bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical therapy of a large pancreatic solid-pseudopapillary neoplasm during pregnancy
Authors: MacDonald Frank , Keough Valerie , Huang Weei-Yuan , Molinari Michele
Published: January 2014

Solid-pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPNs) of the exocrine pancreas are rare, accounting for only 2% of pancreatic tumours. These tumours predominantly affect women during the second and third decades of life. They frequently present with vague symptoms and can pose a diagnostic challenge. Surgical resection remains the treatment of choice that can cure up to 95% of patients when negative resection margins are obtained. SPNs diagnosed during pregnancy are exceptional and with profound implications on the mother and fetus. The authors present a case of an asymptomatic SPN in a 24-year-old woman diagnosed at 14 weeks of gestation on a routine prenatal ultrasound. Distal pancreatectomy, splenectomy and cholecystectomy were successfully performed at 18 weeks of gestation. A healthy full-term male child was born 5 months following surgery without complications.
Base liquefaction: a mechanism for shear-induced failure of loose granular slopes
Authors: Take W. Andy , Beddoe Ryley A.
Published: January 2014

For the deviatoric strain-softening associated with static liquefaction to occur in a landslide, the soil must be contractile, be subjected to a monotonic loading trigger, and be sufficiently saturated to permit the generation of excess pore-water pressures upon loading. It is hypothesized in this paper that static liquefaction might preferentially occur in the saturated granular soil located at the base of the landslide in certain circumstances rather than the well-drained inclined portion of the slope. This hypothesis was tested using the technique of geotechnical centrifuge modelling with a loose granular slope, which was brought to failure under a step-wise increase in groundwater flux. The rising pore-water pressures eventually led to a small localized failure at the toe of the slope. This toe failure acted as the monotonic loading trigger to shear the loose contractile saturated sand at the base of the slope and cause liquefaction to occur in the base region. A back-analysis of the landslide indicates that these types of analyses should be viewed with great caution as the progressive nature of the event following triggering will be likely to lead to erroneous back-calculations of mobilized strength.
SAGNAC EFFECT IN (2+1)-DIMENSIONAL GRAVITATIONAL FIELD
Authors: RAYCHAUDHURI B.
Published: January 2014

A Sagnac type experiment is analyzed in the most well-known (2+1)-dimensional Bañados, Teitelboim and Zanelli (BTZ) spacetime and discussed vis-a-vis corresponding results in (3+1)-dimensional spacetime. The angular velocity of locally non-rotating observer has formally been predicted using Sagnac effect. Occurrence of arbitrarily large Sagnac delay (SD) for geodesic motion is observed for extreme BTZ black hole universally as its remarkable feature.
AB INITIO INVESTIGATIONS OF THE MAGNETISM IN DILUTED MAGNETIC SEMICONDUCTOR Fe-DOPED GaN
Authors: CHENG JIE , ZHOU JING , XU WEI , DONG PENG
Published: January 2014

In this paper, we present a first principle investigation on Fe -doped GaN with wurtzite and zinc-blend structure using full potential density functional calculations. Data point out that the magnetic behavior of Fe -doped GaN system is strongly dependent on Fe doping configurations. In agreement with the experimental reports, and independently by doping, antiferromagnetism occurs in the zinc-blend structure, while in the wurtzite structure ferromagnetism depends on the Fe doping configurations. Detailed analyses combined with density of state calculations support the assignment that the ferromagnetism is closely related to the impurity band at the origin of the hybridization of Fe 3d and N 2p states in the Fe -doped GaN of wurtzite phase.
ESTIMATING PARAMETERS OF MUSKINGUM MODEL USING AN ADAPTIVE HYBRID PSO ALGORITHM
Authors: OUYANG AIJIA , TANG ZHUO , LI KENLI , SALLAM AHMED , SHA EDWIN
Published: January 2014

In order to accelerate the convergence and improve the calculation accuracy for parameter optimization of the Muskingum model, we propose a novel, adaptive hybrid particle swarm optimization (AHPSO) algorithm. With the decreasing of inertial weight factor proposed, this method can gradually converge to a global optimal with elite individuals obtained by hybrid PSO. In the paper, we analyzed the feasibility and the advantages of the AHPSO algorithm. Then, we verified its efficiency and superiority by application of the Muskingum model. We intensively evaluated the error fitting degree based on the comparison with four known formulas: the test method (TM), the least residual square method (LRSM), the nonlinear programming method (NPM), and the Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno (BFGS) method. The results show that the AHPSO has a higher precision. In addition, we compared the AHPSO algorithm with the binary-encoded genetic algorithm (BGA), the Gray genetic algorithm (GGA), the Gray-encoded accelerating genetic algorithm (GAGA) and the particle swarm optimization (PSO), and results show that AHPSO has faster convergent speed. Moreover, AHPSO has a competitive advantage compared with the above eight methods in terms of robustness. With the efficiency of this approach it can be extended to estimate parameters of other dynamic models.
EGF RECEPTOR DYNAMICS IN EGF-RESPONDING CELLS REVEALED BY FUNCTIONAL IMAGING DURING SINGLE PARTICLE TRACKING
Authors: DE KEERSMAECKER H. , ROCHA S. , FRON E. , UJI-I H. , HOFKENS J. , MIZUNO H.
Published: January 2014

The epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor transduces the extracellular EGF signal into the cells. The distribution of these EGF receptors in the plasma membrane is heterogeneous and dynamic, which is proposed to be important for the regulation of cell signaling. The response of the cells to a physiological concentration of EGF is not homogeneous, which makes it difficult to analyze the dynamics related to the response. Here we developed a system to perform functional imaging during single particle tracking (SPT) analysis. This system made it possible to observe the cytosolic Ca2+concentration to monitor the cell response while tracking individual EGF molecules and found that about half of the cells responded to the stimulation with 1.6 nM EGF. In the responding cells, the EGF receptor showed 3 modes of movement: fast (the diffusion coefficient of 0.081 ± 0.009 μm2/sec, 29 ± 9%), slow (0.020 ± 0.005 μm2/sec, 22 ± 6%), and stationary (49 ± 13%). The diffusion coefficient of the fast mode movement in the responding cells was significantly larger than that in the nonresponding cells (0.069 ± 0.009 μm2/sec, p < 0.05). The diffusion coefficient of the fast mode movement is thought to reflect the monomer–dimer equilibrium of the EGF receptor. We assumed that the feedback regulation via the Ca2+signaling pathway slightly shifts the equilibrium from dimer to monomer in the responding cells.

[Formula: see text]Special Issue Comment: This research paper is about the diffusion of EGF receptors in the membrane. It is therefore related with various projects in this Special Issue: the reviews about FRET41and enzymes,42and the projects about solving single molecules trajectories.43
ENERGY ANALYSIS OF A VAPOR COMPRESSION SYSTEM CASCADED WITH AMMONIA–WATER ABSORPTION SYSTEM
Authors: SACHDEVA GULSHAN , JAIN VAIBHAV , KACHHWAHA S. S.
Published: January 2014

The first law analysis of a vapor compression–vapor absorption (VC–VA) cascade system is carried out for a wide range of cooling capacity. While ammonia–water is the working pair in VA section, R407C is used in VC section. The influences of change in cooling capacity, superheating and subcooling in the condenser, temperature in the generator, degree of overlap in cascade condenser, size of the heat exchangers etc. on the system performance are investigated. It is concluded that the COP of the VC section of the cascade system could be improved by 146% and the electricity consumption could be reduced by 64% compared to an equivalent VC unit. Separately the results showed the considerable increase in the generator heat when cooling capacity was increased from 83.33 kW. The COP of the cascade system at high cooling capacity is strongly dependent on the performance of condenser.
Mode of Action and Specificity of Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins in the Control of Caterpillars and Stink Bugs in Soybean Culture
Authors: Schünemann Rogério , Knaak Neiva , Fiuza Lidia Mariana
Published: January 2014

The bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) produces delta-endotoxins that possess toxic properties and can be used as biopesticides, as well as a source of genes for the construction of transgenic plants resistant to insects. In Brazil, the introduction of Bt soybean with insecticidal properties to the velvetbean caterpillar, the main insect pest of soybean, has been seen a promising tool in the management of these agroecosystems. However, the increase in stink bug populations in this culture, in various regions of the country, which are not susceptible to the existing genetically modified plants, requires application of chemicals that damage the environment. Little is known about the actual toxicity of Bt to Hemiptera, since these insects present sucking mouthparts, which hamper toxicity assays with artificial diets containing toxins of this bacterium. In recent studies of cytotoxicity with the gut of different hemipterans, susceptibility in the mechanism of action of delta-endotoxins has been demonstrated, which can generate promising subsidies for the control of these insect pests in soybean. This paper aims to review the studies related to the selection, application and mode of action of Bt in the biological control of the major pest of soybean, Anticarsia gemmatalis, and an analysis of advances in research on the use of Bt for control hemipterans.
Genetic Diversity and Distribution of Human Norovirus in China (1999–2011)
Authors: Yu Yongxin , Yan Shuling , Li Bailin , Pan Yingjie , Wang Yongjie
Published: January 2014

Noroviruses (NoVs) are a leading cause of epidemic and sporadic acute gastroenteritis worldwide. However, the genetic diversity and geographical distribution of NoV isolates from China have not been well described thus far. In this study, all NoV sequences obtained in China from 1999 to 2011 (n=983), both partial and complete genomes, were downloaded from GenBank. Genotyping and phylogenetic and recombination analyses were performed in order to gain a better understanding of the distribution and genetic diversity of NoVs in China. The results indicated that approximately 90% of NoV sequences were obtained from the coastal regions of China, and most of the NoV sequences from distinct geographical regions appeared to be closely related. GII.4 was the most prevalent genotype, accounting for 64.4% of all genotypes, followed by GII.12 (13.9%) and GII.3 (7.0%). Over the last decade, the GII.4 variants were dominated by successive circulation of GII.4/2002, GII.4/2004, GII.4/2006b, and GII.4/2008, with GII.4/2006b continuing to date. A relatively high frequency of NoV intergenotype recombinants was identified. The most common ORF1/ORF2 intergenotype recombinant was GII.12/GII.4 (n=11), and the relative frequency was up to 30% among all the recombinant strains (n=36). These findings may aid in the evaluation and implementation of appropriate measures for monitoring NoV infectious diseases in China.
Primary Intraparenchymal Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Kidney: A Rare and Unique Entity
Authors: Ghosh Prithwijit , Saha Kaushik
Published: January 2014

Primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the renal parenchyma is a very unusual entity which needs to be differentiated from primary SCC of renal pelvis, SCC from another primary site, and urothelial carcinoma with extensive squamous differentiation. We are most probably describing the second case of primary SCC of the renal parenchyma in a 51-year-old male who presented with heaviness of right upper abdomen with intermittent pain in right flank. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) revealed a mass in the right lower pole of the kidney and histopathology following nephrectomy displayed the features of well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma without urothelial involvement.
Gunshot Wound Contamination with Squirrel Tissue: Wound Care Considerations
Authors: Maerz Porter W. , Falgiani Tricia B. , Hoelle Robyn M.
Published: January 2014

While report of animal bites contaminating wounds is reported commonly, direct wound contamination with squirrel flesh has never been reported in the literature. The patient suffered an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound that drove squirrel flesh and buck shot deep within his right buttock. This case outlines his hospital course and wound treatment. The patient was treated with ten days of broad spectrum antibiotics, extensive debridement of the wound in the operating room, and further treatment of the wound with a vacuum dressing system. While squirrel tissue and buckshot had to be removed from the wound on day six of the hospital stay, the patient remained afebrile without signs or symptoms of systemic illness.
A High‐Performance Control Method of Constant V/f‐Controlled Induction Motor Drives for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Chen Long , Sun Xiaodong , Jiang Haobin , Xu Xing
Published: January 2014

A three‐phase induction motor used as a propulsion system for the electric vehicle (EV) is a nonlinear, multi‐input multi‐output, and strong coupling system. For such a complicated model system with unmeasured and unavoidable disturbances, as well as parameter variations, the conventional vector control method cannot meet the demands of high‐performance control. Therefore, a novel control strategy named least squares support vector machines (LSSVM) inverse control is presented in the paper. Invertibility of the induction motor in the constant V/f control mode is proved to confirm its feasibility. The LSSVM inverse is composed of an LSSVM approximating the nonlinear mapping of the induction motor and two integrators. The inverse model of the constant V/f‐controlled induction motor drive is obtained by using LSSVM, and then the optimal parameters of LSSVM are determined automatically by applying a modified particle swarm optimization (MPSO). Cascading the LSSVM inverse with the induction motor drive system, the pseudolinear system can be obtained. Thus, it is easy to design the closed‐loop linear regulator. The simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Primary Synovial Sarcomas of the Mediastinum: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis of the Published Literature
Authors: Salah Samer , Salem Ahmed
Published: January 2014

Background. The aim of this systematic review is to attempt to provide a descriptive analysis for cases of synovial sarcoma (SS) arising in the mediastinum and to analyze prognostic factors. Methods. We performed PubMed database search in July 2013. Twenty-two studies, which included 40 patients, form the basis of this review. Demographic and disease-related factors were analyzed for possible influence on survival. Findings were compared with extremity SS studies reported in literature. Results. Sixteen cases (40%) presented with locally advanced unresectable disease, 2 (5%) with metastatic disease, and 22 (55%) with localized resectable disease. Median tumor size was 11 cm (range: 5–20 cm). Thirty patients were assessable for survival and had a 5-year OS of 36%. Completeness of resection was the only factor associated with significant improvement in OS (5-year survival of 63% and 0% in favor of complete resection, P=0.003). Conclusion. Mediastinal SS is associated with poor prognosis as more cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage and with larger tumor size compared to extremity SS. Complete surgical resection is the only identified factor associated with better prognosis and may result in survival outcomes that are comparable with those for localized SS of the extremity.
Obstetric Outcome and Significance of Labour Induction in a Health Resource Poor Setting
Authors: Lawani Osaheni Lucky , Onyebuchi Azubuike Kanario , Iyoke Chukwuemeka Anthony , Okafo Chikezie Nwachukwu , Ajah Leonard Ogbonna
Published: January 2014

Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the methods, indications, outcome of induced labor and its significance in obstetric practice in the study area.Methods. This was a retrospective study of cases of induced labor at the Catholic Maternity Hospital in Ogoja, Cross-River State, Nigeria, between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2011. Data on the sociodemographic characteristics of the parturient, induction methods, indications for induction, outcomes and reasons for failed induction were abstracted from personal case files and the hospital’s maternity/delivery register. The data were analyzed with SPSS15.0 window version.Result. The induction rate in this study was 11.5%. Induction was successful in 75.9% of cases but failed in 24.1%. Misoprostol was the commonest induction method (78.2%). The commonest indication for induction was postdate pregnancy (45.8%). Failed induction was due to fetal distress, prolonged labor, cephalopelvic disproportion and cord prolapse. The induction-delivery interval was12±3.6 hours.Conclusion. Induction of labor is a common obstetric procedure which is safe and beneficial in well-selected and properly monitored high risk pregnancies where the benefits of early delivery outweigh the risk of continuing the pregnancy.
The Diagnosis of Abnormal Assembly Quality Based on Fuzzy Relation Equations
Authors: Li Dong-Ying , Zhang Gen-Bao , Li Meng-Qi , Liu Jian , Cheng Yan-Song
Published: January 2014

