bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accelerated Degradation for Hardware in the Loop Simulation of Fuel Cell-Gas Turbine Hybrid
Authors: Abreu-Sepulveda Maria , Tucker David , Harun Nor Farida , Hackett Gregory , Hagen Anke
Published: October 2014

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are a promising technology for clean power generation, however their implementation has been limited by several degradation mechanisms, which significantly reduce its lifetime under constant output power and inhibits the technology for commercialization in the near future. With the purpose of harnessing the capabilities offered by SOFCs, the U.S. DOE-National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) in Morgantown, WV has developed the Hybrid Performance (HyPer) project in which a SOFC 1D, real-time operating model is coupled to a gas turbine hardware system by utilizing hardware-in-the-loop simulation (HiLS).

More recently, in order to assess the long-term stability of the SOFC part of the system, electrochemical degradation due to operating conditions such as current density and fuel utilization have been incorporated into the SOFC model and successfully recreated in real time for standalone and hybrid operation. The mathematical expression for degradation rate was obtained through the analysis of empirical voltage versus time plots for different current densities and fuel utilizations at 750, 800, and 850°C. Simulation results well reflected the behavior of SOFC degradation rates from which the long-term stability of the cell under various conditions was assessed. Distributed fuel cell parameters are presented for both standalone and hybrid configurations. The incorporation of the electrochemical degradation rate into the SOFC model provides a framework to study more realistically Fuel Cell-hybrid systems and set forth a mechanism to improve the long-term stability of SOFCs through the hybridization of such technology.
Innovative Design of a Piezoelectric PEMFC Honey Comb Stack
Authors: Ma Hsiao-Kang , Cheng Wei-Yang , Hsu Yuan-Lung , Lin Hou-Yi , Hsieh Chiung-Ting
Published: October 2014

Previous studies have shown that the pseudo-bipolar design of the bi-cell is composed of two outside anodes and two inside cathodes that share a common PZT vibrating device used to pump the airflow. The bi-cell is operated by three modes of PZT-actuating process as pump mode (Pc > Pout > Pin), supply mode (Pout > Pin > Pc), and transition mode (Pout > Pc > Pin). In this study, a single module of piezoelectric PEMFC honey comb composed of 6 bi-cells on each inside wall of the honey comb has been developed to deliver the net power output 7.5W. The hydrogen storage tank is located in the middle duct of one honey comb with hydrogen supply valves and pipelines. Furthermore, for the required power output, the honey comb stack can be designed as erect-stack or planar-stack by assembling different number modules. Comparing with other polygons, the stronger honey comb stack can be designed to fit in the limited space and coupled with the fuel supply system or other power output system, for example, LED lights.
Analysis of Water Morphology in the Active Area and Channel-to-Manifold Transitions of a PEM Fuel Cell
Authors: Fenton Daniel J. , Gagliardo Jeffrey J. , Trabold Thomas A.
Published: October 2014

To achieve optimal performance of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, effective water management is crucial. Cells need to be fabricated to operate over wide ranges of current density and cell temperature. To investigate these design and operational conditions, the present experiment utilized neutron radiography for measurement of in-situ water volumes of operating PEM fuel cells under varying operating conditions. Fuel cell performance was found to be generally inversely correlated to liquid water volume in the active area. High water concentrations restrict narrow flow field channels, limiting the reactant flow, and causing the development of performance-reducing liquid water blockages (slugs). The analysis was performed both quantitatively and qualitatively to compare the overall liquid water volume within the cell to the flow field geometry. The neutron image analysis results revealed interesting trends related to water volume as a function of time. At temperatures greater than 25°C, the total liquid water volume at start-up in the active area was the lowest at 1.5 A/cm2. At 25°C, 0.1 A/cm2 performed with the least amount of liquid water accumulation. However, as the reaction progressed at temperatures above 25°C, there was a crossover point where 0.1 A/cm2 accumulated less water than 1.5 A/cm2. The higher the temperature, the longer the time required to reach this crossover point. Results from the current density analysis showed a minimization of water slugs at 1.5 A/cm2, while the temperature analysis showed unexpectedly that, independent of current density, the condition with lowest water volume was always 35°C.
Development of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell to Collect Electricity From Exhaust Gas
Authors: Onita Keigo , Yanagihara Kiyoshi , Yamada Rikimaru , Nakagawa Youhei
Published: October 2014

Exhaust gas of internal combustion engine contains carbon-oxide and hydrocarbon. The temperature of these gases which are emitted in atmosphere are higher than 873 K. In the environment under the high-temperature gas. Reforming of Steam Methane Reforming, Water-Gas Shift Reaction and Carbon Precipitation are expected in the exhaust pipe. This environment of the exhaust-gases accommodates with operating environment of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC). Therefore, if electricity can be collected from such exhaust gas environment, engine system can utilize smaller AC generator and battery, and if the gas reforming and electrochemical reactions can clean the exhaust gases, that can lead to disuse catalyzer. Those also can accomplish lighter engine system and totally efficiency of engine system.

