bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Characterization of RuSr2R1.6Ce0.4Cu2O10 (R = Gd, Eu, and Sm) Magnetosuperconductors
Authors: Mohan Rajneesh , Kaur Nupinderjeet , Gaur N. K.
Published: July 2013

The discovery of the coexistence of superconductivity and weak ferromagnetism in ruthenocuprates like (Ru, R-1222; R = Eu, Gd) and RuSr2GdCu2O8 (Ru-1212) has created a tremendous interest both experimentally as well as theoretically. Here, we have prepared polycrystalline samples of RuSr2R1.4Ce0.6Cu2O10 (R = Gd, Eu, and Sm) by the standard solid state reaction method. These samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, dc resistivity, and squid measurements. All the prepared samples were single phase without any trace of impurity. From the low-temperature resistivity measurement, the samples of (R = Eu and Gd) were found to be superconducting, while the samples of RuSr2Sm1.6Ce0.4Cu2O10 show semiconducting behavior. The magnetization (M) versus field (H) hysteresis at 5 K clearly shows the ferromagnetic behavior of the samples. The zero field cooled magnetization () and field cooled magnetization () diverge at 100 K.
Identification of Functional Regulatory Residues of theβ-Lactam Inducible Penicillin Binding Protein in Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Mbah Andreas N. , Isokpehi Raphael D.
Published: July 2013

Resistance to methicillin byStaphylococcus aureusis a persistent clinical problem worldwide. A mechanism for resistance has been proposed in which methicillin resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) isolates acquired a new protein calledβ-lactam inducible penicillin binding protein (PBP-2′). The PBP-2′ functions by substituting other penicillin binding proteins which have been inhibited byβ-lactam antibiotics. Presently, there is no structural and regulatory information on PBP-2′ protein. We conducted a complete structural and functional regulatory analysis of PBP-2′ protein. Our analysis revealed that the PBP-2′ is very stable with more hydrophilic amino acids expressing antigenic sites. PBP-2′ has three striking regulatory points constituted by first penicillin binding site at Ser25, second penicillin binding site at Ser405, and finally a single metallic ligand binding site at Glu657 which binds toZn2+ions. This report highlights structural features of PBP-2′ that can serve as targets for developing new chemotherapeutic agents and conducting site direct mutagenesis experiments.
Particle Dispersion Behaviors of Dense Gas-Particle Flows in Bubble Fluidized Bed
Authors: Lv Sihao , Li Guohui , Liu Xue
Published: July 2013

An Euler-Euler two-fluid model incorporating a developed momentum transfer empirical coefficient is developed to study the particle dispersion behaviors of dense gas-particle flows in gas-fluidization reactor. In this model, the four-way couplings among gas-particles, particle-gas, and particle-particle collisions are fully considered based on kinetic theory of granular flows and an improved smooth continuous drag coefficient is utilized. Gas turbulent flow is solved by large eddy simulation. The particle fraction, the time-averaged axial particle velocity, the histogram of particle fluctuation velocity, and the wavelet analysis of pressure signals are obtained. The results are in good agreement with experimental measurements. The mean value and the variance of axial particle velocity are greater than those of radial particle velocities. Particle collision frequencies at bubble vibrant movement regions along axial direction are much higher than those of radial direction and attenuated along height increase. Low-frequency component of pressure signal indicating the bubble movement behaviors in the center of reactor is stronger than wall regions. Furthermore, the negative values represent the passed bubble and positive peak values disclose the continuous motion of single bubble.
Studies on AC Electrical Conductivity of CdCl2Doped PVA Polymer Electrolyte
Authors: Nanda Prakash M. B. , Manjunath A. , Somashekar R.
Published: July 2013

PVA-based polymer electrolytes were prepared with various concentrations of CdCl2using solvent casting method. Prepared polymer films were investigated using line profile analysis employing X-ray diffraction (XRD) data. XRD results show that the crystallite size decreases and then increases with increase in CdCl2. AC conductivity in these polymer increases films first and then decreases. These observations are in agreement with XRD results. The highest ionic conductivity of 1.68E− 08 Scm−1was observed in 4% of CdCl2in PVA polymer blend. Crystallite ellipsoids for different concentrations of CdCl2are computed here using whole pattern powder fitting (WPPF) indicating that crystallite area decreases with increase in the ionic conductivity.
Effects of Deqi on Autonomic Balance in Adult Tinnitus Patients: Study Design of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Li Qian-Qian , Shi Guang-Xia , Fu Xin-Xing , Han Li-Li , Liu Li-Ying , Liu Cun-Zhi , Wang Lin-Peng , Hou Na
Published: July 2013

