bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Curcumin Attenuates Angiotensin II‐Induced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm by Inhibition of Inflammatory Response and ERK Signaling Pathways
Authors: Hao QingQing , Chen Xu , Wang XiaoYu , Dong Bo , Yang ChuanHua
Published: November 2014

Background and Objectives. Curcumin has long been used to treat age‐related diseases, such as atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. In this study, we explored the effects of curcumin on the development of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Methods. ApoE−/− mice were randomly divided into 3 groups: AngII group, AngII + curcumin (AngII + Cur) group (100 mg/kg/d), and the control group. Miniosmotic pumps were implanted subcutaneously in ApoE−/− mice to deliver AngII for 28 days. After 4‐week treatment, abdominal aortas with AAA were obtained for H&E staining, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting. Results. The results showed that curcumin treatment significantly decreased the occurrence of AAA. The levels of macrophage infiltration, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), and tumor necrosis factors‐α (TNF‐α) were significantly lower in AngII + Cur group than those in AngII group (all P < 0.01). The level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly higher in AngII + Cur group than those in AngII group (P < 0.01). The ERK1/2 phosphorylation in AngII + Cur group was significantly lower than that in AngII group (P < 0.01). Conclusions. These results suggested that curcumin can inhibit the AngII‐induced AAA in ApoE−/− mice, whose mechanisms include the curcumin anti‐inflammation, antioxidative stress, and downregulation of ERK signaling pathway.
Potential Interaction of Green Tea Extract with Hydrochlorothiazide on Diuretic Activity in Rats
Authors: Chakraborty Manodeep , Kamath Jagadish V. , Bhattacharjee Ananya
Published: November 2014

Treatment of ischemic hypertensive patients with hydrochlorothiazide can precipitate cardiac arrhythmias. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the diuretic potential of green tea alone and its effects on hydrochlorothiazide in interactive groups. Rats were treated with high (500 mg/kg, p.o.) and low (100 mg/kg, p.o.) dose of green tea extract in alone and interactive groups for 30 days. Standard, high, and low dose interactive groups received hydrochlorothiazide (10 mg/kg, p.o.) on the day of experiment. Effect of different treatments was that assessed by evaluating diuretic action, diuretic activity, percentage of saline load excreted, and sodium and potassium levels in urine. Green tea in both high and low doses showed significant diuretic potential and when it is combined with hydrochlorothiazide resulted in significant improvement in the activity compared to hydrochlorothiazide alone treated group. It can be concluded that green tea extract when combined with hydrochlorothiazide showed significant increase in diuretic activity. Most important observation of the present study is even though the combination increases the diuretic potential, it is responsible for decrease in urinary potassium loss.
Antioxidative Effects of Germinated Brown Rice‐Derived Extracts on H2O2‐Induced Oxidative Stress in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Md Zamri Nur Diyana , Imam Mustapha Umar , Abd Ghafar Siti Aisyah , Ismail Maznah
Published: November 2014

The antioxidant properties of germinated brown rice (GBR) are likely mediated by multiple bioactives. To test this hypothesis, HepG2 cells pretreated with GBR extracts, rich in acylated steryl glycoside (ASG), gamma amino butyric acid GABA), phenolics or oryzanol, were incubated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and their hydroxyl radical (OH•) scavenging capacities and thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) generation were evaluated. Results showed that GBR‐extracts increased OH• scavenging activities in both cell‐free medium and posttreatment culture media, suggesting that the extracts were both direct‐ and indirect‐acting against OH•. The levels of TBARS in the culture medium after treatment were also reduced by all the extracts. In addition, H2O2 produced transcriptional changes in p53, JNK, p38 MAPK, AKT, BAX, and CDK4 that were inclined towards apoptosis, while GBR‐extracts showed some transcriptional changes (upregulation of BAX and p53) that suggested an inclination for apoptosis although other changes (upregulation of antioxidant genes, AKT, JNK, and p38 MAPK) suggested that GBR‐extracts favored survival of the HepG2 cells. Our findings show that GBR bioactive‐rich extracts reduce oxidative stress through improvement in antioxidant capacity, partly mediated through transcriptional regulation of antioxidant and prosurvival genes.
Late Presentation of Persistent Left Superior Caval Vein in a Univentricular Heart with Successful Transcutaneous Occlusion Using Cera Lifetech Atrial Septal Occluder
Authors: AL-Ammouri Iyad , Alhourani Ahmad , Innabi Ayoub
Published: November 2014

We present a case of persistent left superior caval vein in a univentricular heart presenting with progressive and disabling cyanosis in a 35-year-old man eighteen years after his Kawashima operation. The vein was successfully occluded using an atrial septal occluder with significant improvement of symptoms and oxygen saturation.
Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization and Chemotherapy plus Sorafenib in a Large Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Arterioportal Shunt
Authors: Chen Jun , Chen Shixi , Xi Wei , Wu Bei , Yu Hui , Gao Yang
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Arterioportal shunts (APS) are sometimes encountered in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and associated with poor prognosis. The management of HCC with APS is a challenge so far.Case Presentations. We report here in detail a 37-year-old man who was diagnosed as an advanced HCC accompanied with severe APS and treated by two sessions of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and three sessions of transcatheter arterial chemotherapy (TAC) plus sorafenib therapy. The tumor shrinks were revealed continuously during 152 days after the diagnosis. Although tumor progress emerged at 209 days after the diagnosis, the patient remarkably achieved 366-day survival.Discussion. TACE plus sorafenib may be a promising treatment for advanced HCC accompanied with APS. Prospective case-control studies should be advocated to evaluate the combination of TACE, TAC, and sorafenib in the management of HCC with APS.
Development of Prototype Laboratory Setup for Selective Detection of Ethylene Based on Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Kathirvelan J. , Vijayaraghavan R.
Published: November 2014

