bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new type of ionizer for charge-exchange particle analyzer
Authors: Gott Yu. V. , Kadyrgulov A. A.
Published: September 2018

The application of effective methods of charge-exchange neutral particle diagnostics to determine ion temperatures of plasmas in modern plasma installations is of great practical interest. In this paper, we propose a new type of ionizer based on ionization of neutral charge-exchange particles reflecting from metallic surfaces. A set of Ta plates is used as a reflecting surface converter. The experimental results of using the proposed ionizer on the T-10 tokamak installation are presented. The obtained ion temperature is compared with temperatures derived by other methods for ohmic plasma heating. It is shown that the determined ion temperature has an error of 10% and agrees well with values calculated by the Artsimovich formula and obtained by the active Charge eXchange Recombination Spectroscopy. The proposed analyzer for ion temperature determination has an enhanced sensitivity in comparison with other analyzers.
Hydrogen consumption capacity assessment and its inhibition in the dry anaerobic digestion process from food waste
Authors: Gao Changhui , Zhao Mingxing , Huang Zhenxing , Guo Miao , Ruan Wenquan , Xi Kezhong , Shi Wansheng
Published: September 2018

Hydrogen generation from food waste by dry anaerobic digestion was investigated, where different TS (total solid) contents (20%, 22%, 24%, 27%, and 30%) of the reaction system were compared, and the optimal TS was found to be 22%. The cumulative hydrogen yield began to decrease after 1.5 days, indicating a hydrogen consumption phenomenon in the reaction system. Such consumption can affect the hydrogen generation efficiency of the system. Therefore, to know the hydrogen consumption occurrence time and then take appropriate measures were important. The sludge from different reaction times of 2d, 4d, and 6d (G2, G4, and G6) was selected to evaluate the hydrogen consumption capacity. It was shown that the reaction system had a strong hydrogen consumption in all reaction bottles of G4, and the hydrogen consumption was the most intense when TS was 22%, which decreased from the peak value of 31.82 mmol/l to 29.47 mmol/L. Hydrogen production and consumption were not significant in G6; the only small change of hydrogen was observed (29.19–31.17 mmol/l). When TS was 22% and 30%, the quantity of homoacetogenic bacteria was the maximum of 3.08 × 109 copies/g and 2.39 × 109 copies/g on the 2nd day, respectively. As the most seriously hydrogen consumption group, G4 was chosen for the hydrogen consumption inhibition experiment by adding chloroform of 0.05%. It was indicated that the addition of chloroform could effectively suppress the hydrogen consumption when TS content of the reaction system was lower than 22%. This study can provide some useful information on the research of hydrogen consumption phenomenon and its inhibition.
Nonlinear optical rectification and optical bistability in a coupled asymmetric quantum dot-metal nanoparticle hybrid
Authors: Carreño Fernando , Antón Miguel A. , Paspalakis Emmanuel
Published: September 2018

We study the optical response of a coupled asymmetric semiconductor quantum dot-spherical metal nanoparticle structure. The asymmetric quantum dot has permanent electric dipole moments that also interact with light. We derive the density matrix equations for the system including the modification of the electric field and the exciton-plasmon coupling. We emphasize on the effects of the nonlinear optical rectification and controlled optical bistability and analyze these phenomena for different values of the light intensity and different distances between the quantum dot and the metal nanoparticle. We show that when the system is set in a situation where optical bistability can be produced, the optical rectification of the hybrid system is bivalued. We also analyze the slow-down to reach the steady state when the system is driven close and far from the turning points.
A radiation-hardening Ta/Ta2O5-x/Al2O3/InGaZnO4 memristor for harsh electronics
Authors: Wang Jingjuan , Ren Deliang , Zhang Zichang , Xiang Hongwen , Zhao Jianhui , Zhou Zhenyu , Li Xiaoyan , Wang Hong , Zhang Lei , Zhao Mengliu , Fang Yuxiao , Lu Chao , Zhao Chun , Zhao Ce Zhou , Yan Xiaobing
Published: September 2018

In this work, the electrical characteristics of Ta/Ta2O5-x/Al2O3/InGaZnO4 memristor devices under radiation are studied. The measured I-V curves indicate that this type of device has excellent stability and uniformity after radiation with a total ionization dose of 59.5 krad. The electrical properties of this post-irradiation memristor change slightly at a high temperature of 200 °C. These features enable our fabricated memristor devices operate as electronic (or artificial) synapses for neuromorphic computing or artificial intelligence in harsh electronics. The conductance of the device can be adjusted continuously like the synaptic weight, which lays the foundation for the electronic synapse. The temperature dependence of I-V characteristics before and after radiation is in good agreement with the hopping conduction mechanism. The activation energy is lower and the trap spacing is shorter after a total ionization dose of 59.5 krad irradiation. Moreover, the existence of oxygen vacancies is observed by XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy). The highly stable nature of this Ta/Ta2O5-x/Al2O3/InGaZnO4 memristor device under radiation indicates its great potential in harsh electronics for aerospace, nuclear, and military applications.
Spin-orbit coupling induced by bismuth doping in silicon thin films
Authors: Rortais F. , Lee S. , Ohshima R. , Dushenko S. , Ando Y. , Shiraishi M.
Published: September 2018

