bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expanded endonasal endoscopic resection of anterior fossa meningiomas: report of 13 cases and meta-analysis of the literature
Authors: Van Gompel Jamie J. , Frank Giorgio , Pasquini Ernesto , Zoli Matteo , Hoover Jason , Lanzino Giuseppe
Published: December 2016

Object

Transnasal endoscopic (TNE) approaches have been proposed for the resection of anterior cranial base meningiomas. The purpose of this article was to evaluate the results of endoscopic resection of anterior cranial fossa meningiomas by reviewing available published data in addition to the authors' experience with 13 cases.

Methods

The literature was searched via OVID to identify all available disaggregate data pertaining to anterior fossa meningiomas treated primarily by TNE. In addition, the authors reviewed the records of a personal series of 13 patients who underwent TNE removal of parasellar meningiomas through a pure TNE approach.

Results

Meta-analysis from studies included a total of 69 patients with adequate disaggregated data to summarize. Mean age (± SD) at surgery was 53.3 ± 13.0 years (range 27–80 years); 78% of the patients were women. Tumor size was skewed toward smaller lesions, with a mean volume of 24.4 ± 2.9 cm3. Intraoperative impressions were of gross-total resection in 76% of cases. The most common complication reported was CSF leakage, occurring in 32% of the cases (22 of 69). The rate of CSF leakage was not affected by size (p = 0.52), location of tumor (p = 0.9), or age (p = 0.56). There was 1 death overall. The mean duration of follow-up was 21 ± 18 months.

Conclusions

Transnasal endoscopic resection of anterior cranial base meningiomas is feasible in selected cases. Reported resection rates are adequate, although the follow-up in the reported series is too short (mean 21 months) to make definitive conclusions regarding the long-term effectiveness. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage is a common complication, although it appears not to be associated with additional morbidity except for the need for reoperation. Long-term results are necessary before considering TNE resection as a valid alternative, in selected cases, to the more established transcranial techniques.
Surgical decision-making strategies in tuberculum sellae meningioma resection
Authors: Bowers Christian A. , Altay Tamer , Couldwell William T.
Published: December 2016

Object

Although the transcranial route (TCR) has been the traditional approach for removing tuberculum sellae meningiomas (TSMs), the use of the microscopic and/or more recently the endoscopic transsphenoidal approach (ETSA) has gained acceptance for selected cases. In this study, the authors present their experience with the ETSA and the TCR and examine the criteria most important for deciding the optimal approach in a particular case.

Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed recent cases of TSMs treated surgically by the senior author via either the TCR or the ETSA or both. Demographic information, clinical presentation, and clinical and radiological outcomes of the patients were evaluated.

Results

Twenty-seven patients underwent removal of a TSM during a recent period. Gross-total or near-total resection was achieved in 20 (91%) of 22 patients who underwent resection via the TCR and in 3 (60%) of 5 patients who underwent the ETSA. Among the patients in whom gross- or near-total resection was achieved, recurrence was observed in only 1 patient, whose tumor was removed via the ETSA.

Conclusions

In the majority of patients, the TCR provided complete resection of the tumor without compromising the safety of the procedure. In select cases of tumors with a reasonable size and location (midline and/or extending into the sphenoid sinus) as well as no involvement of inaccessible neurovascular and bony elements via this approach, the ETSA could also be a viable option.
Cyst-ventricle stent as primary or salvage treatment for posterior fossa arachnoid cysts
Authors: Fulkerson Daniel H. , Vogel Todd D. , Baker Abdul A. , Patel Neal B. , Ackerman Laurie L. , Smith Jodi L. , Boaz Joel C.
Published: December 2016

Object

The optimal treatment of symptomatic posterior fossa arachnoid cysts is controversial. Current options include open or endoscopic resection, fenestration, or cyst-peritoneal shunt placement. There are potential drawbacks with all options. Previous authors have described stenting a cyst into the ventricular system for supratentorial lesions. The current authors have used a similar strategy for posterior fossa cysts.

Methods

The authors performed a retrospective review of 79 consecutive patients (1993–2010) with surgically treated intracranial arachnoid cysts.

Results

The authors identified 3 patients who underwent placement of a stent from a posterior fossa arachnoid cyst to a supratentorial ventricle. In 2 patients the stent construct consisted of a catheter placed into a posterior fossa arachnoid cyst and connecting to a lateral ventricle catheter. Both patients underwent stent placement as a salvage procedure after failure of open surgical fenestration. In the third patient a single-catheter cyst-ventricle stent was stereotactically placed. All 3 patients improved clinically. Two patients remained asymptomatic, with radiographic stability in a follow-up period of 1 and 5 years, respectively. The third patient experienced initial symptom resolution with a demonstrable reduction of intracystic pressure. However, he developed recurrent headaches after 2 years.

