bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paraben Levels in an Urban Community of Western Canada
Authors: Genuis Stephen J. , Birkholz Detlef , Curtis Luke , Sandau Court
Published: December 2013

With effective antibacterial and antifungal properties, commercially used parabens are synthetic compounds widely utilized as preservatives in cosmetics, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, and as an additive in some foodstuffs. While long regarded as relatively safe and nontoxic, recent research has demonstrated xenoestrogenic properties of anthropogenic parabens with early evidence that paraben exposure may be linked to breast cancer, thyroid dysfunction, allergy, and obesity. In an attempt to determine the prevalence of paraben exposure in a Canadian urban community, a sample of convenience was done by measuring urinary levels of methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, and isobutyl parabens (MP, EP, PP, BP, and IP) in 39 consecutive patients in an Alberta primary care clinic. In 28 female patients including 9 pregnant women, the median urinary levels (in μg/L) were 25.45 for MP, 10.17 for EP, 2.80 for PP, 0.30 for BP, and 0.24 for IP. In 11 male patients, the median urinary levels (in μg/L) were 25.95 for MP, 10.37 for EP, 3.09 for PP, 0.35 for BP, and 0.22 for IP. Especially high urinary paraben levels were reported in a few patients, with the highest urinary concentrations (in μg/L) reported as 966.46 for MP, 220.6 as EP, and 612.73 for PP. It is evident that exposure to assorted parabens is a routine event for many if not most individuals, including pregnant women, in urban Alberta, Canada.
Delayed Presentation of Intussusception with Perforation after Splenectomy in Patient with Blunt Abdominal Trauma
Authors: Afifi Ibrahim , Al-Thani Hassan , Attique Sajid , Khoschnau Sherwan , El-Menyar Ayman , Latifi Rifat
Published: December 2013

Adult intussusception (AI) following blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) is a rare surgical condition. We present a case of delayed diagnosis of ileocecal junction intussusception with a perforation of small bowel in a 34-year-old male with a history of fall from height. Initial exploratory laparotomy revealed shattered spleen requiring splenectomy. Initial abdominal computerized tomography scanning (CT) scan showed dilated small bowel with no organic obstruction. Patient started to improve with partial distention and was shifted to rehabilitation unit. On the next day, he experienced severe abdominal distention and vomiting. Abdominal CT showed characteristic intussusception at the distal ileum. Secondary exploratory laparotomy revealed severe adhesions of stomach and small bowel to the anterior abdominal wall with dilated small bowel loops and intussusception near the ileocecal junction with perforation of small bowel. The affected area was resected and side-to-side stapled anastomosis was performed. Though small bowel intussusception is a rare event, BAT patients with delayed symptoms of bowel obstruction should be carefully evaluated for missed intussusception.
Synthesis of Dendritic Silver Nanoparticles and Their Applications as SERS Substrates
Authors: Yu Jinshan , Zhou Xingui
Published: December 2013

The silver nanoparticles are synthesized by electrodeposition in ultradilute Ag+concentration electrolyte under high overpotential. The as prepared Ag nanoparticles, with the sizes ranging from 20 to 30 nm, are arrayed orderly and formed dendritic morphology. The formation of this special dendritic nanoparticle structure can be contributed to the relatively high growth rate and the preferential growth directions along111due to the high overpotential, as well as the relative small number of Ag+ions arriving at the Ag crystal surface per unit time due to the ultradilute Ag+concentration. Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) experiments reveal that the as-prepared dendritic Ag nanoparticles possess high SERS properties and can be used as a candidate substrate for practical SERS applications to detect the Rhodamine 6G molecules.
A Low-Cost Photodiode Sun Sensor for CubeSat and Planetary Microrover
Authors: Post Mark A. , Li Junquan , Lee Regina
Published: December 2013

This paper presents the development of low-cost methodologies to determine the attitude of a small, CubeSat-class satellite and a microrover relative to the sun's direction. The use of commercial hardware and simple embedded designs has become an effective path for university programs to put experimental payloads in space for minimal cost, and the development of sensors for attitude and heading determination is often a critical part. The development of two compact and efficient but simple coarse sun sensor methodologies is presented in this research. A direct measurement of the solar angle uses a photodiode array sensor and slit mask. Another estimation of the solar angle uses current measurements from orthogonal arrays of solar cells. The two methodologies are tested and compared on ground hardware. Testing results show that coarse sun sensing is efficient even with minimal processing and complexity of design for satellite attitude determination systems and rover navigation systems.
Different Neural Responses to a Moral Valence Decision Task in Unipolar and Bipolar Depression
Authors: Radaelli Daniele , Dallaspezia Sara , Poletti Sara , Smeraldi Enrico , Falini Andrea , Colombo Cristina , Benedetti Francesco
Published: December 2013