Therefore, in order to collect electricity from exhaust gas, the single type SOFC unit is designed and installed in the exhaust pipe of 110cc engine of a small motorcycle. Various experiments are executed in this paper. The experimental results show that the developed SOFC-unit works, and power density of about 8.5mW/cm2 is obtained.
Goal Striving and Well-Being in Sport: The Role of Contextual and Personal Motivation
Authors: Healy Laura C. , Ntoumanis Nikos , van Zanten Jet J.C.S. Veldhuijzen , Paine Nicola
Published: October 2014

This investigation sought to clarify mixed results in the literature exploring coach behaviors, basic psychological needs, goal motivation, and well- and ill-being. Regional-level team sport athletes (N = 241) completed questionnaires on the aforementioned variables at the beginning of the season. A subsample (n = 70) provided saliva samples to assess physical ill-being. At the end of the season, athletes (n = 98) reported their goal motivation and attainment. Structural equation modeling demonstrated that coach behaviors were related to needs satisfaction and thwarting, which were related to autonomous and controlled goal motives respectively. Autonomous motives were related to well- and ill-being; controlled motives were only related to ill-being. Over time, only end-of-season autonomous goal motives were related to goal attainment. The findings provide an insight into how coaches can facilitate optimum goal striving and well-being in their athletes.
An easy consciousness test?
Authors: Underwood Emily
Published: October 2014

EEG studies detect awareness in locked-in people.
The Ebola vaccine underdog
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: October 2014

NewLink Genetics says it might have enough doses ready by spring to vaccinate most people at risk.
Treating Asthma: Divide and Conquer
Authors: Sun Jie
Published: October 2014

Epithelial

interleukin-25 expression segregates asthma subgroups that may respond to inhaled corticosteroid.
Short-Circuiting Mitochondria Leads to Improvement in Mouse Models of Diabetes
Authors: Drum Chester L.
Published: October 2014

Diabetic symptoms can be improved in mice through mitochondrial decoupling with a currently approved anthelmintic drug.
Sequence-Specific Antibiotics
Authors: Tsalik Ephraim L.
Published: October 2014

Modified CRISPR-Cas nucleases target pathogens or resistance genes for sequence-specific destruction.
Biotin and Lipoic Acid: Synthesis, Attachment, and Regulation
Authors: Cronan John E.
Published: October 2014

Two vitamins, biotin and lipoic acid, are essential in all three domains of life. Both coenzymes function only when covalently attached to key metabolic enzymes. There they act as “swinging arms” that shuttle intermediates between two active sites (= covalent substrate channeling) of key metabolic enzymes. Although biotin was discovered over 100 years ago and lipoic acid 60 years ago, it was not known how either coenzyme is made until recently. In
Escherichia coli
the synthetic pathways for both coenzymes have now been worked out for the first time. The late steps of biotin synthesis, those involved in assembling the fused rings, were well described biochemically years ago, although recent progress has been made on the BioB reaction, the last step of the pathway in which the biotin sulfur moiety is inserted. In contrast, the early steps of biotin synthesis, assembly of the fatty acid-like “arm” of biotin were unknown. It has now been demonstrated that the arm is made by using disguised substrates to gain entry into the fatty acid synthesis pathway followed by removal of the disguise when the proper chain length is attained. The BioC methyltransferase is responsible for introducing the disguise, and the BioH esterase is responsible for its removal. In contrast to biotin, which is attached to its cognate proteins as a finished molecule, lipoic acid is assembled on its cognate proteins. An octanoyl moiety is transferred from the octanoyl acyl carrier protein of fatty acid synthesis to a specific lysine residue of a cognate protein by the LipB octanoyltransferase followed by sulfur insertion at carbons C-6 and C-8 by the LipA lipoyl synthetase. Assembly on the cognate proteins regulates the amount of lipoic acid synthesized, and, thus, there is no transcriptional control of the synthetic genes. In contrast, transcriptional control of the biotin synthetic genes is wielded by a remarkably sophisticated, yet simple, system, exerted through BirA, a dual-function protein that both represses biotin operon transcription and ligates biotin to its cognate proteins.
Discovery and Characterization of Auxiliary Proteins Encoded by Type 3 Simian T-Cell Lymphotropic Viruses
Authors: Turpin Jocelyn , Journo Chloé , Ko Nga Ling , Sinet Flore , Carpentier Alexandre , Galioot Amandine , Edwards Dustin , Vandamme Anne-Mieke , Gazzolo Louis , Duc Dodon Madeleine , Gessain Antoine , Kashanchi Fatah , Balansard Ivan , Lacoste Romain , Mahieux Renaud
Published: October 2014

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) and HTLV-2 encode auxiliary proteins that play important roles in viral replication, viral latency, and immune escape. The presence of auxiliary protein-encoding open reading frames (ORFs) in HTLV-3, the latest HTLV to be discovered, is unknown. Simian T-cell lymphotropic virus type 3 (STLV-3) is almost identical to HTLV-3. Given the lack of HTLV-3-infected cell lines, we took advantage of STLV-3-infected cells and of an STLV-3 molecular clone to search for the presence of auxiliary transcripts. Using reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR), we first uncovered the presence of three unknown viral mRNAs encoding putative proteins of 5, 8, and 9 kDa and confirmed the presence of the previously reported
RorfII
transcript. The existence of these viral mRNAs was confirmed by using splice site-specific RT-PCR with
ex vivo
samples. We showed that p5 is distributed throughout the cell and does not colocalize with a specific organelle. The p9 localization is similar to that of HTLV-1 p12 and induced a strong decrease in the calreticulin signal, similarly to HTLV-1 p12. Although p8, RorfII, and Rex-3 share an N-terminal sequence that is predicted to contain a nucleolar localization signal (NoLS), only p8 is found in the nucleolus. The p8 location in the nucleolus is linked to a bipartite NoLS. p8 and, to a lesser extent, p9 repressed viral expression but did not alter Rex-3-dependent mRNA export. Using a transformation assay, we finally showed that none of the STLV-3 auxiliary proteins had the ability to induce colony formation, while both Tax-3 and antisense protein of HTLV-3 (APH-3) promoted cellular transformation. Altogether, these results complete the characterization of the newly described primate T-lymphotropic virus type 3 (PTLV-3).

