bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Independent transmission of convergent visceral primary afferents in the solitary tract nucleus
Authors: McDougall Stuart J. , Andresen Michael C.
Published: November 2012

Cranial primary afferents from the viscera enter the brain at the solitary tract nucleus (NTS), where their information is integrated for homeostatic reflexes. The organization of sensory inputs is poorly understood, despite its critical impact on overall reflex performance characteristics. Single afferents from the solitary tract (ST) branch within NTS and make multiple contacts onto individual neurons. Many neurons receive more than one ST input. To assess the potential interaction between converging afferents and proximal branching near to second-order neurons, we probed near the recorded soma in horizontal slices from rats with focal electrodes and minimal shocks. Remote ST shocks evoked monosynaptic excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs), and nearby focal shocks also activated monosynaptic EPSCs. We tested the timing and order of stimulation to determine whether focal shocks influenced ST responses and vice versa in single neurons. Focal-evoked EPSC response profiles closely resembled ST-EPSC characteristics. Mean synaptic jitters, failure rates, depression, and phenotypic segregation by capsaicin responsiveness were indistinguishable between focal and ST-evoked EPSCs. ST-EPSCs failed to affect focal-EPSCs within neurons, indicating that release sites and synaptic terminals were functionally independent and isolated from cross talk or neurotransmitter overflow. In only one instance, focal shocks intercepted and depleted the ST axon generating evoked EPSCs. Despite large numbers of functional contacts, multiple afferents do not appear to interact, and ST axon branches may be limited to close to the soma. Thus single or multiple primary afferents and their presynaptic active release sites act independently when they contact single second-order NTS neurons.
Short-term synaptic depression and stochastic vesicle dynamics reduce and shape neuronal correlations
Authors: Rosenbaum Robert , Rubin Jonathan E. , Doiron Brent
Published: November 2012

Correlated neuronal activity is an important feature in many neural codes, a neural correlate of a variety of cognitive states, as well as a signature of several disease states in the nervous system. The cellular and circuit mechanics of neural correlations is a vibrant area of research. Synapses throughout the cortex exhibit a form of short-term depression where increased presynaptic firing rates deplete neurotransmitter vesicles, which transiently reduces synaptic efficacy. The release and recovery of these vesicles are inherently stochastic, and this stochasticity introduces variability into the conductance elicited by depressing synapses. The impact of spiking and subthreshold membrane dynamics on the transfer of neuronal correlations has been studied intensively, but an investigation of the impact of short-term synaptic depression and stochastic vesicle dynamics on correlation transfer is lacking. We find that short-term synaptic depression and stochastic vesicle dynamics can substantially reduce correlations, shape the timescale over which these correlations occur, and alter the dependence of spiking correlations on firing rate. Our results show that short-term depression and stochastic vesicle dynamics need to be taken into account when modeling correlations in neuronal populations.
Multisensory plasticity in adulthood: cross-modal experience enhances neuronal excitability and exposes silent inputs
Authors: Yu Liping , Rowland Benjamin A. , Xu Jinghong , Stein Barry E.
Published: November 2012

Multisensory superior colliculus neurons in cats were found to retain substantial plasticity to short-term, site-specific experience with cross-modal stimuli well into adulthood. Following cross-modal exposure trials, these neurons substantially increased their sensitivity to the cross-modal stimulus configuration as well as to its individual component stimuli. In many cases, the exposure experience also revealed a previously ineffective or “silent” input channel, rendering it overtly responsive. These experience-induced changes required relatively few exposure trials and could be retained for more than 1 h. However, their induction was generally restricted to experience with cross-modal stimuli. Only rarely were they induced by exposure to a modality-specific stimulus and were never induced by stimulating a previously ineffective input channel. This short-term plasticity likely provides substantial benefits to the organism in dealing with ongoing and sequential events that take place at a given location in space and may reflect the ability of multisensory superior colliculus neurons to rapidly alter their response properties to accommodate to changes in environmental challenges and event probabilities.
Anomalous Propagation in Low Index Contrast Metamaterials: Assessment of the Beam Collimation Condition
Authors: Tan Jun , Song Weiwei , Jiang Wei
Published: November 2012

Anomalous beam propagation in low index-contrast metamaterials has been analyzed. The condition for a well-collimated beam is found to be depending on the beam width and the pertinent Fourier component of the dielectric function. Guided by this condition, an ultra-compact metamaterial structure is designed to deflect a light beam at a wide angle. The structure is tolerant to structural parameter deviation and has a wide bandwidth.
Prevalence of Chest Pain, Depression, Somatization, Anxiety, Global Distress, and Substance Use among Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Patients
Authors: Serber Eva R. , Edwards-Hampton Shenelle A. , Yeager Brooke , Clair Mark , Taylor Marian , Galloway Sarah K. , Balliet Wendy E. , Madan Alok , Borckardt Jeffrey J.
Published: November 2012