Objectives. Patients affected by bipolar disorder (BP) and major depressive disorder (UP) share the susceptibility to experience depression and differ in their susceptibility to mania, but clinical studies suggest that the biological substrates of the two disorders could influence the apparently similar depressive phases. The few brain imaging studies available described different brain metabolic and neural correlates of UP and BP.Methods. We studied the BOLD neural response to a moral valence decision task targeting the depressive biases in information processing in 36 subjects (14 BP, 11 UP, and 11 controls).Results. Main differences between UP and controls and between UP and BP were detected in left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (PFC, BA 47). Neural responses of BP patients differed from those of control subjects in multiple brain areas, including anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and medial PFC, bilateral dorsolateral PFC, temporal cortex and insula, and parietal and occipital cortex.Conclusions. Our results are in agreement with hypotheses of dysfunctions in corticolimbic circuitries regulating affects and emotions in mood disorders and suggest that specific abnormalities, particularly in ventrolateral PFC, are not the same in UP and BP depression.
Effect of Physician-Delivered Patient Education on the Quality of Bowel Preparation for Screening Colonoscopy
Authors: Shieh Tze-Yu , Chen Ming-Jen , Chang Chen-Wang , Hung Chien-Yuan , Hu Kuang-Chun , Kuo Yang-Che , Shih Shou-Chuan , Wang Horng-Yuan
Published: December 2013

Background. Inadequate bowel preparation is common in outpatients undergoing screening colonoscopy because of unawareness and poor adherence to instruction.Methods. Herein, 105 consecutive outpatients referred for screening colonoscopy were enrolled in this prospective, colonoscopist-blinded study. The patients were assigned to an intensive-education group, with 10 minutes of physician-delivered education, or to standard care. At the time of colonoscopy, the quality of bowel preparation was assessed using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS). The primary outcome was a BBPS score ≥5. The secondary outcomes were the mean BBPS score, insertion time, adenoma detection rate, and number of adenomas detected.Results. We analyzed 39 patients who received intensive education and 60 controls. The percentage of adequate bowel preparations with a BBPS score ≥5 was higher in the intensive-education group than in the control group (97.4% versus 80.0%;P=0.01). The adjusted odds ratio for having a BBPS score ≥5 in the intensive-education group was 10.2 (95% confidence interval = 1.23–84.3;P=0.03). Other secondary outcomes were similar in the 2 groups.Conclusions. Physician-delivered education consisting of a brief counseling session in addition to written instructions improves the quality of bowel preparation in outpatients undergoing screening colonoscopy.
The Role of Cytokines in the Functional Activity of Phagocytes in Blood and Colostrum of Diabetic Mothers
Authors: Fagundes Danny Laura Gomes , França Eduardo Luzía , Morceli Glilciane , Rudge Marilza Vieira Cunha , Calderon Iracema de Mattos Paranhos , Honorio-França Adenilda Cristina
Published: December 2013

Immune response changes induced by diabetes are a risk factor for infections during pregnancy and may modify the development of the newborn’s immune system. The present study analyzed colostrum and maternal and cord blood of diabetic women to determine (1) the levels of the cytokines IFN-γand TGF-βand (2) phagocytic activity after incubation with cytokines.Methods.Colostrum and maternal and cord blood samples were classified into normoglycemic (N= 20) and diabetic (N= 19) groups. Cytokine levels, superoxide release, rate of phagocytosis, bactericidal activity, and intracellular Ca2+release by phagocytes were analyzed in the samples. Irrespective of glycemic status, IFN-γand TGF-βlevels were not changed in colostrum and maternal and cord blood. In maternal blood and colostrum, superoxide release by cytokine-stimulated phagocytes was similar between the groups. Compared to spontaneous release, superoxide release was stimulated by IFN-γand TGF-βin normoglycemic and diabetic groups. In the diabetic group, cord blood phagocytes incubated with IFN-γexhibited higher phagocytic activity in response to EPEC, and maternal blood exhibited lower microbicidal activity. These data suggest that diabetes interferes in maternal immunological parameters and that IFN-γand TGF-βmodulate the functional activity of phagocytes in the colostrum, maternal blood, and cord blood of pregnant diabetic women.
Distribution of Dengue Vectors during Pre- and Post-Monsoon Seasons in Higher Attitudes of Nilgiri Hills of Western Ghats, India
Authors: Ravikumar R. , Reegan A. Daniel , Chandrasekar P. , Kumar C. Senthil
Published: December 2013

Entomological survey was carried out to record dengue vectors during pre- and post-monsoon seasons in 2012 from different breeding places in residential and forested areas of different altitudes of the Nilgiris, namely, Mettupalayam (330 mts), Kallar (400 mts), Burliar (900 mts), Marapalam (1050 mts), and Coonoor (1800 mts). Results showed that maximum number of dengue vector breeding was recorded at Mettupalayam during pre-monsoon season followed by Kallar, Burliar, Coonoor, and Marapalam. The post-monsoon season survey also revealed that the maximum number of dengue vector breeding was found at Mettupalayam, followed by Burliar, Coonoor, and Kallar, and Aedes immature was not found in Marapalam. Ae. aegypti species was recorded in all the study areas during pre- and post-monsoon seasons. Whereas Ae. albopictus was recorded only at Mettupalayam, Kallar, and Burliar during pre- and post-monsoon seasons. Besides these two dengue vectors, a nonvector species Ae. vittatus (n=9) was also recorded at Kallar and Burliar.
What Factors Facilitate Good Learning Experiences in Clinical Studies in Nursing: Bachelor Students’ Perceptions
Authors: Dale Bjørg , Leland Arne , Dale Jan Gunnar
Published: December 2013