The relationship between quality abnormality and anomalous causes in the assembly process of CNC machine was described by fuzzy relation equations, because they were not one to one. The fuzzy relation equations were established according to the fuzzy relation matrix and membership degree of abnormality mode and were translated into optimal solution problems by fuzzy deconvolution method. The interval solution of the fuzzy relation equation was obtained by minimal mean square error of BP algorithm, realizing section locating of the contribution of anomalous causes to quality abnormality for a given problem, thereby gaining the optimal solution. Finally, the viability and effectiveness of this method were verified by the quality abnormity diagnosis in the assembly process of a NC rotary table.
Topological Effects and Performance Optimization in Transportation Continuous Network Design
Authors: Wu Jianjun , Guo Xin , Sun Huijun , Wang Bo
Published: January 2014

Because of the limitation of budget, in the planning of road works, increased efforts should be made on links that are more critical to the whole traffic system. Therefore, it would be helpful to model and evaluate the vulnerability and reliability of the transportation network when the network design is processing. This paper proposes a bilevel transportation network design model, in which the upper level is to minimize the performance of the network under the given budgets, while the lower level is a typical user equilibrium assignment problem. A new solution approach based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) method is presented. The topological effects on the performance of transportation networks are studied with the consideration of three typical networks, regular lattice, random graph, and small‐world network. Numerical examples and simulations are presented to demonstrate the proposed model.
Solid State Fermentation of a Raw Starch Digesting Alkaline Alpha-Amylase fromBacillus licheniformisRT7PE1 and Its Characteristics
Authors: Tabassum Romana , Khaliq Shazia , Rajoka Muhammad Ibrahim , Agblevor Foster
Published: January 2014

The thermodynamic and kinetic properties of solids state raw starch digesting alpha amylase from newly isolatedBacillus licheniformisRT7PE1 strain were studied. The kinetic valuesQp,Yp/s,Yp/X, andqpwere proved to be best with 15% wheat bran. The molecular weight of purified enzyme was 112 kDa. The apparentKmandVmaxvalues for starch were 3.4 mg mL−1and 19.5 IU mg−1protein, respectively. The optimum temperature and pH forα-amylase were 55°C, 9.8. The half-life of enzyme at 95°C was 17h. The activation and denaturation activation energies were 45.2 and 41.2 kJ mol−1, respectively. Both enthalpies (ΔH∗) and entropies of activation (ΔS∗) for denaturation ofα-amylase were lower than those reported for other thermostableα-amylases.
Demography and Histologic Pattern of Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Kenya
Authors: Menach Owen Pyeko , Patel Asmeeta , Oburra Herbert Ouma
Published: January 2014

Background. Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma is a common head and neck cancer worldwide.Objective. To determine the demographic characteristics of patients with laryngeal cancer, establish their tumor characteristics and relate it to their smoking and alcohol ingestion habits.Methods. Fifty cases and fifty controls were recruited of matching age, sex, and region of residence. History and pattern of cigarette smoking and alcohol ingestion was taken and analyzed.Results. 33 (66%) of the cases and 3 (6%) among controls were current cigarette smokers. 74% had smoked for more than 30 years,P<0.0001OR 21.3 (95% CI: 2.6–176.1). There was a male predominance (96%) and most cases (62%) were from the ethnic communities in the highland areas of Kenya predominantly in Central and Eastern provinces. Very heavy drinkers had increased risk ofP<0.0001OR, 6.0 (95% CI: 1.957–18.398) and those who smoked cigarettes and drank alcohol had poorly differentiated tumors G3,P<0.001, OR 11.652 (95% CI 2.305–58.895), and G4,P=0.52OR 7.286 (95% CI 0.726–73.075). They also presented with advanced disease (73.6%).Conclusion. Cigarette smoking and alcohol ingestion are strong risk factors for development of late stage and poorly differentiated laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma in Kenya.
Effect of Box Taping as an Adjunct to Stretching-Strengthening Exercise Program in Correction of Scapular Alignment in People with Forward Shoulder Posture: A Randomised Trial
Authors: Dewan Neha , Raja Kavitha , Balthillaya Miyaru Ganesh , MacDermid Joy C.
Published: January 2014

Objective. The objective of this study was to provide preliminary estimates of effects of box taping as an adjunct to stretching-strengthening exercise program on scapular alignment in healthy subjects with forward shoulder posture (FSP). Methods. Sixty subjects were screened and 38 asymptomatic subjects with FSP were allocated into box taping and standard treatment group using block randomization. Both groups received a supervised stretching-strengthening exercise program and postural advice for 15 sessions over 3 weeks. In addition, box taping was applied to the intervention group. Static and dynamic scapular alignment was recorded at baseline, 7th and 15th sessions. Differences over time and between the treatment groups were determined using repeated measures of analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results. Twenty subjects completed the study. Both interventions were well tolerated and resulted in improvements in static and dynamic postural indicators over time in both groups (P<0.05) except for dynamic scapular alignment by the 15th session. We were under powered to detect differences between the groups (P<0.05). Conclusions. This study suggests postural exercises improve scapular alignment; but a large RCT is required to determine whether the addition of box taping is indicated, and whether this preventative approach reduces the incidence of upper quarter musculoskeletal disorders. This trial is registered with CTRI/2013/10/004095.
A Remark on the Regularity Criterion for the 3D Boussinesq Equations Involving the Pressure Gradient
Authors: Zhang Zujin
Published: January 2014

