bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical and Phytochemical Analyses of Copra and Oil ofCocos nuciferaL. (West Coast TallVariety)
Authors: Ghosh Probir Kumar , Bhattacharjee Paramita , Mitra Souvik , Poddar-Sarkar Mousumi
Published: November 2014

Coconut copra fromWest coast tallvariety, cultivated in Kerala, India, was subjected to aqueous and solvent extractions (usingn-hexane). Additionally, oil was extracted from the copra in Soxhlet assembly using petroleum ether (b.p. 60–80°C). Physicochemical and phytochemical analyses were conducted for the extracts and the oil, with commercial coconut oil as the experimental control. The physicochemical analyses showed that the aqueous extract of copra was milky-white in color with a sweet odor, while the solvent extract was pale yellow and odorless. The commercial oil had0.08±0.02% oleic acid and a TOTOX value of7.73±0.78, lower than the Soxhlet extracted oil. Among all the extracts and oils, best phytochemical properties, antioxidant activity (DPPH activity, IC50value0.04±0.01 mg/mL), total phenol (0.96±0.04 mg gallic acid eq./g dry copra), reducing power (40.49±1.84 mg BHT eq./g dry copra), and anti-inflammatory activity (NO activity, IC50  value0.77±0.06 mg/mL) were obtained in the commercial coconut oil, followed by the Soxhlet extracted oil, aqueous extract, and solvent extract. Fatty acid composition analyses showed mainly medium chain fatty acids in the copra oil with lauric acid as the predominant fatty acid (51.88% and 44.84% in Soxhlet extracted and commercial oils, resp.).
Influenceable and Avoidable Risk Factors for Systemic Air Embolism due to Percutaneous CT-Guided Lung Biopsy: Patient Positioning and Coaxial Biopsy Technique—Case Report, Systematic Literature Review, and a Technical Note
Authors: Rott Gernot , Boecker Frieder
Published: November 2014

Following the first case of a systemic air embolism due to percutaneous CT-guided lung biopsy in our clinic we analysed the literature regarding this matter in view of influenceable or avoidable risk factors. A systematic review of literature reporting cases of systemic air embolism due to CT-guided lung biopsy was performed to find out whether prone positioning might be a risk factor regarding this issue. In addition, a technical note concerning coaxial biopsy practice is presented. Prone position seems to have relevance for the development and/or clinical manifestation of air embolism due to CT-guided lung biopsy and should be considered a risk factor, at least as far as lesions in the lower parts of the lung are concerned. Biopsies of small or cavitary lesions in coaxial technique should be performed using a hemostatic valve.
Youth Exposure to Violence in an Urban Setting
Authors: Seal David , Nguyen Annie , Beyer Kirsten
Published: November 2014

To inform a city-wide youth Violence Prevention Initiative, we explored youth narratives about their exposure to violence to gain insight into their understanding of the causes and effects of violence in their communities. At-risk youth were recruited through street outreach for individual interviews and focus group sessions. Types of experiential violence identified included (1) street, (2) family/interpersonal, (3) school, (4) indirect exposure (e.g., neighborhood crime), and (5) prejudice/discrimination. Reactions ranged from motivating positive effects (resilience, determination to escape) to negative effects (fear, paranoia, and aggression). For some, experiences with violence motivated them to pursue educational achievement and positive lifestyles. Causes of violence were described by participants as existing at a number of different levels (societal, neighborhood, interpersonal, and individual), reflecting a social-ecological perspective. Our findings highlight a need for violence prevention efforts that focus on a broad definition of violence, as well as on the poly-victimization of children and youth. At the same time, our findings highlight the challenges of conducting effective community-based prevention programs in urban settings characterized by spatial inequalities and social exclusion of community residents.
Global Optimization for the Sum of Certain Nonlinear Functions
Authors: Horai Mio , Kobayashi Hideo , Nitta Takashi G.
Published: November 2014

We extend work by Pei-Ping and Gui-Xia, 2007, to a global optimization problem for more general functions. Pei-Ping and Gui-Xia treat the optimization problem for the linear sum of polynomial fractional functions, using a branch and bound approach. We prove that this extension makes possible to solve the following nonconvex optimization problems which Pei-Ping and Gui-Xia, 2007, cannot solve, that the sum of the positive (or negative) first and second derivatives function with the variable defined by sum of polynomial fractional function by using branch and bound algorithm.
The Relationship between Visual Field Global Indices and Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Healthy Myopes
Authors: Yuan Yuan-zhi , Feng Chen-li , Li Bao-yue , Shen Min-qian , Chen Xiu-ping , Zhang Chen-hao , Dong Chun-qiong , Yuan Fei
Published: November 2014

The aim of the current study was to investigate the association between the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and central visual field indices in otherwise healthy myopes. In total, 57 otherwise healthy subjects were cross-sectionally studied. General ophthalmic examinations, refractive measurements, RNFL thickness by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT), and central visual fields were examined. Linear models were used to assess the associations. In this young and mid-aged population, the mean spherical equivalent was −4.79 (SD 1.66) and −4.59 (SD 1.88) diopters in the right and left eyes, respectively. Approximately 7% to 14% of the eyes showed the average RNFL thickness out of the normal range. The temporal RNFL was remarkably thicker, whereas the nasal RNFL was thinner. The higher the refractive error, the thinner the RNFL thickness. A thicker overall RNFL was significantly associated with decreased mean sensitivity and increased mean defect, and further adjustments for age, sex, refractive error, optic disk area, or ocular magnification did not change the association. Although nonpathologic myopia does not significantly affect central visual field global indices, its effects on the RNFL may be linked with performance on the central visual field test.
QoS-Based Web Service Discovery in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks Using Swarm Strategies
Authors: de Santis Filomena , Malandrino Delfina
Published: November 2014