Conclusions

Posterior fossa cyst–ventricle stenting offers the benefits of ease of surgical technique and a low morbidity rate. It may also potentially reduce the incidence of shunt-related headaches by equalizing the pressure between the posterior fossa and the supratentorial compartments. While fenestration is considered the first-line therapy for most symptomatic arachnoid cysts, the authors consider cyst-ventricle stenting to be a valuable additional strategy in treating these rare and often difficult lesions.
Pneumosinus dilitans and meningioma: a case series and review of the literature
Authors: Gibbons Beth A. , Miele William R. , Florman Jeffrey E. , Heilman Carl B. , Horgan Michael A.
Published: December 2016

Pneumosinus dilitans (PSD) is enlargement of the sinuses of the skull base and is frequently seen with meningiomas. Identifying PSD on imaging can assist with operative planning and preparation. Meningiomas associated with PSD are not more commonly high grade, and complete resection is frequently possible.
Graph Theoretical and Algorithmic Characterizations of Positive Definite Symmetric Quasi-Cartan Matrices
Authors: Abarca M. , Rivera D.
Published: December 2016

A well known constructive proof for the 𝔸𝔻𝔼-classification of many mathematical objects, such as positive unit forms and their associated quasi-Cartan matrices, has lead to an Inflations Algorithm. However, this algorithm is not known to run in polynomial time. In this paper we use a so called flation transformation and show how its invariants can be used to characterize the Dynkin types 𝔸 and 𝔻 in the language of graph theory. Also, a polynomial-time algorithm for computing the Dynkin type is suggested.
Multi-objective topology optimization of a permanent magnet machine to reduce electromagnetic losses and cogging torque
Authors: Putek Piotr , Paplicki Piotr , Pulch Roland , Maten E. Jan W. ter , Günther Michael , Paƚka Ryszard
Published: December 2016

This paper proposes the multi-objective topology optimization of an Electrically Controlled Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Machine (ECPMSM) using the Level Set Method (LSM) and the Weighted Average Method (WAM) in order to reduce both the electromagnetic losses and the Cogging Torque (CT). Additionally, the back-electromotive force (the back-EMF) is approximately taken into account in the optimization process. For a shape sensitivity of a cost functional we elaborate the Continuum Design Sensitivity Analysis (CDSA). Our main contribution is to formulate and provide the solution to the nonlinear magnetoquasistatic interface problem. Simulation outcomes show that the applied method leads to a significant reduction of the losses and of the CT and, additionally, minimizes the higher harmonics in the back-EMF.
Continuous Flock-of-Starlings Optimization for a general magnetic hysteresis model
Authors: Cardelli Ermanno , Faba Antonio , Laudani Antonino , Fulginei Francesco Riganti , Salvini Alessandro
Published: December 2016

A new general typology of optimization algorithm inspired from the classical swarm intelligence, the Continuous Flock-Of-Starlings Optimization (CFSO), is used to face the inverse problem of modeling magnetic materials. It is obtained by translating the numerical swarm/flock-based algorithms into differential equations in the time domain and employing analytical closed-forms written in the continuum. The modeling of magnetic hysteresis is very important for the development of magnetic materials and the accurate design of electrical machines. Recently several hysteresis vector models have been proposed and discussed; one of them is the Vector Hysteron Model(VHM) which is a natural extension of the Preisach theory to the vector case. In this work we present a CFSO based approach for the identification of VHM in order to reproduce rotational hysteresis loops. Experimental validations are made for both NOG (Not oriented grain) and OG (Oriented grain) steels.
Sea level pressure variation and major cyclone events in coastal regions of Bangladesh
Authors: Badhan MA , Farukh MA , Baten MA , Hosssen MAM , Biswas S , Parvej MS
Published: December 2016

The study was conducted in 16 coastal district viz. Satkhira, Khulna, Mongla, Khepupara, Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Hatiya, Chandpur, Feni, Swandip, Sitakunda, Chittagong, Kutubdia, Coxs Bazar and Teknaf of Bangladesh during the period of 1975-2014 to investigate the variation of sea level pressure (SLP) and rainfall. SLP data of 40 years (1975-2014) have been analyzed in this study. The SLP was increasing slightly to the month of September and then a rapid increasing was observed from the month of October to December. Of all the stations, in the month of June and July the lowest SLP was observed in the Khulna region and highest in Teknaf. In the month of December and January the highest and lowest SLP was found in the Month of January. As the fluctuation of SLP was high in the summer season the possibility of cyclone occurrence also rise in this season. The average rainfall is lowest in the station Sitakunda and highest in Swandip. The average rainfall of all district divided the stations into two parts. The rainfall of Barishal, Bhola, Chandpur, Mongla, Sitakunda and Khulna is lower the average of all district. This shows a great instability of weather in these regions. Rest of the stations has the higher average rainfall than the average rainfall of all stations.Progressive Agriculture 27 (3): 285-295, 2016
Employment and empowerment of rural poor women in Mymensingh District of Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury TT , Kowsari MS , Begum JA , Khan MS , Haque S , Wahid T
Published: December 2016

