bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences in spectral profiles between rostral and caudal premotor cortex when hand-eye actions are decoupled
Authors: Sayegh Patricia F. , Hawkins Kara M. , Hoffman Kari L. , Sergio Lauren E.
Published: May 2013

The aim of this research was to understand how the brain controls voluntary movement when not directly interacting with the object of interest. In the present study, we examined the role of premotor cortex in this behavior. The goal of this study was to characterize the oscillatory activity within the caudal and rostral subdivisions of dorsal premotor cortex (PMdc and PMdr) with a change from the most basic reaching movement to one that involves a simple dissociation between the actions of the eyes and hand. We were specifically interested in how PMdr and PMdc respond when the eyes and hand are decoupled by moving along different spatial planes. We recorded single-unit activity and local field potentials within PMdr and PMdc from two rhesus macaques during performance of two types of visually guided reaches. During the standard condition, a visually guided reach was performed whereby the visual stimulus guiding the movement was the target of the reach itself. During the nonstandard condition, the visual stimulus provided information about the direction of the required movement but was not the target of the motor output. We observed distinct task-related and topographical differences between PMdr and PMdc. Our results support functional differences between PMdr and PMdc during visually guided reaching. PMdr activity appears more involved in integrating the rule-based aspects of a visually guided reach, whereas PMdc is more involved in the online updating of the decoupled reach. More broadly, our results highlight the necessity of accounting for the nonstandard nature of a motor task when interpreting movement control research data.
The roles of monkey M1 neuron classes in movement preparation and execution
Authors: Kaufman Matthew T. , Churchland Mark M. , Shenoy Krishna V.
Published: May 2013

The motor cortices exhibit substantial activity while preparing movements, yet the arm remains still during preparation. We investigated whether a subpopulation of presumed inhibitory neurons in primary motor cortex (M1) might be involved in “gating” motor output during preparation, while permitting output during movement. This hypothesis predicts a release of inhibition just before movement onset. In data from M1 of two monkeys, we did not find evidence for this hypothesis: few neurons exhibited a clear pause during movement, and these were at the tail end of a broad distribution. We then identified a subpopulation likely to be enriched for inhibitory interneurons, using their waveform shapes. We found that the firing rates of this subpopulation tended to increase during movement instead of decreasing as predicted by the M1 gating model. No clear subset that might implement an inhibitory gate was observed. Together with previous evidence against upstream inhibitory mechanisms in premotor cortex, this provides evidence against an inhibitory “gate” for motor output in cortex. Instead, it appears that some other mechanism must likely exist.
Nonlinear Fractional Jaulent-Miodek and Whitham-Broer-Kaup Equations within Sumudu Transform
Authors: Atangana Abdon , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: May 2013

We solve the system of nonlinear fractional Jaulent-Miodek and Whitham-Broer-Kaup equations via the Sumudu transform homotopy method (STHPM). The method is easy to apply, accurate, and reliable.
Complements C3 and C5 Individually and in Combination Increase Early Wound Strength in a Rat Model of Experimental Wound Healing
Authors: Sinno Hani , Malhotra Meenakshi , Lutfy Justyn , Jardin Barbara , Winocour Sebastian , Brimo Fadi , Beckman Lorne , Watters Kevin , Philip Anie , Williams Bruce , Prakash Satya
Published: May 2013

Background. Complements C3 and C5 have independently been shown to augment and increase wound healing and strength. Our goal was to investigate the combinatorial effect of complements C3 and C5 on wound healing.Methods. Each rat served as its own control where topical collagen was applied to one incision and 100 nM of C3 and C5 in collagen vehicle was applied to the other incision (n=6). To compare between systemic effects, a sham group of rats (n=6) was treated with collagen alone on one wound and saline on the other. At day 3, the tissue was examined for maximal breaking strength (MBS) and sectioned for histological examination.Results. There was a statistically significant 88% increase in MBS with the topical application of C3C5 when compared to sham wounds (n<0.05). This was correlated with increased fibroblast and collagen deposition in the treated wounds. Furthermore, there appeared to be an additive hemostatic effect with the C3C5 combination.Conclusions. The combination of complements C3 and C5 as a topical application drug to skin wounds significantly increased wound healing maximum breaking strength as early as 3 days.
Imaging the Facial Nerve: A Contemporary Review
Authors: Gupta Sachin , Mends Francine , Hagiwara Mari , Fatterpekar Girish , Roehm Pamela C.
Published: May 2013

Imaging plays a critical role in the evaluation of a number of facial nerve disorders. The facial nerve has a complex anatomical course; thus, a thorough understanding of the course of the facial nerve is essential to localize the sites of pathology. Facial nerve dysfunction can occur from a variety of causes, which can often be identified on imaging. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are helpful for identifying bony facial canal and soft tissue abnormalities, respectively. Ultrasound of the facial nerve has been used to predict functional outcomes in patients with Bell’s palsy. More recently, diffusion tensor tractography has appeared as a new modality which allows three-dimensional display of facial nerve fibers.
Functioning of South Moravian Floodplain Forests (Czech Republic) in Forest Environment Subject to Natural and Anthropogenic Change
Authors: Klimo Emil , Kulhavý Jiří , Prax Alois , Menšík Ladislav , Hadaš Pavel , Mauer Oldřich
Published: May 2013