Background. Recent reports suggest that a proportion of tinnitus patients suffer from mental illness. Autonomic nervous system plays a useful role in tinnitus therapy since electrical vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) has been frequently used to alleviate tinnitus-induced depression in clinic. heart rate variability (HRV), which is reflective of autonomic nervous system function, has been proved to be modulated by acupuncture. In the present study, we aim to compare the effect of deqi sensation on heart rate variability in adult tinnitus patients.Methods. Thirty participants are randomly assigned to verum acupuncture (creating deqi) or shallow acupuncture (not creating deqi) at Baihui (Du-20), Shenting (Du-24), Tinghui (GB-2), Waiguan (SJ-5), and Zulinqi (GB-41) for 3 weeks. The primary outcome measure is heart rate variability, which is measured at the first acupuncture, as well as the last acupuncture.Discussion. Completion of this trial will help to identify the role of deqi sensation in acupuncture effect for tinnitus and reveal an autonomic modulation mechanism for acupuncture effect.Trial Registration. This trial is registered with International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial NumberISRCTN58013563.
Coronary-Subclavian Steal Syndrome: Percutaneous Approach
Authors: Machado Carina , Raposo Luís , Leal Sílvio , Gonçalves Pedro Araújo , Mesquita Gabriel Henrique , Teles Rui Campante , Almeida Manuel Sousa , Mendes Miguel
Published: July 2013

Coronary subclavian steal syndrome is a rare ischemic cause in patients after myocardial revascularization surgery. Subclavian artery stenosis or compression proximal to the internal mammary artery graft is the underlying cause. The authors present a clinical case of a patient with previous history of non-ST elevation myocardial infarction, triple coronary bypass, and effort angina since the surgery, with a positive ischemic test. Coronary angiography revealed a significant stenosis of the left subclavian artery, proximal to the internal mammary graft.
Similarity Solution of Heat and Mass Transfer for Natural Convection over a Moving Vertical Plate with Internal Heat Generation and a Convective Boundary Condition in the Presence of Thermal Radiation, Viscous Dissipation, and Chemical Reaction
Authors: Ibrahim S. Mohammed , Bhashar Reddy N.
Published: July 2013

Steady laminar natural convection flow over a semi-infinite moving vertical plate with internal heat generation and convective surface boundary condition in the presence of thermal radiation, viscous dissipation, and chemical reaction is examined in this paper. In the analysis, we assumed that the left surface of the plate is in contact with a hot fluid while the cold fluid on the right surface of the plate contains a heat source that decays exponentially with the classical similarity variable. We utilized similarity variable to transform the governing nonlinear partial differential equations into a system of ordinary differential equations, which are solved numerically by applying shooting iteration technique along fourth-order Runge-Kutta method. The effects of the local Biot number, Prandtl number, buoyancy forces, the internal heat generation, the thermal radiation, Eckert number, viscous dissipation, and chemical reaction on the velocity, temperature, and concentration profiles are illustrated and interpreted in physical terms. A comparison with previously published results on the similar special cases showed an excellent agreement. Finally, numerical values of physical quantities, such as the local skin-friction coefficient, the local Nusselt number, and the local Sherwood number, are presented in tabular form.
Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of the Methanolic Stem Bark Extract ofNyctanthes arbor-tristisLinn.
Authors: Kakoti Bibhuti Bhusan , Pradhan Paresh , Borah Sudarshana , Mahato Kabita , Kumar Mritunjay
Published: July 2013

Stem bark ofNyctanthes arbor-tristisLinn. was extracted in methanol to evaluate their analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. The analgesic activity was determined on Wistar albino rats by hot plate method, tail flick assay, and tail immersion method using Morphine sulphate as standard drug at a dose of 5 mg/kg of body weight and the results were expressed as mean increase in latency after drug administration ± SEM. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by Carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema using diclofenac sodium as standard drug at a dose of 100 mg/kg of body weight and expressed in terms of mean increase in paw volume ± SEM. Stem bark extract was given at a dose of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of body weight. Both standard drugs and extract were administered orally to the animals. Control received distilled water orally. Results showed thatNyctanthes arbor-tristisLinn. had potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities.
Vitamin E-Induced Changes in Glutamate and GABA Metabolizing Enzymes of Chick Embryo Cerebrum
Authors: Pereira Ivy , Dessai Shanti N. , Pinto Annaliza
Published: July 2013

Vitamin E exists in eight different forms, four tocopherols and four tocotrienols. It forms an important component of our antioxidant system. The structure of Vitamin E makes it unique and indispensable in protecting cell membranes.α-tocopherol, one of the forms of Vitamin E, is also known to regulate signal transduction pathways by mechanisms that are independent of its antioxidant properties. Vitamin E compounds reduce the production of inflammatory compounds such as prostaglandins. Swollen, dystrophic axons are considered as the hallmark of Vitamin E deficiency in the brains of rats, monkeys, and humans. The present work aimed to study the Vitamin E- (α-tochopherol acetate-) induced alterations of enzymes involved in metabolism of Glutamate and GABA during developmental neurogenesis of cerebrum. Therefore, cytosolic and crude mitochondrial enzyme activities of glutamine synthetase, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, GABA transaminase, succinic Semialdehyde dehydrogenase, glutamic dehydrogenase, andα-Ketoglutarate dehydrogenase were analysed. Vitamin E induced significant changes in these enzymes thus altering the normal levels of glutamate and GABA during developmental neurogenesis. Such changes are surely to disturb the expression and/or intensity of neurotransmitter signaling during critical periods of brain development.
Effects of Excess Cu Addition on Photochromic Properties of AgCl-Urethane Resin Composite Films
Authors: Miyazaki Hidetoshi , Shimoguchi Hirochi , Nakayama Hiroki , Suzuki Hisao , Ota Toshitaka
Published: July 2013

