bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fire sprinklers: Protecting lives, property and assisting water conservation efforts
Authors: Figueroa Maria
Published: January 2013

All model safety and building codes require fire sprinklers in newly constructed single‐family homes, duplexes, and townhomes. Requirements contained in model codes are then adopted by state and local jurisdictions. Mandates to include fire sprinklers in homes often spark debate, including among water purveyors. When faced with the possibility of communitywide adoption of a requirement to include fire sprinklers in all new home construction, water purveyors face many issues and decisions. By understanding the fine points of home fire sprinkler water use and hydraulic requirements, water purveyors will gain a more complete understanding of issues such as metering and infrastructure requirements. This article provides information specific to home fire sprinkler standards and presents the methods, procedures, and findings of several national studies that describe evidence of the benefits that home fire sprinklers offer in protecting life and property.
Contaminant intrusion in water distribution systems: An ingress model
Authors: Mansour‐Rezaei Saheb , Naser Gholamreza
Published: January 2013

In a water distribution system, low or negative pressure may occur under normal operation of the system and may lead to contaminant intrusion. To assess the risk associated with contaminant intrusion, exposure assessment is required. To have more accurate intrusion exposure assessment, the effects of the surrounding soil on the intrusion rate must be considered. This research proposes a model to create a more realistic estimation of intrusion rate. A two‐level factorial design was used to screen the effect of pipe internal pressure, soil porosity, average diameter of soil particles, size of the leak point, and pipe burial depth. The Buckingham p theorem was applied to group the influential factors into a set of dimensionless p parameters. The relationship among the p parameters was obtained by using the numerical data generated by a two‐dimensional finite element model for flow in a saturated zone surrounding a pipe. A regression analysis was then applied to find the best fit for the data.
Modeling temperature in the drinking water distribution system
Authors: Blokker E.J. Mirjam , Pieterse‐Quirijns E.J.
Published: January 2013

According to the Dutch Drinking Water Directive of 2001, the maximum temperature of drinking water should be 25°C. Occasionally, samples at the tap do exceed this limit, and with global warming, this limit may be exceeded more often. This article describes a model that predicts the temperature of the water in the drinking water distribution system (DWDS). The temperature of the soil is influenced by weather conditions such as atmospheric temperature, radiation, and environmental conditions such as soil's thermal conductivity and heat capacity. The water in the DWDS approaches the soil temperature with a rate that depends on the flow velocity and the water main's heat conductivity. In practice, the heating time required for the drinking water to reach the soil temperature is shorter than the residence time in the DWDS. Two practical test cases confirm the hypothesis that the soil temperature predicts the water temperature in the DWDS well.
La « finul renforcée »
Authors: Morselli Valentina
Published: January 2013

L’analyse de l’engagement des États et des institutions européennes dans le renforcement de la Force intérimaire des Nations Unies au Liban (finul) (2006) permet d’apporter des éléments de discussion relatifs à la (non-)existence d’une culture stratégique européenne. Constatant les lacunes dans les analyses traditionnelles de la culture stratégique européenne, focalisées sur la divergence des racines nationales de celle-ci, nous prônons la nécessité de prendre également en considération l’origine normative de la culture stratégique européenne à l’échelle internationale hors ue. À ce niveau, les élites politiques et militaires européennes sont socialisées, ce qui favorise la formation d’une vision partagée de sécurité et défense avant même sa codification proprement dite dans une politique psdc.
INTERNATIONAL TOURIST ARRIVALS AND TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA: PERSPECTIVE OVERVIEW
Authors: Biljan Jovanka , Trajkov Aleksandar , Jakupović Sanel
Published: January 2013

Growth of international tourist arrivals is highly determined by the transport infrastructure development. Quality of the passengers transport implies on the quality of tourist offer. Tourist arrivals in the Republic of Macedonia can be realized only through land and air transportation. The country’s position on the center of the Balkans indicates its potential for international land transportation development. Potential for further transport infrastructure development can be seen from the fact that there are two pan-European corridors that are crossing through the country linking it with the rest of the Europe. This paper aims to analyze relations between international tourist arrivals and transport infrastructure in Macedonia.
NEMATERIJALNE NAGRADE I NJIHOV UTICAJ NA MOTIVACIJU ZAPOSLENIH
Authors: Vidaković Tatjana
Published: January 2013

Uspjeh organizacije u savremenim uslovima poslovanja u velikoj mjeri zavisi od motivacije njenih zaposlenih. Produktivnost rada, ostvarene performanse, posvećenost organizaciji u direktnoj su vezi sa motivacijom zaposlenih. Pouzdani zaposleni, koji su zadovoljni poslom spremni su na veća zalaganja i efikasnije obavljanje radnih zadataka. Stoga, istražiti i utvrditi područja motivacije, postaju aktivnosti od izuzetne važnosti za menadžment preduzeća. Ljudi su različiti i imaju različite potrebe, interese i želje, svaki zaposleni ima svoj set motivatora i podsticaja. Njihovo poznavanje omogućava menadžerima izgradnju adekvatnog sistema nagrađivanja kojim će motivisati zaposlene i usmjeravati njihovo ponašanje ka što uspješnijoj realizaciji kako ciljeva organizacije, tako i individualnih ciljeva zaposlenih. Kako, u današnje vrijeme, na značaju sve više dobija zadovoljenje potreba samoaktualizacije i ego potreba zaposlenih, u radu su objašnjene neke od osnovnih strategija nematerijalnog nagrađivanja.Nematerijalne nagrade kao strategije motivacije predstavljaju pristup povećanju motivacije zaposlenih kroz zadovoljavanje njihovih potreba koje nisu vezane za novac ili druge oblike materijalnih kompenzacija. Riječ je o nefinansijskim oblicima nagrađivanja kojima se kroz razne forme priznanja i vrednovanja rada, upravljanja, oblikovanja i organizovanja posla nastoji obezbijediti poželjno ponašanje zaposlenih.
DONOŠENJE INVESTICIONIH ODLUKA POMOĆU TOPSIS METODE
Authors: Puška Adis
Published: January 2013