Mobile ad hoc networks are noncentralised, multihop, wireless networks that lack a common infrastructure and hence require self-organisation. Their infrastructureless and dynamic nature entails the implementation of a new set of networking technologies in order to provide efficient end-to-end communication according to the principles of the standard TCP/IP suite. Routing, IP address autoconfiguration and Web service discovery are among the most challenging tasks in the ad hoc network domain. Swarm intelligence is a relatively new approach to problem solving that takes inspiration from the social behaviours of insects, such as ants and bees. Self-organization, decentralization, adaptivity, robustness, and scalability make swarm intelligence a successful design paradigm for the above-mentioned problems. In this paper we proposeBeeAdHocServiceDiscovery, a new service discovery algorithm based on the bee metaphor, which also takes into account quality metrics estimates. The protocol has been specifically designed to work in mobile ad hoc network scenarios operating withBeeadhoc, a well-known routing algorithm inspired by nature. We present both the protocol strategy and the formal evaluation of the discovery overhead and route optimality metrics showing thatBeeAdHocServiceDiscoveryguarantees valuable performances even in large scale ad hoc wireless networks. Eventually, future research suggestions are sketched.
Magnitude of Domestic Violence and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women in Hulet Ejju Enessie District, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Yimer Tenaw , Gobena Tesfaye , Egata Gudina , Mellie Habtamu
Published: November 2014

Introduction.Domestic violence during pregnancy is one of the barriers to achieve MDG 3 due to its adverse health consequences. Comparable population-based data on the problem are lacking as existing literatures differ in time periods explored. Such discrepancies among study findings indicate the importance of site specific studies, especially in rural parts of Ethiopia, where little is known about the problem.Objective.The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of domestic violence and its associated factors among pregnant women in Hulet Ejju Enessie district, northwest Ethiopia.Methods and Materials.Quantitative community based cross-sectional study was carried out from January 1 to 31, 2014. A total of 425 randomly selected pregnant women were involved in the study. A standard WHO multicountry study on women’s health and domestic violence questionnaire were used for data collection. Four trained female data collectors were involved. Odds ratio with 95% CI was estimated to identify factors associated with domestic violence during pregnancy using multivariate logistic regression. Statistical significance was declared atPvalue ≤0.05.Results.The prevalence of domestic violence during current pregnancy was 32.2%. The prevalence of psychological, sexual, and physical violence was 24.9%, 14.8%, and 11.3%, respectively. Married women at the age of ≤15 years were about four times (AOR = 4.2, 95% CI 1.9–9.0) more likely to experience domestic violence during pregnancy than their counterparts. Meanwhile, interparental exposure to domestic violence during childhood (AOR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.1–4.8), having frequently drinker partner (AOR = 3.4, 95% CI 1.6–7.4), and undesired pregnancy by partner (AOR = 6.2, 95% CI 3.2–12.1) were the main significant factors that increase risk of domestic violence during pregnancy.Conclusion and Recommendation.In this study, the prevalence of domestic violence during current pregnancy is high which may lead to a serious health consequence both on the mothers and on their foetuses. Thus, targeted efforts should be made by all concerned stakeholders to reduce the problem in the study area.
Rate Transient Analysis for Multistage Fractured Horizontal Well in Tight Oil Reservoirs considering Stimulated Reservoir Volume
Authors: Jiang Ruizhong , Xu Jianchun , Sun Zhaobo , Guo Chaohua , Zhao Yulong
Published: November 2014

A mathematical model of multistage fractured horizontal well (MsFHW) considering stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) was presented for tight oil reservoirs. Both inner and outer regions were assumed as single porosity media but had different formation parameters. Laplace transformation method, point source function integration method, superposition principle, Stehfest numerical algorithm, and Duhamel’s theorem were used comprehensively to obtain the semianalytical solution. Different flow regimes were divided based on pressure transient analysis (PTA) curves. According to rate transient analysis (RTA), the effects of related parameters such as SRV radius, storativity ratio, mobility ratio, fracture number, fracture half‐length, and fracture spacing were analyzed. The presented model and obtained results in this paper enrich the performance analysis models of MsFHW considering SRV.
Variations in Aging, Gender, Menopause, and Obesity and Their Effects on Hypertension in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Shu C. , Lo Tsai C. , Chang Jui H. , Kuo Hsien W.
Published: November 2014