AgCl-resin photochromic composite films were prepared using AgNO3, HCl-EtOH, CuCl2ethanol solutions, and a urethane resin as starting materials. The AgCl particle size in the composite films, which was confirmed via TEM observations, was 23–43 nm. The AgCl composite films showed photochromic properties: coloring induced by UV-vis irradiation and bleaching induced by cessation of UV-vis irradiation. The coloring and bleaching speed of the composite film increases with increasing CuCl2mixing ratio.
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in the Presence of Lumboperitoneal Shunt
Authors: Charalabopoulos Alexandros , Botha Abraham J.
Published: July 2013

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy remains the mainstay of treatment in patients with gallstone disease. Nowadays more than ever before, patients present with more comorbidities and entities that make the laparoscopic approach composite. One of these is the presence of lumboperitoneal (LP) shunts. Herein, we describe a case of successful laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a patient with an LP shunt and an occipital nerve stimulator in the anterior abdominal wall. We describe alterations in technique, aiming at surgeons that perform laparoscopic cholecystectomies with useful tips in order to successfully deliver the operation. A brief review of the literature in the current subject is also given.
On the Problem of Metal-Insulator Transitions in Vanadium Oxides
Authors: Pergament A. L. , Stefanovich G. B. , Kuldin N. A. , Velichko A. A.
Published: July 2013

The problem of metal-insulator transition is considered. It is shown that the Mott criterion aB(nc)1/3≈0.25 is applicable not only to heavily doped semiconductors but also to many other materials, including some transition-metal compounds, such as vanadium oxides (particularly, VO2 and V2O3). The low-temperature transition (“paramagnetic metal—antiferromagnetic insulator”) in vanadium sesquioxide is described on the basis of this concept in terms of an intervening phase, between metal and insulator states, with divergent dielectric constant and effective charge carrier mass. Recent communications concerning a possible “metal-insulator transition” in vanadium pentoxide are also discussed.
Ingestion of Leucine + Phenylalanine with Glucose Produces an Additive Effect on Serum Insulin but Less than Additive Effect on Plasma Glucose
Authors: Iverson Jennifer F. , Gannon Mary C. , Nuttall Frank Q.
Published: July 2013

Most individual amino acids stimulate insulin secretion and attenuate the plasma glucose response when ingested with glucose. We determined whether ingestion of two amino acids simultaneously with glucose would result in an additive effect on the glucose area response compared with ingestion of amino acids individually. Leucine and phenylalanine were chosen because they were two of the most potent glucose-lowering amino acids when given individually. Eight healthy subjects were studied on four separate days. Test meals were given at 0800. The first meal was a water control. Subjects then received 25 g glucose or leucine + phenylalanine (1 mmol/kg fat free body mass each) ±25 g glucose in random order. Glucose, insulin and glucagon were measured frequently for 2.5 hours thereafter. Net areas under the curves were calculated using the mean fasting value as baseline. The insulin response to leucine + phenylalanine was additive. In contrast, the decrease in glucose response to leucine + phenylalanine + glucose was less than additive compared to the individual amino acids ingested with glucose. Interestingly, the insulin response to the combination was largely due to the leucine component, whereas the glucose response was largely due to the phenylalanine component. Glucose was unchanged when leucine or phenylalanine, alone or in combination, was ingested without glucose. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01471509.
Evaluation ofIn VivoWound Healing Activity ofBacopa monnieraon Different Wound Model in Rats
Authors: Murthy S. , Gautam M. K. , Goel Shalini , Purohit V. , Sharma H. , Goel R. K.
Published: July 2013

Wound healing effects of 50% ethanol extract of dried whole plant ofBacopa monniera(BME) was studied on wound models in rats. BME (25 mg/kg) was administered orally, once daily for 10 days (incision and dead space wound models) or for 21 days or more (excision wound model) in rats. BME was studied for itsin vitroantimicrobial andin vivowound breaking strength, WBS (incision model), rate of contraction, period of epithelization, histology of skin (excision model), granulation tissue free radicals (nitric oxide and lipid peroxidation), antioxidants (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and reduced glutathione), acute inflammatory marker (myeloperoxidase), connective tissue markers (hydroxyproline, hexosamine, and hexuronic acid), and deep connective tissue histology (dead space wound). BME showed antimicrobial activity against skin pathogens, enhanced WBS, rate of contraction, skin collagen tissue formation, and early epithelization period with low scar area indicating enhanced healing. Healing effect was further substantiated by decreased free radicals and myeloperoxidase and enhanced antioxidants and connective tissue markers with histological evidence of more collagen formation in skin and deeper connective tissues. BME decreased myeloperoxidase and free radical generated tissue damage, promoting antioxidant status, faster collagen deposition, other connective tissue constituent formation, and antibacterial activity.
An Adaptive CBPR Approach to Create Weight Management Materials for a School-Based Health Center Intervention
Authors: Sussman Andrew L. , Montoya Carolyn , Werder Olaf , Davis Sally , Wallerstein Nina , Kong Alberta S.
Published: July 2013