Psychosocial factors of cardiovascular disease receive a preponderance of attention. Little attention is paid to psychosocial factors of pulmonary disease. This paper sought to describe psychosocial characteristics and to identify differences between cardiac and pulmonary patients entering a phase II rehabilitation program. Parametric and nonparametric analyses were conducted to examine scores on the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18) and the CAGE-D, administered at entry as standard clinical care. Participants were 163 cardiac and 63 pulmonary patients. Scores on the BSI-18 “chest pain” item indicated that more cardiac patients report chest pain than pulmonary patients. Among all subjects, chest pain ratings were positively related to anxiety, depression, and global distress. There were equivocal proportions of anxiety and somatization in patient groups. Pulmonary patients were more likely to endorse clinically significant levels of depression and global psychological distress than cardiac patients. Cardiac patients were significantly more likely to screen positively on the CAGE-D than pulmonary patients. Findings show a relationship between symptoms of chest pain and psychological distress. Despite equivalent proportions of anxiety and somatization between groups, a greater proportion of pulmonary patients reported symptoms of depression and global psychological distress, while more cardiac patients reported chest pain. Further research is needed to examine this paradigm.
BANA-Positive Plaque Samples Are Associated with Oral Hygiene Practices and Not CD4+ T Cell Counts in HIV-Positive Patients
Authors: John Cathy Nisha , Xavier Graham Stephen Lawrence , Wilma Joyce Africa Charlene
Published: November 2012

Background. The “red complex” microorganisms, namely,Porphyromonas gingivalis,Treponema denticola, andTannerella forsythiaare considered as potential pathogens causing HIV-associated periodontal diseases. Moreover, it has been recognized that an association exists between CD4+ T cell counts and periodontal disease progression.Objective. To establish whether CD4+ T cell counts or oral hygiene plays a greater role in producing BANA-positive results in HIV-associated periodontal disease.Materials and Methods. One hundred and twenty HIV-positive patients participated in the study, and their CD4+ T cell counts were obtained from their medical records. The six Ramfjord teeth were used for evaluating periodontal clinical indices and subgingival plaque sampling. BANA test was used for the detection and prevalence of the “red complex” bacteria in plaque samples.Results. A majority of 69.17% HIV-positive patients were BANA-positive. No significant associations were found between BANA and CD4+ T cell counts. A highly significant association was found between BANA with probing depth and clinical attachment level (P≤0.0001) and between BANA and the use of interdental aids (P=0.0168).Conclusion. HIV-associated periodontal diseases are strongly related to oral hygiene practices rather than the effect of CD4+ T cell counts, and the use of interdental aids was marked as a significant predictor of BANA-negative plaque samples.
Some Generalizations of Jungck's Fixed Point Theorem
Authors: Morales J. R. , Rojas E. M.
Published: November 2012

We are going to generalize the Jungck's fixed point theorem for commuting mappings by mean of the concepts of altering distance functions and compatible pair of mappings, as well as, by using contractive inequalities of integral type and contractive inequalities depending on another function.
Robust Synchronization of Delayed Chaotic FitzHugh-Nagumo Neurons under External Electrical Stimulation
Authors: Rehan Muhammad , Hong Keum-Shik
Published: November 2012

Synchronization of chaotic neurons under external electrical stimulation (EES) is studied in order to understand information processing in the brain and to improve the methodologies employed in the treatment of cognitive diseases. This paper investigates the dynamics of uncertain coupled chaotic delayed FitzHugh-Nagumo (FHN) neurons under EES for incorporated parametric variations. A global nonlinear control law for synchronization of delayed neurons with known parameters is developed. Based on local and global Lipschitz conditions, knowledge of the bounds on the neuronal states, the Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional, and theL2gain reduction, a less conservative local robust nonlinear control law is formulated to address the problem of robust asymptotic synchronization of delayed FHN neurons under parametric uncertainties. The proposed local control law guarantees both robust stability and robust performance and provides theL2bound for uncertainty rejection in the synchronization error dynamics. Separate conditions for single-input and multiple-input control schemes for synchronization of a wide class of FHN systems are provided. The results of the proposed techniques are verified through numerical simulations.
Increases in Doublecortin Immunoreactivity in the Dentate Gyrus following Extinction of Heroin-Seeking Behavior
Authors: Hicks Megan P. , Wischerath Kelly C. , Lacrosse Amber L. , Olive M. Foster
Published: November 2012

Adult-generated neurons in the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus play a role in various forms of learning and memory. However, adult born neurons in the DG, while still at an immature stage, exhibit unique electrophysiological properties and are also functionally implicated in learning and memory processes. We investigated the effects of extinction of drug-seeking behavior on the formation of immature neurons in the DG as assessed by quantification of doublecortin (DCX) immunoreactivity. Rats were allowed to self-administer heroin (0.03 mg/kg/infusion) for 12 days and then subjected either to 10 days of extinction training or forced abstinence. We also examined extinction responding patterns following heroin self-administration in glial fibrillary acidic protein thymidine kinase (GFAP-tk) transgenic mice, which have been previously demonstrated to show reduced formation of immature and mature neurons in the DG following treatment with ganciclovir (GCV). We found that extinction training increased DCX immunoreactivity in the dorsal DG as compared with animals undergoing forced abstinence, and that GCV-treated GFAP-tk mice displayed impaired extinction learning as compared to saline-treated mice. Our results suggest that extinction of drug-seeking behavior increases the formation of immature neurons in the DG and that these neurons may play a functional role in extinction learning.
The Impact of Training Residents on the Outcome of Robotic-Assisted Sacrocolpopexy
Authors: Bedaiwy Mohamed A. , Abdelrahman Mohamed , Deter Stephanie , Farghaly Tarek , Shalaby Mahmoud M. , Frasure Heidi , Mahajan Sangeeta
Published: November 2012