Aim. We assessed obesity, sex, menopause, and gender differences on hypertension in a Hakka-majority Taiwanese sample.Methods. 9621 subjects aged 20 and over participated in this community-based study. Trained nurses collected blood pressure (BP) measurements and anthropometric indices, including weight, height, hip circumference (HC), waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), waist to height ratio (WHtR), and waist to hip ratio (WHR).Results. Levels of systolic and diastolic BP significantly increased at a dose-dependent relationship based on four anthropometric indices (BMI, WC, WHR, and WHtR); the slopes for SBP and DBP differed. After controlling for other covariates using multivariate logistic regression, we found the adjusted odds ratios (OR) of hypertension to be significantly related to the four anthropometric indices. Notably, the effect of obesity on the ORs for hypertension was considerably higher in premenopausal women, but we found no such phenomenon among men. BMI, WC, WHR, and WHtR had significant linear associations with BP.Conclusion. Obesity indices are significantly correlated with the risk of hypertension across gender and age, with BMI having the highest relative potency. The effect of obesity on the risk of hypertension is especially high in premenopausal women, implying a relationship between hormones and hypertension.
Assessing Acceptability of Short Message Service Based Interventions towards Becoming Future Voluntary Blood Donors
Authors: Saleem Sana , Wasim Anum , Sabih Sidra , Khan Ayisha Farooq , Rizvi Madiha Hasan , Jillani Umaima Ayesha , Syed Mujtaba Jamal , Mumtaz Madiha , Mumtaz Yasmeen , Shehzad Abdul Moid , Dawani Om , Khan Saima , Munir Sheheryar , Asad Nava , Kazi Abdul Nafey
Published: November 2014

All blood bank services, especially those of developing countries, face a major shortfall of blood donations due to lack of voluntary blood donors. Our study aims to evaluate the acceptability of Short Message Service based interventions towards becoming voluntary blood donors among medical university students of Karachi, Pakistan. Methods. A total of 350 medical students were approached in medical universities of Karachi, Pakistan, using a nonprobability convenient sampling technique. Data collectors administered a self-made questionnaire to each participant using an interview based format. All data was recorded and analyzed on SPSS 16. Results. 350 participants, having a mean age of 21.47 ± 1.36, were included in our study with 30.6% (107/350) being males and 69.4% (243/350) being females. 93.4% (327/350) of participants agreed that donating blood was healthy, but only 26% had donated blood in the past with 79.1% donating voluntarily. 65.7% (230/350) of the participants agreed to take part in Short Message Service based behavioral interventions to become voluntary blood donors with 69.7% (244/350) also agreeing that Short Message Service reminders will promote them to donate blood more often. Conclusion. With university students willing to become voluntary blood donors, Pakistani blood banks can carry out Short Message Service based interventions to encourage them to donate blood.
Iatrogenic Biliary Injuries: Multidisciplinary Management in a Major Tertiary Referral Center
Authors: Salama Ibrahim Abdelkader , Shoreem Hany Abdelmeged , Saleh Sherif Mohamed , Hegazy Osama , Housseni Mohamed , Abbasy Mohamed , Badra Gamal , Ibrahim Tarek
Published: November 2014

Background. Iatrogenic biliary injuries are considered as the most serious complications during cholecystectomy. Better outcomes of such injuries have been shown in cases managed in a specialized center.Objective. To evaluate biliary injuries management in major referral hepatobiliary center.Patients & Methods. Four hundred seventy-two consecutive patients with postcholecystectomy biliary injuries were managed with multidisciplinary team (hepatobiliary surgeon, gastroenterologist, and radiologist) at major Hepatobiliary Center in Egypt over 10-year period using endoscopy in 232 patients, percutaneous techniques in 42 patients, and surgery in 198 patients.Results. Endoscopy was very successful initial treatment of 232 patients (49%) with mild/moderate biliary leakage (68%) and biliary stricture (47%) with increased success by addition of percutaneous (Rendezvous technique) in 18 patients (3.8%). However, surgery was needed in 198 patients (42%) for major duct transection, ligation, major leakage, and massive stricture. Surgery was urgent in 62 patients and elective in 136 patients. Hepaticojejunostomy was done in most of cases with transanastomotic stents. There was one mortality after surgery due to biliary sepsis and postoperative stricture in 3 cases (1.5%) treated with percutaneous dilation and stenting.Conclusion. Management of biliary injuries was much better with multidisciplinary care team with initial minimal invasive technique to major surgery in major complex injury encouraging early referral to highly specialized hepatobiliary center.
Characterization and Optimization of Mechanical Properties of ABS Parts Manufactured by the Fused Deposition Modelling Process
Authors: Onwubolu Godfrey C. , Rayegani Farzad
Published: November 2014

While fused deposition modelling (FDM) is one of the most used additive manufacturing (AM) techniques today due to its ability to manufacture very complex geometries, the major research issues have been to balance ability to produce aesthetically appealing looking products with functionality. In this study, five important process parameters such as layer thickness, part orientation, raster angle, raster width, and air gap have been considered to study their effects on tensile strength of test specimen, using design of experiment (DOE). Using group method of data handling (GMDH), mathematical models relating the response with the process parameters have been developed. Using differential evolution (DE), optimal process parameters have been found to achieve good strength simultaneously for the response. The optimization of the mathematical model realized results in maximized tensile strength. Consequently, the additive manufacturing part produced is improved by optimizing the process parameters. The predicted models obtained show good correlation with the measured values and can be used to generalize prediction for process conditions outside the current study. Results obtained are very promising and hence the approach presented in this paper has practical applications for design and manufacture of parts using additive manufacturing technologies.
Effects of a Comprehensive, Intensive Lifestyle Intervention Combined with Metformin Extended Release in Obese Adolescents
Authors: Clarson Cheril L. , Brown Hilary K. , De Jesus Stefanie , Jackman Michelle , Mahmud Farid H. , Prapavessis Harry , Robinson Tracy , Shoemaker J. Kevin , Watson Margaret , Dowd A. Justine , Hill David J.
Published: November 2014