Purpose. From our previous clinical work with overweight/obese youth, we identified the need for research to create an effective weight management intervention to address the growing prevalence of adolescent metabolic syndrome. Formative assessment through an adaptive community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach was conducted toward the development of a nutritional and physical activity (DVD) and clinician toolkit for a school-based health center (SBHC) weight management intervention.Methods. We first conducted parent and adolescent interviews on views and experiences about obesity while convening a community advisory council (CAC) recruited from two participating urban New Mexico high schools. Thematic findings from the interviews were analyzed with the CAC to develop culturally and developmentally appropriate intervention materials.Results. Themes from the parent and adolescent interviews included general barriers/challenges, factors influencing motivation, and change facilitators. The CAC and university-based research team reached consensus on the final content of nutrition and physical activity topics to produce a DVD and clinician toolkit through six monthly sessions. These materials used in the SBHC intervention resulted in a greater reduction of body mass index when compared to adolescents receiving standard care.Conclusions. Formative assessment using an adaptive CBPR approach resulted in the creation of culturally and age appropriate weight reduction materials that were acceptable to study participants. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.govNCT00841334.
Oxytocin Does Not Attenuate the ex vivo Production of Inflammatory Cytokines by Lipopolysaccharide-Activated Monocytes and Macrophages from Healthy Male and Female Donors
Authors: Ross Kharah M. , McDonald-Jones Gaye , Miller Gregory E.
Published: July 2013

Background: Oxytocin (OT) is a neuropeptide shown to attenuate inflammatory responses in both humans and animals, but the specific mechanism underlying these actions has not yet been identified. Preliminary research in humans suggests that monocytes (MOs) and macrophages (MPs) could be the target of anti-inflammatory actions of OT. Here, we present a series of ex vivo experiments in human MOs and MPs, testing whether OT attenuates the cytokine responses of these cells to a common bacterial product, lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods: MO experiments were conducted using blood samples taken from healthy volunteers after obtaining informed consent. MPs were purchased frozen from a cell supplier. All samples were cultured under standard conditions: for 6 h at 37°C in a 5% CO2 atmosphere. A number of variables were considered: volunteer sex, method of MO isolation, LPS concentration, OT concentration, preincubation with OT, cytokines measured, and method of cytokine measurement. Results: Regardless of the specific conditions, no attenuation of LPS-stimulated cytokine production by OT was observed in either MOs or MPs. Conclusion: OT does not attenuate MO or MP inflammatory cytokine production following LPS stimulation. The previously observed anti-inflammatory properties of OT may be attributable to effects on other classes of immune cells or actions in other lymphoid compartments. Alternatively, the effects of OT on inflammation could be secondary to other neurohormonal changes it elicits.
Cued Recall Measure Predicts the Progression of Gray Matter Atrophy in Patients with Amnesic Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Koric Lejla , Ranjeva Jean-Philippe , Felician Olivier , Guye Maxime , de Anna Francesca , Soulier Elisabeth , Didic Mira , Ceccaldi Mathieu
Published: July 2013

Amnesic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is a heterogeneous syndrome that could be subdivided into distinct neuropsychological variants. To investigate relationships between the neuropsychological profile of memory impairment at baseline and the neuroimaging pattern of grey matter (GM) loss over 18 months, we performed a prospective volumetric brain study on 31 aMCI patients and 29 matched controls. All subjects were tested at baseline using a standardized neuropsychological battery, which included the Free and Cued Selective Recall Reminding Test (FCSRT) for the assessment of verbal declarative memory. Over 18 months, patients with impaired free recall but normal total recall (high index of cueing) on the FCSRT developed subcortical and frontal GM loss, while patients with impaired free and total recall (low index of cueing) developed GM atrophy within the left anterior and lateral temporal lobe. In summary, cued recall deficits are associated with a progression of atrophy that closely parallels the spatiotemporal distribution of neurofibrillary degeneration in early Alzheimer's disease (AD), indicating possible AD pathological changes.
Hypoxia-Up-Regulated Mitochondrial Movement Regulator Does Not Contribute to the APP/PS1 Double Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Zou Yan , Li Yu , Yu Weihua , Du Yingshi , Shi Rui , Zhang Man , Duan Jingxi , Deng Yongtao , Tu Qi , Dai Rong , Lü Yang
Published: July 2013

Background/Aims: It has been demonstrated that mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD); meanwhile, hypoxia-up-regulated mitochondrial movement regulator (HUMMR) plays an important role in regulating mitochondrial function. The present study aimed to confirm the association between HUMMR and mitochondrial function in AD. Methods: We detected the expression of HUMMR at transcriptional and translational levels in APP/PS1 double transgenic mice using real-time quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting. Age- and gender-matched wild-type (WT) littermates were used as controls. Mitochondrial morphology was observed in the hippocampus and cortex of APP/PS1 double transgenic mice using transmission electron microscopy. Results: Damage to mitochondrial morphology in the hippocampus and cortex of APP/PS1 double transgenic mice was found, including swelling and cavitations. Our analysis showed no statistical differences in the expression of HUMMR between APP/PS1 double transgenic mice and WT littermates (p > 0.05). These results showed that there was no association between HUMMR and mitochondrial dysfunction in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Conclusion: These results indicate that HUMMR does not play a key role in mitochondrial dysfunction in the APP/PS1 double transgenic AD mouse.
Adult and Near-Adult Height in Patients with Severe Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Deficiency after Long-Term Therapy with Recombinant Human Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I
Authors: Backeljauw Philippe F. , Kuntze Joyce , Frane James , Calikoglu Ali S. , Chernausek Steven D.
Published: July 2013

