bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Daily rhythms in locomotor circuits in Drosophila involve PDF
Authors: Pírez Nicolás , Christmann Bethany L. , Griffith Leslie C.
Published: May 2013

The neuropeptide pigment-dispersing factor (PDF) has been studied extensively in Drosophila, and its role in circadian time-keeping has been firmly established. The role of PDF outside of the clock circuit, however, is poorly understood. A recent study suggested that PDF may act on the ellipsoid body (EB) to link the clock and sleep/activity circuits. We performed whole brain optical imaging with the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based cAMP sensor Epac1-camps expressed under control of the pdfR promoter to address how the clock and sleep deprivation affect the physiology of these cells. Basal cAMP levels in EB were regulated both by PDF and synaptic inputs that are controlled by the circadian clock. Acute application of PDF to the brain caused a significant, and PDF-receptor-dependent, increase in cAMP in EB cells. Application of TTX to block circuit-mediated effects of PDF increased the morning response but not the response at night, implying the existence of a temporally regulated, PDF-stimulated input that blocks cAMP generation. ACh produced both direct (TTX-insensitive) and indirect (TTX-sensitive) increases in cAMP during the day but was totally TTX-insensitive at night, indicating that ACh-stimulated inputs to the EB are suppressed at night. Sleep deprivation did not affect the cAMP responses of these cells to either PDF or ACh. These results suggest a novel role for PDF as a modulator of activity outside of the clock circuit. By elucidating the mechanisms by which the neuropeptide PDF act on its target cells, our work contributes to our understating of how the central clock coordinates activity and sleep.
Implicit representations of luminance and the temporal structure of moving stimuli in multiple regions of human visual cortex revealed by multivariate pattern classification analysis
Authors: Hammett Stephen T. , Smith Andrew T. , Wall Matthew B. , Larsson Jonas
Published: May 2013

The generation of a behaviorally relevant cue to the speed of objects around us is critical to our ability to navigate safely within our environment. However, our perception of speed is often distorted by prevailing conditions. For instance, as luminance is reduced, our perception of the speed of fast-moving patterns can be increased by as much as 30%. To investigate how the cortical representation of speed may vary under such conditions, we have measured the functional MRI blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) response of visual cortex to drifting sine gratings at two very different luminances. The average BOLD response in all areas was band-pass with respect to speed (or equivalently, temporal frequency) and thus contained no unambiguous speed information. However, a multivariate classifier was able to predict grating speed successfully in all cortical areas measured. Similarly, we find that a multivariate classifier can predict stimulus luminance. No differences in either the mean BOLD response or the multivariate classifier response with respect to speed were found as luminance changed. However, examination of the spatial distribution of speed preferences in the primary visual cortex revealed that perifoveal locations preferred slower speeds than peripheral locations at low but not high luminance. We conclude that although an explicit representation of perceived speed has yet to be demonstrated in the human brain, multiple visual regions encode both the temporal structure of moving stimuli and luminance implicitly.
Individual differences in attention strategies during detection, fine discrimination, and coarse discrimination
Authors: Bridwell David A. , Hecker Elizabeth A. , Serences John T. , Srinivasan Ramesh
Published: May 2013

Interacting with the environment requires the ability to flexibly direct attention to relevant features. We examined the degree to which individuals attend to visual features within and across Detection, Fine Discrimination, and Coarse Discrimination tasks. Electroencephalographic (EEG) responses were measured to an unattended peripheral flickering (4 or 6 Hz) grating while individuals ( n = 33) attended to orientations that were offset by 0°, 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, and 90° from the orientation of the unattended flicker. These unattended responses may be sensitive to attentional gain at the attended spatial location, since attention to features enhances early visual responses throughout the visual field. We found no significant differences in tuning curves across the three tasks in part due to individual differences in strategies. We sought to characterize individual attention strategies using hierarchical Bayesian modeling, which grouped individuals into families of curves that reflect attention to the physical target orientation (“on-channel”) or away from the target orientation (“off-channel”) or a uniform distribution of attention. The different curves were related to behavioral performance; individuals with “on-channel” curves had lower thresholds than individuals with uniform curves. Individuals with “off-channel” curves during Fine Discrimination additionally had lower thresholds than those assigned to uniform curves, highlighting the perceptual benefits of attending away from the physical target orientation during fine discriminations. Finally, we showed that a subset of individuals with optimal curves (“on-channel”) during Detection also demonstrated optimal curves (“off-channel”) during Fine Discrimination, indicating that a subset of individuals can modulate tuning optimally for detection and discrimination.
Glossopharyngeal Dystonia Secondary to a Lurasidone-Fluoxetine CYP-3A4 Interaction
Authors: Paul Sean , Cooke Brian K. , Nguyen Mathew
Published: May 2013

Acute dystonic reactions are becoming much less prevalent in clinical practice due to the use of newer antipsychotics. Drug-drug interactions, patient characteristics, and environmental and genetic factors all contribute to the rate of occurrence of acute dystonia with second generation agents. In this case, we report a glossopharyngeal dystonia secondary to a lurasidone-fluoxetine CYP-3A4 interaction to highlight the importance of maintaining an index of suspicion for laryngeal dystonia, a potentially fatal dystonia.
A Priority-Based CSMA/CA Mechanism to Support Deadline-Aware Scheduling in Home Automation Applications Using IEEE 802.15.4
Authors: Collotta Mario , Scatà Gianfranco , Pau Giovanni
Published: May 2013

The wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are characterized by several small nodes able to perform measurements on one or more parameters and to communicate with each other through several protocols. Most of home automation networks (depending on the specific application) are mainly characterized by periodic traffic flows. In soft real-time contexts, the main problem is represented by the efficient allocation of guaranteed time slots (GTSs) for periodic traffic flows transmission in IEEE 802.15.4 networks. Moreover, it is important to ensure adequate performance for those embedded devices competing for the access to the medium through the carrier sense multiple access/collision avoidance algorithm (CSMA/CA). The main aim of this paper is to show a new approach for network flows scheduling in home automation applications based on IEEE 802.15.4 wireless sensor networks. This work addresses several advantages due to the introduction of rate monotonic (RM) for guaranteed time slots (GTSs) allocation combined with priority-based CSMA/CA for latencies reduction on transmission attempts as clearly demonstrated by obtained results.
Successful Deployment of a Wireless Sensor Network for Precision Agriculture in Malawi
Authors: Mafuta Million , Zennaro Marco , Bagula Antoine , Ault Graham , Gombachika Harry , Chadza Timothy
Published: May 2013

This paper demonstrates how an irrigation management system (IMS) can practically be implemented by deploying a wireless sensor network (WSN). Specifically, the paper describes an IMS which was set up in Manja township, city of Blantyre. Deployment of IMS in rural areas of developing countries like Malawi is a challenge as grid power is scarce. For the system to be self-sustained in terms of power, the study used solar photovoltaic and rechargeable batteries to power all electrical devices. The system incorporated a remote monitoring mechanism through a General Packet Radio Service modem to report soil temperature, soil moisture, WSN link performance, and photovoltaic power levels. Irrigation valves were activated to water the field. Preliminary results in this study have revealed a number of engineering weaknesses of deploying such a system. Nevertheless, the paper has highlighted areas of improvement to develop a robust, fully automated, solar-powered, and low-cost IMS to suit the socioeconomic conditions of small scale farmers in developing countries.
Methods of Calculating Ionization Energies of Multielectron (Five or More) Isoelectronic Atomic Ions
Authors: Lang Peter F. , Smith Barry C.
Published: May 2013

We have previously used simple empirical equations to reproduce the literature values of the ionization energies of isoelectronic sequences of up to four electrons which gave very good agreement. We reproduce here a kinetic energy expression with corrections for relativity and Lamb shift effects which give excellent agreement with the literature values. These equations become more complex as the number of electrons in the system increases. Alternative simple quadratic expressions for calculating ionization energies of multielectron ions are discussed. A set of coefficients when substituted into a simple expression produces very good agreement with the literature values. Our work shows that Slater′s rules are not appropriate for predicting trends or screening constants. This work provides very strong evidence that ionization energies are not functions of complete squares, and when calculating ionization energies electron transition/relaxation has to be taken into account. We demonstrate clearly that for particular isoelectronic sequences, the ionizing electrons may occupy different orbitals and in such cases more than one set of constants are needed to calculate the ionization energies.
Experimental Evaluation of Supercapacitor-Fuel Cell Hybrid Power Source for HY-IEL Scooter
Authors: Bujlo Piotr , Pasciak Grzegorz , Chmielowiec Jacek , Sikora Andrzej
Published: May 2013

This paper presents the results of development of a hybrid fuel cell supercapacitor power system for vehicular applications that was developed and investigated at the Energy Sources Research Section of the Wroclaw Division of Electrotechnical Institute (IEL/OW). The hybrid power source consists of a polymer exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stack and an energy-type supercapacitor that supports the system in time of peak power demands. The developed system was installed in the HY-IEL electric scooter. The vehicle was equipped with auxiliary components (e.g., air compressor, hydrogen tank, and electromagnetic valves) needed for proper operation of the fuel cell stack, as well as electronic control circuits and a data storage unit that enabled on-line recording of system and vehicle operation parameters. Attention is focused on the system energy flow monitoring. The experimental part includes field test results of a vehicle powered with the fuel cell-supercapacitor system. Values of currents and voltages recorded for the system, as well as the vehicle’s velocity and hydrogen consumption rate, are presented versus time of the experiment. Operation of the hybrid power system is discussed and analysed based on the results of measurements obtained.
Cloud Computing for Protein-Ligand Binding Site Comparison
Authors: Hung Che-Lun , Hua Guan-Jie
Published: May 2013

The proteome-wide analysis of protein-ligand binding sites and their interactions with ligands is important in structure-based drug design and in understanding ligand cross reactivity and toxicity. The well-known and commonly used software, SMAP, has been designed for 3D ligand binding site comparison and similarity searching of a structural proteome. SMAP can also predict drug side effects and reassign existing drugs to new indications. However, the computing scale of SMAP is limited. We have developed a high availability, high performance system that expands the comparison scale of SMAP. This cloud computing service, called Cloud-PLBS, combines the SMAP and Hadoop frameworks and is deployed on a virtual cloud computing platform. To handle the vast amount of experimental data on protein-ligand binding site pairs, Cloud-PLBS exploits the MapReduce paradigm as a management and parallelizing tool. Cloud-PLBS provides a web portal and scalability through which biologists can address a wide range of computer-intensive questions in biology and drug discovery.
Adipokines and Hepatic Insulin Resistance
Authors: Li Yu , Ding Lin , Hassan Waseem , Abdelkader Daoud , Shang Jing
Published: May 2013