We report here a prototype laboratory setup for detecting ethylene (C2H4) in ppm level employing a sensor made of multiwalled carbon nanotubes of 40 nm average tube diameter. The proposed reversible chemoresistive ethylene sensor is fabricated using Kapton as the substrate onto which carbon nanotubes are coated using thick film technology. IDT silver electrodes are printed using piezo head based ink-jet printing technology. The increases in electrical resistance of the sensor element are measured on exposure to ethylene for different ethylene concentrations using a potentiostat and data acquisition system. The increase in resistance of the calibrated sensor element on exposure to ethylene (analyte) is about 18.4% at room temperature for 50 ppm ethylene concentration. This change is reversible. Our sensor element exhibits a better performance than those reported earlier (1.8%) and it has got the rise and fall time of 10 s and 60 s, respectively. It could be used for testing the ripening of fruits.
Design of Multijunction Photovoltaic Cells Optimized for Varied Atmospheric Conditions
Authors: Zhang C. , Gwamuri J. , Andrews R. , Pearce J. M.
Published: November 2014

Band gap engineering provides an opportunity to not only provide higher overall conversion efficiencies of the reference AM1.5 spectra but also customize PV device design for specific geographic locations and microenvironments based on atmospheric conditions characteristic to that particular location. Indium gallium nitride and other PV materials offer the opportunity for limited bandgap engineering to match spectra. The effects of atmospheric conditions such as aerosols, cloud cover, water vapor, and air mass have been shown to cause variations in spectral radiance that alters PV system performance due to both overrating and underrating. Designing PV devices optimized for spectral radiance of a particular region can result in improved PV system performance. This paper presents a new method for designing geographically optimized PV cells with using a numerical model for bandgap optimization. The geographic microclimate spectrally resolved solar flux for twelve representative atmospheric conditions for the incident radiation angle (zenith angle) of 48.1° and fixed array angle of 40° is used to iteratively optimize the band gap for tandem, triple, and quad-layer of InGaN-based multijunction cells. The results of this method are illustrated for the case study of solar farms in the New York region and discussed.
Simultaneous Determination of Nine Active Compounds of the Traditional Chinese Medicinal Prescription Shaoyao‐Gancao‐Tang and Analysis of the Relationship between Therapeutical Effect and Compatibility of Medicines
Authors: Zhu Guangwei , Zhang Guijun , Wang Meng , Wang Jingjuan , Zeng Weixin , Gao Xiaomei
Published: November 2014

A simple and sensitive HPLC‐DAD detection method was established for the simultaneous determination of nine compounds including oxypaeoniflorin, albiflorin, paeoniflorin, benzoylpaeoniflorin, glycyrrhizic acid, liquiritin, isoliquiritin, liquiritigenin, and isoliquiritigenin in the Traditional Chinese Medicinal Prescription Shaoyao‐Gancao‐Tang (SGT) and we analyze the relationship between therapeutical effect and compatibility of medicines by using an Agilent extend‐C18 column at a flow rate of 1 mL/min. The column temperature was maintained at 30°C and the detection wavelength was set at 230 nm for oxypaeoniflorin, albiflorin, paeoniflorin, benzoylpaeoniflorin, and glycyrrhizic acid; 276 nm for liquiritin and liquiritigenin; 360 nm for isoliquiritin and isoliquiritigenin. The total contents of the nine compounds in SGT varied from 4.65 to 20.06 mg/mL. The results of this study showed that the content of chemical compounds of Traditional Chinese Medicinal Prescription is mainly influenced by the dosage and compatibility of medicines and the therapeutical effect of Traditional Chinese Medicinal prescription is mainly influenced by the dosage and compatibility of medicines. The method could be suitable for quality control of SGT with bioactive multicompounds.
Modeling Mode Choice Behavior Incorporating Household and Individual Sociodemographics and Travel Attributes Based on Rough Sets Theory
Authors: Cheng Long , Chen Xuewu , Wei Ming , Wu Jingxian , Hou Xianyao
Published: November 2014