This study demonstrates an enhancement of spin-orbit coupling in silicon (Si) thin films by doping with bismuth (Bi), a heavy metal, using ion implantation. Quantum corrections to conductance at low temperatures in phosphorous-doped Si before and after Bi implantation are measured to probe the increase in spin-orbit coupling, and a clear modification of magnetoconductance signals is observed: Bi doping changes magnetoconductance from weak localization to the crossover between weak localization and weak antilocalization. The elastic diffusion length, phase coherence length, and spin-orbit coupling length in Si with and without Bi implantation are estimated, and the spin-orbit coupling length after Bi doping becomes the same order of magnitude (Lso = 54 nm) with the phase coherence length (Lφ = 35 nm) at 2 K. This is an experimental proof that spin-orbit coupling strength in the thin Si film is tunable by doping with heavy metals.
Artificial localized magnon resonances in subwavelength meta-particles
Authors: Filonov Dmitry , Shmidt Andrey , Boag Amir , Ginzburg Pavel
Published: September 2018

The interaction between electromagnetic waves and objects is strongly affected by the shape and material composition of the latter. Artificially created materials, formed by a subwavelength structuring of their unit cells, namely metamaterials, can exhibit peculiar responses to electromagnetic radiation and provide additional powerful degrees of freedom to the scatterer design. In particular, negative material susceptibilities give rise to strong resonant interactions with deeply subwavelength particles. While the negative electrical permittivity of natural noble metals manifests itself in localized plasmon resonant oscillations, negative magnetic permeability materials are rare in nature. Here, the concept of artificial magnon resonance in subwavelength objects with effective negative permeability, designed via the metamaterial approach, is demonstrated. Strong localized oscillations of the magnetic fields within an array of split ring resonators, forming a sphere, hybridize in a collective mode of the structure. As a result, a high scattering cross section, exceeding that of a steel sphere with the same radius by four orders of magnitude, was demonstrated. Scatterers, based on tunable resonances within artificially created materials, can find use in a broad range of electromagnetic applications, including wireless communications, radars, RFID, internet of things hardware, and many others.
High-dimensional dynamics in a single-transistor oscillator containing Feynman-Sierpiński resonators: Effect of fractal depth and irregularity
Authors: Minati Ludovico , Frasca Mattia , Giustolisi Gianluca , Oświȩcimka Paweł , Drożdż Stanisław , Ricci Leonardo
Published: September 2018

Fractal structures pervade nature and are receiving increasing engineering attention towards the realization of broadband resonators and antennas. We show that fractal resonators can support the emergence of high-dimensional chaotic dynamics even in the context of an elementary, single-transistor oscillator circuit. Sierpiński gaskets of variable depth are constructed using discrete capacitors and inductors, whose values are scaled according to a simple sequence. It is found that in regular fractals of this kind, each iteration effectively adds a conjugate pole/zero pair, yielding gradually more complex and broader frequency responses, which can also be implemented as much smaller Foster equivalent networks. The resonators are instanced in the circuit as one-port devices, replacing the inductors found in the initial version of the oscillator. By means of a highly simplified numerical model, it is shown that increasing the fractal depth elevates the dimension of the chaotic dynamics, leading to high-order hyperchaos. This result is overall confirmed by SPICE simulations and experiments, which however also reveal that the non-ideal behavior of physical components hinders obtaining high-dimensional dynamics. The issue could be practically mitigated by building the Foster equivalent networks rather than the verbatim fractals. Furthermore, it is shown that considerably more complex resonances, and consequently richer dynamics, can be obtained by rendering the fractal resonators irregular through reshuffling the inductors, or even by inserting a limited number of focal imperfections. The present results draw attention to the potential usefulness of fractal resonators for generating high-dimensional chaotic dynamics, and underline the importance of irregularities and component non-idealities.
Pulsed voltage breakdown of Al/CuO reactive multilayer films in metal-interlayer-metal structures
Authors: Fu Shuai , Zhu Peng , Shen Ruiqi , Ye Yinghua
Published: September 2018

In this study, metal-interlayer-metal (MIM) structure samples are designed to investigate the breakdown properties of aluminum/cupric oxide (Al/CuO)-based reactive multilayer films (RMFs) and to evaluate the differences in the breakdown properties between the Al/CuO RMFs and the single-layer CuO film sample. The MIM structure samples use Al/CuO RMFs as the interlayers between the top and bottom aluminum electrodes, like a sandwich. The pulsed voltage is produced by a capacitor. The samples are not discharged until the external voltage exceeds the breakdown field strength (EB) of the Al/CuO RMFs. The results show that the EB of the Al/CuO RMFs can be improved by Al interlayers in the RMFs, but the destruction area caused by breakdown is smaller than that of the single-layer CuO film. A theoretical model indicates that the thermal conductivity and vaporization heat are crucial parameters for the breakdown of Al/CuO RMFs. The viewpoint from the breakdown of the Al/CuO RMFs proposed in this study might provide a new way for interpreting the electrical excitation process in RMFs.
An efficient pair natural orbital based configuration interaction scheme for the calculation of open-shell ionization potentials
Authors: Sen Avijit , de Souza Bernardo , Huntington Lee M. J. , Krupička Martin , Neese Frank , Izsák Róbert
Published: September 2018