Obesity is a major risk factor for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Adipose tissue is now considered to be an active endocrine organ that secretes various adipokines such as adiponectin, leptin, resistin, tumour necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6. Recent studies have shown that these factors might provide a molecular link between increased adiposity and impaired insulin sensitivity. Since hepatic insulin resistance plays the key role in the whole body insulin resistance, clarification of the regulatory processes about hepatic insulin resistance by adipokines in rodents and human would seem essential in order to understand the mechanism of type 2 diabetes and for developing novel therapeutic strategies to treat it.
Adiantum philippense L. Frond Assisted Rapid Green Synthesis of Gold and Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Sant Duhita G. , Gujarathi Tejal R. , Harne Shrikant R. , Ghosh Sougata , Kitture Rohini , Kale Sangeeta , Chopade Balu A. , Pardesi Karishma R.
Published: May 2013

Development of an ecofriendly, reliable, and rapid process for synthesis of nanoparticles using biological system is an important bulge in nanotechnology. Antioxidant potential and medicinal value of Adiantum philippense L. fascinated us to utilize it for biosynthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles (AuNPs and AgNPs). The current paper reports utility of aqueous extract of A. philippense L. fronds for the green synthesis of AuNPs and AgNPs. Effect of various parameters on synthesis of nanoparticles was monitored by UV-Vis spectrometry. Optimum conditions for AuNPs synthesis were 1 : 1 proportion of original extract at pH 11 and 5 mM tetrachloroauric acid, whereas optimum conditions for AgNPs synthesis were 1 : 1 proportion of original extract at pH 12 and 9 mM silver nitrate. Characterization of nanoparticles was done by TEM, SAED, XRD, EDS, FTIR, and DLS analyses. The results revealed that AuNPs and AgNPs were anisotropic. Monocrystalline AuNPs and polycrystalline AgNPs measured 10 to 18 nm in size. EDS and XRD analyses confirmed the presence of elemental gold and silver. FTIR analysis revealed a possible binding of extract to AuNPs through –NH2 group and to AgNPs through C=C group. These nanoparticles stabilized by a biological capping agent could further be utilized for biomedical applications.
Proximal Point Algorithms for Finding a Zero of a Finite Sum of Monotone Mappings in Banach Spaces
Authors: Zegeye H. , Shahzad N.
Published: May 2013

We introduce an iterative process which converges strongly to a zero of a finite sum of monotone mappings under certain conditions. Applications to a convex minimization problem are included. Our theorems improve and unify most of the results that have been proved in this direction for this important class of nonlinear mappings.
Efficient Parallel Carrier Recovery for Ultrahigh Speed Coherent QAM Receivers with Application to Optical Channels
Authors: Gianni Pablo , Ferster Laura , Corral-Briones Graciela , Hueda Mario R.
Published: May 2013

This work presents a new efficient parallel carrier recovery architecture suitable for ultrahigh speed intradyne coherent optical receivers (e.g., ≥100 Gb/s) with quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). The proposed scheme combines a novel low-latency parallel digital phase locked loop (DPLL) with a feedforward carrier phase recovery (CPR) algorithm. The new low-latency parallel DPLL is designed to compensate not only carrier frequency offset but also frequency fluctuations such as those induced by mechanical vibrations or power supply noise. Such carrier frequency fluctuations must be compensated since they lead to higher phase error variance in traditional feedforward CPR techniques, significantly degrading the receiver performance. In order to enable a parallel-processing implementation in multigigabit per second receivers, a new approximation to the DPLL computation is introduced. The proposed technique reduces the latency within the feedback loop of the DPLL introduced by parallel processing, while at the same time it provides a bandwidth and capture range close to those achieved by a serial DPLL. Simulation results demonstrate that the effects caused by frequency deviations can be eliminated with the proposed low latency parallel carrier recovery architecture.
Removal of a Dental Implant Displaced into the Maxillary Sinus by Means of the Bone Lid Technique
Authors: Fusari Pietro , Doto Matteo , Chiapasco Matteo
Published: May 2013

Background. Rehabilitation of edentulous jaws with implant-supported prosthesis has become a common practice among oral surgeons in the last three decades. This therapy presents a very low incidence of complications. One of them is the displacement of dental implants into the maxillary sinus. Dental implants, such as any other foreign body into the maxillary sinus, should be removed in order to prevent sinusitis.Methods. In this paper, we report a case of dental implant migrated in the maxillary sinus and removed by means of the bone lid technique.Results and Conclusion. The migration of dental implants into the maxillary sinus is rarely reported. Migrated implants should be considered for removal in order to prevent possible sinusal diseases. The implant has been removed without any complications, confirming the bone lid technique to be safe and reliable.
Multiscale Analysis on the Pricing of Intensity-Based Defaultable Bonds
Authors: Cho Sun-Hwa , Kim Jeong-Hoon , Ma Yong-Ki
Published: May 2013