Most traditional mode choice models are based on the principle of random utility maximization derived from econometric theory. Alternatively, mode choice modeling can be regarded as a pattern recognition problem reflected from the explanatory variables of determining the choices between alternatives. The paper applies the knowledge discovery technique of rough sets theory to model travel mode choices incorporating household and individual sociodemographics and travel information, and to identify the significance of each attribute. The study uses the detailed travel diary survey data of Changxing county which contains information on both household and individual travel behaviors for model estimation and evaluation. The knowledge is presented in the form of easily understood IF-THEN statements or rules which reveal how each attribute influences mode choice behavior. These rules are then used to predict travel mode choices from information held about previously unseen individuals and the classification performance is assessed. The rough sets model shows high robustness and good predictive ability. The most significant condition attributes identified to determine travel mode choices are gender, distance, household annual income, and occupation. Comparative evaluation with the MNL model also proves that the rough sets model gives superior prediction accuracy and coverage on travel mode choice modeling.
Difficulties of Bariatric Surgery after Abdominoplasty
Authors: Karip Bora , Altun Hasan , İşcan Yalın , Bazan Martin , Çelik Kafkas , Özcabı Yetkin , Ağca Birol , Memişoğlu Kemal
Published: November 2014

During laparoscopy, the main problems of patients who have undergone previous abdominoplasty are inadequate pneumoperitoneum secondary to fibrosis and reconstructed anatomic landmarks for trocar placement. In this study, we present our laparoscopic bariatric experience in two patients with previous abdominoplasty. The procedures were a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and a robotic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Both operations were done successfully by an abdominal wall traction technique, cutting fibrotic tissue and choosing new landmarks. We conclude that after abdominoplasty bariatric surgery can be performed safely either using conventional laparoscopic technique or robotically.
Acquired Factor XI Inhibitor Presenting as Spontaneous Bilateral Subdural Hematoma in an Elderly Patient
Authors: Vazzana Natale , Scarti Luca , Beltrame Chiara , Picchi Antonella , Taccetti Gianni , Fortini Alberto
Published: November 2014

Development of autoantibodies against coagulation factors is an uncommon bleeding disorder associated with cancer, autoimmune conditions, pregnancy, or no apparent disease. Spontaneous FVIII inhibitors are the most frequently encountered; those against FXI have been only anecdotally reported. We report a case of acquired FXI inhibitor presenting as fatal intracranial spontaneous bleeding in an elderly patient with history of cancer and previous transfusions. Few cases of acquired FXI inhibitor have been reported in association with connective tissue disease, cancer, or surgery. Bleeding includes mucocutaneous bleeding, postsurgical hemorrhage, or life-threatening events. Treatment consists of arresting the bleeding and inhibitor eradication. High degree of suspicion is essential to promptly diagnose and treat this uncommon condition.
An Automated BIM Model to Conceptually Design, Analyze, Simulate, and Assess Sustainable Building Projects
Authors: Jalaei Farzad , Jrade Ahmad
Published: November 2014

Quantifying the environmental impacts and simulating the energy consumption of building’s components at the conceptual design stage are very helpful for designers needing to make decisions related to the selection of the best design alternative that would lead to a more energy efficient building. Building Information Modeling (BIM) offers designers the ability to assess different design alternatives at the conceptual stage of the project so that energy and life cycle assessment (LCA) strategies and systems are attained. This paper proposes an automated model that links BIM, LCA, energy analysis, and lighting simulation tools with green building certification systems. The implementation is within developing plug-ins on BIM tool capable of measuring the environmental impacts (EI) and embodied energy of building components. Using this method, designers will be provided with a new way to visualize and to identify the potential gain or loss of energy for the building as a whole and for each of its associated components. Furthermore, designers will be able to detect and evaluate the sustainability of the proposed buildings based on Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system. An actual building project will be used to illustrate the workability of the proposed methodology.
A Case of Rathke’s Cleft Cyst Associated with Transient Central Adrenal Insufficiency and Masked Diabetes Insipidus
Authors: Asakawa Masahiro , Chin Rina , Niitsu Yoshihiro , Sekine Tetsuo , Niwa Arisa , Miyake Atsuko , Inoshita Naoko , Kawamura Mitsunobu , Ogawa Yoshihiro , Hirata Yukio
Published: November 2014

A 73-year-old woman admitted to our hospital because of headache, poor appetite, malaise, weight loss, and vomiting was found to have central adrenal insufficiency and thyrotoxicosis due to silent thyroiditis. Polyuria developed after replacement with glucocorticoid (masked diabetes insipidus), which was controlled with nasal administration of desmopressin. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed a large cystic pituitary mass (18 × 18 × 12 mm) extending suprasellarly to the optic chiasm. Transsphenoidal surgery revealed that the pituitary tumor was Rathke’s cleft cyst. Following surgery, replacement with neither glucocorticoid nor desmopressin was needed any more. Therefore, it is suggested that Rathke’s cleft cyst is responsible for the masked diabetes insipidus and the central insufficiency. Furthermore, it is speculated that thyrotoxicosis with painless thyroiditis might induce changes from subclinical adrenal insufficiency to transiently overt insufficiency.
A Cross-Sectional Study to Examine Factors Associated with Primary Health Care Service Utilization among Older Adults in the Irbid Governorate of Jordan
Authors: Alkhawaldeh Abdullah , Holm Margo B. , Qaddumi Jamal , Petro Wasileh , Jaghbir Madi , Al Omari Omar
Published: November 2014