Clinical studies constitute 50% of the bachelor program in nursing education in Norway, and the quality of these studies may be decisive for the students’ opportunities to learn and develop their professional competences. The aim of this study was to explore what bachelor students’ in nursing perceived to be important for having good learning experiences in clinical studies. Data was collected in a focus group interview with eight nursing students who were in the last year of the educational program. The interview was transcribed verbatim, and qualitative content analysis was used for exploring and interpreting the content of the interview text. One main theme emerged from the analysis: “being in a vulnerable and exposed position characterized by conflicting needs.” Four categories were found: “aspects related to the clinical setting”, “aspects related to the nurse supervisor,” “aspects related to the student,” and “aspects related to the student-supervisor relationship”. The findings revealed that the students' learning experiences and motivation were related to individual, relational, and organizational aspects. The students highlighted their own as well as their supervisors' attitudes and competences and the importance of positive relationships. In addition, feeling welcomed, included, and valued in the ward improved their motivation, self-confidence, and self-respect.
The Effect of Bilayer Graphene Nanoribbon Geometry on Schottky‐Barrier Diode Performance
Authors: Rahmani Meisam , Ismail Razali , Ahmadi Mohammad Taghi , Kiani Mohammad Javad , Saeidmanesh Mehdi , Karimi F. A. Hediyeh , Akbari Elnaz , Rahmani Komeil
Published: December 2013

Bilayer graphene nanoribbon is a promising material with outstanding physical and electrical properties that offers a wide range of opportunities for advanced applications in future nanoelectronics. In this study, the application of bilayer graphene nanoribbon in schottky‐barrier diode is explored due to its different stacking arrangements. In other words, bilayer graphene nanoribbon schottky‐barrier diode is proposed as a result of contact between a semiconductor (AB stacking) and metal (AA stacking) layers. To this end, an analytical model joint with numerical solution of carrier concentration for bilayer graphene nanoribbon in the degenerate and nondegenerate regimes is presented. Moreover, to determine the proposed diode performance, the carrier concentration model is adopted to derive the current‐voltage characteristic of the device. The simulated results indicate a strong bilayer graphene nanoribbon geometry and temperature dependence of current‐voltage characteristic showing that the forward current of the diode rises by increasing of width. In addition, the lower value of turn‐on voltage appears as the more temperature increases. Finally, comparative study indicates that the proposed diode has a better performance compared to the silicon schottky diode, graphene nanoribbon homo‐junction contact, and graphene‐silicon schottky diode in terms of electrical parameters such as turn‐on voltage and forward current.
Serum Leptin and Adiponectin Levels in Obese and Nonobese Asthmatic School Children in relation to Asthma Control
Authors: Abdul Wahab Atqah , Maarafiya Muna M. , Soliman Ashraf , Younes Noura B. M. , Chandra Prem
Published: December 2013

There is growing evidence of a positive correlation between asthma and obesity in children and adults. Leptin and adiponectin regulate several metabolic and inflammatory functions. This study aims to evaluate serum leptin and adiponectin concentrations in asthmatic school children to investigate their association with obesity and the degree of asthma control. Obese asthmatic (OA) and nonobese asthmatic (NOA) children, aged 7 to 14, were randomly enrolled in this prospective study. Data on demographic, anthropometric, serum lipids, and spirometric measures and allergy status were collected and analyzed. Serum leptin was significantly higher (25.8±11.1 versus 8.7±11.1; P<0.0001) and adiponectin levels were lower (2.5±1.2 versus 5.4±2.9; P<0.0001) in OA compared to NOA children. The uncontrolled group had higher leptin and lower adiponectin levels compared to well and partially controlled asthma. BMI was positively correlated with leptin (r=0.79; P<0.001) and negatively with adiponectin (r=-0.73; P<0.001). Mean BMI and leptin levels were observed to be higher in girls compared to boys. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis showed that higher BMI and female gender had significant effect on serum leptin levels. Among asthmatic children higher serum leptin and lower adiponectin levels were significantly associated with obesity and showed no significant association with degree of asthma controls.
Computed Tomography Angiography before Intravenous Thrombolysis Does Not Increase the Risk of Renal Dysfunction
Authors: Sobrino García Pilar , García Pastor Andrés , Cuello Juan Pablo , Gil Navarro Silvia , Vicente Peracho Gema , Rodriguez Cruz Pedro María , Pérez Sánchez Javier Ricardo , Díaz Otero Fernando , Vázquez Alen Pilar , Villanueva Osorio Jose Antonio , Nuñez Antonio Gil
Published: December 2013

Our aim is to determine whether computed tomography angiography (CTA) before intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) affects renal function in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. We performed an observational analysis of AIS patients treated with IVT for three years. Patients were classified into 2 groups: those who underwent CTA (CTA-group) and those who did not (control-group). Differences in creatinine levels between baseline and 24–72 hours after IVT were calculated. Acute renal dysfunction (ARD) was defined as an increase in serum creatinine level of ≥0.5 mg/dL and/or ≥25% above baseline within 24–72 hours after IVT. 190 patients were treated with IVT. Renal function (before and after IVT) was assessed in 162 (115 in control-group; 47 in CTA-group). Nine patients (5.5%) developed ARD (2 (4.2%) in CTA-group and 7 (6.1%) in control-group; P=0.6). CTA was not associated with a higher risk of ARD and did not affect the efficacy or safety of IVT. Previous chronic renal insufficiency, baseline creatinine levels, and previous use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were associated with a significant increase in creatinine levels, independently of contrast use. In conclusion, CTA does not seem to increase the risk of renal dysfunction. This technique may be used safely without knowledge of baseline creatinine levels.
A New Surgical Method of Suprapubic and Extraperitoneal Approach with Uterine Preservation for Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Kurt Extraperitoneal Ligamentopexy
Authors: Kurt Sefa , Canda Mehmet Tunc , Tasyurt Abdullah
Published: December 2013