A spin adapted configuration interaction scheme is proposed for the evaluation of ionization potentials in α high spin open shell reference functions. There are three different ways to remove an electron from such a reference, including the removal of an alpha or a beta electron from doubly occupied or an alpha electron from singly occupied molecular orbitals. Ionization operators are constructed for each of these cases, and the resulting second quantized expressions are implemented using an automated code generator environment. To achieve greater computational efficiency, the virtual space is reduced using an averaged pair natural orbital machinery developed earlier and applied with great success in the calculation of X-ray absorption spectra [D. Manganas et al., J. Chem. Phys. A 122, 1215 (2018)]. Various approximate integral evaluation schemes including the resolution of identity and seminumerical techniques are also invoked to further enhance the computational efficiency. Although the resulting method is not particularly accurate in terms of predicting absolute energy values, with a simple shift in the ionization potentials, it is still possible to use it for the qualitative characterization of the basic features of X-ray photoionization spectra. While satellite intensities cannot be computed with the current method, the inclusion of vibrational effects using a path integral technique allows for the computation of vibrational transitions corresponding to main peaks.
Analysis of asymmetrical hysteresis phenomena observed in TMD-based field effect transistors
Authors: Kim Juhyung , Jeong Jaewon , Lee Sanghyun , Jeong Seokwon , Roh Yonghan
Published: September 2018

To realize field effect transistors with multi-layered MoS2 and WSe2 (hereafter denoted as MoS2 FET and WSe2 FET), many device instability problems should be surmounted, such as the hysteresis generation of the devices. In order to clarify the mechanism of the asymmetrical hysteresis phenomena observed in the transfer characteristics of the MoS2 and WSe2 FET, the temperature dependencies of their characteristics are analyzed. Based on these analyses, it can be concluded that donor-like traps present in both the SiO2/MoS2 interface and the MoS2 bulk in multi-layered MoS2 FETs, and that acceptor-like traps present in both the SiO2/WSe2 interface, and the WSe2 bulk in multi-layered WSe2 FETs. Furthermore, based on the chemical analyses and the arguments presented in previous studies, we propose that the sulfur vacancy (SV) is the origin of donor-like traps present in MoS2, and the tungsten vacancy (TV) is the origin of acceptor-like traps present in WSe2. This work may provide a potential clue to overcome many practical problems for realization of the transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) based FETs.
Activation of autophagy rescues synaptic and cognitive deficits in fragile X mice
Authors: Yan Jingqi , Porch Morgan W. , Court-Vazquez Brenda , Bennett Michael V. L. , Zukin R. Suzanne
Published: September 2018

Significance

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of inherited intellectual disability and is a leading genetic cause of autism. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 cascade is a central regulator of protein translation, cell growth, proliferation, survival, and autophagy. Findings in the present study demonstrate that autophagy and protein degradation via the autophagy/lysosomal pathway are reduced in hippocampal neurons of
Fmr1
-KO mice, a model of human FXS. We show that excess mTOR activity is causally related to decreased autophagy, which induces spine defects, exaggerated synaptic plasticity, and impaired cognition in
Fmr1
-KO mice. These findings increase our understanding of the etiology of FXS and suggest components of the autophagy pathway as promising targets for amelioration of FXS in humans.
Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-dependent expression of adenosine receptor 2B promotes breast cancer stem cell enrichment
Authors: Lan Jie , Lu Haiquan , Samanta Debangshu , Salman Shaima , Lu You , Semenza Gregg L.
Published: September 2018

Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), which are characterized by a capacity for unlimited self-renewal and for generation of the bulk cancer cell population, play a critical role in cancer relapse and metastasis. Hypoxia is a common feature of the cancer microenvironment that stimulates the specification and maintenance of BCSCs. In this study, we found that hypoxia increased expression of adenosine receptor 2B (A2BR) in human breast cancer cells through the transcriptional activity of hypoxia-inducible factor 1. The binding of adenosine to A2BR promoted BCSC enrichment by activating protein kinase C-δ, which phosphorylated and activated the transcription factor STAT3, leading to increased expression of interleukin 6 and NANOG, two key mediators of the BCSC phenotype. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of A2BR expression or activity decreased hypoxia- or adenosine-induced BCSC enrichment in vitro, and dramatically impaired tumor initiation and lung metastasis after implantation of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells into the mammary fat pad of immunodeficient mice. These data provide evidence that targeting A2BR might be an effective strategy to eradicate BCSCs.
Diets for organic poultry production.
Authors: Blair R.
Published: September 2018

This chapter highlghts the formulation of feeds for organic laying hens, meat producing broilers, turkeys,ducks, geese, quails, ostriches, and emus.
Augmented energy balance data analysis to correct slope bias due to non-linearity: joint analysis of heat production and energy balance data with reference to ruminants.
Authors: Dhanoa M. S. , Sanderson R. , Cammell S. B. , Haines M. J. , Lopez S. , France J.
Published: September 2018