Objective. To evaluate the surgical outcomes of robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy (RASCP) before and after the incorporation of hands-on training for urology and gynecology residents.Study Design. Forty-one patients underwent RASCP between December 2008 and March 2010 with one surgeon. RASCP was performed in the context of surgical repair of complex pelvic organ prolapse and/or stress urinary incontinence. The first 20 cases (group I) were performed exclusively by the attending surgeon. In the last 21 cases (group II), the urology resident performed a 50% or more of the RASCP while the gynecology resident performed the supracervical hysterectomy. The primary outcome measure was vaginal vault support at 24 weeks postoperatively based on pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q).Results. Mean ± SD operative time for the entire surgery including RASCP was282.3±51.3 min and median EBL was83.1±50.4 mL. Patient demographics and stage of disease did not differ between groups. Procedure time, PACU time, blood loss, and intraoperative complications were similar between groups. Follow-up POP-Q evaluations demonstrated significant correction of all points on vaginal examination for both groups (P<0.001).Conclusions. Incorporation of resident training during RASCP allows teaching of robotic surgery techniques in an effective manner without prolonging operative time or affecting the overall surgical outcome.
Pharmacokinetics and Relative Bioavailability of Flavonoids between Two Dosage Forms of Gegen-Qinlian-Tang in Rats
Authors: Yu Chung-Ping , Shia Chi-Sheng , Tsai Shang-Yuan , Hou Yu-Chi
Published: November 2012

Gegen-Qinlian-Tang (GQT), a popular Chinese medicine prescription, consists of Puerariae Radix, Scutellariae Radix, Coptidis Rhizoma, and Glycyrrhizae Radix. This study investigated the pharmacokinetics of GQT in rats and compared the bioavailability between two dosage forms, that is, traditional decoction (TD) and concentrated powder (CP). Rats were given TD and CP of GQT in a crossover design, and blood samples were withdrawn at predetermined time points. The quantitation methods of ten constituents in two dosage forms of GQT and in serum specimen using HPLC were developed and validated in this study. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using noncompartment model. The results showed that daidzein, baicalein, wogonin, berberine, palmatine, and coptisine were not found in the circulation, whereas the sulfates/glucuronides of daidzein, baicalein, and wogonin were the major forms after oral administration of GQT. Comparison between two dosage forms indicated that theAUC0–tof daidzein sulfates/glucuronides after administration of CP was significantly lower than that of TD by 28.9%, whereas the bioavailabilities of baicalin/baicalein and wogonoside/wogonin were comparable between two dosage forms. In conclusion, the major flavonoids of GQT were extensively metabolized into sulfates/glucuronides and present as the major molecules in the circulation. TD of GQT revealed higher bioavailability of daidzin/daidzein than CP.
Two Optimal Eighth‐Order Derivative‐Free Classes of Iterative Methods
Authors: Soleymani F. , Shateyi S.
Published: November 2012

Optimization problems defined by (objective) functions for which derivatives are unavailable or available at an expensive cost are emerging in computational science. Due to this, the main aim of this paper is to attain as high as possible of local convergence order by using fixed number of (functional) evaluations to find efficient solvers for one‐variable nonlinear equations, while the procedure to achieve this goal is totally free from derivative. To this end, we consider the fourth‐order uniparametric family of Kung and Traub to suggest and demonstrate two classes of three‐step derivative‐free methods using only four pieces of information per full iteration to reach the optimal order eight and the optimal efficiency index 1.682. Moreover, a large number of numerical tests are considered to confirm the applicability and efficiency of the produced methods from the new classes.
A Hybrid Model of Maximum Margin Clustering Method and Support Vector Regression for Noninvasive Electrocardiographic Imaging
Authors: Jiang Mingfeng , Liu Feng , Wang Yaming , Shou Guofa , Huang Wenqing , Zhang Huaxiong
Published: November 2012

Noninvasive electrocardiographic imaging, such as the reconstruction of myocardial transmembrane potentials (TMPs) distribution, can provide more detailed and complicated electrophysiological information than the body surface potentials (BSPs). However, the noninvasive reconstruction of the TMPs from BSPs is a typical inverse problem. In this study, this inverse ECG problem is treated as a regression problem with multi-inputs (BSPs) and multioutputs (TMPs), which will be solved by the Maximum Margin Clustering- (MMC-) Support Vector Regression (SVR) method. First, the MMC approach is adopted to cluster the training samples (a series of time instant BSPs), and the individual SVR model for each cluster is then constructed. For each testing sample, we find its matched cluster and then use the corresponding SVR model to reconstruct the TMPs. Using testing samples, it is found that the reconstructed TMPs results with the MMC-SVR method are more accurate than those of the single SVR method. In addition to the improved accuracy in solving the inverse ECG problem, the MMC-SVR method divides the training samples into clusters of small sample sizes, which can enhance the computation efficiency of training the SVR model.
Effects and Interaction of Icariin, Curculigoside, and Berberine in Er-Xian Decoction, a Traditional Chinese Medicinal Formula, on Osteoclastic Bone Resorption
Authors: Xue Liming , Jiao Lei , Wang Yin , Nie Yan , Han Ting , Jiang Yiping , Rahman Khalid , Zhang Qiaoyan , Qin Luping
Published: November 2012

