bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Parental Divorce Increase Risk Behaviors among 15/16 and 18/19 year-old Adolescents? A Study from Oslo, Norway
Authors: Zeratsion Henok , Bjertness Cecilie B , Lien Lars , Haavet Ole R , Dalsklev Madeleine , Halvorsen Jon A , Bjertness Espen , Claussen Bjørgulf
Published: July 2014

Background: Several studies have reported an increase in risk behaviors among adolescents after experience of parental divorce. The aim of the study was to investigate whether parental divorce is associated with risk behavior among adolescents independent of mental health problems, first when early divorce was experienced, and second after experience of late parental divorce.Method: One prospective (n=1861) and one cross-sectional study (n=2422) were conducted using data from two Young-HUBRO surveys in Oslo, Norway. All 15/16 year-old 10thgrade students who participated in the first survey in the school year 2000/01 were followed-up in 2004 when they were 18/19 year-olds. The follow-up rate was 68%. The prospective study investigated the influence of late parental divorce that occurred between the age of 15/16 and 18/19. In the cross-sectional study we focused on early parental divorce that occurred before the participants were 15/16 year-old.Results:In the prospective study we could not discern a significant association between experiencing late parental divorce and an increase in risk behaviors among 18/19 year-old adolescents. In the cross-sectional study parental divorce was significantly associated with cigarette smoking and using doping agents.Conclusion: Parental divorce that occurs when the children of divorced parents are 15/16 year-old or younger is associated with an increase in cigarette smoking and use of doping agents. However, no evidence of significant association is found between experience of late parental divorce and risk behaviors in late adolescence.
Quality of Life, Cortisol Blood Levels and Exercise in Older Adults: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mura Gioia , Cossu Giulia , Migliaccio Gian M , Atzori Claudio , Nardi Antonio E , Machado Sergio , Carta Mauro G
Published: July 2014

Introduction: Cortisol plays a central role in the stress response; while high stress can determine physical and psychological impairment, moderate stress, with a mild increase in cortisol level, may have a positive effect on coping and physical performance. This trial attempted to determine whether cortisol levels were associated with Quality of Life (QoL) in a sample of elderly subjects undertaking an exercise program. Methods: 42 subjects aged ≥65 years were randomly assigned in a 1:1 fashion either to a vigorous physical activity (VAG: N=21) or to a postural gimnastic group (PGG: N=21). Differences between the two groups in QoL (on SF-12), and blood cortisol levels were assessed by ANOVA at different times. Results: In both the VAG and PGG, cortisol levels rose at the end of the trial, with statistically significant differences as compared to the baseline. QoL at the end of the trial was higher than in the national normative sample. Cortisol and QoL in both groups decreased slightly 12 weeks after the end of the trial (T2); however, only in the VAG did the difference from the initial level remain statistically significant. At T1 and T2, subjects with higher SF-12 scores were found in subsamples in both groups with cortisol levels moderately increased (between 200 and 300 mg/ml). Conclusion: In a sample of elderly subjects undergoing two different kinds of exercise, a better perception of Quality of Life was associated with a moderate, non-pathological increase in cortisol. The results need to be confirmed by trials on larger samples.
Elastic Multi Body Simulation of a Multi-Cylinder Engine
Authors: Siano D. , Citarella R.
Published: July 2014

This paper analyzes the vibration behavior of an in-line 4-cylinder, 4-strokes, internal combustion turbocharged
direct injection gasoline engine. A detailed multi-body numerical model of the engine prototype was used to characterize
the whole engine dynamic behavior, in terms of forces and velocities. The crank train multi-body model was created
starting from engine geometrical data, and the available combustion loads were employed for the Multi-Body Dynamic
Simulation (MBDS). A combined usage of FEM and multi body methodologies were adopted for the dynamic analysis:
both crankshaft and cylinder block were considered as flexible bodies, whereas all the other components were considered
as rigid. The engine mounts were considered as flexible elements with given stiffness and damping. The hydrodynamic
bearings were also modelling. The software LMS Virtual Lab (modules PDS and Motion) and ANSYS were used for the
simulation.
The Decision-Making and Communication Capacities of Older Adults with Dementia: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Mitoku Kazuko , Shimanouchi Setsu
Published: July 2014

The present study assessed the decision-making and communication capacities of older adults with dementia who required assistance and care and measured the subsequent changes in these capacities. Of 845 older adults who received long-term care between April 2003 and December 2004, about half of them without dementia were excluded and the remaining 448 were finally included in the analyses. These individuals were completed follow-up for assessment for two years. The data were obtained from the Long-Term Care Insurance Certification Committee for Eligibility in Gujo City. A total of 73.7% of people with dementia were somewhat capable of making decisions (32.4% were reported as being “always capable”; 41.3% were reported as being “sometimes capable”). A total of 93.7% were somewhat capable of communicating with others (78.3% were reported as being “always capable”; 15.4% were reported as being “sometimes capable”). The results indicate that older adults with dementia can participate in their own care decisions, even if they require assistance and support in their daily lives. The present study shows, however, that baseline decision-making capacity declined to about half what they were after one year and to about one-third of what they were after two years, suggesting that earlier efforts are needed to ensure that the preferences of individuals with dementia are reflected in their care.
Low dark matter content of the nearby early-type galaxy NGC 821
Authors: Samurovic S. , Vudragovic A. , Jovanovic M. , Cirkovic M.M.
Published: July 2014

