bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovative New Air Pollution Control Technologies to Capture NOx, PM and Hg
Authors: Ebert Johannes
Published: November 2013

Emission regulations throughout the world continue to tighten, creating technical and economic challenges for various industries. The U.S. has proposed strict emissions limits that include mercury (Hg), particulate matter (PM) and a growing focus on NOx, while Europe is focusing more aggressively on reducing Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and PM emissions first. Innovative new technologies are being developed and introduced to meet proposed emissions levels for industries such as waste to energy facilities, Cement clinker producers and Sintering processes.

Catalytically active ceramic or textile filter media have been applied over the past 15 years ensuring a simultaneous removal of PM, NOx and PCDD/F-compounds. A new textile filter type containing 2 filter bags (bag-over-bag) has recently been designed for such a multi-functional approach at elevated filter temperatures (T>170°C) where PMs are filtered on an ePTFE membrane (1st layer) and NOx is reduced by a catalytic reaction (2nd layer) with NH3 injected upstream. The separate bag construction enables the removal of the catalytic inner bag once it has been deactivated by ammonium-(bi)-sulphates. An appropriate regeneration process outside the bagfilter was developed for such new DeNOx system.

The implementation of this 2-layer filter bag concept into existing Air Pollution Control (APC) systems and the catalyst management has been demonstrated on full-scale at the waste to energy facility of Acegas APS Padova (Italy). Emissions of NOx (as NO2) < 70mg/Nm3 with NH3<3mg/Nm3 with PM<0,5mg/Nm3 can be constantly achieved.

The implementation of this filter bag system achieves highest energy efficiency, lowest costs for consumables when it is applied in dry sorption filters at elevated temperatures.

In U.S., the strong demand for lowest Hg emission promotes innovative solutions for efficient and reliable Hg removal. Hg can be efficiently captured in a new fixed sorbent bed technology which is installed downstream the baghouse.

This paper presents the innovative concepts for multi-functional filter as well as for Hg removal, showing also field data of both new technologies.
The Effect of SO2:HCl in Mixed Gas and Deposit Corrosion of Waste-to-Energy Boilers
Authors: Sharobem Timothy T. , Castaldi Marco J.
Published: November 2013

High temperature corrosion via chlorine is a key factor in the degradation of boiler tubes in waste-to-energy (WTE) plants. Corrosion rates are particularly high in the superheater where material temperatures may exceed 450°C and where carbon or low alloy steels may be used. Although increasing sulfur, in the form of SO2, in WTE flue gas has been shown in previous works to have potential for decreasing the corrosion of these materials, the inhibitive effect is not well understood.

This work investigated the corrosion of SA178A, a low carbon steel alloy (0.07 wt% C), and NSSER-4, a stainless steel (17.3Cr-13.1Ni-2.5 Si-Fe), via exposure under various well-defined environments, SO2:HCl ratios between 1:8 to 2:1 (HCl fixed at 800 ppm), 8% O2, 12% CO2, 0 and 15% H2O, N2 (balance) at 500°C in a horizontal tube furnace for 50 hours. Additional coupon testing was performed on NSSER-4 after application of 4 mg/cm2 ± 10% NaCl or Na2SO4 at 500 and 700°C for 24 hours to assess the impact of higher SO2 in the against both deposit and gaseous corrosion. Specimen preparation and corrosion assessment followed ASTM method G1-03.

Experiments demonstrated little to no trends in corrosion rates at SO2:HCl ratios between 1:8–2:1 under mixed gas environment. However corrosion reduction was observed when SO2:HCl was increased from a reference condition of 1:8 to greater than 1.4:1 in tests with NaCl present, which was also not observed under dry conditions. These results suggest that one possible explanation for the reduction of boiler materials corrosion rate with higher concentrations of SO2 may be largely attributed to the conversion of metal chlorides to sulfates.
Effects of docosahexaenoic acid diet supplementation, training, and acute exercise on oxidative balance in neutrophils
Authors: Martorell Miquel , Capó Xavier , Sureda Antoni , Tur Josep A. , Pons Antoni
Published: November 2013

Diet supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids could influence the oxidative equilibrium, enhancing a pro-oxidant status. The aim was to determine the effects of diet supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), training, and acute exercise on oxidative balance in neutrophils. Fifteen volunteer male soccer players were randomly assigned to a placebo or experimental group. The placebo group was supplemented with an almond-based beverage whereas the experimental group was supplemented with the same beverage enriched with DHA, in addition to their Mediterranean-type diet. Three blood samples were taken: in basal conditions at the beginning of the nutritional intervention and after 8 weeks of training season in basal and postexercise conditions. The training season significantly increased the antioxidant defenses of neutrophils, such as catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase enzyme activities; and decreased oxidative damage markers such as malondialdehyde, carbonyl and nitrotyrosine indexes. Oxidative damage markers decreased in neutrophils after acute exercise, which primed neutrophils to produce reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) after immune stimulation with zymosan or phorbol myristate acetate in trained footballers. DHA supplementation resulted in no significant effects on oxidative stress balance in neutrophils. In conclusion, DHA supplementation did not modify the adaptive response of the antioxidant system of neutrophils to training or the production of RONS induced by immune stimulation after acute exercise.
Pure bound field corrections to the atomic energy levels and the proton size puzzle
Authors: Kholmetskii Alexander L. , Missevitch Oleg V. , Yarman Tolga
Published: November 2013