Er-Xian decoction (EXD), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been reported to have a protective effect against bone loss in ovariectomized osteoporotic rats, and the inclusion of icariin (I), curculigoside (C), and berberine (B) in EXD displays inhibitory effects on osteoclastic bone resorption. In the present paper, we investigated the interaction and effects of I, C, B, and their combination on bone resorption activityin vitroon osteoclasts derived from rat bone marrow cells. ICB synergistically decreased the formation of bone resorption pits, the number of multinucleated osteoclasts, and the activity of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and showed antagonistic or additive effects on cathepsin K activity in the coculture system of osteoblasts and bone marrow cells in the presence of 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3and dexamethasone. The combination of ICB also enhanced the inhibitory effects on the formation of F-actin ring, a cytoskeleton structure of osteoclasts induced from bone marrow cells with macrophage colony stimulation factor (M-CSF) and receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL). In addition, ICB synergistically improved the ratio of protein expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and RANKL in osteoblasts and interfered with the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) pathway in osteoclast. These results clearly show that I, C, B, and their combination in EXD exert effects of mutual reinforcement. However, IBC does not show an intensified adverse effect in the ovariectomized murine model, as revealed by change in body and uterine weight, confirming the safety of EXD. These observations are in agreement with the rationality of the formula used in this paper.
Determination of Best Criteria to Determine Final and Initial Speeds within Ramp Exercise Testing Protocols
Authors: da Silva Sidney C. , Monteiro Walace D. , Cunha Felipe A. , Myers Jonathan , Farinatti Paulo T. V.
Published: November 2012

This study compared strategies to define final and initial speeds for designing ramp protocols.VO2max was directly assessed in 117 subjects (29±8 yrs) and estimated by three nonexercise models: (1) Veterans Specific Activity Questionnaire (VSAQ); (2) Rating of Perceived Capacity (RPC); (3) Questionnaire of Cardiorespiratory Fitness (CRF). Thirty seven subjects (30±9 yrs) performed three additional tests with initial speeds corresponding to 50% of estimatedVO2max and 50% and 60% of measuredVO2max . Significant differences(P<0.001)were found betweenVO2max measured (41.5±6.6 mL·kg−1·min−1) and estimated by VSAQ (36.6±6.6 mL·kg−1·min−1) and CRF (45.0±5.3 mL·kg−1·min−1), but not RPC (41.3±6.2 mL·kg−1·min−1). The CRF had the highest ICC, the lowest SEE, and better limits of agreement withVO2max compared to the other instruments. Initial speeds from 50%–60%VO2max estimated by CRF or measured produced similarVO2max (40.7±5.9;40.0±5.6;40.3±5.5 mL·kg−1·min−1resp.,P=0.14). The closest relationship to identity line was found in tests beginning at 50%VO2max estimated by CRF. In conclusion, CRF was the best option to estimateVO2max and therefore to define the final speed for ramp protocols. The measuredVO2max was independent of initial speeds, but speeds higher than 50%VO2max produced poorer submaximal relationships between workload andVO2.
Protocols in Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment: Systematic Review
Authors: de Ladeira Pedro Ribeiro Soares , Alonso Nivaldo
Published: November 2012

Objectives. To find clinical decisions on cleft treatment based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs).Method. Searches were made in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library on cleft lip and/or palate. From the 170 articles found in the searches, 28 were considered adequate to guide clinical practice.Results. A scarce number of RCTs were found approaching cleft treatment. The experimental clinical approaches analyzed in the 28 articles were infant orthopedics, rectal acetaminophen, palatal block with bupivacaine, infraorbital nerve block with bupivacaine, osteogenesis distraction, intravenous dexamethasone sodium phosphate, and alveoloplasty with bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2).Conclusions. Few randomized controlled trials were found approaching cleft treatment, and fewer related to surgical repair of this deformity. So there is a need for more multicenter collaborations, mainly on surgical area, to reduce the variety of treatment modalities and to ensure that the cleft patient receives an evidence-based clinical practice.
Bilateral Pleural Effusions as an Initial Presentation in Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: Makimoto Go , Asano Michiko , Fujimoto Nobukazu , Fuchimoto Yasuko , Ono Katsuichiro , Ozaki Shinji , Taguchi Koji , Kishimoto Takumi
Published: November 2012

Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by sicca symptoms. Interstitial pulmonary fibrosis and tracheobronchial sicca are the most common symptoms of pulmonary involvement in primary SjS, and they are rarely accompanied by serositis such as pleuritis or pericarditis. We report a case of SS presenting initially with bilateral pleural effusions. A 63-year old man was admitted to our hospital with a one-month history of cough, dyspnea, and right chest pain. Chest-computed tomography revealed bilateral pleural effusions. Serum anti-SS-A antibody titer was 1 : 256. Ophthalmological examination revealed a positive Schirmer test. Lip biopsy showed atrophy and plasmacytic infiltration of the salivary gland. Corticosteroid treatment was initiated. Pleural effusions were almost completely resolved by day 30. The patient has not experienced any recurrence.
Magnetic Forces Investigation of Bulk HTS over Permanent Magnetic Guideway under Different Lateral Offset with 3D-Model Numerical Method
Authors: Lu Yiyun , Dang Qiaohong
Published: November 2012