Prilikom donošenja investicione odluke investitoru se javlja problem izbora između više investicionih projekata. Da bi riješio taj problem on za svaki od tih projekata vrši ekonomsko-finansijsku analizu pomoću koje analizira projekte i daje prednost jednom od njih. Pri tome se mogu koristi dinamičke i statičke ocjene efikasnosti investicija.Dobijeni rezultati primjenom ovih ocjena mogu dati konfliktne situacije, tj. da određeni kriterij daje prednost jednom a drugi kriterij drugom projektu. Ta pojava se naziva konflikt u rangiranju i ona predstavlja problem za izbor najbolje investicije i potrebno je nju riješiti.Ovaj rad daje moguće rješenje konflikta u rangiranju. Pomoću višekriterijske analize tj. prvenstveno upotrebom TOPSIS metode rangiraju se projekti i daju se solucije na koji način je moguće dobiti jedinstvenu odluku i tako riješiti konflikt u rangiranju.
Quantification of gait parameters in freely walking wild type and sensory deprived Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Mendes César S , Bartos Imre , Akay Turgay , Márka Szabolcs , Mann Richard S
Published: January 2013

Coordinated walking in vertebrates and multi-legged invertebrates such as Drosophila melanogaster requires a complex neural network coupled to sensory feedback. An understanding of this network will benefit from systems such as Drosophila that have the ability to genetically manipulate neural activities. However, the fly's small size makes it challenging to analyze walking in this system. In order to overcome this limitation, we developed an optical method coupled with high-speed imaging that allows the tracking and quantification of gait parameters in freely walking flies with high temporal and spatial resolution. Using this method, we present a comprehensive description of many locomotion parameters, such as gait, tarsal positioning, and intersegmental and left-right coordination for wild type fruit flies. Surprisingly, we find that inactivation of sensory neurons in the fly's legs, to block proprioceptive feedback, led to deficient step precision, but interleg coordination and the ability to execute a tripod gait were unaffected.
Fruit flies step out
Authors: Calabrese Ronald L
Published: January 2013

A method that can analyse the movements of Drosophila as they walk is a valuable addition to the tools available to neurobiologists, and has already led to insights into the interplay of central networks and sensory feedback in this model organism.
On the aspectuality of the Individual-Level / Stage-Level dichotomy
Authors: Arche María J.
Published: January 2013

This paper addresses how the contrast known as Individual-­‐Level/Stage-­‐Level (IL/SL) is implemented in the grammar. More specifically, the paper is a critical assessment of the view that the IL/SL distinction is an aspectual distinction. The empirical data I will be using to probe into the IL/SL dichotomy is the contrast between the copular verbs in Spanish ser/estar. I will argue that the Spanish copular contrast reflexes the IL/SL dichotomy and that this dichotomy cannot be reduced to an aspectual difference in the ways it has been proposed in previous literature. Concurring with other authors I will argue that IL/SL-­‐ness ensues from a different syntactic composition, very likely from different heads of prepositional nature, which can be argued to carry aspectual value. Crucially, however, this aspectual heads do not seem to translate into differences at the level of viewpoint or situation aspect in any relevant sense, as has been proposed in the literature.
Well-Differentiated Endocrine Carcinoma Originating From the Bile Duct in Association With a Congenital Choledochal Cyst
Authors: Takahashi Kazuhiro , Sasaki Ryoko , Oshiro Yukio , Fukunaga Kiyoshi , Oda Tatsuya , Ohkohchi Nobuhiro
Published: January 2013

We encountered a rare case of a well-differentiated endocrine carcinoma originating from the bile duct in association with a congenital choledochal cyst (CCC). The patient is a 28-year-old woman referred to our clinic for pruritus. Laboratory data showed mild elevation of serum hepatobiliary enzymes. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated pancreatobiliary maljunction and a Todani type IV-A CCC from the inferior bile duct to the bilateral intrahepatic bile ducts. A solid tumor was detected in the middle portion of the common bile duct. Pancreatoduodenectomy and total extrahepatic bile duct resection was performed. Based on pathologic and immunohistochemical examinations, a diagnosis of well-differentiated endocrine carcinoma was made according to the World Health Organization criteria. To our knowledge, this is the third report of a neuroendocrine tumor originating from the bile duct in association with a CCC.
A Literature Review on the Role of Totally Extraperitoneal Repairs for Groin Pain in Athletes
Authors: Siddiqui Muhammad R. S. , Kovzel Makysym , Brennan Stephen , Priest Oliver H. , Preston Shaun R. , Soon Yuen
Published: January 2013