We consider the three-dimensional Boussinesq equations and obtain a regularity criterion involving the pressure gradient in the Morrey-Companato spaceMp,q. This extends and improves the result of Gala (Gala 2013) for the Navier-Stokes equations.
Stochastic Model for Langerhans Cells and HIV Dynamics In Vivo
Authors: Mbogo Waema R. , Luboobi Livingstone S. , Odhiambo John W.
Published: January 2014

Many aspects of the complex interaction between HIV and the human immune system remain
elusive. Our objective is to study these interactions, focusing on the specific roles of Langerhans cells
(LCs) in HIV infection. In patients infected with HIV, a large amount of virus is associated with LCs in lymphoid tissue. To assess the influence of LCs on HIV viral dynamics during antiretroviral therapy, we present and analyse a stochastic model describing the dynamics of HIV, CD4+
T cells, and LCs interactions under therapeutic intervention in vivo and show that LCs play an important role in enhancing and spreading initial
HIV infection. We perform sensitivity analyses on the model to determine which parameters and/or which interaction mechanisms strongly affect infection dynamics.
Oral Postdialysis Cholecalciferol Supplementation in Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis: A Dose-Response Approach
Authors: Descombes Eric , Fellay Benoit , Hemett Ould Maouloud , Magnin Jean-Luc , Fellay Gilbert
Published: January 2014

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the dose of postdialysis cholecalciferol needed to maintain the 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels in the optimal range of 75–150 nmol/L. Twenty-six patients who had low baseline 25(OH)D levels (mean27.5±14.9 nmol/L) were studied. The 25(OH)D levels were measured every 2 months for one year. During the first two months, all the patients received 2000 IU of cholecalciferol after each hemodialysis (=6000 IU/wk). Thereafter, the dose was individualized and adapted every 2 months by administering 1 to 6 cholecalciferol tablets (2000 IU each) per week (total weekly dose = 2000–12000 IU/wk). During cholecalciferol supplementation, the 25(OH)D concentrations rapidly increased from baseline to140.1±28.3 nmol/L at month 6 and95.6±20.9 nmol/L at month 12. At month twelve, 86% of the patients had 25(OH)D levels within the target range with a mean dose of5917±4106 IU/wk of cholecalciferol; however, the amount needed to maintain these levels varied widely from 0 (n=2) to 12000 IU/wk (n=5). In conclusion, postdialysis cholecalciferol prescription is quite effective in correcting vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency, but the amount of cholecalciferol needed to maintain the 25(OH)D levels within the optimal range over the long-term varies widely among patients and must be individualized.
Prevalence Survey of Selected Bovine Pathogens in Water Buffaloes in the North Region of Brazil
Authors: da Silva Jenevaldo Barbosa , dos Santos Priscilla Nunes , de Santana Castro Gustavo Nunes , da Fonseca Adivaldo Henrique , Barbosa José Diomedes
Published: January 2014

Although the largest buffalo herd in the occident is in the north region of Brazil, few studies have been conducted to assess the prevalence of selected parasitic diseases in buffalo herd. The present study was therefore conducted to investigate the epidemiological ofToxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, Anaplasma marginale, Babesia bigemina,andBabesia bovisin water buffaloes in the north region of Brazil. A total of 4796 buffalo blood samples were randomly collected from five provinces and simultaneously analyzed by the IFAT and ELISA. The serological prevalence ofT. gondiiandN. caninumwas 41.3% and 55.5% in ELISA and 35.7% and 48.8% in IFAT, respectively. The overall prevalence ofA. marginale, B. bovis, and B. bigeminawas 63%, 25%, and 21% by ELISA and 50.0%, 22.5%, and 18.8% by IFAT, respectively. This study shows valuable information regarding the serological survey of selected bovine pathogens in water buffaloes in the north region of Brazil which will likely be very beneficial for the management and control programs of this disease.
Assessment of the Knowledge of Poultry Farmers and Live Poultry
Sellers to Preventive and Control Measures on Bird Flu, Benin City, Nigeria
Authors: Adam V. Y. , Qasim A. M. , Kazeem M. O.
Published: January 2014

Investigated was the knowledge of preventive measures of avian influenza from farmers, live chicken sellers, and poultry veterinarian in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive study using standardized questionnaire was conducted. Respondents included 236 poultry farmers, live chicken sellers (LCS), and veterinarian aged 12–70 years in contact with birds through husbandry. The study duration was from October 2010 to May 2011. Participants knowledge on transmission sources showed low understanding with highest being from bird-bird (57.3%). The medium most commonly utilized was electronic media (82.5%) as information source. Respondents thought that vaccination of birds (80.6%) would prevent infection. Farmers’ education on bird flu needs to be improved through veterinary public health and health promotion approach. Nonpharmaceutical preventive measures such as hand washing freely and avoidance of eye, nose, and mouth touching must be improved.
Hyaluronan Is Not a Ligand but a Regulator of Toll-Like Receptor Signaling in Mesangial Cells: Role of Extracellular Matrix in Innate Immunity
Authors: Ebid Rainer , Lichtnekert Julia , Anders Hans-Joachim
Published: January 2014