In this paper we analyze the kinematics and dynamics of the nearby early-type
galaxy NGC 821 based on its globular clusters (GCs) and planetary nebulae
(PNe). We use PNe and GCs to extract the kinematics of NGC 821 which is then
used for the dynamical modelling based on the Jeans equation. We apply the
Jeans equation using the Newtonian mass-follows-light approach assuming
constant mass-to-light ratio and find that using such an approach we can
successfully fit the kinematic data. The inferred constant mass-to-light
ratio, 4:2 < M=LB < 12:4 present throughout the whole galaxy, implies the
lack of significant amount of dark matter. We also used three different MOND
approaches and found that we can fit the kinematic data without the need for
additional, dark, component.
Relativistic length agony continued
Authors: Redzic D.V.
Published: July 2014

We made an attempt to remedy recent confusing treatments of some basic
relativistic concepts and results. Following the argument presented in an
earlier paper (Redzic 2008b), we discussed the misconceptions that are
recurrent points in the literature devoted to teaching relativity such as:
there is no change in the object in Special Relativity, illusory character of
relativistic length contraction, stresses and strains induced by Lorentz
contraction, and related issues. We gave several examples of the traps of
everyday language that lurk in Special Relativity. To remove a possible
conceptual and terminological muddle, we made a distinction between the
relativistic length reduction and relativistic FitzGerald-Lorentz
contraction, corresponding to a passive and an active aspect of length
contraction, respectively; we pointed out that both aspects have fundamental
dynamical contents. As an illustration of our considerations, we discussed
briefly the Dewan-Beran-Bell spaceship paradox and the ?pole in a barn?
paradox.
Association of renin-angiotensin system genes polymorphism with progression of diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ilic Vesna , Ilic Miroljub , Soldatovic Ivan , Popovic Srdjan , Magic Zvonko
Published: July 2014

Background/Aim. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) as a major microvascular
complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) include a progressive increase in
urinary albumin excretion in association with an increase in blood pressure
and to end stage renal failure. Hypertension connected with renin-angiotensin
system (RAS) hyperactivity and corresponding genotypes, angiotensinogen
(AGT), angiotensine-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin II type 1
receptor (AT1R), predispose the increasing risk of DN. The aim of this study
was to assess the distribution of AGT, ACE and AT1R gene polymorphisms in
patients with type 1 DM according to the level of DN and patients clinical
characteristics. Methods. The study included 79 type 1 diabetic patients.
Inclusion criteria were: age between 20-40, duration of diabetes > 5 years,
and no other severe diseases. Clinical characteristics were gained from
interviewing the patients. Polymorphism was detected by polymerase chain
reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism using restriction
enzymes Psy I (Tth 111 I) and Hae III. Results. The patients with proteinuria
compared with normo- and microalbuminuric patients, highly differed in age,
diabetes duration, blood pressure level, hypertension, rethynopathy and
urinary albumin excretion values (p < 0.001). No statistically significant
difference between the groups was found for the ACE and AT1R gene
polymorphisms distribution. The presence of TT genotype of the M235T
polymorphism was significantly higher in the group with proteinuria (p <
0.05). The patients with hypertension raised nephropathy 5.2 times higher (OR
= 5.20, p < 0.05) while carriers of TT allel developed nephropathy 28.38
times higher (OR = 28.389, p < 0.01) than those with MM genotype. Conclusion.
Increased association of hypertension and TT angiotensinogen gene
polymorphism in patients with diabetes mellitus with proteinuria could be a
significant marker of diabetic nephropathy.
Presurgical orthodontic treatment of patients with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate
Authors: Radojicic Julija , Tanic Tatjana , Jovic Nebojsa , Cutovic Tatjana , Papadopoulos Konstantinos
Published: July 2014

Introduction. Cleft lips and palates are the most common congenital orofacial
anomaly. This type of clefts is the most severe from the orthodontic-surgical
therapy aspect. Case report. A female newborn with a complete cleft of the
primary and the secondary palate was admitted to the clinic, where a
multiple-role orthodontic device was specially designed and applied to
primarily manage the closure of the existing cleft and help to improve the
suckling ability of the baby. Besides the fact that it allows breastfeeding,
it has a significant orthodontic effect, too. Conclusion. Specificity of this
device is the lack of extraoral fixation. What can easily be observed is a
progressive reduction of the cleft between the separated segments and the
premaxilla retrusion. It, thus, allows the creation of much better conditions
for further surgical management of the said defect.
FEBID fabrication and magnetic characterization of individual nano-scale and micro-scale Co structures
Authors: Idigoras O. , Nikulina E. , Porro J. M. , Vavassori P. , Chuvilin A. , Berger A.
Published: July 2014