The study was undertaken to identify the factors influencing women empowerment, calculate empowerment index considering the trend of employment. In doing so, the study utilized the data collected by the field survey from Mymensingh districts of Bangladesh. A total number of 60 women respondents were selected using random sampling technique and were categorized into two groups, employed and non-employed, each group comprised equal number of respondents, i.e., 30 women. Data were analyzed using simple statistical techniques as well as OLS regression analysis. An analysis of the socioeconomic status of the women showed that average monthly income difference between employed and non-employed women was BDT 3916 such high difference in average monthly income enabled 70% of the employed women to be empowered whereas with negligible earnings, only 33% of the non-employed women were empowered. The result of the OLS method suggests that the number of children, age gap between husband and wife and income gap between husband and wife significantly affect women empowerment. The five domains of empowerment index indicated that in case of employed group the highest disempowered women (69.44%) in case of leadership domain followed by Production (35.56%), resource (32.41%), income (32.41%) and time domain (23.15%) and in case of non-employed group the highest disempowered women (35.19%) in case of resource domain followed by production (34.57%), leadership (32.10%), income (30.86%) and time domain (4.94%). Results showed that the employed women are more empowered than non-employed women. Therefore, this study strongly suggests that women should be given all the facilities to get involved with income generating activities.Progressive Agriculture 27 (3): 301-310, 2016
Marketing of orange: a value chain perspective in the selected areas of Sylhet District in Bangladesh
Authors: Begum M , Ahmed MR , Noor T , Hossain MI
Published: December 2016

Orange is one of the most import fruit crops that generate additional cash income for market actors. The study was investigated the marketing system of orange , value addition, roles and functions of value chain actors with the help of primary data collected from both farmers (forty) through simple random sampling and value chain actors (thirty) through purposive sampling by using structured questionnaire and face to face interview technique. The gross return and net return of farmers were estimated Tk. 2, 70,000 and Tk. 22084.77 per hectare respectively. Per quintal value addition of orange of bepari, aratdar, wholesaler and retailer were estimated at Tk. 800, Tk. 340, Tk. 700 and Tk. 1000 respectively. The net marketing margin per quintal of orange of bepari, aratdar, wholesaler and retailer were estimated at Tk. 293.59, Tk. 107.32, Tk. 356.46 and Tk. 700.8 respectively. Among the different actors, retailer incurred highest (in percentage) value addition and net marketing margin. On the other hand, aratdar incurred lowest marketing cost and marketing margin and bepari incurred highest (in percentage) marketing cost but adding second highest value in compare to another.Progressive Agriculture 27 (3): 327-338, 2016
Awareness of fishermen for managing fish sanctuary in some selected areas of Jamalpur District in Bangladesh
Authors: Akter L , Hoque MJ , Kashem MA , Nath TD
Published: December 2016

The purposes of the study were to determine the extent of awareness of the fishermen in managing fish sanctuary and to find out the relationships between the extent of awareness of the fishermen and their selected characteristics. Data were collected from 90 purposively selected fishermen (out of 105) from Ghosherpara Union of Melandah Upazila Under Jamalpur District. A pre-tested and structured interview schedule was used to collect data from the fishermen during the period of 19 March to 30 March, 2013. The findings indicated that majority of the respondents (74.5 percent) had medium awareness and 25.5 percent having high awareness. Out of ten selected characteristics, the fishermens age, level of education, fish culture experience, communication exposure and agricultural knowledge on fish sanctuary showed significant positive relationships with their extent of awareness in managing fish sanctuary. On the other hand, household size, farm size, annual family income, training exposure and credit received had no significant relationships with their extent of awareness in managing fish sanctuary. So, to increase awareness of the fishermen in managing sanctuary, proper guidance and strengthening fisheries extension service should be done by fisheries extension workers/ upazila fisheries officer through arranging different activities including training, field visit or using different communication media etc.Progressive Agriculture 27 (3): 339-345, 2016
Assessment of water quality index: a case study in Old Brahmaputra river of Mymensingh District in Bangladesh
Authors: Muyen Z , Rashedujjaman M , Rahman MS
Published: December 2016

This study was conducted to measure the water quality parameters of old Brahmaputra River in Mymensingh district near Bangladesh Agricultural University to determine the water quality index (WQI) of the River Brahmaputra. Water quality focuses on various aspects of the physico-chemical parameters by which the quality of the water body can easily be elucidated. Three different locations were selected within the study area. Water samples were collected in April 2015 from these three locations along the river and analyzed for these physico-chemical parameters: pH, Dissolve Oxygen (DO), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Ammoniacal Nitrate (AN), Suspended Solids (SS). The values of these parameters were used to calculate the WQI based on the equation derived by the Department of Environment (DoE) Malaysia. The WQI was found to be 57.58, which falls in the class IV category and means that the water is very polluted and as of April 2015, this water is not suitable for public water supply, not suitable for recreational purpose, has limited potential for aquaculture but is suitable for irrigation.Progressive Agriculture 27 (3): 355-361, 2016
Use of waste plastic aggregation in concrete as a constituent material
Authors: Hossain MB , Bhowmik P , Shaad KM
Published: December 2016