Glomerular mesangial cells (MC), like most cell types secrete hyaluronan (HA), which attached to the cell surface via CD44, is the backbone of a hydrophilic gel matrix around these cells. Reduced extracellular matrix thickness and viscosity result from HA cleavage during inflammation. HA fragments were reported to trigger innate immunity via Toll-like receptor-(TLR-) 2 and/or TLR4 in immune cells. We questioned whether HA fragments also regulate the immunostimulatory capacity of smooth muscle cell-like MC. LPS (TLR4-ligand) and PAM3CysSK4 (TLR2-ligand) induced IL-6 secretion in MC; highly purified endotoxin-free HA<3000 Da up to 50 μg/mL did not. Bovine-testis-hyaluronidase from was used to digest MC-HA into HA fragments of different size directly in the cell culture. Resultant HA fragments did not activate TLR4-deficient MC, while TLR2-deficient MC responded to LPS-contamination of hyaluronidase, not to produced HA fragments. Hyaluronidase increased the stimulatory effect of TLR2-/-3/-5 ligands on their TLR-receptors in TLR4-deficient MC, excluding any effect by LPS-contamination. Supplemented heparin suppressed every stimulatory effect in a dose-dependent manner. We conclude that the glycosaminoglycan HA creates a pericellular jelly barrier, which covers surface receptors like the TLRs. Barrier-thickness and viscosity balanced by HA-synthesis and degradation and the amount of HA-receptors on the cell surface regulate innate immunity via the accessibility of the receptors.
Endodontic Treatment of Fused Teeth with Talon Cusp
Authors: Miri Shima Sadat , Ghorbani Hakimeh , Rashed Mohassel Anousheh
Published: January 2014

Tooth anomalies are rare phenomena that may be reported by patients as chief complaints or may be discovered by dentists in the oral examination. In a few cases, rare anomalies are found together in one mouth. Decision to treat such anomalies depends on whether or not they interfere with function and esthetics and also the patient's preference. In the present case, a 19-year-old male presented with two right maxillary fused central and lateral incisors and a geminated left maxillary central incisor. A talon-like projection was found at the junction site of the fused teeth. His chief complaint was sensitivity to cold at the site of the giant fused tooth. This report describes the process of diagnosis and treatment of the two anomalies according to patient preference and needs.
Preconditioned Krylov Subspace Methods for Sixth Order Compact Approximations of the Helmholtz Equation
Authors: Gryazin Yury
Published: January 2014

We consider an efficient iterative approach to the solution of the discrete Helmholtz equation with Dirichlet, Neumann, and Sommerfeld-like boundary conditions based on a compact sixth order approximation scheme and lower order preconditioned Krylov subspace methodology. The resulting systems of finite-difference equations are solved by different preconditioned Krylov subspace-based methods. In the analysis of the lower order preconditioning developed here, we introduce the term “kth order preconditioned matrix” in addition to the commonly used “an optimal preconditioner.” The necessity of the new criterion is justified by the fact that the condition number of the preconditioned matrix in some of our test problems improves with the decrease of the grid step size. In a simple 1D case, we are able to prove this analytically. This new parameter could serve as a guide in the construction of new preconditioners. The lower order direct preconditioner used in our algorithms is based on a combination of the separation of variables technique and fast Fourier transform (FFT) type methods. The resulting numerical methods allow efficient implementation on parallel computers. Numerical results confirm the high efficiency of the proposed iterative approach.
Parental Catastrophizing Partially Mediates the Association between Parent-Reported Child Pain Behavior and Parental Protective Responses
Authors: Langer Shelby L. , Romano Joan M. , Mancl Lloyd , Levy Rona L.
Published: January 2014

This study sought to model and test the role of parental catastrophizing in relationship to parent-reported child pain behavior and parental protective (solicitous) responses to child pain in a sample of children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and their parents (n=184 dyads). Parents completed measures designed to assess cognitions about and responses to their child’s abdominal pain. They also rated their child’s pain behavior. Mediation analyses were performed using regression-based techniques and bootstrapping. Results supported a model treating parent-reported child pain behavior as the predictor, parental catastrophizing as the mediator, and parental protective responses as the outcome. Parent-reported child pain behavior predicted parental protective responses and this association was mediated by parental catastrophizing about child pain: indirect effect (SE) = 2.08 (0.56); 95% CI = 1.09, 3.30. The proportion of the total effect mediated was 68%. Findings suggest that interventions designed to modify maladaptive parental responses to children’s pain behaviors should assess, as well as target, parental catastrophizing cognitions about their child’s pain.
Use of Flattening Filter-Free Photon Beams in Treating Medulloblastoma: A Dosimetric Evaluation
Authors: Anchineyan Pichandi , Mani Ganesh K. , Amalraj Jerrin , Karthik Balaji , Anbumani Surega
Published: January 2014

