Screw Placement Using Stryker-Ziehm Virtual Screw Technology and Navigated Stryker Cordless Driver 3: Technical Note
Authors: Satarasinghe Praveen , Hamilton Kojo , Tarver Michael , Buchanan Robert , Koltz Michael
Published: April 2018

Object. Utilization of pedicle screws (PS) for spine stabilization is common in spinal surgery. With reliance on visual inspection of anatomical landmarks prior to screw placement, the free-hand technique requires a high level of surgeon skill and precision. Three-dimensional (3D), computer-assisted virtual neuronavigation improves the precision of PS placement and minimization steps. Methods. Twenty-three patients with degenerative, traumatic, or neoplastic pathologies received treatment via a novel three-step PS technique that utilizes a navigated power driver in combination with virtual screw technology. (1) Following visualization of neuroanatomy using intraoperative CT, a navigated 3-mm match stick drill bit was inserted at an anatomical entry point with a screen projection showing a virtual screw. (2) A Navigated Stryker Cordless Driver with an appropriate tap was used to access the vertebral body through a pedicle with a screen projection again showing a virtual screw. (3) A Navigated Stryker Cordless Driver with an actual screw was used with a screen projection showing the same virtual screw. One hundred and forty-four consecutive screws were inserted using this three-step, navigated driver, virtual screw technique. Results. Only 1 screw needed intraoperative revision after insertion using the three-step, navigated driver, virtual PS technique. This amounts to a 0.69% revision rate. One hundred percent of patients had intraoperative CT reconstructed images taken to confirm hardware placement. Conclusions. Pedicle screw placement utilizing the Stryker-Ziehm neuronavigation virtual screw technology with a three step, navigated power drill technique is safe and effective.
Making Sense of Past, Present and Future. Images of Modern and Past Pastoralism among Nyangatom Herders in South Omo, Ethiopia
Authors: Blau Jill Philine
Published: April 2018

This article asks how Nyangatom pastoralists currently make sense of the past, present and future of their pastoralist livelihood. Nyangatom pastoralists, like all agro-pastoralist groups in southern Ethiopia, are faced with enormous structural changes in their immediate surroundings, primarily due to large-scale industrial agriculture and a government policy encouraging them to be sedentary. While the impacts have been discussed elsewhere, thus far little focus has been placed on what images of the past, present and future these changes create among the Nyangatom. This article pays attention to these changes by highlighting the results of a larger qualitative study. It becomes evident that discourses of modernity and culture are translated into the everyday lives of Nyangatom herders. While the past is constructed as a cultural/traditional time by the older generation, an image of modernity shapes the present life of younger generations. The administration plays a contradictory role in transmitting modernity ideals. The future of the Nyangatom is envisioned as a modern pastoralism, yet there is general pessimism with regards to pastoralism persisting.
Effects of the Tempering and High-Pressure Torsion Temperatures on Microstructure of Ferritic/Martensitic Steel Grade 91
Authors: Ganeev Artur , Nikitina Marina , Sitdikov Vil , Islamgaliev Rinat , Hoffman Andrew , Wen Haiming
Published: April 2018

Grade 91 (9Cr-1Mo) steel was subjected to various heat treatments and then to high-pressure torsion (HPT) at different temperatures. Its microstructure was studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Effects of the tempering temperature and the HPT temperature on the microstructural features and microhardness in the ultrafine-grained (UFG) Grade 91 steel were researched. The study of the UFG structure formation takes into account two different microstructures observed: before HPT in both samples containing martensite and in fully ferritic samples.
Application of Acetylcholinesterase Histochemistry for the Diagnosis of Hirschsprung’s Disease in Neonates and Infants: a Twenty-year Experience
Authors: Bagdzevičius Robertas , Gelman Sigita , Gukauskienė Ligita , Vaičekauskas Vytautas
Published: April 2018