This paper studies the pricing of intensity-based defaultable bonds where the volatility of default intensity is assumed to be random and driven by two different factors varying on fast and slow time scales. Corrections to the constant intensity of default are obtained and then how these corrections influence the term structure of interest rate derivatives is shown. The results indicate that the fast scale correction produces a more significant impact on the bond price than the slow scale correction and the impact tends to increase as time to maturity increases.
Adaptive and Resilient Flight Control System for a Small Unmanned Aerial System
Authors: Garcia Gonzalo , Keshmiri Shahriar
Published: May 2013

The main purpose of this paper is to develop an onboard adaptive and robust flight control system that improves control, stability, and survivability of a small unmanned aerial system in off-nominal or out-of-envelope conditions. The aerodynamics of aircraft associated with hazardous and adverse onboard conditions is inherently nonlinear and unsteady. The presented flight control system improves functionalities required to adapt the flight control in the presence of aircraft model uncertainties. The fault tolerant inner loop is enhanced by an adaptive real-time artificial neural network parameter identification to monitor important changes in the aircraft’s dynamics due to nonlinear and unsteady aerodynamics. The real-time artificial neural network parameter identification is done using the sliding mode learning concept and a modified version of the self-adaptive Levenberg algorithm. Numerically estimated stability and control derivatives are obtained by delta-based methods. New nonlinear guidance logic, stable in Lyapunov sense, is developed to guide the aircraft. The designed flight control system has better performance compared to a commercial off-the-shelf autopilot system in guiding and controlling an unmanned air system during a trajectory following.
Formulation and Validation of Multidisciplinary Design Problem on Wear and Fatigue Life of Lead Screw Actuators
Authors: Meruva Krishna , Bi Zhuming , Mueller Donald , Kang Bongsu
Published: May 2013

Multidisciplinary design optimization has been widely applied in the optimization of large-scale complex system and also in the design and optimization of components, which are involved in multidisciplinary behaviors. The wear and fatigue life of lead screw actuators is a typical multidisciplinary problem. The wear behaviors of actuators closely relate to many factors such as loads, lubrications, materials properties, surface properties, pressures, and temperature. Therefore, the wear and fatigue life of actuators cannot be modeled without a simultaneous consideration of solid mechanics, fluid dynamics, contact mechanics, and thermal dynamics. In this paper, the wear and fatigue life of a lead screw actuator is modeled and validated. Firstly, the theory of asperity contact and Archard’s model of sliding wear are applied to estimate the amount of wear under certain circumstances. Secondly, a test platform is developed based on a standard ASTM test protocol, and the wear phenomenon at the ball-on-flat sliding is measured to validate the developed wear model. Thirdly, finite element analysis is conducted using Nastran to assess the contact stresses in the lead screw and nut assembly model. The estimated data from the three sources are finally merged to formulate a mathematical model in predicting the wear and fatigue life for the optimization of lead screw actuators.
Recombinant Chromosome 4 from a Familial Pericentric Inversion: Prenatal and Adulthood Wolf-Hirschhorn Phenotypes
Authors: Malvestiti Francesca , Benedicenti Francesco , De Toffol Simona , Chinetti Sara , Höller Adelheid , Grimi Beatrice , Fichtel Gertrud , Braghetto Monica , Agrati Cristina , Bonaparte Eleonora , Maggi Federico , Simoni Giuseppe , Grati Francesca Romana
Published: May 2013

Pericentric inversion of chromosome 4 can give rise to recombinant chromosomes by duplication or deletion of 4p. We report on a familial case of Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome characterized by GTG-banding karyotypes, FISH, and array CGH analysis, caused by a recombinant chromosome 4 with terminal 4p16.3 deletion and terminal 4q35.2 duplication. This is an aneusomy due to a recombination which occurred during the meiosis of heterozygote carrier of cryptic pericentric inversion. We also describe the adulthood and prenatal phenotypes associated with the recombinant chromosome 4.
Fractal Analysis of Elastographic Images for Automatic Detection of Diffuse Diseases of Salivary Glands: Preliminary Results
Authors: Badea Alexandru Florin , Lupsor Platon Monica , Crisan Maria , Cattani Carlo , Badea Iulia , Pierro Gaetano , Sannino Gianpaolo , Baciut Grigore
Published: May 2013

The geometry of some medical images of tissues, obtained by elastography and ultrasonography, is characterized in terms of complexity parameters such as the fractal dimension (FD). It is well known that in any image there are very subtle details that are not easily detectable by the human eye. However, in many cases like medical imaging diagnosis, these details are very important since they might contain some hidden information about the possible existence of certain pathological lesions like tissue degeneration, inflammation, or tumors. Therefore, an automatic method of analysis could be an expedient tool for physicians to give a faultless diagnosis. The fractal analysis is of great importance in relation to a quantitative evaluation of “real-time” elastography, a procedure considered to be operator dependent in the current clinical practice. Mathematical analysis reveals significant discrepancies among normal and pathological image patterns. The main objective of our work is to demonstrate the clinical utility of this procedure on an ultrasound image corresponding to a submandibular diffuse pathology.
State-Dependent Utilities and Incomplete Markets
Authors: Londoño Jaime A.
Published: May 2013