A literature review was made on the role of totally extraperitoneal (TEP) hernia repairs for groin pain in athletes. Electronic databases were searched for literature published from January 1993 to November 2011. There were 10 articles incorporating 196 patients included in this review. Thirty percent of patients were reported to have direct inguinal hernias, 22% had indirect inguinal hernias, and 41% had dilated internal rings. Of note, 30% of cases had no macroscopic abnormality. Four studies reported on an early follow-up ranging between 3 and 6 weeks. Only minimal or mild symptoms were reported. Up to 33% of patients had impaired ability to perform at peak levels. Up to 53% of patients had persistence of symptoms at the early follow-up. Total follow-up time ranged from 3 to 80 months, and most patients were active (90%–100%). At long-term follow-up, 3% to 10% were unable to play, and 5% were reported as being unable to train. Two studies from the same center reported on TEP surgery for osteitis pubis, and most patients returned to sporting activity after 4 to 8 weeks. TEP repair is a good operative intervention in athletes with chronic groin pain not relieved by conservative measures. Athletes recover quickly and return to sport early.
Usefulness of Indocyanine Green Angiography for Evaluation of Blood Supply in a Reconstructed Gastric Tube During Esophagectomy
Authors: Ishiguro Toru , Kumagai Youichi , Ono Tomojiro , Imaizumi Hideko , Honjo Hiroaki , Suzuki Okihide , Ito Tetsuya , Haga Norihiro , Kuwabara Kohki , Sobajima Jun , Kumamoto Kensuke , Ishibashi Keiichoro , Baba Hiroyuki , Ishida Hideyuki , Kawano Tatsuyuki
Published: January 2013

We report a case of necrosis of a reconstructed gastric tube in a 77-year-old male patient who had undergone esophagectomy. At the time of admission, the patient had active gastric ulcers, but these were resolved by treatment with a proton pump inhibitor. Subtotal esophagectomy with gastric tube reconstruction was performed. Visually, the reconstructed gastric tube appeared to be well perfused with blood. Using indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging the gastroepiploic vessels were well enhanced and no enhancement was visable 3 to 4 cm from the tip of the gastric tube. Four days after esophagectomy, gastric tube necrosis was confirmed, necessitating a second operation. The necrosis of the gastric tube matched the area that had been shown to lack blood perfusion by ICG angiography imaging. It seems that ICG angiography is useful for the evaluation of perfusion in a reconstructed gastric tube.
Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Has a Close Association With Gangrenous Appendicitis in Patients Undergoing Appendectomy
Authors: Ishizuka Mitsuru , Shimizu Takayuki , Kubota Keiichi
Published: January 2013

The purpose of this study was to clarify the clinical features most closely associated with gangrenous appendicitis. From among 314 patients who had undergone open appendectomy in our collected database, 222 for whom sufficient data were evaluable were enrolled. The results of univariate analysis revealed that age (≤40/>40 years), sex (female/male), fever (≤37°/>37°C), the serum levels of C-reactive protein and albumin, the Glasgow prognostic score (0, 1/2), and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (≤8/>8) were associated with gangrenous appendicitis. Among these 7 clinical features, multivariate analysis disclosed that age (≤40/>40 years) (odds ratio, 3.435; 95% confidence interval 1.744–6.766; P < 0.001) and NLR (≤8/>8) (odds ratio, 3.016; 95% confidence interval 1.535–5.926; P  =  0.001) were associated with gangrenous appendicitis. The sensitivity and specificity of these two clinical features were 65% and 27%, and 73% and 39%, respectively. NLR (>8) shows a significant association with gangrenous appendicitis in patients undergoing appendectomy.
Distally Based Dorsal Digital Fasciocutaneous Flap for the Repair of Digital Terminal Amputation Defects
Authors: Hou Ruixing , Ju Jihui , Zhao Qiang , Liu Yuefei
Published: January 2013

The preferred plastic surgery regimen for distal digital segment wounds remains unknown, although multiple options are available for the repair. The purpose of this investigation is to study its anatomic rationale and clinical outcomes, in addition to the role of dorsal digital veins in digital reconstruction. Patients (n  =  765) suffering from digital terminal segment traumatic wounds (823 digits) were identified and reviewed in a retrospective manner. The wounds were repaired using distally based dorsal digital fasciocutaneous flaps with venoneuroadipofascial pedicles. Skin flaps survived in 818 digits (99.4%), whereas 5 flaps (0.6%) became partially necrotic. Postoperative follow-up data were available from 521 patients involving 559 digits, for an average duration of 10 months (range, 4–36 months). The wider pedicled fascial flap (1.0–1.5 cm) was significantly associated with a decreased occurrence of blebs, whereas the first few patients with pedicled fascial flaps 0.5 to 1.0 cm wide exhibited more frequent occurrence of blebs and flap contractures. The flaps retracted in size within the first 2 to 3 months at the rate of 10% compared with the intraoperative outlined size. The skin flaps became mildly pigmented within the first postoperative month, and at 6 months the flaps turned brighter in color, almost approximating the color of the normal digits. At 12 months, both the texture and appearance of the flaps were acceptable. The donor sites healed without any scar contracture. The digital terminals appeared grossly normal with acceptable digital function. Without any neural reconstruction, skin flap sensation was rated as S2 to S3+, whereas with neural reconstruction the 2-point discrimination sensitivity measured 4 to 9 mm. The use of a distally based dorsal digital fasciocutaneous flap with venoneuroadipofascial pedicle was a simple, safe, and less invasive regimen for repairing digital terminal segment wounds.
Distributed model predictive control of switched nonlinear systems with scheduled mode transitions
Authors: Heidarinejad Mohsen , Liu Jinfeng , Christofides Panagiotis D.
Published: January 2013