South Moravian floodplain forests at the confluence of the Morava and Dyje Rivers, which are related to the floodplain forests of Austria and Slovakia to a considerable degree, have been strongly affected by changes in forest environment caused by natural and anthropogenic impacts. The dominant change factors encompassed changes in the 12–14th centuries resulting in the formation of a flooded alluvium and a significant transition of hardwood floodplain to softwood floodplain. Their further development was affected particularly by forestry activities, and they saw a gradual transformation into hardwood floodplain forests with dominant species of oak, ash, hornbeam, and others. The primary impact in the 20th century was stream regulation and the construction of three water reservoirs, which resulted predominantly in changes in the groundwater table. Response to these changes was registered particularly in the herb layer. The contemporary forest management adjusts to environmental changes and makes efforts to alleviate the negative impacts of previously implemented changes through restoration projects.
Characteristics of Flameless Combustion in 3D Highly Porous Reactors under Diesel Injection Conditions
Authors: Weclas M. , Cypris J.
Published: May 2013

The heat release process in a free volume combustion chamber and in porous reactors has been analyzed under Diesel engine-like conditions. The process has been investigated in a wide range of initial pressures and temperatures simulating engine conditions at the moment when fuel injection starts. The resulting pressure history in both porous reactors and in free volumes significantly depends on the initial pressure and temperature. At lower initial temperatures, the process in porous reactors is accelerated. Combustion in a porous reactor is characterized by heat accumulation in the solid phase of the porous structure and results in reduced pressure peaks and lowered combustion temperature. This depends on reactor heat capacity, pore density, specific surface area, pore structure, and heat transport properties. Characteristic modes of a heat release process in a two-dimensional field of initial pressure and temperature have been selected. There are three characteristic regions represented by a single- and multistep oxidation process (with two or three slopes in the reaction curve) and characteristic delay time distribution has been selected in five characteristic ranges. There is a clear qualitative similarity of characteristic modes of the heat release process in a free volume and in porous reactors. A quantitative influence of porous reactor features (heat capacity, pore density, pore structure, specific surface area, and fuel distribution in the reactor volume) has been clearly indicated.
Dynamics and Conservation Management of a Wooded Landscape under High Herbivore Pressure
Authors: Newton Adrian C. , Cantarello Elena , Tejedor Natalia , Myers Gillian
Published: May 2013

We present the use of a spatially explicit model of woodland dynamics (LANDIS-II) to examine the impacts of herbivory in the New Forest National Park, UK, in relation to its management for biodiversity conservation. The model was parameterized using spatial data and the results of two field surveys and then was tested with results from a third survey. Field survey results indicated that regeneration by tree species was found to be widespread but to occur at low density, despite heavy browsing pressure. The model was found to accurately predict the abundance and richness of tree species. Over the duration of the simulations (300 yr), woodland area increased in all scenarios, with or without herbivory. While the increase in woodland area was most pronounced under a scenario of no herbivory, values increased by more than 70% even in the presence of heavy browsing pressure. Model projections provided little evidence for the conversion of woodland areas to either grassland or heathland; changes in woodland structure and composition were consistent with traditional successional theory. These results highlight the need for multiple types of intervention when managing successional landscape mosaics and demonstrate the value of landscape-scale modelling for evaluating the role of herbivory in conservation management.
Impact of Ciprofloxacin and Chloramphenicol on the Lipid Bilayer ofStaphylococcus aureus: Changes in Membrane Potential
Authors: Páez Paulina L. , Becerra María C. , Albesa Inés
Published: May 2013

The present study was undertaken to explore the interaction of ciprofloxacin and chloramphenicol with bacterial membranes in a sensitive and in a resistant strains ofStaphylococcus aureusby using 1-anilino-8-naphthalene sulfonate (ANS). The binding of this probe to the cell membrane depends on the surface potential, which modulates the binding constant to the membrane. We observed that these antibiotics interacted with the bilayer, thus affecting the electrostatic surface potential. Alterations caused by antibiotics on the surface of the bacteria were accompanied by a reduction in the number of binding sites and an increase in the ANS dissociation constant in the sensitive strain, whereas in the ciprofloxacin-resistant strain no significant changes were detected. The changes seen in the electrostatic surface potential generated in the membrane ofS. aureusby the antibiotics provide new aspects concerning their action on the bacterial cell.
NRF2 Protection against Liver Injury Produced by Various Hepatotoxicants
Authors: Liu Jie , Wu Kai Connie , Lu Yuan-Fu , Ekuase Edugie , Klaassen Curtis D.
Published: May 2013