Objective. To introduce an alternative surgical approach for the optimal treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Methods. Twenty symptomatic women with grades 2–4 POP diagnosis who opted to choose this alternative surgery were retrospectively analyzed. Results. A total of 22 cases were included. The mean age of the patients was 50.6±13.2 years (29–72 years) with a mean gravid and parity of 5.5±2.66 and 3.4±2.06, respectively. The mean body-mass index of the patients was 24.25±2.43. Nine (45%) patients were premenopausal and 11 (55%) patients were postmenopausal. Uterine descensus was present in all patients, and additionally cystorectocele in 9 patients (45%), cystocele in 6 patients (30%), rectocele in 4 patients (20%), and elangatio colli in 6 patients (30%) were diagnosed. In addition to the alternative surgery, Manchester procedure and anteroposterior vaginal wall repair or Burch procedure was performed where necessary. Mean follow-up time was 48.95±42.8 months (6–171 months). No recurrence of POP occurred. Conclusions. Suprapubic, extraperitoneal, and minimally invasive ligamentopexy of the round ligament to the anterior rectus fascia offers an alternative to conventional POP surgery with favorable outcomes without any recurrence.
Differentiation of Human Umbilical Cord Lining Membrane-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Hepatocyte-Like Cells
Authors: Doan Chinh Chung , Le Thanh Long , Hoang Nghia Son , Ky Dinh Nguyen , Nguyen Hoang Chuong , Le Van Dong , Do Minh Si
Published: December 2013

Background. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), isolated from bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord tissue, have been known to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells. MSCs can also be easily obtained from umbilical cord lining membrane (CLMSCs). CLMSCs are more primitive MSCs than those isolated from other tissue sources. Objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro differentiation of CLMSCs into hepatocyte lineage. Materials and Methods. In this study, CLMSCs were isolated through a tissue attachment method. Cells were characterized for expression of MSC-specific markers and differentiation potency. CLMSCs were induced to differentiate into hepatocytes by a simple two-step protocol. Differentiated cells were examined for the expression of hepatocyte-specific markers and hepatocyte functions. Results. CLMSCs expressed MSC-specific markers and differentiated into adipocytes and osteoblasts. RT-PCR, real-time qRT-PCR, Western blot, and immunocytochemistry analyses demonstrated that differentiated CLMSCs, having hepatocyte-like morphology, expressed several liver-specific markers, such as ALB, AFP, CK18, and CK19, at both mRNA and protein levels following hepatocyte differentiation. Furthermore, periodic acid-Schiff staining and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) uptake assay showed that differentiated cells could store glycogen and uptake LDL. Conclusion. This study demonstrated that CLMSCs can differentiate into functional hepatocyte-like cells. CLMSCs can serve as a favorable cell source for tissue engineering in the treatment of liver disease.
Optimal Designing of Variables Chain Sampling Plan by Minimizing the Average Sample Number
Authors: Balamurali S. , Usha M.
Published: December 2013

We investigate the optimal designing of chain sampling plan for the application of normally distributed quality characteristics. The chain sampling plan is one of the conditional sampling procedures and this plan under variables inspection will be useful when testing is costly and destructive. The advantages of this proposed variables plan over variables single sampling plan and variables double sampling plan are discussed. Tables are also constructed for the selection of optimal parameters of known and unknown standard deviation variables chain sampling plan for specified two points on the operating characteristic curve, namely, the acceptable quality level and the limiting quality level, along with the producer’s and consumer’s risks. The optimization problem is formulated as a nonlinear programming where the objective function to be minimized is the average sample number and the constraints are related to lot acceptance probabilities at acceptable quality level and limiting quality level under the operating characteristic curve.
Au/TiO2Reusable Photocatalysts for Dye Degradation
Authors: Padikkaparambil Silija , Narayanan Binitha , Yaakob Zahira , Viswanathan Suraja , Tasirin Siti Masrinda
Published: December 2013

Nanogold doped TiO2catalysts are synthesized, and their application in the photodegradation of dye pollutants is studied. The materials are characterized using different analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results revealed the strong interaction between the metallic gold nanoparticles and the anatase TiO2support. Au doped systems showed very good photoactivity in the degradation of dye pollutants under UV irradiation as well as in sunlight. A simple mechanism is proposed for explaining the excellent photoactivity of the systems. The reusability studies of the photocatalysts exhibited more than 98% degradation of the dye even after 10 repeated cycles.
Study on the Influence of Driving Experience on Visual Characteristic
Authors: Li Shi-wu , Ji Bing-kui , Sun Wen-cai , Wang Ling-hong , Yang Zhong-kai
Published: December 2013