A method for the design of distributed model predictive control (DMPC) systems for a class of switched nonlinear systems for which the mode transitions take place according to a prescribed switching schedule is presented. Under appropriate stabilizability assumptions on the existence of a set of feedback controllers that can stabilize the closed‐loop switched, nonlinear system, a cooperative DMPC architecture using Lyapunov‐based model predictive control (MPC) in which the distributed controllers carry out their calculations in parallel and communicate in an iterative fashion to compute their control actions is designed. The proposed DMPC design is applied to a nonlinear chemical process network with scheduled mode transitions and its performance and computational efficiency properties in comparison to a centralized MPC architecture are evaluated through simulations. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59:860‐871, 2013
Applicability domain of soft sensor models based on one‐class support vector machine
Authors: Kaneko Hiromasa , Funatsu Kimito
Published: January 2013

Soft sensors are widely used to estimate process variables that are difficult to measure online. By using soft sensors, analyzer faults can be detected by estimation errors. However, it is difficult to detect abnormal data and determine the reasons because estimation errors increase not only due to analyzer faults but also due to variations caused by changes in the state of chemical plants. To separate those factors, we previously proposed to construct the relationships between distances to soft sensor models (DMs) and the accuracy of prediction of the models quantitatively and estimate the prediction accuracy of new data online. In this article, we used a one‐class support vector machine (OCSVM) to estimate data density and the output of an OCSVM as a DM. The proposed method was applied to real industrial data and the superiority of the proposed DM to the traditional ones was demonstrated by comparing their results. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 2046–2050, 2013
Global approximations of unsteady‐state adsorption, diffusion, and reaction in a porous catalyst
Authors: Lee Jietae , Kim Dong Hyun
Published: January 2013

The pore diffusion model that describes unsteady‐state adsorption, diffusion, and reaction in a porous catalyst is in the form of a parabolic partial differential equation. To relieve computational loads, approximate ordinary differential equations are often used and they can be derived from the transfer function between the surface and average concentrations in the particle. The transfer function shows half‐order behaviors at the high‐frequency range. The rational transfer functions cannot describe well this half‐order behavior. Here, introducing the half‐order term to rational transfer function candidates for approximation, models valid throughout low‐ and high‐frequency ranges are derived. Since the proposed approximate models are valid globally, they can be applied to reactive porous catalysts easily. They can also be used for noninteger shape factors that will show better performances for adsorbents different from ideal geometries of infinite slab, infinite cylinder and sphere, and for biporous adsorbents. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 2540–2548, 2013
Integrated Scheduling and Dynamic Optimization of Sequential Batch Processes with Online Implementation
Authors: Chu Yunfei , You Fengqi
Published: January 2013

An efficient decomposition method to solve the integrated problem of scheduling and dynamic optimization for sequential batch processes is proposed. The integrated problem is formulated as a mixed‐integer dynamic optimization problem or a large‐scale mixed‐integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem by discretizing the dynamic models. To reduce the computational complexity, we first decompose all dynamic models from the integrated problem, which is then approximated by a scheduling problem based on the flexible recipe. The recipe candidates are expressed by Pareto frontiers, which are determined offline by using multiobjective dynamic optimization to minimize the processing cost and processing time. The operational recipe is then optimized simultaneously with the scheduling decisions online. Because the dynamic models are encapsulated by the Pareto frontiers, the online problem is a mixed‐integer programming problem which is much more computationally efficient than the original MINLP problem, and allows the online implementation to deal with uncertainties. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 2379–2406, 2013
Pure de novo partial trisomy 6p in a girl with craniosynostosis
Authors: Varvagiannis Konstantinos , Stefanidou Amalia , Gyftodimou Yolanda , Lord Helen , Williams Louise , Sarri Catherine , Pandelia Efi , Bazopoulou‐Kyrkanidou Euterpe , Noakes Charlotte , Lester Tracy , Wilkie Andrew O.M. , Petersen Michael B.
Published: January 2013

Duplications of chromosome 6p are rarely reported. We present the case of a girl with a de novo trisomy 6p12.3–p21.1 who showed clinical features characteristic of this syndrome, notably facial anomalies, psychomotor delay, and recurrent respiratory tract infections. The most striking feature, however, was craniosynostosis, manifested by the premature fusion of the right coronal and sagittal sutures. A review of the literature revealed that the presence of abnormal fontanelles and sutures is relatively common among patients with proximal trisomy 6p. Exclusion of the most frequently occurring craniosynostosis mutations, as well as of further chromosomal anomalies in our case, suggest the presence of a gene regulating suture formation within this region. Based on recent findings, we hypothesize that the runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) may be a reasonable candidate gene for craniosynostosis in such patients. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Photodynamic therapy of antibiotic‐resistant biofilms in a maxillary sinus model
Authors: Biel Merrill A. , Pedigo Lisa , Gibbs Aaron , Loebel Nicolas
Published: January 2013

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is one of the most common chronic conditions in the United States. There is a significant subpopulation of CRS patients who remain resistant to cure despite rigorous treatment regimens including surgery, allergy therapy, and prolonged antibiotic therapy. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is a noninvasive nonantibiotic broad spectrum antimicrobial treatment. Our previous in vitro studies demonstrated that aPDT reduced CRS polymicrobial planktonic bacteria and fungi by >99.9% after a single treatment. However, prior to human treatment, the effectiveness of aPDT to eradicate polymicrobial biofilms in a maxillary sinus cavity must be demonstrated. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of a noninvasive aPDT treatment of antibiotic resistant biofilms known to cause CRS in a novel anatomically correct maxillary sinus in vitro model using an enhanced photosensitizer solution.