The problem of optimal consumption and investment for an agent that does not influence the market is solved. The optimization criteria are based on a state-dependent utility functional as proposed in Londoño (2009). The proposed solution is given in any market without state-tame arbitrage opportunities, includes several utilities structures, and includesincomplete marketswhere there are multiple state variables. The solutions obtained for optimal wealths consumptions, and portfolios are explicit and easily computable; the main condition for the result to hold is that the income process of each agent is hedgeable, requiring a natural condition on employer and employee to agree on a contract whose risk can be managed by both parties. In this paper we also developed a theory of markets when the processes are generalization of Brownian flows on manifolds, since this framework shows to be the natural one whenever the problem of intertemporal equilibrium is addressed.
MAPK Signal Transduction Pathway Regulation: A Novel Mechanism of Rat HSC-T6 Cell Apoptosis Induced by FUZHENGHUAYU Tablet
Authors: Wang Qi , Du Hongbo , Li Min , Li Yue , Liu Shunai , Gao Ping , Zhang Xiaoli , Cheng Jun
Published: May 2013

FUZHENGHUAYU Tablets have been widely used in the treatment of liver fibrosis in China. Here, we investigate the apoptotic effect of FUZHENGHUAYU Tablet in rat liver stellate cell line HSC-T6. HSC-T6 cells were incubated with control serum or drug serum from rats fed with 0.9% NaCl or FUZHENGHUAYU Tablet, respectively. Cells exposed to drug serum showed higher proportions of early and late apoptotic cells than controls. The mRNA levels of collagens I and III, TGF-β1 andα-SMA were reduced by drug serum compared to control serum. Differentially expressed mRNAs and miRNAs were analyzed by microarray and sequencing, respectively. We identified 334 differentially expressed mRNAs and also 60 GOs and two pathways related to the mRNAs. Seventy-five differentially expressed miRNAs were down-regulated by drug serum and 1963 target genes were predicted. 134 GOs up-regulated in drug serum group were linked to miRNA targets, and drug serum also regulated 43 miRNA signal transduction pathways. Protein levels were evaluated by Western blot. Drug serum down-regulated (phospho-SAPK/JNK)/(SAPK/JNK) and up-regulated phospho-p38/p38 ratios. The study showed that FUZHENGHUAYU Tablet induced apoptosis in rat HSC-T6 cells possibly in part by activating p38 and inhibiting SAPK/JNK.
Shikonin Suppresses Human T Lymphocyte Activation through Inhibition of IKKβActivity and JNK Phosphorylation
Authors: Li Ting , Yan Fenggen , Wang Rui , Zhou Hua , Liu Liang
Published: May 2013

The key role of T cells has been elaborated in mediating immune responses and pathogenesis of human inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. In the current study the effect of shikonin, a compound isolated from a medicinal plant, on inhibition of T-cell activation was firstly examined by using primary human T lymphocytes isolated from buffy coat. Results showed that shikonin dose dependently suppressed T-cell proliferation, IL-2 and IFN-γsecretion, CD69 and CD25 expression, as well as cell cycle arrest activated by costimulation of PMA/ionomycin or OKT-3/CD28 monoclonal antibodies. Moreover, these inhibitory responses mediated by shikonin were found to be associated with suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway via inhibition of the IKKα/βphosphorylation, IκB-αphosphorylation and degradation, and NF-κB nuclear translocation by directly decreasing IKKβactivity. Moreover, shikonin suppressed JNK phosphorylation in the MAPKs pathway of T cells. In this connection, we conclude that shikonin could suppress T lymphocyte activation through suppressing IKKβactivity and JNK signaling, which suggests that shikonin is valuable for further investigation as a potential immunosuppressive agent.
Prevalence and Predictors of Psychotropic Use in Children with High-Functioning ASDs
Authors: Lopata Christopher , Toomey Jennifer A. , Fox Jeffery D. , Thomeer Marcus L. , Volker Martin A. , Lee Gloria K.
Published: May 2013

This study examined (1) the prevalence of psychotropic medication use for a sample of children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders (HFASDs), (2) the extent to which psychotropic agents were linked to targeted symptoms, and (3) predictors of psychotropic use. A total of 115 children, ages 6–13, with HFASDs who were enrolled in psychosocial treatment trials were included in this study. Parents completed extensive background and rating forms prior to treatment that included data on demographic characteristics, child health, child medication use, and child ASD-related symptoms. Results indicated that 33% (n=38) of the sample was taking psychotropic medication with the most common being stimulants (25%;n=29), antidepressants (10%;n=12), and neuroleptics (6%;n=7). All children taking stimulants had target symptoms that were appropriate for stimulant medication, whereas 57% of those taking neuroleptics and 42% of those taking antidepressants did not have targeted symptoms consistent with the medication. Logistic regression for the major psychotropic drug categories indicated that lower IQ was a significant predictor of increased antidepressant and neuroleptic use. A higher level of ASD-related symptoms was related to the likelihood of stimulant use.
Hybrid Synchronization of General T-S Fuzzy Complex Dynamical Networks with Time-Varying Delay
Authors: Xu Degang , Gui Weihua , Zhao Panlei , Yang Chunhua
Published: May 2013