The amount of Plastics consumed annually has been growing increasingly in Bangladesh. Consequently, waste plastic recycling has become one of the major challenges in recent times. The present study has selected waste PET, a polymer compound of Polyethylene Terephthalate, to investigate its possible use as plastic aggregate in concrete application. The shredded waste plastic was used in concrete with partial replacement of 5%, 10% and 20% by volume of conventional coarse aggregate. Four types of concrete specimens including one without plastic aggregate, for comparison purpose, were prepared. All the concrete specimens were tested for its different mechanical properties after a curing period of 7, 21 and 28 days. Various physical properties of all aggregates and fresh concrete properties were also tested in the laboratory. The specific gravity of waste plastic aggregate was found 1.4 and the maximum density of concrete containing plastic aggregate was 115 lb/ft3. The density of concrete specimens containing plastic aggregate decreased with the addition of more amount of plastic aggregate. It was found that the concrete specimen containing waste PET at 10% volume showed higher compressive strength and higher modulus of elasticity than other specimens. The splitting tensile strength was about 8-11% of compressive strength. The flexural strength of concrete specimens containing plastic aggregate was lower than that of concrete without plastic aggregate. It was found that the strength of concrete containing PET aggregate falls in the category of lightweight concrete in terms of their strength, specific gravity and density. Thus, the waste PET aggregate could be effectively used to reduce the unit weight of concrete which results in a reduction in the dead weight of a structural concrete. Furthermore, it is concluded that the use of waste PET in concrete provides some advantages such as  reduction in the use of conventional aggregate, disposal of wastes, prevention of environmental pollution, and energy saving.Progressive Agriculture 27 (3): 383-391, 2016
MultiAspect Graphs: Algebraic Representation and Algorithms
Authors: Wehmuth Klaus , Fleury Éric , Ziviani Artur
Published: December 2016

We present the algebraic representation and basic algorithms for MultiAspect Graphs (MAGs). A MAG is a structure capable of representing multilayer and time-varying networks, as well as higher-order networks, while also having the property of being isomorphic to a directed graph. In particular, we show that, as a consequence of the properties associated with the MAG structure, a MAG can be represented in matrix form. Moreover, we also show that any possible MAG function (algorithm) can be obtained from this matrix-based representation. This is an important theoretical result since it paves the way for adapting well-known graph algorithms for application in MAGs. We present a set of basic MAG algorithms, constructed from well-known graph algorithms, such as degree computing, Breadth First Search (BFS), and Depth First Search (DFS). These algorithms adapted to the MAG context can be used as primitives for building other more sophisticated MAG algorithms. Therefore, such examples can be seen as guidelines on how to properly derive MAG algorithms from basic algorithms on directed graphs. We also make available Python implementations of all the algorithms presented in this paper.
A Tensor Decomposition Based Multiway Structured Sparse SAR Imaging Algorithm with Kronecker Constraint
Authors: Gao Yu-Fei , Cong Xun-Chao , Yang Yue , Wan Qun , Gui Guan
Published: December 2016

This paper investigates a structured sparse SAR imaging algorithm for point scattering model based on tensor decomposition. Several SAR imaging schemes have been developed by researchers for improving the imaging quality. For a typical SAR target scenario, the scatterers distribution usually has the feature of structured sparsity. Without considering this feature thoroughly, the existing schemes have still certain drawbacks. The classic matching pursuit algorithms can obtain clearer imaging results, but the cost is resulting in an extreme complexity and a huge computation resource consumption. Therefore, this paper put forward a tensor-based SAR imaging algorithm by means of multiway structured sparsity which makes full use of the above geometrical feature of the scatterers distribution. The spotlight SAR observation signal is formulated as a Tucker model considering the Kronecker constraint, and then a sparse reconstruction algorithm is introduced by utilizing the structured sparsity of the scene. The proposed tensor-based SAR imaging model is able to take advantage of the Kronecker information in each mode, which ensures the robustness for the signal reconstruction. Both the algorithm complexity analysis and numerical simulations show that the proposed method requires less computation than the existing sparsity-driven SAR imaging algorithms. The imaging realizations based on the practical measured data also indicate that the proposed algorithm is superior to the reference methods even in the severe noisy environment, under the condition of multiway structured sparsity.
A Pilot-Pattern Based Algorithm for MIMO-OFDM Channel Estimation
Authors: Li Guomin , Liao Guisheng
Published: December 2016

An improved pilot pattern algorithm for facilitating the channel estimation in multiple input multiple output-orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (MIMO-OFDM) systems is proposed in this paper. The presented algorithm reconfigures the parameter in the least square (LS) algorithm, which belongs to the space-time block-coded (STBC) category for channel estimation in pilot-based MIMO-OFDM system. Simulation results show that the algorithm has better performance in contrast to the classical single symbol scheme. In contrast to the double symbols scheme, the proposed algorithm can achieve nearly the same performance with only half of the complexity of the double symbols scheme.
Biotransformation of Lactones with Methylcyclohexane Ring and Their Biological Activity
Authors: Wińska Katarzyna , Grabarczyk Małgorzata , Mączka Wanda , Żarowska Barbara , Maciejewska Gabriela , Dancewicz Katarzyna , Gabryś Beata , Anioł Mirosław
Published: December 2016