In order to study the influence of driving experience and traffic flow conditions on driver's visual search mode, an experiment platform was built. Driver's eye movement data was collected through a large number of real vehicle tests. By analyzing the visual features variations of different experience drivers at peak and peaceful peak period, we found out the change laws of different experience drivers in their driving process. To study different drivers' fixation areas in different traffic flow conditions, the clustering method of k-means was selected to cluster plane coordinates of drivers' fixation point with driver's interesting regions in the process of driving, and driver's vision plane was divided into eight regions finally. The results of the study showed that the clustering method of k-means could divide driver's vision plane more accurate, and driving experience and traffic flow conditions could influence driver's visual search mode obviously.
Cervical Thymic Cyst Mimicking Laryngocele
Authors: Ozturk Kayhan , Elsurer Cagdas , Bulut Serap , Duran Mutlu , Ugras Serdar
Published: December 2013

Cervical thymic cysts are nearly 0.3% of all congenital cervical cysts. Thymic cysts are asymptomatic, but they rarely complain of dysphagia or tracheal obstruction symptoms. A soft, mobile, and painless mass increasing with valsalva maneuver directs the diagnosis of laryngocele. There has not been any study in the literature in which thymic cyst presenting like laryngocele. We hereby present a case of thymic cyst mimicking laryngocele that has not been reported so far.
Identification of Multimodel LPV Models with Asymmetric Gaussian Weighting Function
Authors: You Jie , Lu Jiangang , Zhu Yucai , Yang Qinmin , Zhu Jianhua , Huang Jiangyin , Sun Youxian
Published: December 2013

This paper is concerned with the identification of linear parameter varying (LPV) systems by utilizing a multimodel structure. To improve the approximation capability of the LPV model, asymmetric Gaussian weighting functions are introduced and compared with commonly used symmetric Gaussian functions. By this mean, locations of operating points can be selected freely. It has been demonstrated through simulations with a high purity distillation column that the identified models provide more satisfactory approximation. Moreover, an experiment is performed on real HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning) to further validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Cyclic Voltammetric Investigation of Caffeine at Anthraquinone Modified Carbon Paste Electrode
Authors: Tadesse Yemane , Tadese Abraha , Saini R. C. , Pal Rishi
Published: December 2013

Electrochemical methods have been widely used for the determination of electroactive compounds due to their simplicity, sensitivity, stability, and low cost. A carbon paste electrode was modified with anthraquinone. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) was employed to study the properties of the modified electrode toward the oxidation of caffeine (CAF). Compared to the unmodified electrode, the AQMCPE showed excellent catalytic activity for the oxidation of caffeine. AQMCPE was used to determine CAF in drug samples electrochemically. SWV was used to plot the calibration curve and there was a good linear relationship between anodic peak current and CAF concentration in the range2.0×10-6-8.0×10–4 M, with the correlation coefficient of 0.998 and a detection limit of1.43×10-7 M. The application of the modified electrode for the determination of CAF in pharmaceutical formulation showed good recovery with reproducible results.
Frequency Optimization Objective during System Prototyping on Multi-FPGA Platform
Authors: Turki Mariem , Marrakchi Zied , Mehrez Habib , Abid Mohamed
Published: December 2013

Multi-FPGA hardware prototyping is becoming increasingly important in the system on chip design cycle. However, after partitioning the design on the multi-FPGA platform, the number of inter-FPGA signals is greater than the number of physical connections available on the prototyping board. Therefore, these signals should be time-multiplexed which lowers the system frequency. The way in which the design is partitioned affects the number of inter-FPGA signals. In this work, we propose a set of constraints to be taken into account during the partitioning task. Then, the resulting inter-FPGA signals are routed with an iterative routing algorithm in order to obtain the best multiplexing ratio. Indeed, signals are grouped and then routed using the intra-FPGA routing algorithm: Pathfinder. This algorithm is adapted to deal with the inter-FPGA routing problem. Many scenarios are proposed to obtain the most optimized results in terms of prototyping system frequency. Using this technique, the system frequency is improved by an average of 12.8% compared to constructive routing algorithm.
Iatrogenic Inflammatory Fibrosis of Hard Palate in a 13-Year-Old Female Patient
Authors: Mettu Shanthan , Muppa Radhika , Reddy G. Siva Prasad , Nallanchakrava Srinivas , Gurugubelli Sri Veda
Published: December 2013

Palatal swellings are rare in children and the incidence differs from that of the adult counterparts. When the palatal swellings do arise in children, they usually are palatal abscess from periapical region, and few cases like pleomorphic adenoma in young adults have also been reported. But inflammatory fibrosis of palate in children is a rare occurrence. Inflammatory fibrosis is formation of excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ or tissue, as a reparative or reactive process. This report describes an unusual case of iatrogenic inflammatory fibrosis on the palate due to extraction of tooth number 22 in a 13-year-old female patient. The patient presented with a single large well-circumscribed oval palatal swelling that was soft, fluctuant, not fixed, and nontender. Surgical excision of the lesion was done and it was sent for histopathological assessment. The biopsy showed fibrous tissue with collagen fibers, spindle shaped fibroblasts, neovascularization, RBCs, chronic inflammatory cells, and traces of salivary gland and nerve tissue.
Application of Response Surface Methodology for Optimizing Arginine Deiminase Production Medium for Enterococcus faecium sp. GR7
Authors: Kaur Baljinder , Kaur Rajinder
Published: December 2013