This work gives an illustration of the viability of FEBID to fabricate magnetic nano- and micro-structures and it demonstrates that by means of a combination of MOKE microscopy and MFM, one is able to analyze the size and shape effects in individual magnetic cobalt structures. With the help of our magnetic and functional study, we are able to demonstrate that by using FEBID, cobalt of uniform thickness and magnetic response can be deposited over several micron-size areas, establishing a most crucial ingredient of reliable structure and device fabrication. Furthermore, we show the suitability of FEBID to fabricate functional and complex 3-dimensional magnetic structures. The issue of unintended secondary deposits in FEBID is discussed, and a Xe-ion milling posttreatment for its removal is proposed and demonstrated as a successful pathway towards the fabrication of functionally independent magnetic nano-structures.
Mechanical magnetometry of Cobalt nanospheres deposited by focused electron beam at the tip of ultra-soft cantilevers
Authors: Lavenant Hugo , Naletov Vladimir , Klein Olivier , de Loubens Grégoire , Casado Laura , De Teresa José María
Published: July 2014

Using focused-electron-beam-induced deposition, Cobalt magnetic nanospheres with diameter ranging between 100 nm and 300 nm are grown at the tip of ultra-soft cantilevers. By monitoring the mechanical resonance frequency of the cantilever as a function of the applied magnetic field, the hysteresis curve of these individual nanospheres are measured. This enables the evaluation of their saturation magnetization, found to be around 430 emu/cm3 independent of the size of the particle, and to infer that the magnetic vortex state is the equilibrium configuration of these nanospheres at remanence.

SEM image of a 200 nm Co nanosphere grown at the tip of an ultra-soft cantilever by focus electron beam induced deposition.
Extending semilattices to frames using sites and coverages
Authors: Ball Richard , Pultr Aleš
Published: July 2014

Each meet semilattice S is well known to be freely extended to a frame by its down-sets DS. In this article we present, first, the complete range of frame extensions generated by S; it turns out to be a sub-coframe of the coframe C of sublocales of DS, indeed, an interval in C, with DS as the top and the extension of S respecting all the exact joins in S as the bottom. Then, the Heyting and Boolean case is discussed; there, the bottom extension is shown to coincide with the Dedekind-MacNeille completion. The technique used is a technique of sites, generalizing that used in [JOHNSTONE, P. T.: Stone Spaces. Cambridge Stud. Adv. Math. 3, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1982].
On D-posets of fuzzy sets
Authors: Frič Roman
Published: July 2014

D-posets of fuzzy sets constitute a natural simple mathematical structure in which relevant notions of generalized probability theory can be formalized. We present a classification of D-posets leading to a hierarchy of distinguished subcategories of D-posets related to probability and study their relationships. This contributes to a better understanding of the transition from classical probability theory to fuzzy probability theory. In particular, we describe the transition from the Boolean cogenerator {0, 1} to the fuzzy cogenerator [0, 1] and prove that the generated Łukasiewicz tribes form an epireflective subcategory of the bold algebras.
A note on the convexity of lattices generated by the set of nonnegative integers
Authors: Pócs Jozef
Published: July 2014

A class of lattices is said to be a convexity if it is closed under homomorphic images, convex sublattices and direct products. The main aim of this paper is to show that convexity generated by nonnegative integers contains all ordinal numbers. Consequently, any two infinite ordinals generate the same convexity.
The Euler characteristic and valuations on MV-algebras
Authors: Mundici Daniele , Pedrini Andrea
Published: July 2014

Every finitely presented MV-algebra A has a unique idempotent valuation E assigning value 1 to every basic element of A. For each a ∈ A, E(a) turns out to coincide with the Euler characteristic of the open set of maximal ideals m of A such that a/m is nonzero.
Lexico groups and related radical classes
Authors: Lihová Judita
Published: July 2014

There are defined and studied radical classes of lattice ordered groups, in some way related to the notion of lexico extensions. It is shown that such radical classes form a proper class and they fail to be torsion classes.
Compact Intersection Property and description of congruence lattices
Authors: Krajník Filip , Ploščica Miroslav
Published: July 2014

We say that a variety V of algebras has the Compact Intersection Property (CIP), if the family of compact congruences of every A ∈ V is closed under intersection. We investigate the congruence lattices of algebras in locally finite congruence-distributive CIP varieties. We prove some general results and obtain a complete characterization for some types of such varieties. We provide two kinds of description of congruence lattices: via direct limits and via Priestley duality.
Weak subgroupoid lattices
Authors: Haviar Alfonz , Haviar Miroslav
Published: July 2014

The aim of the paper is a characterization of the lattice of all weak subgroupoids of a partial groupoid. It also extends to arbitrary finite algebras Pióro’s result saying that the weak subgroupoid lattice of a finite commutative groupoid G in which g·h ≠ g (for all g, h ∈ G) uniquely determines its subgroupoid lattice.
Symmetries in synaptic algebras
Authors: Foulis David , Pulmannová Sylvia
Published: July 2014

A synaptic algebra is a generalization of the Jordan algebra of self-adjoint elements of a von Neumann algebra. We study symmetries in synaptic algebras, i.e., elements whose square is the unit element, and we investigate the equivalence relation on the projection lattice of the algebra induced by finite sequences of symmetries. In case the projection lattice is complete, or even centrally orthocomplete, this equivalence relation is shown to possess many of the properties of a dimension equivalence relation on an orthomodular lattice.
Calculation of Temperature in Sliding Joint Designed as a Part of Foundation Structure
Authors: Cajka Radim , Matečková Pavlína , Fojtík Roman
Published: July 2014