Aim. To evaluate the dosimetric benefits of flattening filter-free (FFF) photon beams in intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and Rapid Arc (RA) over conventional CSI methods. Methods and Materials. Five patients treated with IMRT using static multileaf collimators (MLC) were randomly selected for this retrospective study. Dynamic MLC IMRT, RA, and conformal therapy (3DCRT) were iterated with the same CT data sets with and without flattening filter photons. Total dose prescribed was 28.80 Gy in 16 fractions. Dosimetric parameters such as Dmax⁡, Dmin⁡, Dmean, V95%, V107%, DHI, and CI for PTV and Dmax⁡, Dmean, V80%, V50%, V30%, and V10% for OARs were extracted from DVHs. Beam on time (BOT) for various plans was also compared. Results. FFF RA therapy (6F_RA) resulted in highly homogeneous and conformal doses throughout the craniospinal axis. 3DCRT resulted in the highest V107% (SD) 46.97±28.6, whereas flattening filter (FF) and FFF dynamic IMRT had a minimum V107%. 6F_RA and 6F_DMLC resulted in lesser doses to thyroid, eyes, esophagus, liver, lungs, and kidneys. Conclusion. FFF IMRT and FFF RA for CSI have definite dosimetric advantages over 3DCRT technique in terms of target coverage and OAR sparing. Use of FFF in IMRT resulted in 50% reduction in BOT, thereby increasing the treatment efficiency.
Estimating the Occurrence of Wind-Driven Coastal Upwelling Associated with “Aoshio” on the Northeast Shore of Tokyo Bay, Japan: An Analytical Model
Authors: Zhu Zhongfan , Yu Jingshan
Published: January 2014

“Aoshio” in Tokyo Bay is a hydroenvironmental phenomenon in which seawater appears milky blue due to reflection of sunshine off surface water which contains lots of sulfur particles. Its appearance is due to coastal upwelling of bottom oxygen-depleted water, which causes many deaths of shellfish and other aquatic animals around the bay. In this study, we derived some analytical solutions in the context of a two-layered fluid and used them to make a simple analytical model to estimate the occurrence of “Aoshio” phenomenon on the northeast shore of Tokyo Bay. Comparison with observation data suggested that this model was valid to a certain degree.
Effect of Dynamic Soil-Structure Interaction on Raft of Piled Raft Foundation of Chimneys
Authors: Jayalekshmi B. R. , Jisha S. V. , Shivashankar R. , Soorya Narayana S.
Published: January 2014

This paper presents numerical analysis of soil-structure-interaction (SSI) of tall reinforced concrete chimneys with piled raft foundation subjected to El Centro ground motion (1940) using finite element method. Seismic analysis in time domain was performed on the basis of direct method of SSI on the three-dimensional SSI system. The chimney, foundation, and soil were assumed to be linearly elastic in the analysis. The stress resultants and settlement of raft of piled raft foundation were evaluated under different soil properties and different geometrical features of raft and chimney. Soil properties were selected based on the shear wave velocity corresponding to sand in the loose to dense range. Chimneys with different elevations of 100 m, 200 m, and 400 m were taken with a ratio of height to base diameter of chimney of 17. Raft of different thickness was considered to evaluate the effect of stiffness of foundation. Results were analysed to assess the significance of characteristic of the ground motion. It is found that the response in the raft depends on the different parameters of chimney, foundation, and soil. It is also found that the higher modes of SSI system are significant in determining the response in the raft.
Fault Tolerant Coverage and Connectivity in Presence of Channel Randomness
Authors: Sagar Anil Kumar , Lobiyal D. K.
Published: January 2014

Some applications of wireless sensor network requireK-coverage andK-connectivity to ensure the system to be fault tolerance and to make it more reliable. Therefore, it makes coverage and connectivity an important issue in wireless sensor networks. In this paper, we proposedK-coverage andK-connectivity models for wireless sensor networks. In both models, nodes are distributed according to Poisson distribution in the sensor field. To make the proposed model more realistic we used log-normal shadowing path loss model to capture the radio irregularities and studied its impact onK-coverage andK-connectivity. The value ofKcan be different for different types of applications. Further, we also analyzed the problem of node failure forK-coverage model. In the simulation section, results clearly show that coverage and connectivity of wireless sensor network depend on the node density, shadowing parameters like the path loss exponent, and standard deviation.
The Declining Endangered Roan Antelope Population in Kenya: What Is the Way Forward?
Authors: Kimanzi Johnstone K. , Wanyingi Jennifer N.
Published: January 2014

The roan antelope, endemic to Africa, is drastically declining in Kenya and most of its range throughout Africa. Extensive research on roans in South Africa has not provided effective remedial management actions. The solution to Kenya’s roans will come from detailed research in Kenya. This paper reports an on-going research on “mapping and modelling the roan antelope population and habitat in Ruma National Park, Kenya.” The research is employing the state-of-the-art techniques in modelling and geographic information systems (GIS). Preliminary findings indicate that (i) the roan population has declined to 45 animals; (ii) the roans’ home range changes (a) with any slight change in surface water and/or rainfall frequency and (b) between and within seasons (dry and wet); and (iii) the roans’ behaviour implies possibilities of poaching. Among other interventions, establishment of a roan sanctuary (with intensive active management) in Ruma N. Park seems to be the best way forward.
Mental Health of Adults Treated in Adolescence with Scoliosis-Specific Exercise Program or Observed for Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Płaszewski Maciej , Cieśliński Igor , Nowobilski Roman , Kotwicki Tomasz , Terech Jacek , Furgał Mariusz
Published: January 2014