Arginine metabolism in Enterococcus faecium sp. GR7 was enhanced via arginine deiminase pathway. Process parameters including fermentation media and environmental conditions were optimized using independent experiments and response surface methodology (central composite design). Fermentation media (EAPM) were optimized using independent experiments which resulted in 4‐fold increase in arginine deiminase specific activity as compared to basal medium. To further enhance arginine deiminase activity in E. faecium sp. GR7 and biomass production including a five‐level central composite design (CCD) was employed to study the interactive effect of three‐process variables. Response surface methodology suggested a quadratic model which was further validated experimentally where it showed approximately 15‐fold increase in arginine metabolism (in terms of arginine deiminase specific activity) over basal medium. By solving the regression equation and analyzing the response surface cartons, optimal concentrations of the media components (g/L) were determined as arginine 20.0; tryptone 15.0; lactose 10.0; K2HPO4 3.0; NaCl 1.0, MnSO4 0.6 mM; Tween 80 1%; pH 6.0 for achieving specific arginine deiminase activity of 4.6 IU/mG with concomitant biomass production of 12.1 mg/L. The model is significant as the coefficient of determination (R2) was 0.87 to 0.90 for all responses. Enhanced arginine deiminase yield from E. faecium, a GRAS lactic acid bacterial strain, is desirable to explore in vitro therapeutic potential of the arginine metabolizing E. faecium sp. GR7.
Modeling and Analysis of a Semiactive Power-Assisted Unit Based on Hydraulic Accumulator
Authors: Xu Ming , Chen Guojin , Ni Jing , Liu Yanhui
Published: December 2013

The hydraulic accumulator is widely used for storing energy in hydraulic system, but it is a passive device; the flowrate and volume of hydraulic oil adjusted by the accumulator are not well adapted to working-condition changes or payload disturbances. A novel semiactive power-assisted unit (PAU), which is a flow valve-controlled accumulator virtually, is proposed. The flowrate and volume of the accumulator can be regulated by adjusting the spool-opening of the flow valve. The mathematical model of the semiactive PAU is deduced. Then the static characteristic and dynamic characteristic of the PAU are presented. The simulations of the proposed PAU applied in variable-speed electrohydraulic drive system are implemented. The results show the influences of PAU's main parameters on its performance.
Free Will with Afterthoughts: A Quasichemical Model
Authors: Levi Andrea C.
Published: December 2013

A model of free will is proposed, appealing to the similarity with simple, two-body chemical reactions where the energy curves for the reagents and for the products cross. The system at the crossing point has a freedom of choice to perform the reaction or not. The Landau-Zener formula, corresponding to the opportunity of meeting twice the crossing point, is interpreted as free will with an afterthought and generalized to the cases when a subject thinks about a choice n times. If the probability distribution pn of afterthoughts is known, the probability of a final yes decision is given. The results are generalized to situations where a preference for or against a change exists or where the freedom is only partial, has to fight with conditioning factors, and possibly decreases with increasing instances of free choice.
Optimal Placement of Piezoelectric Plates to Control Multimode Vibrations of a Beam
Authors: Botta Fabio , Dini Daniele , Schwingshackl Christoph , di Mare Luca , Cerri Giovanni
Published: December 2013

Damping of vibrations is often required to improve both the performance and the integrity of engineering structures, for example, gas turbine blades. In this paper, we explore the possibility of using piezoelectric plates to control the multimode vibrations of a cantilever beam. To develop an effective control strategy and optimize the placement of the active piezoelectric elements in terms of vibrations amplitude reduction, a procedure has been developed and a new analytical solution has been proposed. The results obtained have been corroborated by comparison with the results from a multiphysics finite elements package (COMSOL), results available in the literature, and experimental investigations carried out by the authors.
Pericarditis in Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Kim Joonseok , Laird-Fick Heather S. , Alsara Osama , Gourineni Venu , Abela George S.
Published: December 2013

Case. A 64-year-old Caucasian woman was brought to the emergency department with severe dysphagia and left chest pain for last 4 days. Initial evaluation revealed elevated ST segment in precordial leads on EKG with elevated cardiac enzymes. Limited echocardiogram showed infra-apical wall hypokinesia. Cardiac angiography was done subsequently which showed nonflow limiting mild coronary artery disease. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy was diagnosed and she was treated medically. On the third day of admission, a repeat ECG showed diffuse convex ST-segment elevations in precordial leads, compatible with acute pericarditis pattern of EKG. Decision was made to start colchicine empirically for possible pericarditis. Follow-up EKG in 2 days showed decreased ST-segment elevations in precordial leads. The patient was discharged with colchicine and a follow-up echocardiogram in 4 weeks demonstrated a normal ejection fraction with no evidence of pericarditis.Conclusion. Acute pericarditis can be associated either as a consequence of or as a triggering factor for Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. It is vital for physicians to be aware of pericarditis as a potential complication of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
Investigation of the Distribution of Salmonella within an Integrated Pig Breeding and Production Organisation in the United Kingdom
Authors: Wales A. , Weaver J. , McLaren I. M. , Smith R. P. , Mueller-Doblies D. , Davies R. H.
Published: December 2013