Background. Recently, the percentage of older adults in developing countries has increased significantly.Objective. This study examined patterns and factors associated with primary health care services utilization in the past 1, 6, and 12 months.Method. A cross-sectional study design was used to collect data from 190 older adults in the Irbid governorate of Jordan.Results. Primary health care services were used by less than half of the participants in the past 1 month, by 68.4% in the past 6 months, and by 73.8% in the past 12 months. Primary health care (PHC) services use was associated with age, education level, tobacco use, chronic illnesses, perceived general health status today, a physical component summary score, employment, and perceived general health status in the past 6 and 12 months. The primary predictor of PHC services use at 1, 6, and 12 months was chronic illnesses (OR=13.32), (OR=19.63), and (OR=17.91), respectively.Conclusion. Although many factors were associated with PHC service utilization, the strongest predictor of PHC service utilization was chronic illnesses.
Mediastinal Cystic Lymphangioma in a Patient with Situs Inversus Totalis
Authors: Komatsu Teruya , Takahashi Yutaka
Published: November 2014

We present a case of cystic lymphangioma of the mediastinum complicated with situs inversus totalis. The 70-year-old man underwent thoracoscopic resection of a mediastinal cystic tumor, which was diagnosed as cystic lymphangioma. Cystic lymphangiomas are congenital cystic abnormalities of the lymphatic system. The head and neck area is often involved while the mediastinum is rarely affected. The rarity of this case is further attributed to the coexistence of situs inversus totalis.
Evaluation of Antiarthritic Potential of Methanolic Extract ofGentiana kurrooRoyle
Authors: Mubashir Khan , Ganai Bashir A. , Ghazanfar Khalid , Akbar Seema
Published: November 2014

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disorder which involves the activation of immune system against the self-tissues. The main targets of this disease are the joints. Being systemic the development of this disease involves different mechanisms and thus the exact cause of this disease remains unknown. Although different drugs have been developed, none has been found to be the cure for this disease. In the current study the rat carrageenin paw was used as a model for acute inflammation and mycobacterium induced adjuvant arthritic model was used for exploring the antiarthritic potential of methanolic extract ofGentiana kurroo. In this study the different extracts tested showed less inhibition of acute inflammation than methanolic extract. The methanolic extract was further used in different doses and the anti-inflammatory efficacy was found to be dose dependent. The results obtained were significant with the control and the standard groups. In the arthritic model the methanolic extract showed decrease in the paw volume of arthritic animals and also in the arthritic symptoms. Again the results obtained were found to be significantly dose dependent. From the results obtained it can be concluded that this extract may serve as a source of drug against the rheumatoid arthritis.
Long-Term Efficacy of Postpartum Intravenous Iron Therapy
Authors: Becuzzi Nadine , Zimmermann Roland , Krafft Alexander
Published: November 2014

Background. The potential benefits of administering a dose of intravenous iron in patients with moderate postpartum anaemia rather than oral iron alone remains unproven.Aims.To determine whether a single injection of intravenous iron followed by a 6-week course of oral iron is as effective over 6 months in restoring normal haemoglobin levels and replenishing iron stores in women with moderate postpartum anaemia as a course of oral iron alone in women with mild postpartum anaemia.Materials and Methods. Retrospective two-arm cohort study in women with mild postpartum anaemia (haemoglobin 9.6–10.5 g/dL) prescribed iron daily for 6 weeks (N=150) and women with moderate postpartum anaemia (haemoglobin 8.5–9.5 g/dL), given a single 500 mg injection of intravenous iron followed by iron daily for 6 weeks (N=75). Haemoglobin and ferritin were measured 6 months postpartum.Results. Haemoglobin returned to similar mean levels in both groups. Ferritin levels were statistically significantly higher in the intravenous + oral group (57.7±49.3 μg/L versus32.9±20.1 μg/L).Conclusions.Despite lower baseline haemoglobin, intravenous iron carboxymaltose was superior to oral iron alone in replenishing iron stores in moderate postpartum anaemia and may prove similarly beneficial in mild postpartum anaemia.
A Unique Presentation of an Undiagnosed Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Kravvas Georgios , Varnavas Michalis , Aldujaily Saad
Published: November 2014

We describe a 58-year-old lady who presented initially to her general practitioner with a palpable warty urethral nodule. She was subsequently referred to the urology department for further investigations. She underwent flexible cystoscopy and imaging, followed by rigid cystoscopy and excision of the nodule. Histological analysis was consistent with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). CT imaging confirmed the presence of an invading metastatic left renal cell carcinoma with bilateral metastatic deposits to the lungs and adrenal glands. The patient was enlisted on the Panther Trial and received a course of Pazopanib before undergoing radical nephrectomy. Two years later she is still alive with metastases remaining reduced in size and numbers. During this study we have performed a literature review of similar cases with this unusual presentation of RCC.
Adaptive Aggregating Multiresolution Feature Coding for Image Classification
Authors: Liao Honghong , Xiang Jinhai , Sun Weiping , Yu Shengsheng
Published: November 2014