To investigate the role of Nrf2 as a master defense against the hepatotoxicity produced by various chemicals, Nrf2-null, wild-type, Keap1-knock down (Keap1-Kd) and Keap1-hepatocyte knockout (Keap1-HKO) mice were used as a “graded Nrf2 activation” model. Mice were treated with 14 hepatotoxicants at appropriate doses, and blood and liver samples were collected thereafter (6 h to 7 days depending on the hepatotoxicant). Graded activation of Nrf2 offered a Nrf2-dependent protection against the hepatotoxicity produced by carbon tetrachloride, acetaminophen, microcystin, phalloidin, furosemide, cadmium, and lithocholic acid, as evidenced by serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities and by histopathology. Nrf2 activation also offered moderate protection against liver injury produced by ethanol, arsenic, bromobenzene, and allyl alcohol but had no effects on the hepatotoxicity produced by D-galactosamine/endotoxin and the Fas ligand antibody Jo-2. Graded Nrf2 activation reduced the expression of inflammatory genes (MIP-2, mKC, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα), oxidative stress genes (Ho-1, Egr1), ER stress genes (Gadd45 and Gadd153), and genes encoding cell death (Noxa, Bax, Bad, and caspase3). Thus, this study demonstrates that Nrf2 prevents the liver from many, but not all, hepatotoxicants. The Nrf2-mediated protection is accompanied by induction of antioxidant genes, suppression of inflammatory responses, and attenuation of oxidative stress.
Monitoring Cloud Motion in Cyprus for Solar Irradiance Prediction
Authors: Tapakis Rogiros D. , Charalambides Alexandros G.
Published: May 2013

Solar Energy is the feedstock for various applications of renewable energy sources; thus, the knowledge of the intensity of the incident solar irradiance is essential for monitoring the performance of such systems. The major unpredictable factor in defining the solar irradiance and the performance of solar systems is the presence of clouds in the sky. So far, various researchers proposed several models to correlate solar irradiance to cloud coverage and cloud type. The present work describes the development of a simple method for cloud detection and computation of short-term cloud motion. The minimum accuracy of the model was 95% for the prediction of the cloud location seven timesteps in advance with only three cloud images processed. When including the dimensions of the cloud to the accuracy calculation, the minimum accuracy was 88%.
The Role of the Immune Response in Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Whitcup Scott M. , Sodhi Akrit , Atkinson John P. , Holers V. Michael , Sinha Debasish , Rohrer Bärbel , Dick Andrew D.
Published: May 2013

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in developed countries; with the aging population, the negative health impacts and costs of the disease will increase dramatically over the next decade. Although the exact cause of AMD is unknown, genetic studies have implicated the complement system as well as other immune responses in disease pathogenesis and severity. Furthermore, histologic studies have shown the presence of macrophages, lymphocytes, and mast cells, as well as fibroblasts, in both atrophic lesions and with retinal neovascularization. This review summarizes discussions from the fifth annual conference of the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Initiative for Macular Research by the Inflammation and Immune Response Task Force. These deliberations focused on the role of inflammatory immune responses, including complement, inflammasomes, adaptive immune responses, and para-inflammation, unanswered questions and studies to address these questions, and potential immune-related therapeutic targets for AMD.
The Dysarthria Impact Profile: A Preliminary French Experience with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Letanneux Alban , Walshe Margaret , Viallet François , Pinto Serge
Published: May 2013

This preliminary study aimed to adapt the Dysarthria Impact Profile (DIP) in French and to confirm its relevance for the assessment of the psychosocial impact of dysarthria in Parkinson's disease (PD). The DIP scale was administered to 10 people with PD and 10 age-matched control subjects. The DIP psychometric properties were calculated (discriminant validity, internal consistency, and concurrent validity), notably by using the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) for interscale comparisons. The French version of the DIP discriminated people with PD from control subjects (χ2test,P<0.05). Good internal consistency was observed in both populations (Cronbach’sα=0.93for PD people andα=0.76for control subjects). The DIP was highly correlated with the VHI (Spearman’sρ=-0.70,P<0.01), confirming the external validity of the scale. There was no direct relationship between PD speech and quality of life as assessed by the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39). Our preliminary data suggest that the French version of the DIP has the potential to make a useful contribution for the assessment and outcome management in acquired dysarthria for both clinicians and researchers.
Fortified Extract of Red Berry,Ginkgo biloba, and White Willow Bark in Experimental Early Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Bucolo Claudio , Marrazzo Giuseppina , Platania Chiara Bianca Maria , Drago Filippo , Leggio Gian Marco , Salomone Salvatore
Published: May 2013

Diabetic retinopathy is a complex condition where inflammation and oxidative stress represent crucial pathways in the pathogenesis of the disease. Aim of the study was to investigate the effects of a fortified extract of red berries,Ginkgo bilobaand white willow bark containing carnosine andα-lipoic acid in early retinal and plasma changes of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by a single streptozotocin injection in Sprague Dawley rats. Diabetics and nondiabetic (control) rats were treated daily with the fortified extract for the ten days. Retina samples were collected and analyzed for their TNF-αand VEGF content. Moreover, plasma oxidative stress was evaluated by thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS). Increased TNF-αand VEGF levels were observed in the retina of diabetic rats. Treatment with the fortified extract significantly lowered retinal cytokine levels and suppressed diabetes-related lipid peroxidation. These data demonstrate that the fortified extract attenuates the degree of retinal inflammation and plasma lipid peroxidation preserving the retina in early diabetic rats.
Impact of Transit Network Layout on Resident Mode Choice
Authors: Gao Jian , Zhao Peng , Zhuge Chengxiang , Zhang Hui , McCormack Edward D.
Published: May 2013