IMPORTANCE
Together with their simian counterparts, HTLVs form the primate T-lymphotropic viruses. HTLVs arose from interspecies transmission between nonhuman primates and humans. HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 encode auxiliary proteins that play important roles in viral replication, viral latency, and immune escape. The presence of ORFs encoding auxiliary proteins in HTLV-3 or STLV-3 genomes was unknown. Using
in silico
analyses,
ex vivo
samples, or
in vitro
experiments, we have uncovered the presence of 3 previously unknown viral mRNAs encoding putative proteins and confirmed the presence of a previously reported viral transcript. We characterized the intracellular localization of the four proteins. We showed that two of these proteins repress viral expression but that none of them have the ability to induce colony formation. However, both Tax and the antisense protein APH-3 promote cell transformation. Our results allowed us to characterize 4 new retroviral proteins for the first time.
Coupled dark energy field variation
Authors: García-Zúñiga Roberto Carlos , Izquierdo Germán
Published: October 2014

The variation of the dark energy field is found under the assumption that the dark energy is parametric and interacts with the cold dark matter. Considering that the variation of the field could not exceed the Planck mass, we obtain bounds on the coupling and adiabatic coefficients. Three parametrizations of the adiabatic coefficients are considered and two coupling terms where the energy flows from dark energy to dark matter, or the other way around.
A discrete anatomy of the neutrino mass matrix
Authors: Leontaris G. K. , Vlachos N. D.
Published: October 2014

We investigate the possibility of expressing the charged leptons and neutrino mass matrices as linear combinations of elements of a single finite group. Constraints imposed on the resulting mixing matrix by current data restrict the group types, but allow a nonzero value for the θ13 mixing angle.
Hawking radiation from z = 3 and z = 1-Lifshitz black holes
Authors: Lepe Samuel , Merello Bruno
Published: October 2014

The Hawking radiation considered as a tunneling process, by using a Hamilton–Jacobi prescription, is discussed for both z = 3 and z = 1-Lifshitz black holes. We have found that the tunneling rate (which is not thermal but related to the change of entropy) for the z = 3-Lifshitz black hole (which does not satisfy the Area/4-law) does not yield (give us) the expected tunneling rate: Γ~ exp (ΔS), where ΔS is the change of black hole entropy, if we compare with the z = 1-Lifshitz black hole (BTZ black hole, which satisfies the Area/4-law).
The Trading Behavior of Attention Securities with Different Closing Mechanisms: Evidence from Taiwan
Authors: Huang Yu Chuan , Chan Shu Hui
Published: October 2014

On 1 July, 2002, the Taiwan Stock Exchange changed its closing mechanism to a five-minute call auction to limit market manipulation at day's end and enhance the fairness of the closing price. This paper examines the effect of the new closing mechanism on the behavior of attention securities and analyzes the role of each trader type in attention securities' behavior. After the new mechanism, market volatility improved, trading activity and order aggressiveness reduced, while liquidity deteriorated. The closing prices of attention securities are mainly influenced by large individual investors and by domestic institutions, with the large individual investors showing the most intention to influence prices upward during the closing interval both before and after implementation of the five-minute call auction. However, introduction of the five-minute call auction made it more difficult and costly to influence closing prices.
DETERMINANTS OF USER INNOVATOR BEHAVIOUR IN THE SILVER MARKET
Authors: WELLNER KONSTANTIN , HERSTATT CORNELIUS
Published: October 2014

The existing research on the behaviour of user innovators has focused almost exclusively on younger users. In light of the demographic shift and the increasing importance of the "Silver Market" segment (customers 55 years plus), we analysed whether important determinants of user innovator behaviour (use experience, product knowledge, technical expertise, and the lead user components) exert the same influence among older users. We conducted a study in the camping and caravanning industry and included 333 respondents from 19 to 86 years of age. The innovator share among older users was slightly lower (43% versus 57%). While use experience and product knowledge turned out less important for older users in our sample, technical expertise materialised as the most important determinant. Additionally, being ahead of trend is stronger related to dissatisfaction with existing products among older users. We found additional evidence that users with high use experience suffer from functional fixedness.
Hydrothermal Synthesis and Photocatalytic Performance ofAgQuantum Dots SensitizedBi4Ti3O12Nanobelts
Authors: Lin Xue , Guo Xiaoyu , Liu Di , Wang Qingwei , Yan Yongsheng
Published: October 2014