Reinforcement of the puzzle about the proton charge radius, rE, stimulated by the recent experiment with muonic hydrogen (Antognini et al. Science, 339, 417 (2013)) induced new discussions on the subject, and now some physicists are ready to adopt the exotic properties of the muon, lying beyond the Standard Model, to explain the difference between the results of muonic hydrogen experiments (rE = 0.840 87(39) fm) and the CODATA-2010 value rE = 0.8775(51) fm based on electron–proton scattering and hydrogen spectroscopy. In the present contribution we suggest a way to achieve progress in the entire problem via paying attention on some logical inconsistency of fundamental equations of atomic physics, constructed by analogy with corresponding classical equations without, however, taking into account the purely bound nature of electromagnetic fields generated by the electrically bound particles in stationary energy states. We suggest eliminating this inconsistency via introducing some appropriate correcting factors into these equations, which explicitly involve the requirement of total momentum conservation in the system “bound particles and their fields” in the absence of electromagnetic radiation. We further show that this approach allows us not only to eliminate long-standing discrepancies between theory and experiment in the precise physics of simple atoms, but also yields the same estimation (though with different uncertainties) for the proton size in the classic 2S–2P Lamb shift in hydrogen, 1S Lamb shift in hydrogen, and 2S–2P Lamb shift in muonic hydrogen, with the mean value rE = 0.841 fm. Finally, we suggest the crucial experiment for verification of the validity of pure bound field corrections: the measurement of decay rate of bound moun in various meso-atoms, especially at large Z, where the standard calculations and our predictions essentially deviate from each other, and some of the available experimental results (Yovanovitch. Phys. Rev. 117, 1580 (1960)) strongly support our approach.
Targeting Apoptosis Pathways for New Cancer Therapeutics
Authors: Bai Longchuan , Wang Shaomeng
Published: November 2013

The past decade has witnessed tremendous advances in the discovery and development of novel small-molecule inhibitors targeting apoptosis pathways for cancer treatment, with some compounds now in clinical development. Early promising clinical data have been reported with these new classes of anticancer drugs. This review highlights the recent advancements in the development of small-molecule inhibitors targeting three major classes of antiapoptotic proteins: antiapoptotic B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) proteins, inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs), and murine double-minute 2 (MDM2). Special emphasis is given to those that have been advanced into clinical trials. The challenges and future directions in the further preclinical and clinical development of these new anticancer drugs are also discussed.
A New Era in Brown Adipose Tissue Biology: Molecular Control of Brown Fat Development and Energy Homeostasis
Authors: Kajimura Shingo , Saito Masayuki
Published: November 2013

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is specialized to dissipate chemical energy in the form of heat as a defense against cold and excessive feeding. Interest in the field of BAT biology has exploded in the past few years because of the therapeutic potential of BAT to counteract obesity and obesity-related diseases, including insulin resistance. Much progress has been made, particularly in the areas of BAT physiology in adult humans, developmental lineages of brown adipose cell fate, and hormonal control of BAT thermogenesis. As we enter into a new era of brown fat biology, the next challenge will be to develop strategies for activating BAT thermogenesis in adult humans to increase whole-body energy expenditure. This article reviews the recent major advances in this field and discusses emerging questions.
A Note on Some Best Proximity Point Theorems Proved underP-Property
Authors: Abkar Ali , Gabeleh Moosa
Published: November 2013

We show that some recent results concerning the existence of best proximity points can be obtained from the same results in fixed point theory.
Genome Stability Pathways in Head and Neck Cancers
Authors: Jenkins Glenn , O'Byrne Kenneth J. , Panizza Benedict , Richard Derek J.
Published: November 2013

Genomic instability underlies the transformation of host cells toward malignancy, promotes development of invasion and metastasis and shapes the response of established cancer to treatment. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of genomic stability in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC), with an emphasis on DNA repair pathways. HNSCC is characterized by distinct profiles in genome stability between similarly staged cancers that are reflected in risk, treatment response and outcomes. Defective DNA repair generates chromosomal derangement that can cause subsequent alterations in gene expression, and is a hallmark of progression toward carcinoma. Variable functionality of an increasing spectrum of repair gene polymorphisms is associated with increased cancer risk, while aetiological factors such as human papillomavirus, tobacco and alcohol induce significantly different behaviour in induced malignancy, underpinned by differences in genomic stability. Targeted inhibition of signalling receptors has proven to be a clinically-validated therapy, and protein expression of other DNA repair and signalling molecules associated with cancer behaviour could potentially provide a more refined clinical model for prognosis and treatment prediction. Development and expansion of current genomic stability models is furthering our understanding of HNSCC pathophysiology and uncovering new, promising treatment strategies.
Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of the Lung: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Alsidawi S. , Morris J. C. , Wikenheiser-Brokamp K. A. , Starnes S. L. , Karim N. A.
Published: November 2013