The Bag of Visual Words (BoW) model is one of the most popular and effective image classification frameworks in the recent literature. The optimal formation of a visual vocabulary remains unclear, and the size of the vocabulary also affects the performance of image classification. Empirically, larger vocabulary leads to higher classification accuracy. However, larger vocabulary needs more memory and intensive computational resources. In this paper, we propose a multiresolution feature coding (MFC) framework via aggregating feature codings obtained from a set of small visual vocabularies with different sizes, where each vocabulary is obtained by a clustering algorithm, and different clustering algorithm discovers different aspect of image features. In MFC, feature codings from different visual vocabularies are aggregated adaptively by a modified Online Passive‐Aggressive Algorithm under the histogram intersection kernel, which lead to a closed‐form solution. Experiments demonstrate that the proposed method (1) obtains the same if not higher classification accuracy than the BoW model with a large visual vocabulary; and (2) needs much less memory and computational resources.
Compressive Strength of Compacted Clay-Sand Mixes
Authors: Khan Faseel Suleman , Azam Shahid , Raghunandan Mavinakere Eshwaraiah , Clark Ryan
Published: November 2014

The use of sand to improve the strength of natural clays provides a viable alternative for civil infrastructure construction involving earthwork. The main objective of this note was to investigate the compressive strength of compacted clay-sand mixes. A natural clay of high plasticity was mixed with 20% and 40% sand (SP) and their compaction and strength properties were determined. Results indicated that the investigated materials exhibited a brittle behaviour on the dry side of optimum and a ductile behaviour on the wet side of optimum. For each material, the compressive strength increased with an increase in density following a power law function. Conversely, the compressive strength increased with decreasing water content of the material following a similar function. Finally, the compressive strength decreased with an increase in sand content because of increased material heterogeneity and loss of sand grains from the sides during shearing.
A Case of Prostatic Abscess with Malignant Lymphoma Involving the Prostate
Authors: Noguchi Wataru , Inoue Yoshihiro , Fukushima Mana
Published: November 2014

Here, we report a case of prostatic abscess probably due to malignant lymphoma of the prostate. An 82-year-old man was referred to our hospital with chief complaints of urinary frequency and discomfort on urination. Antibiotics were prescribed, but the symptoms remained and intermittent fever appeared. The patient was diagnosed with prostatic abscess by computed tomography (CT). Digital rectal examination (DRE) revealed soft prostate, and thick pus was milked out from the extrameatus by prostatic massage. For drainage, we performed transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Drainage by TURP was successful as CT clearly showed reduction of prostatic abscess after the operation. Nevertheless, intermittent fever did not improve and the patient’s general condition deteriorated. The day before the patient died, histopathological analysis showed prostatic abscess probably due to malignant lymphoma of the prostate and incidental adenocarcinoma. This is the first report of prostatic abscess with malignant lymphoma involving the prostate.
Third Trimester-Equivalent Ethanol Exposure Is Characterized by an Acute Cellular Stress Response and an Ontogenetic Disruption of Genes Critical for Synaptic Establishment and Function in Mice
Authors: Kleiber Morgan L. , Laufer Benjamin I. , Stringer Randa L. , Singh Shiva M.
Published: November 2014

The developing brain is remarkably sensitive to alcohol exposure, resulting in the wide range of cognitive and neurobehavioral characteristics categorized under the term fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). The brain is particularly susceptible to alcohol during synaptogenesis, a process that occurs heavily during the third trimester and is characterized by the establishment and pruning of neural circuitry; however, the molecular response of the brain to ethanol during synaptogenesis has not been documented. To model a binge-like exposure during the third-trimester neurodevelopmental equivalent, neonate mice were given a high (5 g/kg over 2 h) dose of ethanol at postnatal day 7. Acute transcript changes within the brain were assessed using expression arrays and analyzed for associations with gene ontology functional categories, canonical pathways, and gene network interactions. The short-term effect of ethanol was characterized by an acute stress response and a downregulation of energetically costly cellular processes. Further, alterations to a number of genes with roles in synaptic transmission and hormonal signaling, particularly those associated with the neuroendocrine development and function, were evident. Ethanol exposure during synaptogenesis was also associated with altered histone deacetylase and microRNA transcript levels, suggesting that abnormal epigenetic patterning may maintain some of the persistent molecular consequences of developmental ethanol exposure. The results shed insight into the sensitivity of the brain to ethanol during the third-trimester equivalent and outline how ethanol-induced alterations to genes associated with neural connectivity may contribute to FASD phenotypes.
Influence of Gestational Age on Dead Space and Alveolar Ventilation in Preterm Infants Ventilated with Volume Guarantee
Authors: Neumann Roland P. , Pillow Jane J. , Thamrin Cindy , Larcombe Alexander N. , Hall Graham L. , Schulzke Sven M.
Published: November 2014