Magnetic forces of a cylinder shape bulk high-temperature superconductor (HTS) over a permanent magnet guideway (PMG) are studied mathematically. One cylindrical bulk HTS with a diameter of 30 mm and 15 mm in height is used. Two types of PMG are employed for external magnetic fields consideration. The relationship of magnetic forces of bulk HTS under different lateral offsets over PMG is studied with 3D-model finite element method (FEM). The calculation results show that the maximum magnetic levitation force of bulk HTS over PMG is tightly related to the applied magnetic field distribution. For the symmetrical PMG, the maximum magnetic levitation force decreases linearly with the increase of lateral offset of the bulk sample. For the Halbach PMG, when lateral offset changes from 0 mm to 25 mm, the maximum magnetic levitation force increases with the increase of lateral offset of the bulk HTS. When the lateral offset exceeds the center of the Halbach by 25 mm, the maximum levitation force decreases rapidly with the increase of the lateral offset of the bulk sample.
Linear Program Relaxation of Sparse Nonnegative Recovery in Compressive Sensing Microarrays
Authors: Qin Linxia , Xiu Naihua , Kong Lingchen , Li Yu
Published: November 2012

Compressive sensing microarrays (CSM) are DNA-based sensors that operate using group testing and compressive sensing principles. Mathematically, one can cast the CSM as sparse nonnegative recovery (SNR) which is to find the sparsest solutions subjected to an underdetermined system of linear equations and nonnegative restriction. In this paper, we discuss thel1relaxation of the SNR. By defining nonnegative restricted isometry/orthogonality constants, we give a nonnegative restricted property condition which guarantees that the SNR and thel1relaxation share the common unique solution. Besides, we show that any solution to the SNR must be one of the extreme points of the underlying feasible set.
Use of Plant Resources byMerosargus(Diptera, Stratiomyidae, Sarginae) Larvae
Authors: Fontenelle Julio C. R. , Viana-Silva Flávia E. C. , Martins Rogério P.
Published: November 2012

The genusMerosargus(Loew) has 142 described species. This great diversity in the genus could be explained by larvae resource-use specialization. However, information on larval habitats is still very scarce. InMerosargusspecies, adult males defend oviposition sites, and this territorial behavior may lead to interspecific competition and make even more important the specialization and niche partitioning to prevent competitive exclusion. This study identified substrate types used as a resource byMerosarguslarvae and investigated the degree of specialization and overlap in resource use by different species at an Atlantic forest remnant in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Every potential resource, especially those with adults in the vicinity, was collected opportunistically from October 2001 to October 2004. In total, 292 individuals from 12Merosargusspecies collected from 21 resource types and 15 plant species were reared in the laboratory. Plant species included herbs, vines, palms, and trees. SixMerosargusspecies were reared from only one resource type, and each resource type was used, on average, by less than twoMerosargusspecies. Thus,Merosargusspecies exhibited a high degree of specialization and small overlap in larval resource selection, which could explain the high local and global diversity of the genus.
To Treat or Not to Treat: The Role of Adjuvant Radioiodine Therapy in Thyroid Cancer Patients
Authors: Carballo Marilee , Quiros Roderick M.
Published: November 2012

Radioactive iodine (RAI) is used in treatment of patients with differentiated papillary and follicular thyroid cancer. It is typically used after thyroidectomy, both as a means of imaging to detect residual thyroid tissue or metastatic disease, as well as a means of treatment by ablation if such tissue is found. In this paper, we discuss the indications for and the mechanisms of RAI in the treatment of patients with thyroid cancer. We discuss the attendant risks and benefits that come with its use, as well as techniques used to optimize its effectiveness as an imaging tool and a therapeutic modality.
Raman Spectroscopy of DLC/a‐Si Bilayer Film Prepared by Pulsed Filtered Cathodic Arc
Authors: Srisang C. , Asanithi P. , Siangchaew K. , Limsuwan S. , Pokaipisit A. , Limsuwan P.
Published: November 2012

DLC/a‐Si bilayer film was deposited on germanium substrate. The a‐Si layer, a seed layer, was firstly deposited on the substrate using DC magnetron sputtering and DLC layer was then deposited on the a‐Si layer using pulsed filtered cathodic arc method. The bilayer films were deposited with different DLC/a‐Si thickness ratios, including 2/2, 2/6, 4/4, 6/2, and 9/6. The effect of DLC/a‐Si thickness ratios on the sp3 content of DLC was analyzed by Raman spectroscopy. The results show that a‐Si layer has no effect on the structure of DLC film. Furthermore, the upper shift in G wavenumber and the decrease in ID/IG inform that sp3 content of the film is directly proportional to DLC thickness. The plot modified from the three‐stage model informed that the structural characteristics of DLC/a‐Si bilayer films are located close to the tetrahedral amorphous carbon. This information may be important for analyzing and developing bilayer protective films for future hard disk drive.
Optimal Design of a Centrifugal Compressor Impeller Using Evolutionary Algorithms
Authors: Cho Soo-Yong , Ahn Kook-Young , Lee Young-Duk , Kim Young-Cheol
Published: November 2012

An optimization study was conducted on a centrifugal compressor. Eight design variables were chosen from the control points for the Bezier curves which widely influenced the geometric variation; four design variables were selected to optimize the flow passage between the hub and the shroud, and other four design variables were used to improve the performance of the impeller blade. As an optimization algorithm, an artificial neural network (ANN) was adopted. Initially, the design of experiments was applied to set up the initial data space of the ANN, which was improved during the optimization process using a genetic algorithm. If a result of the ANN reached a higher level, that result was re‐calculated by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and was applied to develop a new ANN. The prediction difference between the ANN and CFD was consequently less than 1% after the 6th generation. Using this optimization technique, the computational time for the optimization was greatly reduced and the accuracy of the optimization algorithm was increased. The efficiency was improved by 1.4% without losing the pressure ratio, and Pareto‐optimal solutions of the efficiency versus the pressure ratio were obtained through the 21st generation.
Genetics and Management of the Patient with Orofacial Cleft
Authors: Brito Luciano Abreu , Meira Joanna Goes Castro , Kobayashi Gerson Shigeru , Passos-Bueno Maria Rita
Published: November 2012