A holistic statistical modelling procedure for the analysis of energy balance (EB) studies is proposed in this review. We show that a switch from EB-based analysis to heat production (HP)-based analysis has some advantages. The use of augmented EB data with a fasting HP estimate is proposed to correct slope bias due to non-linearity. This is facilitated by joint or parallel analysis of HP and EB data. Increasing levels of metabolizable energy intake (MEI) will lead to an increased HP attributed to greater energy cost of digestion and other metabolic processes following an exponential-like trajectory. This will correspondingly introduce a diminishing-returns-like non-linearity in the EB versus MEI relationship because HP and EB complement each other. This makes the assumption of linearity somewhat erroneous unless the MEI range is very close to the maintenance level. By using non-linear regression models (e.g. diminishing returns curves), we do not need to impose the assumption of linearity of the relationship EB versus MEI. In this study, we show how estimates of FHP, derived from the analysis of HP data (scaled by metabolic weight), can be included in EB data analysis allowing for the estimation of unbiased curvature-based slope parameters.
Opportunity Lost: Blogs on Local TV Station Web Sites
Authors: Niekamp Ray
Published: September 2018

With concern about shrinking audiences for local television newscasts (Project for Excellence in Journalism, 2005), many TV stations are investigating ways to maintain viewer interest (Whitney, 2005). One possible way to involve viewers with the station's offerings is to drive them online, to the station's web site. To do so, it's necessary to offer content that goes beyond the online versions of current news stories. The weblog, or blog, might be one method to entice viewers to visit the station's web site, and thereby develop a relationship with viewers beyond that of broadcaster and viewer. This study examines the blogs of local television stations in the top 50 Nielsen markets as of May 2006. The author seeks to determine who writes the blogs, which formatting features blogs have in common, and what types of content are found on the blogs. The study also addresses the current state of blogging on television station web sites and whether blogs are offering viewers an outlet to engage with the stations. The results will provide a snapshot of blogging by local television stations, which can be used for comparisons as blogging develops in the future.
When the Inbox Breaks: An Exploratory Analysis of Online Network Breaking News E-mail Alerts
Authors: Bajkiewicz Timothy , Smith Jessica
Published: September 2018

This is the first scholarly look at the breaking news e-mail alerts received daily by millions of subscribers from online news providers—alerts likely to increase with mobile media use. The study took a subscriber's perspective and analyzes 874 such alerts gathered during 26 continuous weeks in 2005 and 2006 from ABCNews.com, CBSNews.com, CNN.com, FoxNews.com, and MSNBC.com. MSNBC sent the highest number of alerts and scored well with readability metrics; it also sent alerts first most often, but those alerts were usually not attributed. CNN sent the fewest alerts, CBS scored poorly with readability, and ABC most often trailed its competitors. One-quarter of all alerts addressed government and politics, followed by crime and international news. The majority of alerts weren't attributed. Also, one-third of all alerts were sent by only one network. The authors discuss research context, practitioner implications, and future research opportunities.
Framing Terror: Violence, Social Conflict, and the “War on Terror”
Authors: Lipschultz Jeremy Harris
Published: September 2018

This qualitative study explores the use of the term “war on terror” by the Bush administration, the framing of news stories about terror and terrorism, and the social construction of reality about the war. News transcripts from the ABC, CBS, and NBC network evening newscasts were content analyzed to identify dominant themes from a total of 966 stories in the first 3 years following the 9/11 attack. The findings suggested that terrorism dominated news coverage during the period under study. George W. Bush presumably adopted the phrase “war on terror” as a mechanism to build support for administration policies, and television news coverage of the war appeared to utilize myth-making through acceptance of this political rhetoric. The phrasing was sometimes used as a shorthand device to summarize a wide range of complex issues and events. The three television networks studied here made associations and accepted those of political elites.
The Business of Sports: A Primer for Journalists
Authors: Knowles Bill
Published: September 2018

Mark Conrad. The Business of Sports: A Primer for Journalists. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc., 2006, 360 pp., ISBN 0805850449 (hardcover).
Telling More Than News: Commercial Influence in Local Television Stations
Authors: Upshaw James , Chernov Gennadiy , Koranda David
Published: September 2018

This article reports on content analysis of evening newscasts from a nationwide sample of commercial television stations in large, medium, and small markets. The study focuses on the frequency of air time consumed by four types of commercial influence (most often involving station advertisers) on ostensibly noncommercial newscast content. Results indicated that newscasts by 90% of the 294 network-affiliated stations studied contained at least 1 instance per newscast of “stealth advertising” (commercial messages outside regular commercial blocks). Small-market stations in the #76-210 rankings by Nielsen Media Research showed the greatest proportion of such materials. This study suggests paths for future research into broadcasting's responses to consumer avoidance of traditional commercials.
Surfable Surveys: Using Web-Based Technology to Reach Newsroom Respondents
Authors: Adams Terry , Cleary Johanna
Published: September 2018

This study deconstructs some of the challenges and successes in using Web-based tools to survey three groups of broadcast news personnel: news directors, producers, and show directors. In conducting two recent newsroom-based research projects, we found that Web-based survey methods offer many conveniences, including ease of design, the elimination of the data-entry phase of the project, and flexibility in question type, question order, and skip patterns.