Introduction. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) of the lung is a rare form of lung cancer that is classified into low grade and high grade based on histological features. Surgical resection is the primary treatment for low-grade MEC with excellent outcomes, while high-grade MEC is a more aggressive form of malignancy.Clinical Case. We report a case of a 46-year-old woman who presented with dyspnea on exertion. Imaging studies revealed a mass involving the right upper lobe bronchus. Bronchoscopy, surgical resection, and pathological examination revealed a low-grade MEC with tumor-free margins. No adjuvant treatment was given.Discussion. Primary pulmonary MEC is a rare type of lung cancer with only few reported cases. This patient illustrates a typical presentation for low-grade MEC wherein surgical resection is considered curative. In contrast, high-grade MEC is a more aggressive malignancy with a poorer outcome. The role of targeted therapy directed against EGFR or a novel CRTC1-MAML2 fusion protein expressed in some high-grade tumors is yet to be determined.
Euler Type Half-Linear Differential Equation with Periodic Coefficients
Authors: Došlý Ondřej , Funková Hana
Published: November 2013

We investigate oscillatory properties of the perturbed half-linear Euler differential equation. We show that the results of the recent paper by O. Došlý and H. Funková (2012) remain to hold when constants in perturbation terms are replaced by periodic functions.
Spatial Assessment of a Biocriteria Applied to Texas Tidal Streams
Authors: Tolan James M. , Nelson Janet M.
Published: November 2013

This study reports on a derived multivariate method for assessing ecosystem health within tidally influenced portions of river basins and coastal basins. These tidally influenced areas are highly productive transitional areas which serve as important nursery areas for many fish and shellfish species. Numerous Texas tidal streams under varying degrees of anthropogenic stressors were analyzed jointly with this new, standardized methodology. Physical and chemical constituents of the tidal systems, as well as their resident nekton communities, were compared with nonparametric ordination techniques in order to uncover a biocriteria that might have general applicability over large spatial scales. All of the tidal stream communities were dominated by only a few taxa that each displays tremendous euryhaline/physiological tolerances, and these abilities allow taxa utilizing tidal streams to adapt to a wide variety of environmental stressors. The absence of any clear connections between degraded water-bodies and any impaired nektonic communities should not automatically be viewed as a constraint inherent to the techniques of the methodology presented, but rather a verification that impaired tidal streams are not that common of an occurrence along the Texas coast, at least not when using nekton communities as the degradation indicator.
A High-Accuracy Linear Conservative Difference Scheme for Rosenau-RLW Equation
Authors: Hu Jinsong , Wang Yulan
Published: November 2013

We study the initial-boundary value problem for Rosenau-RLW equation. We propose a three-level linear finite difference scheme, which has the theoretical accuracy ofOτ2+h4. The scheme simulates two conservative properties of original problem well. The existence, uniqueness of difference solution, and a priori estimates in infinite norm are obtained. Furthermore, we analyze the convergence and stability of the scheme by energy method. At last, numerical experiments demonstrate the theoretical results.
Validation of the Chinese Version of Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised for Screening Mild Alzheimer's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Fang Rong , Wang Gang , Huang Yue , Zhuang Jun-Peng , Tang Hui-Dong , Wang Ying , Deng Yu-Lei , Xu Wei , Chen Sheng-Di , Ren Ru-Jing
Published: November 2013

Background/Aims: As a suitable test to screen for Alzheimer's disease (AD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), studies to validate the Chinese version of Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R) are rare. Methods: A total of 151 subjects were recruited and the neuropsychological assessments were employed. One-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni correction were used to compare scores of different psychometric scales. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach's coefficient α were used to evaluate the reliability of psychometric scales. The validity of ACE-R to screen for mild AD and amnestic subtype of MCI (a-MCI) was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results: The Chinese ACE-R had good reliability (inter-rater ICC = 0.994; test-retest ICC = 0.967) as well as reliable internal consistency (Cronbach's coefficient α = 0.859). With its cutoff of 67/68, the sensitivity (0.920) and specificity (0.857) were lower than for the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) cutoff (sensitivity 1.000 and specificity 0.937) to screen for mild AD. However, the sensitivity of ACE-R to screen for a-MCI was superior to the MMSE with a cutoff of 85/86. The specificity of ACE-R was lower than that of the MMSE to screen for a-MCI. The area under the ROC curve of ACE-R was much larger than that of the MMSE (0.836 and 0.751) for detecting a-MCI rather than mild AD. Conclusion: The Chinese ACE-R is a reliable assessment tool for cognitive impairment. It is more sensitive and accurate in screening for a-MCI rather than for AD compared to the MMSE.
Grafting of Neonatal Marmoset Monkey Testicular Single-Cell Suspensions into Immunodeficient Mice Leads to ex situ Testicular Cord Neomorphogenesis
Authors: Aeckerle Nelia , Dressel Ralf , Behr Rüdiger
Published: November 2013