Objective. To examine general mental health in adult males and females, who in adolescence participated in a scoliosis-specific therapeutic exercise program or were under observation due to diagnosis of scoliosis.Design. Registry-based, cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection.Methods. Sixty-eight subjects (43 women) aged 30.10 (25–39) years, with mild or moderate scoliosis (11–36° Cobb angle), and 76 (38 women) nonscoliotic subjects, aged 30.11 (24–38) years, participated. The time period since the end of the exercise or observation regimes was 16.5 (12-26) years. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) scores were analyzed with theχ2andUtests. Multiple regression analyses for confounders were also performed.Results. Intergroup differences of demographic characteristics were nonsignificant. Scoliosis, gender, participation in the exercise program, employment, and marital status were associated with BDI scores. The presence of scoliosis and participation in the exercise program manifested association with the symptoms. Higher GHQ-28 “somatic symptoms” subscale scores interacted with the education level.Conclusions. Our findings correspond to the reports of a negative impact of the diagnosis of scoliosis and treatment on mental health. The decision to introduce a therapeutic program in children with mild deformities should be made with judgment of potential benefits, risks, and harm.
Improved Outcomes with Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy Combined with Temozolomide for Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Aherne Noel J. , Benjamin Linus C. , Horsley Patrick J. , Silva Thomaz , Wilcox Shea , Amalaseelan Julan , Dwyer Patrick , Tahir Abdul M. R. , Hill Jacques , Last Andrew , Hansen Carmen , McLachlan Craig S. , Lee Yvonne L. , McKay Michael J. , Shakespeare Thomas P.
Published: January 2014

Purpose. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is optimally treated by maximal debulking followed by combined chemoradiation. Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is gaining widespread acceptance in other tumour sites, although evidence to support its use over three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) in the treatment of gliomas is currently lacking. We examined the survival outcomes for patients with GBM treated with IMRT and Temozolomide.Methods and Materials. In all, 31 patients with GBM were treated with IMRT and 23 of these received chemoradiation with Temozolomide. We correlated survival outcomes with patient functional status, extent of surgery, radiation dose, and use of chemotherapy.Results. Median survival for all patients was 11.3 months, with a median survival of 7.2 months for patients receiving 40.05 Gray (Gy) and a median survival of 17.4 months for patients receiving 60 Gy.Conclusions. We report one of the few series of IMRT in patients with GBM. In our group, median survival for those receiving 60 Gy with Temozolomide compared favourably to the combined therapy arm of the largest randomised trial of chemoradiation versus radiation to date (17.4 months versus 14.6 months). We propose that IMRT should be considered as an alternative to 3DCRT for patients with GBM.
The Effect of Sleep Deprivation on Ocular Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials Using Air Conducted Sound
Authors: Xie Su-Jiang , Bi Hong-Zhe , Yao Qin
Published: January 2014

Vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) in response to a loud air conducted sound (ACS) recorded from extraocular muscles, the so-called ocular VEMP (oVEMP), has been confirmed to be able to evaluate utricular function. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of sleep deprivation (SD) on oVEMP parameters. oVEMPs were recorded in 20 male healthy subjects once after an ordinary sleep and once after 26–29 h of SD. The latencies of peak N1 and P1, N1-P1 amplitude, N1-P1 interval, and asymmetry ratio (AR) of oVEMP recorded from both eyes under normal sleep and SD conditions were 10.04 ± 0.59 ms versus 10.56 ± 0.69 ms (left eye), 14.95 ± 0.92 ms versus 15.64 ± 1.05 ms (left eye), and 7.44 ± 2.86 µV versus 5.26 ± 2.15 µV (left eye); 10.08 ± 0.66 ms versus 10.64 ± 0.73 ms (right eye), 14.88 ± 0.89 ms versus 15.59 ± 1.02 ms (right eye), and 7.16 ± 2.88 µV versus 5.04 ± 2.05 µV(right eye); 10.40 ± 5.81% versus 11.43 ± 6.37%, respectively. After SD, the latencies of oVEMP were delayed and N1-P1 amplitude was lower, whereas N1-P1 interval and AR remained unchanged. The present study showed that oVEMP test could be used to evaluate the fatigue induced by SD.
Clinical Significance of Optic Disc Progression by Topographic Change Analysis Maps in Glaucoma: An 8-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Kourkoutas D. , Buys Y. M. , Flanagan J. G. , Karamaounas N. , Georgopoulos G. , Iliakis E. , Moschos M. M. , Trope G. E.
Published: January 2014

Aim. To investigate the ability of Heidelberg Retina Tomograph (HRT3) Topographic Change Analysis (TCA) map to predict the subsequent development of clinical change, in patients with glaucoma.Materials. 61 eyes of 61 patients, which, from a retrospective review were defined as stable on optic nerve head (ONH) stereophotographs and visual field (VF), were enrolled in a prospective study. Eyes were classified as TCA-stable or TCA-progressed based on the TCA map. All patients underwent HRT3, VF, and ONH stereophotography at 9–12 months intervals. Clinical glaucoma progression was determined by masked assessment of ONH stereophotographs and VF Guided Progression Analysis.Results. The median (IQR) total HRT follow-up period was 8.1 (7.3, 9.1) years, which included a median retrospective and prospective follow-up time of 3.9 (3.1, 5.0) and 4.0 (3.5, 4.7) years, respectively. In the TCA-stable eyes, VF and/or photographic progression occurred in 5/13 (38.4%) eyes compared to 11/48 (22.9%) of the TCA-progressed eyes. There was no statistically significant association between TCA progression and clinically relevant (photographic and/or VF) progression (hazard ratio, 1.18;P=0.762). The observed median time to clinical progression from enrollment was significantly shorter in the TCA-progressed group compared to the TCA-stable group (P=0.04).Conclusion. Our results indicate that the commercially available TCA progression criteria do not adequately predict subsequent photographic and/or VF progression.