This study reviews the impact of public transit network layout (TNL) on resident mode choice. The review of TNL as a factor uses variables divided into three groups: a variable set without considering the TNL, one considering TNL from the zone level, and one considering TNL from the individual level. Using Baoding’s travel survey data, a Multinomial Logit (MNL) model is used, and the parameter estimation result shows that TNL has significant effect on resident mode choice. Based on parameter estimation, the factors affecting mode choice are further screened. The screened variable set is regarded as the input data to the BP neural network’s training and forecasting. Both forecasting results indicate that introducing TNL can improve the performance of mode choice forecasting.
Substrate Rotation Chemical Bath Deposition of Cadmium Sulfide Buffer Layers for Thin Film Solar Cell Application
Authors: Taneja Kshitij , Madiraju Alekhya Venkata , Kumar Manoj , Seelaboyina Raghunandan , Keshri Anup Kumar , Mahajan Sarang
Published: May 2013

A method for deposition of cadmium sulfide (CdS) buffer layer thin films on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass, by chemical bath deposition (CBD), has been modified. For achieving relatively uniform and pin-hole-free CdS films, substrate rotation, concentration of CdS salts, and deposition time were optimized. The deposited films were characterized by UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Band gap of ~2.4 eV was measured by UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy, CdS phase was confirmed by XRD, and film uniformity and roughness (~15–20 nm) were measured by SEM and AFM, respectively.
A Patient Presenting with Concurrent Testis Torsion and Epididymal Leiomyoma
Authors: Arpali E. , Tok A.
Published: May 2013

Leiomyomas are the second most common tumors of epididymis. Patients with leiomyomas are sometimes misdiagnosed with testicular tumors. A Case of a patient with a scrotal mass presenting with testicular torsion is reported. Concurrent occurrence of testicular torsion and epididymal leiomyoma is an extremely rare condition.
A Nonmonotone Trust Region Algorithm Based on the Average of the Successive Penalty Function Values for Nonlinear Optimization
Authors: Yu Zhensheng , Yu Jinhong
Published: May 2013

We present a nonmonotone trust region algorithm for nonlinear equality constrained optimization problems. In our algorithm, we use the average of the successive penalty function values to rectify the ratio of predicted reduction and the actual reduction. Compared with the existing nonmonotone trust region methods, our method is independent of the nonmonotone parameter. We establish the global convergence of the proposed algorithm and give the numerical tests to show the efficiency of the algorithm.
Design Methodology of a New Wavelet Basis Function for Fetal Phonocardiographic Signals
Authors: Chourasia Vijay S. , Tiwari Anil Kumar
Published: May 2013

Fetal phonocardiography (fPCG) based antenatal care system is economical and has a potential to use for long‐term monitoring due to noninvasive nature of the system. The main limitation of this technique is that noise gets superimposed on the useful signal during its acquisition and transmission. Conventional filtering may result into loss of valuable diagnostic information from these signals. This calls for a robust, versatile, and adaptable denoising method applicable in different operative circumstances. In this work, a novel algorithm based on wavelet transform has been developed for denoising of fPCG signals. Successful implementation of wavelet theory in denoising is heavily dependent on selection of suitable wavelet basis function. This work introduces a new mother wavelet basis function for denoising of fPCG signals. The performance of newly developed wavelet is found to be better when compared with the existing wavelets. For this purpose, a two‐channel filter bank, based on characteristics of fPCG signal, is designed. The resultant denoised fPCG signals retain the important diagnostic information contained in the original fPCG signal.
Set-Membership Adaptive Localization Algorithm with Time-Varying Error Bounds for Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Ren Yongji , Yu Ning , Wang Xiao , Wan Jiangwen
Published: May 2013

This paper presents a set-membership adaptive localization algorithm with time-varying error bounds for underwater wireless sensor networks (UWSNs). In large-scale UWSNs, the nonstationary underwater environments, the insufficient prior information of hybrid noise, the small sample size of available distance measurements, and the node mobility all pose severe challenges for localization, and most current schemes are not applicable. Unlike most of the existing approaches, we tackle the multihop localization problem in a set-membership framework based on the consideration that the distance measurement uncertainty can be cast into an unknown but bounded (UBB) context. The principle of our scheme is firstly to use the bootstrap method to build confidence intervals and error bounds from a small sample set of distance measurements and then to determine the positions by a low-complexity interval analysis method as well as an adaptive localization update specification with time-varying error bounds. Simulation results show that our proposed scheme is an effective and efficient localization approach in large-scale UWSNs.
Early Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis as a Cause of Renal Allograft Primary Nonfunction
Authors: Griffin Emma J. , Thomson Peter C. , Kipgen David , Clancy Marc , Daly Conal
Published: May 2013