Single-cell suspensions derived from immature rodent and ungulate testes can reconstitute testicular cords upon grafting into immunodeficient mice. In the present study, neonatal common marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus) testes were digested to a single-cell suspension, which was transplanted subcutaneously into immunodeficient mice. After 9 or 18 weeks of incubation, the derivatives of the grafted single-cell suspensions were retrieved and analyzed histologically and immunohistochemically. Three of 4 (75%) neonatal grafts exhibited reconstituted seminiferous cords strongly resembling seminiferous cords of the intact neonatal testis. The cords consisted of Sertoli cells, germ cells and peritubular myoid cells, which was confirmed by immunohistochemical marker analysis. Three-dimensional reconstruction models of the grafts revealed elongated tubules. Some of the tubules were branched, which occurs also in vivo, as we show here for the marmoset monkey. Importantly, no teratoma formation by immature pluripotency factor-expressing germ cells was observed. In summary, the reconstituted testicular cords were almost indistinguishable from the cords formed in situ, thereby impressively demonstrating a very high reconstructive potential of a single-cell suspension obtained from the neonatal marmoset monkey testis. To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating testicular cord neomorphogenesis for a primate species ex situ.
Selective Development of Anticorrelated Networks in the Intrinsic Functional Organization of the Human Brain
Authors: Chai Xiaoqian J. , Ofen Noa , Gabrieli John D. E. , Whitfield-Gabrieli Susan
Published: November 2013

We examined the normal development of intrinsic functional connectivity of the default network (brain regions typically deactivated for attention-demanding tasks) as measured by resting-state fMRI in children, adolescents, and young adults ages 8–24 years. We investigated both positive and negative correlations and employed analysis methods that allowed for valid interpretation of negative correlations and that also minimized the influence of motion artifacts that are often confounds in developmental neuroimaging. As age increased, there were robust developmental increases in negative correlations, including those between medial pFC (MPFC) and dorsolateral pFC (DLPFC) and between lateral parietal cortices and brain regions associated with the dorsal attention network. Between multiple regions, these correlations reversed from being positive in children to negative in adults. Age-related changes in positive correlations within the default network were below statistical threshold after controlling for motion. Given evidence in adults that greater negative correlation between MPFC and DLPFC is associated with superior cognitive performance, the development of an intrinsic anticorrelation between MPFC and DLPFC may be a marker of the large growth of working memory and executive functions that occurs from childhood to young adulthood.
A new species of Ormosia (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae, Sophoreae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Rain Forest
Authors: Meireles Jose Eduardo , De Lima Haroldo Cavalcante
Published: November 2013

A new legume species from the Brazilian Atlantic Rain Forest, Ormosia altimontana, is described and illustrated. The new species belongs to the section Ormosia, series Excelsae, and shows morphological affinities with O. friburgensis and O. ruddiana, from which it is distinguished by having fewer leaflets (5-7) with prominent secondary veins, a tomentose abaxial surface, and longer pulvinules, and slightly longer flowers. A Principal Component Analysis of vegetative morphometric data supports O. altimontana as morphologically distinct from O. friburgensis and O. ruddiana.
New or interesting Peritelini of the West-Mediterranean fauna. XXIV. Two new Simmeiropsis Pierotti & Bellò, 2013 from Portugal (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Entiminae)
Authors: PIEROTTI HELIO , GERMANN CHRISTOPH , BRAUNERT CARLO
Published: November 2013

Simmeiropsis algharbensis sp. n. and S. lusitana sp. n. are described and illustrated. The new species were discovered in the Algarve region in the south of Portugal. The records of these new species confirm the presence of the tribe Peritelini in Portugal and suggest that additional research is needed to explore the diversity and distribution of this group in the central and western parts of the Iberian Peninsula.
Nomenclatural issues in ornithology: the incredible controversy on the identity of a long overlooked Brazilian bird
Authors: NEMÉSIO ANDRÉ , RASMUSSEN CLAUS , AGUIAR ALEXANDRE P. , JR. JOSÉ P. POMBAL , DUBOIS ALAIN
Published: November 2013