Cleft lip or palate (CL/P) is a common facial defect present in 1 : 700 live births and results in substantial burden to patients. There are more than 500 CL/P syndromes described, the causes of which may be single-gene mutations, chromosomopathies, and exposure to teratogens. Part of the most prevalent syndromic CL/P has known etiology. Nonsyndromic CL/P, on the other hand, is a complex disorder, whose etiology is still poorly understood. Recent genome-wide association studies have contributed to the elucidation of the genetic causes, by raising reproducible susceptibility genetic variants; their etiopathogenic roles, however, are difficult to predict, as in the case of the chromosomal region 8q24, the most corroborated locus predisposing to nonsyndromic CL/P. Knowing the genetic causes of CL/P will directly impact the genetic counseling, by estimating precise recurrence risks, and the patient management, since the patient, followup may be partially influenced by their genetic background. This paper focuses on the genetic causes of important syndromic CL/P forms (van der Woude syndrome, 22q11 deletion syndrome, and Robin sequence-associated syndromes) and depicts the recent findings in nonsyndromic CL/P research, addressing issues in the conduct of the geneticist.
Contrast-Enhanced Harmonic Endoscopic Ultrasonography in Pancreatic Diseases
Authors: Xu Can , Li Zhaoshen , Wallace Michael
Published: November 2012

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is the most sensitive imaging method for diagnosis of pancreatic tumors. However, it still has limits in the differentiation between pancreatic cancers and inflammatory tumor-like masses. A novel technology, contrast-enhanced harmonic EUS (CH-EUS), has been developed recently. It can visualize both parenchymal perfusion and microvasculature in pancreas without Doppler-related artifacts. Therefore, it is superior to EUS and CT in detecting small pancreatic masses and differential diagnosis of pancreatic masses. CH-EUS could be used for adequate sampling of pancreatic tumors and may predict the pathological features of the pancreatic solid lesions but still cannot replace EUS-FNA now.
Dissecting Pseudoaneurysm of the Proper Hepatic Artery Repaired by Primary Anastomosis: A Case Report
Authors: Razik Roshan , Fallah Aria , Sandroussi Charbel , Wei Alice C. , McGilvray Ian D.
Published: November 2012

Background. Although rare, visceral artery pseudoaneurysms often present as surgical emergencies with a specific mortality rate as high as 35% related to aneurysmal rupture. Risk factors for the development of iatrogenic pseudoaneurysms include anticoagulation, female gender, obesity, and vessel calcification.Case Report. We present a case of an elderly female who developed a dissecting pseudoaneurysm of the proper hepatic artery after undergoing routine surgery to resect a large duodenal adenoma. Surgical repair comprised of resection and primary anastomosis was employed resulting in a favourable outcome.Discussion/Conclusion. Surgical management reduces the risk of hepatic ischemia, biliary complications, and abscess formation. Although stenting, coil embolization, and thrombin injection are all plausible options for management, we propose that surgical reconstruction be considered seriously as a treatment for such spontaneous pseudoaneurysms.
Fibronectin Binding Is Required for Acquisition of Mesenchymal/Endothelial Differentiation Potential in Human Circulating Monocytes
Authors: Seta Noriyuki , Okazaki Yuka , Izumi Keisuke , Miyazaki Hiroshi , Kato Takashi , Kuwana Masataka
Published: November 2012

We previously reported monocyte-derived multipotential cells (MOMCs), which include progenitors capable of differentiating into a variety of mesenchymal cells and endothelial cells.In vitrogeneration of MOMCs from circulating CD14+monocytes requires their binding to extracellular matrix (ECM) protein and exposure to soluble factor(s) derived from circulating CD14-cells. Here, we investigated the molecular factors involved in MOMC generation by examining the binding of monocytes to ECM proteins. We found that MOMCs were obtained on the fibronectin, but not on type I collagen, laminin, or poly-L-lysine. MOMC generation was followed by changes in the expression profiles of transcription factors and was completely inhibited by either anti-α5integrin antibody or a synthetic peptide that competed with the RGD domain for theβ1-integrin binding site. These results indicate that acquisition of the multidifferentiation potential by circulating monocytes depends on their binding to the RGD domain of fibronectin via cell-surfaceα5β1integrin.
Trypanosoma cruziSSP4 Amastigote Protein Induces Expression of Immunoregulatory and Immunosuppressive Molecules in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Morán-Utrera Yadira , López-Monteon Aracely , Rosales-Encina José Luis , Méndez-Bolaina Enrique , Ramos-Ligonio Angel
Published: November 2012