The aim of the study was to obtain biological active compounds during biotransformation. Three bicyclic halolactones with methylcyclohexane ring (2-chloro-4-methyl-9-oxabicyclo-[4.3.0]nonan-8-one, 2-bromo-4-methyl-9-oxabicyclo[4.3.0]nona- -8-one and 2-iodo-4-methyl-9-oxabicyclo[4.3.0]nonan-8-one) obtained from the corresponding γ,δ-unsaturated acid were subjected to a screening biotransformation using 22 fungal strains. Two of these strains (Cunninghamella japonica AM472 and Fusarium culmorum AM10) were able to transform halolactones into 2-hydroxy-4-methyl-9-oxabicyclo[4.3.0]nonan-8-one by hydrolytic dehalogenation with good yield. The biotransformation product was structurally different from its synthetically prepared analog. All halolactones and hydroxylactones were tested for their biological activity. The chlorolactone inhibited growth of Staphylococcus aureus (max ΔOD = 0), Escherichia coli (max ΔOD = 0.3) and Candida albicans (max ΔOD = 0) strains. Bromolactone caused inhibition of growth of Staphylococcus aureus (max ΔOD = 0) and Fusarium linii (max ΔOD = 0) strains. Iodolactone limited growth of Staphylococcus aureus (max ΔOD = 0), Escherichia coli (max ΔOD = 0.25), Candida albicans (max ΔOD = 0.45) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (max ΔOD = 0.42) strains. Hydroxylactone caused inhibition of growth of Staphylococcus aureus (max ΔOD = 0.36) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (max ΔOD = 0.39) strains only. The test performed on aphids Myzus persicae (Sulz.) showed that chloro- and bromolactone exhibited deterrent activity after 24 h (ID = 0.5 and 0.4, respectively), while hydroxylactone was a weak attractant (ID = −0.3).
Size Control of Carbon Encapsulated Iron Nanoparticles by Arc Discharge Plasma Method
Authors: Sanaee Mohammad , Chaitoglou Stefanos , Aguiló-Aguayo Noemí , Bertran Enric
Published: December 2016

Size control of core@shell nanostructures is still a challenge. Carbon encapsulated iron nanoparticles (CEINPs) were synthesized by arc discharge plasma method in this study. CEINPs size can be controlled by varying gas composition, due to change in plasma properties. The morphology and structural features were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution TEM. Magnetic properties were studied to confirm the changes in CEINPs size by using superconducting quantum interference device. In order to evaluate the carbon shell protection and ensure the absence of iron oxide, selected area electron diffraction technique, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy were employed. Moreover, the degree of carbon order–disorder was studied by Raman Spectroscopy. It was concluded that arc discharge method is a suitable technique for precise size control of CEINPs.
In Situ Test Study on Freezing Scheme of Freeze-Sealing Pipe Roof Applied to the Gongbei Tunnel in the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge
Authors: Hu Xiangdong , Deng Shengjun , Ren Hui
Published: December 2016

In order to solve the water sealing problem of soil between pipes of long distance curved pipe-jacked technology, Freeze-Sealing Pipe Roof (FSPR) as an innovative pre-supporting method in tunnel engineering is being applied to the Gongbei Tunnel in the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. The definition of FSPR is that large diameter steel pipes are laid out in a circle around the cross section of tunnel in advance, then the artificial ground freezing method is adopted to freeze soil between steel pipes to form water-sealing curtain. An effective freeze control system, which contains master freezing tubes, enhancing freezing tubes and limiting freezing tubes, is established for building up the frozen soil curtain, maintaining its stability during excavation and controlling the volume of frozen soil to limit frost heave dynamically. An in-situ test was carried out to explore the optimal freezing scheme and control mode. The results of the test show that the principal freezing scheme of the solid pipe with hollow pipe as a complement is the most optimal scheme in active freezing phase of the real construction. Meanwhile, cold control mode is suggested to control frost heave in maintained freezing phase. The conclusions have important guiding significance for this kind of engineering construction.
Experimental Evaluation of Lubrication Characteristics of a New Type Oil-Film Bearing Oil Using Multi-Sensor System
Authors: Wang Jianmei , Cai Min , Malekian Reza , Zhang Yanan , Li Zhixiong
Published: December 2016

In order to evaluate the operating performance of a new type oil-film bearing oil S220, a new test bearing was designed based on oil-film bearing test rig. The operating temperature of S220 was tested through the thermocouples installed on a test bearing; the operating oil-film pressure was tested through pressure transducers; and the operating oil-film thickness was tested through displacement transducers. Meanwhile, M220 was also tested as a comparison, and both oils are based on mineral oil. The results showed that all property indexes of the test rig can meet the specified requirements and can guarantee the performance test of oil-film bearing oil; the operating temperature of S220 is generally equal to that of M220, and both have the same operating stability. The temperature property conforms to Formula (1) and the operating temperature under different load cases can be predicted. Although oil-film pressure of M220 is a little more stable, the oil-film pressure of S220 is similar to that of M220. Moreover, both have the similar oil-film thickness, and the oil-film thickness of S220 is slightly smaller than that of M220, especially at the beginning of operation. Ultimately, oil S220 is evaluated to be suitable for actual engineering application.
Application of Canola Oil Biodiesel/Diesel Blends in a Common Rail Diesel Engine
Authors: Ge Jun , Yoon Sam , Kim Min , Choi Nag
Published: December 2016