Objective. To assess a comprehensive, intensive lifestyle intervention in combination with metformin extended release (MXR) or placebo on body mass index (BMI) and risk factors for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in obese adolescents.Study Design. Sixty-nineobese adolescents (mean BMI 32.5) received a comprehensive lifestyle intervention with structured dietary, physical activity, and behavioral components for 24 months. Subjects were randomized to 1 of 4 groups: MXR (33) 2,000 mg daily or placebo, with either moderate or vigorous intensity exercise for the first 3 months. Subsequently the exercise intervention was the same for all 4 groups.Results.Anthropometry measurements did not differ with initial exercise intensity at any time. At 3 months % body fat decreased in all 4 groups (P<0.006). BMI and % body fat decreased in the MXR groups, but not the placebo groups, at 6 (−0.88, −3.16) and 12 months (−0.56, −2.34) (P<0.05). Insulin resistance, fasting blood glucose, and leptin improved in all groups at 6 and 12 months. A high subject attrition rate (58%) occurred by 24 months.Conclusion. A comprehensive, intensive lifestyle intervention combined with MXR led to a decline in BMI and % body fat at 1 year independent of initial exercise intensity. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.govNCT00934570.
Moderately Decreased Dietary Salt Intake Suppresses the Progression of Renal Insufficiency in Rats with 5/6 Nephrectomy
Authors: Burkert Jan , Steklacova Anna , Rossmann Pavel , Spatenka Jaroslav , Opatrný Jan , Matousovic Karel
Published: November 2014

Aim. Up to now, an appropriate salt intake in renal insufficiency has not been clearly determined. We hypothesize that even a moderate decrease in salt intake may affect functional and morphologic response of the rat remnant kidney after 5/6 nephrectomy.Methods. Subtotal nephrectomy was performed in 77 inbred 12 week-old-female AVN Wistar rats. The two groups of rats were fed either a standard or a low salt diet. Median of salt intake was 14.6 and 10.4 mg/100 g/24 h in the two groups.Results. Ten weeks after ablation, the remnant kidney parenchyma wet weight was 0.66 ± 0.16 g/100 g of body weight and 0.56 ± 0.11 g/100 g of body weight (P<0.01) in rats with a standard and low salt diet, respectively. In these two groups, systolic blood pressure was 151 ± 29 versus 126 ± 21 mmHg (P<0.05), serum creatinine levels were 164 ± 84 versus 106 ± 29 µmol/L (P<0.001), proteinuria was 84 ± 37 versus 83 ± 40 mg/100 g/24 h (N.S.), and the glomerular injury score was 2.06 ± 0.49 versus 1.43 ± 0.62 (P<0.01), respectively.Conclusion. Moderately decreased salt intake slowed down the development of ablation nephropathy in AVN inbred strain of rats.
Long-Term Effects and Prognosis in Acute Heart Failure Treated with Tolvaptan: The AVCMA Trial
Authors: Suzuki Satoshi , Yoshihisa Akiomi , Yamaki Takayoshi , Sugimoto Koichi , Kunii Hiroyuki , Nakazato Kazuhiko , Abe Yukihiko , Saito Tomiyoshi , Ohwada Takayuki , Suzuki Hitoshi , Saitoh Shu-ichi , Kubota Isao , Takeishi Yasuchika
Published: November 2014

Background.Diuresis is a major therapy for the reduction of congestive symptoms in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) patients. We previously reported the efficacy and safety of tolvaptan compared to carperitide in hospitalized patients with ADHF. There were some reports of cardio- and renal-protective effects in carperitide; therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the long-term effects of tolvaptan and carperitide on cardiorenal function and prognosis.Methods and Results.One hundred and five ADHF patients treated with either tolvaptan or carperitide were followed after hospital discharge. Levels of plasma B-type natriuretic peptide, serum sodium, potassium, creatinine, and estimated glomerular filtration rate were measured before administration of tolvaptan or carperitide at baseline, the time of discharge, and one year after discharge. These data between tolvaptan and carperitide groups were not different one year after discharge. Kaplan-Meier survival curves demonstrated that the event-free rate regarding all events, cardiac events, all cause deaths, and rehospitalization due to worsening heart failure was not significantly different between tolvaptan and carperitide groups.Conclusions.We demonstrated that tolvaptan had similar effects on cardiac and renal function and led to a similar prognosis in the long term, compared to carperitide.
An Integrated Hybrid Energy Harvester for Autonomous Wireless Sensor Network Nodes
Authors: Zaman Mukter , Wong H. Y. , Islam Md. Shabiul , Amin Nowshad
Published: November 2014

Profiling environmental parameter using a large number of spatially distributed wireless sensor network (WSN) NODEs is an extensive illustration of advanced modern technologies, but high power requirement for WSN NODEs limits the widespread deployment of these technologies. Currently, WSN NODEs are extensively powered up using batteries, but the battery has limitation of lifetime, power density, and environmental concerns. To overcome this issue, energy harvester (EH) is developed and presented in this paper. Solar-based EH has been identified as the most viable source of energy to be harvested for autonomous WSN NODEs. Besides, a novel chemical-based EH is reported as the potential secondary source for harvesting energy because of its uninterrupted availability. By integrating both solar-based EH and chemical-based EH, a hybrid energy harvester (HEH) is developed to power up WSN NODEs. Experimental results from the real-time deployment shows that, besides supporting the daily operation of WSN NODE and Router, the developed HEH is capable of producing a surplus of 971 mA·hr equivalent energy to be stored inside the storage for NODE and 528.24 mA·hr equivalent energy for Router, which is significantly enough for perpetual operation of autonomous WSN NODEs used in environmental parameter profiling.
Genetic Diversity and Genetic Structure of Different Types of Natural Populations inOsmanthus fragransLour. and the Relationships with Sex Ratio, Population Structure, and Geographic Isolation
Authors: Hu Shaoqing , Wu Shuai , Wang Yiguang , Zhao Hongbo , Zhang Yuanyan
Published: November 2014