The acute phase of Chagas' disease in mice and human is marked by states of immunosuppression, in whichTrypanosoma cruzireplicates extensively and releases immunomodulatory molecules that delay parasite-specific responses mediated by effector T cells. This mechanism of evasion allows the parasite to spread in the host. Parasite molecules that regulate the host immune response during Chagas’ disease have not been fully identified, particularly proteins of the amastigote stage. In this work, we evaluated the role of the GPI anchored SSP4 protein ofT. cruzias an immunomodulatory molecule in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). rMBP::SSP4 protein was able to stimulate nitric oxide (NO) production. Likewise, rMBP::SSP4 induced the expression of genes and production of molecules involved in the inflammatory process, such as, cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules (CAMs) as determined by RT-PCR and ELISA. These results suggest that the amastigote SSP4 molecule could play a key role in the immunoregulatory and/or immunosuppressive process observed in the acute phase of infection withT. cruzi.
Toxoplasma gondiiMyocarditis after Adult Heart Transplantation: Successful Prophylaxis with Pyrimethamine
Authors: Strabelli Tania Mara V. , Siciliano Rinaldo Focaccia , Vidal Campos Silvia , Bianchi Castelli Jussara , Bacal Fernando , Bocchi Edimar A. , Uip David E.
Published: November 2012

Toxoplasma gondiiprimary infection/reactivation after solid organ transplantation is a serious complication, due to the high mortality rate following disseminated disease. We performed a retrospective study of all cases ofT. gondiiinfections in 436 adult patients who had received an orthotopic cardiac transplant at our Institution from May 1968 to January 2011. Six patients (1.3%) developedT. gondiiinfection/reactivation in the post-operative period. All infections/reactivations occurred before 1996, when no standardized toxoplasmosis prophylactic regimen or co-trimoxazole prophylaxis was used. Starting with the 112th heart transplant, oral pyrimethamine 75 mg/day was used for seronegative transplant recipients whose donors were seropositive or unknown. Two patients (33.3%) presented with disseminated toxoplasmosis infection, and all patients (100%) had myocarditis. Five patients (83.3%) were seronegative before transplant and one patient did not have pre-transplant serology available. Median time for infection onset was 131 days following transplantation. Three patients (50%) died due to toxoplasmosis infection. After 1996, we did not observe any additional cases ofT. gondiiinfection/reactivation. In conclusion, toxoplasmosis in heart allographs was more frequent among seronegative heart recipients, and oral pyrimethamine was highly effective for the prevention ofT. gondiiinfection in this population.
Closed‐Form Solutions for a Nonlinear Partial Differential Equation Arising in the Study of a Fourth Grade Fluid Model
Authors: Aziz Taha , Mahomed F. M.
Published: November 2012

The unsteady unidirectional flow of an incompressible fourth grade fluid bounded by a suddenly moved rigid plate is studied. The governing nonlinear higher order partial differential equation for this flow in a semiinfinite domain is modelled. Translational symmetries in variables t and y are employed to construct two different classes of closed‐form travelling wave solutions of the model equation. A conditional symmetry solution of the model equation is also obtained. The physical behavior and the properties of various interesting flow parameters on the structure of the velocity are presented and discussed. In particular, the significance of the rheological effects are mentioned.
Reversed‐Phase Liquid Chromatographic Separation and Determination of Ni(II), Cu(II), Pd(II), and Ag(I) Using 2‐Pyrrolecarboxaldehyde‐4‐phenylsemicarbazone as a Complexing Reagent
Authors: Mallah Arfana , Solangi Amber R. , Memon Najma , Memon Rabia A. , Khuhawar Muhammad Y.
Published: November 2012

This paper reports the utilization of 2‐pyrrolecarboxaldehyde‐4‐phenylsemicarbazone (PPS) as a complexing reagent for the simultaneous determination and separation of Ni(II), Cu(II), Pd(II), and Ag(I) by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography with UV detector. A good separation was achieved using Microsorb C18 column (150 × 4.6 mm i.d.) with a mobile phase consisted of methanol : acetonitrile : water : sodium acetate (1 mM) (68 : 6.5 : 25 : 0.5 v/v/v/v) at a flow rate of 1 mL/min. The detection was performed at 280 nm. The linear calibration range was 2–10 μg/mL for all metal ions. The detection limits (S/N = 3) were 80 pg/mL for Ni(II), 0.8 ng/mL for Cu(II), 0.16 ng/mL for Pd(II), and 0.8 ng/mL for Ag(I). The applicability and the accuracy of the developed method were estimated by the analysis of Ni(II) in hydrogenated oil (ghee) samples and Pd(II) in palladium charcoal.
The Kinetics of Joined Action of Triplet-Triplet Annihilation and First-Order Decay of Molecules in T1State in the Case of Nondominant First-Order Process: The Kinetic Model in the Case of Spatially Periodic Excitation
Authors: Borowicz Paweł , Nickel Bernhard
Published: November 2012

In this paper the model developed for estimation of the diffusion coefficient of the molecules in the triplet state is presented. The model is based on the intuitive modification of the Smoluchowski equation for the time-dependent rate parameter. Since the sample is irradiated with the spatially periodic pattern nonexponential effects can be expected in the areas of the constructive interference of the exciting laser beams. This nonexponential effects introduce changes in the observed kinetics of the diffusion-controlled triplet-triplet annihilation. Due to irradiation with so-called long excitation pulse these non-exponential effects are very weak, so they can be described with introducing very simple correction to the kinetic model described in the first paper of this series. The values of diffusion coefficient of anthracene are used to calculate the annihilation radius from the data for spatially homogeneous excitation.
Remediation of Chlorpyrifos‐Contaminated Soils by Laboratory‐Synthesized Zero‐Valent Nano Iron Particles: Effect of pH and Aluminium Salts
Authors: Reddy A. Vijaya Bhaskar , Madhavi V. , Reddy K. Gangadhara , Madhavi G.
Published: November 2012