In this study, the application effects of canola oil biodiesel/diesel blends in a common rail diesel engine was experimentally investigated. The test fuels were denoted as ULSD (ultra low sulfur diesel), BD20 (20% canola oil blended with 80% ULSD by volume), and PCO (pure canola oil), respectively. These three fuels were tested under an engine speed of 1500 rpm with various brake mean effective pressures (BMEPs). The results indicated that PCO can be used well in the diesel engine without engine modification, and that BD20 can be used as a good alternative fuel to reduce the exhaust pollution. In addition, at low engine loads (0.13 MPa and 0.26 MPa), the combustion pressure of PCO is the smallest, compared with BD20 and ULSD, because the lower calorific value of PCO is lower than that of ULSD. However, at high engine loads (0.39 MPa and 0.52 MPa), the rate of heat release (ROHR) of BD20 is the highest because the canola oil biodiesel is an oxygenated fuel that promotes combustion, shortening the ignition delay period. For exhaust emissions, by using canola oil biodiesel, the particulate matter (PM) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions were considerably reduced with increased BMEP. The nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions increased only slightly due to the inherent presence of oxygen in biodiesel.
Emerging Roles for Ciz1 in Cell Cycle Regulation and as a Driver of Tumorigenesis
Authors: Pauzaite Tekle , Thacker Urvi , Tollitt James , Copeland Nikki
Published: December 2016

Precise duplication of the genome is a prerequisite for the health and longevity of multicellular organisms. The temporal regulation of origin specification, replication licensing, and firing at replication origins is mediated by the cyclin-dependent kinases. Here the role of Cip1 interacting Zinc finger protein 1 (Ciz1) in regulation of cell cycle progression is discussed. Ciz1 contributes to regulation of the G1/S transition in mammalian cells. Ciz1 contacts the pre-replication complex (pre-RC) through cell division cycle 6 (Cdc6) interactions and aids localization of cyclin A- cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) activity to chromatin and the nuclear matrix during initiation of DNA replication. We discuss evidence that Ciz1 serves as a kinase sensor that regulates both initiation of DNA replication and prevention of re-replication. Finally, the emerging role for Ciz1 in cancer biology is discussed. Ciz1 is overexpressed in common tumors and tumor growth is dependent on Ciz1 expression, suggesting that Ciz1 is a driver of tumor growth. We present evidence that Ciz1 may contribute to deregulation of the cell cycle due to its ability to alter the CDK activity thresholds that are permissive for initiation of DNA replication. We propose that Ciz1 may contribute to oncogenesis by induction of DNA replication stress and that Ciz1 may be a multifaceted target in cancer therapy.
Synthesis and Characterization of Highly Stabilized Polymer–Trypsin Conjugates with Autolysis Resistance
Authors: Sasai Yasushi , Kanno Hiroshi , Doi Naoki , Yamauchi Yukinori , Kuzuya Masayuki , Kondo Shin-ichi
Published: December 2016

Protein digestion by trypsin has been widely used in many industrial and research applications. However, extensive use of trypsin is limited because of the rapid decrease in enzymatic activity caused by autolysis at optimal pH and temperature. To improve the enzymatic performance of trypsin, we synthesized highly stabilized polymer–trypsin conjugates using vinylmethylether-maleic acid copolymer (VEMAC) via multi-point attachment. The VEMAC modification significantly enhanced the thermal stability of trypsin, and the resulting conjugates showed a strong resistance to autolysis. VEMAC-modified trypsin (VEMAC-Tryp) showed maximum activity at 55 °C and at 1.4-fold higher levels than that of unmodified trypsin. Bovine serum albumin was effectively digested by VEMAC-Tryp, indicating that the modified trypsin can be used for digestion of high molecular weight substrates. VEMAC modification is a simple and cost-effective strategy to obtain fully active modified enzymes, and may be used to develop bioreactors.
Recent Advances in Electrochemical-Based Sensing Platforms for Aflatoxins Detection
Authors: Sharma Atul , Goud Kotagiri , Hayat Akhtar , Bhand Sunil , Marty Jean
Published: December 2016

Mycotoxin are small (MW ~700 Da), toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungal species that readily colonize crops and contaminate them at both pre- and post-harvesting. Among all, aflatoxins (AFs) are mycotoxins of major significance due to their presence in common food commodities and the potential threat to human health worldwide. Based on the severity of illness and increased incidences of AFs poisoning, a broad range of conventional and analytical detection techniques that could be useful and practical have already been reported. However, due to the variety of structural analogous of these toxins, it is impossible to use one common technique for their analysis. Numerous recent research efforts have been directed to explore alternative detection technologies. Recently, immunosensors and aptasensors have gained promising potential in the area of sample preparation and detection systems. These sensors offer the advantages of disposability, portability, miniaturization, and on-site analysis. In a typical design of an aptasensor, an aptamer (ssDNA or RNA) is used as a bio-recognition element either integrated within or in intimate association with the transducer surface. This review paper is focused on the recent advances in electrochemical immuno- and aptasensing platforms for detection of AFs in real samples.
Influence of Isothermal Heat Treatment on Porosity and Crystallite Size in Axial Suspension Plasma Sprayed Thermal Barrier Coatings for Gas Turbine Applications
Authors: Ganvir Ashish , Markocsan Nicolaie , Joshi Shrikant
Published: December 2016