We propose and investigate a new general model of fuzzy complex network systems described by Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy model with time-varying delays. Hybrid synchronization problem is discussed for this general T-S fuzzy complex dynamical network with nondelayed and delayed coupling between nodes. Utilizing Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional method, synchronization stability criteria for the networks are established in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). These criteria reveal the relationship between coupling matrices with time-varying delays and synchronization stability of the dynamical network. Numerical simulation is provided to illustrate the effectiveness and advantage of derived theoretical results.
Positron Emission Tomography as a Surrogate Marker for Evaluation of Treatment Response in Patients with Desmoid Tumors under Therapy with Imatinib
Authors: Kasper Bernd , Dimitrakopoulou-Strauss Antonia , Pilz Lothar R. , Strauss Ludwig G. , Sachpekidis Christos , Hohenberger Peter
Published: May 2013

We used 2-deoxy-2-[18F] fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) to evaluate patients with desmoid tumors undergoing therapy with imatinib. The study included 22 patients with progressive disease (PD) of a biopsy proven desmoid tumor treated orally with imatinib 800 mg daily. Patients were examined using PET prior to onset of therapy and during treatment. Restaging was performed in parallel using computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Outcome of 22 evaluable patients was as follows: five patients with partial response (PR); twelve patients with stable disease (SD) accounting for 77% with non-progressive disease; five patients showed PD. A 30% decrease of the mean average standardized uptake value (SUV) of sequential PET examinations could be demonstrated; no patient demonstrated a substantial increase in SUV. Patients with PR/SD were matched to a group of nonprogressive disease and tested versus PD. The initial average SUV and seem to be candidates for a response prediction with an approximate -value of0.06553and0.07785, respectively. This is the first larger series of desmoid patients monitored using PET showing that early SUV changes may help to discriminate responders from nonresponders and, thus, to decide whether imatinib therapy should be continued.
Modern Natural Gas Development and Harm to Health: The Need for Proactive Public Health Policies
Authors: Finkel Madelon L. , Hays Jake , Law Adam
Published: May 2013

High-volume horizontal hydraulic fracturing of shale formations has the potential to make natural gas a significant, economical energy source, but the potential for harm to human health is often dismissed by proponents of this method. While adverse health outcomes of medical conditions with long latency periods will not be evident for years and will depend on the exposure, duration of exposure, dose, and other factors, we argue that it would be prudent to begin to track and monitor trends in the incidence and prevalence of diseases that already have been shown to be influenced by environmental agents. The dirty downside of modern, unconventional natural gas development, as well as the potential for harm, is discussed.
Classical Solutions of Path-Dependent PDEs and Functional Forward-Backward Stochastic Systems
Authors: Ji Shaolin , Yang Shuzhen
Published: May 2013

In this paper we study the relationship between functional forward-backward stochastic systems and path-dependent PDEs. In the framework of functional Itô calculus, we introduce a path-dependent PDE and prove that its solution is uniquely determined by a functional forward-backward stochastic system.
Thermodynamic and Extrathermodynamic Studies of Enantioseparation of Imidazolinone Herbicides on Chiralcel OJ Column
Authors: Lao Wenjian
Published: May 2013

A homologous series of chiral imidazolinone herbicide was previously resolved on Chiralcel OJ column in high performance liquid chromatography. However, the mechanism of the chiral separation remains unclear. In this study, chromatographic behaviors of five chiral imidazolinone herbicides were characterized by thermodynamic and extrathermodynamic methods in order to enhance the understanding of the chiral separation. Thermodynamic parameters of this study were derived from equilibrium constant () that was estimated from the moment analysis of the chromatographic peak. Van't Hoff plots of ( versus ) were linear at a range of 15–50°C, only nonlinear at a range of 5–15 °C with n-hexane (0.1%, trifluoroacetic acid)-2-propanol 60/40 (v/v) mobile phase. The enantiomer retention on the chiral column was entropy-driven at a lower temperature (5°C) and enthalpy-driven at a higher temperature (10 to 50°C). Enantioseparations of four of the five imidazolinone herbicides were enthalpy-driven, only entropy-driven for imazaquin. Enantioseparation mechanisms were different in between 5–10°C and 15–50°C probably due to the conformational change of the OJ phase. Enthalpy-entropy compensation showed similar mechanisms in retention and chiral separation for the five or enantiomers. Several extrathermodynamic relationships were able to be extracted to address additivity of group contribution.
Multihop-Based Optimal Cluster Heads Numbers Considering Relay Node in Transmission Range of Sensor Nodes in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Nam Choon-Sung , Bae Sang-Tae , Chung Jin-Wook , Shin Dong-Ryeol
Published: May 2013

The data transmission of sensor nodes which detect events might be affected by their neighbor nodes located in their communication range. Thus, we analyze the energy consumption of sensor networks as a function of the number of cluster heads considering the above two options, multihop-based communication and the case where a neighbor node is in the transmission range for communicating data. This helps us to elect the number of energy-efficient cluster heads in a more practical manner. Also, we determine the effect of electing the number of cluster heads by restricting the local cluster size.
Body Fat Equations and Electrical Bioimpedance Values in Prediction of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Eutrophic and Overweight Adolescents
Authors: Faria Franciane Rocha , Faria Eliane Rodrigues , Cecon Roberta Stofeles , Barbosa Júnior Djalma Adão , Franceschini Sylvia do Carmo Castro , Peluzio Maria do Carmo Gouveia , Ribeiro Andréia Queiroz , Lira Pedro Israel Cabral , Cecon Paulo Roberto , Priore Silvia Eloiza
Published: May 2013