Osmanthus fragransLour., an evergreen small tree, has the rare sexual system of androdioecy (coexistence of males and hermaphrodites), once with wide-spread natural distribution in the areas of the South Yangzi river basin. However, due to excessive human utilization, natural distribution became fragmented and the number and size of natural populations reduced sharply. With four different types of natural populations from the same region as research object, we aim to provide a comparative analysis on the relationships among genetic diversity, sexual system, population structure and size, and geographic isolation by ISSR. In genetic parameters ofNe,He, andI, the LQGC population had the highest value and the LQZGQ population had the lowest value. These indicated that LQGC population showed the highest genetic diversity, followed by QDH and JN population, and LQZGQ population exhibited the lowest genetic diversity. Genetic diversity in populations is closely related to population structure, reproduction mode, and sex ratio. However, there seems to be no obvious correlation between genetic diversity and population size. The results of AMOVA showed that genetic variations mostly occurred within populations. It indicates that no significant genetic differentiation among populations occurs, and geographic isolation has no significant effect on genetic diversity.
Chromatographic Characterization and GC-MS Evaluation of the Bioactive Constituents with Antimicrobial Potential from the Pigmented Ink of Loligo duvauceli
Authors: Girija Smiline , Duraipandiyan Veeramuthu , Kuppusamy Pandi Suba , Gajendran Hariprasad , Rajagopal Raghuraman
Published: November 2014

Chromatographic characterization and the GC-MS evaluation of the black pigmented ink of Loligo duvauceli in the present study have yielded an array of bioactive compounds with potent antimicrobial property. Facing an alarm of antimicrobial resistance globally, a need for elucidating antimicrobial agents from natural sources will be the need for the hour. In this view, this study is aimed at characterizing the black pigmented ink of the Indian squid L. duvauceli. The squid ink was subjected to crude solvent extraction and was fractionated by silica gel column chromatography. TLC and HPTLC profiles were recorded. Antimicrobial bioassay of the squid ink fractions was done by agar well diffusion method. The antimicrobial fraction was then characterized using GC-MS analysis. The results showed that the n-hexane extract upon column fractionation yielded a total of 8 fractions with the mobile phase of Hex/EtOAc in different gradients. TLC and HPTLC profiles showed a single spot with a retention factor of 0.76. Fraction 1 showed significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Lactobacillus acidophilus and a promising antifungal activity against Candida albicans. The antimicrobial fraction upon GC-MS analysis of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (BEHP) possesses the highest percentage of area normalisation (91%) with other few minor constituents. The study is concluded by stating that the antimicrobial efficacy of the squid ink might be due to the synergistic effects of the phthalate derivative and the other minor volatile compounds analysed in the squid ink.
Familial Essential Thrombocythemia Associated withMPLW515L Mutation in Father andJAK2V617F Mutation in Daughter
Authors: Trifa Adrian P. , Cucuianu Andrei , Popp Radu A.
Published: November 2014

Familial essential thrombocythemia features the acquisition of somatic mutations and an evolution similar to the sporadic form of the disease. Here we report two patients—father and daughter—with essential thrombocythemia who displayed a heterogeneous pattern of somatic mutations. TheJAK2V617F mutation was found in the daughter, while the father harbored theMPLW515L mutation. This case report may constitute further proof that in familial essential thrombocythemia there are other, still undefined, constitutional, inherited genetic factors predisposing to the acquisition of various somatic mutations (e.g.,JAK2V617F andMPL).
Three-Dimensional Aspects of the Lingual Papillae and Their Connective Tissue Cores in the Tongue of Rats: A Scanning Electron Microscope Study
Authors: Reginato Gabriela de Souza , Bolina Cristina de Sousa , Watanabe Ii-sei , Ciena Adriano Polican
Published: November 2014

The aim of the present study was to describe the tridimensional morphological characteristics of the lingual papillae and their connective tissue cores (CTCs) in Sprague Dawley rats. Four types of papillae were reported on the dorsal surface. Filiform papillae were distributed on the tongue surface and after epithelial maceration a conic and multifilamentary shape of the CTCs was revealed. Fungiform papillae were reported on the rostral and middle regions covered by a squamous epithelium. After the removal of the epithelium, the shape of a volcano with the taste orifice at its top was noted. Foliate papillae were composed of five pairs of epithelial folds situated on the lateral-caudal margin of the tongue. After the removal of the epithelium, they were shown to be limited by thin laminar projections. The vallate papilla with an oval shape was present in the caudal region and delimited by an incomplete groove. The morphological characteristics of the lingual papillae of Sprague Dowley rats, three-dimensional SEM images, and the types of papillae on the dorsal surface were similar to those reported previously in other rodent mammals. The maceration technique revealed the details of extracellular matrix with varied shapes form of connective tissue cores.
On the Multiuser Diversity of Relay-Aided Downlink Systems Using Reduced Feedback
Authors: Jang Yong-Up , Shin Won-Yong
Published: November 2014