Axial suspension plasma spraying (ASPS) is an advanced thermal spraying technique, which enables the creation of specific microstructures in thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) used for gas turbine applications. However, the widely varying dimensional scale of pores, ranging from a few nanometers to a few tenths of micrometers, makes it difficult to experimentally measure and analyze porosity in SPS coatings and correlate it with thermal conductivity or other functional characteristics of the TBCs. In this work, an image analysis technique carried out at two distinct magnifications, i.e., low (500×) and high (10,000×), was adopted to analyze the wide range of porosity. Isothermal heat treatment of five different coatings was performed at 1150 °C for 200 h under a controlled atmosphere. Significant microstructural changes, such as inter-columnar spacing widening or coalescence of pores (pore coarsening), closure or densification of pores (sintering) and crystallite size growth, were noticed in all the coatings. The noted changes in thermal conductivity of the coatings following isothermal heat treatment are attributable to sintering, crystallite size growth and pore coarsening.
Critical Issues in Modelling Lymph Node Physiology
Authors: Grebennikov Dmitry , Van Loon Raoul , Novkovic Mario , Onder Lucas , Savinkov Rostislav , Sazonov Igor , Tretyakova Rufina , Watson Daniel , Bocharov Gennady
Published: December 2016

In this study, we discuss critical issues in modelling the structure and function of lymph nodes (LNs), with emphasis on how LN physiology is related to its multi-scale structural organization. In addition to macroscopic domains such as B-cell follicles and the T cell zone, there are vascular networks which play a key role in the delivery of information to the inner parts of the LN, i.e., the conduit and blood microvascular networks. We propose object-oriented computational algorithms to model the 3D geometry of the fibroblastic reticular cell (FRC) network and the microvasculature. Assuming that a conduit cylinder is densely packed with collagen fibers, the computational flow study predicted that the diffusion should be a dominating process in mass transport than convective flow. The geometry models are used to analyze the lymph flow properties through the conduit network in unperturbed- and damaged states of the LN. The analysis predicts that elimination of up to 60%–90% of edges is required to stop the lymph flux. This result suggests a high degree of functional robustness of the network.
Diagnostics Strategies with Electrochemical Affinity Biosensors Using Carbon Nanomaterials as Electrode Modifiers
Authors: Campuzano Susana , Yáñez-Sedeño Paloma , Pingarrón José
Published: December 2016

Early diagnosis is often the key to successful patient treatment and survival. The identification of various disease signaling biomarkers which reliably reflect normal and disease states in humans in biological fluids explain the burgeoning research field in developing new methodologies able to determine the target biomarkers in complex biological samples with the required sensitivity and selectivity and in a simple and rapid way. The unique advantages offered by electrochemical sensors together with the availability of high affinity and specific bioreceptors and their great capabilities in terms of sensitivity and stability imparted by nanostructuring the electrode surface with different carbon nanomaterials have led to the development of new electrochemical biosensing strategies that have flourished as interesting alternatives to conventional methodologies for clinical diagnostics. This paper briefly reviews the advantages of using carbon nanostructures and their hybrid nanocomposites as electrode modifiers to construct efficient electrochemical sensing platforms for diagnosis. The review provides an updated overview of some selected examples involving attractive amplification and biosensing approaches which have been applied to the determination of relevant genetic and protein diagnostics biomarkers.
Undergraduate Confidence When Undertaking Root Canal Treatment and Their Perception of the Quality of Their Endodontic Education
Authors: Puryer James , Amin Salisha , Turner Maxwell
Published: December 2016

The General Dental Council expects graduating dentists to be competent at treating pulpal disease. Previous studies have found dental undergraduates to have low levels of confidence with respect to endodontic treatments. The aim of this study was to investigate the confidence of undergraduate dental students at the University of Bristol when performing root canal treatment, and to investigate their perception of the quality of their endodontic education. An anonymous questionnaire, based upon one used in a 2015 study at Cardiff University, was distributed to all (n = 204) undergraduate students in Years 3–5 at the University of Bristol. The results were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (SPSS). There was a 59% (n = 120) response rate and a significant (p < 0.01) difference in confidence levels for root canal treatments (RCTs) completed between these students. All (100%) Year-5 students felt confident in completing anterior RCTs, and 91% felt confident in completing posterior RCTs. The majority (93%) of Year-4 students felt confident in completing anterior RCTs, and 77% felt confident in completing posterior RCTs. Over one-half (56%) of Year-3 students felt confident in anterior RCTs and 17% in posterior RCTs. With respect to the individual stages of RCT (access cavity, cleaning and shaping of root canal system, and obturation/filling), results showed that there was a significant difference (p < 0.01) in confidence levels between year groups. Many students thought the amount of time spent on endodontic teaching and the quality of teaching to be satisfactory. Improvements suggested for future endodontic teaching included higher numbers of staff supervision and additional endodontic practice on extracted teeth before seeing patients. There was a strong association between students’ clinical experience and their levels of confidence when completing RCT. Increasing the amount of clinical experience of RCTs could enhance students’ confidence further.
Angiogenesis in the Development of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws: An Overview
Authors: Pabst Andreas , Krüger Maximilian , Blatt Sebastian , Ziebart Thomas , Rahimi-Nedjat Roman , Goetze Elisabeth , Walter Christian
Published: December 2016