Although broadcast news personnel use a great deal of technology in their day-to-day work and are comfortable with Web interface, the use of this method in survey research didn't result in higher response rates. Significant follow-up communication to nonrespondents was still necessary. Another primary difficulty in the use of Web-based survey methods in newsrooms was the inability to easily access e-mail and contact information for potential respondents. The unspoken obstacle in newsroom survey research is the reluctance of industry professionals to dedicate time to research initiatives and the academic approach dictating certain protocols. On the basis of our experiences in fielding these two projects, several logistical suggestions for the creation and deployment of Web surveys are offered.
Cell polarity and adherens junction formation inhibit epithelial Fas cell death receptor signaling
Authors: Gagnoux-Palacios Laurent , Awina Hala , Audebert Stéphane , Rossin Aurélie , Mondin Magali , Borgese Franck , Planas-Botey Carlota , Mettouchi Amel , Borg Jean-Paul , Hueber Anne-Odile
Published: September 2018

Finely tuned regulation of epithelial cell death maintains tissue integrity and homeostasis. At the cellular level, life and death decisions are controlled by environmental stimuli such as the activation of death receptors. We show that cell polarity and adherens junction formation prevent proapoptotic signals emanating from the Fas death receptor. Fas is sequestered in E-cadherin actin-based adhesion structures that are less able to induce downstream apoptosis signaling. Using a proteomic-based approach, we find that the polarity molecule Dlg1 interacts with the C-terminal PDZ-binding site in Fas and that this interaction decreases formation of the death-inducing complex upon engagement with Fas ligand (FasL), thus acting as an additional cell death protection mechanism. We propose that E-cadherin and Dlg1 inhibit FasL-induced cell death by two complementary but partially independent mechanisms that help to maintain epithelial homeostasis by protecting normal polarized epithelia from apoptosis. When polarity is lost, the Fas–cadherin–Dlg1 antiapoptotic complex is disrupted, and FasL can promote the elimination of compromised nonpolarized cells.
Retracted: Ameliorative effects of Moringa oleifera on copper nanoparticle induced toxicity in Cyprinus carpio assessed by histology and oxidative stress markers
Authors: Noureen Aasma , Jabeen Farhat , Tabish Tanveer A , Zahoor Muhammad Kashif , Ali Muhammad , Iqbal Rehana , Yaqub Sajid , Chaudhry Abdul Shakoor
Published: September 2018

Nanoparticles (NPs) enter the environment mainly through waste water effluents, accidental spillage, and industrial runoffs. This is worrying because NPs can enter the human body owing to their large aspect-to-size ratio and reactive surfaces that facilitate their penetration through biological barriers and thus can induce oxidative stress in host cells. Therefore, there is a growing concern about the toxicity of NPs, which needs to be addressed. Thus, this study investigated the ameliorative effects of Moringa
oleifera seed extract (MOSE) in Cyprinus
carpio exposed to copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs). For the in vivo assessment of the shielding effects of MOSE, 240 samples of C. carpio (40–45 g) were randomly allocated to 24 experimental tanks (10 fish/tank of 40 L) 24 h prior to the start of this experiment. The experimental fish were faced with the water-born exposure of a pre-determined dose of 1.5 mg Cu-NPs/l along with pre- and post-treatment with different doses (100 or 200 or 300 mg l−1) of MOSE for 28 days. The MOSE showed significant ameliorative effect on the antioxidant defense, in response to the elevated levels of Cu-NP-induced oxidative stress. It also played a protective role as indicated by the suppression of the histological alterations in the gills and liver of fish exposed to the Cu-NPs. It was concluded that the Cu-NP-induced toxicity in C. carpio was ameliorated by the use of MOSE in this study. Moreover, the post-Cu-NP treatment stage showed more protective effects of MOSE than the pre-Cu-NP treatment phase. Further studies are suggested to determine the optimum dose and delivery method of MOSE for similar or different NP exposed fish.
Histological and Anthropometric Changes in the Aging Nose
Authors: Helal Hesham Aly , Ghanem Mohamed Abdel Mohsen , Al-Badawy Ahmed Mohamed , Abdel Haleem Mohamed Mammdouh , Mousa Manal Hassan
Published: September 2018

Background

Rhinoplasty in the elderly requires different surgical approaches due to the morphological and structural changes affecting the nose over time.

Objectives

In this study, the authors aimed to evaluate the age-related cellular and architectural changes of nasal cartilages and soft tissue attachments.

Methods

This prospective study included 80 patients who underwent rhinoplasty. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to age. Group I included 40 patients ranging in age from 19 to 39 years. Group II included 40 patients aged at least 40 years. Samples from nasal cartilages (upper lateral, lower lateral, and septum) and nasal attachments (interdomal, inter-cartilaginous, and septo-crural) were taken. All specimens were evaluated histologically to detect age-related changes. A modified version of the Mankin grading scale was used to score each nasal cartilage sample. All attachment samples were examined by image analysis for quantitative assessment. The results were correlated to preoperative anthropometric measurements of nasolabial angle and nasal projection.