In case of expected horizontal deformation of subsoil or foundation structure it is possible to use rheological asphalt sliding joint to eliminate internal forces caused with friction. Material characteristics of asphalt are temperature sensitive. In science literature it is possible to find data with temperatures expected in footing bottom, however it was decided to complement this information with temperatures measured in-situ in foundation slab for super-computer building in campus of VŠB-Technical University of Ostrava. In the paper measured and calculated temperatures are compared for the first days after concreting the foundation structure. Besides the temperature of environment also significant influence of heat of cement hydration are taken into account.
Comparison of Experimentally Measured Deformation of the Plate on the Subsoil and the Results of 3D Numerical Model
Authors: Labudková Jana , Čajka Radim
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this paper is to compare the measured subsidence of the foundation in experiments and subsidence obtained from FEM calculations. When using 3D elements for creation of a 3D model, it is, in particular, essential to choose correctly the size of the modelled area which represents the subsoil, the boundary conditions and the size of the finite element network. The parametric study evaluates impacts of those parameters on final deformation. The parametric study is conducted of 168 variant models.
Nonlinear Analysis of Buckling & Postbuckling
Authors: Psotný Martin
Published: July 2014

The stability analysis of slender web loaded in compression was presented. To solve this problem, a specialized computer program based on FEM was created. The nonlinear finite element method equations were derived from the variational principle of minimum of potential energy. To obtain the nonlinear equilibrium paths, the Newton-Raphson iteration algorithm was used. Corresponding levels of the total potential energy were defined. The peculiarities of the effects of the initial imperfections were investigated. Special attention was focused on the influence of imperfections on the post-critical buckling mode. The stable and unstable paths of the nonlinear solution were separated. Obtained results were compared with those gained using ANSYS system.
Probabilistic Reliability Assessment of Truss Construction in Matlab Software Platform
Authors: Vašek Jakub , Krejsa Martin
Published: July 2014

This paper deals with the use of probabilistic methods in assessing the reliability of the planar truss support structure. Classical Monte Carlo simulation technique was chosen for calculation of failure probability in structural elements and the entire support system under assessment. Numerical calculation was applied in MATLAB software system using the random number generator and parallelization using multi-core processors. The aim of the study was to analyze the usability of MATLAB for probability calculations and probabilistic reliability assessments of load-bearing structures.
Genetic tuning of the novel avian influenza A(H7N9) virus during interspecies transmission, China, 2013
Authors: Wang D , Yang L , Gao R , Zhang X , Tan Y , Wu A , Zhu W , Zhou J , Zou S , Li Xiyan , Sun Y , Zhang Y , Liu Y , Liu T , Xiong Y , Xu J , Chen L , Weng Y , Qi X , Guo J , Li Xiaodan , Dong J , Huang W , Zhang Y , Dong L , Zhao X , Liu L , Lu J , Lan Y , Wei H , Xin L , Chen Y , Xu C , Chen T , Zhu Y , Jiang T , Feng Z , Yang W , Wang Y , Zhu H , Guan Y , Gao G F , Li D , Han J , Wang S , Wu G , Shu Y
Published: July 2014

A novel avian influenza A(H7N9) virus causing human infection emerged in February 2013 in China. To elucidate the mechanism of interspecies transmission, we compared the signature amino acids of avian influenza A(H7N9) viruses from human and non-human hosts and analysed the reassortants of 146 influenza A(H7N9) viruses with full genome sequences. We propose a genetic tuning procedure with continuous amino acid substitutions and reassorting that mediates host adaptation and interspecies transmission. When the early influenza A(H7N9) virus, containing ancestor haemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes similar to A/Shanghai/05 virus, circulated in waterfowl and transmitted to terrestrial poultry, it acquired an NA stalk deletion at amino acid positions 69 to 73. Then, receptor binding preference was tuned to increase the affinity to human-like receptors through HA G186V and Q226L mutations in terrestrial poultry. Additional mammalian adaptations such as PB2 E627K were selected in humans. The continual reassortation between H7N9 and H9N2 viruses resulted in multiple genotypes for further host adaptation. When we analysed a potential association of mutations and reassortants with clinical outcome, only the PB2 E627K mutation slightly increased the case fatality rate. Genetic tuning may create opportunities for further adaptation of influenza A(H7N9) and its potential to cause a pandemic.
Limited human-to-human transmission of avian influenza A(H7N9) virus, Shanghai, China, March to April 2013
Authors: Hu J , Zhu Y , Zhao B , Li J , Liu L , Gu K , Zhang W , Su H , Teng Z , Tang S , Yuan Z , Feng Z , Wu F
Published: July 2014