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MR-ONJ) is one of the most relevant side effects of bisphosphonate therapy; it is clinically defined as a non-healing wound in combination with an avascular and necrotic jaw within ongoing bisphosphonate therapy or after completed bisphosphonate therapy. Different theories concerning the development of MR-ONJ have been reported, while the exact pathophysiology is still unknown. Recent studies have increasingly focused on angiogenesis and revascularization concerning MR-ONJ pathophysiology, which seems to be a relevant factor in the development of MR-ONJ and a possible and promising point of action for MR-ONJ prevention and therapy. Therefore, and with respect to the different aspects and specific forms of angiogenesis, the enclosed review summarizes the possible role of angiogenesis and revascularization in the pathophysiology of MR-ONJ. Special focus is given to the strong negative influence of bisphosphonates on progenitor and mature endothelial cells in vitro as well as on microvessel sprouting in vitro and in vivo, which might result in overall reduced wound healing of oral soft and hard tissues, and therefore in an exposed and avascular jaw from a clinical viewpoint. Further, it will be summarized whether and in what way the aspect of angiogenesis might be used for possible MR-ONJ prevention and therapy.
A Study for Tooth Bleaching via Carbamide Peroxide-Loaded Hollow Calcium Phosphate Spheres
Authors: Qin Tao , Mellgren Torbjörn , Jefferies Steven , Xia Wei , Engqvist Håkan
Published: December 2016

The objective of this study was to investigate if a prolonged bleaching effect of carbamide peroxide-loaded hollow calcium phosphate spheres (HCPS) can be achieved. HCPS was synthesized via a hydrothermal reaction method. Carbamide peroxide (CP) was-loaded into HCPS by mixing with distilled water as solvent. We developed two bleaching gels containing CP-loaded HCPS: one gel with low HP concentration as at-home bleaching gel, and one with high HP concentration as in-office gel. Their bleaching effects on stained human permanent posterior teeth were investigated by measuring the color difference before and after bleaching. The effect of gels on rhodamine B degradation was also studied. To investigate the potential effect of remineralization of using HCPS, bleached teeth were soaked in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) containing calcium and magnesium ions. Both bleaching gels had a prolonged whitening effect, and showed a strong ability to degrade rhodamine B. After soaking in PBS for 3 days, remineralization was observed at the sites where HCPS attached to the teeth surface. CP-loaded HCPS could prolong the HP release behavior and improve the bleaching effect. HCPS was effective in increasing the whitening effect of carbamide peroxide and improving remineralization after bleaching process.
Information Decomposition in Multivariate Systems: Definitions, Implementation and Application to Cardiovascular Networks
Authors: Faes Luca , Porta Alberto , Nollo Giandomenico , Javorka Michal
Published: December 2016

The continuously growing framework of information dynamics encompasses a set of tools, rooted in information theory and statistical physics, which allow to quantify different aspects of the statistical structure of multivariate processes reflecting the temporal dynamics of complex networks. Building on the most recent developments in this field, this work designs a complete approach to dissect the information carried by the target of a network of multiple interacting systems into the new information produced by the system, the information stored in the system, and the information transferred to it from the other systems; information storage and transfer are then further decomposed into amounts eliciting the specific contribution of assigned source systems to the target dynamics, and amounts reflecting information modification through the balance between redundant and synergetic interaction between systems. These decompositions are formulated quantifying information either as the variance or as the entropy of the investigated processes, and their exact computation for the case of linear Gaussian processes is presented. The theoretical properties of the resulting measures are first investigated in simulations of vector autoregressive processes. Then, the measures are applied to assess information dynamics in cardiovascular networks from the variability series of heart period, systolic arterial pressure and respiratory activity measured in healthy subjects during supine rest, orthostatic stress, and mental stress. Our results document the importance of combining the assessment of information storage, transfer and modification to investigate common and complementary aspects of network dynamics; suggest the higher specificity to alterations in the network properties of the measures derived from the decompositions; and indicate that measures of information transfer and information modification are better assessed, respectively, through entropy-based and variance-based implementations of the framework.
A Dissipation of Relative Entropy by Diffusion Flows
Authors: Yoshida Hiroaki
Published: December 2016

Given a probability measure, we consider the diffusion flows of probability measures associated with the partial differential equation (PDE) of Fokker–Planck. Our flows of the probability measures are defined as the solution of the Fokker–Planck equation for the same strictly convex potential, which means that the flows have the same equilibrium. Then, we shall investigate the time derivative for the relative entropy in the case where the object and the reference measures are moving according to the above diffusion flows, from which we can obtain a certain dissipation formula and also an integral representation of the relative entropy.