Ag / Bi4Ti3O12heterostructure with high photocatalytic activity was synthesized via a simple and practical hydrothermal method by using Bi4Ti3O12nanobelts as substrate materials. The as-prepared Ag / Bi4Ti3O12heterostructure included Ag quantum dots assembling uniformly on the surface of Bi4Ti3O12nanobelts. Comparing with pure Bi4Ti3O12nanobelts, the composite photocatalyst exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation in the decomposition of rhodamine B aqueous solution. The enhancement performance is believed to be induced by the intimate contact interface, where silver quantum dots serve as good electron acceptor for facilitating quick photoexcited electron transfer and thus decreasing electron-hole recombination. It was also found that the photodegradation of rhodamine B molecules is mainly attributed to the oxidation action of the generated [Formula: see text] radicals.
The data on diversity
Authors: Nelson Beryl
Published: October 2014

It's not just about being fair.
Researchers simplify parallel programming
Authors: Anthes Gary
Published: October 2014

Parallel computing has become increasingly important as chipmakers put more and more processor cores on individual chips.
Computing what fits
Authors: Shein Esther
Published: October 2014

New apps and pods improve the virtual and actual retail experiences by ensuring clothing and cosmetics look good on you before you buy them.
Extracellular nucleotides from dying cells act as molecular signals to promote wound repair in renal tubular injury
Authors: Nakagawa Shunsaku , Omura Tomohiro , Yonezawa Atsushi , Yano Ikuko , Nakagawa Takayuki , Matsubara Kazuo
Published: October 2014

Acute kidney injury (AKI) often correlates with poor prognosis and is followed by various severe unfavorable systemic outcomes. It is important to understand the pathophysiology of AKI for the development of novel therapeutic approaches toward promoting renal regeneration after injury. Recent studies have indicated that AKI-induced tubular cell death plays an active role in the onset of tissue regeneration; however, the mechanisms underlying renal tubular repair after injury have yet to be understood. In the present study, we explored molecules that might serve as “danger” signals in mediating tubular regeneration. Kidneys of rats systemically administered the nephrotoxicant cisplatin (to induce AKI) exhibited massive cell proliferation. The proportion of proliferating cells in the total cell distribution was highest in the outer stripe of the outer medulla coincided with where the tubular damage was the most severe in this study. This finding suggests that soluble factors may have been released from damaged cells to stimulate the proliferation of neighboring tubular epithelial cells. In elucidating the mechanism of dying cell-to-surviving cell communication using normal rat kidney NRK-52E epithelial cells, we found a significant increase in ATP levels in supernatants of these cells after the induction of cell death using ultraviolet irradiation. Furthermore, treatment of conditioned supernatants with apyrase or suramin, which inhibits purinergic signaling, resulted in significant decreases in cell proliferation and migration activities. These results demonstrate a novel role for extracellular nucleotides, probably as danger signals in aggravating tubular regeneration after AKI.
Validation of the Persian Translation of the Swallowing Disturbance Questionnaire in Parkinson’s Disease Patients
Authors: Rajaei Ali , Azargoon S. Abolfazl , Nilforoush Mohammad Hussein , Barzegar Bafrooei Ebrahim , Ashtari Fereshteh , Chitsaz Ahmad
Published: October 2014

Dysphagia, as a common finding in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients, was estimated to be present in 80–95% of this population during different stages of the disease. The Swallowing Disturbance Questionnaire (SDQ) was created as a self-rated dysphagia screening tool in PD. According to the guidelines for cross-cultural adaptation, Persian version of this questionnaire (SDQ-P) was developed. 59 Persian patients (39 men and 20 women) participated in the study. They responded to the SDQ-P and underwent videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS). Aspiration during VFSS was compared with questionnaire results for each individual. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the questionnaire was 0.86 and based on SDQ-P 15 patients (25.4%) were dysphagic, while 10 patients (16.9%) showed aspiration during VFSS. SDQ-P sensitivity and specificity in predicting aspiration were 96.7 and 91.2%; therefore, the SDQ-P could be a prognostic tool for aspiration. The positive predictive value (PPV), the negative predictive value (NPV), and the pre- and posttest probabilities of aspiration were 0.67, 1, 16.9%, and 66.7%, respectively. In summary, this study demonstrated the reliability and also the feasibility of SDQ-P for screening of aspiration in Iranian patients with PD. Further evaluation of SDQ-P in larger subject population would be suggested.
Forward and Reverse Process Models for the Squeeze Casting Process Using Neural Network Based Approaches
Authors: Gowdru Chandrashekarappa Manjunath Patel , Krishna Prasad , Parappagoudar Mahesh B.
Published: October 2014

The present research work is focussed to develop an intelligent system to establish the input-output relationship utilizing forward and reverse mappings of artificial neural networks. Forward mapping aims at predicting the density and secondary dendrite arm spacing (SDAS) from the known set of squeeze cast process parameters such as time delay, pressure duration, squeezes pressure, pouring temperature, and die temperature. An attempt is also made to meet the industrial requirements of developing the reverse model to predict the recommended squeeze cast parameters for the desired density and SDAS. Two different neural network based approaches have been proposed to carry out the said task, namely, back propagation neural network (BPNN) and genetic algorithm neural network (GA-NN). The batch mode of training is employed for both supervised learning networks and requires huge training data. The requirement of huge training data is generated artificially at random using regression equation derived through real experiments carried out earlier by the same authors. The performances of BPNN and GA-NN models are compared among themselves with those of regression for ten test cases. The results show that both models are capable of making better predictions and the models can be effectively used in shop floor in selection of most influential parameters for the desired outputs.
Development of a Liquid Scintillator Using Water for a Next Generation Neutrino Experiment
Authors: So Sun Heang , Joo Kyung Kwang , Kim Ba Ro , Kim Bong Keon , Kim Seung Chan , Shin Chang Dong , Yeo In Sung
Published: October 2014