In April 2013, two members of one family were successively confirmed as cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) virus infection in Shanghai, China. Respiratory specimens from the two cases and their close contacts were tested using real-time reverse-transcription (RT)-PCR. Paired serum specimens from contacts were tested by haemagglutination inhibition assay and microneutralisation test. The index patient developed severe pneumonia. Her husband presented with pneumonia shortly thereafter. Both cases had highly similar clinical features and infection with A(H7N9) virus was confirmed in both cases by genetic analysis. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a high level of similarity between the sequences from the two patients and environmental samples collected from wet markets in Minhang and Changning districts. Six samples from the Changning wet market were confirmed as A(H7N9) positive. Of 27 close contacts, one developed mild respiratory symptoms and another tested positive for A(H7N9) antibodies, but both were negative by real-time RT-PCR. The other 25 close contacts of both cases were A(H7N9) negative. Limited human-to-human transmission of the virus most likely occurred in the family cluster. However, other close contacts did not test positive for the virus, suggesting limited potential for extensive human-to-human transmission of the virus.
Studies on the Conservation Agriculture Based Practices under Maize (Zea Mays L.) Based System in the Hills of Nepal
Authors: Karki Tika Bahadur , Gadal Nirmal , Shrestha Jiban
Published: July 2014

A farmer’s field trial comparing the conservation tillage, where tillage was avoided and previous crops residues were kept and conventional tillage, where tillage was done and residues were removed from the field along with farmers practice of manual weeding and application of herbicides under maize-rapeseed based cropping system in the mid hills of Nepal was carried in collaboration with farmers during 2012 and 2013. Thus, three factors each having two levels was tested under randomized complete block design with five replications in each districts of Palpa and Gulmi.  The effect of tillage methods and residue levels were not significant for yield and its’ contributing traits of maize and test weight along with seed yield of rapeseed. However, it was evident in the second year. The effect of herbicide over farmer’s practice of manual weeding on diameter and length of cob, test weight and grain yield of maize was obvious in both the years. The benefit cost ratio of 1.7 in conventional tillage with residue removed and 2.5 in no tillage with residue kept were recorded in the second year. Since, it reduced significantly the cost of production without severe yield penalties; farmers are interested to scale-up the conservation agricultural practices in the hills of Nepal. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i2.10353Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(2): 185-192
Soil Properties and Earthworm Population Dynamics Influenced by Organic Manure in Winter and Spring Seasons at Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal
Authors: Ojha Roshan Babu , Shah Shree Chand , Pande Keshab Raj , Dhakal Durga Datta
Published: July 2014

Two experiments were carried out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with six treatments (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 Mg FYM ha-1) replicated four times at the horticultural farm, IAAS, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal in winter (Oct-Jan) and spring (Feb-May) seasons to quantify optimum dose of organic manure (FYM) to maintain earthworm population and enhance soil properties. In each treatment 100 earthworms (Eisenia fetida) were inoculated within one square meter of each plot. Porosity in the first season was significantly higher than the control treatment (0 Mg FYM ha-1). In the second season it remained unaffected but in increasing trend. In the second season the highest porosity (40.75 ± 1.57%) was obtained from 50 Mg FYM ha-1. The highest bulk density (1.553 ± 0.017 Mg m-3) in the second season was observed from the control treatment but it was in decreasing trend with increasing doses of FYM. There was no significant effect of FYM on pH in the either season. The highest OM (3.87 ± 0.22%) was observed from 50 Mg FYM ha-1 which was similar to 30 and 40 Mg FYM ha-1 in first season. Similarly, in the second season, increasing doses of FYM increased the OM and the highest OM (3.83 ± 0.19%) was from 50 Mg FYM ha-1 which did not differ from 40 Mg FYM ha-1. As anticipated, the lowest OM 2.425 ± 0.224% and 2.275 ± 0.1968% were from control treatments of the first and second seasons, respectively. As the doses of FYM were increased, earthworm populations were also increased significantly in the both seasons. Earthworm numbers from 50 Mg FYM ha-1 were significantly higher than the 20, 30 and 40 Mg FYM ha-1 in both seasons. The highest numbers 887 ± 12.84 and 976 ± 20.30 of earthworm per square meter were recorded from 50 Mg FYM ha-1 in the both seasons, respectively. Thus, the application of 30 Mg FYM ha-1 is optimum for both the seasons to improve soil properties and to maintain earthworm population in the agricultural field. Also, this research indicated a possibility for earthworm inoculation in the field to enhance soil fertility for sustainable agriculture in the western Chitwan, Nepal. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i2.10474Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(2): 193-198
Synthesis, Characterization and Thermal Analysis of Resins from Different Cardanol Based Dyes
Authors: Das Tapan K.
Published: July 2014

Cardanol(Cashew phenol) is subjected to diazotisation with Aniline and m-Toluidine to get  monomers like Cardanol based dye from Aniline (CBDFA) and Cardanol based dye from m-Toludine (CBDFT). Such monomers have been condensed with formaldehyde in presence of acid catalyst to form resins. The resins have been characterized by FTIR spectra and their thermal behaviour have been studied.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i2.10544Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(2): 176-179
Study of hypovitaminosis D as a cause of chronic widespread pain in patients presenting to rheumatology clinic
Authors: Vaidya Binit , Nakarmi Shweta , Chaudhary Arvind , Batajoo Poojan , Rajbhandari Nija
Published: July 2014