Methods

Antibiotic resistant polymicrobial biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were grown in an anatomically correct novel maxillary sinus model and treated with a methylene blue/ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) photosensitizer and 670‐nm nonthermal activating light. Cultures of the biofilms were obtained before and after light treatment to determine efficacy of biofilm reduction.

Results

The in vitro maxillary sinus CRS biofilm study demonstrated that aPDT reduced the CRS polymicrobial biofilm by >99.99% after a single treatment.

Conclusion

aPDT can effectively treat CRS polymicrobial antibiotic resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and MRSA biofilms in a maxillary sinus cavity model.
Cost‐effectiveness of endoscopic sphenopalatine artery ligation versus nasal packing as first‐line treatment for posterior epistaxis
Authors: Dedhia Raj C. , Desai Shamit S. , Smith Kenneth J. , Lee Stella , Schaitkin Barry M. , Snyderman Carl H. , Wang Eric W.
Published: January 2013

Background

The advent of endoscopic sphenopalatine artery ligation (ESPAL) for the control of posterior epistaxis provides an effective, low‐morbidity treatment option. In the current practice algorithm, ESPAL is pursued after failure of posterior packing. Given the morbidity and limited effectiveness of posterior packing, we sought to determine the cost‐effectiveness of first‐line ESPAL compared to the current practice model.

Methods

A standard decision analysis model was constructed comparing first‐line ESPAL and current practice algorithms. A literature search was performed to determine event probabilities and published Medicare data largely provided cost parameters. The primary outcomes were cost of treatment and resolution of epistaxis. One‐way sensitivity analysis was performed for key parameters.

Results

Costs for the first‐line ESPAL arm and the current practice arm were $6450 and $8246, respectively. One‐way sensitivity analyses were performed for key variables including duration of packing. The baseline difference of $1796 in favor of the first‐line ESPAL arm was increased to $6263 when the duration of nasal packing was increased from 3 to 5 days. Current practice was favored (cost savings of $437 per patient) if posterior packing duration was decreased from 3 to 2 days.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that ESPAL is cost‐saving as first‐line therapy for posterior epistaxis. Given the improved effectiveness and patient comfort of ESPAL compared to posterior packing, ESPAL should be offered as an initial treatment option for medically stable patients with posterior epistaxis.
Sinonasal manifestations of sarcoidosis: a single institution experience with 38 cases
Authors: Aloulah Mohammad , Manes R. Peter , Ng Yuk Hui , Fitzgerald John E. , Glazer Craig S. , Ryan Matthew W. , Marple Bradley F. , Batra Pete S.
Published: January 2013

Background

Sarcoidosis is a chronic disease process characterized by non‐caseating granulomatous inflammation, usually involving the lower respiratory tract. Given the rarity of rhinologic involvement, the objectives of the present study were (1) to describe clinical features, and (2) to review outcomes of rhinologic surgery for sinonasal sarcoidosis.

Methods

Retrospective analysis was performed of patients evaluated at a tertiary care referral center between January 2006 and July 2011.

Results

The mean age of the 38 patients with sinonasal sarcoidosis was 52 years, with a female:male ratio of 2.8:1. The most common presenting symptoms included nasal obstruction (65.8%), crusting (29.9%), and epistaxis (18.4%). Most frequent endoscopic findings included crusting (55.3%), mucosal thickening (44.7%), and subcutaneous nodules (21%). Computed tomography (CT) imaging demonstrated turbinate or septal nodularity (21%), osteoneogenesis (15.8%), and bone erosion (10.5%). Medical management was typically comprised of saline irrigations (73.3%), topical nasal steroids (68.4%), and oral steroids (63.2%). Refractory sinus symptoms required sinonasal surgery in 4 cases. Overall subjective symptom improvement was noted in 39.5% at mean follow‐up of 16.2 months.

Conclusion

Sinonasal involvement was noted in approximately 30% of patients with known sarcoidosis evaluated in the otolaryngology clinic. Patients typically present with nasal obstruction and endoscopic evidence of crusting and mucosal thickening. Medical therapy with irrigations and topical/oral steroids suffices in majority of patients, with surgery for refractory symptoms being required in a small subset of cases.
Nanostructured Electrodes for High‐Performance Pseudocapacitors
Authors: Lu Qi , Chen Jingguang G. , Xiao John Q
Published: January 2013

The depletion of traditional energy resources as well as the desire to reduce high CO2 emissions associated with energy production means that energy storage is now becoming more important than ever. New functional electrode materials are urgently needed for next‐generation energy storage systems, such as supercapacitors or batteries, to meet the ever increasing demand for higher energy and power densities. Advances in nanotechnology are essential to meet those future challenges. It is critical to develop ways of synthesizing new nanomaterials with enhanced properties or combinations of properties to meet future challenges. In this Minireview we discuss several important recent studies in developing nanostructured pseudocapacitor electrodes, and summarize three major parameters that are the most important in determining the performance of electrode materials. A technique to optimize these parameters simultaneously and to achieve both high energy and power densities is also introduced.
Attrition of granola as a function of manufacturing process parameters during fluidised bed granulation and subsequent pneumatic conveying
Authors: Pathare Pankaj B. , Baş Nurşin , Byrne Edmond P.
Published: January 2013