The aim of this study was to analyze body fat anthropometric equations and electrical bioimpedance analysis (BIA) in the prediction of cardiovascular risk factors in eutrophic and overweight adolescents. 210 adolescents were divided into eutrophic group (G1) and overweight group (G2). The percentage of body fat (% BF) was estimated using 10 body fat anthropometric equations and 2 BIA. We measured lipid profiles, uric acid, insulin, fasting glucose, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and blood pressure. We found that 76.7% of the adolescents exhibited inadequacy of at least one biochemical parameter or clinical cardiovascular risk. Higher values of triglycerides (TG) (P=0.001), insulin, and HOMA-IR (P<0.001) were observed in the G2 adolescents. In multivariate linear regression analysis, the % BF from equation (5) was associated with TG, diastolic blood pressure, and insulin in G1. Among the G2 adolescents, the % BF estimated by (5) and (9) was associated with LDL, TG, insulin, and the HOMA-IR. Body fat anthropometric equations were associated with cardiovascular risk factors and should be used to assess the nutritional status of adolescents. In this study, equation (5) was associated with a higher number of cardiovascular risk factors independent of the nutritional status of adolescents.
Advances in the Critical Care Management of Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Singh Vineeta , Edwards Nancy J.
Published: May 2013

Given recent advances in diagnostic modalities and revascularization capabilities, clinicians are not only able to rapidly and accurately identify acute ischemic stroke, but may also be able to aggressively intervene to minimize the extent of infarction. In those cases where revascularization cannot occur and/or the extent of infarction is large, there are multiple strategies to prevent secondary decompensation as the stroke evolves, for instance, if malignant cerebral edema should develop. In this paper, we will review the indications for specialized ICU care for an ischemic stroke patient, the treatment principles, and strategies employed by neurointensivists to minimize secondary neuronal injury, the literature in support of such strategies (and the questions to be addressed by future studies), all with the ultimate goal of increasing the likelihood of favorable neurologic outcomes in our ischemic stroke population.
Analysis of a New Quadratic 3D Chaotic Attractor
Authors: Vahedi Shahed , Noorani Mohd Salmi Md
Published: May 2013

A new three-dimensional chaotic system is introduced. Basic properties of this system show that its corresponding attractor is topologically different from some well-known systems. Next, detailed information on dynamic of this system is obtained numerically by means of Lyapunov exponents spectrum, bifurcation diagrams, and 0-1 chaos indicator test. We finally prove existence of this chaotic attractor theoretically using Shil’nikov theorem and undetermined coefficient method.
Cyclic Branched Coverings Over Some Classes of (1,1)-Knots
Authors: Telloni Agnese Ilaria
Published: May 2013

We construct a 4-parametric family of combinatorial closed 3-manifolds, obtained by glueing together in pairs the boundary faces of polyhedral 3-balls. Then, we obtain geometric presentations of the fundamental groups of these manifolds and determine the corresponding split extension groups. Finally, we prove that the considered manifolds are cyclic coverings of the 3-sphere branched over well-specified -knots, including torus knots and Montesinos knots.
Particle Size Effects of TiO2Layers on the Solar Efficiency of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Jeng Ming-Jer , Wung Yi-Lun , Chang Liann-Be , Chow Lee
Published: May 2013

Large particle sizes having a strong light scattering lead to a significantly decreased surface area and small particle sizes having large surface area lack light-scattering effect. How to combine large and small particle sizes together is an interesting work for achieving higher solar efficiency. In this work, we investigate the solar performance influence of the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) by the multiple titanium oxide (TiO2) layers with different particle sizes. It was found that the optimal TiO2thickness depends on the particle sizes of TiO2layers for achieving the maximum efficiency. The solar efficiency of DSSCs prepared by triple TiO2layers with different particle sizes is higher than that by double TiO2layers for the same TiO2thickness. The choice of particle size in the bottom layer is more important than that in the top layer for achieving higher solar efficiency. The choice of the particle sizes in the middle layer depends on the particle sizes in the bottom and top layers. The mixing of the particle sizes in the middle layer is a good choice for achieving higher solar efficiency.
The Effects of Reusing Written Test Items: A Study Using the Rasch Model
Authors: Wagner-Menghin Michaela , Preusche Ingrid , Schmidts Michael
Published: May 2013

Background. Relevant literature reports no increase in individual scores when test items are reused, but information on change in item difficulty is lacking. Purpose. To test an approach for quantifying the effects of reusing items on item difficulty. Methods. A total of 671 students sat a newly introduced exam in four testing shifts. The test forms experimentally combined published, unused, and reused items. Figures quantifying reuse effects were obtained using the Rasch model to compare item difficulties from different person samples. Results. The observed decrease in mean item difficulty for reused items was insignificant. Students who self-scheduled to the last test performed worse than other students did. Conclusion. Availability of leaked material did not translate into higher individual scores, as mastering leaked material does not guarantee transfer of knowledge to new exam items. Exam quality will not automatically deteriorate when a low ratio of randomly selected items is reused.
Mucosal Melanoma in the Head and Neck Region: Different Clinical Features and Same Outcome to Cutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Tas Faruk , Keskin Serkan
Published: May 2013