Background and aims: Hypovitaminosis D is common in south-east Asian countries. Deficient vitamin-D level is likely to be associated with chronic muscular pains. We do not have data from our country regarding the magnitude of this problem. Methods: A prospective open labeled study at rheumatology opd from December 2009 to December 2012. Patients with chronic widespread pain and bone pains of >3 months duration were included in the study. Hypothyroidism, chronic renal failure and other rheumatological diagnosis except fibromyalgia were excluded. Visual analogue score (VAS) for pain and serum Vitamin-D levels were measured. Patients with low Vitamin-D were given oral Vitamin-D 60,000IU for 6 months. Response to therapy was evaluated using improvement in VAS. Results: Among 1680 patients, 66?2% were females. Hypovitaminosis-D was seen in 1388(82?6%), of which 27?5% had severe deficiency with Vitamin D levels <10ng/ml. Fibromyalgia overlap present in 25?7%. Mean initial VAS score was 8?7, 8?2 and 7?4 for patients in severe deficiency, mild deficiency and insufficiency group respectively. At 6 months follow-up, the VAS scores were 0, 2?1 and 3?6 respectively. After 6 months of treatment, no improvement was seen in 196 patients (11?6%) and all non-responders had fibromyalgia overlap. Vitamin- D level was checked again in non-responders and repeat vitamin-D levels were still low in 10 of them. Conclusions: Hypovitaminosis-D can be a significant cause of Chronic widespread pain in the general population and seems to aggravate the pain of fibromyalgia. Improvement was rapid and better in severe cases. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jaim.v3i1.10694 Journal of Advances in Internal Medicine 2014;03(01):1-4
Prevalence of Specific Types of Kidney Disease in Patients Undergoing Kidney Biopsy: A Single Centre Experience
Authors: Kafle Mukunda Prasad , Shah Dibya Singh , Shrestha Shailendra , Sigdel Mahesh Raj , Raut Kanak Bahadur
Published: July 2014

Background and aims: Prevalence of various types of kidney diseases in Nepalese population has largely been unknown. Knowledge of the prevalence of specific type kidney disease in renal patients has important implications in starting the treatment modalities and prognostification of these patients. We tried to find out the various types of kidney diseases in patient population undergoing kidney biopsy at our centre. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed kidney biopsy reports of patients who underwent Kidney Biopsy from 2007 to 2009 in Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH), Kathmandu. Results: Of the 194 kidney biopsy reports analyzed, 100(51.5%) were females and 94(48.5%) males. Most of the patients 75.773% (n=147) were 16-45yrs age (Mean age 33.7years). Biopsy reports showed Lupus Nephritis in 20.6%(n=40), Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in 19.6%(n=38), IgA Nephropathy in 9.8%(n=19), MPGN 9.8%(n=19), Membranous Nephropathy 8.2%(n=16) and Minimal Change Disease (MCD) in 8.2%(n=16) of the population biopsied. Nephrotic syndrome was the commonest clinical indication for kidney biopsy. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that Lupus Nephritis is the commonest indication for kidney biopsy at our centre. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jaim.v3i1.10695   Journal of Advances in Internal Medicine 2014;03(01):5-10
Association of hsCRP and soluble fraction of E-selectin with diabetic and non-diabetic individuals
Authors: Datta Subinay , Pal Mrinal , Pradhan Amit Kumar , Ghosh Joydeep , Rahut Rajarshi , Ganguly Amrita , Basu Subhadeep
Published: July 2014

doiBackground and aims: It is known that endothelial dysfunction and low-grade inflammation are important element of diabetic complications. The soluble E-selectin is a marker of endothelial dysfunction and C-reactive protein is the most important inflammatory marker. The present study is done to investigate the effect of diabetes on these two markers.  Methods: The present hospital based case control study was conducted in the department of Biochemistry with the collaboration of department of Medicine of Burdwan Medical College, Burdwan, west Bengal India. All subjects were selected by simple random sampling between March 2011 and May 2013. Blood level of these soluble E-selectin and high sensitive C-reactive protein were measured in two hundred diabetic and two hundred age, sex and other non-modifiable as well as modifiable risk factors matched non-diabetic healthy controls. Results: Compared with control value of high sensitive C-reactive protein and soluble E-selectin levels were higher in diabetic subjects (p < 0.001). Our present study shows that levels of adhesion molecules and high sensitive C-reactive protein were higher in diabetic than non-diabetic. Conclusion: These data suggested that an increased level of inflammatory markers and adhesion molecules among diabetic compared with non-diabetic subjects. This suggests that chronic uncontrolled hyperglycemia contributes to progression of atherosclerosis associated with life-threading complications in middle-aged diabetic patients. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jaim.v3i1.10697 Journal of Advances in Internal Medicine 2014;03(01):17-22
Black tongue
Authors: Shah Binay Kumar
Published: July 2014

No Abstract AvailableDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jaim.v3i1.10699  Journal of Advances in Internal Medicine 2014;03(01):27
Cytomegalovirus: A possible cause of Persistent Refractory Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Authors: Shrestha Raksha , Rondelli Damiano , Sherpa Mingma Thsering
Published: July 2014

We present a case of a healthy 22 years old who presented with bruising and hematoma following a minor trauma. Investigations showed severe thrombocytopenia but complete hematological investigations did not reveal a cause. An aggressive treatment with steroids, IVIG, anti-D, splenectomy and immunosuppressant proved to be refractory. A subclinical transaminitis prompted an infectious workup which revealed Cytomegalovirus infection. Platelet count improved and remained stable after eradication of Cytomegalovirus. We conclude that infection with CMV should be ruled out in cases of severe refractory immune thrombocytopenic purpura. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jaim.v3i1.10704   Journal of Advances in Internal Medicine 2014;03(01):42-45
“Behind the backs of houses”
Authors: Joyce Heather
Published: July 2014