The present study examines the breakage of particulate granola produced by fluidised bed granulation during pneumatic conveying process. Granola was pneumatically conveyed in a purpose built conveying rig designed to mimic product conveying and packaging. Three different conveying rig configurations were employed: a straight pipe, a rig consisting two 45o bends and one with a 90o bend. Particle breakage increases with applied pressure drop, and a 90o bend pipe results in more attrition for all conveying velocities relative to other pipe geometry. In terms of the fluidised bed granulation, there was no single operating parameter that was deemed to have a significant effect on breakage during subsequent conveying. A simple power law breakage model based on process input parameters was developed to describe aggregate breakage during pneumatic conveying. © 2013 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analytical problems with the determination of coenzyme Q10 in biological samples
Authors: Turkowicz Monika Joanna , Karpińska Joanna
Published: January 2013

The article discusses analytical problems related to the determination of coenzyme Q10 in biological samples. The assaying of coenzyme Q10 in complex samples, such as plasma, tissues, or food items requires meticulous sample preparation prior to final quantification. The process typically consists of the following steps: deproteinization, extraction, and ultimately reduction of extract volumes. At times drying under a gentle stream of neutral gas is applied. In the case of solid samples, a careful homogenization is also required. Each step of the sample preparation process can be a source of analytical errors that may lead to inaccurate results. The main aim of this work is to point to sources of analytical errors in the preparation process and their relation to physicochemical properties of coenzyme Q10. The article also discusses ways of avoiding and reducing the errors. © 2012 BioFactors, 2013
A Triazatruxene‐Based Glycocluster as a Fluorescent Sensor for Concanavalin A
Authors: Wang Ke‐Rang , Wang Yue‐Qing , An Hong‐Wei , Zhang Jin‐Chao , Li Xiao‐Liu
Published: January 2013

A new triazatruxene‐based fluorescent glycocluster has been designed, synthesized, and fully characterized by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Furthermore, its specific and selective binding properties with concanavalin A (Con A) have been investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, and turbidity assay. The obtained results showed that the multivalent mannose‐modified triazatruxene exhibited specific binding with Con A, but no binding to peanut agglutinin (PNA) lectin or bovine serum albumin (BSA), corresponding to a two‐orders‐of‐magnitude higher affinity than that of monovalent mannose ligands. Most interestingly, a fluorescence enhancement of the triazatruxene‐based glycocluster was observed upon binding with Con A because of hydrophobic interactions involving sites close to the triazatruxene moiety. Furthermore, the inhibitory ability of the triazatruxene‐based glycocluster against ORN178‐ induced haemagglutination has been investigated by haemagglutination inhibition assay. The results indicated selective binding with ORN178.
Role‐Allocated Combination of Two Types of Hydrogen Bonds towards Constructing a Breathing Diamondoid Porous Organic Salt
Authors: Yamamoto Atsushi , Hasegawa Tetsuya , Hamada Tomoya , Hirukawa Tomofumi , Hisaki Ichiro , Miyata Mikiji , Tohnai Norimitsu
Published: January 2013

A diamondoid porous organic salt (d‐POS) composed of 8‐hydroxyquinoline‐5‐sulfonic acid (HQS) and triphenylmethylamine (TPMA) shows reversible structure contraction and expansion (“breathing”) in response to guest desorption and adsorption. This flexible structure is designed hierarchically by utilizing two different types of hydrogen bonds. X‐ray crystallographic analysis reveals that the two types of hydrogen bonds are formed separately to play respective roles for constructing the d‐POS. The strong charge‐assisted hydrogen bond between the sulfonate anion of HQS and the ammonium cation of TPMA serves as a static node to provide a supramolecular cluster for a building block. In contrast, the complementary neutral hydrogen bond between the hydroxyl and quinolyl groups of HQS acts as a dynamic linker to connect the clusters. Consequently, these two types of hydrogen bonds yield the d‐POS with one‐dimensional channels through the formation of diamondoid networks. We clarify that the d‐POS undergoes dynamic structure transformation that originates in the cleavage and reformation of the complementary neutral hydrogen bond during guest desorption and adsorption. From the comparative studies, it is also demonstrated that applying the complementary neutral hydrogen bond in the d‐POS provides significant advantages in terms of the responsivity of the structure over applying other weak noncovalent interactions for the connection of the clusters. Furthermore, the resultant d‐POS also modulates fluorescent profiles dynamically responsive to guest adsorption and desorption.
Structures of Uncharacterised Polymorphs of Gallium Oxide from Total Neutron Diffraction
Authors: Playford Helen Y. , Hannon Alex C. , Barney Emma R. , Walton Richard I.
Published: January 2013