Mucosal melanoma (MM) in the head and neck (H&N) is relatively rare and behaves in distinct pattern from cutaneous melanoma (CM). We performed this study to define clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients and emphasize MM differences from CM. Forty-one patients with MM located in H&N were assessed. 94 CM patients originated from H&N region were also used for comparison. Patients had oral cavity (51%) and sinonasal location (49%).The median age was 60 years and gender distribution was equal. Thirty-two (78%) patients had localized stage, four (10%) patients had regional lymph node metastasis, and five (12%) patients had distant metastasis. The 1- and 5-year overall survival rates were 81% and 58%, respectively. Outcomes were similar between sinonasal and oral cavity patients (). Advanced disease was the significant prognostic factor for outcome (). MM patients are older () and more diagnosed as a localized disease patients at presentation than those with CM (). Overall survival rates were identical in patients with MM and CM (). In conclusion, despite different clinical features, outcome was identical in patients with MM and CM located in the H&N region.
Mature (Benign) Cystic Retroperitoneal Teratoma Involving the Left Adrenal Gland in a 22-Year-Old Male: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Bhatti Adnan , Al-Hindi Hindi , Azzam Ayman , Amin Tarek , Abu-Zaid Ahmed
Published: May 2013

Primary retroperitoneal teratomas involving adrenal glands are exceedingly uncommon accounting for only 4% of all primary teratomas. They are more common in childhood and rarely occur in adults. Only a very few case reports have been documented in literature so far. Herein, we report a mature (benign) cystic retroperitoneal teratoma in the region of left adrenal gland in a 22-year-old otherwise healthy male patient who presented with a 1-month history of left flank pain. In addition, a literature review on teratomas is included.
Morbidity Assessment in Surgery: Refinement Proposal Based on a Concept of Perioperative Adverse Events
Authors: Kazaryan Airazat M. , Røsok Bård I. , Edwin Bjørn
Published: May 2013

Background. Morbidity is a cornerstone assessing surgical treatment; nevertheless surgeons have not reached extensive consensus on this problem. Methods and Findings. Clavien, Dindo, and Strasberg with coauthors (1992, 2004, 2009, and 2010) made significant efforts to the standardization of surgical morbidity (Clavien-Dindo-Strasberg classification, last revision, the Accordion classification). However, this classification includes only postoperative complications and has two principal shortcomings: disregard of intraoperative events and confusing terminology. Postoperative events have a major impact on patient well-being. However, intraoperative events should also be recorded and reported even if they do not evidently affect the patient’s postoperative well-being. The term surgical complication applied in the Clavien-Dindo-Strasberg classification may be regarded as an incident resulting in a complication caused by technical failure of surgery, in contrast to the so-called medical complications. Therefore, the term surgical complication contributes to misinterpretation of perioperative morbidity. The term perioperative adverse events comprising both intraoperative unfavourable incidents and postoperative complications could be regarded as better alternative. In 2005, Satava suggested a simple grading to evaluate intraoperative surgical errors. Based on that approach, we have elaborated a 3-grade classification of intraoperative incidents so that it can be used to grade intraoperative events of any type of surgery. Refinements have been made to the Accordion classification of postoperative complications. Interpretation. The proposed systematization of perioperative adverse events utilizing the combined application of two appraisal tools, that is, the elaborated classification of intraoperative incidents on the basis of the Satava approach to surgical error evaluation together with the modified Accordion classification of postoperative complication, appears to be an effective tool for comprehensive assessment of surgical outcomes. This concept was validated in regard to various surgical procedures. Broad implementation of this approach will promote the development of surgical science and practice.
Convergence Theorems for Fixed Points of Multivalued Strictly Pseudocontractive Mappings in Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Chidume C. E. , Chidume C. O. , Djitté N. , Minjibir M. S.
Published: May 2013

LetKbe a nonempty, closed, and convex subset of a real Hilbert spaceH. Suppose thatT:K→2Kis a multivalued strictly pseudocontractive mapping such thatF(T)≠∅. A Krasnoselskii-type iteration sequence{xn}is constructed and shown to be an approximate fixed point sequence ofT; that is,limn→∞d(xn,Txn)=0holds. Convergence theorems are also proved under appropriate additional conditions.
A Live Birth Subsequent to IVF following Egg Retrieval Only 12 Hours after hCG Priming
Authors: Man Limor , Baron Joel , Har-Vardi Iris , Lunenfeld Eitan , Levitas Eliahu
Published: May 2013

Introduction. To report a live birth following egg retrieval after only 12 hours from hCG priming.Patients. A childless couple with five-years-lasting secondary infertility.Methods. IVF was performed according to the long protocol. Two immature oocytes were retrieved following only 12 hours after hCG priming due to the patient misunderstanding. The eggs were culturedin vitroand ICSI was performed following polar body extruded after 24 hours in culture. After additional 24 hours a 4-cell embryo was developed and ET was performed.Results. A viable pregnancy was achieved and a healthy baby girl was delivered at 38 weeks of gestation.Conclusion. In a rare and unexpected situation when immature oocytes are retrieved following a short hCG priming, the eggs should be culturedin vitro,late ICSI should be performed, and a pregnancy may be expected.