Results

Histologically, in group II, the cartilage matrix showed fibrinoid degeneration with a significant decrease in the number of chondrocytes and increased perichondrial fibrosis compared with group I. Attachments in group II showed a lower number of blood vessels and decreased percentage of collagen bundles. Modified Mankin scores were significantly higher in group II, indicating weak cartilages compared with group I. There was negative correlation and significance between projection, nasolabial angle, cartilages, and attachments in study groups. The linear regression model revealed that the lower lateral cartilage is the cartilage that is most affected by the aging process.

Conclusions

These findings not only enhance our current understanding of the natural changes that occur in the nose during aging but may also affect surgical decision-making when grafting or suturing are considered during rhinoplasty.

Level of Evidence: 2
Quality of Life After Epilepsy Surgery in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Maragkos Georgios A , Geropoulos Georgios , Kechagias Konstantinos , Ziogas Ioannis A , Mylonas Konstantinos S
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Pediatric epilepsy surgery is a treatment modality appropriate for select patients with debilitating medication-resistant seizures. Previous publications have studied seizure freedom as the main outcome of epilepsy surgery. However, there has been no systematic assessment of the postoperative life quality for these children.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the quality of life (QOL) long-term outcomes after surgery for intractable epilepsy in pediatric patients.

METHODS

A systematic search of the PubMed and Cochrane databases was performed. Studies reporting questionnaire-assessed QOL at least 12 months postoperatively were included. QOL means and standard deviations were compared between surgically and medically managed patients, between the preoperative and postoperative state of each patient, and were further stratified into patients achieving seizure freedom, and those who did not. Meta-analysis was performed using fixed effects models for weighted mean differences (WMD), 95% confidence intervals (CI) and sensitivity analyses. Funnel plots and Begg's tests were utilized to detect publication bias.

RESULTS

The search yielded 18 retrospective studies, reporting 890 surgical patients. Following epilepsy surgery, children had significant QOL improvement compared to their preoperative state (WMD: 16.71, 95% CI: 12.19-21.22, P < .001) and better QOL than matched medically treated controls (WMD: 12.42, 95% CI: 6.25-18.58, P < .001). Patients achieving total seizure freedom after surgery had significant postoperative QOL improvement (WMD: 16.12, 95% CI: 7.98-24.25, P < .001), but patients not achieving seizure freedom did not achieve statistical significance (P = .79).

CONCLUSION

Epilepsy surgery can effectively improve QOL in children with medication-resistant seizures, through seizure freedom, which was associated with the greatest improvement in life quality.
Implications of Inflammasomes in Human Diseases: NLRP3 Inflammasome and Animal Models
Authors: Sakimoto Tohru
Published: September 2018

Danger-associated molecular patterns, such as nuclear or cytosolic proteins released outside the cell or exposed on the cell surface after tissue injury, and pathogen-associated molecular patterns, such as lipopolysaccharide, peptidoglycan, and nucleic acid, stimulate the formation of a large protein complex called the inflammasome. The inflammasome is a cytosolic complex of 3 proteins that cleaves and releases interleukin-1β. Recent studies have characterized a multitude of inflammasome ligands of both endogenous and exogenous origins. Moreover, using various animal models, the implications of inflammasomes in human diseases have been elucidated for multifaceted diseases such as metabolic syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, Alzheimer disease, and certain inflammatory skin diseases. This article reviews several of these conditions and discusses the different models proposed for inflammasome involvement, including animal models of the cornea.
Ocular Surface Reconstruction with the Autologous Conjunctival Epithelium and Establishment of a Feeder-Free and Serum-Free Culture System
Authors: Yamagami Satoru , Yokoo Seiichi , Sakimoto Tohru
Published: September 2018

Transplantation of the autologous cultured corneal limbal epithelium and oral mucosal epithelium is a standard technique for ocular surface reconstruction under corneal limbal stem cell deficiency. As an option for bilateral cases, we recommend utilization of autologous conjunctivae for ocular surface reconstruction. Autologous conjunctival epithelium sheet transplantation was effective for bilateral corneal limbal stem cell deficiency without symblepharon or severe keratinization. Moreover, we established a feeder-free and serum-free culture system of the limbal epithelium. This system can be applied for culturing conjunctival epithelia. Autologous cultured conjunctival epithelium transplantation is a practical option for treating bilateral corneal limbal stem cell deficiency.
Evaluation of Corneal Epithelial Thickness Imaged by High Definition Optical Coherence Tomography in Healthy Eyes
Authors: Baghdasaryan Elmira , Tepelus Tudor C. , Marion Kenneth M. , Bagherinia Homayoun , Sadda SriniVas R. , Hsu Hugo Y.
Published: September 2018

Purpose:

To evaluate corneal epithelial thickness (CET) and corneal thickness (CT) in healthy eyes using spectral domain optical coherence tomography.

Methods:

Thirty-six healthy eyes were imaged using the Cirrus high-definition (HD)-optical coherence tomography device. The average CET and CT were assessed using Cirrus Review Software within predefined concentric corneal ring-shaped zones. Specific regions of CET (superior, inferior, temporal, nasal, superonasal, inferotemporal, superotemporal, and inferonasal) were also assessed. The difference between zones was compared between males and females.