Background: Ventilated preterm infant lungs are vulnerable to overdistension and underinflation. The optimal ventilator-delivered tidal volume (VT) in these infants is unknown and may depend on the extent of alveolarisation at birth. Objectives: We aimed to calculate respiratory dead space (VD) from the molar mass (MM) signal of an ultrasonic flowmeter (VD,MM) in very preterm infants on volume-targeted ventilation (VT target, 4-5 ml/kg) and to study the association between gestational age (GA) and VD,MM-to-VT ratio (VD,MM/VT), alveolar tidal volume (VA) and alveolar minute volume (AMV). Methods: This was a single-centre, prospective, observational, cohort study in a neonatal intensive care unit. Tidal breathing analysis was performed in ventilated very preterm infants (GA range 23-32 weeks) on day 1 of life. Results: Valid measurements were obtained in 43/51 (87%) infants. Tidal breathing variables were analysed using multivariable linear regression. VD,MM/VT was negatively associated with GA after adjusting for birth weight Z score (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.26). This association was primarily influenced by the appliance dead space. Despite similar VT/kg and VA/kg across all studied infants, respiratory rate and AMV/kg increased with GA. Conclusions:VD,app rather than anatomical VD is the major factor influencing increased VD,MM/VT at a younger GA. A volume guarantee setting of 4-5 ml/kg in the Dräger Babylog® 8000 plus ventilator may be inappropriate as a universal target across the GA range of 23-32 weeks. Differences between measured and set VT and the dependence of this difference on GA require further investigation.
Molecular and Cytogenetic Evaluation of a Patient with Ring Chromosome 13 and Discordant Results
Authors: Kaylor Julie , Alfaro Maria , Ishwar Arjun , Sailey Charles , Sawyer Jeffrey , Zarate Yuri A.
Published: November 2014

We describe the case of a male newborn with ring chromosome 13 found to have dysmorphic features, growth retardation, imperforate anus, and ambiguous genitalia. An initial karyotype showed 46,XY,r(13)(p13q34) in the 30 cells analyzed. SNP microarray from peripheral blood revealed not only an 8.14-Mb 13q33.2q34 deletion, but also a duplication of 87.49 Mb suggesting partial trisomy 13q that the patient did not appear to have clinically. Further cytogenetic characterization detected 3 distinct cell lines in the repeated peripheral blood sample: 46,XY,r(13)(p13q34)[89]/ 46,XY,r(13;13)(p13q34)[7]/45,XY,-13[5] and 2 in cultured fibroblasts: 46,XY,r(13)(p13q34)[65]/45,XY,-13[35]. Repeated molecular studies on peripheral blood and fibroblasts, however, failed to document the initially seen partial trisomy 13q. We postulate that the presence of duplicated material may be evidence of the high burden of duplicate rings in peripheral blood at any given time, with the high rates of cell death caused by mitotically unstable double rings accounting for the repeated microarray results that failed to detect any duplications. We emphasize the correlation between both cytogenetic and molecular studies with thorough clinical assessment and suggest that given the high sensitivity of newer molecular cytogenetic techniques, careful interpretation of results is critical in the context of ring chromosomes.
O ENSINO DA MEDICINA PREVENTIVA EM ESCOLAS DE MEDICINA
Authors: Mascarenhas Rodolfo dos Santos , Wilson Donald , Bourroul Geraldo Paulo
Published: November 2014

The authors based on what was established at the Viña del Mar and Tchuacán Seminars on teaching of preventive medicine in medical schools in Latin America, analyze the body of knowledge that must ferm this subject, considering medicine from a comprehensive point of view. They stress the importance of what they call "preventive attitude" that must be the ultimate goal of the subject, embracing the objectives of preventive medicine. The doctor´s role in the community and the objectives of medical education were also considered as the basis for teaching of preventive medicine.
QUE É UM SEMINÁRIO DE EDUCAÇÃO SANITÁRIA?
Authors: Marcondes Ruth Sandoval
Published: November 2014

A health education seminar, more than any other educational method provides opportunity for participants to accept responsibility for their own learning. Pa1'ticipants work together in an atmosphere where tensions are reduced, where emphasis is placed on the professional growth of the individual, where there is time for study, planning, discussion and observation, and finally, where the contribution of each one is important.
VACINAÇÃO CONTRA A POLIOMIELITE EM PETRÓPOLIS
Authors: Marcondes Ruth Sandoval
Published: November 2014

A campaign for polio vaccination using Sabin oral vaccine was performed in Petropolis during the week of August 28 through September 2, 1961. Fifty five per cent of the population between 4 months and 6 years of age were immunized, totalling 11,089 children. The campaign used all available channels of communication with the public trying to motivate parents to take their chilctren to the vaccination clinics. Data collectect showed that schools, radio, neighbors and friends or relatives were the most important sources of referrals.
Comparative study on the acrosin activity in sperm of the marine crab Charybdis japonica (A. Milne-Edwards, 1861) (Brachyura, Portunidae) under different environmental conditions
Authors: Xu X. H. , Xu X. H. , Yan B. L. , Xu X. H. , Yan B. L. , Peng D. S.
Published: November 2014

The optimal environmental conditions for acrosin activity in sperm ofCharybdis japonicawere assessed by orthogonal experiments, and the variation of the acrosin activity in sperm was analysed under hypothermic preservation at 4°C and cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen at −196°C, respectively. The acrosin activity and protein component in sperm from the female spermatheca and from the male seminal receptacle, were also compared. The highest acrosin activity was obtained at pH 8, 25°C and 30‰ salinity. The acrosin activity and viability rates of sperm decreased with the preservation time elapsed at 4°C, and a positive correlation between acrosin activity and viability rates (; ) was recorded. These two indices decreased significantly before and after cryopreservation at −196°C, and subsequently changed slowly in the liquid nitrogen. The cryoprotectant had a significant effect on the viability rates of sperm, but not much on the acrosin activity. The acrosin activity of sperm from the male seminal receptacle was (122.53 ± 1.66) × 10−6 μIU under optimal environmental conditions, which was significantly higher than that of the sperm from the female spermatheca (105.65 ± 2.91) × 10−6 μIU (). Three kinds of protein subunits in sperm acrosin from the male seminal receptacle were observed by dissociating SDS-PAGE (71.7, 69.2 and 67.3 kDa), which were degraded to some degree in the female spermatheca (70.4, 66.7 and 64.9 kDa). Several special components were noted in the female spermatheca, with one of higher molecular mass and five of lower molecular mass, which may play an important role in preserving the sperm in the female spermatheca.
A new species of the cardinalfish genus Siphamia (Perciformes, Apogonidae) from West Papua, Indonesia
Authors: GON OFER , ALLEN GERALD R. , ERDMANN MARK V. , GOUWS GAVIN
Published: November 2014