To examine patterns of Salmonella herd infections in units linked by common sources of pigs, the study examined pooled pen faeces samples from 161 nursery and finishing units in a UK integrated pig enterprise. An epidemiological questionnaire was also completed by investigators for each farm. Salmonella was isolated from 630 (19.5%) of the samples: S. Typhimurium was found in 387 (12%) and S. Derby in 157 (4.9%) samples; 111 units yielded at least one sample containing Salmonella. The proportion of Salmonella-positive samples from positive farms ranged from 5% to 95%. In a univariable risk factor analysis, increasing length of time as a pig farm was positively associated with the detection of Salmonella in a herd. Larger farms (>500 pigs) were significantly more likely to be positive for S. Typhimurium than smaller farms. There was an association between Salmonella serovars isolated in the present study and those subsequently isolated in breeding herds linked to the integration.
Effects of Acute Exercise and Chronic Exercise on the Liver Leptin-AMPK-ACC Signaling Pathway in Rats with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Yi Xuejie , Cao Shicheng , Chang Bo , Zhao Dalin , Gao Haining , Wan Yihan , Shi Jiaojiao , Wei Wei , Guan Yifu
Published: December 2013

Aim. To investigate the effects of acute and chronic exercise on glucose and lipid metabolism in liver of rats with type 2 diabetes caused by a high fat diet and low dose streptozotocin (STZ).Methods. Animals were classified into control (CON), diabetes (DC), diabetic chronic exercise (DCE), and diabetic acute exercise (DAE) groups.Results. Compared to CON, the leptin levels in serum and liver and ACC phosphorylation were significantly higher in DC, but the levels of liver leptin receptor, AMPKα1/2, AMPKα1, and ACC proteins expression and phosphorylation were significantly lower in DC. In addition, the levels of liver glycogen reduced significantly, and the levels of TG and FFA increased significantly in DC compared to CON. Compared to DC, the levels of liver AMPKα1/2, AMPKα2, AMPKα1, and ACC phosphorylation significantly increased in DCE and DAE. However, significant increase of the level of liver leptin receptor and glycogen as well as significant decrease of the level of TG and FFA were observed only in DEC.Conclusion. Our study demonstrated that both acute and chronic exercise indirectly activated the leptin-AMPK-ACC signaling pathway and increased insulin sensitivity in the liver of type 2 diabetic rats. However, only chronic and long-term exercise improved glucose and lipid metabolism of the liver.
Associations between Cigarette Smoking, Hormone Therapy, and Folate Intake with Incident Colorectal Cancer by TP53 Protein Expression Level in a Population-Based Cohort of Older Women
Authors: Tillmans Lori S. , Vierkant Robert A. , Wang Alice H. , Jewel Samadder N. , Lynch Charles F. , Anderson Kristin E. , French Amy J. , Haile Robert W. , Harnack Lisa J. , Potter John D. , Slager Susan L. , Smyrk Thomas C. , Thibodeau Stephen N. , Cerhan James R. , Limburg Paul J.
Published: December 2013

Cigarette smoking (CS), hormone therapy (HT), and folate intake (FI) are each thought to influence colorectal cancer risk, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely defined. The TP53 (p53) protein, encoded by the TP53 tumor-suppressor gene that is commonly mutated in colorectal cancer, can be readily assessed to differentiate biologically distinct colorectal cancer subtypes. In this prospective cohort study, we examined CS-, HT-, and FI-associated colorectal cancer risks by TP53 protein expression level among Iowa Women's Health Study (IWHS) participants. The IWHS recruited 41,836 randomly selected Iowa women, ages 55 to 69 years, with a valid driver's license at study entry in 1986. Self-reported exposure variables were assessed at baseline. Incident colorectal cancer cases were ascertained by annual linkage with the Iowa Cancer Registry. Archived, paraffin-embedded tissue specimens were collected and evaluated for TP53 protein expression by immunohistochemistry. Multivariate Cox regression models were fit to estimate relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations between CS, HT, or FI and TP53-defined colorectal cancer subtypes. Informative environmental exposure and protein expression data were available for 492 incident colorectal cancer cases: 222 (45.1%) TP53 negative, 72 (14.6%) TP53 low, and 198 (40.2%) TP53 high. Longer duration (>5 years) of HT was inversely associated with TP53 high colorectal cancers (RR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.27–0.94). No other statistically significant associations were observed. These data support possible heterogeneous effects from HT on TP53-related pathways of colorectal carcinogenesis in older women. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(2); 350–5. ©2013 AACR.
Hypovitaminosis D and Executive Dysfunction in Older Adults with Memory Complaint: A Memory Clinic-Based Study
Authors: Annweiler Cédric , Maby Elodie , Meyerber Marine , Beauchet Olivier
Published: December 2013

Background: Hypovitaminosis D is associated with executive dysfunction as a whole. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine whether lower vitamin D levels were associated with mental flexibility, information updating, or cognitive and motor inhibition among older adults. Methods: One hundred Caucasian older community dwellers with memory complaint (mean, 71.02 ± 0.74 years; 52.0% female) were divided into 3 groups according to serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) concentration (deficiency <25 nmol/l, insufficiency 25-50 nmol/l, sufficiency >50 nmol/l). Executive functions were assessed with error rates by executing the Trail Making Test-B (TMT-B) for mental flexibility, the N-Back Test for information updating, the Stroop Interference Test for cognitive inhibition, and the Go/No-Go score for motor inhibition. Age, gender, BMI, education level, number of morbidities, depressive symptoms, Mini-Mental State Examination score, calcemia, estimated glomerular filtration rate and season tested were considered as potential confounders. Results: Compared to participants with vitamin D insufficiency and sufficiency, those with vitamin D deficiency had a poorer TMT-B performance (p = 0.019 and p = 0.017, respectively) but similar N-Back (p = 0.175), Stroop (p = 0.135) and Go/No-Go (p = 0.224) scores. Cognitive performance did not differ between participants with insufficient and sufficient vitamin D levels. Vitamin D deficiency was associated with poorer performance on TMT-B (adjusted β = 1.48, p = 0.011), but not on N-Back (p = 0.665), Stroop (p = 0.817) or Go/No-Go (p = 0.971). Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency was associated with poorer mental flexibility among older community dwellers with memory complaint.
An Unusual Prostate-Specific Antigen Decrease in an Advanced Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Patient with Intracerebral Hemorrhage Subsequently Treated with Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone Antagonist
Authors: Izumi Kouji , Mizokami Atsushi , Namiki Mikio
Published: December 2013