Degradation of the insecticide chlorpyrifos in contaminated soils was investigated using laboratory synthesized zero‐valent nano iron (ZVNI) particles. The synthesized ZVNI particles were characterized as nanoscale sized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The zero‐valent state (Fe0) of iron was confirmed by EDAX analysis and the morphology of the ZVNI particles was studied by XRD. Batch experiments were conducted by treating the chlorpyrifos contaminated soil with ZVNI, our results indicate that 90% of chlorpyrifos was degraded after 10 days of incubation. Only 32% degradation was observed with micro zero‐valent iron (mZVI) and no considerable degradation was attained without ZVNI. The degradation of chlorpyrifos followed the first‐order kinetics with a rate constant and a half‐life of 0.245 day−1 and 2.82 days, respectively. Degradation was monitored at two different pH values, that is, pH 10 and pH 4. Chlorpyrifos degradation rate constant increased as the pH decreases from 10 to 4. The corresponding rate constant and half‐lives were 0.43 day−1 and 1.57days for pH 4, 0.18 day−1 and 3.65 days for pH 10. In addition, an attempt was made by augmenting Al2(SO4)3 with ZVNI and it was found that the degradation rate of chlorpyrifos was greatly enhanced and the rate constant was rapidly increased from 0.245 day−1 to 0.60 day−1. Hydrolysis and stepwise dechlorination pathway of chlorpyrifos with ZVNI was the dominant reaction.
Ultrasound Promoted Green and Facile One‐Pot Multicomponent Synthesis of 3,4‐dihydropyrano[c]chromene Derivatives
Authors: Nagalapalli Ravikumar , Jaggavarapu Satyanarayana Reddy , Jalli Venkata Prasad , Kamalakaran Anand Solomon , Gaddamanugu Gopikrishna
Published: November 2012

Ultrasound promoted mild one‐pot multicomponent synthesis of 3,4‐dihydropyrano[c]chromenes from 4‐hydroxycoumarin, arylaldehydes and malononitrile was achieved in aqueous media. The methodology promises advantages of short reaction times, environmentally benign conditions, high yields, and operational convenience.
Synthesis and Characterization of Nonsymmetric Liquid Crystal Dimer Containing Biphenyl and Azobenzene Moiety
Authors: Subala S. Sandy , Sundar B. Syama , Sastry S. Sreehari
Published: November 2012

Calamitic liquid crystalline dimer containing azobenzene moiety and a decyloxy biphenyl linked by flexible spacers {4‐[7‐(4′‐decyloxy‐biphenyl‐4‐yloxy)‐alkyloxy]‐phenyl}‐(4‐decyl‐phenyl)‐diazene has been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic methods. The transition temperatures and phase behaviours were studied by Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) and Polarizing Optical Microscope (POM). The synthesized compounds exhibited enantiotropic liquid crystal phase with higher spacer display nematic and smectic C phases while lower spacer shows nematic and smectic A phases.
Preconcentration of Copper Using 1,5‐Diphenyl Carbazide as the Complexing Agent via Dispersive Liquid‐Liquid Microextraction and Determination by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry
Authors: Rahnama Reyhaneh , Shafiei Elaheh , Jamali Mohammad Reza
Published: November 2012

We report a simple and sensitive microextraction system for the preconcentration and determination of Cu (II) by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Dispersive liquid‐liquid microextraction is a modified solvent extraction method and its acceptor‐to‐donor phase ratio is greatly reduced compared with other methods. In the proposed approach, 1,5‐diphenyl carbazide (DPC) was used as a copper ion selective complexing agent. Several variables such as the extraction and dispersive solvent type and volume, pH of sample solution, DPC concentration, extraction time, and ionic strength were studied and optimized for a quantitative preconcentration and determination of copper (II) and at the optimized conditions: 60 μL, 0.5 mL, and 5 mL of extraction solvent (chloroform), disperser solvent (ethanol), and sample volume, respectively, a linear calibration graph was obtained over the concentration range of 10–200 μg L−1 for Cu (II) with R2 = 0.9966. The limit of detection (3Sb/m), and preconcentration factor are 2 μg L−1 and 25, respectively. The relative standard deviation (n = 10) at 100 μg L−1 of Cu (II) is 2.5%. The applicability of the developed technique was evaluated by application to spiked environmental water samples.
Economics and Elections Revisited
Authors: Nadeau Richard , Lewis-Beck Michael S. , Bélanger Éric
Published: November 2012

The economics and elections connection has been heavily investigated, although mostly through single-country studies. The first comparative, survey-based research on economic voting, by Lewis–Beck, found serious effects. Subsequently, other comparative scholars have explored this terrain. The most recent, and most ambitious, examinations are by Duch and Stevenson and by van der Brug et al. These impressive efforts arrive at opposing conclusions about the importance of economic voting. We carry out another major examination, with an eye to reconciling these differences. A carefully specified model of vote choice is estimated on a balanced survey pool ( N > 40,000) from 10 Western European nations. Special pains are taken with issues of economic measurement, estimation, and endogeneity. The finding is that economic perceptions are formed from economic reality, and importantly influence vote choice. Besides enhancing our understanding of comparative political behavior, the strong result speaks to the functioning of government accountability in advanced democracies.