We introduce an efficient multiuser scheduling method using amplify-and-forward relaying in relay-aided downlink systems, consisting of one base station (BS), one relay station, and multiple mobile stations (MSs). In our scheme, the BS opportunistically selects both the transmission mode, that is, either one- or two-hop transmission, and the desired user (i.e., the desired MS). Closed-form expressions for the average achievable rates are derived for the two transmission modes with multiuser scheduling, and its asymptotic solutions are also analyzed in the limit of large number of MSs. Based on the analysis, we propose afeedback-efficienttwo-step multiuser scheduling algorithm: the transmission mode selection followed by the user selection that only needs a partial feedback for instantaneous signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) to the BS. We also analyze theaverage SNRcondition such that the multiuser diversity gain is fully exploited for two-hop transmission. The proposed two-step scheduling algorithm exhibits the quite comparable achievable rates to those of the optimal one using full feedback information, while its required feedback information is reduced by half of the optimal one.
Histochemical and Immunohistochemical Analysis of the Stomach of Rhinella icterica (Anura, Bufonidae)
Authors: Machado-Santos Clarice , Pelli-Martins Adriana Alves , Abidu-Figueiredo Marcelo , de Brito-Gitirana Lycia
Published: November 2014

The stomach of Rhinella icterica was analyzed at light microscopy, employing histochemical techniques, lectin histochemistry, and immunohistochemistry for identifying enteroendocrine cells (EC). Although the stomach was composed of fundic and pyloric regions, its wall is formed by mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and serosa. The mucosa was lined by a simple columnar mucous epithelium, supported by loose connective tissue. Several tubular, simple glands were composed of mucous neck cells, containing oxynticopeptic cells and EC cells. The mucous neck cells were rich in neutral glycoconjugates. The oxynticopeptic cells were predominant in fundic glands, exhibiting weaker alcianophilic reaction at their apical cytoplasm. Serotonin (5-HT) immunoreactive (IR) cells occurred throughout the entire stomach, preferentially located among mucous cells at upper part of the fundic glands. The muscularis mucosae, formed of smooth muscle, separated the mucosal layer from the submucosa, both of which were constituted by loose connective tissue, but without glands. Lymphoid modules occurred in the mucosa at the boundary at the stomach and the gut. In addition, the muscularis was constituted by two sublayers, the circular internal and the longitudinal external, being recovered by the connective tissue of the serosa.
Global Genome Comparative Analysis Reveals Insights of Resistome and Life-Style Adaptation ofPseudomonas putidaStrain T2-2 in Oral Cavity
Authors: Chan Xin Yue , Chua Kah Ooi , How Kah Yan , Yin Wai-Fong , Chan Kok-Gan
Published: November 2014

MostPseudomonas putidastrains are environmental microorganisms exhibiting a wide range of metabolic capability but certain strains have been reported as rare opportunistic pathogens and some emerged as multidrug resistantP. putida. This study aimed to assess the drug resistance profile of, via whole genome analysis,P. putidastrain T2-2 isolated from oral cavity. At the same time, we also compared the nonenvironmental strain with environmentally isolatedP. putida.In silicocomparative genome analysis with available reference strains ofP. putidashows that T2-2 has lesser gene counts on carbohydrate and aromatic compounds metabolisms, which suggested its little versatility. The detection of itseddgene also suggested T2-2’s catabolism of glucose via ED pathway instead of EMP pathway. On the other hand, its drug resistance profile was observed viain silicogene prediction and most of the genes found were in agreement with drug-susceptibility testing in laboratory by automated VITEK 2. In addition, the finding of putative genes of multidrug resistance efflux pump and ATP-binding cassette transporters in this strain suggests a multidrug resistant phenotype. In summary, it is believed that multiple metabolic characteristics and drug resistance inP. putidastrain T2-2 helped in its survival in human oral cavity.
EIS Evaluation of Fe, Cr, and Ni in NaVO3at 700°C
Authors: Sotelo-Mazón O. , Porcayo-Calderon J. , Cuevas-Arteaga C. , Ramos-Hernandez J. J. , Ascencio-Gutierrez J. A. , Martinez-Gomez L.
Published: November 2014

Due to the depletion of high-grade fuels and for economic reasons, use of residual fuel oil in energy generation systems is a common practice. Residual fuel oil contains sodium, vanadium, and sulphur as impurities, as well as NaCl contamination. Metallic dissolution caused by molten vanadates has been classically considered the main corrosion process involved in the degradation of alloys exposed to the combustion products of heavy fuel oils. Iron and nickel base alloys are the commercial alloys commonly used for the high temperature applications, for example, manufacture of components used in aggressive environments of gas turbines, steam boilers, and so forth. Therefore, because the main constituents of these materials are Fe, Cr, and Ni, where Cr is the element responsible for providing the corrosion resistance, in this study the electrochemical performance of Fe, Cr, and Ni in NaVO3at 700°C in static air for 100 hours was evaluated.
Clinical Outcomes of Radial Shortening Osteotomy and Vascularized Bone Graft in Kienböck’s Disease
Authors: Dehghani Mohammad , Moshgelani Mohammad Ali , Nouraei Mohammad Hadi , Dehghani Shaghayegh , Gholshahi Maryam
Published: November 2014