Background.Primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is one of the commonest causes of glomerular disease and if left untreated will often progress to established renal failure. In many cases the best treatment option is renal transplantation; however primary FSGS may rapidly recur in renal allografts and may contribute to delayed graft function. We present a case of primary nonfunction in a renal allograft due to biopsy-proven FSGS.Case Report.A 32-year-old man presented with serum albumin of 22 g/L, proteinuria quantified at 12 g/L, and marked peripheral oedema. Renal biopsy demonstrated tip-variant FSGS. Despite treatment, the patient developed progressive renal dysfunction and was commenced on haemodialysis. Cadaveric renal transplantation was undertaken; however this was complicated by primary nonfunction. Renal biopsies failed to demonstrate evidence of acute rejection but did demonstrate clear evidence of FSGS. The patient was treated to no avail.Discussion.Primary renal allograft nonfunction following transplantation is often due to acute kidney injury or acute rejection. Recurrent FSGS is recognised as a phenomenon that drives allograft dysfunction but is not traditionally associated with primary nonfunction. This case highlights FSGS as a potentially aggressive process that, once active in the allograft, may prove refractory to targeted treatment. Preemptive therapies in patients deemed to be at high risk of recurrent disease may be appropriate and should be considered.
Complete Responses after Hyperthermic Ablation by Ultrasound Guided High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Plus Systemic Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Vidal-Jove Joan , Garcia-Bernal Marta , Perich Eloi , Alvarez del Castillo Manuel
Published: May 2013

We describe results in unresectable pancreatic tumors treated with USgHIFU hyperthermia ablation plus adjuvant chemotherapy. Materials and Methods. Thirty two cases of nonresectable pancreatic tumors were treated from March 2010 to March 2012, and all of them underwent systemic chemotherapy. Clinical responses (thermal ablation achieved) were measured by image techniques. There were 23 stage III cases and 9 stage IV cases. Complications were also analyzed. Results. Clinical responses (ablation obtained) were 82% in all cases, sustained at 8 weeks of the procedure. We obtained 8 complete responses (25%) at the end of the combined treatment, 7 from stage III patients and 1 from stage IV. Major complications included (1) severe pancreatitis with GI bleeding and (2) skin burning grade III that required plastic surgery. No deaths were registered. Median survival was 12.5 month (6 months–2.5 year). Conclusion. HIFU plus SC is a potentially effective and safe modality for the treatment of unresectable pancreatic cancer.
Fixed Point Theorems and Asymptotically Regular Mappings in Partial Metric Spaces
Authors: Shukla Satish , Altun Ishak , Sen Ravindra
Published: May 2013

The notion of asymptotically regular mapping in partial metric spaces is introduced, and a fixed point result for the mappings of this class is proved. Examples show that there are cases when
new results can be applied, while old ones (in metric space) cannot. Some common fixed point theorems for sequence of mappings in partial metric spaces are also proved which generalize and improve some known results in partial metric spaces.
The Role of IL-33 in Gut Mucosal Inflammation
Authors: Pastorelli Luca , De Salvo Carlo , Vecchi Maurizio , Pizarro Theresa T.
Published: May 2013

Interleukin (IL)-33 is a recently identified cytokine belonging to the IL-1 family that is widely expressed throughout the body and has the ability to induce Th2 immune responses. In addition, IL-33 plays a key role in promoting host defenses against parasites through the expansion of a novel population of innate lymphoid cells. In recent years, a growing body of evidence has shown that the proinflammatory properties displayed by IL-33 are detrimental in several experimental models of inflammation; in others, however, IL-33 appears to have protective functions. In 2010, four different research groups consistently described the upregulation of IL-33 in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Animal models of IBD were subsequently utilized in order to mechanistically determine the precise role of IL-33 in chronic intestinal inflammation, without, however, reaching conclusive evidence demonstrating whether IL-33 is pathogenic or protective. Indeed, data generated from these studies suggest that IL-33 may possess dichotomous functions, enhancing inflammatory responses on one hand and promoting epithelial integrity on the other. This review focuses on the available data regarding IL-33/ST2 in the physiological and inflammatory states of the gut in order to speculate on the possible roles of this novel IL-1 family member in intestinal inflammation.
Aortic Root Abscess Presenting as Pyrexia of Unknown Origin and the Importance of Echocardiography
Authors: Panduranga Prashanth
Published: May 2013

Aortic root abscess in patients with aortic endocarditis is not uncommon. Aortic root abscess may cause persistent sepsis, worsening heart failure, conduction abnormalities, fistula formation, and an increased need for surgery. We present a young patient with aortic root abscess presenting as pyrexia of unknown origin. She had acute severe aortic and mitral regurgitation which produced very soft murmurs that were easily missed. This report reiterates that a high index of suspicion is needed in suspecting valvular endocarditis as well as a comprehensive transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiographic examination to diagnose complications like aortic root abscess.
Intraductal Papilloma: Atypical Presentation
Authors: Ramaswamy P. , Khaitan Tanya , Anuradha A. , Kumar B. Praveen , Sudhakar S.
Published: May 2013