A feasibility study on a new type of liquid scintillator based on water has been performed. Mainly due to the differences in polarities between water and oil, organic solvents are not mixed in water. In order to make a liquid scintillator based on water, a surfactant that contains hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups is used. The surfactant keeps water and organic solvents apart in solution. Good physical and optical parameters and long-term stability are required to use liquid scintillator based on water in massive detector for the next generation neutrino experiments. In this paper, we report the characteristics and the possibility of liquid scintillators using water with various new surfactants.
Management of Head and Neck Pseudoaneurysms: A Review of 33 Consecutive Cases
Authors: Anderson Eliza , Chalouhi Nohra , Dumont Aaron , Tjoumakaris Stavropoula , Zanaty Mario , Rosenwasser Robert , Starke Robert M. , Jabbour Pascal
Published: October 2014

Background. Endosaccular coiling, vessel occlusion, stenting, stent-assisted coiling, and flow diversion are all endovascular treatment options for pseudoaneurysms (PAs) of the head and neck. We explore different clinical situations in which these were selected for PA management at a single institution.Methods. Over a period of ten years, 33 patients presented to our hospital with PAs of the head and neck. Their outcomes and procedural complications are discussed.Results. We observed a complication rate of 18.2% (6 of 33), consisting predominantly of infarcts following vessel occlusion. As measured by the modified Rankin Scale, 25 (75.8%) patients had achieved favorable outcomes on discharge. A single patient who was treated with stent-assisted coiling expired following procedural complications.Conclusions. In our series, most patients with traumatic/iatrogenic PAs were successfully treated with parent vessel sacrifice. When parent vessel occlusion is not an option, stenting with or without coiling, or flow diversion, may also be safe and effective alternatives.
Investigation of the Rare ExclusiveBc*→Dsνν-Decays in the Framework of the QCD Sum Rules
Authors: Bashiry V.
Published: October 2014

ExclusiveBc*→Dsνν-decay is studied in the framework of the three-point QCD sum rules approach. The two gluon condensate contributions to the correlation function are calculated and the form factors of this transition are found. The decay width and total branching ratio for this decay are also calculated.
Symptoms and Signs Associated with Postpartum Thyroiditis
Authors: Groer Maureen , Jevitt Cecilia
Published: October 2014

Background.Postpartum thyroiditis (PPT) is a common triphasic autoimmune disease in women with thyroid peroxidase (TPO) autoantibodies. This study evaluated women's thyroid disease symptoms, physical findings, stress levels, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels across six postpartum months in three groups, TPO negative, TPO positive, and PPT positive women.Methods.Women were recruited in midpregnancy(n=631)and TPO status was determined which then was used to form the three postpartum groups. The three groups were compared on TSH levels, thyroid symptoms, weight, blood pressure, heart rate, a thyroid exam, and stress scores.Results.Fifty-six percent of the TPO positive women developed PPT. Hypothyroid group (F(2, 742) = 5.8,P=.003) and hyperthyroid group (F(2, 747) = 6.6,P=.001) subscale scores differed by group. Several symptoms and stress scores were highest in the PPT group.Conclusions.The normal postpartum is associated with many symptoms that mimic thyroid disease symptoms, but severity is greater in women with either TPO or PPT positivity. While the most severe symptoms were generally seen in PPT positive women, even TPO positive women seem to have higher risk for these signs and symptoms.
Iatrogenic Pulmonary Nodule in a Heart Transplant Recipient
Authors: Mehta Atul C. , Wang Juan , Singh Jarmanjeet , Cicenia Joseph
Published: October 2014

A 58-year-old female with a history of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and end-stage nonischemic cardiomyopathy from Adriamycin toxicity underwent orthotic heart transplantation during June 2013. She developed shortness of breath in September 2013 and was suspected to have invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. A flexible bronchoscopy (FB) with a transbronchial biopsy (TBBx) was performed. She was found to have a focal lung nodule in the same location at the site of the TBBx on day 13 after the FB. Spontaneous resolution of the nodule was confirmed on the computed tomography (CT) scan of chest performed at 3 months. We believe that this nodule was as a consequence of the TBBx. Formation of a peripheral pulmonary nodule (PPN) following a TBBx is occasionally encountered among the recipients of the lung transplantation. To our knowledge, this is the first case of TBBx producing a pulmonary nodule in a heart transplant recipient. Physicians caring for the patients with heart transplantation should be cognizant of the iatrogenic nature of such nodule to avoid unnecessary diagnostic work-up.
Maternal Characteristics Influencing the Development of Gestational Diabetes in Obese Women Receiving 17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate
Authors: Egerman Robert , Ramsey Risa , Istwan Niki , Rhea Debbie , Stanziano Gary
Published: October 2014