A structural investigation is reported of polymorphs of Ga2O3 that, despite much interest in their properties, have hitherto remained uncharacterised due to structural disorder. The most crystalline sample yet reported of γ‐Ga2O3 was prepared by solvothermal oxidation of gallium metal in ethanolamine. Structure refinement using the Rietveld method reveals γ‐Ga2O3 has a defect Fd$\bar 3$m spinel structure, while pair distribution function analysis shows that the short‐range structure is better modelled with local F$\bar 4$3m symmetry. In further solvothermal oxidation reactions a novel gallium oxyhydroxide, Ga5O7(OH), is formed, the thermal decomposition of which reveals a new, transient gallium oxide polymorph, κ‐Ga2O3, before transformation into β‐Ga2O3. In contrast, the thermal decomposition of Ga(NO3)3⋅9 H2O first forms ε‐Ga2O3 and then β‐Ga2O3. Examination of in situ thermodiffraction data shows that ε‐Ga2O3 is always contaminated with β‐Ga2O3 and with this knowledge a model for its structure was deduced and refined—space group P63mc with a ratio of tetrahedral/octahedral gallium of 2.2:1 in close‐packed oxide layers. Importantly, thermodiffraction provides no evidence for the existence of the speculated bixbyite structured δ‐Ga2O3; at the early stages of thermal decomposition of Ga(NO3)3⋅9 H2O the first distinct phase formed is merely small particles of ε‐Ga2O3.
Highly Efficient Synthesis of Globular (Bola)amphiphilic [5:1]Hexakisadducts of C60
Authors: Hörmann Frank , Brettreich Michael , Donaubauer Wolfgang , Hampel Frank , Hirsch Andreas
Published: January 2013

We report on the very facile access of a new family of amphiphilic and bola‐amphiphilic fullerene [5:1]hexakisadducts 9 a–f and 11 a–e. The key point for this successful approach is the use of C2v‐symmetrical fullerene pentakisadduct precursors 2 b–f allowing for the completely regioselective addition of a sixth malonate addend to complete the octahedral [5:1] addition pattern. For the synthesis of the new amphiphiles we first developed a new second‐generation dendrimer containing 9 tert‐butoxycarbonyl (Boc)‐protected amino functions at the periphery and two new malonates containing 6 or 18 Boc‐protected amino termini, respectively. The hexakisadducts contain up to 18 positive or negative charges at the dendritic moiety and either no or ten positive or negative charges at the unbranched malonate positions after deprotection with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). The charge state at the termini is pH‐dependent. Complete structural characterization of the new compounds was carried out by ESI mass spectrometry and by UV/Vis, FTIR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy. We were also able to obtain the first X‐ray crystal structure of pentakisadduct (2 a) with a C2v‐symmetrical addition pattern. The new amphiphilic hexakisadducts show interesting solubility properties in water. Initial investigations on the aggregation properties of the amphiphilic hexakisadduct 12 c by using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and conductivity measurements, show aggregates with a radius up to 200 nm and a critical micelle concentration (CMC) of approximately 8 mg L−1.
A phase 2 study of epothilone B analog BMS‐247550 (NSC 710428) in patients with relapsed aggressive non‐Hodgkin lymphomas
Authors: Churpek Jane E. , Pro Barbara , van Besien Koen , Kline Justin , Conner Kathy , Wade James L. , Hagemeister Fredrick , Karrison Theodore , Smith Sonali M.
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND:

The management of relapsed aggressive lymphomas remains problematic. Ixabepilone (BMS‐247550, epothilone B analog), a potent inhibitor of tubulin disassembly, has promising preclinical and early‐phase clinical activity in drug‐resistant malignancies.

METHODS:

This multicenter phase 2 clinical trial tested the activity and safety of ixabepilone in relapsed/refractory aggressive lymphoma patients with either chemosensitive (at least a partial response [PR] to most recent chemotherapy) or chemoresistant (less than PR to most recent chemotherapy) disease at 20 mg/m2given intravenously weekly on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28‐day cycle.

RESULTS:

Fifty‐one enrolled patients with a median age of 66 years received at least 1 dose of ixabepilone. Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (n = 25; 49%), mantle cell lymphoma (n = 16; 31%), and transformed follicular lymphoma (n = 5; 10%) were the most frequent histologies. Patients were heavily pretreated, with more than one‐quarter having received 4 or more prior therapies. The overall response rate was 27% (14 of 51 patients) with 12% (6 patients) experiencing complete responses and 16% (8 patients) with PRs. All responses were in patients with chemosensitive disease. The median time to response was 2 cycles with a median duration of response of 9.7 months.

CONCLUSIONS:

Ixabepilone was well‐tolerated, with neutropenia, peripheral sensory neuropathy, fatigue, and nausea as the major toxicities. Ixabepilone has modest single‐agent activity in patients with recurrent chemosensitive aggressive lymphomas. Cancer 2013. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Cohypermethylation of p14 in combination with CADM1 or DCC as a recurrence‐related prognostic indicator in stage I esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Lee Eunju , Lee Bo Bin , Ko Eunkyung , Kim Yujin , Han Jungho , Shim Young Mog , Park Joobae , Kim Duk‐Hwan
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND:

The objective of this study was to discover molecular biomarkers associated with the recurrence of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

METHODS:

The authors retrospectively analyzed the hypermethylation status of 11 genes using methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), O‐6 methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), tumor protein 53 (p53), and transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) using immunohistochemistry in 329 formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded ESCCs.