An unusual prostate-specific antigen (PSA) decrease in a Japanese patient with advanced castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) treated with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) antagonist after cerebral bleeding was presented. There have been no previous reports that cerebral bleeding or trepanation/drainage of hematoma decreased PSA level, which would make this the first. The LH-RH antagonist may be only one reason for the PSA decrease. More cases need to be accumulated and and further investigation is needed to clarify if intracerebral bleeding or an LH-RH antagonist can decrease PSA in such advanced CRPC cases.
Tight Versus Standard Blood Pressure Control in Patients With Hypertension With and Without Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Reboldi Gianpaolo , Angeli Fabio , de Simone Giovanni , Staessen Jan A. , Verdecchia Paolo
Published: December 2013

An excessive blood pressure (BP) reduction might be dangerous in high-risk patients with cardiovascular disease. In the Studio Italiano Sugli Effetti CARDIOvascolari del Controllo della Pressione Arteriosa SIStolica (Cardio-Sis), 1111 nondiabetic patients with systolic BP ≥150 mm Hg were randomly assigned to a systolic BP target <140 mm Hg (standard control) or <130 mm Hg (tight control). We stratified patients by absence (n=895) or presence (n=216) of established cardiovascular disease at entry. Antihypertensive treatment was open-label and tailored to each patient’s needs. After 2-year follow-up, the primary end point of the study, electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy, occurred less frequently in the tight than in the standard control group in the patients without (10.8% versus 15.2%) and with (14.1% versus 23.5%) established cardiovascular disease (
P
for interaction=0.82). The main secondary end point, a composite of cardiovascular events and all-cause death, occurred less frequently in the tight than in the standard control group both in patients without (1.47 versus 3.68 patient-years;
P
=0.016) and with (7.87 versus 11.22 patient-years;
P
=0.049) previous cardiovascular disease. In a multivariable Cox model, allocation to tight BP control reduced the risk of cardiovascular events to a similar extent in patients with or without overt cardiovascular disease at randomization (
P
for interaction=0.43). In conclusion, an intensive treatment aimed to lower systolic BP<130 mm Hg reduced left ventricular hypertrophy and improved clinical outcomes to a similar extent in patients with hypertension and without established cardiovascular disease.
A Conceptual Lemon: Theta Burst Stimulation to the Left Anterior Temporal Lobe Untangles Object Representation and Its Canonical Color
Authors: Chiou Rocco , Sowman Paul F. , Etchell Andrew C. , Rich Anina N.
Published: December 2013

Object recognition benefits greatly from our knowledge of typical color (e.g., a lemon is usually yellow). Most research on object color knowledge focuses on whether both knowledge and perception of object color recruit the well-established neural substrates of color vision (the V4 complex). Compared with the intensive investigation of the V4 complex, we know little about where and how neural mechanisms beyond V4 contribute to color knowledge. The anterior temporal lobe (ATL) is thought to act as a “hub” that supports semantic memory by integrating different modality-specific contents into a meaningful entity at a supramodal conceptual level, making it a good candidate zone for mediating the mappings between object attributes. Here, we explore whether the ATL is critical for integrating typical color with other object attributes (object shape and name), akin to its role in combining nonperceptual semantic representations. In separate experimental sessions, we applied TMS to disrupt neural processing in the left ATL and a control site (the occipital pole). Participants performed an object naming task that probes color knowledge and elicits a reliable color congruency effect as well as a control quantity naming task that also elicits a cognitive congruency effect but involves no conceptual integration. Critically, ATL stimulation eliminated the otherwise robust color congruency effect but had no impact on the numerical congruency effect, indicating a selective disruption of object color knowledge. Neither color nor numerical congruency effects were affected by stimulation at the control occipital site, ruling out nonspecific effects of cortical stimulation. Our findings suggest that the ATL is involved in the representation of object concepts that include their canonical colors.
The Neural Mechanism Underlying Ordinal Numerosity Processing
Authors: Gebuis Titia , Reynvoet Bert
Published: December 2013

Changes in the sensory properties of numerosity stimuli have a direct effect on the outcomes of nonsymbolic number tasks. This suggests a prominent role of sensory properties in numerosity processing. However, the current consensus holds that numerosity is processed independent of its sensory properties. To investigate the role of sensory cues in ordinal number processes, we manipulated both dimensions orthogonally. Participants passively viewed the stimuli while their brain activity was measured using EEG. The results revealed an interaction between numerosity and its sensory properties in the absence of main effects. Different neural responses were present for trials where numerosity and sensory cues changed in the same direction compared with trials where they changed in opposite directions. These results show that the sensory cues are expected to change in concert with numerosity and support the notion that the visual cues are taken into account when judging numerosity.