A new species of the cardinalfish genus Siphamia is described from specimens collected in the Province of West Papua, Indonesia, at depths of 50–72 m. Siphamia papuensis n. sp. has a striated light organ which makes it a member of the S. tubifer species group. Within this group it is closely related to S. argentea, sharing with the latter 13 pectoral-fin rays, 9 developed gill rakers and an irregular pattern of yellowish green bars on the body. It differs from S. argentea in having an incomplete lateral line and in lacking dark marks on the head, and at the origin and end of the dorsal-fin and anal-fin bases, as well as the absence of red spots along the light organ and along the back. Japanese records of S. tubulata are reidentified as S. argentea, and new locality records for S. argentea and S. stenotes are reported. Analysis of sequence data from a 16S rDNA fragment revealed the clear separation of S. papuensis n. sp., S. argentea and other included Siphamia species (S. jebbi, S. tubifer and S. stenotes).
Horabagrus melanosoma: a junior synonym of Horabagrus brachysoma (Teleostei: Horabagridae)
Authors: ALI ANVAR , KATWATE UNMESH , PHILIP SIBY , DHANEESH K. V. , BIJUKUMAR A. , RAGHAVAN RAJEEV , DAHANUKAR NEELESH
Published: November 2014

Horabagrus melanosoma was described from West Venpala in the lower reaches of the Manimala River, in the state of Kerala, India. It was distinguished from its nearest congener, H. brachysoma based on a combination of characters including darker body colour, shorter pelvic fin and greater number of anal fin rays. Examination of the type material revealed significant morphometric and meristic discrepancies with the original description. Based on multivariate morphometric, and genetic analysis of topotypical specimens, we propose that H. melanosoma should be treated as a junior synonym of H. brachysoma.
Discovery of the twisted-wing parasite family Myrmecolacidae (Insecta: Strepsiptera) from China, with description of two new species of the genus Myrmecolax Westwood, 1861
Authors: LU XIUMEI , LIU XINGYUE
Published: November 2014

The twisted-wing parasite family Myrmecolacidae is recorded from China for the first time based on the discovery of the genus Myrmecolax Saunders. Two species of Myrmecolax are described as new to science, Myrmecolax pachygnathus sp. nov. and Myrmecolax arcuatus sp. nov..
Nonlinear Ensemble Parameter Perturbation for Climate Models
Authors: Yin Xudong , Liu Juanjuan , Wang Bin
Published: November 2014

Model parameters can introduce significant uncertainties in climate simulations. Sensitivity analysis provides a way to quantify such uncertainties. Existing sensitivity analysis methods, however, cannot estimate the maximum sensitivity of the simulated climate to perturbations in multiple parameters. This study proposes the concept of nonlinear ensemble parameter perturbation (NEPP), which is independent of model initial conditions, to estimate the maximum effect of parameter perturbations on simulating Earth’s climate. The NEPP is obtained by solving a maximization problem, whose cost function is defined by the maximum deviation of a unique ensemble of short-term predictions with large enough members caused by parameter perturbations and whose optimal solution is obtained by an ensemble-based gradient approach. This method is used to investigate the effects of NEPP on the climate of the Lorenz-63 model and a complex climate model, the Grid-Point Atmospheric Model of IAP LASG, version 2 (GAMIL2). It is found that the NEPP is capable of estimating the maximum change in climate simulation caused by perturbations in multiple parameters when the Lorenz-63 model is used. With a low computational cost, the NEPP can cause remarkable changes in the climatology of GAMIL2. The results also illustrate that the effects of parameter perturbations on short-term weather predictions and those on long-term climate simulations are correlated.
Rosse, Robinson and Rambaut: Creating a Regime of Observing at Birr Castle, 1840–1850
Authors: Bennett Jim
Published: November 2014

The decade of the 1840s was arguably the most important period in the long history of astronomy at Birr Castle in Ireland; it included the building of the famous 6-ft reflector and some of its most influential achievements. It was also a challenging time for Lord Rosse on several fronts and the future of the great telescope as a productive research instrument was far from secure. That a steady programme of work was achieved owed no small debt to T. R. Robinson and his nephew W. H. Rambaut, who became an observing assistant to Lord Rosse and used all the current instruments. Rambaut’s observing notebooks are a valuable and revealing record of the observatory work during the critical transition from the completion of the 6-ft telescope to its routine use. The early work on observing nebulae was often done in collaboration, with more than one observer present, and was animated by the pursuit of resolution and the detection of spiral structures. As the programme of observing settled into a more methodical recording of the forms of the nebulae, Rambaut’s work seemed less relevant to the active astronomers at Birr and his notes might even be modified as they were edited for publication.
The Antikythera Mechanism: The Construction of the Metonic Pointer and the Back Plate Spirals
Authors: Anastasiou M. , Seiradakis J. H. , Carman C. C. , Efstathiou K.
Published: November 2014