RESULTS:

Recurrence was identified in 151 of 329 ESCCs (46%) at a median follow‐up of 4.5 years. The recurrence was associated with hypermethylation of the genes cell adhesion molecule 1 (CADM1) (P = .003), deleted in colon carcinoma (DCC) (P = .04), or cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (p14) (P = .02) in patients with stage I ESCC. Thirty‐six of 37 Stage I ESCCs (97%) that had cohypermethylation of at least 2 of the 3 genes had hypermethylation of p14 plus either CADM1 or DCC or both CADM1 and DCC. The 5‐year recurrence‐free survival (RFS) rates were 93% in patients who had stage I disease without hypermethylation of the 3 genes and 56% in those who had cohypermethylation of p14 in combination with CADM1 and/or DCC. Patients who had stage I ESCC with cohypermethylation of p14 in combination with DCC and/or CADM1 had 7.13 times (95% confidence interval, 1.61‐31.64 times; P = .009) poorer RFS compared with those who had no hypermethylation of the 3 genes after adjusting confounding factors. Hypermethylation of the other 8 genes and altered expression of 4 proteins were not associated with recurrence across pathologic stages.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current results suggested that cohypermethylation of p14 in combination with DCC and/or CADM1 may be an independent prognostic factor for recurrence in patients with stage I ESCC. Cancer 2013. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
The monoterpene (–)‐carvone: A novel agonist of TRPV1 channels
Authors: Gonçalves Juan Carlos R. , Silveira Alethéia L. , de Souza Héllio D. N. , Nery Arthur A. , Prado Vania F. , Prado Marco A. M. , Ulrich Henning , Araújo Demetrius A. M.
Published: January 2013

(–)‐Carvone is an antinociceptive monoterpene found as the main active constituent of essential oils obtained from plants of the genus Mentha. Here, we have investigated the pharmacology of this monoterpene in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons and TRPV1‐expressing HEK293 cells. (–)‐carvone at pharmacological active concentrations did not reveal significant cytotoxicity to the cells used in this study, as investigated by neutral red and propidium iodide flow cytometry assays. In calcium imaging experiments 1 mM (–)‐carvone increased the cytosolic calcium levels in DRG neurons from 120.6 ± 5.0 nM (basal) to 310.7 ± 23.1 nM (P < 0.05). These effects were completely abolished when neurons were preincubated with calcium‐free bath solution or ruthenium‐red (5 µM) and capsazepine (10 µM), suggesting the possibility of TRPV1 channel‐activation by (–)‐carvone. Activity of (–)‐carvone on TRPV1 channels was further investigated in HEK293 cells expressing recombinant human TRPV1 channels revealing dose‐dependent calcium transients with an EC50 of 1.3 ± 0.2 mM (Hill coefficient = 2.5). In conclusion, we show for the first time the ability of (–)‐carvone to induce increases in cytosolic calcium concentration through TRPV1 activation. © 2013 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Size Effect and Role of Short‐ and Long‐Range Interactions on 1D Spin‐Crossover Systems within the Framework of an Ising‐Like Model
Authors: Chiruta Daniel , Linares Jorge , Dimian Mihai , Garcia Yann
Published: January 2013

This contribution, motivated by an experimental study of the influence of long‐range interactions on the hysteresis loop, presents a theoretical study of spin‐state transitions within the framework of an Ising‐like model. The Hamiltonian includes both short‐ and long‐range interactions and takes into account different degeneracies between molecular states. The problem is solved exactly for one‐dimensional systems by using a transfer matrix method and the effects of temperature, long‐ and short‐range interactions, and system size (number of molecules) are analysed in depth. The width of the thermal hysteresis loop of spin‐crossover compounds decreases when reducing the long‐range interactions, down to a critical value, calculated for the first time in this contribution, at which the hysteresis vanishes. This dependence is similar to the one generated by the decrease in short‐range interactions assuming that the corresponding variation is proportional. An increase in the system size contributes to a larger influence of long‐range interactions and the hysteretic loop approaches a rectangular shape and reaches a saturation width, which is predicted for the first time. These results are important for the design of novel spin‐crossover materials featuring sharp spin transitions along with wide hysteresis loops, which are particularly suited for potential applications in display and data storage devices.
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Selective Aerobic Oxidative ortho‐Alkenylation of Substituted Phenols with Alkenes through C–H Bond Activation
Authors: Reddy Mallu Chenna , Jeganmohan Masilamani
Published: January 2013

The oxidative coupling of phenyl carbamates and acetates with alkenes in the presence of a catalytic amount of [RuCl2(p‐cymene)]2, AgSbF6, and Cu(OAc)2·H2O under air provided substituted alkene derivatives in a highly regio‐ and stereoselective manner. The catalytic reaction was compatible with various alkenes such as acrylates, vinyl sulfones, acrylonitrile, and substituted styrenes. The present catalytic reaction was also compatible with phenyl carbamates and acetates with various electron‐rich, electron‐deficient, and halogen substituents on the aromatic ring. Further examination of the catalytic reaction was done with the substituted phenyl acetates. By using LiOH·H2O or K2CO3 as a base, the substituted alkene derivatives were converted into the corresponding phenol derivatives. To account for the catalytic reaction, a possible mechanism is proposed that involves a six‐membered ruthenacycle as the key intermediate.
Facile and Simultaneous Stripping Determination of Zinc, Cadmium and Lead on Disposable Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Modified Screen‐Printed Electrode
Authors: Fu Liang , Li Xueling , Yu Jianshuan , Ye Jianshan
Published: January 2013

Screen‐printed electrodes (SPEs) are cheap and disposable. But their application for heavy metal detection is limited due to the low sensitivity and poor selectivity. Here we report the ultrasensitive and simultaneous determination of Zn2+, Cd2+ and Pb2+ on a multiwalled carbon nanotubes and Nafion composite modified SPE with in situ plated bismuth film (MWCNTs/NA/Bi/SPE). The linear curves range from 0.5–100 µg L−1 for Zn2+ and 0.5–80 µg L−1 for Cd2+. Uniquely, the linear curve for Pb2+ ranges from 0.05–100 µg L−1 with a detection limit of 0.01 µg L−1. The practical application was verified in real samples with satisfactory results.