Objective. Gestational diabetes (GDM) and obesity portend a high risk for subsequent type 2 diabetes. We examined maternal factors influencing the development of gestational diabetes (GDM) in obese women receiving 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17OHPC) for preterm delivery prevention.Materials and Methods. Retrospectively identified were 899 singleton pregnancies with maternal prepregnancy body mass indices of ≥30 kg/m2enrolled for either 17OHPC weekly administration (study group) or daily uterine monitoring and nursing assessment (control group). Patients with history of diabetes type 1, 2, or GDM were excluded. Maternal characteristics were compared between groups and for women with and without development of GDM. A logistic regression model was performed on incidence of GDM, controlling for significant univariate factors.Results. The overall incidence of GDM in the 899 obese women studied was 11.9%. The incidence of GDM in the study group (n=491) was 13.8% versus 9.6% in the control group (n=408) (P=0.048). Aside from earlier initiation of 17OHP and advanced maternal age, other factors including African American race, differing degrees of obesity, and use of tocolysis were not significant risks for the development of GDM.Conclusion. In obese women with age greater than 35 years, earlier initiation of 17OHPC may increase the risk for GDM.
The Assessment of Cholinesterase from the Liver ofPuntius Javanicusas Detection of Metal Ions
Authors: Sabullah Mohd Khalizan , Sulaiman Mohd Rosni , Shukor Mohd Yunus Abd , Syed Mohd Arif , Shamaan Nor Aripin , Khalid Ariff , Ahmad Siti Aqlima
Published: October 2014

Crude extract of ChE from the liver ofPuntius javanicuswas purified using procainamide-sepharyl 6B. S-Butyrylthiocholine iodide (BTC) was selected as the specific synthetic substrate for this assay with the highest maximal velocity and lowest biomolecular constant at 53.49 µmole/min/mg and 0.23 mM, respectively, with catalytic efficiency ratio of 0.23. The optimum parameter was obtained at pH 7.5 and optimal temperature in the range of 25 to 30°C. The effect of different storage condition was assessed where ChE activity was significantly decreased after 9 days of storage at room temperature. However, ChE activity showed no significant difference when stored at 4.0, 0, and −25°C for 15 days. Screening of heavy metals shows that chromium, copper, and mercury strongly inhibitedP. javanicusChE by lowering the activity below 50%, while several pairwise combination of metal ions exhibited synergistic inhibiting effects on the enzyme which is greater than single exposure especially chromium, copper, and mercury. The results showed thatP. javanicusChE has the potential to be used as a biosensor for the detection of metal ions.
A Method of Transoral Finger Dissection for a Giant Epiglottic Lipoma
Authors: Koizumi Toshizo , Yane Katsunari , Yamanaka Toshiaki , Kitahara Tadashi
Published: October 2014

Background.Subcutaneous lipomas that occur in the trunk and proximal extremities are commonly dissected by low-invasive method. However, a standard surgical method for lipomas of the epiglottis has been absent. Microscopic laryngeal surgery is appropriate to extirpate small epiglottic lipomas. However, microscopic laryngeal surgery may be insufficient for giant epiglottic lipomas because there is restricted visualization of the operating field of the tumor under the microscope. Furthermore, microscopic surgical instruments are very small to manipulate giant lipomas, and it would be excessive to approach these lipomas via external cervical incisions.Case Presentation.A 57-year-old female presented with a giant lipoma on the lingual surface of the epiglottis. Following a tracheotomy, microscopic surgery was inadequate to manipulate the epiglottic lipoma. Instead, we performed macroscopic surgery in which the epiglottic lipoma was pulled into the oral cavity with forceps and then separated from the surrounding tissues using the surgeon’s finger to dissect the tumor en bloc.Conclusion.The low-invasive method of transoral finger dissection enabled the giant lipoma to be extirpated without leaving any remnants or causing excessive epiglottic damage.
Comparative Analysis: Potential Barriers to Career Participation by North American Physicians in Global Health
Authors: Rhee Daniel S. , Heckman Jennifer E. , Chae Sae-Rom , Loh Lawrence C.
Published: October 2014

Physician interest in global health, particularly among family physicians, is reflected by an increasing proliferation of field training and service experiences. However, translating initial training involvement into a defined and sustainable global health career remains difficult and beset by numerous barriers. Existing global health literature has largely examined training experiences and related ethical considerations while neglecting the role of career development in global health. To explore this, this paper extrapolates potential barriers to global health career involvement from existing literature and compares these to salary and skills requirements for archetypal physician positions in global health, presenting a framework of possible barriers to sustained physician participation in global health work. Notable barriers identified include financial limitations, scheduling conflicts, security/family concerns, skills limitations, limited awareness of opportunities, and specialty choice, with family practice often closely aligned with global health experience. Proposed solutions include financial support, protected time, family relocation support, and additional training. This framework delineates barriers to career involvement in global health by physicians. Further research regarding these barriers as well as potential solutions may help direct policy and initiatives to better utilize physicians, particularly family physicians, as a valuable global health human resource.
Safety Identifying of Integral Abutment Bridges under Seismic and Thermal Loads
Authors: Easazadeh Far Narges , Barghian Majid
Published: October 2014