Background: Treatment with recombinant human insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) stimulates linear growth in children with severe IGF-I deficiency (IGFD). Aims: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of treatment with IGF-I in patients with severe IGFD treated until adult or near-adult height. Methods: Twenty-one children with severe IGFD were treated until adult or near-adult height under a predominantly open-label design. All patients were naive to IGF-I. Recombinant human IGF-I was administered subcutaneously in doses between 60 and 120 µg/kg twice daily. Nine patients received additional therapy with gonadotropin- releasing hormone (GnRH) analog for a mean period of 2.9 ± 1.8 years. Results: Mean duration of treatment was 10.0 years. Mean height velocity increased from 3.1 cm/year prior to treatment to 7.4 cm/year during the first year of treatment. Height velocities during the subsequent years were lower, but remained above baseline for up to 12 years. Cumulative mean Δ height SD score at (near) adult height was +2. The observed mean gain in height was 13.4 cm more than had been expected without treatment. The adult height achieved by the patients also treated with GnRH analog was not different from those who received IGF-I therapy alone. There were no new safety signals identified in these patients, a subset of those previously reported. Conclusion: Long-term therapy with IGF-I improves adult height of patients with severe IGFD. Most patients did not bring their heights into the normal adult range.
Who Gets Genomic Testing for Breast Cancer Recurrence Risk?
Authors: DeFrank J.T. , Salz T. , Reeder-Hayes K. , Brewer N.T.
Published: July 2013

Background/Aims: Our study examined whether patient characteristics, beliefs and decision-making styles were associated with uptake of genomic testing for breast cancer recurrence risk. Methods: Participants were 132 early-stage breast cancer patients eligible for the Oncotype DX genomic test. We interviewed patients in 2009-2010 and obtained information from medical charts. Results: Half of the women eligible for genomic testing for breast cancer recurrence risk received it. The most common reason for not getting the test was that women's physicians did not offer it (80%). Test recipients were more likely to be unsure about receiving chemotherapy treatment compared to women who did not receive the test (p < 0.05). Women who received the test had less advanced disease pathologies, recalled a lower objective recurrence risk, perceived lower recurrence risk, and were slightly younger (all p < 0.05). Most women who described their decision-making style as active received the test (75%), whereas few women who described their style as passive received the test (12%) (p < 0.01). Conclusion: In the university clinic we studied, genomic testing appeared to be more common among patients who may benefit most from the information provided by results, but confirmation in larger studies is needed.
Clinical Analysis of Recurrent Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Park Il-Seok , Kim Yong Bok , Choi Sung Ho , Hong Seok Min
Published: July 2013

Objective: Although the literature includes many reports of the causes, pathogenesis, diagnostic criteria, treatment, and prognostic factors of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), few studies have examined recurrent SSNHL. This prompted us to investigate recurrent SSNHL. Study Design: Retrospective study of the hearing results of patients with recurrent SSNHL. Methodology: We reviewed retrospectively the medical charts of 809 patients with SSNHL examined between January 2000 and June 2011 for information on their history, audiometric results, and magnetic resonance imaging findings. Results: Eleven of the 809 patients had recurrent idiopathic SSNHL. In these 11 patients, the more than partial recovery of hearing after the second attack was poorer than after the first attack, and the second attack of SSNHL was ipsilateral in 10 of the 11 patients. Conclusion: The hearing outcome was poorer after a recurrent episode than after the first episode, and SSNHL almost always recurs in the same ear.
Neuronal Assembly Dynamics in Supervised and Unsupervised Learning Scenarios
Authors: Moioli Renan C. , Husbands Phil
Published: July 2013

The dynamic formation of groups of neurons—neuronal assemblies—is believed to mediate cognitive phenomena at many levels, but their detailed operation and mechanisms of interaction are still to be uncovered. One hypothesis suggests that synchronized oscillations underpin their formation and functioning, with a focus on the temporal structure of neuronal signals. In this context, we investigate neuronal assembly dynamics in two complementary scenarios: the first, a supervised spike pattern classification task, in which noisy variations of a collection of spikes have to be correctly labeled; the second, an unsupervised, minimally cognitive evolutionary robotics tasks, in which an evolved agent has to cope with multiple, possibly conflicting, objectives. In both cases, the more traditional dynamical analysis of the system's variables is paired with information-theoretic techniques in order to get a broader picture of the ongoing interactions with and within the network. The neural network model is inspired by the Kuramoto model of coupled phase oscillators and allows one to fine-tune the network synchronization dynamics and assembly configuration. The experiments explore the computational power, redundancy, and generalization capability of neuronal circuits, demonstrating that performance depends nonlinearly on the number of assemblies and neurons in the network and showing that the framework can be exploited to generate minimally cognitive behaviors, with dynamic assembly formation accounting for varying degrees of stimuli modulation of the sensorimotor interactions.
What Is the Limit of Redundancy Reduction with Divisive Normalization?
Authors: Sinz Fabian H. , Bethge Matthias
Published: July 2013