The aim of this study was to compare two surgery methods including radial shortening and radial shortening combined with vascularized bone graft for treatment of stage II or IIIa of Kienböck’s disease. It is a randomized, controlled clinical trial, which was carried out in 2011–2013. Twenty-four patients were assigned equally to radial shortening group (A) or radial shortening combined with vascularized bone graft group (B). The outcome was assessed by Mayo Wrist score before and 9 months after surgery. The mean Mayo Wrist score (SD) was 27.1 (15.4) and 32.5 (18.3) before surgery and 74.6 (5.4) and 85.8 (5.1) after surgery for groups A and B, respectively. The mean score increased in both groups, and it was higher in group B significantly. Radial shortening combined with vascularized bone graft is a valuable method which can be more effective than radial shortening alone, in early stages of Kienböck’s disease. This trial is registered with IRCT201404127841N5.
Comparative Histomorphological and Histochemical Studies on the Oesophagus of Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus and African Catfish Clarias gariepinus
Authors: Awaad Ashraf Sayed , Moawad Usama Kamal , Tawfiek Mohamed Gomaa
Published: November 2014

The present work aimed to describe and compare both gross and microscopic structure of the oesophagus of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). For this purpose, 60 specimens of oesophagus of Nile tilapia (omnivorous fish) and African catfish (carnivorous fish) were collected and processed. Anatomically, the oesophagus of both species appeared as a short tube with longitudinal mucosal folds. Using scanning electron microscope, the epithelial surface of the esophagus showed primary and secondary mucosal folds in both species while tertiary folds were observed in that of tilapia only. Histologically, the oesophagus consisted of four distinct layers: mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and serosa. The oesophageal mucosa consisted of stratified epithelium with few mucous secreting cells in catfish and many mucous secreting cells in tilapia. Two types of mucous secreting cells reacted positively with both periodic acid shiff (PAS) and alcian blue (AB); rounded and elongated cells that were recognized in the esophageal epithelium of tilapia and only elongated oval cells were observed in that of catfish. In conclusion, the obtained histomorphological differences in esophagus of both fish species may be attributed to their different feeding habits and type of food.
A new species of Parapinnanema (Nematoda, Chromadoridae) from Dr Theodor Mortensen’s Pacific Expedition 1914–16 with an identification key to the genus
Authors: SEMPRUCCI FEDERICA , SØRENSEN MARTIN V.
Published: November 2014

A new species from the family Chromadoridae is described from samples collected during Dr Mortensen’s Pacific Expedition 1914–16 to Honolulu, Hawaii. Parapinnanema hawaiiensis sp. nov. is characterized by a low c’ ratio and especially by a peculiar complex morphology of the median part of the gubernaculum. An updated and modified key to all the valid species of Parapinnanema is proposed.
Two new species of Coryogalops (Perciformes: Gobiidae) from the Red Sea
Authors: KOVAČIĆ MARCELO , BOGORODSKY SERGEY V. , MAL AHMAD O.
Published: November 2014

Two new species of the gobiid genus Coryogalops, C. guttatus sp. nov. and C. pseudomonospilus sp. nov., are described from the Red Sea. Coryogalops guttatus sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by having dorsal-fin rays VI + I,12; anal-fin rays I,10–11; pectoral-fin rays 17, three upper rays with free tips; pelvic fins I,5, joined to form a disc, weakly emarginate, with pelvic frenum reduced; longitudinal scale series 33–35; transverse scale rows 9–10; circumpeduncular scales 10–11; seven transverse suborbital rows of sensory papillae on cheek; no tentacle above upper eye margin; anterior nostril tubular, with triangular lappet extending from posterior rim, posterior nostril slightly raised; dark orange spots on many of the scales below body midline form a longitudinal pattern, each spot covering one scale; two distinct dark spots behind edge of preopercle, and similar pair of spots at pectoral-fin base. Coryogalops pseudomonospilus sp. nov. is distinguished from congeners by having dorsal-fin rays VI + I,11; anal-fin rays I,10; pectoral-fin rays 16–17, two upper rays with free tips; pelvic fins I,5, joined to form a disc, moderately emarginate, with pelvic frenum well-developed; longitudinal scale series 33–35; transverse scales rows 9; circumpeduncular scales 12; seven transverse suborbital rows of sensory papillae on cheek; no tentacle above upper eye margin; anterior nostril tubular, without lappet from posterior rim, posterior nostril slightly raised; and irregular dark maroon mark covering lower part of the first three membranes between spines of first dorsal fin. The distribution of species restricted to the western Indian Ocean is discussed, and a key to the species of the genus is provided.
New species of Hercostomus baishanzuensis group from Tibet (Diptera: Dolichopodidae, Dolichopodinae)
Authors: TANG CHUFEI , ZHANG LILI , YANG DING
Published: November 2014

Previously only ten species of Hercostomus Loew were known to occur in Tibet, of which only two belong to the H. baishanzuensis group. Here the following six species of the H. baishanzuensis group are described as new to science: Hercostomus bisetus sp. nov., H. deltodontus sp. nov., H. flavus sp. nov., H. galonglaensis sp. nov., H. nuciformis sp. nov. and H. pailongensis sp. nov. A key to the species of the H. baishanzuensis group from Tibet is provided.
Aradidae from Vietnam IV. Review of the Oriental flat bug genus Lissonotocoris Usinger & Matsuda, 1959 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Aradidae)
Authors: HEISS ERNST , BAI XIAOSHUAN , PHAM MINHLAN , CAI WANZHI
Published: November 2014