Ductal papillomas have unique papillary features arising from the salivary gland duct system. They comprise three rare benign adenomas, namely, inverted ductal papilloma, sialadenoma papilliferum, and intraductal papilloma. Intraductal papilloma is an extremely rare benign salivary gland tumor that occurs most commonly in the minor salivary glands. Here, we are presenting a case report of intraductal papilloma in an 18-year-old patient.
Gene Network Analysis in Amygdala following Taste Aversion Learning in Rats
Authors: Panguluri Siva K. , Kuwabara Nobuyuki , Cooper Nigel , Tipparaju Srinivas M. , Sneed Kevin B. , Lundy Robert F.
Published: May 2013

Conditioned taste aversion (CTA) is an adaptive behavior that benefits survival of animals including humans and also serves as a powerful model to study the neural mechanisms of learning. Memory formation is a necessary component of CTA learning and involves neural processing and regulation of gene expression in the amygdala. Many studies have been focused on the identification of intracellular signaling cascades involved in CTA, but not late responsive genes underlying the long-lasting behavioral plasticity. In this study, we exploredin silicoexperiments to identify persistent changes in gene expression associated with CTA in rats. We used oligonucleotide microarrays to identify 248 genes in the amygdala regulated by CTA. Pathway Studio and IPA software analyses showed that the differentially expressed genes in the amygdala fall in diverse functional categories such as behavior, psychological disorders, nervous system development and function, and cell-to-cell signaling. Conditioned taste aversion is a complex behavioral trait which involves association of visceral and taste inputs, consolidation of taste and visceral information, memory formation, retrieval of stored information, and extinction phase.In silicoanalysis of differentially expressed genes is therefore necessary to manipulate specific phase/stage of CTA to understand the molecular insight.
Effect of Wind Turbine Classes on the Electricity Production of Wind Farms in Cyprus Island
Authors: Katsigiannis Yiannis A. , Stavrakakis George S. , Pharconides Christodoulos
Published: May 2013

This paper examines the effect of different wind turbine classes on the electricity production of wind farms in two areas of Cyprus Island, which present low and medium wind potentials: Xylofagou and Limassol. Wind turbine classes determine the suitability of installing a wind turbine in a particulate site. Wind turbine data from five different manufacturers have been used. For each manufacturer, two wind turbines with identical rated power (in the range of 1.5 MW–3 MW) and different wind turbine classes (IEC II and IEC III) are compared. The results show the superiority of wind turbines that are designed for lower wind speeds (IEC III class) in both locations, in terms of energy production. This improvement is higher for the location with the lower wind potential and starts from 7%, while it can reach more than 50%.
Solving Abel’s Type Integral Equation with Mikusinski’s Operator of Fractional Order
Authors: Li Ming , Zhao Wei
Published: May 2013

This paper gives a novel explanation of the integral equation of Abel’s type from the point of view of Mikusinski’s operational calculus. The concept of the inverse of Mikusinski’s operator of fractional order is introduced for constructing a representation of the solution to the integral equation of Abel’s type. The proof of the existence of the inverse of the fractional Mikusinski operator is presented, providing an alternative method of treating the integral equation of Abel’s type.
Application of Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy to Comparative Examination of Different Groups of Free Radicals in Thermal Injuries Treated with Propolis and Silver Sulphadiazine
Authors: Olczyk Pawel , Ramos Pawel , Bernas Marcin , Komosinska-Vassev Katarzyna , Stojko Jerzy , Pilawa Barbara
Published: May 2013

Different groups of free radicals expressed in burn wounds treated with propolis and silver sulphadiazine were examined. The thermal effect forms major types of free radicals in a wound because of the breaking of chemical bonds. Free radicals, located in the heated skin, were tested after 21 days of treating by these two substances. The aim of this work was to find the method for determination of types and concentrations of different groups of free radicals in wound after high temperature impact during burning. The effects of the therapy by propolis and silver sulphadiazine on free radicals were studied. Since the chemical methods of free radicals studies are destructive, the usefulness of the electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy was tested in this work. The electron paramagnetic resonance spectra measured with the microwave power of 2.2 mW were numerically fitted by theoretical curves of Gaussian and Lorentzian shapes. The experimental electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of tissue samples are best fitted by the sum of one Gauss and two Lorentz lines. An innovatory numerical procedure of spectroscopic skin analysis was presented. It is very useful in the alternative medicine studies.
A Case of Primary T-Cell Central Nervous System Lymphoma: MR Imaging and MR Spectroscopy Assessment
Authors: Manenti G. , Di Giuliano F. , Bindi A. , Liberto V. , Funel V. , Garaci F. G. , Floris R. , Simonetti G.
Published: May 2013

Primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSLs) are mainly B-cells lymphomas. A risk factor for the development of PCNSL is immunodeficiency, which includes congenital disorders, iatrogenic immunosuppression, and HIV. The clinical course is rapidly fatal; these patients usually present signs of increased intracranial pressure, nausea, papilledema, vomiting, and neurological and neuropsychiatric symptoms. PCNSL may have a characteristic appearance on CT and MR imaging. DWI sequences and MR spectroscopy may help to differentiate CNS lymphomas from other brain lesions. In this paper, we report a case of a 23-year-old man with T-primary central nervous system lymphoma presenting with a mass in the right frontotemporal lobe. We describe clinical, CT, and MRI findings. Diagnosis was confirmed by stereotactic biopsy of the lesion.
Effect of Ground Waste Concrete Powder on Cement Properties
Authors: Ma Xianwei , Wang Zhenyu
Published: May 2013

The paste/mortar attached to the recycled aggregate decreases the quality of the aggregate and needs to be stripped. The stripped paste/mortar is roughly 20% to 50% in waste concrete, but relevant research is very limited. In this paper, the effects of ground waste concrete (GWC) powder, coming from the attached paste/mortar, on water demand for normal consistency, setting time, fluidity, and compressive strength of cement were analyzed. The results show that the 20% of GWC powder (by the mass of binder) has little effect on the above properties and can prepare C20 concrete; when the sand made by waste red clay brick (WRB) replaces 20% of river sand, the strength of the concrete is increased by 17% compared with that without WRB sand.
A Sensitive Spectrophotometric Estimation of Nimodipine in Tablets and Injection Using Phloroglucinol
Authors: Deepakumari Hemavathi N. , Revanasiddappa Hosakere D.
Published: May 2013

A rapid, simple, and sensitive spectrophotometric method has been described for the determination of nimodipine in bulk drug, tablets, and injection. The proposed method is based on the diazotization of reduced nimodipine with nitrous acid followed by coupling with phloroglucinol to form colored azo dye and showing absorption maximum () at 410 nm. The formed colored azo dye is stable for about more than 2 h. The method obeyed Beer’s law over the concentration range of 0–25 μg/mL and the corresponding molar absorptivity value is  L/moL/cm. The Sandell sensitivity values limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) values have also been reported for the developed method. The accuracy and precision of the method was evaluated on intra- and interday basis; the relative error (%RE) and the relative standard deviation (RSD) were <2.0%. All variables have been optimized and the presented reaction sequence was applied to the analysis of nimodipine in bulk drug, tablets, and injections. The performance of this method was evaluated in terms of Student’s -test and variance ratio -test to find out the significance of proposed method over the reference method.
Sacral Fatigue Fracture in an Amateur Soccer Player
Authors: Tzoanos Georgios , Tsavalas Nikolaos , Manidakis Nikolaos , Karantanas Apostolos
Published: May 2013

Sacral fatigue fractures represent a frequently overlooked cause of low-back and buttock pain in athletes. A high index of clinical suspicion and MRI utilization can provide the accurate diagnosis. A 38-year-old male amateur, midfielder, soccer player presented to our department with aggravating right buttock pain during the previous month, following an increase in training intensity and frequency on an artificial turf field. A point of maximal tenderness was demonstrated over the area of the right sacroiliac joint. No radiographic abnormalities were observed. MRI of the pelvis revealed the presence of a stress fracture in the right sacral ala. The patient underwent conservative treatment and resumed playing soccer 12 weeks later, with no residual or recurrent clinical complaints. Apart from the recent change in training regimen, decreased shock absorption related to the physical properties of old generation artificial turf may have also been involved in this case.
Application of Principal Component Analysis in Automatic Localization of Optic Disc and Fovea in Retinal Images
Authors: Mudassar Asloob Ahmad , Butt Saira
Published: May 2013

A retinal image has blood vessels, optic disc, fovea, and so forth as the main components of an image. Segmentation of these components has been investigated extensively. Principal component analysis (PCA) is one of the techniques that have been applied to segment the optic disc, but only a limited work has been reported. To our knowledge, fovea segmentation problem has not been reported in the literature using PCA. In this paper, we are presenting the segmentation of optic disc and fovea using PCA. The PCA was trained on optic discs and foveae using ten retinal images and then applied on seventy retinal images with a success rate of 97% in case of optic discs and 94.3% in case of fovea. Conventional algorithms feed one patch at a time from a test retinal image, and the next patch separated by one pixel part is fed. This process is continued till the full image area is covered. This is time consuming. We are suggesting techniques to cut down the processing time with the help of binary vessel tree of a given test image. Results are presented to validate our idea.
Smac Mimetics in Combination with TRAIL Selectively Target Cancer Stem Cells in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Wu Man-si , Wang Guang-feng , Zhao Zhi-qiang , Liang Yi , Wang Heng-bang , Wu Miao-yi , Min Ping , Chen Li-zhen , Feng Qi-sheng , Bei Jin-xin , Zeng Yi-xin , Yang Dajun
Published: May 2013