Railways in John Betjeman's and Philip Larkin's poems of the 1950s and 1960s function as provocative signifiers that interrogate and encourage definition of what constitutes the modern English landscape. Through their works, which recognize how railways have been held to register the cultural health of the nation from their inception, it becomes clear that the panoramic perception that railways make possible aptly represents the self-conscious cultural gaze filtered through crisis that critics argue prevails in the postwar context. Betjeman's and Larkin's speakers reveal the capacity for railway travel to disrupt the settled vision of nationhood at the heart of heritage-based Englishness; at the same time, railways – and they themselves – are not outside of this discourse. For Betjeman and, to a greater extent, Larkin, it is the possibility of double return embodied by the railway system that perhaps proffers a desirable mode of inhabiting the modern English nation.
Reworking Appropriation
Authors: Soppelsa Peter
Published: July 2014

By tracking railway language through periodicals and poetry, this article examines the words and images used to make sense of Paris's new subway and streetcars between 1870 and 1914. It proposes a new threefold approach to understanding the appropriation of technology, which reworks its agents, sites, and chronologies. It maintains that appropriation takes both material and symbolic forms, and that appropriation processes transform both appropriated objects and their cultural contexts. Language anchors appropriation as it operates through circulating texts. For Paris, railways were both transportation technologies and versatile tools for making meaning. Railways set spaces, customs, identities, and images adrift, which traditionalists found threatening, progressives found promising, and avant-gardists found inspiring. Fitting Paris with railways required both reimagining and rebuilding the city, and reshaping what railways could be. The article concludes that appropriation is neither linear nor complete, but rather an ongoing and unfinished negotiation of the meaning of technologies.
Turtle 1
Authors: Smets Melle
Published: July 2014

Th e majority of the world’s population lives, moves about, studies, and works
in System D – the ultimate Do-It-Yourself world, where government is largely
absent, the living situation is often problematic, and people have to fend for
themselves. In our search for System D examples, we stumbled upon Suame
Magazine. Suame Magazine (Kumasi/Ghana) is the largest automobile district
of Western Africa: 200,000 people work in 12,000 workshops and small
factories. Th ey repair, convert, and adapt discarded cars from the rich countries.
In this immense open-air automobile factory, cars are transformed into
African cars. Simple, strong and cheap adjustments make them suitable for
the African road. It is a place where craftsmanship, knowledge of recycling,
ingenuity, and self-suffi ciency rule the daily life. Th is is where we decided
to research System D, in close collaboration with the local community. In
twelve weeks we designed and built the Turtle, a prototype of the African
car, in collaboration with SMIDO (Suame Magazine Industrial Development
Organization).
Old Model, New Parts
Authors: Thomas Matt
Published: July 2014

Fast & Furious 6, United States, 2013, Universal Pictures, directed by Justin Lin, written by Chris Morgan, starring Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson,
Michelle Rodriquez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Sung Kang, Gal Gadot, Luke Evans, Gina Carano, and John Ortiz.
New endoscopic route to the temporal horn of the lateral ventricle: surgical simulation and morphometric assessment
Authors: Sánchez Jose Juan González , Rincon-Torroella Jordina , Prats-Galino Alberto , Notaris Matteo de , Berenguer Joan , Rodríguez Enrique Ferrer , Benet Arnau
Published: July 2014

Object

The temporal horn of the lateral ventricle is a complex structure affected by specific pathological conditions. Current approaches to the temporal horn involve a certain amount of corticotomy and white matter disruption. Surgeons therefore set aside anterior temporal lobectomy as a last resource and avoid it in the dominant hemisphere. The authors propose a minimally invasive endoscopic intraventricular approach to the temporal horn and describe a standardized analysis and technical assessment of the feasibility of this approach.

Methods

To determine the best trajectory, angulation, and entry point to the temporal horn of the lateral ventricle, the authors evaluated 50 cranial MRI studies (100 temporal lobes) from healthy patients. They studied and systematized the neurosurgical endoscopic anatomy. They also simulated the proposed approach in 9 cadaveric specimens (18 approaches).

Results

Mean scalp entry point coordinates (± SD) were 2.7 ± 0.28 cm lateral to the inion and 5.6 ± 0.41 cm superior to the inion. The mean total distance from the uncal recess to the scalp (± SD) was 10.64 ± 0.6 cm. The mean total intraparenchymal distance crossed by the endoscope was 3.76 ± 0.36 cm. The approach was successfully completed in all studied specimens.