To date, only the type species Lissonotocoris membranaceus Usinger & Matsuda 1959 is known and recorded from Vietnam and China, Hainan Island. Four new species of the previously monotypic genus Lissonotocoris are described and figured: loebli n.sp. (Thailand), glabronotus n.sp. (N.Vietnam), pachycerus n.sp. (Malaysia) and siamensis n.sp. (Thailand). A key for the identification of all 5 species is provided.
The immatures of Culicoides lacustris Ronderos (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)
Authors: ANJOS-SANTOS DANIELLE , FUNES AMPARO , SPINELLI GUSTAVO R. , RONDEROS MARÍA M.
Published: November 2014

Larva and pupa of the Patagonian species Culicoides lacustris Ronderos are described in detail with phase-contrast microscope at oil immersion and scanning electron microscope. Studied specimens were collected in a wetland, alongside to the Provincial Route 12, between the cities of Esquel and Gualjaina in the Chubut Province. They are compared with the more similar congener, Culicoides venezuelensis Ortiz & Mirsa.
A second discovery of Diapontonia maranulus Bruce, 1986 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Palaemonidae) in the Caribbean
Authors: Fransen CHARLES H.J.M.
Published: November 2014

A second discovery of the echinoid associated shrimp species Diapontonia maranulus Bruce, 1986 is recorded from deep water off Curaçao, Leeward Islands of the Dutch Caribbean. The material is compared with the type description and paratypic material as well as with material of closely related species. A mtDNA COI barcode was obtained from the material. The systematic position of the genus is discussed
Description of Pella sichuanensis sp. n. (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) from Micang Mountain, Sichuan, China
Authors: ZHENG DAN-LIN , ZHAO MEI-JUN
Published: November 2014

Pella sichuanensis Zheng & Zhao, sp. n. of the P. cognata group is described, illustrated, and distinguished from similar congeners.
Stochastic Parameterization of Convective Area Fractions with a Multicloud Model Inferred from Observational Data
Authors: Dorrestijn Jesse , Crommelin Daan T. , Siebesma A. Pier , Jonker Harmen J. J. , Jakob Christian
Published: November 2014

Observational data of rainfall from a rain radar in Darwin, Australia, are combined with data defining the large-scale dynamic and thermodynamic state of the atmosphere around Darwin to develop a multicloud model based on a stochastic method using conditional Markov chains. The authors assign the radar data to clear sky, moderate congestus, strong congestus, deep convective, or stratiform clouds and estimate transition probabilities used by Markov chains that switch between the cloud types and yield cloud-type area fractions. Cross-correlation analysis shows that the mean vertical velocity is an important indicator of deep convection. Further, it is shown that, if conditioned on the mean vertical velocity, the Markov chains produce fractions comparable to the observations. The stochastic nature of the approach turns out to be essential for the correct production of area fractions. The stochastic multicloud model can easily be coupled to existing moist convection parameterization schemes used in general circulation models.
Quantifying High-Frequency Wind Energy Flux into Near-Inertial Motions in the Southeast Pacific
Authors: Kilbourne Byron F. , Girton James B.
Published: November 2014

Wind-forced internal waves close to the inertial frequency are ubiquitous throughout the world’s oceans, but observational constraints on their global energetics and impact on subsurface mixing remain scarce. This study reports on velocity measurements from three Electromagnetic Autonomous Profiling Explorers (EM-APEX) deployed in February 2009. These floats observed downward-propagating near-inertial internal waves near the Subantarctic and Polar Fronts of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. These waves were episodic and enhanced at middepth between 500 and 1000 m. Depth-integrated kinetic energy varied between 1 and 7 kJ m−2 and averaged 1.6 kJ m−2 with typical group velocities of 40 m day−1, implying an average energy flux of 3 mW m−2 at the mixed layer base decreasing to approximately 25% of that value at 1500 m. Modeled currents forced by reanalysis winds along each float track agree with observed surface currents from EM-APEX, provided that mixed layer depth is restricted to the layer of weakest observable stratification (interpreted as the maximum depth that can remain mixed over an inertial period given the continual balance between mixing and restratification). This model estimates an average wind power of 3 mW m−2. Shipboard wind and current observations during a strong storm show an integrated wind work of 3.5 kJ m−2, comparable to the vertically integrated kinetic energy over the following month. Model wind work estimates are considerably less, likely because of the mixed layer depth used. A model with varying stratification in response to the wind provides a better match to the observations, emphasizing the importance of stratification within the mixed layer in amplifying wind energy input.
Asymmetric Radar Echo Patterns from Insects
Authors: Melnikov Valery M. , Istok Michael J. , Westbrook John K.
Published: November 2014

Radar echoes from insects, birds, and bats in the atmosphere exhibit both symmetry and asymmetry in polarimetric patterns. Symmetry refers to similar magnitudes of polarimetric variables at opposite azimuths, and asymmetry relegates to differences in these magnitudes. Asymmetry can be due to different species observed at different azimuths. It is shown in this study that when both polarized waves are transmitted simultaneously, asymmetric patterns can also be caused by insects of the same species that are oriented in the same direction. A model for scattering of simultaneously transmitted horizontally and vertically polarized radar waves by insects is developed. The model reproduces the main features of asymmetric patterns in differential reflectivity: the copolar correlation coefficient and the differential phase. The radar differential phase on transmit between horizontally and vertically polarized waves plays a critical role in the formations of the asymmetric patterns. The width-to-length ratios of insects’ bodies and their orientation angles are retrieved from matching the model output with radar data.