Background. The acetylcholinesterase (AChE) histochemical staining of intestinal mucosal-submucosal biopsy specimens is believed to be the most reliable diagnostic method for Hirschsprung’s disease (HD). The aim of our study was to evaluate advantages and disadvantages of this method for HD diagnosis in infants and neonates. Material and Methods. The results of AChE histochemistry of rectal biopsy specimens, obtained from 11 neonates and 29 infants treated in the Clinic of Pediatric Surgery, Hospital of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, from 1991 to 2010 were analyzed. AChE activity of neural structures was evaluated using Karnovsky–Roots method modified by El-Badawi and Schenk. Results. Two neonates were diagnosed with HD. The diagnosis was not confirmed in 9 cases, but clinical symptoms progressed in 3 cases, and HD was diagnosed after the repeated biopsy performed in infancy. The results of primary biopsy were rated as false negative. Test sensitivity and specificity in neonates were 40.0% and 100%, respectively. A total of 21 infants were diagnosed with HD. All of them underwent surgery. The diagnosis of HD was confirmed in 20 cases; in one case, intestinal neuronal dysplasia type B was diagnosed. The diagnosis was not confirmed in 8 cases. In infants, the test had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 88.8%. Conclusions. The analysis of AChE activity in r ectal biopsy specimens is a reliable method for diagnosing HD in infancy. This test is less valuable in neonates. If test results are negative, infants should be observed, and if symptoms persist, the biopsy should be repeated at the age of 3 months. Rectal biopsy specimens in neonates should include mucosa and submucosa.
An Analysis of Etiological Factors for Traumatic Mandibular Osteomyelitis
Authors: Lukošiūnas Algirdas , Kubilius Ričardas , Sabalys Gintautas , Keizeris Tadas , Sakavičius Dalius
Published: April 2018

Objective. The aim of this study was to analyze the factors that were associated with the development of osteomyelitis during the treatment of mandibular fractures. Material and Methods. The data of 3188 patients with mandibular fractures treated during 2002–2009 were analyzed. Traumatic osteomyelitis of the mandible was diagnosed in 207 patients. The background factors of complications were studied and compared with the control group (100 patients) not having complications after treatment of mandibular fractures. The data of clinical, roentgenologic, microbiological, and immunological investigations were analyzed. A logistic regression model was developed to identify the factors for osteomyelitis development. Results. The treatment in 6.5% of patients was complicated with osteomyelitis; 88.5% of these patients were men, and more than 80% of patients were younger than 50 years. In 86.8% of cases, Staphylococcus species were isolated, with Staphylococcus aureus accounting for 69.1% of cases. The following factors were found to be associated with osteomyelitis development: immunity dysfunction, caries-affected teeth at the fracture line, mobile fractured bones, bone fixation after more than 7 days following trauma, healthy teeth at the fracture line, insufficient bone reposition, and bone fixation after 3–7 days following trauma. Conclusion. Comparative analysis of factors influencing the treatment results revealed a great importance of immunological and dental status and microflora at the affected site. Insufficient or late reposition and fixation of fractured bone fragments play a significant role in the healing process.
Uterine Rupture in the Second Trimester of Pregnancy as an Iatrogenic Complication of Laparoscopic Myomectomy
Authors: Torbé Andrzej , Mikołajek-Bedner Wioletta , Kałużyński Wojciech , Gutowska-Czajka Danuta , Kwiatkowski Sebastian , Błogowski Wojciech , Rzepka Rafał , Czajka Ryszard
Published: April 2018