The main dials of the back face of the Antikythera Mechanism have partially survived together with the pointer of the upper dial and a few remains of the mechanism that supported and rotated it. The reconstruction of this mechanism, described in this article, fits perfectly its description in the Mechanism’s inscriptions. Our results also show that both spirals were Half Circles spirals, drawn from two different centres. The unwanted eccentricity that would be produced from the pointer’s being placed at one of the centres is proven to have been ingeniously avoided with the appropriate drawing of the cell divisions.
Taurine is absent from amino components in fruits of Opuntia ficus-indica
Authors: Ali Hatem Salama Mohamed , Al-Khalifa Abdulrahman Saleh , Brückner Hans
Published: November 2014

Juices of edible fruits from Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller, commonly named prickly pears or Indian figs, were analysed for amino acids using an automated amino acid analyser run in the high-resolution physiological mode. Emphasis was put on the detection of free taurine (Tau), but Tau could be detected neither in different cultivars of prickly pears from Italy, South Africa and the Near East nor in commercially available prickly pear juices from the market.
Six-component seismic land data acquired with geophones and rotation sensors: Wave-mode selectivity by application of multicomponent polarization filtering
Authors: Barak Ohad , Herkenhoff Fred , Dash Ranjan , Jaiswal Priyank , Giles John , de Ridder Sjoerd , Brune Robert , Ronen Shuki
Published: November 2014

Multicomponent acquisition systems today record incomplete data because they do not measure rotations. Geophones or accelerometers provide linear motion and hydrophones provide pressure, but no current commercial acquisition system includes sensors that measure rotations. Without rotations, the data provide incomplete recording of the wavefield because in three dimensions, there are six degrees of freedom — three linear displacements and three rotations. In two small 2D seismic surveys recorded with six components, three-component geophones were deployed and three-component rotation sensors that measured pitch, roll, and yaw were deployed. Pitch was measured independently with closely spaced geophones. Measuring rotations with closely spaced geophones is not practical in production, but it can be used in research and development to validate rotation-sensor data. A comparison of pitch measured by two independent methods finds that they fit after instrument designature. Data provided by rotation sensors have additional value because they can be used in analysis of singular value decomposition (SVD) to identify and separate ground roll and body waves.
Excess Mortality and Morbidity in Patients with Craniopharyngioma, Especially in Patients with Childhood Onset: A Population-Based Study in Sweden
Authors: Olsson Daniel S. , Andersson Eva , Bryngelsson Ing-Liss , Nilsson Anna G. , Johannsson Gudmundur
Published: November 2014

Context:

Craniopharyngiomas (CPs) in adults have been associated with excess mortality.

Objective:

The aim of the study was to investigate mortality and morbidity in patients with childhood-onset and adult-onset CP.

Methods:

Patients with CP were identified and followed in Swedish national health registries, 1987 through 2011. The inclusion criteria for the CP diagnosis were internally validated against patient records in 28% of the study population.

Settings:

This was a nationwide population-based study.

Patients:

A total of 307 patients (151 men and 156 women) were identified and included (mean follow-up, 9 years; range, 0–25 years). The inclusion criteria had a positive predictive value of 97% and a sensitivity of 92%.

Intervention:

There were no interventions.

Main Outcome Measures:

Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using the Swedish population as the reference.

Results:

During the study, 54 patients died compared with the expected number of 14.1, resulting in an SMR of 3.2 (2.2–4.7) for men and 4.9 (3.2–7.2) for women. Patients with childhood-onset (n = 106) and adult-onset (n = 201) CP had SMRs of 17 (6.3–37) and 3.5 (2.6–4.6), respectively. Patients with hypopituitarism (n = 250), diabetes insipidus (n = 110), and neither of these (n = 54) had SMRs of 4.3 (3.1–5.8), 6.1 (3.5–9.7), and 2.7 (1.4–4.6), respectively. The SMR due to cerebrovascular diseases was 5.1 (1.7–12). SIRs were 5.6 (3.8–8.0) for type 2 diabetes mellitus, 7.1 (5.0–9.9) for cerebral infarction, 0.7 (0.2–1.7) for myocardial infarction, 2.1 (1.4–3.0) for fracture, and 5.9 (3.4–9.4) for severe infection. The SIR for all malignant tumors was 1.3 (0.8–2.1).

Conclusions:

This first nationwide population-based study of patients with CP demonstrated excess mortality that was especially marked in patients with childhood-onset disease and among women. Death due to cerebrovascular diseases was increased 5-fold. Hypopituitarism and diabetes insipidus were negative prognostic factors for mortality and morbidity. Patients with CP had increased disease burden related to type 2 diabetes mellitus, cerebral infarction, fracture, and severe infection.