The identity of Scytalopus speluncae (Ménétriés, 1835) (Aves: Passeriformes: Rhinocryptidae), a tapaculo from southeastern Brazil, has been the matter of debate during the last eight years. A group of ornithologists considers that the nomen Scytalopus speluncae should be attributed to a species endemic to coastal mountains of southeastern Brazil, whereas another group considers it a species from the drier environments of another mountain belt in Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. Both research groups disagree on the identity of the still extant but damaged alleged holotype, deposited at the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, on the identity of the holotype specimen illustration from a plate accompanying the species description, and even on the type locality. To further complicate this matter of identity, members of each research group, based on their own interpretations of the identity of Scytalopus speluncae, described and named again the two species with different nomina, erecting at least one unnecessary nomen. After almost ten years of a debate, there is still no consensus on the identity of the species, and there are now at least three available nomina for apparently only two distinct biological species. As taxonomists belonging to fields of zoology other than ornithology, and realizing the above situation is mainly a nomenclatural one, we herein present a summary of the contentious issue, try to distinguish what seems to be facts and speculation and based on these we consider the rules of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (the Code) whenever appropriate, in the hope of bringing some objectivity to the debate. We conclude that no unequivocal evidence was presented to decide to which species the type specimen belongs solely based on its morphological characters, since the holotype presents considerable damage. On the other hand, the original designation of the type locality by Ménétriés (1835) as São João del Rei, in southeastern Brazil, is unquestionable. Thus, the posterior re-designation of the type locality by a group of ornithologists was not done according to the Code. Contrary to the proposition made by a group of ornithologists that the nomen Scytalopus speluncae should be maintained to the species so called up to 2006 until further evidence confirms the identity of the holotype, we here argue that for now the nomen should be applied to the only species known to occur in the vicinities of the type locality, as established by the author of the species. Nevertheless, we also agree that obtaining molecular data from the holotype should be attempted to definitely solve the query.
Morphology and life history of Brachypeplus glaber LeConte
(Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), with a discussion of multiple
life stage data for phylogenetic analyses
Authors: CLINE ANDREW R. , SKELLEY PAUL E. , AUDISIO PAOLO
Published: November 2013

A detailed description of the sap beetle Brachypeplus glaber LeConte (Nitidulidae) is provided, including egg, larval, pupal and adult stages. Rearing and DNA barcoding were used to confirm life stage identifications. This is the first New World Brachypeplus species for which larval and pupal descriptions are available. Characters and character states for larvae, pupae, and adults are discussed at the species and generic levels within the context of phylogenetic revisions at different hierarchical levels.
Can the Delay in Antarctic Polar Vortex Breakup Explain Recent Trends in Surface Westerlies?
Authors: Sheshadri Aditi , Plumb R. Alan , Domeisen Daniela I. V.
Published: November 2013

The authors test the hypothesis that recent observed trends in surface westerlies in the Southern Hemisphere are directly consequent on observed trends in the timing of stratospheric final warming events. The analysis begins by verifying that final warming events have an impact on tropospheric circulation in a simplified GCM driven by specified equilibrium temperature distributions. Seasonal variations are imposed in the stratosphere only. The model produces qualitatively realistic final warming events whose influence extends down to the surface, much like what has been reported in observational analyses. The authors then go on to study observed trends in surface westerlies composited with respect to the date of final warming events. If the considered hypothesis were correct, these trends would appear to be much weaker when composited with respect to the date of the final warming events. The authors find that this is not the case, and accordingly they conclude that the observed surface changes cannot be attributed simply to this shift toward later final warming events.
Introducing Technical (Not Managerial) Succession Planning
Authors: Rothwell William J. , Poduch Stan
Published: November 2013

Succession planning to most government executives probably means executive replacement planning — planning for senior-level backups. But succession planning actually means far more than that. It is not just about finding replacements. It is also about developing talent and building sufficient bench strength, and preserving the organization's institutional memory as embodied in the heads of veteran performers at all levels who possess specialized knowledge about the way the organization works. This has to do with technical succession planning. This article examines technical succession planning — what it is and how it differs from managerial succession planning — and offers a case study that illustrates how one government agency has addressed the issue.
Clinical Practice Guideline: Bell's Palsy Executive Summary
Authors: Baugh Reginald F. , Basura Gregory J. , Ishii Lisa E. , Schwartz Seth R. , Drumheller Caitlin Murray , Burkholder Rebecca , Deckard Nathan A. , Dawson Cindy , Driscoll Colin , Gillespie M. Boyd , Gurgel Richard K. , Halperin John , Khalid Ayesha N. , Kumar Kaparaboyna Ashok , Micco Alan , Munsell Debra , Rosenbaum Steven , Vaughan William
Published: November 2013

The American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO‐HNSF) has published a supplement to this issue featuring the new Clinical Practice Guideline: Bell's Palsy. To assist in implementing the guideline recommendations, this article summarizes the rationale, purpose, and key action statements. The 11 recommendations developed encourage accurate and efficient diagnosis and treatment and, when applicable, facilitate patient follow‐up to address the management of long‐term sequelae or evaluation of new or worsening symptoms not indicative of Bell's palsy. There are myriad treatment options for Bell's palsy; some controversy exists regarding the effectiveness of several of these options, and there are consequent variations in care. In addition, there are numerous diagnostic tests available that are used in the evaluation of patients with Bell's palsy. Many of these tests are of questionable benefit in Bell's palsy. Furthermore, while patients with Bell's palsy enter the health care system with facial paresis/paralysis as a primary complaint, not all patients with facial paresis/paralysis have Bell's palsy. It is a concern that patients with alternative underlying etiologies may be misdiagnosed or have an unnecessary delay in diagnosis. All of these quality concerns provide an important opportunity for improvement in the diagnosis and management of patients with Bell's palsy.
Pictorial review: paediatric groin and scrotal lumps and bumps
Authors: Larkman N , Kingston K , Murphy A , Cooper J
Published: November 2013