Uterine rupture is one of the most dangerous obstetric emergencies carrying a high risk for the mother and the fetus. Reports about uterine rupture in pregnancy following previous laparoscopic surgery have not been frequent; however, an increasing rate of the occurrence of this complication has been observed and reviewed in contemporary literature. We report a case of a spontaneous uterine rupture at 22 weeks of gestation in a 25-year old primigravida, who had had a laparoscopic removal of a small, peduncular, asymptomatic myoma located in the right uterine horn 20 months earlier. Ultrasound examination and subsequent urgent laparotomy confirmed a spontaneous uterine rupture with a nonviable fetus in the peritoneal cavity. Women planning to become pregnant should be qualified for laparoscopic myomectomy with special carefulness. Special attention must be paid to the potential solutions that limit the risk of postoperative uterine rupture, if the absolute necessity for the enucleation of myomas during the reproductive age occurs and a decision about laparoscopic intervention is made.
Coats’ Retinitis or Retinoblastoma in a 3-Year-Old Girl: A Case Report
Authors: Paunksnis Alvydas , Imbrasienė Daiva , Liutkevičienė Rasa , Rilienė Kristina , Keleras Evaldas , Kėvalas Rimantas
Published: April 2018

Coats’ disease is an idiopathic disorder defined by an abnormal development of retinal vessels with a progressive deposition of intraretinal or subretinal exudates, leading to exudative retinal detachment. The most difficult task is to differentiate Coats’ disease from retinoblastoma. We present a rare case of Coats’ disease diagnosed in a 3-year-old girl. From the age of 6 months, the girl was followed up 2 times a year at the Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, due to congenital convergent strabismus and refractive errors. At the age of 3.6 years, a routine examination of the fundus of the right eye revealed hard exudates, telangiectasia and tortuosity, gray color lesion below the optic nerve disc, submacular exudation in the inferior nasal part of the retina, and exudative retinal detachment, which extended from the 7-o’clock position to the 4-o’clock position. Before this examination, no abnormalities were found in the fundus of her both eyes. The girl was not treated with laser photocoagulation, cryocoagulation, or intravitreal injections, as the diagnosis of retinoblastoma could not be excluded; therefore, only eye drops were prescribed. In order to exclude the diagnosis of retinoblastoma, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography were carried out, and an appointment to see an ophthalmic oncologist was scheduled. Due to early and appropriate treatment, the progression of Coats’ disease in patients could be arrested. However, in some cases, when the diagnosis is ambiguous, it is better to follow up the patient and to treat only with eye drops.
Cognitive Evaluation of Bupropion Sustained Release in Heavy Tobacco Smokers Using Event-Related Potentials
Authors: Uslu Atilla , Erdem Ozge , Ergen Mehmet , Ozdemir Osman , Cuhadaroglu Caglar , Demiralp Tamer
Published: April 2018

Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of bupropion sustained release (SR) on cognitive function, evaluated by event-related potentials (ERPs), in heavy tobacco smokers. Material and Methods. A total of 10 healthy volunteers (6 men and 4 women) were enrolled into the study. P3a and P3b components were evaluated by the novelty P3 paradigm. The ERP recordings were taken after the overnight abstaining and the first dose on the 1st day, on the 7th day, and 45th day of the therapy. Results. The analysis of electrophysiological data in response to the standard stimuli in the parietal area after 7-day bupropion SR treatment revealed a significant increase in the P2 latency (P<0.05). With respect to the drug use × topography effect, an increasing trend of borderline significance in the P3b and P2 amplitudes against target events in the parietal area was observed (P=0.08 for both). A significant increase in the P3a amplitude in the parietocentral area was also observed on the seventh day of treatment (P<0.05). Conclusions. The reduction of P3a in the frontal area may be due to the decreased distractibility of task-irrelevant novel events, which may mean an augmentation of focused attention to task-relevant target events. The increases in the P3b and P2 amplitudes for target events in the parietal area are very suggestive of this hypothesis, since these components reflect the response to task-relevant target events. Meanwhile, the increased P2 latency for standard events may reflect reduced attention resources for the processing of standard events due to increased attention resources allocated for task-relevant target events. Decreased distractibility and increased attention are believed to be caused by bupropion.
Clinicopathological Features of Churg-Strauss Syndrome With Severe Nerve Degeneration: A Case Report
Authors: Xiang Jing , Zhao Yu , Fu Jian , Cheng Xiao , Xue Qin , Wang Yin
Published: April 2018

Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a rare autoimmune vasculitis of unknown etiology that involves small- and medium-sized blood vessels. Its onset is thought to be associated with adult-onset asthma, and vasculitis typically involves vessels in the lungs. However, due to increased blood and tissue eosinophilia, vasculitis may result in the involvement multiple systems of (neurological, skin, etc.). We report a case of CSS with manifestations that included skin purpura and severe peripheral nerve degeneration in a 56-year-old woman with a recent history of asthma. After the treatment with methylprednisolone and standard immunosuppressive therapy, her rashes resolved, there were no acute asthma attacks, and the numbness in her lower limbs improved.
T-Wave Normalization during Follow-Up After Early and Late Mechanical Recanalization of Infarct-Related Artery With and Without Stent Implantation
Authors: Kalinauskienė Eglė , Naudžiūnas Albinas
Published: April 2018

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate T-wave normalization during the 6-month follow-up in the patients who underwent early or late mechanical recanalization of the infarct-related artery with and without stent implantation. Material and Methods. A total of 248 consecutive patients were divided into the following groups: early angioplasty (≤24 hours) without (n=114) or with stents (n=6) and late angioplasty (>24 hours) without (n=114) or with stents (n=14). The changes in T-wave recovery, QRS score, and echocardiographic left ventricular ejection fraction were compared between the groups. Results. At 3 months, a greater percentage of patients in the group of early angioplasty with stents had again positive T wave than in the group of early angioplasty without stents (75% vs. 35%, P=0.05). After 6 months, all patients in the group of early angioplasty with stents had again positive T wave. A significant increase in left ventricular ejection fraction after 3 months was also observed only in the groups of early angioplasty, especially that with stents (30.0% [SD, 3.5%] vs. 38.4% [SD, 5.2%], P=0.008). However, there was no significant difference in the QRS score in this group comparing the data at discharge and after 3 months (5.4 [SD, 4.3] vs. 5.0 [SD, 1.9], P>0.05). Conclusions. The group of early angioplasty with stents showed the best recovery of T wave and left ventricular ejection fraction, but the QRS score did not change significantly from discharge to the 3-month follow-up, so the evolution of T wave corresponded to an improvement in ejection fraction at follow-up better than the evolution of QRS score.
Beneficial Effect of Ocimum sanctum (Linn) against Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension in Rats
Authors: Meghwani Himanshu , Prabhakar Pankaj , Mohammed Soheb A. , Dua Pamila , Seth Sandeep , Hote Milind P. , Banerjee Sanjay K. , Arava Sudheer , Ray Ruma , Maulik Subir Kumar
Published: April 2018

Background: The study was designed to explore any beneficial effect of Ocimum sanctum (Linn) (OS) in experimental pulmonary hypertension (PH) in rats. OS is commonly known as “holy basil” and “Tulsi” and is used in the Indian System of Medicine as antidiabetic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, adaptogenic, and cardioprotective. Methods: Monocrotaline (MCT) administration caused development of PH in rats after 28 days and rats were observed for 42 days. Treatments (sildenafil; 175 µg/kg, OS; 200 mg/kg) were started from day 29 after the development of PH and continued for 14 days. Parameters to assess the disease development and effectiveness of interventions were echocardiography, right and left ventricular systolic pressures, and right ventricular end diastolic pressure, percentage medial wall thickness (%MWT) of pulmonary artery, oxidative stress markers in lung tissue, NADPH oxidase (Nox-1) protein expression in lung, and mRNA expression of Bcl2 and Bax in right ventricular tissue. Results: OS (200 mg/kg) treatment ameliorated increased lung weight to body weight ratio, right ventricular hypertrophy, increased RVSP, and RVoTD/AoD ratio. Moreover, OS treatment decreases Nox-1 expression and increases expression of Bcl2/Bax ratio caused by MCT. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that OS has therapeutic ability against MCT-induced PH in rat which are attributed to its antioxidant effect. The effect of OS was comparable with sildenafil.