Conclusions

In this study, the endoscopic intraventricular approach to the temporal horn is standardized. The morphometric analysis makes this approach anatomically feasible and replicable. This approach provides minimally invasive endoscopic access to the uncal recess, amygdala, hippocampus, fornix, and paraventricular temporal lobe structures. The following essential strategies enabled access to and maneuverability inside the temporal horn: tailored preoperative planning of the trajectory and use of anatomical and radiological references, constant irrigation, and an angled endoscopic lens. Safety assessment and novel instruments and techniques may be proposed to advance this very promising route to pathological changes in the temporal lobe.
Preservation of microelectrode recordings with non–GABAergic drugs during deep brain stimulator placement in children
Authors: Hippard Helena Karlberg , Watcha Mehernoor , Stocco Amber J. , Curry Daniel
Published: July 2014

Object

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has become accepted therapy for intractable dystonia and other movement disorders. The accurate placement of DBS electrodes into the globus pallidus internus is assisted by unimpaired microelectrode recordings (MERs). Many anesthetic and sedative drugs interfere with MERs, requiring the patient to be awake for target localization and neurological testing during the procedure. In this study, a novel anesthetic technique was investigated in pediatric DBS to preserve MERs.

Methods

In this paper, the authors describe a sedative/anesthetic technique using ketamine, remifentanil, dexmedetomidine, and nicardipine in 6 pediatric patients, in whom the avoidance of GABAergic stimulating drugs permitted excellent surgical conditions with no detrimental effects on intraoperative MERs. The quality of the MERs, and the frequency of its use in making electrode placement decisions, was reviewed.

Results

All 6 patients had good-quality MERs. The data were of sufficient quality to make a total of 9 trajectory adjustments.

Conclusions

Microelectrode recordings in pediatric DBS can be preserved with a combination of dexmedetomidine and ketamine, remifentanil, and nicardipine. This preservation of MERs is particularly crucial in electrode placement in children.
Retrospective analysis of a concurrent series of microscopic versus endoscopic transsphenoidal surgeries for Knosp Grades 0–2 nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenomas at a single institution
Authors: Dallapiazza Robert , Bond Aaron E. , Grober Yuval , Louis Robert G. , Payne Spencer C. , Oldfield Edward H. , Jane John A.
Published: July 2014

Object

The object of this study was to compare surgical outcomes and complications in a contemporaneous series of patients undergoing either microscopic or endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenomas without imaging evidence of cavernous sinus invasion.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database from a single institution. Data were collected from patients whose surgery had occurred in the period from June 2010 to January 2013. Patients who underwent microscopic or endoscopic surgery for Knosp Grade 0, 1, or 2 nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenomas were included in the study. Patients who had clinically secreting or Knosp Grade 3 or 4 tumors and patients who were undergoing revision surgery were excluded from analysis. Eligible patient records were analyzed for outcomes and complications. Statistical analyses were performed on tumor volume, intraoperative factors, postoperative complications, and degree of resection on 1-year postoperative MRI. The results were used to compare the outcomes after microscopic and endoscopic approaches.

Results

Forty-three patients underwent microscopic transsphenoidal surgery, and 56 underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery. There were no statistical differences in the intraoperative extent of resection or endocrinological complications. There were significantly more intraoperative CSF leaks in the endoscopic group (58% vs 16%); however, there was no difference in the incidence of postoperative CSF rhinorrhea (12% microscopic vs 7% endoscopic). Length of hospitalization was significantly shorter in patients undergoing an endoscopic approach (3.0 days vs 2.4 days). Two-month follow-up imaging was available in 95% of patients, and 75% of patients had 1-year follow-up imaging. At 2 months postprocedure, there was no evidence of residual tumor in 79% (31 of 39) and 85% (47 of 55) of patients in the microscopic and endoscopic groups, respectively. At 1 year postprocedure, 83% (25 of 30) of patients in the microscopic group had no evidence of residual tumor and 82% (36 of 44) of those in the endoscopic group had no evidence of residual tumor.

Conclusions

The microscopic and endoscopic techniques provide similar outcomes in the surgical treatment of Knosp Grades 0–2 nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenomas.
Real-time functional mapping: potential tool for improving language outcome in pediatric epilepsy surgery
Authors: Korostenskaja Milena , Chen Po-Ching , Salinas Christine M. , Westerveld Michael , Brunner Peter , Schalk Gerwin , Cook Jane C. , Baumgartner James , Lee Ki H.
Published: July 2014

Accurate language localization expands surgical treatment options for epilepsy patients and reduces the risk of postsurgery language deficits. Electrical cortical stimulation mapping (ESM) is considered to be the clinical gold standard for language localization. While ESM affords clinically valuable results, it can be poorly tolerated by children, requires active participation and compliance, carries a risk of inducing seizures, is highly time consuming, and is labor intensive. Given these limitations, alternative and/or complementary functional localization methods such as analysis of electrocorticographic (ECoG) activity in high gamma frequency band in real time are needed to precisely identify eloquent cortex in children.

In this case report, the authors examined 1) the use of real-time functional mapping (RTFM) for language localization in a high gamma frequency band derived from ECoG to guide surgery in an epileptic pediatric patient and 2) the relationship of RTFM mapping results to postsurgical language outcomes. The authors found that RTFM demonstrated relatively high sensitivity (75%) and high specificity (90%) when compared with ESM in a “next-neighbor” analysis. While overlapping with ESM in the superior temporal region, RTFM showed a few other areas of activation related to expressive language function, areas that were eventually resected during the surgery. The authors speculate that this resection may be associated with observed postsurgical expressive language deficits. With additional validation in more subjects, this finding would suggest that surgical planning and associated assessment of the risk/benefit ratio would benefit from information provided by RTFM mapping.