Results:

The average CET was 48.3, 47.1, 46.1, and 45.8 μm in the 4 concentric zones (0–2, 2–5, 5–7, and 7–9 mm), respectively (P < 0.001). The average CT was 533.5, 550.8, and 579.4 μm in the 3 zones (0–2, 2–5, and 5–7 mm), respectively (P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant correlation between CET and CT in any of the measured zones. Males had thicker corneas than did females in each of the 3 CT zones (P < 0.05), but CET did not differ significantly. The CET superonasal–inferotemporal in 2.0 to 5.0 mm and CET superotemporal–inferonasal in 5.0- to 7.0-mm zones were significantly thinner in males than in females (−1.15 vs. 0.9 μm, −3.5 vs. −1.9 μm), respectively (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Optical coherence tomography-based analysis of CET reveals that it is thinner in the periphery, whereas the total corneal thickness is greater. Although total CT seems to be influenced by sex, CET is not. Regional and sex-based variations in CT may need to be considered when assessing corneal and epithelial alterations in the setting of disease.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Moraxella Keratitis
Authors: Zafar Hamza , Tan Shi Zhuan , Walkden Andrew , Fullwood Catherine , Au Leon , Brahma Arun , Carley Fiona
Published: September 2018

Purpose:

Changing trends of infective keratitis have been identified worldwide. The aim of this study was to define the clinical associations, characteristics, and outcomes of patients with culture-proven Moraxella keratitis from a large tertiary corneal unit in the United Kingdom.

Methods:

Patients with confirmed Moraxella isolates presenting between January 2004 and November 2016 were analyzed. Patient-related factors were examined, including patient demographics, date of presentation, clinical presentation, predisposing factors, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), treatment plans, and clinical outcomes.

Results:

Eighty-six patients were identified, of whom 61 (70.9%) had at least one recognized predisposing factor. The median BCVA at presentation was 2.60 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR), which improved to median = 0.60 logMAR at final visit (P < 0.001). Visual improvement of more than 2 Snellen lines was achieved in 60.7% of eyes. A significant relationship (P = 0.003) between final vision and the presence of hypopyon was found, where for a fixed BCVA at presentation those with a hypopyon achieved a better final visual acuity of 0.69 logMAR.

Conclusions:

Our study showed that although most patients presented with at least one predisposing factor, some of the more traditionally perceived risk factors may need to be reconsidered. We have shown that with aggressive treatment, favorable visual outcomes can be achieved in most patients. Interestingly, the presence of hypopyon at presentation was linked to a better visual outcome, likely because such patients had more to gain in visual potential.
Development of Cell Analysis Software to Evaluate Fibroblastic Changes in Cultivated Corneal Endothelial Cells for Quality Control
Authors: Okumura Naoki , Kobayashi Keitaro , Ishida Naoya , Kagami Takato , Hiwa Satoru , Hiroyasu Tomoyuki , Koizumi Noriko
Published: September 2018

Purpose:

To develop software to evaluate the fibroblastic morphological changes in cultured human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs) as a quality control measure for use in tissue engineering therapy.

Methods:

Software was designed to recognize cell borders, to approximate cell shape as an ellipse, and to calculate the aspect ratio of the ellipse as an indicator of severity of the fibroblastic morphological change. Using the designed software, 60 phase contrast images of polygonal HCECs and 60 phase contrast images of fibroblastic HCECs were analyzed. The correlations of the aspect ratio and other parameters (cell density, percentage of cells surrounded by 6 cells, and coefficient of variation) were evaluated.

Results:

Cell shapes were recognized based on phase contrast images and were approximated as ellipses by software. The average aspect ratio was significantly higher (34.9% ± 6.1%) in fibroblastic HCECs than in polygonal HCECs (24.4% ± 2.3%) (P < 0.01). The aspect ratio showed a correlation with cell density, with the percentage of cells surrounded by 6 neighboring cells, and with the coefficient of variation (Pearson correlation coefficients, −0.84, −0.38, and 0.66, respectively).

Conclusions:

We propose that fibroblastic alteration of HCECs can be evaluated by the cell morphology based on the aspect ratio. Software developed in this study, which can analyze the frequency and severity of fibroblastic alteration, will be useful for nondestructive assessment of cells destined for use in cell-based therapy for corneal endothelial decompensation.
Corneal Relapse of Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma Under Systemic Chemotherapy
Authors: Kiratli Hayyam , Aygün Figen B. , Gedikoğlu Gökhan
Published: September 2018

Purpose:

To report a patient who developed unilateral corneal stromal infiltration while undergoing systemic chemotherapy for multinodal peripheral T-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified.

Methods:

Clinical, imaging, and immunohistopathological features of a 40-year-old woman who presented with a stromal haze in the right cornea were reviewed.

Results:

At initial presentation, her visual acuity in the right eye was 20/40. Slit-lamp examination showed stromal infiltration located mainly in the inferotemporal peripheral cornea without epithelial or limbal involvement. Immunohistochemical examination of the incisional biopsy specimen revealed CD3+, CD5+, and CD8− neoplastic lymphocytes suggestive of T-cell lymphoma. The corneal lesion and disseminated lymphadenopathy did not respond to various combinations of several cycles of systemic chemotherapy. Remission was achieved only after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. The corneal infiltrates almost totally regressed within 6 months, and she maintained 20/20 visual acuity thereafter. She did not have any systemic or ocular recurrence during 6 years of posttransplantation follow-up.