Divisive normalization has been proposed as a nonlinear redundancy reduction mechanism capturing contrast correlations. Its basic function is a radial rescaling of the population response. Because of the saturation of divisive normalization, however, it is impossible to achieve a fully independent representation. In this letter, we derive an analytical upper bound on the inevitable residual redundancy of any saturating radial rescaling mechanism.
Litsea dorsalicana (Lauraceae): a new species from limestone areas in northern Guangxi, China
Authors: HAN MENG-QI , HUANG YU-SONG , LIU JING , XU WEI-BIN
Published: July 2013

Litsea dorsalicana, a new species of Lauraceae from northern Guangxi, China is described and illustrated. It is similar to Litsea elongata, but can be distinguished from the latter by twigs, buds and abaxial leaf surface densely covered with gray-white pubescence, leaf blade oblanceolate to oblong, to 29.5 cm long, 10.5 cm wide, base cuneate to attenuate, fruit red, cupule cup-shaped, once or twice cleft at the margin.
Trends in Planetary Boundary Layer Height over Europe
Authors: Zhang Yehui , Seidel Dian J. , Zhang Shaodong
Published: July 2013

Estimates of trends in planetary boundary layer height over Europe are presented, based on daily radiosonde observations at 25 stations during 1973–2010 and using a bulk Richardson number approach to determine heights. Most stations show statistically significant increases in daytime heights in all four seasons, but fewer show statistically significant trends in nighttime heights. Daytime height variations show an expected strong negative correlation with surface relative humidity and strong positive correlation with surface temperature at most stations studied, on both year-to-year and day-to-day time scales. Similar relations hold for long-term trends: increasing daytime boundary layer height is associated with decreasing surface relative humidity and increasing surface temperature at most stations. The extent to which these changes are regionally representative or local reflections of environmental changes near the observing stations is difficult to ascertain.
Ocean Heat Uptake in Eddying and Non-Eddying Ocean Circulation Models in a Warming Climate
Authors: Zhang Yu , Vallis Geoffrey K.
Published: July 2013

Ocean heat uptake is explored with non-eddying (2°), eddy-permitting (0.25°), and eddy-resolving (0.125°) ocean circulation models in a domain representing the Atlantic basin connected to a southern circumpolar channel with a flat bottom. The model is forced with a wind stress and a restoring condition for surface buoyancy that is linearly dependent on temperature, both being constant in time in the control climate. When the restore temperature is instantly enhanced regionally, two distinct processes are found relevant for the ensuing heat uptake: heat uptake into the ventilated thermocline forced by Ekman pumping and heat absorption in the deep ocean through meridional overturning circulation (MOC). Temperature increases in the thermocline occur on the decadal time scale whereas, over most of the abyss, it is the millennial time scale that is relevant, and the strength of MOC in the channel matters for the intensity of heat uptake. Under global, uniform warming, the rate of increase of total heat content increases with both diapycnal diffusivity and strengthening Southern Ocean westerlies. In models with different resolutions, ocean responses to uniform warming share similar patterns with important differences. The transfer by mesoscale eddies is insufficiently resolved in the eddy-permitting model, resulting in steep isopycnals in the channel and weak lower MOC, and this in turn leads to weaker heat uptake in the abyssal ocean. Also, the reduction of the Northern Hemisphere meridional heat flux that occurs in a warmer world because of a weakening MOC increases with resolution. Consequently, the cooling tendency near the polar edge of the subtropical gyre is most significant in the eddy-resolving model.
Wave-Coherent Airflow and Critical Layers over Ocean Waves
Authors: Grare Laurent , Lenain Luc , Melville W. Kendall
Published: July 2013

An analysis of coherent measurements of winds and waves from data collected during the Office of Naval Research (ONR) High-Resolution air–sea interaction (HiRes) program, from the Floating Instrument Platform (R/P FLIP), off the coast of northern California in June 2010 is presented. A suite of wind and wave measuring systems was deployed to resolve the modulation of the marine atmospheric boundary layer by waves. Spectral analysis of the data provided the wave-induced components of the wind velocity for various wind–wave conditions. The power spectral density, the amplitude, and the phase (relative to the waves) of these wave-induced components are computed and bin averaged over spectral wave age c/U(z) or c/u*, where c is the linear phase speed of the waves, U(z) is the mean wind speed measured at the height z of the anemometer, and u* is the friction velocity in the air. Results are qualitatively consistent with the critical layer theory of Miles. Across the critical height zc, defined such that U(zc) = c, the wave-induced vertical and horizontal velocities change significantly in both amplitude and phase. The measured wave-induced momentum flux shows that, for growing waves, less than 10% of the momentum flux at z ≈ 10 m is supported by waves longer than approximately 15 m. For older sea states, these waves are able to generate upward wave-induced momentum flux opposed to the overall downward momentum flux. The measured amplitude of this upward wave-induced momentum flux was up to 20% of the value of the total wind stress when Cp/u* > 60, where Cp is the phase speed at the peak of the wave spectrum.
Quantification of the Effects of Shattering on Airborne Ice Particle Measurements
Authors: Korolev A. V. , Emery E. F. , Strapp J. W. , Cober S. G. , Isaac G. A.
Published: July 2013