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a common malignancy in Southern China. After radiotherapy and chemotherapy, a considerable proportion of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma suffered tumor relapse and metastasis. Cancer stem cells (CSC) have been shown with resistance against therapies and thus considered as the initiator of recurrence and metastasis in tumors, where the antiapoptotic property of CSCs play an important role. Smac/DIABLO is an inverse regulator for the inhibitors of apoptosis protein family (IAP), which have been involved in apoptosis. Here, the effects of Smac mimetics on the CSCs of nasopharyngeal carcinoma were studied both in vitro and in vivo, using two clones of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line CNE2 as models. We found that one of the clones, S18, had CSC-like properties and IAPs were overexpressed. The combination of Smac mimetics and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) can reduce the percentage of SP cells and inhibit the colony- and sphere-forming abilities of S18 cells, indicating their ability to attenuate the CSCs. Moreover, in a nasopharyngeal carcinoma xenograft model, the administration of Smac mimetics in combination with TRAIL also led to the elimination of nasopharyngeal carcinoma stem cells. Furthermore, the Smac mimetics in combination with TRAIL induced the degradation of cIAP1 and XIAP and thus induced apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, our data show that Smac mimetics exerted an antitumor effect on nasopharyngeal carcinoma cancer stem cells, and this combination treatment should be considered as a promising strategy for the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(9); 1728–37. ©2013 AACR.
Cognitive Assessment in Proximity to Acute Ischemic Stroke/Transient Ischemic Attack: Comparison of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test and MindStreams Computerized Cognitive Assessment Battery
Authors: Shopin L. , Shenhar-Tsarfaty S. , Ben Assayag E. , Hallevi H. , Korczyn A.D. , Bornstein N.M. , Auriel E.
Published: May 2013

Background/Aims: Even mild stroke survivors may sometimes experience residual cognitive damage. No consensus has emerged about which cognitive test is most appropriate for the diagnosis of poststroke cognitive impairment. We aim to compare a computerized battery of neuropsychological tests for memory, attention and executive functions (MindStreams®) with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) to detect mild-to-moderate cognitive impairments in poststroke patients. Methods: Subjects enrolled to the TABASCO (Tel Aviv Brain Acute Stroke Cohort) study, a prospective study which includes consecutive first-ever mild-to-moderate stroke patients, were included. All participants underwent neurological and cognitive evaluations. Results: A total of 454 patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke are reported. Their mean MoCA and MindStreams scores were lower than normal; however, the TIA group presented significantly better scores using either method. The correlation between the MoCA and the computerized global score was 0.6 (p < 0.001). A significant correlation was found between the subcategory scores (executive function, memory and attention). However, the MoCA identified many more subjects with low scores (<26) compared to the MindStreams (70.6 vs. 15.7%). Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that either of the modalities alone is sensitive enough for identifying subtle cognitive impairment and none picks up substantially more cognitive losses than the other in patients with cerebrovascular disease.
Implementation and Evaluation of a Workshop on Patient Counseling about Antidiabetic Medications for Final-Year Pharmacy Students
Authors: Katoue Maram Gamal , Al Haqan Asmaa
Published: May 2013

Objective: To implement an interactive workshop for final-year pharmacy students on patient counseling about antidiabetic medications and to assess its impact on knowledge and self-reported confidence of students in counseling. Subjects and Methods: The workshop was organized for all final-year pharmacy students (n = 27) during the academic year 2011-2012. It included various teaching and learning activities: interactive lectures, group work and role-playing. Pre-/postworkshop questionnaires were used to assess the impact of the workshop on students' knowledge about medications and attitudes to patient counseling, respectively. The workshop and the teaching activities were evaluated using an evaluation sheet. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 17. Paired Student's t test was used to compare the results of pre-/postintervention instruments. Statistical significance was accepted at a p value of <0.05. Results: The mean ± standard deviation of the pre- and postworkshop knowledge questionnaire scores were 47.9 ± 17.6% and 70.7 ± 18.6%, respectively (p < 0.05), indicating that the workshop significantly improved students' knowledge about antidiabetic medications. It also had significant effects on students' self-reported confidence in communicating effectively with patients and counseling them on antidiabetic medications. All participants strongly agreed that the workshop was very useful. The case discussion in small groups was ranked as the most preferred learning method by the students. Conclusion: This workshop was successful in improving knowledge and self-reported confidence of pharmacy students in counseling patients about antidiabetic medications. Adapting the use of engaging teaching methods allowed the students to become active, independent and self-directed learners and thus enhanced their confidence in providing pharmaceutical care to patients.
Sisters in Arms: Incest, Miscegenation, and Sacrifice in Catharine Maria Sedgwick's Hope Leslie
Authors: Burleigh Erica
Published: May 2013

This essay argues that Catharine Sedgwick's 1827 novel, Hope Leslie, posits an American identity forged in structurally incestuous families of siblings connected through a joint ethic of sacrifice. Sedgwick foregrounds chosen, affective relationships and relationally constituted subjects by theorizing miscegenation and incest–exogamy and endogamy–not as mutually exclusive but as identical with each other.