This pictorial review explores the wide spectrum of paediatric groin and scrotal masses. Examples overlap with the adult population but concentrate on those more common in, or unique to, children. Correlation with other imaging modalities is included where appropriate.
Detection of colon polyps by a novel, polymer pattern-based full blood test
Authors: Franz Markus , Scholz Matthias , Henze Ilka , Röckl Stefan , Gomez Luis I
Published: November 2013

Numerous studies have shown that early screening for the presence of pre-cancerous colon polyps and their subsequent removal decreases the risk of developing colon cancer. Colonoscopy is currently the most effective screening method, but due to the invasive nature of the procedure many patients avoid forgo testing. Futhermore, the procedure itself requires perfect execution by the gastroenterologist. Against this backdrop, a non-invasive blood screening method for the detection of colon polyps that has higher sensitivity than current screening techniques would be beneficial in the early identification of patients at risk for colon cancer. A prospective, double-blinded, controlled clinical study was designed to demonstrate the diagnostic performance of Polyp Specific Polymer analysis, a novel laboratory methodology. The primary objective of this clinical trial was to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of the Polyp Specific Polymer analysis for colon polyps using colonoscopy and histological tests as the diagnostic accuracy standards. Secondary objectives of this trial included estimating positive and negative predictive values for colon polyps, investigating reliability, determining covariates influencing diagnostic accuracy and obtaining absolute and relative frequencies of valid test results.

In patients undergoing screening colonoscopy and histology examination, a sensitivity of 72.4% and a specificity of 62.3% could be proven.

These results indicate that using this improved screening method it is possible to effectively identify the highest-risk candidates for endoscopy, thereby advancing the goal of decreasing the incidence or mortality of colorectal cancer in the selected population. Moreover, this diagnostic tool has potential socio-economic implications, conserving healthcare resources by enabling higher patient selectivity for endoscopy and eventual transfer to curative prevention via polypectomy.

By combining the best-established low-risk screening elements together with a validated, highly sensitive blood test as described in this study, a steadfast increase in the estimation of colorectal cancer-risk before colonoscopy can be expected.
Wnt signaling blockage inhibits cell proliferation and migration, and induces apoptosis in triple-negative breast cancer cells
Authors: Bilir Birdal , Kucuk Omer , Moreno Carlos S
Published: November 2013

Background

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive clinical subtype of breast cancer that is characterized by the lack of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) expression as well as human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression. The TNBC subtype constitutes approximately 10%–20% of all breast cancers, but has no effective molecular targeted therapies. Previous meta-analysis of gene expression profiles of 587 TNBC cases from 21 studies demonstrated high expression of Wnt signaling pathway-associated genes in basal-like 2 and mesenchymal subtypes of TNBC. In this study, we investigated the potential of Wnt pathway inhibitors in effective treatment of TNBC.

Methods

Activation of Wnt pathway was assessed in four TNBC cell lines (BT-549, MDA-MB-231, HCC-1143 and HCC-1937), and the ER+cell line MCF-7 using confocal microscopy and Western blot analysis of pathway components. Effectiveness of five different Wnt pathway inhibitors (iCRT-3, iCRT-5, iCRT-14, IWP-4 and XAV-939) on cell proliferation and apoptosis were testedin vitro. The inhibitory effects of iCRT-3 on canonical Wnt signaling in TNBC was evaluated by quantitative real-time RT-PCR analysis of Axin2 and dual-luciferase reporter assays. The effects of shRNA knockdown of SOX4 in combination with iCRT-3 and/or genistein treatments on cell proliferation, migration and invasion on BT-549 cells were also evaluated.

Results

Immunofluorescence staining of β-catenin in TNBC cell lines showed both nuclear and cytoplasmic localization, indicating activation of Wnt pathway in TNBC cells. iCRT-3 was the most effective compound for inhibiting proliferation and antagonizing Wnt signaling in TNBC cells. In addition, treatment with iCRT-3 resulted in increased apoptosisin vitro. Knockdown of the Wnt pathway transcription factor, SOX4 in triple negative BT-549 cells resulted in decreased cell proliferation and migration, and combination treatment of iCRT-3 with SOX4 knockdown had a synergistic effect on inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis.

Conclusions

These data suggest that targeting SOX4 and/or the Wnt pathway could have therapeutic benefit for TNBC patients.
Physico-chemical and biological characterization of anopheline mosquito larval habitats (Diptera: Culicidae): implications for malaria control
Authors: Mereta Seid Tiku , Yewhalaw Delenasaw , Boets Pieter , Ahmed Abdulhakim , Duchateau Luc , Speybroeck Niko , Vanwambeke Sophie O , Legesse Worku , De Meester Luc , Goethals Peter LM
Published: November 2013

Background

A fundamental understanding of the spatial distribution and ecology of mosquito larvae is essential for effective vector control intervention strategies. In this study, data-driven decision tree models, generalized linear models and ordination analysis were used to identify the most important biotic and abiotic factors that affect the occurrence and abundance of mosquito larvae in Southwest Ethiopia.