Ice particle shattering poses a serious problem to the airborne characterization of ice cloud microstructure. Shattered ice fragments may contaminate particle measurements, resulting in artificially high concentrations of small ice. The ubiquitous observation of small ice particles has been debated over the last three decades. The present work is focused on the study of the effect of shattering based on the results of the Airborne Icing Instrumentation Evaluation (AIIE) experiment flight campaign. Quantitative characterization of the shattering effect was studied by comparing measurements from pairs of identical probes, one modified to mitigate shattering using tips designed for this study (K-tips) and the other in the standard manufacturer’s configuration. The study focused on three probes: the forward scattering spectrometer probe (FSSP), the optical array probe (OAP-2DC), and the cloud imaging probe (CIP). It has been shown that the overestimation errors of the number concentration in size distributions measured by 2D probes increase with decreasing size, mainly affecting particles smaller than approximately 500 μm. It was found that shattering artifacts may increase measured particle number concentration by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude. However, the associated increase of the extinction coefficient and ice water content derived from 2D data is estimated at only 20%–30%. Existing antishattering algorithms alone are incapable of filtering out all shattering artifacts from OAP-2DC and CIP measurements. FSSP measurements can be completely dominated by shattering artifacts, and it is not recommended to use this instrument for measurements in ice clouds, except in special circumstances. Because of the large impact of shattering on ice measurements, the historical data collected by FSSP and OAP-2DC should be reexamined by the cloud physics community.
Backstage: The organizational gendered agenda in science, engineering and technology professions
Authors: Hanappi-Egger Edeltraud
Published: July 2013

Science, engineering and technology (SET) are still male-dominated fields, and thus all over Europe much effort is expended on activities which, it is hoped, will lead to a sustainable gender balance. Scholarly work has frequently focused on the topic of how to motivate women to enter SET fields or to choose a corresponding education. In contrast to this one-sided approach, recent scholarly contributions have begun to emphasize the vital role of gendered structures and indirect exclusion mechanisms of technological institutions and their professional self-understandings which discourage women from entering or staying in SET organizations. In particular, taken-for-granted knowledge as a mechanism for maintaining specific norms and values is considered a primary hindrance towards more inclusive and less oppressive organizational cultures. Since this taken-for-granted knowledge is often implicit, a primary goal of research can be said to make the invisible visible. Thus this article presents selected empirical results of a research project which makes use of an investigative tool called mind-scripting. Here the aim is to identify the main barriers, in terms of unquestioned taken-for granted knowledge, currently hindering an open and critical review of gendered structures and gender codes in the SET field, or in organizations in general, particularly with respect to professional norms.
Depression in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Akhtar Akhtar A. , Ali Mohammad A. , Smith Robin P.
Published: July 2013

Depression carries enormous global morbidity and is 1.5–7 times likelier to occur in individuals with chronic illness than in the general population. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) has a rising incidence with a severe impact on quality of life. An indication of the prevalence of depression in this group is therefore of paramount interest. A prospective study was performed. A total of 118 participants with IPF who attended the interstitial lung disease clinic in Ninewells Hospitals, Dundee, Scotland, from May 2010 to September 2011 were recruited. Informed consent was obtained. The male to female ratio was 60:58. The Wakefield Self-assessment of Depression Inventory was used (scores ≥15 denote a depressed state). Pulmonary function tests were measured to correlate disease severity with depression scores. Of them, 58 patients had significant depressive symptoms scoring ≥15; only nine were taking antidepressant medication. The mean depression score of female participants was 15.0 ± 0.77 (SD 5.9), compared with a mean male score of 13.1 ± 0.99 (SD 7.5). Disease severity, age, duration since diagnosis and number of co-morbidities were not significantly correlated with depression. The study population had a high prevalence of depressive symptoms. Medical therapy for pulmonary fibrosis is limited and therefore palliation of symptoms and pulmonary rehabilitation form the main strategy for management. Depression should be actively screened in patients with IPF.
Frequency and management of respiratory incidents in invasive home ventilation
Authors: Stieglitz Sven , George Sandhya , Priegnitz Christina , Hagmeyer Lars , Randerath Winfried
Published: July 2013

There has been a rise in the number of patients requiring long-term ventilation, both in the in-hospital and the out-of-hospital setting. Despite this, little is known about the subsequent clinical course of these patients following hospital discharge. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency and management of respiratory incidents in patients with invasive out-of-hospital ventilation living in a nursing home allied to a weaning centre. We evaluated retrospectively the protocols that are used to monitor the patients over a period of 2 months. The average time from hospital discharge was 386 ± 330 days. Of the total 17 patients, 9 (53%) patients remained free from any respiratory incidents, while the remaining 8 (47%) patients were responsible for a total of 95 respiratory incidents. Patients that suffered respiratory incidents had been ventilated at home for an average of 194 days, while the others were receiving out-of-hospital ventilation for an average of 557 days. Desaturation (17), dyspnoea (17) and reduced general condition (10) were the most common respiratory incidents. Also, the use of an Ambu bag (bag valve mask; 17), request for a pneumologist review (12) and replacement of the tracheal cannula (7) were the most common interventions. Respiratory incidents are common in invasive home mechanical ventilation, and so home mechanical ventilation needed to be organized safely. Being allied to a weaning centre helps to organize invasive home mechanical ventilation in a safe manner over the long-term ventilation.
Weaning failure: My heart is not up to it
Authors: Porhomayon Jahan , Papadakos Peter , Nader Nader D. , El-Solh Ali A.
Published: July 2013