Integral abutment bridges (IABs) have many advantages over conventional bridges in terms of strength and maintenance cost. Due to the integrity of these structures uniform thermal and seismic loads are known important ones on the structure performance. Although all bridge design codes consider temperature and earthquake loads separately in their load combinations for conventional bridges, the thermal load is an “always on” load and, during the occurrence of an earthquake, these two important loads act on bridge simultaneously. Evaluating the safety level of IABs under combination of these loads becomes important. In this paper, the safety of IABs—designed by AASHTO LRFD bridge design code—under combination of thermal and seismic loads is studied. To fulfill this aim, first the target reliability indexes under seismic load have been calculated. Then, these analyses for the same bridge under combination of thermal and seismic loads have been repeated and the obtained reliability indexes are compared with target indexes. It is shown that, for an IAB designed by AASHTO LRFD, the indexes have been reduced under combined effects. So, the target level of safety during its design life is not provided and the code’s load combination should be changed.
Telecardiology Application in Jordan: Its Impact on Diagnosis and Disease Management, Patients’ Quality of Life, and Time- and Cost-Savings
Authors: Khader Yousef Saleh , Jarrah Mohamad Ismail , Al-Shudifat Abde-Ellah M. , Shdaifat Amjad , Aljanabi Husham , Al-Fakeh Shadwan Ismeil , Turk Elias Emil , Zayed Khaled Ali , Al Quran Hanadi A. , Ellauzi Ziad Mohd , Al Tahan Mohammad
Published: October 2014

Objectives. To assess the impact of live interactive telecardiology on diagnosis and disease management, patients’ quality of life, and time- and cost-savings.Methods. All consecutive patients who attended or were referred to the teleclinics for suspected cardiac problems in two hospitals in remote areas of Jordan during the study period were included in the study. Patients were interviewed for relevant information and their quality of life was assessed during the first visit and 8 weeks after the last visit.Results. A total of 76 patients were included in this study. Final diagnosis and treatment plan were established as part of the telecardiology consultations in 71.1% and 77.3% of patients, respectively. Patients’ travel was avoided for 38 (50.0%) who were managed locally. The majority of patients perceived that the visit to the telecardiology clinic results in less travel time (96.1%), less waiting time (98.1%), and lower cost (100.0%). Telecardiology consultations resulted in an improvement in the quality of life after two months of the first visit.Conclusions. Telecardiology care in remote areas of Jordan would improve the access to health care, help to reach proper diagnosis and establish the treatment plan, and improve the quality of life.
Dose-Dependent Hemodynamic, Biochemical, and Tissue Oxygen Effects of OC99 following Severe Oxygen Debt Produced by Hemorrhagic Shock in Dogs
Authors: Muir William W. , del Rio Carlos L. , Ueyama Yukie , Youngblood Bradley L. , George Robert S. , Rausch Carl W. , Lau Billy S. H. , Hamlin Robert L.
Published: October 2014

We determined the dose-dependent effects of OC99, a novel, stabilized hemoglobin-based oxygen-carrier, on hemodynamics, systemic and pulmonary artery pressures, surrogates of tissue oxygen debt (arterial lactate7.2±0.1 mM/L and arterial base excess−17.9±0.5 mM/L), and tissue oxygen tension (tPO2) in a dog model of controlled severe oxygen-debt from hemorrhagic shock. The dose/rate for OC99 was established from a pilot study conducted in six bled dogs. Subsequently twenty-four dogs were randomly assigned to one of four groups (n=6per group) and administered: 0.0, 0.065, 0.325, or 0.65 g/kg of OC99 combined with 10 mL/kg lactated Ringers solution administered in conjunction with 20 mL/kg Hextend IV over 60 minutes. The administration of 0.325 g/kg and 0.65 g/kg OC99 produced plasma hemoglobin concentrations of0.63±0.01and1.11±0.02 g/dL, respectively, improved systemic hemodynamics, enhanced tPO2, and restored lactate and base excess values compared to 0.0 and 0.065 g/kg OC99. The administration of 0.65 g/kg OC99 significantly elevated pulmonary artery pressure. Plasma hemoglobin concentrations of OC99 ranging from 0.3 to 1.1 g/dL, in conjunction with colloid based fluid resuscitation, normalized clinical surrogates of tissue oxygen debt, improved tPO2, and avoided clinically relevant increases in pulmonary artery pressure.
On the Dynamics of a Nonautonomous Predator-Prey Model with Hassell-Varley Type Functional Response
Authors: Zhang Yan , Gao Shujing , Fan Kuangang
Published: October 2014

The dynamic behaviors of a nonautonomous system for migratory birds with Hassell-Varley type functional response and the saturation incidence rate are studied. Under quite weak assumptions, some sufficient conditions are obtained for the permanence and extinction of the disease. Moreover, the global attractivity of the model is discussed by constructing a Lyapunov function. Numerical simulations which support our theoretical analysis are also given.
TheIn VitroEffect of Ivermectin on the Activity of Trehalose Synthesis Pathway Enzymes and Their mRNA Expression in the Muscle of Adult FemaleAscaris suum(Nematoda)
Authors: Dmitryjuk Małgorzata , Łopieńska-Biernat Elżbieta , Zaobidna Ewa Anna
Published: October 2014