Conclusions:

In this rare case of systemic multinodal peripheral T-cell lymphoma, corneal stromal infiltration was the only ocular manifestation. Prompt corneal biopsy enabled the appropriate diagnosis. Development and persistence of corneal infiltration despite systemic chemotherapy may be a warning sign for resistance to treatment.
Central Islands and Visual Outcomes of Phototherapeutic Keratectomy Using the Photorefractive Keratectomy Mode
Authors: Kamiya Kazutaka , Takahashi Masahide , Igarashi Akihito , Shoji Nobuyuki
Published: September 2018

Purpose:

To compare the rate of central island (CI) and visual acuity after phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) with and without the CI program.

Methods:

This retrospective study comprised 147 eyes of 89 consecutive patients (mean age ± SD, 71.1 ± 9.6 years) undergoing PTK with and without the anti-CI program [photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) mode and PTK mode] using the VISX Star S4 excimer laser system (Johnson & Johnson Vision, Santa Ana, US) for treatment of band keratopathy (BK) or granular corneal dystrophy (GCD). The rate of CI formation, defined as a steepening area of 3 D, 1.5 mm in diameter, on each corneal videokeratographer (ATLAS 9000; Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena), and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) were assessed 3 months after PTK.

Results:

We found CI formation in 17 eyes (22%) in the PRK mode group and 45 eyes (73%) in the PTK mode group at 3 months postoperatively (P < 0.001, χ2 test). Postoperative logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution BSCVA was 0.10 ± 0.14 in the PRK group and 0.15 ± 0.13 in the PTK group (P = 0.019, Student t test). The rate of CI was 13 eyes (33%) with BK and 6 eyes (15%) with GCD in the PRK mode group and 25 eyes (83%) with BK and 20 eyes (71%) with GCD in the PTK mode group.

Conclusions:

The use of the anti-CI program for PTK significantly decreases the rate of CI formation and significantly improves BSCVA in post-PTK eyes, suggesting its viability for treatment of BK and GCD in clinical setting.
Reconstruction of Temporal Bone Defect Using a Vertically-Oriented Free Muscle-Sparing Rectus Abdominis Musculocutaneous Flap
Authors: Jeong Hyung Hwa , Choi Eun Jeong , Chung Jong Woo , Kim Eun Key
Published: September 2018

Reconstruction of a temporal bone defect after tumor ablation should provide watertight filling and adequate resurfacing. A muscle-sparing rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (ms-RAMC) flap with de-epithelized skin paddle has been used and early experience was reported. Case series enrolled 7 patients who underwent free ms-RAMC flap after tumor ablation for external auditory canal cancer. Vertically oriented flap was harvested with central strip of muscle. Distal skin paddle was de-epithelized to fill the bony defect. Immediate facial nerve reconstruction was performed whenever indicated. The average operation time for reconstruction was 280 minutes. No early complication was reported. An ms-RAMC flap with de-epithelized skin paddle can be used for temporal bone defect reconstruction with its anatomic consistency and technical simplicity. It can provide sufficient bulk for water tight packing that lasts after irradiation. The 11th intercostal nerve can be harvested during pedicle dissection. Muscle sparing technique could minimize donor-site morbidity.
Correlation Between the Existing Classifications of Nasal Bone Fractures and Subjective Patient Satisfaction
Authors: Jeon Minseok , Kim Youngjun
Published: September 2018

Since the nose is at the center of the face, small changes to it can cause a big overall change. Therefore, a nasal fracture needs to be operated on when deformity is expected. Although many taxonomies have been developed for nasal bone fractures, no study has aimed to predict individual patient satisfaction. Herein, the authors tried to determine any correlation between the existing classifications of nasal bone fractures and subjective patient satisfaction. A retrospective study and telephone survey were conducted in 149 patients who underwent closed reduction for a pure nasal bone fracture. Pretraumatic, prereduction, and postoperative patient satisfactions were measured on a numerical scale from 1 to 5. The difference between pretraumatic and prereduction satisfactions was calculated to confirm the change in short-term satisfaction after trauma. The difference between pretraumatic and preoperative satisfactions was measured to determine change in long-term satisfaction postoperatively. The Stranc Robertson classification, modified Murray classification, and the presence of septal fracture were used to classify fractures. Independent and Jonckheere–Terpstra t tests were used in statistical analysis. Only 86 of 149 were included in the study. There was no significant difference in patient satisfaction among frontal/lateral (P = 0.70, 0.56), frontal I/II (P = 1.00, 0.24), and lateral I/II groups (P = 0.57, 0.67) according to the Stranc Robertson classification. Septal fracture (P = 0.21, 0.44) and the modified Murray classification (P = 0.14, 0.47) also had no effect on satisfaction. Existing classification systems have the advantage of reflecting and distinguishing the characteristics of fractures, but there is a limit in their ability to reflect subjective patient satisfaction.