Weaning patients from mechanical ventilation has been compared to a cardiac stress test. Weaning failure (WF) from a cardiac origin can be common in patients with limited cardiac reserve. Diuretic and vasodilator therapies are indicated for WF due to excessive preload, afterload, or myocardial ischemia. Alteration in intrathoracic pressure and lung volumes may also impact weaning process in a patient with poor cardiac function. Noninvasive ventilation decreases cardiac stress load and should be utilized in weaning patients with poor cardiac reserves. In fact, positive pressure therapy is now the standard of care for treating a patient with acute pulmonary edema and to decrease afterload (Frazier et al. Biol Res Nurs 2000; 1(4): 253–264; Pinsky MR. Chest 2005; 128(5 Suppl 2): 592S–597S.). Recently, biomarkers and echocardiography have been utilized to assess weaning success during spontaneous breathing trials. In this article, we describe the physiological alterations in cardiac and pulmonary systems during the weaning process and its impact on weaning outcome.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients’ experience with pulmonary rehabilitation: A systematic review of qualitative research
Authors: de Sousa Pinto Juliana Maria , Martín-Nogueras Ana María , Morano Maria Tereza Aguiar Pessoa , Macêdo Tereza Efigênia Pessoa Morano , Arenillas José Ignacio Calvo , Troosters Thierry
Published: July 2013

The aim of this study was to give an in-depth consideration of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients’ subjective view of the impact of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) on their lives. A systematic review in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and PsychInfo databases yielded 3306 articles, of which 387 were duplicates, 263 remained after screening abstract and title; of them, 4 were excluded (editorial or due to lacking of full text) remaining a total of 259 for full text reading. Among these, eight studies met the inclusion criteria and were finally included. The meta-ethnography approach synthesized an understanding of the studies, which focused on constructing interpretations and developed a ‘line-of-argument’ synthesis. The psychosocial support of PR contributes to the patients’ strength and desire for participation and the health education leads to illness-perception learning. Both psychosocial support and health education develop patients’ empowerment, while PR promotes opportunities to health transitions. The empowerment experienced by the patients in taking advantage of these opportunities leads to positive impacts over time. If they do not exploit these occasions, negative impacts arise in their life, which make the treatment assistance or follow-up more difficult. The COPD patients’ feedback revealed that PR promotes a better ‘way of life’, well-being and important behavioural changes towards health promotion.
Measuring unsupported arm lifts as an outcome in pulmonary rehabilitation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients
Authors: Datta Debapriya , ZuWallack Richard L.
Published: July 2013

Pulmonary rehabilitation includes upper and lower extremity exercise training. While validated tests such as the six-minute walk distance (6MWD) and shuttle walk tests are available to evaluate the effectiveness of lower extremity training, the optimal method of evaluating the effectiveness of upper extremity training has not been determined. This study evaluates the potential utility of unsupported arm lifts (UALs) testing as an outcome measurement for pulmonary rehabilitation. Records of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients who underwent outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation at our institution were reviewed. Outcomes assessed before and immediately after the intervention included 6MWD, the self-administered Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ-SA), and UALs. For the latter, the patient repeatedly raises a wooden dowel from thigh to arm level, with the number of repetitions per minute used as the outcome. Changes in variables from pre- to post-pulmonary rehabilitation were analyzed using paired t test. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to evaluate associations. Of the 241 patients, 51% were male. Mean age was 69 ± 9 years, body mass index was 28 ± 7 kg/m2, and forced expiratory volume in 1 second was 50 ± 20 percent-predicted. All studied variables increased significantly post-pulmonary rehabilitation: the 6MWD by 45 ± 50 m (effect size 0.49), the CRQ-SA total score by 0.84 ± 0.86 units (effect size 0.89), and UAL by 12 ± 13 lifts/minute (effect size 0.75; p < 0.0001 for all). As a measure of upper extremity exercise capacity, UAL appears to be responsive to the comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation intervention. Using effect sizes, the degree of improvement appears to be between that of 6MWD and CRQ-SA. UAL may be a useful outcome assessment for pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD patients.
The Political Economy of Agrarian Labour Relations in Zimbabwe after Redistributive Land Reform
Authors: Chambati Walter
Published: July 2013

This article examines the reconfiguration of agrarian labour relations in Zimbabwe following extensive land redistribution since 2000. Based on field research, it shows that the new forms of labour utilization that have emerged are structured around new land ownership and material conditions, within a more diversified agrarian economy. The new agrarian structure is characterized by reduced supplies of wage labour, as more of the previously land-short peasants are now self-employed on the land they gained, while part-time wage-labour provision has grown in the differentiated capitalist farms, which have been largely unable to enforce labour tenancy relations. Agrarian politics are increasingly focused on class struggles between capital and labour, in general, and the competition for resources between the different modes of farming.