Thein vitroeffect of ivermectin lethal dose on the activity of trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (TPS) and phosphatase (TPP) and the expression of their mRNA (tps1, tps2, andtppgenes) in the muscle of adult femaleAscaris suumwas investigated. The presence of ivermectin in the medium caused a decrease in TPS and TPP activities during the experiment compared with the start and control groups. The exception was the group of worms grown for 8 hours in a IVM solution, in which there was a little higher TPS activity than in the control. Real-time qPCR analysis showed reduced expression oftps1andtps2, and unchangedtppexpression after 20 hours of incubation relative to the expression at time zero. Relative to the appropriate control groups, the expression oftps2gene was slight increased but the other two genes were reduced after 8-hours of IVM-treatment. Then the expression of all three genes was lower at the end of cultivation. The level of gene expression was positively correlated with the activity of specific enzymes. In the case oftppgene there was only a weak correlation. Prolonged exposure to ivermectin was effective in lowering TPS and TPP activity and their mRNA expression. However, the drug did not block the pathway.
Corticosteroid Treatment Impact on Spinal Deformity in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Sanzarello Ilaria , Merlini Luciano , Traina Francesco , Rosa Michele Attilio , Faldini Cesare
Published: October 2014

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a progressive disease with loss of ambulation at around 9-10 years of age, followed, if untreated, by development of scoliosis, respiratory insufficiency, and death in the second decade of life. This review highlights the natural history of the disease, in particular, with regard to the development of the spinal deformity and how this complication has been modified by surgical interventions and overall by corticosteroid treatment. The beneficial effect of corticosteroids may have also an impact on the clinical trial design of the new emerging causative therapies.
ABCG2-Meditated Multidrug Resistance and Tumor-Initiating Capacity of Side Population Cells from Colon Cancer
Authors: Xie Zheng-Yuan , Lv Ke , Xiong Ying , Guo Wu-Hua
Published: October 2014

SummaryBackground: Recent studies have reported that the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) has major implications in the treatment of cancer and is responsible for tumor relapse. In the current study, we identified and characterized colon CSC-like side population (SP) cells from colon cancer tissue. Materials and Methods: The colon cancer samples were subjected to fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) based on Hoechst 33342 dye exclusion for the purification of SP cells. The sorted SP cells were subjected to further characterization by immunofluorescence, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), multidrug resistance, and sphere formation assays. Results: We identified a fraction of 3.3% of SP cells in the colon cancer cell samples, which was reduced to 0.6% upon treatment with verapamil. The sorted SP cells showed high positivity with regard to CD133, CD44, CD147, and EpCAM, by fluorescence microscopic analysis. Further, these SP cells were highly resistant to multidrug treatment due to overexpression of the multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1) transporter protein ABCG2. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the overexpression of ABCG2 and the expression of stem cell surface markers are collectively responsible for chemotherapy failure, tumor recurrence, and invasion in colon cancer.
Giant Undifferentiated Oropharyngeal Sarcoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Sepúlveda Ilson , Frelinghuysen Michael , García Cesar , Platin Enrique , Spencer M. Loreto , Ortega Pablo , Ulloa David
Published: October 2014

We report on a patient who presented to the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) clinic with swelling of the neck, dysphagia, headache, dyspnea and stridor. Imaging studies revealed an expansive heterogeneous process to the left retropharyngeal region. The mass was ovoid in shape, displaying moderate enhancement after intravenous contrast administration. Subsequently, a biopsy revealed the presence of undifferentiated sarcoma. The patient was treated with chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy, but follow-up exams at 6 months posttreatment revealed that while the tumor was stable, it persisted. Consequently, the patient was enrolled in a palliative care and pain control program and is currently being followed.
Fascism for the British Audience
Authors: Young Lewis
Published: October 2014

A key player in the campaigns against fascism, the Communist Party of Great Britain (cpgb) has been subject of much attention by historians of anti-fascism. The Party’s approach to anti-fascism, through various campaigns such as the ‘united front from below’ and the Popular Front have been well documented, however its own analysis of fascism has been subjected to much less scrutiny. It has generally been accepted that the cpgb faithfully followed the interpretation of the Communist International. While this is true, this article will argue that the cpgb’s analysis of fascism was often adapted to suit the British political climate. By examining the cpgb’s approaches to ‘social fascism’, democracy and the British Union of Fascists (buf), this article will show that the cpgb’s analysis of fascism was much more fluid. Moreover it will suggest that the Party only adhered to the strictest of Comintern analyses at times of increased attention from Moscow. Finally this article will show that the cpgb’s analysis of fascism as an antithesis to all things ‘British’ survived, and indeed was strengthened, by the end of the Second World War. By 1945 its analysis of fascism was much more generic, following an economic and ideological reading as per the Stalinist interpretation, but with a strong focus on patriotism, and the empirical evidence of the destructive and murderous qualities of fascism as shown by the Holocaust.
Approaching the Social History of Romanian Fascism
Authors: Schmitt Oliver Jens
Published: October 2014

This article explores fascist mobilization in Romania on a regional and local level. Focusing on the south-western Romanian county of Rîmnicu Vâlcea it combines qualitative analysis with the quantitative analysis of approximately 1,350 members of the Legionary Movement. Vâlcea provides an example of a district which was not a fascist stronghold: the fascist leader Corneliu Zelea Codreanu failed to establish a stable organizational network. Only when the local bishop actively supported small circles of young village intellectuals did fascist mobilization gain momentum. The overwhelming peasant majority of members joined the movement rather late (1937). This article concludes that there were differences between village intellectuals who believed in an ideological community of creed and peasant members who strove for social revolution.