Methods

In total, 220 samples were taken at 180 sampling locations during the years 2010 and 2012. Sampling sites were characterized based on physical, chemical and biological attributes. The predictive performance of decision tree models was evaluated based on correctly classified instances (CCI), Cohen’s kappa statistic (κ) and the determination coefficient (R2). A conditional analysis was performed on the regression tree models to test the relation between key environmental and biological parameters and the abundance of mosquito larvae.

Results

The decision tree model developed for anopheline larvae showed a good model performance (CCI = 84 ± 2%, and κ = 0.66 ± 0.04), indicating that the genus has clear habitat requirements. Anopheline mosquito larvae showed a widespread distribution and especially occurred in small human-made aquatic habitats. Water temperature, canopy cover, emergent vegetation cover, and presence of predators and competitors were found to be the main variables determining the abundance and distribution of anopheline larvae. In contrast, anopheline mosquito larvae were found to be less prominently present in permanent larval habitats. This could be attributed to the high abundance and diversity of natural predators and competitors suppressing the mosquito population densities.

Conclusions

The findings of this study suggest that targeting smaller human-made aquatic habitats could result in effective larval control of anopheline mosquitoes in the study area. Controlling the occurrence of mosquito larvae via drainage of permanent wetlands may not be a good management strategy as it negatively affects the occurrence and abundance of mosquito predators and competitors and promotes an increase in anopheline population densities.
The protein structure determines the sensitizing capacity of Brazil nut 2S albumin (Ber e1) in a rat food allergy model
Authors: Van Bilsen Jolanda HM , Knippels Léon MJ , Penninks André H , Nieuwenhuizen Willem F , De Jongh Harmen HJ , Koppelman Stef J
Published: November 2013

It is not exactly known why certain food proteins are more likely to sensitize. One of the characteristics of most food allergens is that they are stable to the acidic and proteolytic conditions in the digestive tract. This property is thought to be a risk factor in allergic sensitization. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the contribution of the protein structure of 2S albumin (Ber e1), a major allergen from Brazil nut, on the sensitizing capacity in vivo using an oral Brown Norway rat food allergy model. Disulphide bridges of 2S albumin were reduced and alkylated resulting in loss of protein structure and an increased pepsin digestibility in vitro. Both native 2S albumin and reduced/alkylated 2S albumin were administered by daily gavage dosing (0.1 and 1 mg) to Brown Norway rats for 42 days. Intraperitoneal administration was used as a positive control. Sera were analysed by ELISA and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis. Oral exposure to native or reduced/alkylated 2S albumin resulted in specific IgG1 and IgG2a responses whereas only native 2S albumin induced specific IgE in this model, which was confirmed by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis. This study has shown that the disruption of the protein structure of Brazil nut 2S albumin decreased the sensitizing potential in a Brown Norway rat food allergy model, whereas the immunogenicity of 2S albumin remained preserved. This observation may open possibilities for developing immunotherapy for Brazil nut allergy.
Graphical modeling and query language for hospitals
Authors: Barzdins Janis , Barzdins Juris , Rencis Edgars , Sostaks Agris
Published: November 2013

Background

So far there has been little evidence that implementation of the health information technologies (HIT) is leading to health care cost savings. One of the reasons for this lack of impact by the HIT likely lies in the complexity of the business process ownership in the hospitals. The goal of our research is to develop a business model-based method for hospital use which would allow doctors to retrieve directly the ad-hoc information from various hospital databases.

Methods

We have developed a special domain-specific process modelling language called the MedMod. Formally, we define the MedMod language as a profile on UML Class diagrams, but we also demonstrate it on examples, where we explain the semantics of all its elements informally. Moreover, we have developed the Process Query Language (PQL) that is based on MedMod process definition language. The purpose of PQL is to allow a doctor querying (filtering) runtime data of hospital’s processes described using MedMod.

Results

The MedMod language tries to overcome deficiencies in existing process modeling languages, allowing to specify the loosely-defined sequence of the steps to be performed in the clinical process.

The main advantages of PQL are in two main areas – usability and efficiency. They are: 1) the view on data through “glasses” of familiar process, 2) the simple and easy-to-perceive means of setting filtering conditions require no more expertise than using spreadsheet applications, 3) the dynamic response to each step in construction of the complete query that shortens the learning curve greatly and reduces the error rate, and 4) the selected means of filtering and data retrieving allows to execute queries in O(n) time regarding the size of the dataset.

Conclusions

We are about to continue developing this project with three further steps. First, we are planning to develop user-friendly graphical editors for the MedMod process modeling and query languages. The second step is to do evaluation of usability the proposed language and tool involving the physicians from several hospitals in Latvia and working with real data from these hospitals. Our third step is to develop an efficient implementation of the query language.
Subcutaneous fatty acid composition of steers finished as weanlings or yearlings with and without growth promotants
Authors: Mapiye Cletos , Turner Tyler D , Basarab John A , Baron Vern S , Aalhus Jennifer L , Dugan Michael ER
Published: November 2013

Background

The current study evaluated the subcutaneous fatty acid (FA) composition of calf- and yearling-fed steers with or without growth promoting implants. Crossbred steers (n = 112; 267 ± 5.0 kg) of the same contemporary group were allocated to one of four production system and implant strategy based treatments in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments.

Results

There were no interactions (P > 0.05) between production systems and growth promoting implants for the total and individual subcutaneous FA. Yearling as opposed to calf finishing reduced (P < 0.05) subcutaneous proportions of C20:3n-6, trans (t) 12-18:1, C14:0, several minor cis-monounsaturated FA (c-MUFA; c 9-14:1, c 11-16:1, c 11-18:1, c 12-18:1, c 13-18:1, c 9-20:1 and c 11-20:1), and increased (P < 0 .05) subcutaneous proportions of t 11c 15-18:2, total and individual branched-chain FA. Subcutaneous fat from steers implanted with growth promotants had higher (P < 0.05) proportions of total polyunsaturated FA (PUFA), total n-6 PUFA, C18:2n-6 and individual t- 18:1 isomers (t 6 to t 10) compared to non-implanted steers.

Conclusions

Overall, current findings show that production systems and growth promotants led to only minor differences in subcutaneous FA composition of beef steers.
In vitro methods for evaluating therapeutic ultrasound exposures: present-day models and future innovations
Authors: Alassaf Ahmad , Aleid Adham , Frenkel Victor
Published: November 2013

Although preclinical experiments are ultimately required to evaluate new therapeutic ultrasound exposures and devices prior to clinical trials, in vitro experiments can play an important role in the developmental process. A variety of in vitro methods have been developed, where each of these has demonstrated their utility for various test purposes. These include inert tissue-mimicking phantoms, which can incorporate thermocouples or cells and ex vivo tissue. Cell-based methods have also been used, both in monolayer and suspension. More biologically relevant platforms have also shown utility, such as blood clots and collagen gels. Each of these methods possesses characteristics that are well suited for various well-defined investigative goals. None, however, incorporate all the properties of real tissues, which include a 3D environment and live cells that may be maintained long-term post-treatment. This review is intended to provide an overview of the existing application-specific in vitro methods available to therapeutic ultrasound investigators, highlighting their advantages and limitations. Additional reporting is presented on the exciting and emerging field of 3D biological scaffolds, employing methods and materials adapted from tissue engineering. This type of platform holds much promise for achieving more representative conditions of those found in vivo, especially important for the newest sphere of therapeutic applications, based on molecular changes that may be generated in response to non-destructive exposures.
Interactions between Quantum Mixing and the Environmental Dynamics Controlling Ultrafast Photoinduced Electron Transfer and Its Temperature Dependence
Authors: Ishizaki Akihito
Published: November 2013

Primary charge separation in the photosystem II reaction center might take place on subpicosecond time scales. Typically, the time scales of environmental dynamics, such as protein reorganization, also occur in subpicosecond. To explore the potential causes for the subpicosecond charge separation, we theoretically investigate the interactions between environmental dynamics and quantum mixing that affect ultrafast photoinduced electron transfer. The time scales of environmental dynamics change the nature and temperature dependence of reactions to enable subpicosecond reactions.
Acceleration of Fe2O3 Reduction Kinetics by Wet Methane with Calcium Titanate as Support
Authors: Isogai Syunsuke , Kosaka Fumihiko , Takimoto Isao , Hatano Hiroyuki , Oshima Yoshito , Otomo Junichiro
Published: November 2013

To develop new chemical-energy conversion and storage systems using metal oxides, the kinetics of iron oxide (Fe2O3) reduction by humidified methane using an oxide ion conductor, CaTi1−xFexO3−δ (CTFO), as a support was analyzed. Significant improvements in Fe2O3 reduction rate and lattice oxygen utilization were observed using CTFO, which may be induced by rapid ion transport at the interface between Fe2O3 and CTFO.
Behavioral Modeling of SNFS for Synthesizing Multi-Scroll Chaotic Attractors
Authors: Sánchez-López C. , Fernández F. V. , Carbajal-Gómez V. H. , Tlelo-Cuautle E. , Mendoza-López J.
Published: November 2013

Existing models of continuous nonlinear functions used for generating multi-scroll chaotic attractors are based on a piece-wise linear (PWL) approach. These models, although relatively easy to build, do not include any information related to the performance parameters of active devices, in the context of a possible physical implementation. This is a serious drawback, since the use of a PWL model introduces a level of inaccuracy into a numerical analysis which is more evident when numerical and experimental results are compared. This paper proposes a methodology to generate the behavioral model of continuous nonlinear functions, but unlike PWL approaches, real physical active device parameters are herein taken into account. In particular, we generate the behavioral model of a nonlinear function called saturated nonlinear function series (SNFS), but in general, the proposed approach can be used to generate the behavioral model of other continuous nonlinear functions. Our results indicate that the proposed approach yields a more realistic and accurate behavioral model than PWL models. As a consequence, not only the generation of chaotic attractors is more precise, but the metrics used to measure the complexity of a chaotic system can also be better predicted. Numerical and electrical simulation results at both domains, phase and time, illustrate the benefits of the new proposed model.